Recording Device

[chris24]

I'm looking to purchase a device to record playing at jams, during lessons with my teacher etc.

What does the MandoCafe community recommend as a small, battery powered device, a few years back I would have opted for a minidisc recorder, but there must now be a good solid state alternative?

[J Mangio]

I use a Zoom H1 for recording practice sessions etc.

[John Kelly]

I've seen a lot of folk using one of the Zoom recorders at sessions and workshops and have been impressed with the sound it produces. I even saw one last weekend when i was up at the Summer Isles Festival in Achiltibuie which allowed video too, I believe. The lad who had the recorder was recording us in sessions and he got very pleasing results.
Have a look at the H2 model, or the H1 or H4 - I think the H2 is becoming discontinued so may be available at a good discount.

[mandolirius]

Zooms are very light and about the size of a Sony Walkman, slightly larger than an old minidisc player. They are great for recording remotely then processing on a computer later. However, if you don't mind something a bit heavier and about the size of an IPad, there are a lot of advantages to this:



It records really well with the built-in mics and the speakers are excellent as well. It operates very simply, much like an old cassette deck but with a digital menu. One of the many features that makes it nice, especially for teaching, is that you can play back what you just did immediately. It's also a great practice tool because of that, for solo or band stuff. You can also burn a CD on the spot.

[eadg145]

I've been very happy for a number of years now with my Edirol R-09.

[kkmm]

I use the BOSS microBR (4 track recorder, bought it second hand at much lower price).
This one is more than just a 4 track recorder so it's a bit more complex to use but once you know it, it's easy. Run on two AA batteries.
Features: effect box, rythm generator, MP3 as well as WAV recording
Sound quality is great either recorded from built in mic, guitar input or stereo input.
Here is a picture:

[tablaninja]

Big fan of the Olympus LS7 and the LS series in general. I also own the original LS-10 but the LS7 sits in my short pocket better so usually take it. Sound quality is fantastic. Sturdy metal body with tripod thread. Very ergonomic button placement. Built in rechargeable batteries on the current models.

[Ole Joe Clark]

I've been very happy for a number of years now with my Edirol R-09.

Ditto, mine still works great.

Joe

[Jon Hall]

I've used a Tascam DR-07 for a few years and I've been very satisfied.

[dfalkiewicz]

Also use the Tascam DR-07 ($149)....great tool for scratch pad recording of ideas, lessons, etc, etc. You can also get the Tascam DR-05 for $100. And as mentioned the Zoom's are also cool.

Like any equipment purchase, it all depends on your budget and needs.

[Pete Martin]

If you have a smartphone, see if it records. My iPhone records as well as my Edirol R-09.

[JeffD]

I have a Tascam DR-2 that I love.

[bratsche]

Have a look at the H2 model, or the H1 or H4 - I think the H2 is becoming discontinued so may be available at a good discount.

I got my H2 two years ago for a Buy-it-Now of $50 shipped on eBay. It was a "store demo" unit, so came without the original box, but otherwise I could never tell it wasn't brand new. It's proved to be a very worthwhile purchase.

bratsche

[chris24]

Zoom H2 is winging its way to me as I type ....

[UsuallyPickin]

Tascam makes several good models. Zoom is also well respected here on THe Cafe..... R/

[John Duncan]

I use my smart phone to record gigs, jams, practice, etc.

It is a handy tool to have.

[JRcohan]

I love my ZOOM H2. Heavy Duty, Good sound quality and affordable.

[Dr H]

I have a Sony PCM-D50 digital recorder that I've been very happy with; that and a tripod gets me some pretty decent recordings, even using the built-in stereo mikes. It's a bit pricey for a device the size of an old pocket transitor radio -- about $500, but I've got no complaints about quality or functionality. If your going to want to record a whole gig of several hours, a good accessory to invest in is another memory stick: ~ $16.

[Jim]

Just got a Tascam DR 07 and am very impressed. Easy to use and download. Great sound quality. never read the manual, just put batteries in it and started recording.