zoom vs m-audio vs...?

[Chef]

I'm a stone cold newbie to this, so, bear with me if you can.
I've seen Zoom, M-Audio, and other portable all in one stereo recorders. Heard some good live recordings done with them.
What are the pro's and cons of some of the cheaper, easier to use units?
All I want to do is record live shows for my own education and entertainment. Not expecting CD quality recordings, but it would be nice if they were good enough to post on myspace or some such thing.
Neither my PC nor laptop have soundcards, editing software, etc, and I really am not looking to go that way....

Thanks for product and use advice!
alan

 

[tom e smith]

The Zoom H2 does CD quality plus and is only around $180. Zoom has a video recorder coming out in around a month called the Q3 that does video and quality audio recording and will be around $250. I have the H2 but I am going to pick up the Q3 as well. But if you do not need the video pick up the H2, you won't be sorry (and neither will your wallet.

 

[razboinikoff]

I like and use Zoom H4. It's easy to operate and the audio quality is very good. The new version is called H4N and have changable mic directivity and some other new featuers added, but I don't have experience with it.

With my band we tried several models from different manufacturers and IMHO you can't get much better than H4 in portable recording. The only device that have comparable quality is Sony Proffesional Portable Recorder but it's pricey.

 

[seanm]

With my band we tried several models from different manufacturers and IMHO you can't get much better than H4 in portable recording. The only device that have comparable quality is Sony Proffesional Portable Recorder but it's pricey.

What did you like better about the Zoom over the Edirol? I have used both and find the Edirol more intuitive to use. I am sure the Zoom is easy to use once you get used to it.

I can't comment on sound quality since I have only used the Zoom for 128kpbs MP3s.

 

[James Hart]

Zoom has a video recorder coming out in around a month called the Q3 that does video and quality audio recording and will be around $250.

Thank you! I own an H2 and love it... and happen to be looking for an SD video device. Now I know what to get