In this episode
we'll discuss the minefield
that is field recorders.
So don't kill me.
I can see the field recording guys
just baying at the side
waiting to tell me
about what I missed
and what I should be using.
Lads,
I love you,
but let me speak my humble opinion
about the recorders
that I'll go back to,
again and again.
First things first,
in my 25 years in the industry
I've learnt one very important lesson,
get the job done right,
do what you can
to get the job done right
and get the job done
within the constraints
of what's at hand.
I personally have a small amount
of equipment for my recording
and that covers a lot of bases.
Should I need any more,
I'll beg borrow or rent
what I need.
We've talked about this before,
that you have to look at each job
in the context of that job.
Are you recording many or few,
just backgrounds
or where are you recording them?
I'm a man that loves diversity
in the equipment that I invest in,
so that I can cover
multiple situations
that may arise.
So let's look at these recorders.
Where do I start?
Well we've got the main contenders;
Tascam sound devices
and Zoom.
I have to stick to my view
that I want a machine
that will cover many bases
when push comes to shove.
The only ones I would consider,
in that case,
would be the zoom recorders
and why? Well they are the ones
that have afforded me
many happy days recording.
They also have the ability
to be an audio interface
and then some models
will suit most recording situations
because they have
interchangeable microphones
and heads.
My favorite is the Zoom F series
and why?
Well the amount of input,
the cost, the build, the weight,
that it's an interface,
communicating directly
to my laptop.
There's a word clock in and out,
so everyone's in the same time zone.
Two SD cards for security
and recording options
and my favorite
and only because it's super cool,
it can also interface
with your iPad.
You can get the iPad app
and connect it to your F-series
via bluetooth
and from there you can control
all the major functions
of your recorder mixer.
Awesome!
It's really cool
and handy if you have
a simple setup
with a few sources to record and mix.
On a more serious job,
I'd always have the F control with me.
It's an essential hardware interface
for your F Series recorder
in a professional environment.
Really important for accessing
the essential controls
on your recorder
considering the small form
of the F8 or the F8N.
My next favorite
would have to be the H6
and the H5N
for one reason alone; diversity.
With the recorder
you get various inputs
which sound great
but the winning thing for me
is the interchangeable heads;
mono or stereo shotgun heads,
stereo heads, MS heads
and even an XLR capsule
giving you two more inputs.
All these options
give you a huge diversity
in the amount of recording situations
that you can cater for.
They even act as an audio interface
for both computers and iPads.
The capability is there
to edit and mix
your recordings on location.
Anything that can save time
and money, you got to love it.
Whilst most Field Recorders
are standalone machines
built to withstand Armageddon,
there is another option
you could consider.
In some situations
and it won't cost you a fortune,
take your laptop or your iPad
and connect it to an audio interface
that can be powered by USB,
such as Steinberg UR 22
Power it with a power bank
and record with Cubasis
on your iPad
or Cubase AI on your laptop
if you need to record to picture.
Incredibly high quality recording
right into your session,
ready for editing.
It's another great option.
Whilst I'm on my Zoom "Lovin"
I might as well mention the F1
which is a neat recorder
with one huge advantage.
It has the Zoom ten pin connector
for the interchangeable heads
and comes with either
a DSLR hot shoe mount
or shotgun mic
or lav option,
though much to my dismay
it does not have a socket for
mounting onto a tripod
or a mic stand.
Field recorders come in all shapes
and sizes.
The Zoom Recorders
give you a massive bang for your buck.
The F Series
the H5N and the H6 are a workhorse
of a ton of recording situations.
I'll always ask a lot of my equipment
and Zoom seems to answer
most of my questions.
It's not perfect for every situation
but they really punch above their weight.
Yes there are other options
but I've yet to be convinced
in a working situation.
Don't take my word for it.
Beg, borrow or rent the machines
that will suit your situation best
and have a good old play.
I'm Keith Alexander
and you've been watching AdoramaTV.
Don't forget to subscribe to AdoramaTV
for more great videos
and tell us what you think.
You can like, comment
or share this video
and please come
by the Adorama Learning Center
for more great information
and advice.