What pocket audio recorder for no-mic-input cams?

will-3 wrote on 10/26/2014, 10:58 AM
When shooting with a camera with no external mic input connector...

I've heard of people using a small pocket recorder and a lavalier clip-on mic with maybe a 1/8 inch mic input jack...

(I think DSE said he did this when shooting a performance by Three Tenors... with a recorder in the inside jacket pocket of each singer.)

I've also heard of other pocket or belt clip on recorders that would take a standard xlr connector from a traditional handheld television mic...

Then there is the issue of really only wanting mono and not stereo for such uses.

So, for both cases...

1 - Lavalier mic with small recorder in the pocket maybe with a 1/8" connector or an xlr connector.

2 - A standard handheld microphone with a pocket or belt clip-on recorder with a typical xlr connector.

What do you guys suggest?

Thanks for any help.

PS - I tried to put "OT" in the Subject but their was not enough space.


Comments

rs170a wrote on 10/26/2014, 11:15 AM
Until very recently I would've recommended the Zoom line.
However, Tascam has just announced a new portable recorder at the same price point as the Zoom line but with a lot more pro features. Street price is going to be $300 or less when it's released.
Tascam DR-70D

edit: here's the Tascam line of portable recorders.

Mike
rraud wrote on 10/26/2014, 11:17 AM
For interviews and such, many folks use the Zoom H1, Tascam DR- 5 or other competitively sized recorder and a decent quality lavaliere mic (decent= at least $100). Most of these have internal mics as well and can be camera mounted for 'nat sound ' (ambient).
Other recorder's ( Zoom H4n and Tascam DR-40 & 100) have XLR's in which the device is larger and heavier.
As rs170a mentioned Tascam has just intro'd some new small portables which may be of interest.
Tom Pauncz wrote on 10/26/2014, 11:57 AM
+1 Mike.

Saw it at ProFusion Expo 2014. It's a real doozy. See it

Tom
dxdy wrote on 10/26/2014, 8:23 PM
+1 for Tascam DR05. I just did a shoot at a dimly lit wedding venue with a primitive sound system. I laid taped the DR05 to the podium just below the in-house mic stand. (No, they wouldn't let me plug into their system). Results were excellent, I didn't even have any paper shuffling sounds or nervous podium thumping. I clapped my hands 3 times with the camera and recorder running - easy to pick out the 3 ticks on the timeline for syncing.

Be warned, however, that I have a second DR05 and its clock is a little slow. I have to shrink its DR05 (Control drag left) to get it synced up.
Byron K wrote on 10/26/2014, 9:31 PM
I'm also using a DR40. I find that the extra combination XLR and 1/4" connectors make it a little more versatile than just a recorder w/ mics and 1/8 connectors on it, like my Roland HR09. The DR40 can be had for less than $150 on Ebay, I'm thinking about picking up another one.

Also a pop filter is essential for doing voice overs. I've only done one, and to edit plosives in post is a huge PITA. You can make a DIY pop filter using an embroidery ring and stockings for less than 5 bucks.
Arthur.S wrote on 10/27/2014, 3:51 PM
The Tascam DR-10CS looks exactly what I've been looking for - a replacement for wireless transmitters that seem to be getting more unreliable. This can also be used with a wireless setup. That's a great implementation.