What are you using to record audio?

[Nicholas Tran]

I'm looking to find a audio system to use with 7D. Not sure which way to go. Any suggestions?

Looking for something under the $1000 range.

[Bill Pryor]

I'm using the Zoom H4N. Good quality, solidly built and only about $300. The XLR inputs are the convertible kind that also take 1/4", and if you use 1/4" it automatically goes from mic to line mode. Very clean preamps, and you can record 4 channels at once--for instance, two different mics in via XLR and use the recorder's own mics for ambient sound. I use different shotgun and cardioid mics for dialog and a Sennheiser wireless lav on occasion.

[Nicholas Tran]

Thanks Bill,

I took a look at that briefly. Sounds like great value!

[Tony Davies-Patrick]

For sound recording (mainly with the 5D) I also use the Zoom H4 plus two SONY WRT & WRR UHF Pro Radio/wireless systems consisting of two WRR receivers and two WRT transmitters plus a various selection of Sony lapel mics and Sony DC78 Powering modul.

A good basic guide to buying sound equpiment can be found here (scroll down page to Personal Microphones, Radio Mics, Gun mics etc):

http://www.urbanfox.tv/articles/came...cessories.html

[Alan Halfhill]

Sennheiser Wireless. $500
JuicedLink 211 Mixer $130 eBay
JuicedLink JL-DN101 AGC defeat adapter. $180

[Sylus Harrington]

Those of you using H4n - do you connect this to the 7D? Or are you using it as a secondary audio source and syncing?

[Bryan McCullough]

I use a Sony PCM-D50. I probably would have selected the Zoom just for the XLR inputs (I use a Beachtek with my PCM-D50) but I already had the PCM-D50 and it records some pretty sweet audio so I've been using it.

Sync in post.

[Brian Luce]

Tascam DR100

Same price as Zoom, separate level controls, way better battery system, peak warning light, coherent manual!!!!

[Jeremy Pevar]

I am using a Fostex FR2-LE. Its definitely pricier than the Zoom, but seems more solidly constructed. Also, the pre-amps are great.

[Bruce S. Yarock]

I just got a Zoom h4n and the sound is excellent. The manual is terrible, but what I'm most dissapointed about is the lack of level control for each channel seperately ( unless I'm missing something).
Bruce Yarock

[Tony Davies-Patrick]

I actually use the H4 rather than the H4n (both are fairly similar although the 'n' version offers a few more improved options). For those of you new to the Zoom H4 controls here is a good review & description on this recorder:

Review: Zoom H4 Handy Recorder - O'Reilly Media

And another full H4 review:

Zoom H4 Handy Recorder [REVIEWED by me] - Audio - Forums - www.atomicmpc.com.au

Sylus, I use the Zoom as a seperate source and sync in post. This also allows you to continue to use the camera's own internal mic as a guide during the later editing stages, or even to connect another external mic direct to the camera while still using the Zoom's own twin mics plus extra mics connected via the XLR ports. Plenty of options.

[Bruce S. Yarock]

Tony,
Am I missing something or does the H4n not allow independent level control over the two xlr inputs?
Bruce Yarock

[Bruce S. Yarock]

I found the answer to my question. Apparently you can't do it.

Bruce Yarock

[Tony Davies-Patrick]

Here is quick look at the H4 for those of you who are still undecided between this and the latest H4n (waiting for the guy in the video to toggle through to his favourite affects track is a bit annoying, but at least this short clip shows you the basic working modes of the recorder):

YouTube - zoom h4 recorder review

And another for all you southern bells:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH2ct-GJvK8&NR=1

[Brian Luce]

Originally Posted by Bruce S. Yarock

Tony,
Am I missing something or does the H4n not allow independent level control over the two xlr inputs?
Bruce Yarock

AFAIK you can't. That's why I exchanged my Zoom for the Tascam.

One thing also that bugged me about the Zoom was the musician feature like metronome.