Field Recording Using multi Channel Recorder?
 

Has anyone tried multi-channel field recording using anything like a Fostex DF150, KorgD1600 or Tascam2488?

I currently do two channel recording straight to a PDX10 and often wish I could pull more channels pre-fader from the mix board before the sound engineer processes the sound.

Much of my work is around musicals and the house mix of the playback track Vs: the wireless mics isn't the same as the mix I would like to have on the video. Getting the sound engineer to set up a vocals group against the sound track is dicey at best so I'm thinking that maybe I try to capture FOH on one track (as a reference and fall back) and the vocals and music tracks separately.

Any thoughts?

Find a better sound engineer.?

I know, you usually get who's there. Thought I'd try it.

Instead of mixing it in post what about getting a small board and taking those extra inputs that you want and mixing it at the event as a sub-mix. Then the house can do the mix that they like and you can mix it as you think it needs to be for video. The drawback is that you'll need a dedicated sound person for the event if you go that route.

The other option is to do exactly what you say. But I don't do it that way because of the time involved. If it's a live event I do everything possible to make sure that things happen then and there. If I have to go back and work the mix in post then that adds a lot of time to the overall project.

But if you have trouble getting it to happen live and you have the time to work with the tracks later then it's a good option to do what you're talking about and record it to a multi-channel field recorder.

Ben Lynn

I loved my Korg D12... except for the fact I needed an AC outlet. If it had a battery pack, I would still have it today.

<<<-- Originally posted by Keith Forman : I loved my Korg D12... except for the fact I needed an AC outlet. If it had a battery pack, I would still have it today. -->>>

Did you find something multi-channel with a battery pack that you liked?

It sounds like you only need that type of multi-channel recorder for musical production work so why worry about a battery pack? You can always get ac at the venue.

Ben Lynn

I was using the power at a concert, and it kept going out. And what happens to un-saved info on a hard drive when you lose power? It goes from 0's and 1's to just 0.

John- Still looking for a replacement. I like the Alesis Deva, but can't squeeze the $15,000 dollars they cost.

If you have a laptop, you can turn it into a multi channel recording with a firewire/USB sound interface. i.e. m-audio firewire 410. many products out there...

<<<-- Originally posted by Glenn Chan : If you have a laptop, you can turn it into a multi channel recording with a firewire/USB sound interface. i.e. m-audio firewire 410. many products out there... -->>>

I have been doing that straight into the mic jack on the laptop. I am reluctant to keep bringing my laptop (a high-end ThinkPad that is also my primary NLE editing station) out to venues where I can't keep my eye on it the whole time. At least if I lose/break a multi-track recorder I'm not out of business entirely.

jc

You can find ADAT machines on eBay for reasonable prices. 8-tracks - SVHS tape format, rackmount, self contained, and meant specifically for your purpose.

The ADAT data may then be transferred directly to a P.C. or Mac via a number of ADAT interfaces from vendors like MOTU (Mark of the Unicorn) and M Audio.