Pocket Recorders

[Atticus]

Can small pocket recorders be used effectively for amped bass and drums? I'm looking at starting to record some rough demos so I can have something to show prospective bands, but I don't really have a budget or space for a mixing board, multi-track recorder, or lots of mics. I'm think about getting a small pocket recorder, recording parts individually, and patching them together using Audacity or a similar program. I know that the quality can't compare to a real set-up, but will the sound at least be enough for garage demos, and if so, can somebody recommend a good quality pocket recorder?

EDIT: Y'know, I should refine my search terms a bit before posting a new topic on a question that seems to be popular.

 

[Andy Brown]

Check out the Zoom H4 or H2. They also just came out with a new (budget) recorder too... [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[stingray69]

^^^Beat me to it, lol.

You may want to look into small portable recorders like the Zoom models (H2, H4, Q3), Edirol recorders, etc. to see if they suit your needs. [This invalid link has been removed]

As you know, none of the above models will beat a true multi-track pc-based recording setup as far as ease of recording & particularly getting separate tracks mixed, but they may be what you're looking for in this particular case.

 

[dave_bass5]

A few of the threads ive taken part in

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485258&highlight=dave_bass5

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466909&highlight=dave_bass5

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=590780&highlight=dave_bass5

My preference is my Edirol R09-HR recorder. Its not as comprehensive as the Zoom devices but its robust, has a easier to see display, remote control, and really just gets on and does the job.

I normally have it strapped to my singers mic at gigs and it never seems to distort (as long as you set the rec level low enough of course) and the recordings are very clean.

 

[longfinger]

A lot of these new recorders are really good at what they do.

My Zoom H2 also can work as an external USB mic/sound card to my computer. So I can use it to capture sound and recorder straight into a multi-track recording program on my computer like Garage Band if I choose to. I'm sure the other brands/models do similar things. You would not need to patch the files together on the computer, as you could choose to record directly to the computer using your pocket recorder as mic+preamp+A/D converter+USB interface.

That new H1 seems real handy! Again, a lot of the brands/models will do the job.