Dedicated Field Recorders

Dedicated field recorders are strictly for recording audio and have no internal microphones. 

They’re typically much larger than handheld recorders but offer many powerful features and settings that could make your workflow much easier.

Dedicated field recorders are made for professionals and are often used for recording sound for TV and film.

Pro:

  • Advanced settings

  • Extremely quiet preamps

  • Rugged construction

Con: 

  • Bulky

  • Heavy

  • Require accessories

Sound Devices MixPre II Series

Released in 2019, the MixPre II Series from Sound Devices features ultra quiet preamps (-128dBu), 32-bit float, and compact design.

Each MixPre II recorder can be easily powered for long periods via external USB power supplies thanks to their internal USB-C ports.

All MixPre II recorders have timecode I/O, and will hold accurate timecode for up to 4 hours after powering down.

Three configurations are available:

  • 3 channels (MixPre 3 II)

  • 6 channels (MixPre 6 II)

  • 10 channels (MixPre 10 II)

The MixPre 6 & 10 offer support for ambisonic recordings (with plugin).

Recommendation: The MixPre II Series are capable and convenient with todays standards. 32-bit float can be a life saver and timesaver since you don’t have to worry about levels. The preamps are the quietest available, making them a good option for recording quiet sounds like nature ambiences.

Sound Devices 7 Series

Although having released back in 2008, many audio professionals are still using the older 7 Series recorders from Sound Devices.

They’re built like tanks from aluminum and have the same preamp noise performance as the new MixPre Series (-128dBu).

Also helping to keep the 7 Series alive is their support for CF memory cards and the ability to record to external drives.

They also accept standard L-series batteries, and can be powered via an external USB power supply via a “dummy” L-series battery wired for USB input. See here (Amazon Affiliate Link).

There are 5 configurations available:

  • 702 - 2 channels.

  • 702T - 2 channels + timecode.

  • 722 - 2 channels + 80GB internal storage.

  • 744T - 4 channels + timecode.

  • 788T - 8 channels + timecode.

Although the cheapest 7 Series recorder retailed for $2500, they can be found in good condition on eBay for considerably less these days. I picked up a 702T for under $400. It works perfectly and is a joy to use.

Recommendation: Though dated, the 7 Series still has the quietest preamps available, relevant memory storage, and are built to last. Their aluminum construction makes them extremely durable but also very heavy. They’re a great budget option without any sacrifice to quality if you can find one on eBay.

Zoom F3

The Zoom F3 is tiny 2 channel field recorder with ultra quiet preamps (-127dBU) and support for 32-bit float recordings.

The F3 is extremely simple to use and has few settings or options.

I recommend powering it with a USB power supply via its USB-C input since battery life is limited with 2 AA batteries.

Recommendation: The Zoom F3 is a near perfect device if you only need 2 channels. It’s super affordable, portable, quiet, and is capable of 32-bit float recordings. I say near perfect because it lacks support for PiP microphones.

Zoom F6

The Zoom F6 is very similar in performance to the MixPre 6 II from Sound Devices but with several differences.

The F6 is smaller, more affordable, and supports L-series batteries and ambisonic recordings without having to purchase additional accessories or plugins.

One tradeoff between the F6 and the MixPre is preamp noise. The F6 preamps come in at -127dBu while the MixPre is quieter at -128dBu. However, this difference is virtually impossible to differentiate by ear.

Similar to the MixPre Series, the Zoom F6 also supports 32-bit float recordings.

Recommendation: The Zoom F6 is the most affordable 6 input dedicated field recorder on the market with few drawbacks. With its near best-in-class preamps, 32-bit float, and ultra portable size the F6 is fitting for hobbyists recording ambisonics or professionals on set.