On Nov 8, 2006, David@liminal commented:
I'm new to this list so apologies if this has come up before. I'm
wanting to record up to 8 channel audio 'in the field' - i.e really in
the field. All the the purpose built machines that can do this (HHB
portadrive, aaton, sonosax etc) are way too expensive for me but I've
had really results using the motu traveller.
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With many laptops, the moment you close them, the computer goes to sleep. At
best, you won't be able to get to the controls or meters to operate the
recorder, unless those features are remoted to an outboard mixing device.
And as Mr. Morein says elsewhere, laptops can get very hot when used in
confined spaces without ventilation.
I suggest you look at the Sound Devices 7xx series:
http://sounddevices.com/products/7.htm
These are much cheaper than the HHB PortaDrive, the Aaton Cantar, or the
Zaxcom Deva (which you didn't mention), which are all in the $10,000+ price
range.
If you can live with six channels instead of four, Fostex recently
discontinued the PD-6, which is a 6-channel portable recorder. The PD6 is
being blown out for $5500 from many companies, even less if you can find one
used. If you can live with only four channels, the Sound Devices 744t
(actually 4 channels plus timecode) is about $4000, give or take.
The advantage of either the Fostex or the Sound Devices is that the mike
preamps are going to be a lot better than the ones in many cheaper devices.
The units are also built for ruggedness, and I think they're going to hold up
a lot better than a laptop out in the field.
--MFW