In this episode, I explain my opinions on each of the sound recorders and mixers I’ve used for filmmaking. This includes the following. Click the links to jump ahead:
00:36 Zoom H1, H1n, and Tascam DR-05 Handheld recorders
03:00 Zoom F1 lavalier and on-camera recorder
05:17 Tascam DR-10L and Lectrosonics PDR mini body pack lavalier recorders
06:43 Tascam DR-60DmkII, Zoom H4n Pro, Zoom H5, Zoom H6
11:53 Centrance Mixerface R4R
12:50 Roland R-88 (Discontinued but can find used)
13:48 Zoom F4/F8/F8n, Sound Devices MixPre, Tascam DR-701D
32:21 Sound Devices 600 Series and Zaxcom Maxx, Nomad, & Deva
Recorder/Mixer Reviews - If you want more detail:
Zoom H1n: Handheld recorder which is a good option for using it like a wireless lavalier recorder
Zoom F1: Small recorder made for recording lavalier microphones or as a camera-top shotgun mic
Tascam DR-10L: This is my favorite tiny recorder for using in place of a wireless lavalier microphone
Lectrosonics PDR: Pro level lavalier microphone recorder.
Tascam DR-60DmkII: My favorite budget recorder with XLR inputs for recording on location
Zoom H4n Pro: Ok option if your XLR microphone has a strong output signal. Not a good option for mics like the RODE NTG2
Zoom H6: Much better option than the H4n Pro. But the screen is hard to see in direct sunlight
Centrance Mixerface R4R: Incredibly durable handheld recorder with 2 XLR inputs, great preamps, but no screen
Zoom F4: 4 XLR microphone inputs. Very good preamps and timecode generator
Zoom F8n: Probably the most value for money. 8 XLR inputs with great preamplifiers and durable build
Sound Devices MixPre-6: 4 XLR inputs, very good preamplifiers, analogue limiters, and durable build
Sound Devices MixPre-10T: 8 XLR inputs, very good preamplifiers, analogue limiters, timecode generator, and durable build. This is my backup recorder/mixer for paid jobs.
Zoom F8, Sound Devices MixPre-6, and 633 Sound Sample Comparison: Hear the difference between the Zoom F, Sound Devices MixPre, and Sound Devices 633. You’ll need some good headphones or speakers.
Zoom F vs Sound Devices MixPre - Which should you buy?: A little perspective on which might be best for you.
Sound Devices MixPre Control Surfaces: If you’re at a table, desk, or cart, these control surfaces can make mixing a little easier.
Zoom F-Control Control Surface: If you’re at a table, desk or cart, these control surfaces can make mixing a little easier.
Sound Devices 633: Why pros use expensive recorders/mixers like the 633
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Fairlight and Audition, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F8 and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders.
Links to gear used in this video:
Tascam DR-05 (Amazon)
Tascam DR-60DmkII (Amazon)
Anker USB-C Battery Bank (Amazon)
Aputure COB 120DII LED Light (Amazon)
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Panasonic 12-35mm F/2.8 OIS Lens
Panasonic GH5 (Amazon)
Panasonic GH5S (Amazon)
Copyright 2019 by Curtis Judd
Music Copyright 2018 by Cary Judd. Used with permission.