Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1   Report Post  
Bob Cunico
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

I am looking for advice for purchasing a recording system for voice and
natural sounds. The most important features are cost $300, must be
portable, and as high a frequency range as possible (20-20kHz would be
ideal).

Important features:
Record children who may be speaking softly then shouting the next
without clipping.
Portable enough to bring into the wild.
Can be battery powered.
Can monitor recording (nice but not required)

I've looked at specs for the following units:
Tascam US-122 requires a laptop to be portable
Tascam PS-5 records to flashcard
Creative Nomad Jukebox see for details (http://www.toddh.net/music/njb/)

If anybody has used these or can recommend something more suitable I
would greatly appreciate it even if its analog.

  #2   Report Post  
Kurt Albershardt
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

Bob Cunico wrote:

cost $300
...
Creative Nomad Jukebox


OK so far, since refurb 20 gB units can be had for $180. No mic, no preamp. There begins the problem with your pricepoint...



  #3   Report Post  
George W.
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

On Thu, 18 Mar 2004 06:28:18 GMT, Bob Cunico wrote:

I am looking for advice for purchasing a recording system for voice and
natural sounds. The most important features are cost $300, must be
portable, and as high a frequency range as possible (20-20kHz would be
ideal).


Hi-MD, due out next month by Sony. Units with mic inputs start at
around $250 list. One GB uncompressed PCM (or Atrac3), USB in and out,
data storage, more....

http://minidisc.org/
http://www.sony.net/Products/Hi-MD/index.html
http://minidisc.org/part_Hi-MD_Sony.html
http://minidisc.org/keep/Sony_Hi-MD_Spec.pdf




  #4   Report Post  
Paul Rubin
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

Bob Cunico writes:
I am looking for advice for purchasing a recording system for voice
and natural sounds. The most important features are cost $300, must
be portable, and as high a frequency range as possible (20-20kHz would
be ideal).


People who are into recording nature sounds for scientific purposes
don't want to use any recorders that apply psychoacoustic audio
compression. That would disqualify the Tascam PS-5 that you mention
since it's an MP3 recorder. They'd rather use an analog cassette
recorder even if the frequency response isn't so tremendous. The
Creative Nomad 3 Jukebox (note the "3", not earlier models) can record
in uncompressed WAV format so that's considered ok for them. I don't
know if this issue applies to your application. You will need to use
an amplified mic or mic preamp.

  #5   Report Post  
Marc Heusser
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

In article ,
Bob Cunico wrote:

I am looking for advice for purchasing a recording system for voice and
natural sounds. The most important features are cost $300, must be
portable, and as high a frequency range as possible (20-20kHz would be
ideal).

Important features:
Record children who may be speaking softly then shouting the next
without clipping.
Portable enough to bring into the wild.
Can be battery powered.
Can monitor recording (nice but not required)


....
except for the price (ca $600) the Marantz PMD-670 would certainly work.
I'm using it for a similar purpose (working as a psychotherapist).

HTH

Marc

--
Marc Heusser
(remove the obvious: CHEERS and MERICAL...until end to reply via email)


  #6   Report Post  
DrBoom
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

George W. wrote in message . ..
On Thu, 18 Mar 2004 06:28:18 GMT, Bob Cunico wrote:

I am looking for advice for purchasing a recording system for voice and
natural sounds. The most important features are cost $300, must be
portable, and as high a frequency range as possible (20-20kHz would be
ideal).


Hi-MD, due out next month by Sony. Units with mic inputs start at
around $250 list. One GB uncompressed PCM (or Atrac3), USB in and out,
data storage, more....


They would be GREAT for some applications, but from what I've been able
to find out, the initial Sony units won't let you transfer anything via USB
that was recorded through the digital inputs. I hope I missed something,
but it's a real bummer if true since none of the units have a digital output.

-DrBoom
  #7   Report Post  
Bob Cain
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

DrBoom wrote:

George W. wrote in message . ..

On Thu, 18 Mar 2004 06:28:18 GMT, Bob Cunico wrote:


I am looking for advice for purchasing a recording system for voice and
natural sounds. The most important features are cost $300, must be
portable, and as high a frequency range as possible (20-20kHz would be
ideal).


Hi-MD, due out next month by Sony. Units with mic inputs start at
around $250 list. One GB uncompressed PCM (or Atrac3), USB in and out,
data storage, more....



They would be GREAT for some applications, but from what I've been able
to find out, the initial Sony units won't let you transfer anything via USB
that was recorded through the digital inputs.


Correct. They are still trying to place their finger in the
digital dike. I also have trouble seeing how that
particular finger really has any impact on the larger
problem. I particularly dislike it because it leaves you at
the mercy of their front ends and converters which have not
been historically of especially good quality. Maybe they'll
compensate us on that score.


Bob
--

"Things should be described as simply as possible, but no
simpler."

A. Einstein
  #9   Report Post  
Daniel Houg
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

Bob Cunico wrote in message ...
I am looking for advice for purchasing a recording system for voice and
natural sounds. The most important features are cost $300, must be
portable, and as high a frequency range as possible (20-20kHz would be
ideal).


i have 7 of the Marantz PMD670 in field service and they are working
out well. record onto Compact Flash (no moving parts), and can record
straight PCM or compress into MP2 or MP3. they are above your price
range but they work and have features you need eg. P48 on balanced mic
preamps. Marantz support has been incredible (there is an issue with
battery charging they fixed).

Dan Houg
Engineer, KAXE-FM
www.kaxe.org
  #10   Report Post  
Sugarite
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

I am looking for advice for purchasing a recording system for voice and
natural sounds. The most important features are cost $300, must be
portable, and as high a frequency range as possible (20-20kHz would be
ideal).

Important features:
Record children who may be speaking softly then shouting the next
without clipping.
Portable enough to bring into the wild.
Can be battery powered.
Can monitor recording (nice but not required)


A Nomad Jukebox 3 and a Behringer MXB1002 mixer is the least expensive fully
portable recording rig for your purposes, and can be done for under $300.
You will be limited to mics that can run on 18V phantom power, such as the
Rode NT5, though you might want something brighter.

The only way you'd really be able to deal with the dynamics is to use a
compressor, and a FMR RNC can run on batteries, and the MXB1002 has inserts
on the first two strips.

Your budget is too low IMO. Best of luck.




  #11   Report Post  
Kurt Albershardt
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

Sugarite wrote:

The only way you'd really be able to deal with the dynamics is to use a
compressor, and a FMR RNC can run on batteries


How?

  #12   Report Post  
Richard Crowley
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

Sugarite wrote:
The only way you'd really be able to deal with the dynamics
is to use a compressor, and a FMR RNC can run on batteries


"Kurt Albershardt" wrote ...
How?


Mr. Albershardt is correct that the RNC will not run on batteries.
It requires an AC input in order to generate both + and - power
voltages internally. This has been discussed several times over
on news:rec.arts.movies.production.sound as well.

I have considered making a small 12v inverter for equipment
like the RNC that will allow operation on batteries.


  #13   Report Post  
Dan [ www.sleepwalkermusic.net ]
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

Creative Nomad 3
Denecke AD20 - AD converter and mic preamp
Rode NT4 - Stereo mic.

If you search used you're in about $500-$800 and you'll be very happy with
the results.

Cheers,
Dan
www.sleepwalkermusic.net


  #14   Report Post  
Bob Cain
 
Posts: n/a
Default Portable Field Recorder -Recommendations Sought

Dan [ www.sleepwalkermusic.net ] wrote:

Creative Nomad 3
Denecke AD20 - AD converter and mic preamp
Rode NT4 - Stereo mic.

If you search used you're in about $500-$800 and you'll be very happy with
the results.


Agreed.


Bob
--

"Things should be described as simply as possible, but no
simpler."

A. Einstein
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules

Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Flash memory recorder without built-in memory. Is there one? Bill P. General 6 February 4th 04 03:52 AM
can portable cassette recorder record on Type II tapes? 00 General 2 November 10th 03 03:36 PM
Sony TCD-D7 Portable DAT Recorder KJ General 3 July 26th 03 04:07 PM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:47 PM.

Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 AudioBanter.com.
The comments are property of their posters.
 

About Us

"It's about Audio and hi-fi"