If you were to get a Sound Devices 744 and not get a sound mixer, can anyone put into perspective how detrimental this would be to sound quality by not using a mixer.
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11-01-2011, 10:34 AM
If you were to get a Sound Devices 744 and not get a sound mixer, can anyone put into perspective how detrimental this would be to sound quality by not using a mixer.
11-01-2011, 12:16 PM
It sure is easier to mix on the fly with a dedicated mixer in the chain than to try and ride gain on the 7 series recorders.
11-02-2011, 10:18 AM
Also, "mixing" with gain is a destructive mix. You can't cut out a talent's lav as they walk off frame or the camera pans away from them for example, or during a hug, where the lavs get buried, without cutting the gain to the recording track. Not everyone needs to deliver a true mix, so operating without a mixer is fine too. It is sort of one of those situations, if you know why you need a mix, you'll know why you need a mixer. 744t only has two gain pots.
Lavs are mostly used as a backup for the boom mic by many. There are many situations where you would want to record the lav or lightly mix it in, but not predominately hear it on the mix track, in order to avoid phase issues.
11-03-2011, 08:06 AM
How common of a problem is gain when using a boom mic in your experience? Can you get away without a mixer or would it be very difficult?Originally Posted by Tom Visser
11-03-2011, 11:01 AM
As far as technical quality, S/N ratio, distortion etc... Not using a mixer will actually be cleaner. Less electronics in the signal path.
It really depends on how many mics you are planning to use at once, The 744 has 4 inputs, 4 preamps and records 4 tracks but only has two gain controls on the front panel. These 2 knobs are small.
Last edited by Craig Weeding; 11-03-2011 at 11:09 AM.
11-11-2011, 03:00 PM
2 mic preamps
11-12-2011, 04:36 AM
I agree with most of the above. Note that the main issue with the 744t is that you can't run 4 inputs into it and wind up with a mix on 1 track. It's really designed for use with an external mixer, like a 522 or the older 442. With those, you can create a mono mix on one channel, then record 3 additional channels for isos, which is extremely flexible for editing.
The 744 still works fine in situations where you have the ability to mix the tracks later on, or you only need to record (say) split tracks for an interview. I would consider the 744 to be more of a recorder than a mixer, in that repect -- but still a great recorder.
11-28-2011, 12:45 PM
Should be fine - you really don't want to ride gain on takes with a boom mic or you'll get 'breathing'.
I'm planning on doing what you are asking since we run with just a boom mic 99% of the time.
So long as you can set a level during rehearsal, can't see a problem.
IF you plan on working with more mics, ENG style work, mixing to camera etc as well as booming single camera drama, look at the Sound Device 522.
It's £1K cheaper, and has 4 inputs and a 2 track recorder built-in.
11-28-2011, 12:55 PM
http://www.sonosax.ch/recorders/sxr4/sxr4_index.html
Sorry I did it again... I just love the SX-R4.
Pat
11-28-2011, 04:13 PM
Well, that is true for an analog path. If you have a digital mixer to a digital recorder, there is no loss. Ditto for a digital mic to digital mixer, to digital recorder.
Back to the OP's question, it sounds like you are trying to lower your costs on a particular project rather than just a general question. Can you give some more details as to what you are trying to do?
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