Just a brief one on surround. I have used a pair of M/S mics firing in oppo=
site
directions to produce a reasonably compact mic setup. Of course there are a
whole bunch of phase issues that need to be sorted in post using this kind =
of
rig. But the results where very pleasing to the ear. I did a test running t=
hem
live in a film dubbing theatre to get the spacings as good as possible and =
had
someone walk around/jump up and down and make noises as they walked around =
the
soundfield. A good 4.1 image was achieved. And I did take this rig into the
field. I ran two timecode locked portadats - the results were great but Wal=
ter
is right it is a laborious process all in all.
The other option is the soundfield system which is an array of capsules tha=
t
can record 7.1 channels the mic itself is relatively small and is easy to
deploy effectively with speed but it requires a processing unit which is
difficult to power in the field (this rig can of course be used for stereo
recordings with very pleasing results) and needs 4 tracks on a recorder to
record 7.1.
The next issue is the recorder - I was not very happy lugging two timecode
portadats around I can tell you! Computers even laptops are only good for
static situations and are therefore not appropriate as a main rig. In the p=
ro
end of the market there are several multitrack location recorders due for
release early in 2003. The cost of them is prohibitive for all who are not
going to use them for professional apps. as well (=A37000+) but it may be
interesting for you to check out the technology
(HHB-Portadrive/Fostex-PD-6/Aaton-X?).
As for commercial outlets for justifying the expense there is indeed a smal=
l
market in the film post world (sample CD.s) but it is a very small pond to =
be
jumping into!
As an aside check out these PC's (I am a mac officianado...but?) in between
laptop and PDA's in size with a touchscreen input and running a full versio=
n of
windows. Combine it with apogee's mini me and you might have the first
practical computer based recorder.
Anyhow it's all speculation...but the future is going to be fun!
Best to all,
Tom=20
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