Topic: Tascam FR-AV2 new compact 32bit float recorder.

[vwmule]

Any recent experiences powering DPA 4060 with this unit? Will the onboard power do the job?

[grawk]

The PIP is 5V so it should work just dandy.  That said, I've only verified function with my 4015gs, and haven't used it in the field yet.

[adrianb]

Any recent experiences powering DPA 4060 with this unit? Will the onboard power do the job?

I’ve powered my DPA 4060 and 4061 mics just fine with this recorder.

[vwmule]

Thanks for the responses.

[dogmusic]

I’ve powered my DPA 4060 and 4061 mics just fine with this recorder.

Are you happier with the quality of your recordings on the FR-AV2 than on your MixPre 3 ii ?

[adrianb]

Are you happier with the quality of your recordings on the FR-AV2 than on your MixPre 3 ii ?

I can’t say I’ve noticed much difference in sound quality, but haven’t done a direct comparison. Maybe the MixPre 3 has quieter amps.

I am considering selling the MixPre 3 ii though for the following reasons:

1. Size and convenience. I can go into the field with mics plugged in directly into the AV2 and use as a ‘portable all in one’ recorder, and add cables and better mics if I need.
2. Battery life on the AV2 is much better.
3. The AV2 is much simpler to use. The learning curve of the MixPre 3 is steep and I find myself having to revisit the instructions each time I use it.
4. I prefer the files directly off the AV2.
5. The 2.5v PIP on the MixPre 3 has always irritated me.

These reasons could apply to the Zoom F3 which I have never used.

The only thing stopping me from selling the MixPre is that the screen is easier to use, the mounting points top and bottom is useful, and the fact that I paid to have the additional two channels and have not used them yet. The main reason though is that I think it’s a beautiful bit of kit and I don’t need the money!!

[dogmusic]

Are you happier with the quality of your recordings on the FR-AV2 than on your MixPre 3 ii ?

I can’t say I’ve noticed much difference in sound quality, but haven’t done a direct comparison. Maybe the MixPre 3 has quieter amps.

I am considering selling the MixPre 3 ii though for the following reasons:

1. Size and convenience. I can go into the field with mics plugged in directly into the AV2 and use as a ‘portable all in one’ recorder, and add cables and better mics if I need.
2. Battery life on the AV2 is much better.
3. The AV2 is much simpler to use. The learning curve of the MixPre 3 is steep and I find myself having to revisit the instructions each time I use it.
4. I prefer the files directly off the AV2.
5. The 2.5v PIP on the MixPre 3 has always irritated me.

These reasons could apply to the Zoom F3 which I have never used.

The only thing stopping me from selling the MixPre is that the screen is easier to use, the mounting points top and bottom is useful, and the fact that I paid to have the additional two channels and have not used them yet. The main reason though is that I think it’s a beautiful bit of kit and I don’t need the money!!

Thanks so much for that info. I’m asking because although I really like my FR-AV2, I have this gnawing suspicion that the MixPre 3ii preamps are just that much better. Currently there is a used one for sale nearby and I don’t know if the difference in record quality will be worth it. And I agree with you that it’s a beautiful machine but complicated.

Thanks again. You’ve given me some perspective on what may just be my lust for nice gear.

[dogmusic]

Finally managed to acquire some IK Multimedia iRig XY Microphones. This might just be my perfect portable field recorder. They just fit into the Tascam FR-AV2 in an XY position. This is useful in the AV2 because the XLR input on the right is for the left channel.

I look forward to doing some comparisons with my Sony D100 and other recorders and microphones.

How are those mics sounding? Comparable to the Sony D100 mics?

[adrianb]

How are those mics sounding? Comparable to the Sony D100 mics?

Comparable to the Sony D50 I would say.

The Sony D100 remains the best sounding portable all in one recorder imho. It is crazy prone to wind noise though, and no wind protection I have tried has solved that, so the D100 is only useful in still conditions outdoors.

Whilst the iRig microphones are also somewhat affected by wind noise, I can manage it more easily. The noise floor seems to be better than the specs suggest, and as I say comparable with the D50 mics.

I am tending to use the AV2 with the iRig mics more than the D100 for the following reasons:

1. Wind noise. If it is perfectly still then I will still prefer the D100.
2. Size. The AV2 is smaller.
3. 32 bit.
4. Flexibility. I can use the AV2 with the iRig mics as a portable recorder, and then upgrade it very easily by adding my Sennheiser mics if the situation arrives.

Having said that my whole stealth field recording world has been turned upside down by the acquisition of a Zoom M4 MicTrak which seems to be totally immune to wind noise.