Portable Recorders for live DJ sets??

[iz__]

Hey guys,

I'm looking into getting a portable recording device that small and simple to use where I can just plug directly into a record out of the dj mixer during live sets. I'm curious what you guys are using. Something durable and reliable a great sound quality.

I'm looking into getting the SONY PCM-M10. But the prices are generally just under $300. I'm wondering if there is anything just s good for cheaper. I haven't really talked to anyone who uses portable recording devices, so I don't really know what to compare it to.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

So please share your experiences with what you're using!

THanks!

[Mad_EP]

back in the day - peeps used to use minidisc recorders.... while I am not sure about of buying into antiquated technology, I am sure you can fine em for cheap on Ebay.

Another possibility is that if you have a field recorder like a Zoom, they often have a Line-In, so you could plug directly into that.

[iz__]

back in the day - peeps used to use minidisc recorders.... while I am not sure about of buying into antiquated technology, I am sure you can fine em for cheap on Ebay.

Another possibility is that if you have a field recorder like a Zoom, they often have a Line-In, so you could plug directly into that.

Yeah, I used to use a little sony mididisc recorder back in the day too. but the one I used could only record up to about 120mins, and then something happened it started erasing data randomly and became more than unreliable. Plus my recording on minidisc didn't sound as loud or as full as other recording methods.

I've been looking at a few zoom recorders.. still undecided.

Thanks for the feedback!

[Mad_EP]

back in the day - peeps used to use minidisc recorders.... while I am not sure about of buying into antiquated technology, I am sure you can fine em for cheap on Ebay.

Another possibility is that if you have a field recorder like a Zoom, they often have a Line-In, so you could plug directly into that.

Yeah, I used to use a little sony mididisc recorder back in the day too. but the one I used could only record up to about 120mins, and then something happened it started erasing data randomly and became more than unreliable. Plus my recording on minidisc didn't sound as loud or as full as other recording methods.

I've been looking at a few zoom recorders.. still undecided.

Thanks for the feedback!

Yeah - in that case I would probably go with a Zoom (or something similar). I love my H2 and keep finding more & more uses for it. I've heard the complaint that it might not be too durable if it is dropped... but from my perspective - almost nothing I own would survive being dropped, starting with my cello... so you know... I just learn to hold on to things without dropping them.

My fave aspect of the Zooms... are that most come with an array of attachments (a stand plus a hand-held extension - plus the input screw for those attachments is the same as for my camera tripod - so double WIN)... plus the line-in means you can use it as a digi recorder... plus also has an external mic-in... which will come in super-handy when the hydrophone I ordered arrives next week. Time to go record some rivers and streams from underwater!


**Edit: That's not to say that there aren't higher quality portable field recorders... I just think for the price, it is hard to beat

[wormcode]

For input recording, check the H4. It's cheap, decent build quality, and has the most inputs out of any of the similar recorders. 2 XLR with phantom power, 2 TRS (1/4"), a line out, dedicated headphones out and the ability to act as a 4 track. Records about 8 hours of 44.1 24bit wav on a 8GB SD card, about 6 hours of 48k/24 bit or literally many days of audio as 320 MP3 assuming you use the power supply. Battery life is quite good though.

Should be able to find it for close to $150, or less on something like ebay (assuming you're talking USD when you said $300). The microphones have a nice metal guard to protect them, and you can even get a case for it where you can still keep it plugged in etc.

[Mad_EP]

For input recording, check the H4. It's cheap, decent build quality, and has the most inputs out of any of the similar recorders. 2 XLR with phantom power, 2 TRS (1/4"), a line out, dedicated headphones out and the ability to act as a 4 track. Records about 8 hours of 44.1 24bit wav on a 8GB SD card, about 6 hours of 48k/24 bit or literally many days of audio as 320 MP3 assuming you use the power supply. Battery life is quite good though.

Should be able to find it for close to $150, or less on something like ebay (assuming you're talking USD when you said $300). The microphones have a nice metal guard to protect them, and you can even get a case for it where you can still keep it plugged in etc.

^^^ yup.

If I didn't already have my H2 - I'd get an H4.

[wormcode]

Have you used the surround recording of the H2 much? I was tempted to pick one up just for that alone, sounds like fun but I dunno if it's a gimmick.

[iz__]

Awesome. Thanks for the help, guys! I will check out the H4.

[iz__]

The Zoom H4 does seem cool. I like the XLR option. But I dont really need 4 tracks and it seems to be just a little bit more expensive than the PCM M10, but not by much. Seems a little bigger too. I want to be able to fit it in my pocket easily.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/H4N/

So I think I've narrowed it down to either the Sony PCM-m10 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PCMM10/
or the Zoom H2 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/H2/ or the H2n http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/H2N/

But I'm leaning towards the Sony. Seems more durable being that the casing is aluminum and not plastic. 4G internal memory in addition to MicroSD/Memory Stick Micro slots is a nice feature.

hmmm

[Mad_EP]

Have you used the surround recording of the H2 much? I was tempted to pick one up just for that alone, sounds like fun but I dunno if it's a gimmick.

I've played with it a bit - it is excellent for picking up true room ambience (like say in the middle of a pub or something). You can also get creative with it by tweaking the channels individually in your DAW for weirder effects.

[iz__]

The tuner and metronome on the H2 is a plus...

[wormcode]

Yeah a lot of people like the Sony. I prefer open X/Y mics like the Zoom has though, not enclosed mics.
Also, you seem to be looking at the newer H4n, which is pretty much the same as the H4 except more durable, bigger and the mics can rotate. It also has a speaker, but it's almost useless. I meant its predecessor: http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h4/

It's half the price, or less.

The 4 tracks wasn't useful for me either, except it lets you record from 2 sources at once so that part was really useful for me. An example: recording both a direct DJ mix to the input, as well as a 'live' version with the crowd sounds etc. Pretty cool. Another feature I use all the time on both the H4/H4n is the autorecord feature. You can set a certain threshold, like -6dB, where the unit will automatically start recording... then stop once it hits -24db or whatever. All the Zooms have a tuner and metronome afaik, except maybe the little H1?

A similar great new option is the Tascam DR-07 MKII http://tascam.com/product/dr-07mk2/
Except it doesn't offer inputs other than a standard minijack. Should still work fine.

[iz__]

record from 2 sources at once so that part was really useful for me. An example: recording both a direct DJ mix to the input, as well as a 'live' version with the crowd sounds etc. Pretty cool.

wow. that is pretty cool. I've never thought of that before. Interesting. Thanks for the input! unfortunately... I just now placed the order for the Sony prior to reading your response. doh.

[wormcode]

No worries, I noticed you wanted it to be kept in your pocket and honestly the H4 is a bit too large for that. Based on the specs, they are just about the same size, but the H4 is a bit awkwardly shaped because of the protruding microphones. I use a case, or wear cargo style pants with big pockets to fit it in along with accessories. What you want to do is record from an input mainly, so the Sony should suit you fine. It's a good unit and a lot of people prefer it over the Zoom.

[wub]

Gemini iKey - http://www.ikey-audio.com/m3


Records directly to SD card, runs off batteries, slightly larger than a pack of cigarettes.