gig recorder for old guy

[seanm]

I'm an old guy (with glasses) too and I have an Edirol R-09 which I use to record myself practicing and also for classes, instruction, live performances, etc. It's great and I think, easy to use. And very small. In the dark you could mistake it for a Norelco electric shaver...

+1 on the Edirol. I own the Edirol and helped a fellow musician use the Zoom. Compared to the Edirol, the Zoom is hard to use... too many menus. But probably easy once you get the hang of it.

I believe the two have comparable sound. The Zoom was a bit less expensive.

 

[dave_bass5]

Another vote for a Edirol. Ive been using a R-09HR for about 40+ gigs now. I strap it to the singers mic stand and we get a really good, balanced recording.
The screen is big enough that we use it as a set timer as well.

The R-09HR just got a firmware update that adds new features like tuners (graphic and normal), split and join function, self timer and metronome (not sure how useful that is as the speaker is pretty quiet).

 

[seanm]

Another vote for a Edirol. Ive been using a R-09HR for about 40+ gigs now. I strap it to the singers mic stand and we get a really good, balanced recording.
The screen is big enough that we use it as a set timer as well.

The R-09HR just got a firmware update that adds new features like tuners (graphic and normal), split and join function, self timer and metronome (not sure how useful that is as the speaker is pretty quiet).

I didn't know about the R-09HR, I just have the ol' R09..... now I want a remote control

 

[dave_bass5]

I didn't know about the R-09HR, I just have the ol' R09..... now I want a remote control

The Remote was a big selling point for me. Unfortunately i kept loosing it at gigs and so have never actually used it

 

[Luke19Boarder]

does anyone have any sound clips to show the quality that can be acheived from these little recorders?

 

[dave2]

I read good things about the Olympus LS-10 and I bought one a few months ago.
Yes the LS-10 is a great little recorder. It runs on two AA batteries, has 2 GB memory included and you can install a flash drive up to 8 GB I believe. I put a 4 GB flash in mine. It even included two windscreens for the two built-in stereo mics and carrying case. A tripod would be nice but it's extra.
Choose a folder just like a PC and record your MP3 or WAV files. After recording you just plug it via the included cable into your computer's USB port and download your files. Then I import the files into my iTunes and onto my iPod. Or burn the files to disk for others. I now record most rehearsals and several gigs including our gig at the West End Pub last Friday night. The sound is very good I think. A+ to Olympus for this device. I spent a bit over $200 on eBay but I think they now have LS-11 available so you can probably get the LS-10 cheaper now. I think this was a good investment as it really helps to reflect back and hear what the group was doing.

Olympus site and description or just google it: Link Removed

Best,
Dave

 

[morebass!]

I appreciate everyone's input. Seems like lots of good options. At this point I'm not too worried about sound quality as this modern stuff is all pretty good, unless it can't handle high volumes - so that's a concern. The other main thing for me is being able to read the display without glasses.

 

[Matt Dean]

I think the best bang for the buck is the Zoom H2 ... best money I've spent in a long time. Fits in a pocket, has a small stand for table top use, an adapter to fit into a mic clip to mount on a mic stand (use the rubber mic clips for isolation). Four mic capsules (L/R front/rear), any number of digital audio formats and resolutions (WAV and MP3), USB connection, and more. Can be used as a USB mic into a DAW if that's your thing.

The only criterion on your list that it doesn't meet (or exceed) is the display ... it's pretty tiny. Once it's set up though, there's nothing to play with, and the button interface is simple and intuitive. And if it matters, I'm not an "old guy" at 55 ...

+1

 

[Shindig]

I read good things about the Olympus LS-10 and I bought one a few months ago.
Yes the LS-10 is a great little recorder. It runs on two AA batteries, has 2 GB memory included and you can install a flash drive up to 8 GB I believe. I put a 4 GB flash in mine. It even included two windscreens for the two built-in stereo mics and carrying case. A tripod would be nice but it's extra.
Choose a folder just like a PC and record your MP3 or WAV files. After recording you just plug it via the included cable into your computer's USB port and download your files. Then I import the files into my iTunes and onto my iPod. Or burn the files to disk for others. I now record most rehearsals and several gigs including our gig at the West End Pub last Friday night. The sound is very good I think. A+ to Olympus for this device. I spent a bit over $200 on eBay but I think they now have LS-11 available so you can probably get the LS-10 cheaper now. I think this was a good investment as it really helps to reflect back and hear what the group was doing.

Olympus site and description or just google it: Link Removed

Best,
Dave

Another +1 for the LS-10.
IMO it's a bit better than the H4 (I've used both). I found the Zoom has a steeper learning curve. The Olympus is metal, not plastic, and has more choices in recording file type and resolution.
I bought mine on Web from CompuPro for about $280 new.
It's one of the best investments I've made in over 40 years of playing bass. Allowed me to adjust my tone and note placement for the better, as you can hear what's actually happening in the music.
If you can find a sweet spot on stage where the mix is good you'll get a great recording. Picks up bass just fine.
Good luck!
Shindig

 

[DWBass]

H2! Best bang for your buck. Below is a recent recording done on an H2. (Nevermind the screwups!) There's a tad bit of distortion from the keyboards but that's because he had his levels a bit high.

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[kraigo]

+1. Lean and mean.

KO

I think the best bang for the buck is the Zoom H2 ... best money I've spent in a long time. Fits in a pocket, has a small stand for table top use, an adapter to fit into a mic clip to mount on a mic stand (use the rubber mic clips for isolation). Four mic capsules (L/R front/rear), any number of digital audio formats and resolutions (WAV and MP3), USB connection, and more. Can be used as a USB mic into a DAW if that's your thing.

The only criterion on your list that it doesn't meet (or exceed) is the display ... it's pretty tiny. Once it's set up though, there's nothing to play with, and the button interface is simple and intuitive. And if it matters, I'm not an "old guy" at 55 ...

 

[Brent Nussey]

I also like the LS-10. It has big buttons, a great manual that you don't need because it works so intuitively, and - this is important - a physical dial to set the input level of the mics. No repeatedly pushing little buttons to adjust your input levels. As mentioned, it's made of metal. It doesn't need an optional case to put it on a stand, and will fit on any camera tripod. Sounds great. I really feel like my mother-in-law could use it, and that's saying something.

This may help you:
http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/audio/portable-recorder-comparison/

Brent

 

[251]

I use a Sony Mini Disk, found on eBay for short money a while ago. Microphone, rechargeable AA battery, disks & a mini-jack extention cord are essential equipment.

I run the headphone signal to the line in on my Mac G4 & record/edit with audacity. It's good for lessons, gigs, rehearsals & for making demo CDs.

 

[tappingtrance]

I use mine all the time - it is soooooo worth the money! It is simple to use but has advanced functions if you care.

I think the best bang for the buck is the Zoom H2 ... best money I've spent in a long time. Fits in a pocket, has a small stand for table top use, an adapter to fit into a mic clip to mount on a mic stand (use the rubber mic clips for isolation). Four mic capsules (L/R front/rear), any number of digital audio formats and resolutions (WAV and MP3), USB connection, and more. Can be used as a USB mic into a DAW if that's your thing.

The only criterion on your list that it doesn't meet (or exceed) is the display ... it's pretty tiny. Once it's set up though, there's nothing to play with, and the button interface is simple and intuitive. And if it matters, I'm not an "old guy" at 55 ...

 

[Mr-Wunderful]

I'm digging my Tascam DR 1, real easy to use ( I haven't reffered to the manual once), WAV or MP3, USB to the computer for file transfer, fits in shirt pocket, battery is USB rechargable.

 

[tom e smith]

Check out the Zoom Q3. It does video as well and is truly a no brainer to operate. I have an H2 as well and the Q3 sounds as good (or better).