Field sound recording - recorders

Subject: RE: Field sound recording - recorders
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 22 Nov 09 - 06:03 AM

One of my favourite H4 recordings was made one morning in August when for a few brief minutes I had the Chapter House of York Minster all to myself. It's the first track HERE...

Subject: RE: Field sound recording - recorders
From: GUEST,Phil B
Date: 22 Nov 09 - 05:55 AM

Just used an edirol to record straight off the board at a local Amnesty benefit. Everything else portable I have is tied up in the studio. the edirol is a 2 channel recorder so I recorded a submix with two ambient mics routed in (IE not going to the PA) The device had a 4 GB card in it and I managed to capture the entire evening in 16bit. (Would have liked to have done 24 bit but would have run out of room.) A brief check on the result sounds potentialy very nice and eminently useable. I'll post again when I get a chance to edit it all and examine it in detail. Seems like a neat little machine and very easy to use.

Subject: RE: Field sound recording - recorders
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Nov 09 - 12:57 AM

I've stayed away from Olympus because I think their cameras are inferior (cheaper....but inferior). I think that Edirol had the corner of this market early, and still is very popular. "Zoom Handy" doesn't sound like a credible brand name, but I bought an H2 based on recommendations posted here - and I really like it. The only problem is that the display is a bit hard to read, and it's a bit unclear at first whether you're recording or on standby. It's a bit too small for my clumsy fingers and fading vision. Because of that, I missed a couple of one-hour talks I was supposed to record this last summer. But I'm learning...

The Zoom H4 had been very popular, but it was outdated and looking kind of clunky at the time I was in the market, so I bought the H2. Now there's a new H4 out, and it looks terrific.

I've seen the Olympus and it looks nice but I just don't trust the Olympus brand. Sony has one out, too - but it costs twice as much as the others. You should be able to get a good digital recorder for $150-$200.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Field sound recording
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 07:41 PM

The new H4 looks nice; I hope they've ironed out all the design flaws on the old one (crap modelling including next to useless windscreen / fiddly card access / shite velcro cradle design afterthought for stand mounting). I'm stuck with mine though - the sound is great but for that sort of money you expect a lot more somehow. The H2 is a better deal altogether.

Subject: RE: Field sound recording
From: Bernard
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 07:38 PM

I have an Edirol R-09 for sale (with a 2Gb SD card)... probably will go on eBay fairly soon. It's one of a few items I'm selling on behalf of the widow of a friend of mine. A couple of keyboards and guitars, and a banjo (Barnes & Mullins), too.

I'd hang on to the Edirol except that I have a Marantz PD660 with XLR mic inputs (with phantom and an 8Gb CF card). It's a lot bulkier than the Edirol...

Just beware if using cards with a capacity of more than 4Gb, as FAT doesn't support files larger than 4Gb.

Subject: RE: Field sound recording
From: Tangledwood
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 06:57 PM

Very happy with the Zoom H2 but I haven't compared it to anything else. Olympus LS-10 Linear PCM Recorder 2 GB Digital implies to me that it uses a 2GB inbuilt memory. The Zoom uses SD cards so is less likely to be limited by capacity. (when you remember to delete old files - red face)

Subject: RE: Field sound recording
From: EBarnacle
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 02:36 PM

I've been using my Tascam DR-1 more and more as I get comfortable with it. Latest project is to do voice over for a PowerPoint presentation.

Subject: RE: Field sound recording
From: Vic Smith
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 10:44 AM

I got a Zoom H4n as a birthday present from the lovely Tina and I've been using it for radio interviews this autumn. The sound quality in the studio when I feed it into the programme is amazing!

Subject: RE: Field sound recording
From: treewind
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 10:38 AM

I've never the seen the Olympus L10 before. Looks good!
I'll happily continue using my Edirol R-09 as long as it's happy to keep working for me, but it's not the cheapest option to buy now.
Yes, Zoom is good value too.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Field sound recording
From: Will Fly
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 09:59 AM

I swear by my Zoom H2 Handy Recorder - a snip at around £150. Excellent quality and easy to use.

Subject: RE: Field sound recording
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 09:29 AM

It depends on what you want to do...

Thaere is no 'best' with this type of technology. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

Ed

Subject: Field sound recording
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 09:18 AM

Ok I ask this question every now and again:

Olympus LS-10 Linear PCM Recorder 2 GB Digital voice recorder

Is this the best low end, best buy digital voice recorder or have things moved on?

L in C