The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Re: digital recording devices

Author: rgombine
Date: 2006-11-30 21:21

I have done some reading about this on the web and have found the following information. Please remember that I have never used any of these devices and have no particular experience in digital recording.

First, I still think it makes sense to avoid minidisc players. You want something that you can record in .wav format or .mp3 which you can then easily import to a computer and burn to a disc. To the best of my knowledge minidiscs can only do this in real-time! Likewise, difficult to control input levels on minidisc players (at least most sony devices)

Zoom H4 looks like nice unit. Retails around $299. Has very good built in mics that are oriented at 90 degrees for better stereo imaging. Uses SD cards as media. Has built in limiter to preven clipping (distortion) during very loud sections (e.g applause, sudden loud brass sections, etc). Has built in "phantom power" which is important for powering some higher quality microphones -- although how well this particular feature works is a question mark for me. Uses AA batteries. Real downside is ease of use. It has very cumbersome menus which must be used for all functions -- most particularly recording levels.

The Edirol R-09 is slicker looking. Retails around $399. Has good built in mics, although I gather not quite as good as the Zoom product. They are omnidirectional so might pick up more room noise. Excellent easy to see display w/ accurate meters. No phantom power. No limiter. It's main advantage appears to be a much nicer user interface than the Zoom as well as better build quality. From my standpoint, it's real draw back is lack of a limiter. I would have to hear for myself how much difference the mic makes, and you can also buy a nicer mike (although obviously, that translates in to more $$!).

MicroTrack 24/96 is also very nice. I think it retails around $399. Has phantom power (although again unclear how useable). Comes w/ a detachable stereo mic, but I couldn't find any direct comparison btwn its mic and those on the Edirol or the Zoom. Uses Compact Flash media which I like b/c I've got a lot of them floating around from my digital camera. User interface sounds pretty intuitive. Down sides seem to be inaccurate metering and very easy to over-modulate recording. Also, has proprietary internal battery (think ipod) which would need to be replaced ($75) when it goes dead. No data as to when that might happen but not uncommon for lithium batteries to fail after one year of regular use. Likewise, if you are recording a concert and battery dies, you can't just pop in some fresh AA's. You need either A/C power or to have purchased a portable battery pack from a third-party supplier. There is a complete review at the link below. The same article also has links to information on the Edirol and the Marantz.

http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/2005/11/30/m-audio-microtrack-review.html

The Marantz 660 has great features and probably easiest to use. It is also much less portable than the ones above. The other limitation is that it "only" records 16 bit (the other recorders do 24 bit). I don't know how much difference that makes when you listen to play back, although this deficiency is much poo-poo'ed by some audiophile reviewers. Likewise some have complained that the microphone preamps are noisy and induce a lot of hiss in recordings. Again, would have to listen to it to know how sig a complaint this is. Finally, there is general consensus that this device has inferior built in mics -- you would almost certainly have to shell out for your own microphone. From what I've read, a good quality single point stereo mike can easily set you back $400-500. So, a very versatile deck from a recording standpoint, but within this price point probably only practical if you own your own mic. You would likely need to audition it to see how big a deal the 16 bit recording limitation is, as well as how loud a hiss we're talking about.

So, you can see, lots to think about. which is why I haven't made my purchase and why I was hoping to find someone who has one of these things and has used it similarly to how I would intend to use it.

Would love to hear if anyone else has addtional thoughts.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics