GEAR GROUP TEST
For audio recording options without compromise it’s hard to look past a unit like Tascam’s DR-70D, which includes an excellent range of inputs as well as two built-inmics. The only compromise is size and weight, as while the DR-70D is certainly compact in terms of what it offers, it will add a significant 625g to your set-up, and spans 169x55x107mm. For that reason the unit is designed for mounting between camera and tripod, though it can also be sat in the hotshoe for mobile work, or slung from a strap. The mix of omnidirectional mics as well as external mics, which can be recorded to four separate tracks, means you should be able to cover several sources as well as an ambient ‘wild track’, giving lots of versatility in the edit. Tracks can also be set tomix down in the unit if required. Inputs TASCAM DR-70D £229/$295 tascam.com
include four XLR connections and a 3.5mm stereomini-jack, and like the XLRs the latter is powered, so there’s no compromise on choice of mics. There’s also connection to and from the camera, so you can run a reference track and assess takes without switching headphones. For syncing, an electronic ‘slate’ can be addedmanually or automatically. Quality peaks at 24bit 96kHz WAV files in a 20Hz to 20kHz range, so the only thing holding you back should be the quality of your mic work, and there’s an independent audio output as well as the headphone jack for monitoring. The DR-70D also records to SDXC cards, so you can afford to use the maximum settings and still get hours of audio. The DR-70D’s HDDA pre-amps gave beautifully clean results, even from low-level signals. There’s also a handy
Dual Recordingmode that records the same source on a second track at up to -12dB lower than the first as a clipping safety option. A five-level low-cut option is also on hand to eliminate background noise. The DR-70D is very sturdy and easy to handle. The backlit LCD is uncluttered and easy to read, and the manual gain inputs make control highly intuitive, with peak indicators for each channel as well as levels on screen. The buttons are rubberised to prevent sound in use. The unit runs off four AA batteries, giving a minimumof six hours recording, but there’s an optional AC adapter, USB connection, or 6AA external pack if you need to extend life. PROMOVIEMAKER RATING: 10/10 All you need for pro-quality sound on location.
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THE VERDICT
giving top-quality sound from your camera, but with no built-in recording option. The TascamDR-70D and Zoom H6 are more traditional solutions, both with a superb range of options, but an increased footprint to match.
depends on your needs. If you have to work as light as possible, the Olympus LS-P4 and Saramonic SR-VRM1 are great devices with high-quality sound, but lack input options. The Beachtek DXA-Micro Pro+ is another good option,
If you’re shooting video on a DSLR or hybrid camera there’s no denying that you need some help with audio, and all of these options will produce good results. Just like picking a lens for your camera, choosing the right one basically
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PRO MOVIEMAKER SUMMER 2019
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