Recording With(out) A Sound Mixer

The new Tascam DR-701D timecode-capable recorder, plus budgeting for a sound mixer

By Dan Brockett

TASCAM DR-701D MIXER/RECORDER Q I want to upgrade my multitrack recording capability from my current Zoom H4n to something with more tracks and more sophisticated features. I’ve been considering the new Zoom F8 mixer/recorder. Is there anything else in the $1,000 or lower range that I should consider? We mostly shoot with the Panasonic GH4. Drew... Read more

The Art & Science Of Mounting Mics

Lavs vs. shotguns, plus hidden lavaliers

By Dan Brockett

LAVS VS. SHOTGUNS Q I’m looking for advice on the best long shotgun microphone that I can mount on a Sony PXW-FS7 camera. I’ll be shooting interviews with athletes from five to 10 feet away, but don’t have the resources to have a sound mixer with me. I’m not very knowledgeable about sound. Help! Sherrie V. Via email A When you don’t have... Read more

Choosing A Wired Lavalier

Plus, locating custom audio cable harnesses

By Dan Brockett

WHICH WIRED LAV IS RIGHT FOR YOU Q We recently upgraded from the Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR to a Canon EOS C100 Mark II. It will be so incredibly convenient not to have to utilize a separate recorder for decent sound. We shoot a lot of in-studio interviews with two talent, so I want to buy two new lavalier microphones. We have a low-end lavalier that... Read more

Sound & Vision

Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder, and Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder

By Dan Brockett

A rep from Zoom recently approached me to check out their new Q8 Handy Video Recorder. A few weeks after NAB, a box from Zoom showed up. The question is, what’s a "Handy Video Recorder," and why would a sound-oriented person be interested in it? Zoom, as you probably know, makes a line of digital audio recorders that have gained considerable... Read more

The FCC Has It In For Me

Røde RødeLink Wireless Filmmaker Kit, and DPA d:facto Interview Microphone

By Dan Brockett

RØDE WIRELESS MIC SOLUTION Q It seems that, in the U.S., the FCC is slowly encroaching on most, if not the entire, common spectrum used by wireless microphone systems. I had three Audio-Technica and two Lectrosonics wireless mic systems that operated in the 700 MHz spectrum. The FCC auctioned off that spectrum to digital HD broadcasters a few... Read more

Shipping Off – Tascam’s DR-10X

Tascam DR-10X recorder and Lectrosonics LR/LMb wireless mic system

By Dan Brockett

TASCAM DR-10X RECORDER Q I’m trying to save space and weight with my location audio recording gear. I’m considering buying a small handheld digital recorder like the Zoom H4n. This will be for a documentary project where I’ll have to record a lot of ambient sound, but will also need to record lots of on-camera interviews. Because... Read more

Ride Like The Wind

The Rycote Cyclone windshield system, plus sound recording with your iPhone

By Dan Brockett

THE RYCOTE CYCLONE WINDSHIELD SYSTEM Q Most of my recording experience is in studios and on stage. I’ll be the sound mixer for an upcoming shoot that will take place in Chicago on and near Lake Michigan. From previous trips to the area, I know it will be windy, and I’m concerned about recording clean sound with a minimum of wind noise—we... Read more

Rear-Rejection Sound

Profiling the Sanken CSR-2 mic, plus the Sound Devices 633 mixer/recorder

By Dan Brockett

SANKEN CSR-2 MIC Q I’ve been primarily using Sennheiser microphones, including the MKH 416 and MKH 50, for the past few years as the main mics in my sound-mixing package. I recently landed a new client for whom I’ve been mixing sound on a lot of sports events shoots where we shoot interviews on the sidelines of games at large stadiums.... Read more

Around The Campfire

Recording audio for a four-character scene, plus powering small recorders

By Dan Brockett

RECORDING AUDIO FOR A FOUR-CHARACTER SCENE Q I’m working on a low-budget student film. We have two big scenes where four characters will be having a discussion around a campfire. We’re covering the scene with two cameras; one will be a pretty wide shot that contains all four characters, the fire and some of the area around the fire, while... Read more

Audio Options For The Panasonic GH4

Plus, Tascam’s DR-60D as a DSLR audio solution

By Dan Brockett

PANASONIC GH4 & RØDE LAVALIER Q I’m looking for a good wired lavalier for my new Panasonic GH4 camera. Unlike my video cameras, the GH4 doesn’t have XLR connections, and most of the lavaliers I’ve seen that have unbalanced 3.5mm connections aren’t exactly pro-level microphones. This will be for broadcast, and I’ll... Read more

Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Mic

Plus, picking the right boom pole and mic mount

By Dan Brockett

SENNHEISER SHOTGUN MIC Q I’m assembling my first serious audio kit, and I’d like some advice about which shotgun could serve as my main boom microphone. I work on a lot of documentaries and travel to shoot them overseas usually, so size, weight and performance are all considerations. My budget is very limited, but I want the best I can... Read more

Peak Performance

Apogee MiC 96k, and output levels for online delivery

By Dan Brockett

APOGEE MiC 96k Q We recently landed a project that will involve shooting on-location performances with singer/songwriters. I have a Canon C100 camera that has okay audio quality, but I’m looking to step up the quality in regard to microphones and sample rate. We just bought the newest version of Apple’s Logic X, so I’m interested... Read more