Do you use digital audio recorders?

[Bill Edmunds]

I know a lot of people using DSLRs are using digital audio recorders for weddings. Can you tell about what model(s) you use? Where do you place them? Is it possible for the groom to inadvertently turn his off, if you place it in his jacket pocket?

[Corey Graham]

I use an Olympus DS40 in the groom's pocket with a lavaliere mic, and an Olympus DM420 to record speaker output from the church's soundboard (to get the priest/reader/etc.). They work amazingly well, even though the DS40 experiences audio drift. When I set it to 99.96% of the original speed, it's dead on.

I used to use wireless mics, and these audio recorders are a godsend.

The Zoom audio recorders are excellent too.

[Chris Sgaraglino]

I use a Zoom H4n and I plug it into a sound system whenever there is one available. I rarely get bad audio for it. Most events I have shot has some kind of audio system. Then I use the onboard shotgun for ambient audio.

[Keith Betters]

I use a Zoom H4n to record the line out from the system on one channel but also to record my lapel microphone on another channel.

I'll also use the Zoom H1 to record the audio from my Rode Videomic Pro for ambient sound, then feed a line out of that into one of the cameras.

I also think I'm am going to buy a Rode Lapel Mic and feed it to another Zoom H1 and put that on the groom for backup.

I think its pretty hard for the groom to turn off the Zoom H1 because you have to slide and hold the power button to turn on/off. However the record button is right in the middle and is pretty large. I could see that accidently being pressed but its not likely!

[Travis Cossel]

We've been using DVR's for years now. Just upgraded to the Olympus DM520's. Great quality and no need to adjust the speed of the audio clips for sync anymore.

[Johannes Soetandi]

2 x Olympus DS30 with Olympus ME15 lav mic for the groom and officiant. 1 x Zoom H1 for recording off the audio board or from the speaker. Although I haven't find the right speed to sync the audios from both recorder. Have to re-sync every few minutes in post. Anyone got tips?

I've never got the groom turned it off accidentally. Just make sure you lock the recorder, and tape every setting you don't want switched accidentally. Worst thing could happen is plug get pulled off, but that unlikely to happen with groom standing still most of the ceremony.

[Taky Cheung]

I have been using an Olympus digital voice recorder for wedding vows for a few years. Recently upgraded to Olympus DM420. I connected using the RODE PinMic. It's awesome as there is no visual wires.

Now I also use an Zoom H2 voice recorder. I positioned it in front of the DJ speakers. The result is excellent too. Check out this clip. Started at 0:22, it's the sound recorded with H1 placed in front of the speaker (including the Enya song)

Wedding by Rev. Bob Schneider on Vimeo

[Alec Moreno]

Here are the main ways I use my recorders.

-Amid the feet of a string quartet

-On a light stand next to a singer

-Attached to an outdoor umbrella above a band during cocktails

-On a light stand next to a DJ or house speaker

-On a podium to capture readers

-Attached to my tripod and connected to a wireless lav receiver or two

-On the sweetheart table to capture couple's reactions during toasts
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Here are some ways I'm prepared to use them, but prefer not to.

-In a person's pocket attached directly to a lav mic

-As a handheld mic

-Mounted on a camera's hot shoe and connected directly to the camera

-Connected to a sound board for a direct feed
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I use Zoom recorders. The H4n and H1 are great and both have a "button lock" which makes it almost impossible to turn off accidentally if placed in a groom's pocket.

Alec Moreno
Wedding Art Films - Southern California - Los Angeles - Orange County - Video

[Warren Kawamoto]

Originally Posted by Johannes Soetandi

Worst thing could happen is plug get pulled off, but that unlikely to happen with groom standing still most of the ceremony.

I actually had a plug pulled once, and I also lost the windscreen for my mic. Why? Because everyone was giving the groom hugs.

[John Knight]

I always struggle with the Zoom H4N getting the right balance from the soundboard... am I supposed to use an AUTO settings somewhere? Or manually monitor and tweak...

[Bill Edmunds]

Do none of these units have the screw-in minijacks like Sony wireless lavs have?

I understand that it may be hard for the groom to accidentally turn the unit off, but what about accidentally depressing the STOP button?

[Corey Graham]

Originally Posted by Bill Edmunds

Do none of these units have the screw-in minijacks like Sony wireless lavs have?

I understand that it may be hard for the groom to accidentally turn the unit off, but what about accidentally depressing the STOP button?

No, you won't find any of the screw-in jacks on these recorders.

Almost all of the recorders come with a "hold" switch, which deactivates all the other buttons on the recorder. I usually tape the hold switch and the mic, just to be absolutely sure nothing happens.

[Steve Montoto]

Originally Posted by John Knight

I always struggle with the Zoom H4N getting the right balance from the soundboard... am I supposed to use an AUTO settings somewhere? Or manually monitor and tweak...

I would like to know this also, because I have been manually monitoring my audio. Its a pain, and I don't want to test auto settings on a paid gig. I am really curious at how the auto record settings work on the different recorders, during a reception.

[Taky Cheung]

I have a video to show how the groom ruined the sound =)

Lav Mic Failed in Action on Vimeo

[Taky Cheung]

Originally Posted by Bill Edmunds

I understand that it may be hard for the groom to accidentally turn the unit off, but what about accidentally depressing the STOP button?

You will need to buy a voice recorder with the "HOLD" lock switch.