Thanks Frank!
The mixpre3 does look like a really good option. But the reason I don't want to ditch the 633 is when I want to record 6 channels of music performance, I want it to be sample accurate, I don't think TC is that accurate, or it may drift a bit. Also, I sometimes still do the professional job as a soundengineer, on smaller documentaries TV stuff. And, this is maybe just my opinion, but I do think preamps are better on 633 - I have recorded classical/acoustic performance with mixpre10, and it did perform beautifully, and I used all 8 preamps, but I did feel like there is a slight lack of fullness. Just because of that extra depth of sound, 6 preamps + 2 line inputs, at some point, I would upgrade to 833.
But yes, mixpre in a fanny pack could actually work, even on the talent in some cases. And with it, I could ditch the usbpre in my bag. The only bummer is, the mixpre does not output 3 tracks, I can only send out LR mix and I am back at 5 preamps. If it had the extra option of outputting 3 iso tracks, I would already have it
Thanks Daniel (and Iron for update on Tascam - I would consider it)!
But saramonic and deity I would not trust to be clean enough for any music or soundscapes. nor do they have any TC included. Even Zaxcom, I know it is extra small, but I would rather have extra clean, and it is even pricier than A10.
But you are right to point out why putting a 4018 on a camera - it would be a waste to have this good mic recording people from afar. And it would not stay on the camera all the time. I will be working in an environment where natural habitat and its acoustics will play an important role. And for ease of use. I will be hanging out with people for days. I just want to be able to grab the gear, turn on record on the camera and the recorder, when things start happening, without cables all around me after a few minutes. Or if I just wanna put down the camera to do something else and get back to shooting in a couple of minutes. But yes, Ideally it should be able to get off the camera, and on the mini boom pole real quick. But, as I am alone I might not do this often.
It seems now after the discussion, I need a mixpre AND a minirecorder - for the talent - and then I do not need the PP on it, just in case my talent goes far away from me, as a back up. then either tascam or saramonic would be totally fine for the job, and extra light. Maybe the tentacles would provide for extra back up with the tc capability.
I am writing a lot, please bear with me, the thing is, once i am in the field, alone, I will not be able to go out and buy new stuff for months, need to be ready for most cases: walk in the forest, on a boat, small private talks in the middle of the night, community meetings, music performances, festivities, etc., I can improvise, use help from the locals, but I will be more or less on my own.