Basic DAT recorder
 

What’s a basic DAT recorder that I can use with an XLR input (two would be nice), but one that won’t break the bank? I’m having difficulty finding one that is what I’m looking for. I want to use it for ONLY video. I have the FX1 camera, but that only has the 1/8 mic input and I would like to record my audio separately. I guess if it’s too expensive, then I’ll just use the on camera mic input and an XLR adapter, but if I could afford it, I’d like to get a DAT recorder.

I wouldn't invest in a DAT machine. They aren't even making new ones with XLR inputs now that I know of.
A recorder that uses either solid-state memory cards or mini hard-drives is the way to go now. These files can then be pulled directly into your computer for editing.
The Marantz PMD-670 is a good example. There are others as well that go up in price.

that does look like exactly what I need. I was hoping to find something for like 300 bucks though.. Well.. looks like I might start walking around my house to find stuff to sell on Ebay!! haha

The 670's really nice, it's what I use now.

But, if price is a concern, go to eBay and get a studio DAT machine.

I used a Panasonic for 3700 for quite a while - It's biger and heavier than a Porta-a-DAT or Tascam or what have you, but I'd just stick on the table at video village with the mixer and the monitor's and it didn't matter. And best of all, it was only $200.

that sounds great to me. I was really trying to use an idependent source of audio, rather than using the onboard mic on my camcorder.

I'll check out the panny 3700 on ebay.

<<<-- Originally posted by Jay Massengill : I wouldn't invest in a DAT machine. They aren't even making new ones with XLR inputs now that I know of.
A recorder that uses either solid-state memory cards or mini hard-drives is the way to go now. These files can then be pulled directly into your computer for editing.
The Marantz PMD-670 is a good example. There are others as well that go up in price. -->>>

Jay's right. Why not go right into your camera?

Regards,

Ty Ford

My camera is on backorder so I haven't had time to test out the audio quality. However, the FX1 has no XLR inputs so I would have to buy the Beachtek adapter. That's find, but the adapter costs 165 bucks.

If I can get a used DAT recorder for less than that, I could have the sound guy not have to be stuck up next to the camera man. Know what I mean?

Joshua,

I just picked up a used 3700 for 86 bucks! Anything else you can recommend for me at this point?

<<<-- Originally posted by Culbert Rench : My camera is on backorder so I haven't had time to test out the audio quality. However, the FX1 has no XLR inputs so I would have to buy the Beachtek adapter. That's find, but the adapter costs 165 bucks.

If I can get a used DAT recorder for less than that, I could have the sound guy not have to be stuck up next to the camera man. Know what I mean? -->>>

You have a digital input on your editing system to transfer the DAT audio? Even if you do DAT is prety much a dead format.

Not that I expect you to stop you.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Honestly, I don't know what I have or what I don't. This whole thing is WAY new to me. I'm gonna fiddle with it, and get whatever I need to do. If I can't use the DAT machine, then I'll just sell it on ebay again.

and Ty, there's no problem with you trying to stop me either! If I'm doing something that's totally illogical, please tell me! (I think you just did though, hehe).

This new project I'm working on will surely be an excellent learning experience for me as well as my cast and crew. We are basically doing this project for the experience anyway.

Two very knowledgeable pros gave you sound advice (pardon the play on words)

So far as adapters go the Beach DXA4 is basic, it impedance matchs, gives you rudimentary mixing ability and attenuates.

It does not have phantom power, preamplification or limiters, all of which will be invaluable.

Without phantom you're stuck with a battery operated mic and that cuts your choices down considerably. The better mics all require 48 volt phantom.

Many of the mics have low output levels and require a decent preamp to get the most out of them.

Do some searching and reading on this and other sites. A weeks worth of due dilligence may save you both heartache and money.

Honestly, I don't know what I have or what I don't. This whole thing is WAY new to me. I'm gonna fiddle with it, and get whatever I need to do. If I can't use the DAT machine, then I'll just sell it on ebay again.

The 3700 should have a digital out on the back. For the life of me I can't remember what exactly it was, TOSlink I think. If your PC doesn't have an optical in, go to the computer store and get one of the higher end Sound Blaster Audigy boards. You can probably find an Audigy I used for not much more than the 3700 cost. Those have digital input. You will need software to record the sound coming in - Vegas may do it though.

Audigy and all Sound Blasters are a gamers board, look to M-Audio or similar boards.

The original link crapped out on the B&H server for some reason. i modified the link directly to the Audiophile 2496. For other cards click on "Audio Cards" on the address bar on the top of the page..

I agree - I was more thinking about the amount of money he wanted to spend.

<<<-- Originally posted by Joshua Starnes : I agree - I was more thinking about the amount of money he wanted to spend. -->>>

The link that i included will bring whom ever to the full lineup of audio interfaces at B&H. The M-Audio 2496 has digital input and is an entry but quality audio card. At less than $100 it's a deal, if that's too much than I would respectfully suggest that dv audio isn't the place to be.

Doesn't look like that page is listed anymore Bryan. I tried a search for the 2496 and that came up with no results either. could you give me more of a description of it?

Thanks.

This is the M-Audio site

Another try at B&H It's $98.95 at B&H

Joshua,

What kind of digital output does the 3700 have? Is it a coaxial?

It's defintely got a digital coaxial out. I believe it also has an optical out as well, but I can't remember for sure.

OK cool. I have an extra coaxial cable from when I had my coaxial audio out for my DVD player. $$ saved already!

I'm anxious to get it and try it out! So basically, I just record onto this the Digital Tape then output it to my sound card on my computer right?

What format does it export as?

I will be getting Digidesign's Pro Tools LE for my audio program so I'm sure I'll be able to input it using that.

It doesn't export as any particular format. That will be entirely decided by whatever program you use to inport the sound with. It's like inportting DV to your NLE. You can inport it into whatever file format you want, which your computer will support. The information on the tape is digital, but unlike a solid state recorder or harddrive recorder, there are no files - just the information.

<<<-- Originally posted by Culbert Rench : My camera is on backorder so I haven't had time to test out the audio quality. However, the FX1 has no XLR inputs so I would have to buy the Beachtek adapter. That's find, but the adapter costs 165 bucks.

If I can get a used DAT recorder for less than that, I could have the sound guy not have to be stuck up next to the camera man. Know what I mean? -->>>

No. Why would the sound guy be next to the cameraman?

Regards,

Ty Ford

<<<-- Originally posted by Joshua Starnes : It's defintely got a digital coaxial out. I believe it also has an optical out as well, but I can't remember for sure. -->>>

If it's like my 3900, it has coax and AES/EU, but no optical. Therea are various coax to optical SPDIF converters if you need optical.

REGARDS,

Ty Ford

If I can get a used DAT recorder for less than that, I could have the sound guy not have to be stuck up next to the camera man. Know what I mean?

No. Why would the sound guy be next to the cameraman?


I can tell you from my personal experience on some micro-budget DV productions, there was one recently where - and I'll be the first to admit that our audio department was really as jury-rigged as anything else in the movie, that was our motto - we had our mixer and this tiny little chord to go from the mixer to the camera (and for a couple of different reasons not being able to get a longer chord and not wanting to basically daisy chain a lot of little chords together) so wherever the camera went, so did I. No one really liked it, but that was what we got stuck with.

So, I can see how, working in the microbudget arena that Culbert seems to be in, he could really easily find himself in that situation, cause I've been there.

Thanks Joshua. That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid. I wanted to get a decent product out of what I'm spending and a DAT recorder (now after reading) seems to be exactly what I'm needing at this point.

This will give the sound guy his own territory. I'm going to buy him a 100' foot XLR cable too!

As as a side note, the DAT 3700 I got from ebay... well the guy through in 10 124 minute tapes, and a sony DAT cleaner tape! I gave the guy great feedback. All that for 66 bucks and 20 shipping. Not too shabby!!

I'm looking at picking up that M-audio sound card now. If that's how I will end up bringing in the audio then that's not too bad of a price at $99.


HA, the only thing is that 3700 is a big ole' sucker!! I'm gonna have to get a cart or something to carry all of my gear now. That's ok though, having something that technical looking may impress my inexperienced cast and crew :)

Could this item act as a tool to capture the audio from the Panny 3700?

http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?body=/products/mbox/