Whats yur favorite portable recorder?

[Steve]

And second question. does the H2 have manual level control?

It does. The really cool thing is it doesn't really matter that much. I've done a bunch of stuff with it set VERY low and with Audacity you can bring the levels up to right where you want them and there is no real dicernable difference in noise floor.

Stay away fron the units internal AGC (auto gain control) if you're recording live music. It will create audible pumping that is all but impossible to get rid of.

 

[sleepy_monkey]

I have a Micro BR and love it. Very easy to use, can upgrade SD cards to get a TON of recording time...can put MP3s on it and use it as an audio player, hook up a small mic and record classes....

There are some great intuitive videos on the Micro BR on YouTube, very well done..and there is a Forum just for the Micro BR that has some good info as well.

 

[dave_bass5]

It does. The really cool thing is it doesn't really matter that much. I've done a bunch of stuff with it set VERY low and with Audacity you can bring the levels up to right where you want them and there is no real dicernable difference in noise floor.

Stay away fron the units internal AGC (auto gain control) if you're recording live music. It will create audible pumping that is all but impossible to get rid of.

To be honest the AGC on my Sony doesn't produce any noticeable pumping. Ive heard other units in the past (also video camera's) and they have been terrible but the Sony i can just place almost anywhere and it works fine. Thats why im a bit apprehensive about changing it.
Normally we wont sound check so there is usually no way of setting an optimal recording level so i tend to use AGC a lot.
Have a listen here to see how well it works
Link Removed
The mic was just sitting on a table at the back of the very small stage.

Im not saying ACG is ideal and i would rather use manual but on the Sony it works very well.
I believe you do need both record level control and mic sensitivity to keep the distortion at bay. Ive used the Sony with record levels right down but mic sens set for normal and i got distortion and pumping. Same with my Canon HF10 video cam as well. Without me reduce the mic sens it doesn't make any difference how the record levels are set.

I am going to try and pick a H2 up tomorrow though. seems like its ideal for placing on stage. I have to make sure my MD is on a soft surface as i find the recordings can jump quite a bit with MD.

One more thing. How long does the batteries last on average?

 

[DWBass]

I have a Micro BR and love it. Very easy to use, can upgrade SD cards to get a TON of recording time...can put MP3s on it and use it as an audio player, hook up a small mic and record classes....

There are some great intuitive videos on the Micro BR on YouTube, very well done..and there is a Forum just for the Micro BR that has some good info as well.

Can the Micro BR record in stereo? Without seeing a picture I recall it having just one small mic on the top right.

 

[The BurgerMeister]

renaissance bass recorder:

and the Edirol.

 

[sleepy_monkey]

Can the Micro BR record in stereo? Without seeing a picture I recall it having just one small mic on the top right.

Yes, it has a mini stereo plug...so to run stereo you just have to get an adapter...otherwise, using the guitar input is just mono.

Also, here is the Forum....

Link Removed

 

[DWBass]

Yes, it has a mini stereo plug...so to run stereo you just have to get an adapter...

...and a stereo mic I assume...

 

[DWBass]

One more thing. How long does the batteries last on average?

Allegedly, with 2 alkaline batteries....4 hours continuous recording. I usually use Lithium batteries though and I'd never have to record for that length of time continuously anyway. Rechargeable batteries last a good while as well. I recorded a couple weekends worth of band rehearsals on a pair of rechargeables.

 

[dave_bass5]

Allegedly, with 2 alkaline batteries....4 hours continuous recording. I usually use Lithium batteries though and I'd never have to record for that length of time continuously anyway. Rechargeable batteries last a good while as well. I recorded a couple weekends worth of band rehearsals on a pair of rechargeables.

Nice one, thanks.
I always use Lithiums anyway but yes, 4 hours is way more than i would need for any one gig.

 

[Steve]

H2's will eat batteries for sure. How fast is dependant on the recording mode.

I can get about 7-8 sets out of a couple of energizers recording stero .wav at 44khz sample if I shut the thing off during the breaks.

I imagine if you really cranked it up to quad at 96khz it would chew right through 'em.

 

[j.a.e.r.i.p]

I'm an H2 user, and i have only positive things to say about it, it's a great product, especially for the price

 

[dave_bass5]

H2's will eat batteries for sure. How fast is dependant on the recording mode.

I can get about 7-8 sets out of a couple of energizers recording stero .wav at 44khz sample if I shut the thing off during the breaks.

I imagine if you really cranked it up to quad at 96khz it would chew right through 'em.

44.1khz is fine for me. we average about 2 hours 15 mins most gigs and i will shut it off in the breaks.

Do you need to re set anything when you turn it back on?

 

[dave_bass5]

Sorry, i have another question.
According to the H2 manual, for band recordings they recommend using the 120 degrees and they show that its recorded from the back Mic's.
Does this mean i need to turn the H2 around so the back is facing the band on stage?
Normally i would place the Mic just at one side of the stage, normally mine, and have the Mic set to 120 degrees but but of course it tends to pick up the bass and drums more in the right hand channel. I re balance this in Audition or Wavelab.
Can i still work this way with the H2? Would setting ti to 90 degrees using the front Mic's work just as well? I'm not after an Even stereo mix, just something that has every thing in it. I sometimes mono the mix before converting to mp3.

Cheers.

 

[DWBass]

I would just try different configurations. Yes, you would spin the unit around for 120 degree recording. The file I posted was recorded @ 90 degrees/front mics. I can only see the need for 120 degrees if the band is really spread out or if you're recording a choir or orchestra or stage play, etc. I personally don't like a super wide stereo spread sound.

 

[BoognishMang]

I use a MD recorder IM-DR420h(s). I absolutely love it!

 

[sleepy_monkey]

...and a stereo mic I assume...

I just got the Sony ECM-DS70P...it is a stereo condenser mic...a small mic...I think they cost like $80 new, but you can get them on eBay from Hong Kong for like $15 shipped...that is where I got mine...new. I am trying it out recording a show tomorrow night and I will let you know how it sounds.

You can also run 2 regular condenser mics and run them into a 2 into 1 adapter. That is my next project once the Audix mics ship.

 

[Steve]

The one time I recorded from the stage position, I used all 4 mic's and boiled it down to stereo inside the recorder. It worked really well for picking up the entire band.

Still, I prefer to use the mic stand adapter and back it into the room. I already know what the mix and bass tone is like on stage. The difference can be an eye opener.

 

[dave_bass5]

I would just try different configurations. Yes, you would spin the unit around for 120 degree recording. The file I posted was recorded @ 90 degrees/front mics. I can only see the need for 120 degrees if the band is really spread out or if you're recording a choir or orchestra or stage play, etc. I personally don't like a super wide stereo spread sound.

Thanks. It would feel a bit strange turning the mic to face the audience. what with the display etc showing. I like to keep the recording gear out of sight as much as possible.
I think 90 degrees would be better anyway as i too dont really want a wide stereo spread, especially if its more biased towards one side of the stage.
Might try it up on a mic stand once im used to it. I could then get it in the middle of the stage.

 

[dave_bass5]

Still, I prefer to use the mic stand adapter and back it into the room. I already know what the mix and bass tone is like on stage. The difference can be an eye opener.

That would be very difficult for me as all our gigs are private clubs, weddings etc and so we are restricted to the stage area for our gear and dont have anyone in the audience that could help out.
I agree though, it would be the best way of recording.

 

[DWBass]

That would be very difficult for me as all our gigs are private clubs, weddings etc and so we are restricted to the stage area for our gear and dont have anyone in the audience that could help out.
I agree though, it would be the best way of recording.

You can do what I did. If you have a spare mic stand, use the adapter and afix it to the mic stand as you would a regular mic. Then raise the stand to it's highest (should be about 6-1/2 or 7ft.) and place it behind the band (or rig it where you can drop it from the ceiling). There are ways.