Topic: newbie question: using two pairs of mics in a four-track recorder

[Napo]

I believe the answer is yes on both questions but let me throw the question to you:

1. can I use two pairs of mics on a R-44 or SD744 (e.g. a small diagram couple, mine,  and a large diagram couple, my friend's) and then compare the results
2 can I had a third mic to record crowd ambience and then mash it with each of the recordings? (I ask that because I noticed that often in those machines they have an auxiliary input) or alternatively if using only a ste of mcis cna I use a third input to do that (leaving one input unused)

Thank you in advance for your answer

Mauro
from Italy

[printguy]

The four channel recorder can only record four channels.

The answer to your first question is yes.

You can record just three channels as long as you have the machine set up correctly. You cannot record with your pair, your friends pair, and another mic for ambience into a single four channel recorder as that would require 5 channels.

[darby]

you also will need a second mic preamp if you run a 744 since it only has phantom power for 2 channels
so then you can't really compare mics since the external mic preamp will have it's own sound
otherwise you CAN use an R4, R44 or even a 680 since they have more than 2 channels of phantom power

and NO you can't run a third mic to mix with both sources UNLESS you use a 680 which has 6 mic preamps built in

[Napo]

printguy, derby,

many thanks for the clarification. All crystal clear.

The limitation of the 744 in terms of phantom power surprises me given its up-market price.

Mauro

[rastasean]

I don't think recording crowd ambiance will be necessary since you'll get enough of that on the recording using the four mics already.

[Napo]

rastasean,

I know it might sound heretic, but I wanted to record my friends' comments in the background adn include it in the mix for them to enjoy it later.