At 4:33 PM +0000 9/3/07, RAF wrote:
>I'm no expert and I'm still learning having joined about a year ago.
>Here's my progression on recorders: SonyDAT, Tascam HD-P2, Sound
>Devices MixPre for the HD-P2, Sound Devices 722. Consider exercising a
>bit more patience and aim for the SD 722.
>
>What I spent on the HD-P2 + MixPre got me close to the 722. What never
>registered and really is important to me is form factor. Don't get me
>wrong the HD-P2 + SD MixPre is a very flexible setup that yields great
>recordings (to my ear). Put these comparable elements into a much
>smaller package and the SD722 may be ofr you. I'm still comparison
>recording the 722 since I cut my ears on the Tascam+MixPre results but
>mostly because there are many options in the SD 722 with which to
>experiment. One thing I can say, and which I first tested for, is that
>the high-pass filters have really proven their worth.
>
>What ever you go with, I'd say it boiils down to being not so much a
>matter of budget as a question of savings.
>
I thoroughly agree with you about carefully considering priorities
within one's budget. For example, one may not be able to take
advantage of a $2300 Sound Devices recorder unless one has some very
well-suited (expensive) mics. One can judge some of the differences
between the HD-P2 and a 744T recorders here:
http://www.uwm.edu/~type/audio-art-tech-gallery/pages/1K-744-HD-HB-Mic24-NH-AresM_AIFF.mov-present.html
The performance difference between a SD 722 and FR-2LE comparison
test I heard was very consistent.
Based on this test, I would think one would not need to route the
mics through SD Mix Pre when using an HD-P2 opposed to connecting
them directly to the HD-P2's mic pre.
The most noticeable difference between the 744T and the HD-P2 that we
could detect in the above test was extended very low-end frequency
response with the 744T. If one is using a high pass filter in the
field or in post, this difference would be eliminated or minimized.
Using a high pass filter can make field monitoring more pleasant when
there are very loud human-made sounds by reducing the rumbles and
drones under 200Hz. The same benefits can be realized with
equalization in "post" if one's field recorder does not provide high
pass filtering. It can be argued that it is preferable to record
all of the frequency spectrum in the field for posterity and for more
flexibility in post. We know that the animals are communicating
within the whole spectrum of frequencies.
The performance differences between a SD 722 and a FR-2LE comparison
test that I heard was very consistent with the differences between
the HD-P2 and 744T. With a FR-2LE, it reasonable to think that a
first-time investor can safely set aside the recorder question and
focus on the more important factors of the mics and mounting/array
options. Rob D.
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