VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[GunslingerWriting]

Hello all,

We're wondering about this specific situation: If, on a future, remote-location VO/film shoot (where we can't just step out to acquire replacement gear), our VO talent finds that its computers/DAWs have gone missing during transport--but we still have access in the field to an array of handheld, Tascam-type recorders of excellent quality and some fine condenser/studio mics--how would you assess the likely quality of the raw VO narration/promos that would be recorded on those handheld devices compared to the standard, computer-based gear setup?

What do you feel are the main advantages and limitations of such handheld devices for top VO results and do you feel it's possible to have them compete evenly with the above, typical studio gear in a pinch?

Thanks!

Greg

[vkuehn]

The terminology in your Topic Title includes the words: "Tascam-type of handheld recorder". That description can cover a multitude of sins and vices! But it may include some real winners also.

The first thing I would do to whittle down the list would be to check the input circuits of the devices. Some of them are designed to use only their built-in mics that come as part of the deal. If they have an interface that allows you to plug in the 'mic of your choice' you may have some acceptable results from your efforts.

The use of Phantom Powered Mics will be a problem with some of the devices in the class you are looking at. Yes, there are stand-alone phantom power devices available, but now you are beginning to muddy-the-waters of the simplicity I assume you want to achieve.

I am currently experimenting with using an Android PAD device for recording. Rather than plug in a studio mic, I am plugging in the USB output of my analog-to-digital device I normally use with my PC. Things were going well until I tested the ability to play back my recording through the studio monitor speakers connected to the A/D device. Big time noise problems that gives the kind of buzz you get when you mix balanced with unbalanced circuits.

You are likely to face some similar surprises and headaches as you assemble a collection of 'Tascam type devices' with studio gear.

Keep in mind the Vanity Plate on the front of a car being driven down the street one day by this Cute-Young-Thing of the female variety: "You gotta kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince."

[todd ellis]

i have a tascam DR100 that i use on video shoots. everything from gathering nat. sound to a-roll interviews. i have never used it to record a straight-up vo job --- mostly because i have never HAD to --- but i would imagine that it would perform just dandy. it has 48v phantom power - so no problem there. so --- yeah --- why not. editing would be an issue, though.

oh - here's a note --- on the MKI version you cannot use a powered mic in the left channel and a non-powered mice in the right --- BUT with the MKII version you can. i found that out accidentally.
_________________
"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

[GunslingerWriting]

Thank you; this is helpful information.

[Bob Stevens]

Hi Gunny,

+1 Todd and the DR100 MK-II Stay away from the original non-MK-II version it had pre noise issues as well.

I use a DR40 with a 416T for some interviews, foley, nature sounds, video , etc.. some quick and dirty VO but no editing capabilities. Works great. Have been considering a AT875R with the DR40 as a more portable kit. I hate dragging my 416 out of my room...

Bob
_________________
"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

[GunslingerWriting]

Am I correct, then, that with the handhelds, VO editing is never an option?

[bobsouer]

You would have to transfer the file to a PC (or maybe a tablet) with some audio editing software installed. Editing on the portable until itself would be beyond difficult even if it were possible.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[GunslingerWriting]

Well, Bob--when something is described as being difficult on top of impossible...time to move on.

Although, it seems that, in a true emergency as noted above, we could at least get a fine VO product onto the handheld out in the field while the talent's there and worry about the editing later on.

Would you agree that, in the above situation where the computer gear gets lost en route to the boonies, the handhelds (used properly and with the right talent) could deliver a high-quality VO product which, once we returned to civilization (or robbed a stagecoach ond scored a computer pre-loaded with software), could be transferred to the proper equipment for final edits, etc.?

Thanks again, folks, for sharing your opinions and experience with these recorders.

[bobsouer]

Yes.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[GunslingerWriting]

Matter settled. Thanks again.