$2K allowance, looking to buy

[Brian Maurer]

I've got about $2000 to spend on a new mixer/recorder, and I'm eager to buy. I've been looking at the Sound Devices 702 (non-timecode version). But I am a little nervous about it's 2-channels, rather than 4-channels. I don't have too much more I can throw into this, but I could certainly push a bit more if there's an option that stands out tremendously to the audio community here. I'm not too concerned about having on-board memory (SD 722 has a hard drive). I'm fine with CF cards, as I have a few that I could easily use. Anyway, you guys always have tremendously good advice, and I thought I'd ask you. Any thoughts on a mixer that has 4 channels, that would be a better buy than the SD 702, with 4 channels, for around $2K?

[Jeffery Magat]

Edirol R4?

[Battle Vaughan]

Here's another possibility: Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder DR-680 B&H

It has the requisite number of inputs. The Fostex FR2 (also available from Oade Brothers, with their special mods) is in your price range but only has 2 xlr inputs...http://www.fostexinternational.com/d...cts/FR-2.shtml B&H lists it as discontinued, but I see it on the Oade Bros. site still:
http://oade.com/digital_recorders/ha...2_upgrade.html

[Garrett Low]

I've got the Tascam DR-680 and have to say it is probably one of the best recorders for under $1000. If you further get the Busman mod for $300 for all 6 channels you end up with an incredible recorder. There are some quirks you have to live with and it will never compete with the SD for sound quality but it is one heck of a piece of gear for the money. I've done corporate interviews, used it on movie sets, and pulled audio form sound desks during live performances and it hasn't performed well in all occasions.

I'm considering picking up an SD MixPre-D to bet better mic pre's and to have improved limiters.

-Garrett

[Rob MacFarlane]

I purchased the Sound Devices 702, and there is a feature that will enable ganging recorders when you need more than 2 channels - the cable to do this was included with the recorder. My thinking was to get a really good 2 channel recorder, and when I need more than two channels then go rent additional SD recorders.

It's a brilliant recorder, super quiet, and easy to work with - I highly recommend it.

[Battle Vaughan]

You might find this interesting, Chad Johnson's shootout with SD and Tascam:

Preamp Shootout: Tascam DR-680 vs. Sound Devices MixPre on Vimeo

[Brian Maurer]

This may be the point you're trying to make, but I couldn't really tell the difference between the two different setups. Also, the video seemed to imply that they were paired, rather than pit against each other one vs one. I've worked with a SD before, and loved the result. I like the idea of getting the two-channel and be able to port to another two channels if need be. I'm just wondering, if I have about $2K to spend, are there options on the top end of that scale, rather than lower? I'd rather spend the extra cash and get performance (again, don't need TC).

[Rob MacFarlane]

You could look at Nagra and Zaxcom, both will be more expensive and offer more channels than the SD 702, both will be excellent. And Sound Devices produces equipment that will compete with them at that level.

It does seem that Zaxcom and Nagra did not bring out a less expensive unit with 2 channels only, leaving the 702 as one of the least expensive high quality field recorders for two channels.

At least that was my take on it when looking at and purchasing my field recorder four months ago.