Topic: Does recorder matter if using Line-In from a preamp?

[HealthCov Chris]

Does it really matter which portable recorder is used if your running your mics (CA-14, or AT 853's, etc.) out of a mic preamp (CA-Ugly, 9200, etc.) into Line-In of the recorder?  I recently acquired a Sony PCM-M10, and I have had a Tascam iXJ2 that I plug into an iPhone 4 and use Rode Rec app for recording.  Most of my bigger recorders are Tascam, so I am very comfortable with the Tascam interface vs. the Sony.  If there is no difference between recorders when using a preamp, then I will likely sell my M-10 or trade it for a Tascam dr-2d.

However, when using with PIP only, can I expect much difference between the Sony PCM-m10; Tascam dr-2d; and Tascam iXj2?  I assume most here will say the M-10 has superior preamps to both of the tascam products.

thanks 

[pohaku]

I have both the Sony and the Dr2d.  Sony battery life is way better if that matters to you. I pretty much always use the Sony for 2 track recording.

[acidjack]

Short answer is "probably not much." The Tascam iPhone input thing is probably only able to do 16 bits, 44.1kHz (guessing) but that's not a huge deal for an audience recording with small mics. In general, standalone recorders are more reliable, and products not made by Tascam are more reliable. The Sony M10 is a favorite around here because it sounds good (in head to head comparisons, even to more expensive equipment) and it has endless battery life. But it's also true that most small recording devices fundamentally do the same thing, and as long as the line-in isn't noisy, whether you have one or another makes the least difference in the recording chain. Location makes the most difference, followed by mics, followed by preamp, followed by A/D, followed by recorder.

[beatkilla]

Sony  m 10 battery life is unreal,ive been using the Duracell Quantam batteries and i swear i tapes  5 shows since december and im still on a full 3 bars

[datbrad]

The M10 can take a hot signal line-in and along with battery life make it a great recorder for your setup. Keep it, and go tape something.

[down2earthlandscaper]

SONY! Keep it! True that on insane battery life and quality preamp. I never ever did trust "PIP", always used a preamp > "line in", but i just finally decided to why not give it a shot. I ran my AT853's to the "mic in" with PIP for the first time (No preamp, no battery box) I think I was happier with these results than I was running with a preamp and "line in".  I almost think that I was missing the "flavor" of the M10 by running various other preamps to the "line in".
Of course for louder SPL's I still use preamp>line in, but for quieter stuff I'm really happy with the results. Check it out here: https://archive.org/details/isd2016-02-18.at853.flac16