PORTADRIVE: Terrific For TV Production

Versatility is an important attribute for sound recordists working on TV projects, and the PORTADRIVE offers a modern alternative to the traditional DAT/Mixer recording kit. PORTADRIVE is capable of handling complex TV location recording projects, for example discrete recording up to eight audio sources, while generating mono and stereo mixdown outputs for cameras and monitoring. PORTADRIVE’s user interface is specifically designed to be used ‘over the shoulder’ and comprehensive headphone monitoring and metering functions allows the operator to remain in complete control.

Andrew Boulton, Head of Sound Production at the NFTS, comments on using PORTADRIVE on the video recording of the David Lean BAFTA lecture 2004

“The decision to use the PORTADRIVE paid considerable dividends during the shoot, and later in post-production. The PORTADRIVE allowed us to rationalise our equipment set up and produce a much more sophisticated result. We were able to capture both microphone cleanfeeds and a stereo mix, as well as outputting a separate feed to the cameras. Our students found the PORTADRIVE to be operationally intuitive and the unit's headphone section allowed us to keep on top of all of the various audio signals. As we sync'ed the PORTADRIVE to house timecode and the session was saved as AES31 files, the audio recording could be transferred directly into our post systems.” - read more

Antonio Arroyo commenting on recording Robert Altman’s 'Tanner on Tanner'

“The portability and functionality of the PORTADRIVE was crucial to the success of the shoot, not having to work off a cart, just being able to hang it around my neck without a mixer, especially when we were using eight tracks, was amazing. I had eight radio receivers plus a cable going to a boom. We were shooting with Panasonic DV cameras, and with one PORTADRIVE I was able to do scratch mixes for both video cameras using the two pairs of stereo outputs. I also was able to create headphone feeds for Robert - all without having to carry a mixer - read more