EACH input has a dedicated blend knob when using as an interface so for example, you can sing into channel 1 as a direct input and channel 2 with a guitar that has effects from the computer or mobile device. On top of that, each channel has a dedicated output so one could plug a guitar into it and run a line out to the board, essentially making it a DI box (with the Hi-Z switch on) AND utilizing the iOS or computer as your effects processor. Handy!
Each channel also has a high pass filter at 130 Hz to help with wind rumble if needed. It’s pleasant to hear. Not a jarring drop off. On the bottom of the unit is a threaded screw hole for attaching to standard camera mounts. My unit has an SD card for recording, but there is a less expensive unit without one that serves to be an interface only. The SD card version is worth the extra money, as it gives you options away from an attached mobile device.
The one thing that may throw people off about it is there’s no screen. So, it’s more art than science. But there’s a few rudimentary indicators to tell you if you’re getting a signal or peaking. When it turns red, you’ve hit -6dB so there’s still a bit of room to play with before it peaks.
It also has a variable line out for attaching to DSLR cameras with a mic input. So if the signal is too hot, switch to the lower output setting and adjust the camera input accordingly. It also has stereo or mono output monitoring. Again, very handy when recording oneself.
When I ordered the unit earlier this year, the condenser mics that were part of the package weren’t ready. Apparently they went back several times for a redesign to get it right. It was a long wait, but worth it. The mics are amazing. Clear. Transparent. Accurate. No coloration to speak of. What you hear is what you get… for better or for worse.
Now, it wasn’t cheap at $500. But I feel you get what you pay for. Other recorders by Tascam and Zoom are fine in their respective category, but the mics are usually subpar and/or the build quality is plastic and easily damaged if dropped. And if you go higher, say with Sound Devices, you better have a good reason you’re buying it.
I’ve been recording more audio lately out and about and part of the reason is the joy of using a piece of tech. Yeah, I know, it’s not like an instrument or anything. How much “joy” can one have simply pressing record on a portable recorder. The answer is surprisingly a lot. Because I look forward to unloading that audio file and listening back at the results. I, of course, tweak the audio a bit in post, but nothing ever feels like there’s too much to fix. Just subtleties.
There’s an onboard non removable lithium battery. At first I was wary of this thinking what would happen if it finally died on me. But in my very unscientific observations, I can tell it’s a quality battery that will probably last for years on end. I’ve spoken to the guys at Centrance and they seem to have excellent customer care. So, if something comes up, I feel like they’ll fix it if needed. Worst case scenario, I can always power it externally too with any usb type battery.” – Boris Bengin
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