What are two main types of four-microphones recording devices used in data acquisition?

Configurations

In
Recording studios in Los Angeles , the audio signals from all microphones are mixed right into a single set of stereo tracks. There are many different kinds and configurations for such recorders available on the market.

In such cases it’s therefore recommended that users do some research first before deciding which devices to get should they intend on capturing multiple audio tracks in a single go.

If only two or four channels need to be recorded however then even simple voice recorder/tablet computers with built-in microphones may offer suitable options and greater portability than most conventional external microphone units (if access to an external mixer isn’t possible).

Advantages of using external multi-channel recorders

• Ability to regulate volume levels after recording

• Power to synchronize multiple playback devices for surround sound reproduction

• Ability to utilize microphones with various pickup patterns (i.e., omnidirectional, bi-directional and cardioid) on the same recording

• Greater flexibility in post-production editing if multiple performance takes have been captured using different microphones for each take

Disadvantages of using external multi-channel recorders:

• Larger mobile audio recorders are far more expensive than single microphone units of similar specifications (but some cost less)

• Can be difficult to synchronize acquisition from multiple recorders when utilizing time code based synchronization

• More cables are needed for multi-channel configurations (but that’s the case with most recording devices)

There are two main forms of four-microphones recording devices utilized in data acquisition:

Although similar to look at, the similarities between those two methods end there. In the very first one, all channels are mixed and recorded onto an individual set of stereo tracks (i.e., channel 1 will undoubtedly be constructed from microphone 1’s left + right mix while channel 2 will soon be constructed from microphone 2’s left + right mix).

The 2nd method (4-channel) on another hand involves recording each audio track separately onto its own separate set of stereo tracks allowing users to adjust signal levels for every independent sound source once it’s been recorded.

Both these microphones are employed by LA recording studios !