DAT sound recording

[becomedeath]

Good afternoon gentlemen,

I have a concern. I recently purchased a TCD-D8 portable DAT recorder for some stuff I am planning with super 8. Now I know that 60Hz is the standard for post-production synching and I also know that the DAT can record at that level, but it seems that there is no way to set and lock that frequency without some kind of outside source. I was looking into the 60Hz Crystal Synch Generator offered by the Film Goup, but found through questioning them that I didn't need it, that the DAT would work as is and still synch up in post-production. The only frequencies that can be set on it are 48kHz and 44.1kHz. So I am somewhat confused. Will the DAT record lip-sych sound even if it is not locked at 60Hz? By the way, I plan to shoot at 24fps. I am hoping that someone here has recorded sound for film with a DAT and may have come across such a problem. Anything that anyone can tell me will be greatly appreciated and I patiently await your response(s).

Thank you,
Tayman Strahorn.

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[crimsonson]

DAT and Minidisc do not need any additional gear to be use for shoots (double system). This is because they almost never drift and if they do the drift is negligible (less than 1 percent). Your problem will be making your camera stay sync'd. Its not necessary to get crystal sync- unless you do long shots and/or not ability to strech/shrink audio trakc (like in a editing software). I do suggest you do if you are doing a narative. It will make your life in post so much easier and cheaper. BTW- crystak sync will cost you around $500- and only if your camera is operating without problems.

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[becomedeath]

Yes, I plan to have my camera crystal synched. I've looked around a bit and it seems that the film group offers a nice conversion for $550 for my particular camera, which is a Beaulieu 4008ZM4. I appreciate your reply, it has been very helpful.
Thank you,
Tayman Strahorn.

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