SD702 vs. 744
 

Wondering about the advantages of having 2 extra channels on the recorder. I use a 442 mixer, so after mixing those 4 channels down to 2, is there ever a need to have 2 more?

Chris,

It really depends how many mics you might be using, and how much in the field mixing of channels you want to do.

The 744 also has timecode while the straight 702 doesn't (the "T" version does).

with 744 you can mix 6 chanels to 4 track
if you need it or not its quit depends on the tipe of work you do , if you making reality shit and have not expected situations you cant predict who will talk now , running iso channels would be grate .
if you working in controleble situations and you know how to mix 2 is more then enouth .
also if you hooked to camera with good analog stage and can mix directly you will be able record 2 iso channel on 702 t
so it quit depends on your job .

Several scenarios.

1: 4 subjects with lavs. Each mic goes to an input on the 442. At the 442 each direct out goes to a channel on the 744 for iso backup tracks. Stereo mix on the 442 goes to camera audio tracks for a 'field mix.' Backup tracks on the 744 so post can remix if necessary.

2: Mic/Side stereo recording. Stereo mix on tracks 1 & 2. Original signals on tracks 3 & 4.

3: Concert shoot w/ bands recorded stereo on tracks 1 & 2. Crowd mics for ambience recorded on tracks 3 & 4, to be mixed into main tracks in post.

4: Surround sound shoot ... 4 tracks LF, RF, LR, RR ... centre and sub channels mixed in post.

I have a 302 mixer, I was wondering if this could this be a scenario?

Use the 302 Line Outputs into Line 3-4 of the 744t. Use the 1-2 Inputs of the 744t as normal mic inputs. Giving you 5 channels of audio mixed down to 4.

You could do a similar thing with the 442 mixer and get 6 channels of audio mixed down to 4.

Would this work?

Absolutely. Just make sure the signals you are mixing are one's that you are sure you don't want to have singled out (or post doesn't want singled out). Depending on the scenario, you probably want to combine those channels that will have less audio on them (lines/voice).

Wayne