Audio Recorder and Microphone Questions!
 

I need to find a good recorder that will compliment our 2 Canon XL H1's....What do you guys like to use, or are using? Timecode is a must, as is versatility. Can anyone out there give me some pointers?
Also, I'd like to find a good mic to use as a boom mic...What have you guys found that works well?
Thanks in advance, Marty

Since you require timecode, here are your options:

Edirol R4 Pro
Tascam HD-P2
Sound Devices 702T
Sound Devices 744T
Sound Devices 788T
Zaxcom Fusion
Zaxcom Deva 5.8
Aaton Cantar X

hmmm, who did I miss?

Of these the Tascam, 702T, and Edirol units are the least expensive. Timecode adds a lot of money into the equation.

Wayne

I have found the Tascam HD-P2 to be a workable recorder with the big advantages being that it syncs to the XL-H1 video output and accepts time code which, with the newer firmware (HD-P2 firmware, not Xl-H1 firmware), starts recording automatically when it (the timecode) advances and stops recording when the camera is put back into pause mode.

The output is BWF files which are timecode stamped. There is no timecode track within the files themselves. NLEs must figure the timecode from the stamp and the sample number and it may be a problem getting timecode to appear within the NLE but this is true of a BWF file from any machine.

Is 2 channels enough for your application?

Yes, right now 2 channels are fine. We have a mixer if we need to add another mic or two. :0)

Note that the Tascam is an external timecode reader only. If you need the recorder to generate and output timecode, to jam into a smart slate for example, you'll need to look at one of the Sound Devices or higher units.

As for a good mic for booming, there's no single best choice. Indoors in a normal reflective room a hypercardioid would be the mic of choice. Outdoors or on a sound stage a shotgun might be more applicable. To be equipped for any eventuality you'll need at least one of each. What's your budget?

Thanks for the responses, guys...Keep them coming! We're trying to keep prices in the reasonable range, but we won't rule out anything as long as it's a good unit.