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Home: Video University Forums: Audio For Video:
Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3

2ndMile
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Apr 11, 2008, 10:34 AM

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Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3	Can't Post

So I really want to focus more on audio this year since I am trying to evolve a little more into the "New Doc" style. Up to this point I typically just use a track over the video but I want to start using a lot more natural audio. I already have 2 Sennheiser G2 transmitters and receivers. They have served my well but it is time to expand.

I am kind of a minimalist. I like to have a good swiss army knife for easy set-up and strike. Hence my over thinking of everything.

After reading what feels like most of the post in this section of the site, I think I am gong to purchase the Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3.

Here are the situations I want to use them for and my thoughts:
- Quick micing of the quartet or singer at the ceremony
There is a situation coming up in two weeks where the bride is having the cousin sing a special song from the choir loft. The quartet will be right beside the singer so I figured would capture both. Would the on board mics be sufficient for this? I know from reading the H2 has a better sound from the on board mics but I also want quality. Would the M3 be a good mic in this situation? (I am not an expert on the different types of mic patterns even though a musician friend has explained them 100 times).

- Third source of audio for ceremonies such as on the priest or podium.
What lav would you recommend for this? Giant Squid? Which one?

- Pulling audio feed from DJ via RCA or micing the stack using the M3
Like most of you I am tried of uncooperative and something stupid DJs that just roll their eyes. I figure self sufficiency is the way to go. And is their I good way that this can be done with a mic stand? Possibly from a tripod? I have a MINI Cooper and it is pretty full as it is. Sly

Am I being wise for these situations? Should I skip the M3 and buy an H2 with the PMD620 so that I could use the H2 on board mics and the PMD620 as a podium/preist recorder with the lav? Are the PMD620 on-board mics good enough that I should not be worrying about using them alone?

HEAD EXPLODING..... MUST LIE DOWN!!!

Brian Morris
2ndMile Blog

MLiebergot
Veteran

Apr 11, 2008, 10:51 AM

Post #2 of 14 (2542 views)
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Re: [2ndMile] Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Quote

Quick micing of the quartet or singer at the ceremony
There is a situation coming up in two weeks where the bride is having the cousin sing a special song from the choir loft. The quartet will be right beside the singer so I figured would capture both. Would the on board mics be sufficient for this? I know from reading the H2 has a better sound from the on board mics but I also want quality. Would the M3 be a good mic in this situation? (I am not an expert on the different types of mic patterns even though a musician friend has explained them 100 times).

First off the M3 will have too tight a pattern to get you a good recording of both the solist and choir. It will work, if placed appropriately, I would place it closer to the solicit as the choir will be louder. Even better if you were to use 2 mics, one on the choir one on the solist. Even

Quote

- Third source of audio for ceremonies such as on the priest or podium.
What lav would you recommend for this? Giant Squid? Which one?

The GS squid should work just fine.

Quote

- Pulling audio feed from DJ via RCA or micing the stack using the M3
Like most of you I am tried of uncooperative and something stupid DJs that just roll their eyes. I figure self sufficiency is the way to go. And is their I good way that this can be done with a mic stand? Possibly from a tripod? I have a MINI Cooper and it is pretty full as it is.

Take a look at a setup that is posted on my LVP Tools blog (which needs to be updated BTW). scroll all of the way to the bottom of the page. This is an old picture of when I used to use the H4, but can be used for any recorder audio setup. Currently I place my wireless hand held and the H2 on it, and move it where needed, as there's no cables to worry about and only takes me 5-10 minutes to setup.

The H2 is good for it's built in mics as I have said before, but the PMD620 is an overall better box. Better build quality, better manual control, better menu, better crystals, which will prevent audio drift, better 1/8 mic/line inputs, and better quality, much quieter pre amps.

Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Apr 11, 2008, 10:52 AM)

2ndMile
Enthusiast

Apr 11, 2008, 11:43 AM

Post #3 of 14 (2531 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Michael..

Do you have a suggestion for a mic with a wide pattern is using two mics more advisable?

Brian Morris
2ndMile Blog

MLiebergot
Veteran

Apr 11, 2008, 11:56 AM

Post #4 of 14 (2526 views)
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Re: [2ndMile] Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Since you are not able to supply phantom power with the PMD620, I would say that the AT822 (battery powered mic) is a very good choice. I have been very happy with this mic in the field, as it gives a nice flat response and since it's a stereo mic, you will be using both L/R mic elements in the mic.

Also another sweet choice is the Rode NT4, which uses the same mic elements as the NT5, but instead of needed 2 seperate phantom powered mics, you get a single mic (that runs on bot battery and phantom power) that has the elements in X/Y stereo configuration all in one mic.

Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro

2ndMile
Enthusiast

Apr 11, 2008, 12:15 PM

Post #5 of 14 (2521 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3 [In reply to]	Can't Post

And just to be clear, the PMD620's built in mics are not up to snuff for say recording the soloist and the string quartet?

Oh, and which Giant Squid would you recommend for use on the priest or clipping on to the podium mic.

Brian Morris
2ndMile Blog

(This post was edited by 2ndMile on Apr 11, 2008, 12:29 PM)

MLiebergot
Veteran

Apr 11, 2008, 1:50 PM

Post #6 of 14 (2511 views)
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Re: [2ndMile] Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3 [In reply to]	Can't Post

The built in mics aren't bad on the PMD620 at all, about the same as the Edirol R09's. It's just that it's not as good as teh H2's built in mics, expecially since the H2 has 4 mic elements and the ability to record in a mock 5.1 surround format and record from both sides of the H2. This makes the H2 more versitile in a live built in mic situation where all you want to do is setup a record and go.
But the PMD620 is able to produce some good audio with it's built in mics, and overall the unit is much much better than the H2. As I have no hesitation to take a mic feed or board feed with teh PMD620s 1/8 mic input. I would have hesitations about the H2s.

I don't know off of the top of my head, I would contact Darryl on this one. Just make sure that if you are going to use a lav mic that you remember to turn on mic power in the menu.
What I really like with the PMD620 is that you can pre program the unit for 3 different recording situations. I have one for mic input, one for line input, and one for built in mics. All I have to do is switch to whichever recording situation in the menu for my recording situation and I'm set.

In Reply To

Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro

2ndMile
Enthusiast

Apr 11, 2008, 1:58 PM

Post #7 of 14 (2510 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Alright Michael, you sold me. I am going to make the order today. Now to find the best price.

Brian Morris
2ndMile Blog

MLiebergot
Veteran

Apr 11, 2008, 2:11 PM

Post #8 of 14 (2508 views)
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Re: [2ndMile] Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Brian where in Ohio are you.
I ask because you might want to take a ride down to a local Guitar Center store and see and try out some of these recorders yourself first hand. Just bring down a pair of headphones and see if they have any that you can take a look at first hand a plug a pair of headsets into.

PMD620
Recorders Page

Ohio Guitar Center Locations

Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro

2ndMile
Enthusiast

Apr 11, 2008, 2:19 PM

Post #9 of 14 (2506 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3 [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am in the middle on nowhere. I may do that though. Although I have had my eye on this Marantz for a while. I like to buy quality. I learned early on (after buying that $99 Sony wireless mic set) that you get what you pay for.

I wish I had another wedding to test out the setup but the one I need it for is in two weeks and since her friend is singing, I hope all goes well. I will do plenty of testing before hand.

Thanks again for your help and for your replies. I will post back to let you know how it all goes.

Thanks again!

Brian Morris
2ndMile Blog

2ndMile
Enthusiast

Apr 11, 2008, 2:23 PM

Post #10 of 14 (2502 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Michael,

I do have one more question. Would the AT822 be able to handle being placed in front of the DJ's stack?

Brian Morris
2ndMile Blog

MLiebergot
Veteran

Apr 11, 2008, 2:34 PM

Post #11 of 14 (2495 views)
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Re: [2ndMile] Soon to purchase... is this wise? Marantz PMD620 & Rode M3 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes it will. just make sure that you have your pad setup in the menu to handles some excess signal.
Overall though the AT8222 is still fine in this situation.

You might be able to use the onboard mics with success as well. I haven't tried it yet, as I tend to use my H2 in this situation, but it should yield good results, as it has real good onboard pres and not bad mic att.

In Reply To

Michael,

I do have one more question. Would the AT822 be able to handle being placed in front of the DJ's stack?

2ndMile
Enthusiast

Apr 11, 2008, 2:43 PM

Post #12 of 14 (2491 views)
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Dang... Now I am torn again. It seems the AT822 is a little more versatile but the M3 has a great sound.

I love spending money! Crazy

Brian Morris
2ndMile Blog

Brackish
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Apr 11, 2008, 5:04 PM

Post #13 of 14 (2470 views)
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In Reply To

I figure self sufficiency is the way to go.

Yep: audio self sufficiency so you don't have to rely on any other vendor. Next cut out the church sound guy and you'll really be flyin'.

------------------------------------------------------------
"still motion is who everyone else is trying to be like"

2ndMile
Enthusiast

Apr 11, 2008, 9:16 PM

Post #14 of 14 (2427 views)
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In Reply To

I figure self sufficiency is the way to go.

Yep: audio self sufficiency so you don't have to rely on any other vendor. Next cut out the church sound guy and you'll really be flyin'.

I ditched the church audio guy long ago. (no offense to you church audio guys).

Brian Morris
2ndMile Blog

(This post was edited by 2ndMile on Apr 11, 2008, 9:17 PM)