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Recommendation for a handheld digital recorder

D

doctorjazz

Oct 22, 2006
2,471
5
37
Wilmington, NC
#1
I'm in the market right now for a portable digital recorder, for master classes, lessons and concerts, as well as whatever other uses I find for it. I want the sound quality to be as high as possible, that's the most important thing. Capacity isn't really an issue, I don't really see myself needing more than a few hours at a time, so that's something I'm willing to trade off. I also want to be able to plug it into my PC and dump the files into iTunes to put on my iPod. Pretty sure most of them can do this, but just making sure. Playback on the recorder itself would be nice too, but definitely not a requirement. Again, sound quality gets top priority.

So, got some suggestions?
 
#2
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Edirol-R09HR-24BIT96KHZ-WAVMP3-RECORDER-?sku=245003


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This one. A friend of mine went to another bands concert one night with this recorder, and he recorded the bands playing with him singing to the band while he was in the crowd (Just using the built in mics). It sounds like a legit live recording. The band he recorded still doesn't know that he did this.

Here's the link to the recording: The song to listen to is called GOLD
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The actual band that was playing is called Spirit of the Stairs and they rule hard. 3 guitars, 2 drummers, 1 bassist.
 
#6
#10
I prefer the H4 to the H2.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/H4/

It is probably one of the best purchases, as far as price and use, for the studio in a long time.

If you are doing simple lecture/classroom recording, than you might not want to spring for something even smaller/less expensive. I know when I would record classes it was just for a supplement to my notes.

But as far a portable all in one field recording unit, the H4 rocks for the money you are going to spend on it. Also with 2 XLR inputs (something the H2 does not have); you can also have the option of using some different types of mics with it.

If price is not an issue:
Best sound at any price - The grandaddy Sony
Click to expand...

I agree with the above.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PCMD1/

We have one of these at work, and the recorded material is absolutely great.
 
#12
I use the H2 and I have no noise issues. Although I am not cutting CDs just making some MP3s for the band so they can get an idea where they need to improve. You are going to want abigger flash card than the one that comes with it. I got a 4gig.
The main sound problem with the H2 is finding the sweet spot on where to put it. The first few recordings I made all you could herar was drums and keyboard. It has an ext Mic jack that might make the problem easier but I haven't used it yet. Used it Saturday at an outdoor party and got some really good recordings but Sorry I cant post any audio clips for demo. <<<technicallly challenged

Does anyone know of any good editing software for the H2 recordings
 
#13
Well, if you have the money, go ahead and buy the more expensive units. I have a H2 and I've had no issues with noise of any sort. It records cleanly and evenly. I highly doubt any of the more expensive units mics are any better. I do wish the Zoom had a remote though. The Zoom also comes with a ton of accessories.

For editing, I've been using Audacity. Just highlight the section you want and do a save as [mp3, ogg, wav]. If I need to do any serious eq'ing, I'll use Nero Wave Editor which has a ton of plug-ins.
 
#14
First let me say that every review ive read/watched has mentioned handeling noise.
I myself tried one out in the shop and could see the meters moving as i was handeling it.
Im pretty sure it wouldnt be a problem in the real world and it wasnt really a big factor in me not getting it but it was there.
Ive listened to a lot fo recordings done on the H2 and have been impressed but for me some of the features of the Edirol made it a winner.

Having held both in the shop the Edirol felt firmer. Also the disply is bigger, or at least easier to see. This will be usful as we dont reall yget to sound check much so ill need ot be able to tell that the levels are ok and of course , adjust them if needed.

I still plan on using my Sony mic but will give the built in mic's ago at the next gig.
I recorded the last one on my MD with the mic on a stand at the back of the stage.
It picked up everytihng really well but i had the (very good) AGC on. Ive not tried it like this in manual mode but judging from the mix i think this is a good place to put it. Our drummer has a monitor up near his head and the mic is pretty close to that so the vocals came out well.
Inormally use either wavelab5 or Audition 3 after i import the MD files via sonic Stage. Im really looking forward tojust putting the SD card in my PC and saving a good 10mins.
Ive got a few Class 4 and 6 4GB SD cards lying around so thats not a problem.
I also got the mic stand adaptor and that was quite expensive but i got a good deal for the two. They will be here tomorrow but i dont have a gig untill the 22nd.
 
#18
i started a thread like this a while back

i went with the yamaha pocketrak.

it has a built in USB connector, internal speaker (it sounds bad but lets you hear what you recorded) only 2 gigs of space (33 hours worth of MP3 recording..), and the best part is that is is freakin TINY. i chose this over the much loved H2 because if i had an H2, it wouldent have been in my pocket for all those jam sessions that ended up being awesome, its convienent to carry around. i think the thing sounds freakin great, i record every gig, every show i go to, lessons, its great.

heres a sample of the yamaha sitting on a table in a rehearsal room..

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