Mike wrote:

I would like to record some live flute and piano music.

all the stuff film/video/sync, etc. snipped

I've read through the responses to this point, and your
replies, and I think you're trying to be too smart, here.
Not that you haven't done a decent job of looking into the
possibilities. I went through a similar process back in 1972
when I was seriously into Super-8 (and film-making in
general). In those days, though, the format wasn't perceived
as becoming rapidly obsolete.

As I read through the thread (and before Scott Dorsey
mentioned it), my thoughts were that you should just contact
Super-8 Sound or try to find a Uher full-coat conversion.
You can actually find them occasionally on eBay (as well as
the Super-8 Sound editing bench, 3- or 4-gang to suit your
fancy). If you really understand the process of film-making
with sync sound, and the practical aspects of
post-production, you'll realize that _bypassing_ all the
falderal you've described and queried about is the short
path to your final objective. You don't have to be reminded
that you're dealing with technology that is rapidly
dissolving into museum dust.

The issues of fullcoat and even 1/4" tape are going to be
similar to the issues with Super-8 film. It's going away.
Not gone, but harder to get. Translate that as: expensive.

I think you might find some useful information at:

http://www.super8filmmaking.com/

Mike has has this info going for a number of years, and has
quite a good list of resources that should help.

BTW, would you be interested in a nearly perfect Beaulieu
4008ZMII with Schneider glass, batteries, charger, and other
goodies? I've also got a gorgeous Bolez H-8 Rex with goodies
that I'd let go to a good home. I was going to have it
converted to Super-8 by J-K Audio way back when, but way
back when was when I couldn't afford it. I think somebody
still converts them.

Good luck, but try to find the easiest and most cost
efficient path - not the hardest and most expensive.



TM