Market guide
Map inputs, tracks and timecode
Count the physical and recorded paths separatelyInput count, preamp count, channel count and track count are not interchangeable. Draw every microphone, line source, isolated file, mix, return, output and synchronization role before comparing recorders.
Sources
Name every physical input
Separate microphone preamps, line-only inputs, built-in microphones, plug-in-power inputs, digital inputs and expansion ports. Phantom power and gain range can be channel or mode dependent.
- Tracks
- Include isolated inputs and mix tracks without counting one source twice under dual-format recording.
- Outputs
- Add camera feeds, headphones, IFB, communications and backup mix paths.
Float
Use 32-bit float for the problem it solves
A float file can preserve a wide digital range but cannot recover microphone-capsule overload, analog-input overload, RF interference, wind, handling noise, wrong placement or an unrecorded source.
- Limiters
- Read whether analog or digital limiters are active in the chosen bit depth and sample rate.
- Gain
- Monitor and set the analog path even when the file format reduces one clipping risk.
Timecode
Identify the exact synchronization role
An internal generator, reader, jam input, LTC output, Bluetooth sync, HDMI trigger and audio-track timecode solve different jobs.
- Hold
- Record oscillator accuracy, power-off hold behavior and the re-jam procedure.
- Cables
- Verify whether timecode shares a microphone or headphone connector and what becomes unavailable while it is connected.
Evidence used
First-party sources behind this guide
- 01MixPre II series comparison and pricingSound Devices · checked August 17, 2026Open source
- 02F Series field recordersZoom · checked August 17, 2026Open source
- 03FR-AV2 product and support recordTascam · checked August 17, 2026Open source
- 04Sound Devices MixPre-6 II reviewSound On Sound · checked August 17, 2026Open source