Sound recording using the Flash XDR vs. dedicated sound recorder at DVinfo.net

Ofer Levy · April 18th, 2009, 10:31 PM

Hi all,
I own the Flash XDR as well as the TASCAM HD P2 portable sound recorder which records to CF cards.
Can I expect the Flash XDR to deliver the same quality as the dedicated sound recorder when used with a Sennhieser 416 shotgun Microphone ?

Thanks,

Ofer
Ofer Levy Photography

Ofer Levy · April 24th, 2009, 02:49 AM

Hi guys,

Is it such a silly question or simply no one knows the answer...)-: Maybe I should add that I use the Sony PMW EX3 as my main camera.
Any input is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Ofer

Chris Hiles · April 24th, 2009, 07:44 PM

Hi Ofer, The XDR recs 24 bit audio which is better than the EX3 which only records 16 bit, and yes it should be the same quality as your tascam (as long as that is 24 bit also). The quality of the mic preamps is the other big unknown, I would think they are at least as good as the ones in the EX3 though. The main problem with plugging a mic directly into the XDR is there is no real way to control the levels on the fly, it is more designed to be fed by a mixer or used in auto level mode. Not sure if that feature is enabled in the current firmware, someone will no doubt confirm or deny this shortly...

regards,

Chris.

Ofer Levy · April 24th, 2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Hiles

Hi Ofer, The XDR recs 24 bit audio which is better than the EX3 which only records 16 bit, and yes it should be the same quality as your tascam (as long as that is 24 bit also). The quality of the mic preamps is the other big unknown, I would think they are at least as good as the ones in the EX3 though. The main problem with plugging a mic directly into the XDR is there is no real way to control the levels on the fly, it is more designed to be fed by a mixer or used in auto level mode. Not sure if that feature is enabled in the current firmware, someone will no doubt confirm or deny this shortly...

regards,

Chris.

Hi Chris, thanks for your input! I hope there will be some more discussion on this.

Dan Keaton · April 27th, 2009, 08:55 AM

Dear Chris and Ofer,

The Flash XDR offers a way to control the audio levels on the fly.

During recording, the F1 key toggles an little up-down arrow Icon on the left side of the screen. When the up-down arrow is present, then the Up key increases the audio gain level, and the Down Key decreases it.

The F4 Key key toggles the up-down arrow icon on the right side.

The F1/Left Side is for Channel 1 audio, and the F4/Right Side is for Channel 2 audio.

It is easy to adjust one or both channels, by first setting the icons, then using the Up and Down keys.

This is harder to descibe than actually using it. The Up/Down Keys are programmed to allow small adjustments as well as large adjustments quickly.

Bill Ravens · May 4th, 2009, 10:41 AM

Hi Dan...

For grins, I tried recording to the analog audio inputs with no HD-SDI input. Flash XDR would not enter the RECORD mode because it said I was not connected. Was I doing something wrong, or does the analog audio input work only when there's an SDI input?

Dan Keaton · May 4th, 2009, 10:57 AM

Dear Bill,

Yes, we need an HD-SDI input for recording.

Tim Polster · May 6th, 2009, 09:23 AM

Hello Ofer,

I think this is an area you would need to do a side by side test of the same material, process the clips and play them back in a controlled environment.

As stated, the mic preamps are going to be the only difference between the units.

My guess is that you will need a lab coat to tell the difference!

BTW, the "TASCAM HD P2" just needs to add "EX" to its title and will have covered all of the new lingo for video devices.

April 18th, 2009, 10:31 PM	#1
Ofer Levy Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Sydney-Australia Posts: 441	Sound recording using the Flash XDR vs. dedicated sound recorder Hi all, I own the Flash XDR as well as the TASCAM HD P2 portable sound recorder which records to CF cards. Can I expect the Flash XDR to deliver the same quality as the dedicated sound recorder when used with a Sennhieser 416 shotgun Microphone ? Thanks, Ofer Ofer Levy Photography

April 24th, 2009, 02:49 AM	#2
Ofer Levy Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Sydney-Australia Posts: 441	Hi guys, Is it such a silly question or simply no one knows the answer...)-: Maybe I should add that I use the Sony PMW EX3 as my main camera. Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks, Ofer Last edited by Ofer Levy; April 24th, 2009 at 06:29 AM.

April 27th, 2009, 08:55 AM	#5
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 2,465	Dear Chris and Ofer, The Flash XDR offers a way to control the audio levels on the fly. During recording, the F1 key toggles an little up-down arrow Icon on the left side of the screen. When the up-down arrow is present, then the Up key increases the audio gain level, and the Down Key decreases it. The F4 Key key toggles the up-down arrow icon on the right side. The F1/Left Side is for Channel 1 audio, and the F4/Right Side is for Channel 2 audio. It is easy to adjust one or both channels, by first setting the icons, then using the Up and Down keys. This is harder to descibe than actually using it. The Up/Down Keys are programmed to allow small adjustments as well as large adjustments quickly. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

May 4th, 2009, 10:57 AM	#7
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 2,465	Dear Bill, Yes, we need an HD-SDI input for recording. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

May 6th, 2009, 09:23 AM	#8
Tim Polster Trustee Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 1,057	Hello Ofer, I think this is an area you would need to do a side by side test of the same material, process the clips and play them back in a controlled environment. As stated, the mic preamps are going to be the only difference between the units. My guess is that you will need a lab coat to tell the difference! BTW, the "TASCAM HD P2" just needs to add "EX" to its title and will have covered all of the new lingo for video devices. __________________ Tim Polster www.metroplexmultimedia.com

April 24th, 2009, 07:44 PM	#3
Chris Hiles Tourist Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Wellington New Zealand Posts: 1	Hi Ofer, The XDR recs 24 bit audio which is better than the EX3 which only records 16 bit, and yes it should be the same quality as your tascam (as long as that is 24 bit also). The quality of the mic preamps is the other big unknown, I would think they are at least as good as the ones in the EX3 though. The main problem with plugging a mic directly into the XDR is there is no real way to control the levels on the fly, it is more designed to be fed by a mixer or used in auto level mode. Not sure if that feature is enabled in the current firmware, someone will no doubt confirm or deny this shortly... regards, Chris.

May 4th, 2009, 10:41 AM	#6
Bill Ravens Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: santa fe, nm Posts: 3,268 Images: 10	Hi Dan... For grins, I tried recording to the analog audio inputs with no HD-SDI input. Flash XDR would not enter the RECORD mode because it said I was not connected. Was I doing something wrong, or does the analog audio input work only when there's an SDI input?

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