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Re: Advice on Portable Recorder

Posted by Bersani (A) on February 16, 2006 at 18:59:56

In Reply to: Advice on Portable Recorder posted by Giacomo on February 16, 2006 at 11:47:26:

As a beginner, there are two types of portable recorders that would be appropriate: hard-drive/flash-memory type recorders and Minidisc recorders.

Flash recorders like the M-Audio Microtrack will run somewhere around $350 (ignore the MSRP on the web page). Add the cost of mics and it may be more than you want to spend... still something to consider.
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MicroTrack-main.html

Minidisc recorders are generally cheaper, the unit linked below is $200. As 'soundnut' mentioned, you'll want a unit with variable record level control--be aware that not all of them do. Also, "Hi-MD" recorders can use used WITHOUT lossy compression.
http://www.minidisco.com/mz-rh910.html

The Rode stereo microphone recommended by the poster below would certainly be a good choice, but as he mentioned, you would also need to buy an external microphone preamp. The least expensive option I'm aware of are the Core Sound "Low Cost" miniature microphones. Other companies such as Sound Professionals and Sonic Studios also sell similar mics, so shop around. Most of them have their own battery-box for power and the recorder's interal preamp can do the rest.
http://www.core-sound.com/lcmics/1.php

DAT... I use both portable and standalone DAT machines, and as useful as they are to me, I wouldn't recommend one somebody just starting out. Basically, why bother? The only advantage DAT has over some of the other technologies is that it leaves you with a physical piece of media you can hold in your hand which can be somewhat comforting. Also, a new Sony PCM-M1 portable DAT recorder runs at least $800, not cheap. You could buy a used one, but I wouldn't recommend it since they're prone to wear!

-Anthony

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