cheap device to hook into boards?

[grzy7316]

looking for something that I can get a couple of for relatively cheap to hook into boards at some of the festivals I attend. Ideally would be 32 bit  , and have XLR/TRS inputs.  Right now the Zoom R4 looks decent for that purpose, but not sure if there is anything better than that for the price.  Looking to acquire 2-3 of them so I can leave them at different stages. Hauling my mics between stages can get a bit tiring, plus a lot of times sets overlap. 

[Gutbucket]

Zoom F3
Tascam FR-AV2
^ Both are current and proven to be very good for that kind of thing

Of course there are others, including plenty of legacy 2-ch SD card recorders with XLR inputs, and some new ones not yet released or less tested

[aaronji]

Many (most?) modern 'boards have slots for memory sticks. Those are cheap, but you need to make sure that is a possibility. 

[Ozpeter]

Zoom H1 XLR if 2 inputs is enough?

[fanofjam]

I'd find a used 32bit float Zoom F3 for around $200 or $225 and tape something on the back of it to store a 32gb SD card or USB stick or both.  I would have absolutely zero concern about getting an F3 used.  Those things have a metal case and they are SOLID.  With a fresh set of alkalines, you'd have everything you need in your pocket for any SBD your encounter except maybe a set of XLR cables, which the venue should have.

[morst]

Many (most?) modern 'boards have slots for memory sticks. Those are cheap, but you need to make sure that is a possibility.

X32 boards by Midas or Behringer (same console but with different preamps and a few other features) require a FAT formatted thumbdrive (aka FAT32 for drives over 4 GB).
Yamaha CL series also uses FAT format.
Allen and Heath QU series uses FAT32 format, and their manuals recommend formatting the drive in the console before use. Note that this will erase whatever was previously on the drive.

Some other consoles may work with EXFAT formatted thumb drives, so it might be a good idea to bring one of each kind.

[tim in jersey]

except maybe a set of XLR cables, which the venue should have.

Wow. That's not good advice for someone new to the hobby.

Don't ever count on the venue to provide you with *anything*.

Expect the opposite.

[fanofjam]

except maybe a set of XLR cables, which the venue should have.

Wow. That's not good advice for someone new to the hobby.

Don't ever count on the venue to provide you with *anything*.

Expect the opposite.

True...my bad.  I was just thinking he wanted to go as light as possible, but yeah being self-equipped is basic to this hobby.  Honestly though, whenever I've come up short and needed an XLR cable, Ive asked nicely and as long as it's not five minutes before showtime, the FOB guy is happy to help.  But yeah, agreed that it's not good form to just assume the FOH guy will be able to provide what you need.

In addition, if you truly wanted to be ready for any SBD possibility, a set of XLRs wouldn't be the only cables needed.  You'd also need RCA's on the SBD side of the cable in cases where the SBD outs are RCAs.  You'd want XLR female to XLR female adapters, XLR male to XLR male adapters in case SBD XLR gender doesn't match the tail end of your conventional XLR cable, etc.  

[morst]

except maybe a set of XLR cables, which the venue should have.

Wow. That's not good advice for someone new to the hobby.

Don't ever count on the venue to provide you with *anything*.

Expect the opposite.

True...my bad.  I was just thinking he wanted to go as light as possible, but yeah being self-equipped is basic to this hobby.  Honestly though, whenever I've come up short and needed an XLR cable, Ive asked nicely and as long as it's not five minutes before showtime, the FOB guy is happy to help. . 

I've loaned XLR cables to the house more than once!

[Gutbucket]

Yamaha CL series also uses FAT format.
Allen and Heath QU series uses FAT32 format, and their manuals recommend formatting the drive in the console before use. Note that this will erase whatever was previously on the drive.
Some other consoles may work with EXFAT formatted thumb drives, so it might be a good idea to bring one of each kind.

This makes for easy and well prepared.  When a board patch might be available, I bring a small shaving kit bag that contains gear I might need for it.  In addition to containing the small recorder, an extra SD card, external battery, cables and output jack adapters, there is a ziplock sandwich bag with are two USB thumb drives. One is formatted FAT32 the other EXFAT, and both are clearly labeled. The bag is small enough that its not much hassle to bring even if the SBD patch doesn't happen for whatever reason.

[adrianf74]

Zoom F3 for two channels.  And a USB stick and or SD card that's under 32GB formatted to FAT32 are always good things to have as backups in the event that you can get either a mix or stems from the board.

[capnhook]

Fuck those usb sticks, too many FOH people don't know how to properly start or finalize a recording

Been burned by the "0 file length" error too many times

Always insist on a firm XLR board connection and record it yourself for mission-critical outings

Saves your hair from being pulled out every time



And bring your own cables, you moochers..

[grawk]

"required" and "mission critical"

your taping is a lot different than mine.  Anything the FOH engineer does for me is appreciated, whether it's giving me 1/8" headphone jack, XLRs, usb stick, whatever.  My primary is going to be my microphones, anything else is augmentation and backup

[capnhook]

"required" and "mission critical"

your taping is a lot different than mine.  Anything the FOH engineer does for me is appreciated, whether it's giving me 1/8" headphone jack, XLRs, usb stick, whatever.  My primary is going to be my microphones, anything else is augmentation and backup

Yep if SBD not required not a worry





Make Great Tapes

[Gutbucket]

Same. I've actually ended up giving those empty USB sticks to the artist or road manager when they didn't have but needed one more often than I've actually used them myself. Mics my go to, SBD nice to have, sometimes nicer than others