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Any recommendations for a low cost (under $50) portable digital audio recorder to replace a stone age cassette recorder?
For use as a personal audio notebook. (I hate it when I'll play something (improv-ed) and I can't seem to find it again when I want to notate the idea onto paper.
Thanks
NH
Do you have a smartphone? Don’t know about Android but the “Voice Memo” app on an iPhone should be good enough for what you suggest.
Android, free app called Audio Recorder.
HandyRec by Zoom is very simple and quick.
Attachment 165594
I do have other software, but this one is pretty much poke & record so very quick, for on the fly stuff.
No smart - cell phone. We still have a land line!
Just interested in a cheap $25-50 standalone (hand alone) recorder unit. Don't know what the sonic fidelity of these things are; Lo-fi is acceptable, Med-Fi is better of course. Just need a simple recorder for capturing verbal or musical ideas.
The least expensive portable/pocket stereo recorders are around $100. With a $25-$50 budget you're looking for something called a "Digital Voice Recorder" that records in mono. Sound fidelity won't be great, because these things are usually EQ'd for the vocal range, and they probably all have auto-gain, but it could work as a simple way to record and retrieve improv and tune ideas.
Just do a search on Digital Voice Recorder on Amazon or your favorite retailer, and look for the usual brand names. Here's one example from Sony, you just plug it straight into a USB port on the computer to retrieve the files:
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICDPX370...ation+recorder
let me suggest the following Free idea.
Many people have old smart phones hanging around. they have pretty little financial value and I bet you get one from a friend for free.
either Iphone or any android phone will have a free voice recorder. maybe there are other apps that would be helpful for your musical aspirations. some great applications on smartphones. Spotify, metronome, etc. good stuff!
I often use an iPod to record music these days. So if you alread own one, (or a cell phone), get yourself a recording app of which there are many available. I recently decided to upgrade my iPad system by adding an external mic with a lightning connector. A bit better sound but nothing especially remarkable when compared to the basic iPad mic.
You can find a zoom h2 used for atleast $50 it's easy to use and records good , I have one , but I don't use it much because I have the zoom q2n which has video
The Zoom H2 is a fabulous recorder, I still use mine. Only drawback, no speaker. I also still use my old Samsung S4 smartphone too, which has a speaker and camera as well. $50 each on Ebay.
I agree regarding the Zoom H2....if you can find a used one jump on it. Have used one for years now.
Thanks for the input, folks!
NH
Just to add a product at the low end...
I always carry, in a jacket pocket, a Sony ICD-UX70 to record ideas and music on the fly. There are more current models, but it is great for what I wanted: an everyday-carry recorder.
I still use my Sony Mini-Disc recorder! I like the Zoom H2 also!
Here you go!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Zoom-H2-Dig...e/232685863141
We use the Olympus voice recorders at work:
https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-VN-72.../dp/B005756GYM
I searched Craigs List in Atlanta for cell phone, and found two used older androids listed for 20.00 and 25.00. Androids have a built in recording app and make pretty good recordings as a stand alone device, i.e. no need for phone service. In former lives, I used the top end dictation equipment and other cheaper hand held units. I think they are not worth the effort.