Listen Up: Great Audio Gear for Wedding Filmmakers

Zoom H4n Pro  
This four-track audio recorder builds off the original H4n, which was (and still is) a go-to audio tool for DSLR filmmakers. The Pro has a number of upgrades, including improved condenser mics that can now handle audio up to 140 dB SPL. The H4n Pro has three recording modes: stereo, using either the built-in mics or a pair of external mics, four channel using both the built-in mics and a pair of extras simultaneously, or a multi-track mode, which features effects (limiting, reverb, delay, echo, etc.) and overdubbing. A pre-record mode captures two seconds worth of audio prior to you hitting record. Sound files are recorded to SDHC cards up to 32GB in either MP3 or WAV formats and you’ll enjoy up to six hours of recording time on a pair of AA batteries.
zoom-na.com

Zoom F4 – AUDIO RECORDING
This multi-track field recorder has four low noise mic pre-amps and generates super-price time code thanks to its Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator. It uses four XLR/TRS combo inputs plus a 3.5mm stereo input and a Zoom mic capsule input. The F4 has a metal build and weighs in a 2.3 pounds.
www.zoom-na.com

JuicedLink Little DARling 
This petite wireless audio recorder is positioned as a more reliable alternative to a wireless lav. It physically connects to a lav mic (optional) and supports two-track audio recording from a single mic to a microSD card. The Little DARling runs off a single AA battery and you’ll enjoy about 12 hours of recording time on regular Alkaline batteries and up to 20 hours on a Lithium battery. It ships with a detachable belt clip. You’ll pay $265 for a model with a wireless receiver.
juicedlink.com

Saramonic UWMIC10 RX-10
This wireless recorder has a receiver that mounts to your camera and connects to its 3.5mm jack while the wireless lav unit clips onto your subjects. It will auto-scan across available frequencies to ensure a consistent signal and offers 96 channels available in two groups. You’ll enjoy a 330-foot reach with no obstacles, or roughly 200 feet with obstacles in your path. The RX-10 runs on a pair of AA batteries.
saramonicusa.com

Tascam DR-10SG Shotgun Mic  
The DR-10SG can keep unwanted ambient sound from marring your main audio thanks to its directional supercardioid microphone. Its shock-resistant mounting foot stops noise from your camera’s shutter or lens from getting picked up by the mics as well. There are four selectable EQ modes, audio pass-through to the camera and an on-board audio slate so you can synchronize multiple audio sources in post. It uses the company’s Dual Recording mode, which automatically records a second “safety take” at a lower level so you won’t be left without quality sound.
tascam.com

Sennheiser MKE 440
The two aligned and matched mini shotgun mics of the MKE 440 ensure that you’ll capture the sounds you want from the front of your camera and not the idle background chatter from the uncle who left his hearing aid at home. The MKE 440’s dual stereo mics are shock-mounted internally and are protected from wind by a stainless steel micro-mesh. The mic’s sensitivity is adjustable in three levels and there’s a low-cut filter. It draws power from a pair of AA batteries.
en-us.sennheiser.com