By Full Compass LiveComputers are wonderful, but sometimes, they can be temperamental. That’s okay if your computer freezes while you’re surfing the web; just reboot. But it’s not okay if you’re recording a theater performance, sermon, concert, corporate presentation, panel discussion, or other mission-critical audio project where you get only one take. You can’t afford human or computer error.
Fortunately, there are many options—at price points from hundreds to thousands of dollars—for recording high-quality, digitalDefinition:
A signal or data expressed as series of the digits 0 and 1, typically represented by values of a physical quantity such as voltage or magnetic polarization. audio without a computer. Most of these are quiet, efficient devices that record to solid-state memory. No moving parts means no noise issues, high reliability, and easily replaceable media.
There are three broad product categories: simple, inexpensive recorders that can hook up to a mixerDefinition:
Combiner, controller, and router for multiple audio or video signals. output or record through mics; combination mixers/recorders; and stand-alone multitrackDefinition:
A recorder that can record more than one individual track at a time, or individual tracks in sequence for subsequent mixing. recorders. We’ll look at some of the most popular, and representative, units from each category.
Basic Recording
Two companies—TASCAM and Zoom—essentially own the hand-held recording market, and have refined their technology and offerings over decades of development. For many performance situations, you can simply patch a mixer’s busDefinition:
1. In audio, a common point that combines multiple signals, as in a "mix bus." 2. In computers, a path that interconnects various elements for transferring data among those elements. outputs to your recorder of choice, set levels, press record, and not have to think about it anymore until whatever you want to record has finished.
TASCAM’s DR-40X four-track recorder (Fig. 1) supports 16- and 24-bit recording at 44.1, 48, and 96 kHzDefinition:
Abbreviation for Kilohertz: 1,000 Hertz, or one thousand cycles per second., but also provides MP3Definition:
A lossy digital compression coding format for audio, derived from the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 formats. Audio compression can range from a data reduction ratio of 200:1 to broadcast quality (i.e., no noticeable audio degradation for the vast majority of listeners). MP3 streaming rates vary from 16 kilobit per second to 320 kilobits per second for stereo. Audio stored digitally in the MP3 format will have the .mp3 file extension. data-compressed recording modes that allow literally days of recording time, thanks to the ability to accept SDXC media cards up to 128 GB. Along with overdub and overwrite functions, it also includes a “safety track” recording feature to prevent distortionDefinition:
A change in an electronic or acoustic signal's waveform. This can undesirable if it impacts signal quality, or desirable when used for creative signal processing. if a signal becomes unexpectedly too “hot.” In addition to recording events, the DR-40X is well-suited to podcasts, sound design work, and remoteDefinition:
A broadcast from the field, not from the studio. A Remote Control. recording; for non-critical applications like recording rehearsals, you can use the two built-in mics (switchable between unidirectionalDefinition:
A microphone pickup pattern with most sensitivity in one direction. See cardioid. or stereoDefinition:
A two channel signal simulating a sound space, typically played through two speakers. patterns).
Zoom’s H4n Pro (Fig. 2) offers very similar capabilities, although it has gained favor with bands because of some unique, musician-oriented features (built-in effects, chromatic tuner, and metronome). These make it particularly useful for recording rehearsals and liveDefinition:
Live broadcast of an event or program without substantial delay or editing. performances. Maximum media size is 32 GB, but like the TASCAM, the H4n can record MP3 files—you can record for almost a day and a half with 256 kbps fidelity. One popular variant, the ZoomDefinition:
Continuously variable enlargement or reduction of an image. H4n Portable Audio Recording Bundle, adds a 32 GB SD cardDefinition:
(slang) A circuit board that contains circuitry and plugs into an edge connector. and AC adapterDefinition:
A power supply that allows using conventional alternating current as a power source instead of batteries., along with a rugged, waterproof, injection-molded carrying case
For a more permanent, install-type solution, and for broadcast (e.g., recording in-studio events), the rack-mountable TASCAM SS-R250N (Fig. 3) is a two-channelDefinition:
1. In radio, television, citizen's band radio, and other wireless communications modes, a specific frequency for communication. 2. In mixers and video, an input or output signal path with controls. 3. In MIDI, one of 16 data paths. recorder that’s optimized for network applications. It supports FTPDefinition:
(File Transfer Protocol) A method of transferring large files over a network. server connections so you can upload/download from a computer without having to physically exchange SD cards, and connects to DanteDefinition:
Dante™ (Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet): The audio-over-IP standard created by Audinate (layer 3). via an optional interfaceDefinition:
A device that adds I/O capability to another device. Common would be a MIDI, audio or video interface for a computer. card. For automatic, time-based operations, you can also set up Event Lists for recording, playback, downloading, and other functions. iOSDefinition:
Apple proprietary operating system, primarily for mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple Watch). Current Apple TVs run on tvOS, which is similar to, and based on, iOS. and Android apps control the transportDefinition:
1. A tape recorder mechanism that moves tape. 2. DAW control simulating a tape recorder's mechanical transport. and various remote control settings, while security features include dual SD card slots for either simultaneous “safety” recording or “chain” recording (i.e., recording begins on the second SD after the first one has reached capacity). Furthermore, every few seconds the SS-R250N automatically saves and closes the file being recorded, to guard against data lossDefinition:
Errors caused by flaws in storage or data transmission. if there’s a sudden power outage.
Mixer/Recorder/Audio Interface
This type of product is actually three products in one: mixer, multitrack recorder, and USBDefinition:
(Universal Serial Bus) A standard, bi-directional serial connection between computers and peripheral devices. audio interfaceDefinition:
A device to convert audio signals into digital code suitable for use by a computer; typically communication occurs through a port such as USB, Thunderbolt, FireWire, etc. . The TASCAM Model 24 (Fig. 4) and Model 16, as well as QSC’s TouchMix line (Fig. 5), are ideally suited for live situations where you’ll be mixing multiple tracks into a monoDefinition:
Short for Monophonic. An audio program, recording, or hardware device/software routine that produces or processes a signal with only one channel. or stereo output. However, you can also use these devices as multitrack recorders, either in a studio context, or for recording live performances. The tracks can play back through the mixer, or be transferred over to a recording/editing software for additional processing and mixing.
With the TASCAM Model 24, tracks record to the internal SD card, but you can simultaneously record via USB to a computer for redundant recording. The TouchMix series records to an external USB drive (when used as an audio interface, USB also provides the conduit for recording to a computer). A fast, external SSD drive avoids an issue common to SD-based systems: making sure the SD card is fast enough to record large numbers of files simultaneously. TASCAM has a list of approved media, while PreSonus’s StudioLive Series III mixers (see later) have a built-in speed test function.
PreSonus takes two different approaches to onboard recording. Their seven StudioLive AR series mixers, including the StudioLive AR12C (Fig. 6), record the mixer’s stereo output to SD cards—the equivalent of hooking up a stereo recorder to the mixer output. The maximum SD card capacity is 32 GB. The higher-end StudioLive Series III mixers, such as the StudioLive 32S (Fig. 7), take multitrack recording further, because they can record any or all of 32 channels and a stereo mix to an SD card, using PreSonus’s Capture software.
The Capture program runs within the mixer (it’s also available as a separate, computer-based application), and records sessions that open natively in PreSonus’s Studio One DAWDefinition:
(Digital Audio Workstation): A computer program or stand-alone device that provides digital audio recording, editing, and mixing.. This is incredibly efficient; opening a session in Studio One re-creates the consoleDefinition:
A control surface for audio, video, or lighting control positioned like a desk. Also called, Mixer, Controller, Board, or (British) Desk. settings, including channel stripDefinition:
A combination of preamp and signal processing, similar to the contents of a single channel in a mixer or console. settings, mutes, solos, and the like. For redundant live recording, you can record simultaneously to the internal SD card and over USB to a computer.
Stand-Alone Multitrack Recorders
Sound Devices’ Scorpio (Fig. 8) is a top-of-the-line field mixer and recorder, with 32 channels, 36 tracks (32 channels, 4 buses), and 32 x 32 Dante I/ODefinition:
(Input/Output): 1. A pair of connections that provide input(s) and output(s). 2. The connections that link a computer to devices outside the computer. for hooking directly into a Dante network. It features simultaneous recording to a 256 GB internal solid-state drive and two internal SD card slots for “safety” recordings, 12 analogDefinition:
A signal that is continuous in nature, as opposed to being defined as a series of discrete numbers (or elements) as found in digital signals; electrically "analogous" to an acoustical signal in the air. outputs, and 16 mic/line preamplifiers. But those are just the basics. Scorpio also includes a USB-CDefinition:
A non-object-oriented, procedural, higher-level computer programming language than assembly language. high-speed port for digital transfers (with an additional USB-A host for USB devices like control surfaces), handles all standard sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, offers signal limiters for all channels so recordings won’t be ruined with a temporarily excessive signal level, features BluetoothDefinition:
A short distance (less than 33 feet) wireless data transfer standard. LE for wireless control, and incorporates superb A/D converters—32-bit with 120 dBDefinition:
1. A deciBel is a logarithmic ratio between two quantities, and is a nonlinear measurement that mimics human perception. 2. A unit expressing sound levels relative to a nominal level just audible by the average human ear, and equal to 1/10th of a Bel. 3. (slang) Database. A-weighted dynamic rangeDefinition:
1. Range in dB between a device's noise floor and its maximum available headroom. 2. The difference between the maximum and minimum volume levels that occur in a musical performance.. For audio-for-video and cinematic recording projects, the built-in timecode and syncDefinition:
To make two or more pieces of equipment or signals synchronize with each other. supports all standard frame rates, with 0.1 ppm accuracy (a variation of only a quarter frame over 24 hours). Scorpio even weighs in at under 6 pounds, with an informative LCDDefinition:
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): A display that uses fluid crystals that can block, reflect, or transmit light from a back illuminator, and uses very little power. that holds up well under bright ambientDefinition:
1. Something in a close vicinity. 2. The natural sound of a space, or simulation of being in that space. lighting conditions.
Overall, Scorpio is a premium recording device—with specs that rival full-blown, professional recording studios. For a more portable version with much of the same functionality, the Sound Devices 833 offers 8 channels, 12 tracks, and 6 preamps; it weighs 2.75 pounds without batteries.
For more modest recording requirements, Sound Devices also offers the “baby brother” MIXPRE-10-II (Fig. 9), with 12 tracks and eight preamps. Weighing in at slightly over 2 pounds, it nonetheless includes high-end features like limiters, USB-C port for backupDefinition:
1. (verb) To create a copy of existing software to insure against loss of the original. 2. (noun) The copy of the original software. and USB-A for keyboard control, sample rateDefinition:
The number of times per second that an analog signal is sampled prior to conversion into digital via an analog-to-digital converter. See Nyquist Frequency, Analog-to-Digital Converter. support up to 192 kHz, storage media support up to 512Definition:
Surround sound with 5 speakers plus 2 subwoofers. GB, start/stop triggerDefinition:
A signal that starts an event. from cameras over HDMIDefinition:
HDMI (High-Definition Media Interface): A standard for connecting video, audio, security, and control signals., timecode, Bluetooth LE, and much more. The even more compact Sound Devices MIXPRE-6-II is similar to the MIXPRE-10-II, but with eight tracks and four preamps.
So, Who Needs a Laptop, Anyway?
Clearly...you don’t! Although of course, all these devices can talk to a computer if needed, not just work stand-alone.
Gone are the days where you needed several devices to accomplish different tasks; now you can mix a performance, record the tracks, bounceDefinition:
1. Reflecting ambient or sun light back to a filmed object. 2. In recording, to play back one or more tracks for recording into a different track (or sometimes, tracks), or to copy one track to another. them over to a computer, or even use your mixer/recorder as an audio interface. Instead of having to spread expenditures over multiple items, the same expenditure can purchase a first-class device that performs multiple functions. Times have certainly changed—and when it comes to mixing and recording, the times have most certainly changed for the better.
