Tascam DR-100 as a second unit for a Sony PCM-M10 owner

[ryang]

I've been comparing specs and considering a secondary recorder as a result of some recent gigs recording audio to accompany bands live promo vids.  Primary purpose is simply a backup recording in case something goes wrong one place, but also the possibility of mixing the two perspectives (one boxing the speakers, one further back).  Trying to go with something that will take XLR input, and the Tascam DR-100 is about the right price range.

Other than the bad reputation for battery life w/ phantoms, anything specific I should focus on?  What should i expect the Tascam to do better/worse than the PCM-M10?  Essentially, why should or shouldn't I go with the Tascam, and/or what would you recommend instead to get XLR inputs within a somewhat similar price range? 

Many thanks ahead of time for any input/advice. 

[Napo]

a new M-10 and LittleBox 

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

a new M-10 and LittleBox 

Seconded.

[darby]

a new M-10 and LittleBox 

Seconded.

make it 3

[Chimney Top]

I will soon be running Littlebox > DR100.  I am a little questionable on the battery life.

The best option imo would be the marantz 661, until something else comes along.

[jbell]

^  shouldn't be as bad since you aren't running P48 on the DR-100.

[ryang]

Thanks for the advice.  Littlebox looks promising. 

[ArchivalAudio]

a new M-10 and LittleBox 

Seconded.

make it 3

Fourth

[drivingwheel]

I'm curious about the tascam dr-100 - I see that it has 4 mics; can those record simultaneously?  It also has XLR and and a line in; can THOSE record simultaneous?

If either the built-in mics or external sources can do that, then I'm gonna grab one.

I'm looking for something to record my band's shows in a matrix-type format (open air mics+SBD) and other shows I go to (I go to a lot) as well as something convenient to record rehearsals with.

Total newbie w/a basic working knowledge of gear.

[F.O.Bean]

a new M-10 and LittleBox 

Seconded.

make it 3

Fourth

5th

[Will_S]

I'm curious about the tascam dr-100 - I see that it has 4 mics; can those record simultaneously?  It also has XLR and and a line in; can THOSE record simultaneous?

If either the built-in mics or external sources can do that, then I'm gonna grab one.

I'm looking for something to record my band's shows in a matrix-type format (open air mics+SBD) and other shows I go to (I go to a lot) as well as something convenient to record rehearsals with.

Total newbie w/a basic working knowledge of gear.

The DR-100 will not record 4 tracks at once.  The Tascam DR2D will, either internal mics + line in or (much better) external mics > mic in + line in.  The mic input will take a reasonably hot signal (consumer line level is no problem), so you cold use it plus a littlebox to run a matrix with phantom powered mics, or use plug in powered mics directly into the DR2D (maybe with a battery box for the mic power).

[drivingwheel]

The DR-100 will not record 4 tracks at once.  The Tascam DR2D will, either internal mics + line in or (much better) external mics > mic in + line in.  The mic input will take a reasonably hot signal (consumer line level is no problem), so you cold use it plus a littlebox to run a matrix with phantom powered mics, or use plug in powered mics directly into the DR2D (maybe with a battery box for the mic power).

Thank you.

Sounds like I'm looking at the Dr-2d then.

So can I go with external mics->battery box->mic in + phantom powered external mics->little box->line in??

Does the line-in signal need attenuation for most SBD sources?

And are the internal mics omnis or condensors??

Not that it 100% makes that huge of a difference; for the price and versatility, it seems I can't go wrong with this thing.  I've got a pair of mxl993s and a decent preamp, so I'd really like to be able to get another pair of mics and run 4 if a board feed isn't happening, y'know??

Just examining options, as it seems likely I will go ahead w/ the Dr-2d.

[Will_S]

So can I go with external mics->battery box->mic in + phantom powered external mics->little box->line in??

Does the line-in signal need attenuation for most SBD sources?

And are the internal mics omnis or condensors??

Yes to the first - as a example of this approach, see http://www.archive.org/details/rre2011-01-28.m1290hc.flac16f where I used just a touch of Church Audio CA11 omni to add the bottom end oomf missing from my Audix M1290 hypers.

For the second, rarely.  According to the specs, it can't quite handle a pro level out at full blast, but it's rare you run into that.  That said, when running in 4 track mode you cannot adjust the line in levels while recording, so you'd need to set levels conservatively or run a variable attenuator in front.  Line in at 100 handles most board feeds fine, but I've had to attenuate a couple.

For the last, likely omni.

[drivingwheel]

So can I go with external mics->battery box->mic in + phantom powered external mics->little box->line in??

Does the line-in signal need attenuation for most SBD sources?

And are the internal mics omnis or condensors??

Yes to the first - as a example of this approach, see http://www.archive.org/details/rre2011-01-28.m1290hc.flac16f where I used just a touch of Church Audio CA11 omni to add the bottom end oomf missing from my Audix M1290 hypers.

For the second, rarely.  According to the specs, it can't quite handle a pro level out at full blast, but it's rare you run into that.  That said, when running in 4 track mode you cannot adjust the line in levels while recording, so you'd need to set levels conservatively or run a variable attenuator in front.  Line in at 100 handles most board feeds fine, but I've had to attenuate a couple.

For the last, likely omni.

thank you VERY much - this info is very appreciated. looks like I know what to do now.