recording devices

[punkybub]

+1 on the H2n. H1 is good too - a few less features but similar quality recordings.

Great for gig recordings (set it low to avoid distortion, you can normalize in the computer if needed), rehersal recordings, environmental sounds, etc. 24/96 as well as multi-MP3 recordings and mid-side capability. I've been surprised by the quality and depth of what you get.

Mics on mine are pick up a lot of high end and can distort with loud transients and/or bass. Reliable, and with a big enough card you can do an entire night's gig and more on one set of 4 AA batteries.

[ahutt59]

I've heard good things about the Zoom units too.

I'm a Logic guy, and use the Apogee Duet 2 into Logic Pro 9 (soon to be Logic Pro X). You can do pro quality stuff in Logic with a Duet if you know what you're doing. I've had some very good recordings of acoustic guitars in my crap rooms with it, a little research into stereo recording can reveal a lot

I prefer as dry a recording as I can manage because I like to be able to control things. Carpet does wonders for this. You can add reverb later and make it sound however you want, once you at around with it and understand how everything works.

Personally, I feel that if you can afford it go for what you can do. Logic and a Duet does it for me and I get great quality from it, nearly professional (with more experience I would be there). You won't be disappointed with your results.

[Ty Ford]

Originally Posted by Don W

Can someone recommend a handheld recording device that is inexpensive that I can simply record and playback without a computer. I would like to have computer capabilities but also be able to just record and quickly playback to listen as I'm working on a song...then later do the download thing. Any suggestions?

I vote for the Zoom H5. Here's my review: http://tinyurl.com/oj73abw

I'm currently working on a review of the Zoom Q4 (http://tinyurl.com/n36hfzo).

It records 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz, 24-bit audio from it's own stereo xy mics or from an unbalanced stereo input. It also records HD video! Here's a clip I recorded of flute and guitar. The flute is miced with one of the new Neumann TLM 107 (http://tinyurl.com/n48fxae). My review of the TLM 107 is almost ready to publish. Just finishing up details.

The guitar sound comes from a Pure Western Mini pickup system in the Martin. Both instruments went to my Fishman SoloAmp. The mixed mono output with reverb was output to a Sound Devices MixPre-D to make it easier to control level into the Zoom Q4.

This was shot in my "green room." Have a look and listen….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVmGf5KqnpU

PS, when you watch, click on the gear wheel and jump the playback up to 1080.

That was a fun day!

Regards,

Ty Ford

[Taylorplayer516]

I have the Tascam DR07-mkII and it works great. It's a little quiet on playback but you can fix that with headphones. Easy to record and then transfer to computer. There was a rebate being offered last time I looked at Amazon.

Also, if you have IOS I have been playing around with the Loopy app on my iPad. Its a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. Those files can be emailed as an mp4a.

[coconuts]

Zoom H2 on a budget. For the money, the H6 can't be beat if you have some decent mikes or want to add other instruments / voice and overdub. I've used both.

[Fran Guidry]

The new H5 is probably an excellent compromise for most people if they record solo. I think it has more flexible overdubbing than the H6, also.

Fran

[delaorden9]

If you need something cheap and good go for Zoom H1.

[markm2553]

Count me as a happy Zoom H1 owner. Its about the same size as a small mic. You can keep it right in your guitar case.

I didn't need fancy with a 1000 options, I needed cheap and easy to use.

Before that I was using an old tape recorder. Might still be if it had not broken!