Help! portable recorders? zoom vs. edirol...

[sopranothethird]

Hi,
I'm quite new to the idea of doing my own recording (have had 3 LONG sessions in someone else's studio, but it's a pricey way to amuse yourself AND I have about 50 more songs that want to be recorded...y'all know how THAT is ). I've been scouring the 'Net for consistent reviews of those neat-looking portable recorders but I wanted some advice from the mouths of horses.

I'm looking for something that can handle VERY basic recording - some keyboards, harp, and, primarily, classical vocals (BIG vocals) with potentially BIG piano banging following along. Very few concerns for multi-layering. I don't care 'bout effects at all (except maybe for some echo/reverb) - the acoustics in the room where me + piano freak rehearse are pretty decent. I just need something better than an ANCIENT 1-track cassette tape recorder, and I thought digital might be easiest.

Here's the bottom line: I need something with GOOD sound (opera arias don't sound too pleasent if the %&$*ing thing clips out every four seconds ). If it didn't have any background noises like hissing/beeping, that'd be great too. Having said that, I've narrowed my choices down between the Edirol r-09 and the Zoom h4...folks I hate to say it but I'm on a budget of $700 and can't afford amps/preamps/converters/synths/pricey mics, AND I have to have one or the other in-hand by mid-May (accompanist is quitting me then ). I've heard that the edirol is easier to use, but I just need something within my means that has decent sound/built-in mics and a USB slot/card. Help! Which really has better sound quality? - and if anyone has a suggestion of something with better sound than either that fits the price, HELP!!!

thanks and sorry if this first-time poster put this thread in the wrong place or if this has already been discussed!

[brandondrury]

I don't know. There may be people who use these portable gadgets, but I just couldn't imagine recording without the abilty to use to use the microphone of my choice in the exact place I want it.

I know you said you wanted very simple recording, but a few issues crop up. Let it be known that I've never used one of these portable devices. So, you will need to decide if the criteria below is important to you and if you a recorder will meet that criteria if needed.

* As mentioned, I'd be skeptical about doing recordings with a device that has a built in microphone. I would want to use my own microphones and have the option and convenience of putting them where I want them.

* Multitracking. I would want the ability to add a few different layers of vocals and other instrumentation. I couldn't tell by your post if this would be a priority for you or not.

* Editing. If I'm going to record an instrument, there may be little mistakes here and there that I want to patch. (If you intend to recording everyone simultaneously, than this is less of an issue.

* Mixing - If the tracks are going down at seperate times, we'd need the ability to mix. I couldn't imagine these things have that ability.

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If you are just looking to record a live band or whatever one single time and be done with it (no overdubes or multitracking), I have heard good things about the M-Audio version from very reputable people.

Brandon

[sopranothethird]

Ok, thanks for being patient . You do have a point about mics, but which, in your experience, are alright workers without costing a ton (my studio guy used some that he claimed retailed for $10,000...dunno what brand though, so it could have been an exaggeration)? I do already have a mic, but it's rather old and multi-purpose (pops is a HAM head). I've done some messing around w/it and am actually relatively happy, but since I only have one, that probably won't work, right? (I can't play/sing at the same time) Having said that, I know that that gives considerable weight to your point about the ability to mix/multitrack things, in which case I might not need more than one mic, although I've heard that the convention for any kind of piano/keyboard stuff is often to have one at each end of the instrument. Is this necessary (I don't mean to bombard you with questions you can't totally answer, so sorry if I said something you don't know anything about)?

I know, you're probably screaming at your screen right now because I'm prioritizing money (sorry! ). I do know that sometimes there have to be compromises or else you have to be really wise/rich to get exactly what you want. I guess multitracking isn't totally important (it's mostly one-voice stuff), nor is mixing a big priority (naturally, they'd both be nice, but I've actually made out better doing everything at the same time). Editing and patching would be nice, but...well, I'll simplify and say that it's a secondary concern. Long-term super-crude solo instrument stuff was just a plus for me (I'm sure you know how fun it is to experiment/mess with ideas purely for the fun of it).

Grrr to have no money (although doesn't everyone dream of having limitless budgets/resources/time?)...

[richiebee]

Getting a balance between a good piano and a loud operatic voice will be impossible with a single mic pair. Never mind the harp!

I don't think you can expect too much from a pair of mics whatever you do. If you're not so fussy on quality and want to stick with a single point mic set up and a two track recorder, I'd recommend an AT822 stereo microphone, a mic stand and something like a decent HD minidisc recorder. Bet you can do it for under $700.

I've used the AT825 stereo microphone (shares the same capsules as the AT822) on classical recording and have been very impressed. It's no Neumann, but it is very good at what it does, and its not very expensive.

[Abby Eagle]

Hi, I need a portable recording device that is small enough to carry over my arm which includes a decent set of binaural microphones. I am going to check out Harvey Norman's and Musicians Pro Shop in Broadbeach but i could use some advice from people who already own a portable recorder. Mainly for recording voice and ambient sounds. What are the specs that i need to look for?

Kind regards
Abby Eagle
http://www.abbyeagle.com/mp3s/index.php