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Chris tallentire · Posts: 4

Hello everyone
Just wondering what the latest thinking is on the best means of recording field interviews.

The standard options have been DAT recorders and MiniDisk recorders.

But I note that the new Nomad Jukebox C has "1 stereo minijack line input for direct stereo audio recording in WAV format from external devices, and
Dual Stereo Line-Out (2 stereo minijacks) for front and rear speakers (4-channel sound)".

Interestingly Nomad are not making claims about the quality of the recording, so I guess it's not broadcast quality. But if anyone has views on this I'd be most interested to hear.

Then the question is can interviews recorded on Nomad as wav files be transferred digitally to Cool Edit 2000 for editing.

Chris Tallentire
Environmental Journalist and Investigator

Jay Marble · Posts: 145

I can only answer the easy part of your question. What do I think is the best method of recording a field interview? I use a sony mini-disc recorder in conjunction with a portable Sound Devices 2 channel mixer(sounddevices.com). The mixer and recorder are stuck together with velcro, a patchcord connects them. The size and weight are still insignificant. The mixer has xlrs,a phantom power option, a headphone amp big enough to stun an ox, VU meters so bright you can light your way home with them(you really can).

Syntrillium M.D. · Location: USA Posts: 5124

Hi Chris. I'll attempt the other part of your question, re: transferring digitally. If the Nomad has either (1) SPDIF/Optical digital outs; or (2) USB ports for connection to your PC, then YES, you could theoretically transfer your WAV without introducing any additional A/D conversion.

AS far as Nomad's recording quality, well, I would assume it's using some type of compression, as it would need to have a lot of storage space if it were to capture 44.1Khz, 16-bit sound (5MB/mono minute). So, perhaps it is uncompressed but just uses a lower sample rate? Not sure...

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