GEAR MINI TESTS
A 32-bit float recorder, lightweight handheld gimbal, speedy Samsung SSD, Lexar memory card, Joby lav mic and more on trial this month
WORDS ADAM DUCKWORTH
TASCAM PORTACAPTURE X8 £489/$499 tascam.eu
a pin dropping to a Formula One car roaring past – with no distortion or clipping. Then, bring the levels up or down in post and get incredibly clear, distortion-free sound. In fact, some 32-bit float recorders don’t even let you adjust the gain, as there’s no real point. If you think that sounds too good to be true, you’re partially right. The reality is that recorders can handle the massive range of audio levels, but most microphones can’t. However, for the vast majority of recordings at what would be classed as ‘normal’ levels – anything from whisper-quiet to a rock gig – most decent, modern mics are good enough, especially on a recorder where you can set a basic level. Exactly like on the new Tascam Portacapture X8. Those who’ve never used a 32-bit float recorder will be in for a shock. If
If you’re like the majority of independent filmmakers, you probably own an external audio recorder that’s been a useful sidekick for many years. These handy devices were often bought when the DSLR video craze hit over a decade ago, as it was by far the best way of capturing top-quality audio. These 24-bit recorders are still in regular use, since few saw any need to upgrade. The latest buzzword is 32-bit float recording, which is now at an affordable level for owner-operators. Think of 32-bit float technology as super-wide dynamic range for audio. Instead of messing around with levels on every take, then worrying if the talent speaks too loudly or a sudden noise sets the meters bouncing into the red, 32-bit float removes all that trouble. In theory, its range is so wide that it can capture everything, from
MICRO MAGIC These tiny, fast Samsung cards pack in lots of capacity
audio is recorded too low, boost it in post and hear no distortion or hum. Similarly, if it suddenly goes loud, you can bring it down without any clipping. It really is a thing of wonder and works incredibly well. Audio buffs will explain how 32- bit float can record a huge dynamic range of 1528dB, while the greatest difference in sound pressure on earth is 210dB – from a totally quiet anechoic chamber, to a massive shock wave. Compared to a 24-bit file, the 32-bit float has 770dB more headroom. Yes, it takes up around a third more storage space than 24-bit, but this is not a big deal – all NLEs can read it. It’s pretty much all positives and no negatives. For one-person shooters, it takes a massive headache out of setting audio levels. Plug in your mic and press record. It’s that easy, and audio quality is excellent.
SOLID INPUT The Tascam X8 can record up to eight channels from a wide range of sources
WIRELESS SIMPLICITY Plugging in an audio receiver via XLR is easy – and works flawlessly
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