I'm a long-time digital video enthusiast whose been paying more and more attention to audio lately.
Now, I think I'm ready to start taking the plunge into getting some decent audio gear. I'd like to be able to record musical performances with high quality under both "out in the open" and stealth conditions. Right now, all I've got is a Rode VideoMic and a Squid mono omni lav that I use with my GS400 MiniDV cam for run-n-gun guerilla action. However, now I want to upgrade and get some new gear I can use for stand alone audio projects, but maybe also use in combination with my video cam at times too. The idea would be to own some hardware I can use to tape high quality audio on its own, but sometimes jack it right into my cam too. Instead of half-assing my first purchases, I'm willing to try to get it (mostly) right on the first go around (it'll just end up being a waste of money if I don't). My budget is somewhere around $1,500, maybe I'd be willing to go a few hundred more if I have to. I know this may not be enough to "getting it right" with everything I'd like to own, but let's see how close I can get...
Right now, I'm thinking about getting the new M-Audio MicroTrack when it comes out and if the first reviews are positive. That unit seems to have the potential to be a very flexible and powerful piece of equipment (but still vaporware until the reviews come in). I'm also probably going to have to purchase some sort of XLR adapter/mixer/phantom/preamp (Beachtek, Sign, etc.) for my MiniDV cam because it only has one mini stereo input. The specific adapter will be somewhat dependant on what other gear I buy. Either way, these two purchases will let me record 16-bit 48k WAV (that'll most likely be my normal format of choice) on flash or to MiniDV (or both simulataneously).
So, you figure I'm already down $400 on the M-Audio and $200+ on an XLR adapter for my camcorder. That leaves only $900 bucks left. My next need would be to buy a couple of decent mics with a mic stand I can rig for stereo recording into either device. How much can I get a couple of good mics for? Not necessarily pro, but I'd like some decent mics. Might I still need a preamp/phantom/mixer piece of hardware too even with the M-Audio? On the stealthing front, stealthing is NOT my main focus, so I'm willing to chince a little on that front, maybe I'd just buy another mono squid (to pair with the one I've already got) or something like that to keep the stealthing costs down? Or maybe I'd upgrade to a SP stealth mic with Bat box because that's the minimum standard that'll sound good?
So considering my needs, and my budget, if you guys (and gals) were to start over, start from scratch buying your taping gear, and you wanted to be able to have a solid "out in open" setup, be able to jack into my MiniDV cam at times, and be able to go stealthing for fun from time to time, what type of setup might you recommend? Am I on track with the M-Audio MicroTrack? What two mics would be good but still be afforadable (specific recommendations please)? Cardiods I assume are best? What specific 7' stand might you recommend (brand/models please)? Do you think I'll still need a seperate pre-amp with the m-audio? What lower-budget stealth mics should I get for use with the m-audio?
I'm thinking my final setup might look something like this:
2 solid mono cardiod mics (XLR, phantom?)
A good mic stand that can be rigged for stereo (2 mics)
M-Audio MicroTrack digital recorder
Beachtek DXA-4/6/8 or SignVideo XLR Adapter
Low-end stealth mic (PS or Squid?)
Maybe another preamp/mixer/phantom box? Maybe not needed?
Bunch of cabling
I probably can't do all of that for under $1,500, but I'm really looking for some feedback on the direction I've laid out by people who have real hands-on experience, and this forum seemed like a great place to start. Am I on the right track here? I've read a bunch of threads here already, but I thought this exercise might be fun even for the folks who already own gear because I'm asking if you had to do it all over again, what SPECIFIC equipment by brand and model might you buy or put on your wish list?
I promise to keep everyone informed on my progress and to respond to this thread if you are kind enough to post. Thanks tons in advance...