Limiters for Recording Sound: Analogue vs Digital
When recording sound for video, is there a difference between analogue and digital limiters? If so, should you upgrade your recorder? Here’s an example and my thoughts.
The samples were recorded with the following:
Sound Devices 633 Audio Mixer/Recorder (My pro-level recorder/mixer)
Zoom F8 Audio Recorder (My favorite in the $1000 USD range)
Tascam DR-60DmkII Audio Recorder (My favorite in the sub $200 range)
What is striking to me is that if you're careful and willing/able to do retakes more often, you can get recordings that sound almost as good on a $200 USD recorder as on a $3200 USD recorder. But if you're working for a paying customer, retakes may make you look less than professional and possibly even cost you your next job. That's where a limiter can save you.
But if you're not paid for your recordings, don't sweat it! Besides, not having an analogue limiter forces you to be very careful and learn to be a ninja quality sound guy.