Topic: Which mobile recorder? M10, H6, or R05?

[yltfan]

Used AT 853's seem to pop up pretty regularly, as you see in the previous comment. Maybe message Darktrain, ask if he has any in the pipeline, or post an ISO. I like them, but lots of folks around here are fans of the CA-14's.

[robeti]

Used AT 853's seem to pop up pretty regularly, as you see in the previous comment. Maybe message Darktrain, ask if he has any in the pipeline, or post an ISO. I like them, but lots of folks around here are fans of the CA-14's.

I've bought the AT-853 that was in the yardsale.

Up untill now I have always ran Nakamichi (cm-100 / cm-300) or Church Audio (ca-11 / ca-14) and really liked the sound of both brands.

If the AT mics arrive in time, I will try to stealth 2 different rigs (CA-14 and AT-853) by the end of this month so I can compare them. Will keep you guys posted!

[Life In Rewind]

Those ATs had the 4k mod - so they might not have been the best set for the OP, since he indicated "quiet sounds" as part of his needs.

[2manyrocks]

Hmm.  He wants close and dry, low noise and he wants it for $350-$400. 

[Argitoth]

yes 2manyrocks, as good as it will get at that price. when i have a bigger chunk of change ill upgrade. What I need is what one might call "standard issue" or "beginner's kit" for low noise/close/dry recordings. it doesnt have to be great, I just need to spend the money wisely, that's all. For example, getting an H4n instead of PCM M10 or R05 would be an bad choice for my needs. One tool will be better than the other for a given purpose at any given price point... within reason. So this thread is here to help me figure out what tool that would be.

[Argitoth]

double post whatever.

So I might actually go with the M10 and CA-14 combo as Church Audio got back to me basically confirming that would be a good choice, and I'm trusting this to be true based on others' suggestions on this thread.

This thread has served its purpose, I learned some very important things. Thank you for all the replies!

[Argitoth]

words of wisdom: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=163014.msg2044544#msg2044544

save money so you can buy what you really want instead of buying cheaper stuff and continually upgrading

[Ozpeter]

save money so you can buy what you really want instead of buying cheaper stuff and continually upgrading

Now where's the fun in that? 

[Argitoth]

Well, the problem with waiting to buy something more expensive is that, if you're a beginner, you don't know what you want; you have nothing to compare to previous experience/products. You have no foundation for discernment. That's also what I lack.

[Scooter123]

My experience with the Zoom H6 is that it is heavy, clunky, noisy, there is no line in, and the analog type knobs are really a pain.  I actually hate the recorder.  That said, it is the only stealthable recorder that can pull 6 channels.

My first, go-to choice would be an M-10

I own both

[Argitoth]

My final decision is to go with PCM M10 purchased from B&H for $200 + Church Audio CA-14 and Preamp combo for $250 total of $450.

If I have a minute to spare, I will post a number of tests to see how it all performs, and the noise level of each component and some sound tests.

Speak now if you think this is a bad idea, I haven't yet committed the money! Otherwise... happy taping... is that the phrase used here? whatev, good enough.

[404 Not Found]

My experience with the Zoom H6 is that it is heavy, clunky, noisy, there is no line in, and the analog type knobs are really a pain.  I actually hate the recorder.  That said, it is the only stealthable recorder that can pull 6 channels.

My first, go-to choice would be an M-10

I own both

^^  I agree with this as well in re. to the Zoom H6. I also have one and I have not been very happy with it for similar reasons.  I run this recorder usually through my SD552 TA3 Direct Outputs.  It is not a stealth recorder IMHO if it is to be used with 4 - 6 channel inputs.   

[robeti]

My final decision is to go with PCM M10 purchased from B&H for $200 + Church Audio CA-14 and Preamp combo for $250 total of $450.

Good choice. You can't go wrong on this package.
Have fun taping!

[Benderman11]

I also own a H6 and am a big fan.  That said, a stealth recorder it is not; I only openly record with External mics.  The H6 is small enough that I usually just add a clamp > ball joint mount to my stand and attach the recorder there.  This allows me to place the knobs into a comfortable position to operate; also better than bending over to make adjustments.

Got to use the additional XLR input attachment for first time NYE and was very pleased.  I guess it depends on your particular use what you want.

[Gutbucket]

Hmmm.

Jon's objection parallels a correction I was temped to make upon reading that same Jan 3rd post, but didn't.  His explanation is more concisely-worded and better grounded with actual numbers than mine would have been, but the general message is the same.