I have listened to most of your posts over the years, and bought a few of your tutorials, and this was by far THE BEST summary of the field today. Simply WOW, and a huge thank you. It seems the production companies all over the world are setting lower and lower standards, and you are doing the opposite - setting high standards. I learned more in an hour today than going through endless reviews and tutorials over the past six months. Great Curtis!
The way you give us access to all this information about the world of sound. Surely it takes you a sacrifice. Dear Curtis, Thank You. May God Bless You
Correction on the ZOOM F3, F6, and F8nPro, when in line level mode, the inputs' max level is +24dBu. It is only in mic mode that the max input level is +4dBu. If you plan to record from a sound board, of course you should switch the inputs to line level mode and that should be fine as long as the engineer operating the sound board does not saturate or clip the mixer's main mix. Also, if you are going to record an extraordinarily loud sound with a microphone, you also might want to switch to line level mode to give yourself a bit more headroom. Note that the MixPre's max input levels are +14 dBu in mic mode and +28dB in line level mode. That's a bit more headroom. That's a potential advantage for MixPre if you record a lot of REALLY wide dynamic range audio.
Max input level in Zoom F2 is -5.5dbu. What it's meaning? What's difference from Zoom f3? If I use shotgun mic like Sennheiser mke 600 with zoom f2 is there any audio quality difference other than phantom power?
The audio and video quality on this channel is the best I've seen ever, even the oldest videos have top notch audio. I don't think there's any other channel on TH-cam that even comes close.
Amusing thing, I'm a film school student and the story you tell at 4:05 - 5:04 exactly happened to me. With that exact recorder + exact mic + exact problem. Newbie ditch warning folks!
This video was so incredibly helpful. Thank you Curtis for making Videos like this. The information and language you use, helps beginner level users like me to understand the concepts better.
Wow, I absolutely love how you really take the time to explain any jargon that anyone new may not know instead of us trying to Google and research further. A great teacher, I must say!
What I like about your explanations is that while you do work professionally and have a more critical ear for noise floor, etc., you don't stomp all over the cheaper gear like the Zoom H6 or smaller Tascam units. For a hobbyist or someone with no need for professional-level results, the lower end and/or older gear can be very beneficial. You leave the door open for people to be in that space. Thanks
I really appreciate you describing the corporate philosophies between Zoom and Sound Devices. That helped a great deal, I keep going back and forth between them.
Wow! The expression about some people "knowing their stuff" describes persons of your caliber. As someone who has spent a lot of time teaching, you're a pleasure to listen to. Great shows (watched many of the), wide ranging and yet (magically) succinct!. THIS review is amazing. It cleared up a lot of questions for me. I dabble in sound design and have done some mixing in my day, but most of my recording is for my own small productions only. In this overview you answered many questions I would not even have known to ask. 1,000 thanks and best wishes the 2022 Solstice season.
Thanks Curtis, this was a great round up of the most commonly available recorders, just what i was looking for. I really appreciate the time you spent to produce this.
This is fantastic! I have always thought this style of video to support your other long videos was much much needed. It was one reason why I hadn't watched as many of your videos. A tag video of others that cover your subjects it a great idea. Thanks!!!
Absolutely incredible. You have definitely covered the gamut, at least as far as anything that is likely to be used for film and video. For bands and other live events, there are additional options, but even there, you mentioned the Zoom LiveTrak series. Personally, I have been quite happy with my Tascam recorders, including the DR-70D, DR-680 (both original and MKII), and the DR-44wl handheld unit. Somehow, I don't have a problem with the NTG2 mic on any of these.
Thanks for the video! As someone working with pro-sumer devices (namely the Zoom F8n Pro), It's very nice to hear about the next levels up for big budget recorders as information on them tends to be less widely known and somewhat harder to find as most articles and such really focus more on that pro-sumer level.
Greetings from Ireland. Great review thanks. I use the Zoom H8 and find it excellent. Very quiet audio and plenty of gain if required. I use it 100% in field mode. My mics are Sennheiser Mke600 with Rode blimp etc. Behringer B-5 Condensers (bad press I know but they are actually very good) and recently the Hollyland Lark Max (Excellent in my opinion) I am a hobbyist doing some local documentary and short films. Thank you once again for all your detailed and easy to understand reviews.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!! 14:30 I'm planning to buy one of those tentacle track&sync sets, what other mic would you recommend to go with?
DPA 6060 is the "gold standard" in the industry. Sanken COS11D is the old "industry standard" before the 6060. Deity W.Lav Pro is a great budget option to get instead.
What a great video. Looking to upgrade my 7 year old H5, but can I buy an F8N or a Mix Pre 3 here in the UK? No supplies to be had from reputable dealers. I'm curious if it's a global supply problem or the impact of Britain's Brexit decision...
@@SoundSpeeding F6 would suit me well, functionality-wise (better value for my needs), but I don't like the form factor. I also like the dual SD cards feature on the F8n pro. My H5 casing has gone sticky and nasty, but it still works fine, so I shall be patient for the F8n Pro to be available. It's mostly a vanity upgrade!
@@Onlinepmcourses fair enough, the Zoom F8 Series is a much better choice than a F6 or god forbid an H5. Don't hesitate to get a Zoom F8n (or maybe even an original F8) if you see a good deal secondhand, and can't be bothered waiting for a F8n Pro. I'd honestly prefer a F8n over a F8n Pro.
@@SoundSpeeding thank you. While I make a good chunk of my living from the videos I make(for YT and courses), I am far from a sound pro and do all my video and audio for myself, as speaker. So assist features like the 32-bit float make the newer model highly appealing. And there is something appealing too about Curtis's characterization (in my words) of the Zoom F series as top-end amateur kit, compared to the Mixpre series as bottom-end pro kit. That said, I also follow you. So I know the F* is very much good enough for serious pro work too - which is a bonus to me. I love my H5 and it very much meets my YT-level needs. If the plastic coating were not deteriorating, I wouldn't consider upgrading. Maybe that's why they use that material! 7 years to learn to love the brand, then a little nudge to upgrade.
Thanks for the fantastic overview. I personally have the Zoom H4n, H5, F1, F4 and the MixPre 3 II. I personally prefer the MP3 for most applications. It sounds a bit better than the F4 and the menu is so much easier to operate. Electricity isn't an issue as I use it indoors and have it plugged in.
@Curtis Judd - Have you looked at the Behringer X-Air series of Digital Mixers? This year I added the Behringer XR18 to my recording/streaming studio and found the 18x18 Bi-direction ASIO over USB Interface + Onboard FX Rack + "Dugan Style" Automixing + Full Bus Routing to be EXTREMELY handy.
I've tested the Rode Wireless Go II and DJI Mic simultaneously with Sanken COS11Ds (two of them mounted side-by-side on a dual clip), and the Wireless Go II's noise floor was ~4 dB better even after fine tuning the gain on the DJI. They were recorded through Rode VXLR+ adapters into a MixPre 10 II.
@@curtisjudd I think that's mostly indicative of the Rode Wireless II's self noise being surprisingly good. It appears to be below the EINs of typical lavs (I've tried B6, DPA4060, and COS11D so far), which explains/supports Rode's decision not to expose Tx gain control. It's no substitute for a pro wireless setup, but it's audio quality is remarkable for what it is IMO.
By far the best of these audio recorder videos from you to date. Thank you. In 2015 when I got interested in audio for video, just about every professional photographer who also did TH-cam videos agreed that the Zoom H4n was the one to get! "A must have!" was a phrase I heard used. So I bought one, and only months later a lot of people were putting it down. It seemed suddenly to have become almost a "should get rid of" device. I found that hilarious, because surely the H4n hasn't deteriorated - it must be the very same as it was when everybody was praising it! No worse today than it was in 2009, better in fact because the firmware has been upgraded. But 2015 was also the year when the Zoom F8 was introduced, and those who bought it were probably spoiled by its preamps. I bought it because I needed more channels, but it's still my opinion that unless you have such specific needs, there's no real reason to replace old gear that still works well enough.
I want to record myself playing oboe and piano. Sometimes only oboe solo. I need as simple setup as possible with less postprocessing. And I would like to use built in microphones. What device would you suggest?
Good Lord it sure does get complicated and highly technical. I'm glad you know it and can explain it. I am still at the h4n zoom pro level. And I will stay there for the rest of my life. Great stuff Curtis you really know your stuff. Keith Kuhn
The statement about not getting work if you own Zoom vs Sound Devices is 100% accurate in my experience, I have Zoom gear that I use and rent out, and I’ve been turned down multiple times or had cancellations when they found mixers who brought SD equipment with them. Also my Zoom gear has zero rentals in 2 years even at low rates. I haven’t really upgraded my sound gear as much as I have my video gear and lenses, but selling the Zoom recorders for Sound Devices is definitely in the works for me.
Thank you for sharing all this knowledge! Since I own a rode podcaster, do you think is decent solution to use it as audio recorder for TH-cam videos? I will connect a rode ntg 5 to that. The alternative is a zoom h5.
Yes, the RODECaster should do the job for recording TH-cam videos at home. But if you need more portability, that's where field recorders are a better option.
Thanks Curtis for a comprehensive current take on what's out there in terms of recorder hardware and qualified recommendations. Handy to keep abreast of newer developments, even though I'm not looking to upgrade my own sound kit currently. You remain my 'go to' source for reviews of different kit. I'd now hesitate buying new kit without first understanding your 'expert' perspective. I doubt I would have invested in a MixPre 6ii, or really known why I should have, without your earlier opinions. I'm just an amateur photographer, trying to get the best sounds I can for self development into video and AV. Your earlier advice has proved 'sound' too for microphone choices and radio transmission. Now that I own great kit, I need to practice more to get better at using it.
Thank you for your very thorough and detailed review. This is about the only review I need to decide which recorder to buy when I upgrade my Zoom H1. 👏
Thanks again for the good video. I have watched several of your videos over the years. I've been using the Behringer X Air XR18 mixer for the podcast, Livestream, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, multichannel field recording etc. A lot of versatile features, USB connection with a computer, allowing multichannel recording direct eg. Reaper or Audition. You can use clean audio or Pre EQ, Post EQ Pre Fade, and so on. I've been very comfortable with the versatility. Via USB, you can also import sound or music directly from your computer to the desired channel, etc. A lot of routing possibilities, each channel Noise Gate, Equalizer, Compressor, and so on. You can control it with a PC, Laptop, Tablet, or Phone. Behringer X Air XR18 mixer does not belong directly to these categories, but using like, is easy and flexible. For small field recordings, it is absolutely too big. For smaller field recording I use Zoom H6.
My brief opinion/rankings (from the perspective of a professional production sound mixer, who has a wide range of experiences from the lowest budget indie/student film sets to the biggest budget netflix series / blockbuster movies ): All handheld recorders... don't bother, in fact, actively avoid them! As they're so extremely unsuitable for location sound recording for film/tv. Especially when there is something else available that is so much better and probably cheaper too... The Tascam DR60Dmk2. Don't settle for anything less! (well, ok, you could get the even cheaper mk1 secondhand?) The Tascam DR70D is only slightly more though. (or for a bit more, and adds timecode, is the Tascam DR701D. But it appears it has been discontinued) But if at all possible (I understand for some people, the DR60D might be all their budget allows) I'd avoid all these consumer recorders which lack timecode, as a proper prosumer ones with timecode and high quality preamps are exceptionally affordably now in 2022! We live in an amazing era, to have audio gear that's so accessible, which wasn't an option when I was starting out. Let's look at these, the prosumer recorders I'd recommend: Zoom F6. Zoom F8n Pro. (the original F8n is just as good, in fact I'd prefer it! The original original F8 is ok too, not too much worse than the F8n. But if you have professional aspirations just get the F8n) There is also the F4, which I loved, but it has sadly been discontinued 😞 And there is the Sound Devices MixPre series. Originally the first gen MixPres at launch were quite inferior to the Zoom F Series then. As I feel Sound Devices rushed out the MixPres to respond quickly to the earth shattering game changer that was the Zoom F8. But since then the MixPres have had a lot of firmware updates, and improved Gen2 hardware, and I feel MixPres are easily on par with the Zoom F Series. Is a coin flip which to get, down to personal taste. Although the extreme small size of the MixPre3 does make it the obvious choice for anybody who wants to use it with/under their DSLR/Mirrorless camera! Just go get the MixPre3 asap. And the MixPre10 costs so substantially more than a Zoom F8n, then it is hard to justify the MixPre10 for anybody starting out (which is most people who are considering a MixPre or F Series). As you're likely very short on cash, and there are so many other areas in your sound kit that need those $$$ instead! So why spend extra for the MixPre for no real net benefit over the F8n?? And if you're comparing a recorder that's more comparable in price to the F8n, the MixPre6.. I just think that's too unfair to the MixPre6! As the F8n is just so much better designed for the sound mixer overall. The MixPre6 is a fantastic *secondary* recorder, to supplement your 633/833/etc , but for primary usage as your only recorder? I'd take the F8n every time! Now I haven't mentioned any professional recorders yet. But I'll just quickly mention the cheapest model from each of the four brands (the only four brands that exist for us), and you can research them more yourself (or feel free to ask me any questions!). Have listed them in order of popularity: Sound Devices 833 Zaxcom Nova2 Aaton Cantar Mini Sonosax SX-R4+ Oh, and a quick final point about bodypack recorders: would you record your video without ever looking at your camera's image?? If you say "yes" ( to be fair... I've kinda done this a few times, such as when running 5x cameras filming a wedding ceremony! I'll set up a couple of unnmaned cameras, then cross my fingers and wish for luck), then bodypack recorders are fine for you. But if you say "no", why on earth would you treat your audio like this??? You wouldn't record you video blind. Don't record your audio deaf!
Fabulous video. This might sound really weird but disregarding features and price completely, there is a certain charm about quality products made in the US (or countries such as Germany, Japan etc) which i would opt for every single time where feasible, over other countries where the primary motivation is manufacturing at a reduced cost.
I've watched a few of your videos now and they are outstanding - this one is epic! I know you said we'll probably want to skip to the relevant parts of such a long video, but it's hard to stop watching as it's just so packed full of fascinating and pertinent information, highly educational. You're very easy to listen to and I love how honest and critical you are. So THANKS for making these videos! I've subbed! :-) As an aspiring TH-camr, I'm still considering my purchase. I really just want the most basic, cheap field recorder which provides a clean sound with none of the irritating processing (aka programming) built into consumer devices like the H1.
Can't wait to watch this video on repeat while I'm at work over the next year. The only thing you were missing was the Sony PCM-D10 recorder which is the one I just picked up to go with my Mix-Pre 3 II. Seems like decent unit so far. I went for Sony reliability and quality over gimmicky features in some of the other units.
I have used the original SoundDevices Mix-Pre 6 for podcasting and the quality was wonderful. While the price was eyewatering for a production intern, I understood the reason why. A little bit of a learning curve since I never used a field recorder before, but once I read the manual and played around with all the settings, it was a breeze to use.
I bought an used H6 and I just really love it. Maybe I'll get F3 as the complementary for the 32-bit float if I needed it but currently I don't need it now. Or if I needed a little bit portability then I'll go for H1n. What makes H6 amazing for me is the battery life which makes me don't change battery too much. H6 is just enough for me. I use H6 for interfaces, ambience recording, and some samplings as well. Anyway, nice and detailed review, sir!
I've heard others report that using expensive gear helped them to be better respected by their clients. There's a wonderful interview with the famous Tony Faulkner where he tells that he always used the largest microphones he had for recording a certain conductor. Not because they would necessarily sound better, but because the conductor then "knew that he would sound like a king" and therefore gave a much better performance.
@26:00 I feel it would be amiss to not mention how extremely good the customer service Zoom has had with the F Series. (such as how they looked after customers with the white screen of death, even if they were outside warranty! Zoom was very good to their F8 users. And since the original F8 era, then I have found Zoom to be very reliable. In fact, in my personal subjective opinion at least, I'd give the Zoom F Series the slight edge over Sound Devices in terms of reliability. Yes, even the 8 Series. I've never been burned by the Zoom F Series, they've been rock solid reliable for years) And likewise, it is worth mention that yes Sound Devices will happily fix any of your equipment, even if decades out of warranty! But don't forget the high cost! (especially shipping / customs costs if you live overseas, and not in the USA) Often the repair costs Sound Devices might charge you, means there isn't much point in getting say your cheap MixPre3 fixed. @29:00 if you set it to line level, then you've got nothing to worry about how hot the levels are coming in, plenty of headroom! (for your F8n at least. I don't have the F3, but it can do line level too) So I don't understand why you mention this as a negative?
Hell even with the H recorders. I axidentally broke the clip that locks the battery lid on my H6 and they sent me a new 1. Well 2 cause oops the first 1 was broken as well.
I was mistaken and pinned a comment at the top with the correction re: line level. Any idea what ZOOM does if an F8 breaks out of warranty? Anything possible in terms of repairs?
@@curtisjudd I guess my point is that if a person has an F8, its (secondhand value) is only $600 or so (and dropping further and further with every year in real terms). Does it really make sense to spend say $50 on shipping back and forth plus say another $300 that repairs might perhaps cost? You're merely saving $250 vs just getting another one. Is why I understand a company won't support repairs for an out of warranty $1K RRP product, but will for a $5K RRP product.
@@SoundSpeeding Understood. Still a waste of materials. I advocate for consumer electronics companies, especially those at the scale of companies like ZOOM, to get serious about the issue of reclaiming old and broken products.
In a pinch a few weeks ago, I used my RCP2 (which I normally use for streaming) as a field recorder and was impressed. It was hugely overkill (and needed its own tripod), but having all those controls was so nice.
For a new or student video/film recordist, I strongly recommend the Tascam DR-70D recorder. Used prices including shipping on ebay range from under $100 to $125-$150. Over $150 and you paid too much. Is this a pro recorder? No. Will it allow you to capture high quality recordings? Yes with some care. Will it allow you to learn your craft. Definitely yes. If you start getting paying work, you will out grow it. It will become your "B" (backup) rig you carry in case you drop your primary recorder into a pond or pool. I like the DR70D over the Zoom H6 because of the form factor with all controls on a front side and connectors on the adjacent sides. Just like most pro recorders. I used 3 trade show lanyards to mount it on my chest. Two looped over my head attached to the two side rails and one double ended lanyard looped around my back to hold it close to my chest. Feels like a pro recorder bag sitting on my chest. A lot of bang for just a few bucks. What are people's recommendations for low cost semi-pro wireless lav mic setups? Rode wireless go II kits with lav mics run about $350. Not cheap. Other options?
Yes, I agree the Tascam DR70D is easily the best four channel consumer recorder at that price point if buying new. And even cheaper if buying secondhand! Easily hands down preferable over the H4n/H5/H6. But I strongly strongly STRONGLY recommend stretching to the Zoom F6, as it is shockingly cheap for what it is! Imagine if you could buy say a Sony FX6 for the price of a Sony a6300?? That's basically what happened with the Zoom F Series! They're bringing us entry level pro features at bargain priced consumer level pricing for cheap. For wireless, I'm afraid the Rodes are already insanely dirt cheap. But they're only consumer grade quality. Maaaaybe consider the diety pocket wireless? They're US$169 each. But at least you get a locking connector! Which is a MAJOR flaw about the Rode Go. And the Deitys are compatible with all their other wireless products, which the Rodes also can't do. I'd highly recommend that you step up to at least prosumer grade wireless, even if just a student filmmaker. The Sony UWP-D21 are the best prosumer wireless you can buy new for sub US$1K. Easily a better buy than Sennheiser G4 wireless. Otherwise look at the secondhand Lectrosonics from the 1990's / 2000's. They are indeed old! But even better than prosumer Sonys.
Really appreciate the effort you put into this. Am I wrong in thinking that the DR-70D is still the way to go if I need 4 full-size XLR inputs in a portable recorder? (Without going up in price by hundreds of dollars) Edit: this is for long-form TH-cam video creation, mainly automotive content where the recorder will often travel in the car being filmed and the mics will be capturing engine, exhaust, and driver/passenger audio. We use brass/wind instrument mics for the vehicle’s intake and exhaust, so that’s why we need all the full size XLR inputs.
Yes, the Tascam DR70D is easily the best four channel consumer recorder at that price point if buying new. But I strongly strongly STRONGLY recommend stretching to the Zoom F6, as it is shockingly cheap for what it is! Imagine if you could buy say a Sony FX6 for the price of a Sony a6300?? That's basically what happened with the Zoom F Series! They're bringing us entry level pro features at bargain priced consumer level pricing for cheap.
please sir help me 🙏. i want to buy one of this the Zoom h1n and Tascam dr-05x. i want to use mini shortgun microphone like (Movo vxr10, Boya by mm1+, Rode videomicro). My question is the TASCAM DR-05X has audio "plugin power ON/OFF SETTINGS" but the ZOOM H1N don't have. how much power is provieded by TASCAM DR-05X when the "PLUGIN POWER is ON". By the way as mension in the manual of ZOOM H1N it can provide 2.5V so what what about the TASCAM? is it provide the same power or more? WHICE ONE WILL BE BETTER for external recording also cosider the self noise?
@@curtisjudd Thank you sir. at 3:33 you said that the h1n will be good choice for lav mic. so can i buy the h1n over dr-05x? my main focus is lav or mini shortgun mic.
@@sanjidahmed I haven't used the DR-05x, only the original non-x version. I was happy with the H1n for using it as a pocket recorder with an external microphone.
I've just subscribed Curtis. It sounds like the sound device products maybe an option for me. I have a red komodo and maybe looking at a Gemini in the near future so this will predominantly be used for film application. I have protools for sound application and different sample design tools like NED synclavier and Emu Emulator III. Thanks.
Hey Curtis, Love this video! I watch right up to the pro devices. Im not there yet. But I love the video! 1. I'm poor at audio. I do a lot of street style run and gun interviews on my other channel. But lately I can't stand my audio. I own the rode wireless go 1 & 2. it works best with Sennheiser E845, makes it wireless and that's nice for street interviews but the mic is in the video. Also, I'm getting into film now. I was so ready to order the Sound Devices MixPre 3 or the 10 but you talked about the poor battery life I'm a little hessitant now. F8n Pro will be a great choice but I don't like the future repair options after the initial warranty. what would be a great Lav mic options for a guy like me Assuming I got the F8n or Mixpre 3 or 10. Thanks
Very comprehensive, thanks. Watched it end to end and definitely bookmarking this for future reference (until the next update). This is very valuable for all imaginable categories. Even the pro category is very useful to give context to the prosumer and consumer categories and features. I was curious if you'd mention the RODE Connect as a software option for very entry level podcast recording, but then again it doesn't really belong in this video about recorders (and opens another pandora's box).
Great info! One that you didn't cover in the podcast section is the Tascam Mixcast 4. In my experience it holds its own against the original Rodecaster. Great channel, I just discovered you recently! Subscribed 🍻
I have the Tascam DR-60D MK1 essentially the same...I broke off the USB connector in the first few months....so what I did is tore the whole thing apart, drilled a whole in the battery compartment and soldered a USB wire to the positive and negative terminals...WORKS LIKE A CHARM now with a USB battery bank for the past 8 years that I have had it. the battery level always reads 2/3's on the screen.
I have listened to most of your posts over the years, and bought a few of your tutorials, and this was by far THE BEST summary of the field today. Simply WOW, and a huge thank you. It seems the production companies all over the world are setting lower and lower standards, and you are doing the opposite - setting high standards. I learned more in an hour today than going through endless reviews and tutorials over the past six months. Great Curtis!
Thanks Arnold 🙏
Same
One video to rule them all
One vid to show them
One video to rate them all
And in the audio help them!
Thanks Curtis you’re the man
Thanks Brendan!
The way you give us access to all this information about the world of sound. Surely it takes you a sacrifice.
Dear Curtis, Thank You.
May God Bless You
🙏
Correction on the ZOOM F3, F6, and F8nPro, when in line level mode, the inputs' max level is +24dBu. It is only in mic mode that the max input level is +4dBu. If you plan to record from a sound board, of course you should switch the inputs to line level mode and that should be fine as long as the engineer operating the sound board does not saturate or clip the mixer's main mix. Also, if you are going to record an extraordinarily loud sound with a microphone, you also might want to switch to line level mode to give yourself a bit more headroom.
Note that the MixPre's max input levels are +14 dBu in mic mode and +28dB in line level mode. That's a bit more headroom. That's a potential advantage for MixPre if you record a lot of REALLY wide dynamic range audio.
Max input level in Zoom F2 is -5.5dbu. What it's meaning? What's difference from Zoom f3?
If I use shotgun mic like Sennheiser mke 600 with zoom f2 is there any audio quality difference other than phantom power?
@@film2375 notice the connector on the F2.
Your videos are among the most informative and helpful on TH-cam - thank you!
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Congratulations for 200.000 subscribers. Thanks for your factual , friendly and „ unhysteric“ style of presentation.
Thank you, Mata Hari.
When I see Curtis, first I like, then I watch! It doesn't matter what the topic is. Everything is interesting, everything is useful.
Thanks Andrei, glad you found it useful.
The audio and video quality on this channel is the best I've seen ever, even the oldest videos have top notch audio. I don't think there's any other channel on TH-cam that even comes close.
Thanks 👍
Amusing thing, I'm a film school student and the story you tell at 4:05 - 5:04 exactly happened to me. With that exact recorder + exact mic + exact problem. Newbie ditch warning folks!
There's a lot of good stuff in this video, but the #1 thing is how good you make this video sound!
🎙️🔈🎶
This video was so incredibly helpful. Thank you Curtis for making Videos like this.
The information and language you use, helps beginner level users like me to understand the concepts better.
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Wow, that's a pretty comprehensive overview. Lots of useful info for people at all price brackets.👍
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Wow, I absolutely love how you really take the time to explain any jargon that anyone new may not know instead of us trying to Google and research further. A great teacher, I must say!
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Thanks for the comprehensive info, clear and concise. And the production quality is top notch as always, a pleasure to watch.
Thanks Pete.
Curtis, you have outdone yourself! This is a tremendous resource. Thank you.
Thanks Linda!
oh and woot woot, FREAKING AMAZING! CONGRATS ON 200K!
What I like about your explanations is that while you do work professionally and have a more critical ear for noise floor, etc., you don't stomp all over the cheaper gear like the Zoom H6 or smaller Tascam units. For a hobbyist or someone with no need for professional-level results, the lower end and/or older gear can be very beneficial. You leave the door open for people to be in that space. Thanks
An hour long video of recorders by Curtis Judd...YEP! I'm watching!
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I really appreciate you describing the corporate philosophies between Zoom and Sound Devices. That helped a great deal, I keep going back and forth between them.
Glad it helped. Understanding that makes it so much easier to understand the design decisions they each make for their products.
Amazing information and products... knowledge for audio.. recording... thanks for vlog 🙏🏻🌺🌺
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Just donated 10€. Amazing, high quality content over the years. Thank you so much
Thank you so much! 🙏
Thanks Curtis! It's always an education, and you've advanced me just by sharing your knowledge.
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Wow! The expression about some people "knowing their stuff" describes persons of your caliber. As someone who has spent a lot of time teaching, you're a pleasure to listen to. Great shows (watched many of the), wide ranging and yet (magically) succinct!. THIS review is amazing. It cleared up a lot of questions for me. I dabble in sound design and have done some mixing in my day, but most of my recording is for my own small productions only. In this overview you answered many questions I would not even have known to ask. 1,000 thanks and best wishes the 2022 Solstice season.
Thanks so much, Tetraskele. Best wishes to you, too!
Thanks Curtis, this was a great round up of the most commonly available recorders, just what i was looking for.
I really appreciate the time you spent to produce this.
Thanks!
Keep doing these reviews and you will be on the top of a WANTED LIST ..😀 ...WELL DONE MAN
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This is fantastic! I have always thought this style of video to support your other long videos was much much needed. It was one reason why I hadn't watched as many of your videos. A tag video of others that cover your subjects it a great idea. Thanks!!!
Thanks Steve.
Just your summary is better than 99% of the videos out there.
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Absolutely incredible. You have definitely covered the gamut, at least as far as anything that is likely to be used for film and video. For bands and other live events, there are additional options, but even there, you mentioned the Zoom LiveTrak series. Personally, I have been quite happy with my Tascam recorders, including the DR-70D, DR-680 (both original and MKII), and the DR-44wl handheld unit. Somehow, I don't have a problem with the NTG2 mic on any of these.
Thanks for sharing, Alan. Yes, the main issue with the NTG2 is the H4n. That combination just didn't work well together.
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Thanks for the video! As someone working with pro-sumer devices (namely the Zoom F8n Pro), It's very nice to hear about the next levels up for big budget recorders as information on them tends to be less widely known and somewhat harder to find as most articles and such really focus more on that pro-sumer level.
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Greetings from Ireland. Great review thanks. I use the Zoom H8 and find it excellent. Very quiet audio and plenty of gain if required. I use it 100% in field mode. My mics are Sennheiser Mke600 with Rode blimp etc. Behringer B-5 Condensers (bad press I know but they are actually very good) and recently the Hollyland Lark Max (Excellent in my opinion) I am a hobbyist doing some local documentary and short films. Thank you once again for all your detailed and easy to understand reviews.
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What a great overview from budget to the top end... I loved it, like all of your other videos.
Thanks!
You have taught me so much over the years. Thank you so much!
Thanks Matt 👍
Thanks Matt 👍
Thank you again for sharing your opinions/experience on all the recorders!! Helps a lot!!
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Nobody does audio reviews like you. All the best.
Thanks, Karl.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!! 14:30 I'm planning to buy one of those tentacle track&sync sets, what other mic would you recommend to go with?
Sanken COS11D, perhaps.
DPA 6060 is the "gold standard" in the industry.
Sanken COS11D is the old "industry standard" before the 6060.
Deity W.Lav Pro is a great budget option to get instead.
@@SoundSpeeding how does the wlav do for things like induction stoves and electric beer pumps? They're almost on my shopping list .
What a great video. Looking to upgrade my 7 year old H5, but can I buy an F8N or a Mix Pre 3 here in the UK? No supplies to be had from reputable dealers. I'm curious if it's a global supply problem or the impact of Britain's Brexit decision...
Yes, global supply chain issues, but MixPres are now arriving in small quantities.
Yes, it is worldwide problem due to supply chain issues. Perhaps look around also for the Zoom F6 as well? That's a good one.
@@SoundSpeeding F6 would suit me well, functionality-wise (better value for my needs), but I don't like the form factor. I also like the dual SD cards feature on the F8n pro. My H5 casing has gone sticky and nasty, but it still works fine, so I shall be patient for the F8n Pro to be available. It's mostly a vanity upgrade!
@@Onlinepmcourses fair enough, the Zoom F8 Series is a much better choice than a F6 or god forbid an H5.
Don't hesitate to get a Zoom F8n (or maybe even an original F8) if you see a good deal secondhand, and can't be bothered waiting for a F8n Pro.
I'd honestly prefer a F8n over a F8n Pro.
@@SoundSpeeding thank you. While I make a good chunk of my living from the videos I make(for YT and courses), I am far from a sound pro and do all my video and audio for myself, as speaker. So assist features like the 32-bit float make the newer model highly appealing. And there is something appealing too about Curtis's characterization (in my words) of the Zoom F series as top-end amateur kit, compared to the Mixpre series as bottom-end pro kit. That said, I also follow you. So I know the F* is very much good enough for serious pro work too - which is a bonus to me.
I love my H5 and it very much meets my YT-level needs. If the plastic coating were not deteriorating, I wouldn't consider upgrading. Maybe that's why they use that material! 7 years to learn to love the brand, then a little nudge to upgrade.
The new intro track is slammin!!
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Yeah! Have been hoping for a 2022 edition! Thanks, amazing quality as always!
Thanks Steven.
Watched the whole thing, now I'm an audio recorder expert!
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Thanks for the fantastic overview.
I personally have the Zoom H4n, H5, F1, F4 and the MixPre 3 II. I personally prefer the MP3 for most applications. It sounds a bit better than the F4 and the menu is so much easier to operate. Electricity isn't an issue as I use it indoors and have it plugged in.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
@Curtis Judd - Have you looked at the Behringer X-Air series of Digital Mixers? This year I added the Behringer XR18 to my recording/streaming studio and found the 18x18 Bi-direction ASIO over USB Interface + Onboard FX Rack + "Dugan Style" Automixing + Full Bus Routing to be EXTREMELY handy.
Haven't used them directly, but have talked with several others who have used them. Glad to hear its working well for you!
always like this topic 🤗🤗
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Super subscribed.... Never thought you will know so much and not sell yourself to brands. Kudos.
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Es una completisima enciclopedia de grabadoras para video producciones. gracias por compartir
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WOW all this for free, thank you soooo much. I still got my Juicedlink RA333 :) good gear :)
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Can’t wait to see you review the Yamaha DM3 to see where it fits into the spectrum. Awesome video, thanks for doing these
Yes, the DM3 looks really nice. I'll need to save up a bit for that.
Thank you so much for this Video. I think the Zoom F8n is my Favourite.
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Thank you so much! Such an in-depth and incredibly helpful and detailed comparison lecture 💚 Curtis Judd is the best for anything audio/visual 🎥
You're so welcome!
Thank you Curtis. Enjoyed this with early morning coffee
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I've tested the Rode Wireless Go II and DJI Mic simultaneously with Sanken COS11Ds (two of them mounted side-by-side on a dual clip), and the Wireless Go II's noise floor was ~4 dB better even after fine tuning the gain on the DJI. They were recorded through Rode VXLR+ adapters into a MixPre 10 II.
👍 yes, just got to testing the self noise performance on the DJI and I’m finding similar results.
@@curtisjudd I think that's mostly indicative of the Rode Wireless II's self noise being surprisingly good. It appears to be below the EINs of typical lavs (I've tried B6, DPA4060, and COS11D so far), which explains/supports Rode's decision not to expose Tx gain control.
It's no substitute for a pro wireless setup, but it's audio quality is remarkable for what it is IMO.
By far the best of these audio recorder videos from you to date. Thank you.
In 2015 when I got interested in audio for video, just about every professional photographer who also did TH-cam videos agreed that the Zoom H4n was the one to get! "A must have!" was a phrase I heard used. So I bought one, and only months later a lot of people were putting it down. It seemed suddenly to have become almost a "should get rid of" device.
I found that hilarious, because surely the H4n hasn't deteriorated - it must be the very same as it was when everybody was praising it! No worse today than it was in 2009, better in fact because the firmware has been upgraded.
But 2015 was also the year when the Zoom F8 was introduced, and those who bought it were probably spoiled by its preamps. I bought it because I needed more channels, but it's still my opinion that unless you have such specific needs, there's no real reason to replace old gear that still works well enough.
Thanks Lau. Yes the original F8 is still a great recorder 7 years later.
The F8 was a crazy game changer, the biggest leap forward we've ever seen in the prosumer audio world for film/tv. Still great to use!
Keep up the great work Curtis
Thanks Victor.
I want to record myself playing oboe and piano. Sometimes only oboe solo. I need as simple setup as possible with less postprocessing. And I would like to use built in microphones. What device would you suggest?
Tascam X6 perhaps?
information overload! links, timestamp, links to reviews of devices mentioned, i'm amazed. spot on.
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Good Lord it sure does get complicated and highly technical.
I'm glad you know it and can explain it.
I am still at the h4n zoom pro level.
And I will stay there for the rest of my life.
Great stuff Curtis you really know your stuff.
Keith Kuhn
Thanks, Keith.
I enjoyed your presentation of the information. So much experience condensed in to a quick clip. Thank you
Thanks, Carl.
The statement about not getting work if you own Zoom vs Sound Devices is 100% accurate in my experience, I have Zoom gear that I use and rent out, and I’ve been turned down multiple times or had cancellations when they found mixers who brought SD equipment with them. Also my Zoom gear has zero rentals in 2 years even at low rates. I haven’t really upgraded my sound gear as much as I have my video gear and lenses, but selling the Zoom recorders for Sound Devices is definitely in the works for me.
Thanks for sharing.
I'll be back to watch this after work! Thanks in advance Curtis.
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Thanks a lot for this very very huge detailed video. Now i exactly know what i want, what i really need and finally what i can afford! ;-)
Thank you for sharing all this knowledge! Since I own a rode podcaster, do you think is decent solution to use it as audio recorder for TH-cam videos? I will connect a rode ntg 5 to that. The alternative is a zoom h5.
Yes, the RODECaster should do the job for recording TH-cam videos at home. But if you need more portability, that's where field recorders are a better option.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Thank you for the explanation and for taking the time to reply, appreciate it.
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Great. Thanks for your hard work bringing all these info to us.
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Thanks Curtis for a comprehensive current take on what's out there in terms of recorder hardware and qualified recommendations. Handy to keep abreast of newer developments, even though I'm not looking to upgrade my own sound kit currently.
You remain my 'go to' source for reviews of different kit. I'd now hesitate buying new kit without first understanding your 'expert' perspective. I doubt I would have invested in a MixPre 6ii, or really known why I should have, without your earlier opinions. I'm just an amateur photographer, trying to get the best sounds I can for self development into video and AV.
Your earlier advice has proved 'sound' too for microphone choices and radio transmission. Now that I own great kit, I need to practice more to get better at using it.
Thanks Ricky - happy recording!
Thank you for your very thorough and detailed review. This is about the only review I need to decide which recorder to buy when I upgrade my Zoom H1. 👏
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Absolutely invaluable video Curtis. Thank you for taking the time to do these, in a way that us audio noobs can understand!
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Thanks again for the good video. I have watched several of your videos over the years.
I've been using the Behringer X Air XR18 mixer for the podcast, Livestream, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, multichannel field recording etc. A lot of versatile features, USB connection with a computer, allowing multichannel recording direct eg. Reaper or Audition. You can use clean audio or Pre EQ, Post EQ Pre Fade, and so on. I've been very comfortable with the versatility. Via USB, you can also import sound or music directly from your computer to the desired channel, etc. A lot of routing possibilities, each channel Noise Gate, Equalizer, Compressor, and so on. You can control it with a PC, Laptop, Tablet, or Phone.
Behringer X Air XR18 mixer does not belong directly to these categories, but using like, is easy and flexible.
For small field recordings, it is absolutely too big. For smaller field recording I use Zoom H6.
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a nice option!
What an incredible channel! Thank you.
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My brief opinion/rankings (from the perspective of a professional production sound mixer, who has a wide range of experiences from the lowest budget indie/student film sets to the biggest budget netflix series / blockbuster movies ):
All handheld recorders... don't bother, in fact, actively avoid them! As they're so extremely unsuitable for location sound recording for film/tv. Especially when there is something else available that is so much better and probably cheaper too...
The Tascam DR60Dmk2. Don't settle for anything less! (well, ok, you could get the even cheaper mk1 secondhand?)
The Tascam DR70D is only slightly more though. (or for a bit more, and adds timecode, is the Tascam DR701D. But it appears it has been discontinued)
But if at all possible (I understand for some people, the DR60D might be all their budget allows) I'd avoid all these consumer recorders which lack timecode, as a proper prosumer ones with timecode and high quality preamps are exceptionally affordably now in 2022! We live in an amazing era, to have audio gear that's so accessible, which wasn't an option when I was starting out.
Let's look at these, the prosumer recorders I'd recommend:
Zoom F6.
Zoom F8n Pro. (the original F8n is just as good, in fact I'd prefer it! The original original F8 is ok too, not too much worse than the F8n. But if you have professional aspirations just get the F8n)
There is also the F4, which I loved, but it has sadly been discontinued 😞 And there is the Sound Devices MixPre series. Originally the first gen MixPres at launch were quite inferior to the Zoom F Series then. As I feel Sound Devices rushed out the MixPres to respond quickly to the earth shattering game changer that was the Zoom F8.
But since then the MixPres have had a lot of firmware updates, and improved Gen2 hardware, and I feel MixPres are easily on par with the Zoom F Series. Is a coin flip which to get, down to personal taste.
Although the extreme small size of the MixPre3 does make it the obvious choice for anybody who wants to use it with/under their DSLR/Mirrorless camera! Just go get the MixPre3 asap.
And the MixPre10 costs so substantially more than a Zoom F8n, then it is hard to justify the MixPre10 for anybody starting out (which is most people who are considering a MixPre or F Series). As you're likely very short on cash, and there are so many other areas in your sound kit that need those $$$ instead! So why spend extra for the MixPre for no real net benefit over the F8n??
And if you're comparing a recorder that's more comparable in price to the F8n, the MixPre6.. I just think that's too unfair to the MixPre6! As the F8n is just so much better designed for the sound mixer overall. The MixPre6 is a fantastic *secondary* recorder, to supplement your 633/833/etc , but for primary usage as your only recorder? I'd take the F8n every time!
Now I haven't mentioned any professional recorders yet. But I'll just quickly mention the cheapest model from each of the four brands (the only four brands that exist for us), and you can research them more yourself (or feel free to ask me any questions!). Have listed them in order of popularity:
Sound Devices 833
Zaxcom Nova2
Aaton Cantar Mini
Sonosax SX-R4+
Oh, and a quick final point about bodypack recorders: would you record your video without ever looking at your camera's image??
If you say "yes" ( to be fair... I've kinda done this a few times, such as when running 5x cameras filming a wedding ceremony! I'll set up a couple of unnmaned cameras, then cross my fingers and wish for luck), then bodypack recorders are fine for you.
But if you say "no", why on earth would you treat your audio like this??? You wouldn't record you video blind. Don't record your audio deaf!
Wow - thanks for the TED talk and insights! 😀
This was fantastic to watch! (Except being reminded of the sound devices usb backup. What a headache it is waiting for that all the time!)
Really nice to get a glimpse of some pro level recorders too. Thank you
Thanks Andrew. 🙏
Don't worry, I have the same headache waiting on my WAV files to be written on my professional grade Zaxcom recorder.... !!
@@SoundSpeeding😩 Really?! Thanks for letting me know. If I ever upgraded and found that waiting for me….🤬🤬🤬👍
Fabulous video. This might sound really weird but disregarding features and price completely, there is a certain charm about quality products made in the US (or countries such as Germany, Japan etc) which i would opt for every single time where feasible, over other countries where the primary motivation is manufacturing at a reduced cost.
Thanks. I understand this point of view. 👍
Looking to upgrade my audio recording set up and this was extremely helpful. Thank you!
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Unbelievably thorough. Thank you!
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I've watched a few of your videos now and they are outstanding - this one is epic! I know you said we'll probably want to skip to the relevant parts of such a long video, but it's hard to stop watching as it's just so packed full of fascinating and pertinent information, highly educational. You're very easy to listen to and I love how honest and critical you are. So THANKS for making these videos! I've subbed! :-)
As an aspiring TH-camr, I'm still considering my purchase. I really just want the most basic, cheap field recorder which provides a clean sound with none of the irritating processing (aka programming) built into consumer devices like the H1.
Thanks, Lee.
That was an awesome run through of everything.
Thanks.
Great video! I look foward to see you taking a looking into Tascam DR 10 pro, it is a 32 bit float recorder, also remote moitoring.
Did it: th-cam.com/video/CUE_jG5DKY4/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
Can't wait to watch this video on repeat while I'm at work over the next year. The only thing you were missing was the Sony PCM-D10 recorder which is the one I just picked up to go with my Mix-Pre 3 II. Seems like decent unit so far. I went for Sony reliability and quality over gimmicky features in some of the other units.
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I have used the original SoundDevices Mix-Pre 6 for podcasting and the quality was wonderful. While the price was eyewatering for a production intern, I understood the reason why. A little bit of a learning curve since I never used a field recorder before, but once I read the manual and played around with all the settings, it was a breeze to use.
I agree. 👍
Great guide, as always. Thanks!
Thanks Rafa.
Thanks for the video. Watched till the end. Really helpful.
Thanks Shinil.
I bought an used H6 and I just really love it. Maybe I'll get F3 as the complementary for the 32-bit float if I needed it but currently I don't need it now. Or if I needed a little bit portability then I'll go for H1n. What makes H6 amazing for me is the battery life which makes me don't change battery too much. H6 is just enough for me. I use H6 for interfaces, ambience recording, and some samplings as well. Anyway, nice and detailed review, sir!
Glad that the H6 is working well for you. Happy recording!
Curtis Judd: The Movie.
Popcorn required.
Wow.
Very very very deep explanation.
God bless you sir
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This is the best comparison on TH-cam. Just what I needed! Thank you, Curtis!
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I've heard others report that using expensive gear helped them to be better respected by their clients. There's a wonderful interview with the famous Tony Faulkner where he tells that he always used the largest microphones he had for recording a certain conductor. Not because they would necessarily sound better, but because the conductor then "knew that he would sound like a king" and therefore gave a much better performance.
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Truly appreciate the insight. What are the best options for wedding videography? Hopefully under $500
Zoom F3 would be my first choice.
@26:00 I feel it would be amiss to not mention how extremely good the customer service Zoom has had with the F Series. (such as how they looked after customers with the white screen of death, even if they were outside warranty! Zoom was very good to their F8 users. And since the original F8 era, then I have found Zoom to be very reliable. In fact, in my personal subjective opinion at least, I'd give the Zoom F Series the slight edge over Sound Devices in terms of reliability. Yes, even the 8 Series. I've never been burned by the Zoom F Series, they've been rock solid reliable for years)
And likewise, it is worth mention that yes Sound Devices will happily fix any of your equipment, even if decades out of warranty! But don't forget the high cost! (especially shipping / customs costs if you live overseas, and not in the USA) Often the repair costs Sound Devices might charge you, means there isn't much point in getting say your cheap MixPre3 fixed.
@29:00 if you set it to line level, then you've got nothing to worry about how hot the levels are coming in, plenty of headroom! (for your F8n at least. I don't have the F3, but it can do line level too) So I don't understand why you mention this as a negative?
Hell even with the H recorders. I axidentally broke the clip that locks the battery lid on my H6 and they sent me a new 1. Well 2 cause oops the first 1 was broken as well.
I was mistaken and pinned a comment at the top with the correction re: line level. Any idea what ZOOM does if an F8 breaks out of warranty? Anything possible in terms of repairs?
@@curtisjudd I guess my point is that if a person has an F8, its (secondhand value) is only $600 or so (and dropping further and further with every year in real terms). Does it really make sense to spend say $50 on shipping back and forth plus say another $300 that repairs might perhaps cost?
You're merely saving $250 vs just getting another one.
Is why I understand a company won't support repairs for an out of warranty $1K RRP product, but will for a $5K RRP product.
@@SoundSpeeding Understood. Still a waste of materials. I advocate for consumer electronics companies, especially those at the scale of companies like ZOOM, to get serious about the issue of reclaiming old and broken products.
In a pinch a few weeks ago, I used my RCP2 (which I normally use for streaming) as a field recorder and was impressed. It was hugely overkill (and needed its own tripod), but having all those controls was so nice.
Cool! Yes, nice having faders when mixing/recording.
For a new or student video/film recordist, I strongly recommend the Tascam DR-70D recorder. Used prices including shipping on ebay range from under $100 to $125-$150. Over $150 and you paid too much. Is this a pro recorder? No. Will it allow you to capture high quality recordings? Yes with some care. Will it allow you to learn your craft. Definitely yes. If you start getting paying work, you will out grow it. It will become your "B" (backup) rig you carry in case you drop your primary recorder into a pond or pool.
I like the DR70D over the Zoom H6 because of the form factor with all controls on a front side and connectors on the adjacent sides. Just like most pro recorders. I used 3 trade show lanyards to mount it on my chest. Two looped over my head attached to the two side rails and one double ended lanyard looped around my back to hold it close to my chest. Feels like a pro recorder bag sitting on my chest. A lot of bang for just a few bucks.
What are people's recommendations for low cost semi-pro wireless lav mic setups? Rode wireless go II kits with lav mics run about $350. Not cheap. Other options?
I agree. 👍
Yes, I agree the Tascam DR70D is easily the best four channel consumer recorder at that price point if buying new. And even cheaper if buying secondhand! Easily hands down preferable over the H4n/H5/H6.
But I strongly strongly STRONGLY recommend stretching to the Zoom F6, as it is shockingly cheap for what it is!
Imagine if you could buy say a Sony FX6 for the price of a Sony a6300??
That's basically what happened with the Zoom F Series! They're bringing us entry level pro features at bargain priced consumer level pricing for cheap.
For wireless, I'm afraid the Rodes are already insanely dirt cheap. But they're only consumer grade quality. Maaaaybe consider the diety pocket wireless? They're US$169 each. But at least you get a locking connector! Which is a MAJOR flaw about the Rode Go. And the Deitys are compatible with all their other wireless products, which the Rodes also can't do.
I'd highly recommend that you step up to at least prosumer grade wireless, even if just a student filmmaker. The Sony UWP-D21 are the best prosumer wireless you can buy new for sub US$1K. Easily a better buy than Sennheiser G4 wireless.
Otherwise look at the secondhand Lectrosonics from the 1990's / 2000's. They are indeed old! But even better than prosumer Sonys.
Really appreciate the effort you put into this. Am I wrong in thinking that the DR-70D is still the way to go if I need 4 full-size XLR inputs in a portable recorder? (Without going up in price by hundreds of dollars)
Edit: this is for long-form TH-cam video creation, mainly automotive content where the recorder will often travel in the car being filmed and the mics will be capturing engine, exhaust, and driver/passenger audio. We use brass/wind instrument mics for the vehicle’s intake and exhaust, so that’s why we need all the full size XLR inputs.
Yes, that’s my recommendation.
Yes, the Tascam DR70D is easily the best four channel consumer recorder at that price point if buying new.
But I strongly strongly STRONGLY recommend stretching to the Zoom F6, as it is shockingly cheap for what it is!
Imagine if you could buy say a Sony FX6 for the price of a Sony a6300??
That's basically what happened with the Zoom F Series! They're bringing us entry level pro features at bargain priced consumer level pricing for cheap.
please sir help me 🙏. i want to buy one of this the Zoom h1n and Tascam dr-05x. i want to use mini shortgun microphone like (Movo vxr10, Boya by mm1+, Rode videomicro). My question is the TASCAM DR-05X has audio "plugin power ON/OFF SETTINGS" but the ZOOM H1N don't have. how much power is provieded by TASCAM DR-05X when the "PLUGIN POWER is ON". By the way as mension in the manual of ZOOM H1N it can provide 2.5V so what what about the TASCAM? is it provide the same power or more? WHICE ONE WILL BE BETTER for external recording also cosider the self noise?
They’re about the same and both provide enough power for most mics which need plugins power.
@@curtisjudd Thank you sir. at 3:33 you said that the h1n will be good choice for lav mic. so can i buy the h1n over dr-05x? my main focus is lav or mini shortgun mic.
@@sanjidahmed I haven't used the DR-05x, only the original non-x version. I was happy with the H1n for using it as a pocket recorder with an external microphone.
I've just subscribed Curtis. It sounds like the sound device products maybe an option for me. I have a red komodo and maybe looking at a Gemini in the near future so this will predominantly be used for film application. I have protools for sound application and different sample design tools like NED synclavier and Emu Emulator III. Thanks.
I agree. We've got a bunch of reviews and tutorials for the Sound Devices if that would be helpful for you.
Great post! Big thank you! Think Im going to buy a H1n + lavier instead of a wireless go ii + lavier
👍 Happy recording!
The H8 is one of the coolest recorders I've ever seen.
certainly a looker.
Thank you for this video! You helped me a lot!😊
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Thanks for doing this again.
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You are always a cut above !!!
Thanks!
9:40 Tascam X8, did you do the firmware update? Apparently, it fixed a lot of the issues you mentioned.
Not the high frequency noise issues.
@@curtisjudd thanks for letting us know.
Hey Curtis, Love this video! I watch right up to the pro devices. Im not there yet. But I love the video! 1. I'm poor at audio. I do a lot of street style run and gun interviews on my other channel. But lately I can't stand my audio. I own the rode wireless go 1 & 2. it works best with Sennheiser E845, makes it wireless and that's nice for street interviews but the mic is in the video. Also, I'm getting into film now. I was so ready to order the Sound Devices MixPre 3 or the 10 but you talked about the poor battery life I'm a little hessitant now. F8n Pro will be a great choice but I don't like the future repair options after the initial warranty. what would be a great Lav mic options for a guy like me Assuming I got the F8n or Mixpre 3 or 10. Thanks
Maybe the Sennheiser EW DP or SONY UWP-D systems.
Very comprehensive, thanks. Watched it end to end and definitely bookmarking this for future reference (until the next update). This is very valuable for all imaginable categories. Even the pro category is very useful to give context to the prosumer and consumer categories and features.
I was curious if you'd mention the RODE Connect as a software option for very entry level podcast recording, but then again it doesn't really belong in this video about recorders (and opens another pandora's box).
Thanks Patrick. Yes, had to draw the line. 👍
Great info! One that you didn't cover in the podcast section is the Tascam Mixcast 4. In my experience it holds its own against the original Rodecaster. Great channel, I just discovered you recently! Subscribed 🍻
Thanks! Yes, that’s one I haven’t had a chance to try. 👍
I have the Tascam DR-60D MK1 essentially the same...I broke off the USB connector in the first few months....so what I did is tore the whole thing apart, drilled a whole in the battery compartment and soldered a USB wire to the positive and negative terminals...WORKS LIKE A CHARM now with a USB battery bank for the past 8 years that I have had it. the battery level always reads 2/3's on the screen.