WHY RECORD ON HARD DISK AND NOT DAT?
HHB PORTADRIVE PDR2000 FILE BASED HARD DISK RECORDER
Hard disk recorders that deliver sound rushes on DVD are now the standard for feature films, drama, commercials and documentaries if double system. However, at Mike Cooper Sound, we do still have DAT if you insist but we really don't recommend it.. Why is this? Firstly, all recordings on hard disk are backed up for security for 3 months. Therefore if the DVD goes missing or gets damaged, another DVD can be burnt or individual clips can even be emailed. The other reason is that with the increase in radio mic numbers, as well as creating a mix for the edit, the individual mics are recorded separately and can be accessed in post production if required. The last reason and maybe the most important is the fact that it is so much faster to handle in post. No real time transfers.
To sum up, here are the reasons to use Hard disk and not DAT.
Speeds up sound transfer into Avid or FCP.
All takes automatically on recorded time line.
Metadata preserved with slate and take numbers and notes.
When shooting, no pre-roll wait as a pre-record buffer is used.
Extra security as safety copies are easily made on location and session is kept on a Hard Disk for 3 months.
Multi track (6 tracks+2 track working mix) making for the facility to split radio mics and booms on complex scenes to give maximum flexibility in post.