Personal Recording Devices.........thoughts, experiences??

g4string · #1 04-22-2009, 07:48 PM

I walked in to GC the other day and saw these guys in the glass-case

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Portable...s-Recording.gc - page 1
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Portable...ge-2.gc?ipp=15 - page 2
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Portable...ge-3.gc?ipp=15 - page 3
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Portable...ge-4.gc?ipp=15 - page 4

They had the Tascam DR-7 and DR-1, Yamaha POCKETRAK, and a few others........I thought these were really cool!!! It was the first time I have seen these guys. I am seriously looking at getting one to record band practices.

What do you guys think of these devices
With a budget of about $250, which one would you get and why

Slowgypsy · #2 04-23-2009, 07:44 AM

I've used the Zoom H2 for a few years now. I mainly use it to record all the practice sessions of the 2 groups I perform with. It is surprisingly well made and durable. The sound recording quality is excellent. It's very easy to use. And as these things go, it's one of the least expensive units out there. I have only positive things to say about the H2. You should definitely place it on your consideration list.

ReBass · #3 04-23-2009, 08:37 AM

I have the Sony. The sound quality is superb. Definitely on the pricey side, tho.

VroomVroom · #4 04-23-2009, 10:40 AM

Lots of threads on this, but I'll toss out a recommendation for the M-Audio Microtrack 24/96. The main reason? Since it's been discontinued (in favor of the Microtrack II) you can find them either used or refurbed for quite a bit less than $250. I've had mine for roughly three years now, with very minimal complaints. Records up to 24-bit .wav files, and the quality is very impressive, even with the cheapo mic that comes with it. The only downside, IMO...battery life. It's useless, even for short efforts, so I'm committed to A/C only.

g4string · #5 04-23-2009, 12:17 PM

I have tried to search for these guys but get nothing

I am searching 'personal recording/er' and 'personal device'. I am assuming I am using the wrong buzz words.....

ReBass.....which Sony?

kevinmoore73 · #6 04-23-2009, 12:18 PM

I love my H2. If it were stolen or destroyed, I'd go buy another one.

Joe Nerve · #7 04-23-2009, 12:25 PM

Last month I got a brand new M Audio Microtrack for free with the purchase of $150 set of M Audio monitors at www.americanmusical.com. I sold it before I even got it (for $150).

I think that rebate sale was only going on till the end of march, but you might want to check all the M-audio stuff there to see if they're still offering any kind of crazy deals on it.

I, a few months earlier, purchased the yamaha pocketrack. It was going for $299 the time, they now lowered it $199. I was sold on the pocketrack for a variety of reasons. It's the smallest of them all, it recharges by just plugging into a computer, it has a built in speaker (which is excellent when held right against your ear to check what you've got), and it's stupid easy to use. I honestly can't even tell when I've got it in my pocket. For recordings I've only really used the mp3 format but they sound pretty damn good in a loud rehearsal room. I did lots of research and went for that cuz it suited my needs best.

If you're looking for audiofile stuff and quality is more important than convenience or ease of use, you might however want to check your other options. I couldn't be happier with mine. Lie. I'd be lots happier if I boght it a month later for $100 less than I paid.

boylebass · #8 04-23-2009, 12:30 PM

I've got a Zoom H4 that I bought before the H2 came out. Works great in a variety of settings, you can drag and drop on a mac, it's a few more steps on a PC.

Depending on your computer (if you've got a laptop) and your intended purposes (just recording rehearsals) you can buy a USB mic for under $100.

g4string · #9 04-23-2009, 02:53 PM

Oh' snap, I forgot to mention I am using a Mac, if that helps!!

g4string · #10 04-23-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmoore73

I love my H2. If it were stolen or destroyed, I'd go buy another one.

can you adjust the input gain?? If so, the H2 seems like a nice little piece!!! Nice price too

kevinmoore73 · #11 04-23-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g4string

can you adjust the input gain?? If so, the H2 seems like a nice little piece!!! Nice price too

The H2 has a slider on the side with gain settings of low, medium, and high. As far as I remember, low is equivalent to "none". I record everything with it set to low and adjust on the computer.

Check out Zoom's Japanese H2 site for more information than what's on the US site: http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h2/index.php

Joe Nerve · #12 04-23-2009, 03:32 PM

Just want to mention that I noticed in past threads that most people talk about the zoom because it was the first reasonable priced field recorder that got marketed well. Lots of people bought them, and it sounds like they're pretty decent. I wouldn't rule out all the others though on the basis of people's experience as there are a lot of others that might better suit your needs. The size of the zoom along with the need for additional hookups for listening and what to me seemed like a confusing menu with too many micing options that I didn't want or need steered me away from that. I read every bit of info on everything in my price range before I bought mine and found what fit my needs the best. It's soooo easy, and even fun, theses days to research purcased before buying. You've got everything from user reviews, to product websites, to the ability to even download the user manuals to see what will and won't work for you before purchasing. If you do your homework (like it seems you've started to here) you'll probably be happy with whatever it is you ultimately purchase.

Ricky Daion · #13 04-23-2009, 05:08 PM

I just bought the latest Zoom offering - a Zoom h4n and I think it's the best piece of gear I've bought in quite a while. Lot's of options from stereo recording through the mics to four track recording (using the mics plus a sub mix from the board or adding two more mics-through xlr/1/4 in. inputs or running bass,guitar or keys directly) or using the multitrack function. Built in effects (in multitrack) a chromatic tuner, a metronome, even a guitar/bass trainer if you need it. They've made the display bigger than the h4 and it come with a case, mic stand adaptor and and a wall adaptor. I've also recorded just using the batteries and they ran for eight hours with power to spare. So many options can make it confusing at the beginning but if all you want to do is a quick stereo recording through the mics, which are excellent, all you do is press the record button once(standby) adjust you levels and press record again. Check it out.

g4string · #14 04-23-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

Just want to mention that I noticed in past threads that most people talk about the zoom because it was the first reasonable priced field recorder that got marketed well. Lots of people bought them, and it sounds like they're pretty decent. I wouldn't rule out all the others though on the basis of people's experience as there are a lot of others that might better suit your needs. The size of the zoom along with the need for additional hookups for listening and what to me seemed like a confusing menu with too many micing options that I didn't want or need steered me away from that. I read every bit of info on everything in my price range before I bought mine and found what fit my needs the best. It's soooo easy, and even fun, theses days to research purcased before buying. You've got everything from user reviews, to product websites, to the ability to even download the user manuals to see what will and won't work for you before purchasing. If you do your homework (like it seems you've started to here) you'll probably be happy with whatever it is you ultimately purchase.

All I want to do is have a nice easy to use 'plug and play' recorder for band practices.......ease of use is key to me......as is ease of uploading files on to my Mac so I can burn the rehearsals to CD's (or email) and share with the guys.

Joe Nerve · #15 04-23-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g4string

All I want to do is have a nice easy to use 'plug and play' recorder for band practices.......ease of use is key to me......as is ease of uploading files on to my Mac so I can burn the rehearsals to CD's (or email) and share with the guys.

That's what I wanted, that's what I got with the pocketrack. They're offering a free set of headphones with it too now. Just noticed my review comes right up on the page too. Forgot I even reviewed it.

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item-...CKETRAK2G-LIST

g4string · #16 04-23-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

That's what I wanted, that's what I got with the pocketrack. They're offering a free set of headphones with it too now. Just noticed my review comes right up on the page too. Forgot I even reviewed it.

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item-...CKETRAK2G-LIST

Can you mount the Yamaha on a stand......I think the Zoom comes with a mic stand clip/adapter. That is a feature I would like........

Slowgypsy · #17 04-23-2009, 10:19 PM

Yes, you can mount the Zoom H2 on a mic stand (comes with the attachment) or you can place it on a surface (also come with a small stand attachment). I also use a Mac. I simply download the Zoom H2 files into Garage Band, edit them, adjust eq, save them, and then send them to itunes. In itunes it becomes part of my music library, and I also change the format from WAV files to MP3 files. Then I can either burn a CD or download them to my ipod. If all this sounds confusing, it isn't. After you've been through the process once, it becomes very intuitive. But, no matter what recording device you end up with, in order to put your rehearsal material into some kind of usable format, you'll have to go through some steps.

Joe Nerve · #18 04-23-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g4string

Can you mount the Yamaha on a stand......I think the Zoom comes with a mic stand clip/adapter. That is a feature I would like........

Yes. It comes with a little mic stand adapter that screws into the back.

Steve · #19 04-24-2009, 08:30 AM

Pretty good but a little outdated sound sample comparisons here

http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portab...d-samples.html

g4string · #20 04-24-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

Pretty good but a little outdated sound sample comparisons here

http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portab...d-samples.html

IYO, what makes the H2 outdated? As far as the recordings, with out knowing the source of the recordings I take them with a grain of salt. NTM, it sounds like the source of the recordings were from a mixer or really nice mic. It doesn't sound like they were using each units built in mic......If thats the case, one can not make a good assumption on the quality of sound from ea unit?? Just my O......