SUMMARY
If you just need to record audio and don’t want to lug around a couple of heavy Pelican cases full of equipment, the FlashMic is an ideal solution
Target Apps
Radio, Web video and podcasts will be the primary destinations, with some limited uses in film and TV
What It Costs You
$1,350 MSRP
What's Cool
Small enough to fit in a brief case or even a purse; simple, sleek design that makes it easy for anyone to operate; the ability to record in a variety of formats, balancing audio quality with recording time; 90x transfer speed to computer
What's Missing
A wireless or timecode option; of course, adding wireless features would make the product more expensive and more complex to operate. While this tool is very flexible, it can’t be used for synch sound.
Specs
Omni-directional microphone capsule; one channel; 1 GB Flash memory; USB interface for file transfer; records liner 32, 44.1 or 48 kHz or MPEG-1 Layer 2 encoded audio. Record over three hours at 48 kHz or up to 18 hours at MPEG-1 32K. Powered by two AA batteries.
Sometimes it’s all about the audio, and only the audio, even for the visual media of film, television and the Web. When all you need to record is a simple interview, why break your back lugging around a recorder and hassle with connecting cables and a complex interface?
The size of any standard handheld microphone, the FlashMic DRM85 is an all-in-one microphone and recorder from HHB Commmunications. It features an omni-directional capsule with an internal 1 GB of Flash memory, with a variety of recording options allowing from three to 18 hours of recording time, depending on the compression.
The most striking thing about the FlashMic is its compact and sleek design that makes recording quality audio a snap, right out of the box. In about five minutes you can learn all the functions you’ll need, though there are more advanced modes with the accompanying software. When you’re done recording, all you have to do is hook it up via a USB cable and the files transfer automatically to your computer. The audio quality of the specially designed Sennheiser omni capsule is, as expected, exceptional.
Obviously, radio, Web video and podcasts will be the primary markets, though I can see it being used selectively on documentaries when audio is all that’s needed or possible. In many of the videos we’ve shot for StudioDaily.com, I’ve used the DRM85 to record interviews and later cut that audio to B-roll footage. (This also minimizes the endless talking heads.) On film sets, you could send your third off to record sound effects without interrupting the main shoot.
One of the mic’s more popular features— especially at larger organizations with many reporters, such as radio stations— is the companion software that lets you program the mic with a variety of presets and metadata. This makes it easy to track assets, further simplifying the field operation of the mic.
I’m a little surprised there isn’t a wireless option (or, at least, a timecode option) so the mic could be used on a video shoot. Of course, this would complicate the product, possibly making it too difficult for some to operate. It would also increase the cost.
One warning about the battery power-display on its LED screen: When the power starts to run out, it falls rapidly. You can go from having three full bars of power for hours to only a few minutes left once it reads below two bars. Though this is a common problem with most battery-powered electronics, recharging regularly will help you avoid it.
Overall, I was astounded by the ease of use and quality of the recording. It should be interesting to see how those in film and television production make use of the DRM85.
