Topic: Modern all-in-one recorder help

[Brian Skalinder]

Hi All — Long time no see!

My old Fostex FR-2LE finally bit the dust and I'm in need of a new 2-4 channel recorder.  I have about a week to get one in-hand before my next recording and I have no clue about the current landscape of recorder options.  What better place to take advantage of the hive mind and identify a good replacement recorder?

Looking for something that roughly satisfies the following:

• ~$500-ish, but not set in stone.
• 2-4 channels of 48v phantom power (though I'm not opposed to more channels)
• Min of 24-bit / 48 hz (I assume everything these days will do this)
  
• Low noise analog components / internal preamps / ADC at high-ish gain.  I record a bunch of unamplified choral music and while the ambient noise floor relative to source sound isn't particularly low in the field — even with dead quiet audiences (e.g. HVAC) — I'd rather not add to it unnecessarily with noisy analog circuitry
• Internal / onboard battery power of minumum 3 hours actual with 2-ch P48 / 10 ma draw
• Ideally a plug for an external DC power source
• Seamless WAV splitting
• Non-proprietary media, e.g. SD
• Non-proprietary file format, e.g. WAV / BWF (I assume everything is WAV / BWF?)
• While not critical at all, I'd prefer to NOT have built-in X/Y mics sticking off the side / end (what a waste of space)

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

These days I record mostly choral and organ music, with the occasional amplified bluegrass mixed in.  I anticipate getting back to louder amplified shows at some point in the next ~6 years (when the kiddo starts driving himself around).

[AbbyTaper]

WOW!  Looks like your first post in over 5 years.

[voltronic]

Zoom F3 is the only thing I can recommend in your price range. If you can stretch your budget a bit, I would recommend an F6 instead.

Both options will require external power, however. I would not trust the internal batteries to get you 3 hours powering two mics with either recorder. If you get the F6, My recommendation is to use Sony L-mount style batteries that attach to the back.

One caveat with Zoom products that I recently discovered: they will not repair anything. My F6 suffered a short fall and two of the inputs were damaged. I had to spend $300 to replace the whole thing.

The other option I'd recommend is look for a used Sound Devices 702T or 744T, both of which could be had used around your price range. These are tanks and will last a very long time, and the company will repair them. I recently got a 788T-SSD and have been very happy with it.

[rocksuitcase]

I own and might recommend the Tascam DR-680d. The downside for your specs above would be the mic preamps themselves in terms of the noise floor. I have zero issues running them without an external pre-amp, BUT, if I have my way I typically use externals before the 680. Others, and some on here, have claimed the noise floor is poor with the stock pres. You could always ask OADE's what they think and/or have on hand to sell you. That is where I bought my Marantz PMD-661 from. ( I am not rec'ing the Marantz as Dsatz gave a scathingly bad review regarding its' preamps, however, it does have the XLR and no internal mics stocking out feature you mention)

[aaronji]

It's out of your price range, but otherwise ticks all of the boxes: Sound Devices MixPre-6ii. Four XLR inputs (and another pair on 1/8"), good build quality, sounds great. If you can find a used first generation, it is probably about in the ballpark price-wise. I get around 5 hours with the 8 x AA battery sled with Eneloop Pros and it can also be powered with a USB-C power bank (with PD).

In addition to the F6 mentioned by voltronic, there is the Zoom F8n Pro. It is also out of the price range, but people that use them seem to regard them highly.

[admkrk]

The F6 is incredibly small, yet still has an uncramped interface. I swap the Sony batteries at around 5 - 6 hours, just because.

[adrianf74]

A couple of people have suggested the Zoom F6. That's what I would do if you can stretch your budget a touch (or look at a used or open box model).

The menus are pretty straight forward and it's a lot more user friendly than the MixPre-6/II. You'll need a Sony NP-F camera battery on the back but you can easily get 5-6 hours per show on a 7000mAh battery that doesn't stick out too much.

You could look at other options but the idea of set it and forget it level wise makes live recording so much more enjoyable.

[goodcooker]

Welcome Back!

I got my first gen Sound Devices Mixpre6 for $600. It's exactly what you describe. 6 inputs 4 of them with P48 mic inputs that are low noise and very transparent, easy to use, rugged, small and easy to power with a small inexpensive USB C battery.

You would have to find one used to get that kind of price but folks have moved on to the version II to get 32 bit. If you plan to do 24 bit it's the best recorder on the market IMO.

You could probably find a Zoom F6 that would tick all your boxes close to your price range if you buy used.

[jb63]

Since no one's mentioned it, I'll add the R44 to the list.
I use 2 oade modified R44s but usually only bring one. If I need the channels I bring the 2nd and sync them with a simple 1/8" cable. They are HEAVY compared to all the newer options but I seem to remember them going for sale cheaper than I thought they should in the Yard Sale.

https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=204379.msg2407929#msg2407929

https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=203526.msg2402441#msg2402441

https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=203249.msg2400254#msg2400254

I'm taking a break for about a month so if you want to borrow one to check it out, you can just pay postage back and forth and that covers you for your next tape.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I vote for a USED Sound Devices MixPre-3 or 6 (original version). I have the 6 and see no reason at all to upgrade to anything else. It's pretty much the standard deck these days. Buy goodcooker's. You won't be disappointed.

[jbell]

I would go with the Mixpre-6 as well!  Zoom doesn't seem to fix broken recorders.  Sound devices has awesome customer service. 

[Derp1]

First Gen mixpre6. Nothing even comes close.

[Derp1]

Offer this guy $500.
Sound Devices MixPre-6 (with AutoMix plugin) https://reverb.com/item/77366581?utm_source=android-app&utm_medium=android-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=77366581

[capnhook]

Since no one's mentioned it, I'll add the R44 to the list.
I use 2 oade modified R44s but usually only bring one. If I need the channels I bring the 2nd and sync them with a simple 1/8" cable. They are HEAVY compared to all the newer options but I seem to remember them going for sale cheaper than I thought they should in the Yard Sale.

https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=204379.msg2407929#msg2407929

https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=203526.msg2402441#msg2402441

https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=203249.msg2400254#msg2400254

I'm taking a break for about a month so if you want to borrow one to check it out, you can just pay postage back and forth and that covers you for your next tape.

Optimal setup for me too, 4 channels when you need 4, 6 or 8 when you link the clocks

[Brian Skalinder]

Thanks, all, really appreciate the update on the current state of affairs for all-in-one recorders.  You've pointed me in a number of good directions, for which I've already started digging into some threads.

I'd forgotten how strong the pull is for bumping budget up for newer / better gear!  Currently leaning towards a used SD unit, as I have fond memories of the excellent specs, performance, and build quality of my 722 years ago.  And I like the option for repair.  Torn between going under my budget for a 702 or over for a v1 Mixpre 3 or 6.

• Sound Devices 702.  Leaning heavily in this direction as 2 channels should suffice for the foreseeable future.
• Sound Devices MixPre 3.  Very tempting as an updated option vs. 702.  Currently evaluating what's available in the market for a v1.  Seen a couple that aren't much more than a used 702.
• Sound Devices MixPre 6.  More I think about it, more I think I'm probably 5-7 years from having any desire to run more than 2 channels (not until kiddo's off to college).  But still going to keep my eye out in case I get lucky on a v1.
• Zoom F3/6.  I admit I know next to nothing about these higher quality Zoom units.  I'm intrigued by the price / feature value, and need to educate myself more on the benefits of 32-bit.  Not thrilled with no repair option, but then again I've used my FR-2LE without a repair option for many years.
• Edirol R44.  I enjoyed my R44 when I had one.  Just looking for something more recent and a little smaller (I transport gear on my motorcycle regularly)
• Tascam Tascam DR-680d (or DR-70D).  Same as it ever was, it seems - Tascam's preamps aren't great.  I enjoyed my HD-P2 when I had one, but I think it was Oade-modded, can't remember.  Still, a tempting lower budget option.

I now have next weekend covered, so no longer in a rush, fortunately.  Time to read up and see what's out there, maybe post an ISO in the YS.

Thanks so much, everyone!  I have some more reading to do...