Beginners sound kit - 1k budget - Social Sound Design

Beginners sound kit - 1k budget

2012-09-01T06:35:22Z

I have searched through the questions, but I feel each person has specific requirements that necessitates a specific question.

I'm on a $1k budget and I need a field sound kit. I'll be going fx, ambience, foley (not in studio), maybe a little vocals, but no music.

I know SD 702 is the way to go but again, money.

So far I'm hearing Fostex FR-2LE, roland r44, marantz pmd 661 or 671.

What do you guys think? Thanks in advance!

Answer by Skarik for Beginners sound kit - 1k budget

2012-09-01T09:35:16Z

If just starting out I don't think you need to be jumping into spending so much on a recorder straight away, unless buying second hand.

If you want brand new kit, I'd strongly recommend the following:

Tascam DR100 MkII - Very decent portable recorder. Internal mics are great for the price you pay for the device too, as well as having XLR inputs.
Rode NTG2
Rode Mini Boom (if doing dialogue booming)
Rode Blimp Kit - For decent pistol grip, shock mount, wind protection
A decent pair of headphones

That should all cost you around $1k if you shop around a little. eBay stores can be a good bet for these kind of deals, or go agree a package from your local/preferred AV store.

Of course, if you wanted to go the second hand route that's a different matter. You could probably pick up one of the recorders you mentioned second hand but that might still take up more than half your budget, and you need to leave some money for mics and peripherals. Of course you if you can get a more advanced field recorder than the Tascam or other units in that range for a similar price it might be worth it.

Answer by Matt for Beginners sound kit - 1k budget

2012-09-01T09:46:38Z

For a brand new kit, I would also suggest the Tascam DR100 MKii.

These are great, not only because they have decent features for the price as well as XLR inputs, but they are one of the few handhelds around with a digital input. This means when you are wanting to upgrade you can get a SD USBPre or Mixpre-D and bypass the cheap converters and pre amps on the Tascam and go Sound Devices.

I would suggest starting with a cheapish stereo mic like a Rode NT4 as it is a good all rounder and particularly good for ambiences. Get a Rode Dead Kitten to go with it too.

If you don't have any headphones, get some Sennheiser Hd25s, and get yourself a bag.

That will get you under $1k I think, and you'll be cookin'.

Of course if you are just after a recorder then I'd suggest getting the Tascam and an SD USBPre2 and a USB battery pack.

Answer by Michael Maroussas for Beginners sound kit - 1k budget

2012-09-01T10:33:53Z

Here's my solution: http://sonicskepsi.wordpress.com/2012/08/31/ipad3-♥-mixpre-d-♥-auria/

Answer by Andreas for Beginners sound kit - 1k budget

2012-09-01T19:34:26Z

Good choice. Dr100mk2 - ntg2 or ntg3 (much better) and a blimp (must have !!!)

Answer by Soundie for Beginners sound kit - 1k budget

2012-09-01T20:07:45Z

Buy a Sony PCM D-50 and put the rest of your budget in the bank, saving for a Sound Devices 702 and external mic setup down the road.

Answer by Jake for Beginners sound kit - 1k budget

2012-09-02T13:28:22Z

I'd suggest the TASCAM DR40+ NTG2 or NTG3. The DR100mk2 has just too many buttons and functions but honestly you'll be using only half of them most of the times. You gt a DR40 for around $150. The DR40 gives you the option of changing the directions of the mic which lets you record in AB as well as in XY pattern, which is not the case with DR100. Plus, as you are on a tight budget it'll help you save a couple of hundred dollars which you can put it in other stuff.

Answer by Aaron Darrell O'Neill for Beginners sound kit - 1k budget

2012-09-06T10:28:31Z

Can I just ask. . . if you're recording dialogue for a short - it's fine to just plug your Rode NTG2 straight into the Tascam 100?

Also. . it's $1k for you guys, but over in the UK all that stuff basically comes to 1 grand sterling.