Tascam DR-40 to buy or not

FantasyFilmProductions · Jan 28, 2014

Hi all.

I was browsing youtube vids and I came across some guy that said he would recommend the Tascam DR-40 as the way to go for recording sound.

Would people that are knowledgeable agree with this, or say that there is a better option?

rayw · Jan 28, 2014

Bought mine a year ago after the usual (ridiculous) amount of homework: I'm happy with it.

It records a much cleaner soundtrack than my cr@p-cam is able to that I don't have to clean up with assorted filters in my audio editing program.

FantasyFilmProductions · Jan 28, 2014

rayw said:
Bought mine a year ago after the usual (ridiculous) amount of homework: I'm happy with it.

It records a much cleaner soundtrack than my cr@p-cam is able to that I don't have to clean up with assorted filters in my audio editing program.

Thanks Ray. I appreciate the speedy reply. The guy in the vid was using it with a rhodes mic (can't remember which one) along with one of those fluffy covers. Would this be how you use it also?

Metrostar · Jan 28, 2014

For filming outside, I would definitely recommend using a deadcat for the Rode. They are $40 usually.

I bought two deadcats from THIS seller on Ebay and they are very good quality. They were the cheapest I could find and two came to $32. The pictures don't show it, but they fit really snug and have a tine bit of Velcro at the opening to make a nice seal.

rayw · Jan 28, 2014

Yep.
It's a great entry level recorder and system with a plug-in mic when you're doing mosty DIY one-man-band sort of stuff.

Obviously, at some point (hopefully) the quality of your work will create financial demand to justify the usage of a PSM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Production_sound_mixer) who will have a real live field mixer set-up and know what to do with it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

However...
In the meanwhile...
Back to that DR-40...

Pretty much any recorder over a $100 (US/AUS/NZ) is going to be better than what you're going to get off your camera.
Fact.

Use it's own mics for ambiance audio and controlled interviews.
Use a mini jack plug in mic for a good bit better audio collection options.
Use a XLR jack plug in mic for even cleaner recordings, less static.

Look for "low impedance" or low Z mics and cords.
https://www.google.com/search?q=low...H4AQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1745&bih=882&dpr=1.1

Just remember: You can't tech your way out of a crappy film.
The problem with most films is somewhere between FADE IN: and FADE OUT:
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=44510

Bonus!:

You can even get a dead cat for your DR-40.

Flicker Pictures · Jan 28, 2014

I'm liking mine. :yes:

8salacious9 · Jan 28, 2014

iv had mixed results with mine, but only an issue with the amps making a funny noise, having said that I replaced my XLR cable and haven't experienced the noise since, otherwise this is a very good recorder for its price, but can I ask why not go for the 60d? it seems more practical to be honest I would certainly buy it over the 40

icba pictures · Jan 28, 2014

Been loving mine, it's logged many hours of use and abuse by myself and my children. No problems and simple to operate. It actually does a great job for entry level.

Alcove Audio · Jan 28, 2014

The DR-40 is a passable choice. Also consider the DR-100mkII and the DR-60.

On to wind protection...

FOAM SLEEVE

Least effective. Quality varies.

________________________________________________________________

FUZZY or SOFTIE or WINDBUSTER or MUFF

Much better than a Foam Sleeve. Gently brush out your Fuzzy before each use.

________________________________________________________________

BLIMP or ZEPPELIN

Mic goes inside. Very good wind protection.

________________________________________________________________

DEAD CAT or WINDJAMMER

Goes over the Blimp. Superior wind protection. Gently brush out your Dead Cat before each use.

________________________________________________________________

BALL GAG

Fits over the end of small mics.

8salacious9 · Jan 28, 2014

Alcove Audio said:
BALL GAG

Fits over the end of small mics.

a what gag? :eek:

that goes on the end of small....

FantasyFilmProductions · Jan 28, 2014

Metrostar said:
For filming outside, I would definitely recommend using a deadcat for the Rode. They are $40 usually.

I bought two deadcats from THIS seller on Ebay and they are very good quality. They were the cheapest I could find and two came to $32. The pictures don't show it, but they fit really snug and have a tine bit of Velcro at the opening to make a nice seal.

Good link and review. cheers

FantasyFilmProductions · Jan 28, 2014

rayw said:
Yep.
It's a great entry level recorder and system with a plug-in mic when you're doing mosty DIY one-man-band sort of stuff.

Obviously, at some point (hopefully) the quality of your work will create financial demand to justify the usage of a PSM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Production_sound_mixer) who will have a real live field mixer set-up and know what to do with it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

However...
In the meanwhile...
Back to that DR-40...

Pretty much any recorder over a $100 (US/AUS/NZ) is going to be better than what you're going to get off your camera.
Fact.

Use it's own mics for ambiance audio and controlled interviews.
Use a mini jack plug in mic for a good bit better audio collection options.
Use a XLR jack plug in mic for even cleaner recordings, less static.

Look for "low impedance" or low Z mics and cords.
https://www.google.com/search?q=low...H4AQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1745&bih=882&dpr=1.1

Just remember: You can't tech your way out of a crappy film.
The problem with most films is somewhere between FADE IN: and FADE OUT:
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=44510

Bonus!:

You can even get a dead cat for your DR-40.

I hear you. Interestingly I did see that post the other day with the indie films on it. I didn't take much notice of it in my eagerness to flip through to other posts...but coming back to it I realize now the value of that post. Its a true gem. I have been looking at hollywood films asking myself how I can get this or that effect and having been around these forums a bit longer now I understand that those big movies require huge budgets. However, what I should have been doing, and what that post does so well, is look at indie films which are filmed on budgets similar to mine to see the best and worst within those. By watching those indie films I can see what is achievable on an indie budget, along with what works and what does not. That is far more valuable right now. I will have to go through those properly.

FantasyFilmProductions · Jan 28, 2014

Alcove. As always you have good advice, in this case breaking down what is good and what is a waste of money. Thanks

FantasyFilmProductions · Jan 28, 2014

The reason to go for one piece of kit over another is price. For me it not only has to be cost effective gear, but also not cost a bomb to have it sent to New Zealand. However, I have decided to try crowd funding, so hopefully, if I can get the amount I need, I would be able to go for that higher priced 60d, and of course a rhodes mic. That should take care of sound gear, then I will need to find someone capable of using it

sfoster · Jan 28, 2014

usually people are not fond of crowd funding as a front for buying yourself equipment

rayw · Jan 28, 2014

You wouldn't try to crowdfund for a new 60" plasma TV would you?
How about for a new deck or hot tub?

Same thing.

No one's gonna help pay for your gear.

They's pay for a film, but they won't pay for your (professional) toys.
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=39742

Metrostar · Jan 28, 2014

sfoster said:
usually people are not fond of crowd funding as a front for buying yourself equipment

rayw said:
No one's gonna help pay for your gear.

They's pay for a film, but they won't pay for your (professional) toys.
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=39742

I know from experience with Kickstarter, that if you submit a project that mentions the purchase of equipment, they (Kickstarter) will email you and ask you to modify your project to not mention this before you re-submit for the reasons above.

Sweetie · Jan 28, 2014

In regards to purchasing your Tascam DR-40, I'd suggest considering a better unit, since (from what I understand) you're planning on using the equipment to record the audio for your first feature film. The quality of your film will partly be perceived from the quality of your audio and will partly determine your success ceiling.

FantasyFilmProductions · Jan 28, 2014

Sweetie said:
In regards to purchasing your Tascam DR-40, I'd suggest considering a better unit, since (from what I understand) you're planning on using the equipment to record the audio for your first feature film. The quality of your film will partly be perceived from the quality of your audio and will partly determine your success ceiling.

Yes, so what would you suggest?

Sweetie · Jan 28, 2014

I'd suggest:

Tascam DR-60D/Zoom h6n. If you can afford to stretch to the next price range, you'd benefit from the Tascam DR-680, especially if you need a smoother workflow if dealing with more than 2 audio channels (Wireless).

Microphone: It's hard for me to recommend anything below a Rode NTG-3.

Wireless: I wouldn't go any lower than the Sennheiser G3 (times how many you need, 2 or 3). If you want to kick in for better microphones like CountryMan B6.

Obviously boompole, blimp, deadcat.

A boatload of Eneloop Rechargable AA batteries and one or two good 16bay intelligent battery chargers.

It'll probably set you back in the $3k to $4k. Even at that level of investment, it's probably isn't going to sound professional unless you invest in post sound, but it's a good step in the right direction.