Zoom h2, tascam dr-1 or us122l

[mjblcb509mando]

Need some help anybody.
Looking to do some recording of acoustic music. Mandolin w/ wo piano and other instruments.

Have read generally good things about H2 and DR-1 portables.

Curious if anyone has worked with the Tascam US122L Bundle. It requires direct hookup to a PC, but wondered if it produced a better quality recording.

Any thoughts on these or anyother low-cost means to do this.

Thanks in advance

[Sean Greer]

Need some help anybody.
Looking to do some recording of acoustic music. #Mandolin w/ wo piano and other instruments.

Have read generally good things about H2 and DR-1 portables.

Curious if anyone has worked with the Tascam US122L Bundle. #It requires direct hookup to a PC, but wondered if it produced a better quality recording.

Any thoughts on these or anyother low-cost means to do this.

Thanks in advance

I'm using a Zoom H-4 and love it. The price through Amazon was great, the sound quality is very good and the ability to do 4 track recording is intriguing.

My gripes are that the build quality is not the best, the user interface is not the most intuitive (though you get the hang of it) and it didn't include a protective case.

[mando.player]

I've got a Zoom H4 also. It records very well. I though I would use the XLR inputs more, but the built in mics are pretty good and very convenient. Sean, I too was disappointed that there was no case. I took the unit to a camera store and found a nice case. It holds the recorder and any accessories.

Since the H4 can act as an audio interface, I would choose that over the Tascam bundle.

[Sean Greer]

I too was disappointed that there was no case. #I took the unit to a camera store and found a nice case. #It holds the recorder and any accessories.

Ah, a very good idea. I currently have it in my case pocket, but I really should get something to protect the mics from debris and miscellaneous knocks. I think I'll head to the camera shop after work.

[Stephen Lind]

the H2 is sooooooo simple and easy to use
a few good friends talked me out of the H4

i'll gladly give up multitracking confusion with a teeny display for a simple, easy to use 2 track

i haven't needed to consult my friends or the manual

[JeffD]

I love my DR-1. Its my tune sucker. Just point it at the fiddler and suck up the tune, take it home and learn it. Has a built in slow downer and built in key changer. I bought an external microphone for it, but I haven't used it as the built in ones are so great. It has a ton of other features I don't quite understand, but just for the features I do understand its well worth it.

[Mr. Loar]

I had problems with the US122. Pops and crackles during recording.

[mando.player]

The DR-1 looks like a really nice unit. The screen alone has me envious. I do use the 4-track features of the H4, so I'm not sure if I'd want to give that up.