In the 2nd Edition of best digital sound recorder for videofrom Focal Press, industry experts Tomlinson Holman and Arthur Baum give you the tools and knowledge to apply recent advances in audio capture, video recording, editing workflows, and mixing to your own film or video. The book is full of techniques, tricks, and workflow secrets that you can apply to our own projects from pre-production through post-production. Whether you are an amateur filmmaker who wants to create great sound or an advanced professional in need of a reference guide, the book offers the guidance needed for you to take your independent film and video productions to the next level.

Author: Tomlinson Holman, Arthur Baum    Paperback: 362 Pages    Publisher: Focal Press    Publication Date: March 2013    Hollywood-Style Audio Techniques    Production / Location Sound Recording    Sound Design    Editing & Mixing    Mastering & Monitoring    Companion Website with Exercises & Files

Tomlinson Holman is one of the most prominent figures in audio today. He is widely known for introducing new products and processes in the field, including the THX Sound System, Home THX, and the THX Digital Mastering program developed while he was Corporate Technical Director at Lucasfilm, Ltd. Mr. Holman has won career achievement awards from Cinema Audio Society and the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association, as well as an Academy Award for Technical Achievement in 2001. His feature film credits include Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, among others.

Arthur Baum received his bachelor's degree in physics and mathematics from Harvard University and went on to study film sound at the University of Southern California. He has mixed and recorded sound for several independent films, webisodes, and documentaries and has edited sound for television programs airing on Discovery Channel, Syfy Network, Cartoon Network, and Animal Planet. In addition to his work on independent and corporate projects, Mr. Baum has served on the faculty of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, teaching sound theory and technique to incoming film production students.

• A new feature on "true" 24p shooting and editing systems, as well as single vs. double-system recording
• A strong focus on new media, including mini-DVDs, hard disks, memory cards, and standard and high-definition imagery
• Discussion of camera selection, manual level control, camera and recorder inputs, location scouting, and pre-production planning
• Instruction in connectors, real-time transfers, and file-based transfers from DVDs, hard drives, and solid state media.
• Blu-ray and HD tape formats for mastering and distribution in addition to file-based, DV, and DVD masters.
• A revamped companion website featuring recording and editing exercises, examples and sample tracks

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can the camera run on AC power only for a really long continuous shot (3+hrs)?

A: If you power the camera via the USB port with a USB power supply or by being connected to a computer, you can record as long as there is room on the media card. A 32GB card will record over over 4 hours of HD.

Q: 2. Can the battery be charged while using the camera?

A: You can use the camera while it is plugged in, but it doesn't charge while plugged in and turned on.

Q: 3. how can you attach the Sennheiser MKE2 lav?

A: You can use the Sennheiser MKE 2 Gold Series Subminiature Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone with 3-Pin LEMO Connector - Black (B&H # SEMKE24CG) with the Sound Devices A20-Mini Digital Wireless Bodypack Transmitter and Recorder. The mic input on the A20-Mini uses a 3-pin LEMO connector.

Q: 4. Can this product be tuned to 806-809 MHz for use when traveling to Japan?

A: The Sound Devices A20-Mini Digital Wireless Bodypack Transmitter and Recorder can transmit within the 806-809 MHz range, but B&H cannot advise on the legality of wireless frequency usage outside of North America. It would be recommended to check with the authorities in the location of your intended use, and to make sure that you are in compliance with all local regulations.

Q: 5. can i use the Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone?

A: Yes you can use basic Lavalier Condesner microphones and to use the Rode SmartLAV+ you will need to use the Rode SC3 3.5mm TRRS to TRS Adaptor for smartLav.

Q: 6. I believe that, in US, you can either record on the unit OR use as a transmitter, but not both at same time. Is that right? If so, why?

A: Simultaneous Record and Transmit mode is not available on A20-Mini units sold or operated in the United States of America. A different manufacturer owns the patent to the technology to do both at the same time.

Q: 7. So if Zaxcom has a patent on this how are companies like Rode or DJI allowed to put to market a a wireless system (granted prosumer level) but can record internally as well as send signal back to camera at the same time?

A: Thanks for response. Yes I am aware of that but it still does not answer how Rode and DJi who sell in US. How are they able to sidestep the us patent

Q: 8. If this A20 mini cannot record 32 bit float as backup AND transmit audio signal to RX on camera at the same time in USA, what alternative products are out there that can do both at the same time?

A: Unfortunately no, there is not currently a comparable option that is capable of recording in 32-bit and transmit over UHF frequencies at the same time. As of January 2023, this is still proprietary technology.

Q: 9. What format is the recording?

A: HDMI (4:4:4) 1080p: 60 fps USB Type-A 1080p: 24/25/30 fps 1080i: 50/60 fps 720p: 50/60 fps 576p: 50 fps 480p: 60 fps

Q: 10. Does it have (hdmi) out for live streaming and what is the video quality in doing so?

A: Live streaming is available via USB only.