WAV file or MP3 what is better for field recording?

Question

Level 4

1,445 points

WAV file or MP3 what is better for field recording?

Hello All,

I was thinking about getting a new digital recorder to record wild sound and
dialog for a short film. The recorder can only record in a WAV file or MP3 format.

Is that going to get the job done, or will the compression be bad for the quality of the sound?

The unit in question is a Zoom H4 which has XLR inputs, recording level meter, stereo and 4 track recording, and can down load to Mac

Your thoughts?

thanks,

Mike

17 inch flat screen iMac, Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Posted on Sep 27, 2006 1:43 PM

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Answer 1

tallguy

Level 4

1,415 points

Sep 27, 2006 1:46 PM in response to Michael Ryan.

Wav, if possible broadcast wave. Does it say how many bits and at what sample rate. Ideally 24 bit at 48K. You'll get less time with these settings but higher quality

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Answer 2

Michael Ryan. Author

Level 4

1,445 points

Sep 27, 2006 1:52 PM in response to tallguy

Hello Tallguy,

It says it can record stereo in quality up to 24 bit/96 kHz and 4 track audio in 16 bit 44.1 kHz quality.

Mike

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Answer 3

tallguy

Level 4

1,415 points

Sep 27, 2006 2:07 PM in response to Michael Ryan.

I'd not bother with 24/96 stereo but the math says if it'll do 2 x 24/96 it ought to do 4 x 16/48. What is the recording time?

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Answer 4

Michael Ryan. Author

Level 4

1,445 points

Sep 27, 2006 3:18 PM in response to tallguy

Hello Tallguy,

It says, "With a 2GB SD memory card, the H4 provides up to 380 minutes of recording in 16 bit mode, 34 hours in MP3 stereo mode. And to move your
recordings to a Mac, the H4 includes a USB mass-storage interface."

Mike

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Answer 5

tallguy

Level 4

1,415 points

Sep 28, 2006 6:42 AM in response to Michael Ryan.

I'd be nervous recording sync sound at 44.1 being concerned about timing issues after sample rate conversion to 48K. However stereo 24/48 I'd feel pretty good about after some tests. wild sound on the other hand I would think would be fine, but I'd stick with wave format.
interesting box,especially being able to swap out cards if need be

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Answer 6

Jimotto

Level 1

10 points

Oct 13, 2006 2:54 PM in response to tallguy

Stay away from the m-audio 24/96. It is very finiky at best and doen't work at all on a regular basis. I have one and have tried to use it on special occasions when I really needed it and it failed.

No going back...so now I am looking for something that will do the job. I thought the big Ipod (60gb) would do but don't seem to be getting any help as of yet from these discussions.

Regards,

Jim Otto

MacBook Pro 2.1GHz Mac OS X (10.4.7) Refurbished

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