Topic: JB3 is nearing it's end...please help me find something new...

[TeamJa]

Hey guys, 

I don't have windows '97 to run my JB3 anymore, and it's been going strong for over 10 years.  Geez....

Anyways, I don't tape with a big rig anymore and just use it for my band.  I've been using Sound Professionals Binaural Mics w/pre and I'm looking for a simple recorder that:

1.  can record lengths of at least 3 hours
2.  can easily be powered by an external source (not in a taperssection, just by the board) and doesn't rely of a specific battery (hopefully AA's)
3.  decent quality (i've been happy enough with my JB3 line in if that gives you any idea)
4.  would be nice to have a digi in so I could use ADK>UA5 if I wanted to.
5.  would like to keep it sub $300

I've searched threads, but there are so many choices I'm overwhelmed.

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

[DigiGal]

Sub 300 with a digi-in really narrows down options to a TASCAM DR-100mkII.  Be aware the digi-in uses a proprietary adapter which is included.  The connector on the recorder itself is less than ideal but should suffice for occasional use.

http://tascam.com/product/dr-100mkii/

[page]

Yeah, a used D50 would be second (as it's already optical). That said, current generation digi-recorders are more exacting in their adherence to the SPDIF spec, so older ADCs are less supported. It's hit and miss depending on the ADC.

If you scrapped that requirement and stayed with line-in, then there are a number of really nice sound ones as portable ADCs have improved over what we saw when we started with JB3s and irivers. The Sony M-10 would be one and there are a few others as well.

[TeamJa]

Cool. Ordering a M10 today.  Thanks boys!

[F.O.Bean]

Def a Sony M10!!!

[it-goes-to-eleven]

There are a bunch of free software solutions for downloading from your jb3. They are much better than the original software and they do not typically require specific versions of windows.

Though it was shaped kinda funky, the jb3 was a pretty amazing recorder.  Dual batteries, bit perfect opti in, extremely reliable.  All in, what was it, 2001?

It's been ages since I ran a jb3, so I can't say for certain but I suspect you're going to get a really major improvement in audio quality from the m10.

Order some non-permanent screen protection film for it.  If you put it on as soon as you remove the original screen cover, there shouldn't be any scratches or bubbles and it will adhere really well.  It helps to practice on other devices.

[flipp]

Even though the OP indicated he has already intended to purchase an M-10, I think the least expensive recorder that fits his needs is the original MT-2496. Has SPDIF coax digi in and if recording at 16/44 will meet his time criteria. While it doesn't run on AAs unless they are in an external power pack it will run from any USB power source. It also appears in the YS for prices around $100.

Note some folks have had problems with both this and its successor but the only time I had a problem it was user error, not product error.

[F.O.Bean]

Even though the OP indicated he has already intended to purchase an M-10, I think the least expensive recorder that fits his needs is the original MT-2496. Has SPDIF coax digi in and if recording at 16/44 will meet his time criteria. While it doesn't run on AAs unless they are in an external power pack it will run from any USB power source. It also appears in the YS for prices around $100.

Note some folks have had problems with both this and its successor but the only time I had a problem it was user error, not product error.

I had nothing but problems when I had an MTII! I would stay away from then at ALL costs But YMMV!!!

[flipp]

Even though the OP indicated he has already intended to purchase an M-10, I think the least expensive recorder that fits his needs is the original MT-2496. Has SPDIF coax digi in and if recording at 16/44 will meet his time criteria. While it doesn't run on AAs unless they are in an external power pack it will run from any USB power source. It also appears in the YS for prices around $100.

Note some folks have had problems with both this and its successor but the only time I had a problem it was user error, not product error.

I had nothing but problems when I had an MTII! I would stay away from then at ALL costs But YMMV!!!

Which is why I recommended the original MT24/96. Once the firmware for the 24/96was updated there seemed to be almost no problems reported with them, unlike the MTII which never seemed to be as reliable as the MT24/96 even after M-Audio released updated firmware for the II.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

1.  can record lengths of at least 3 hours
2.  can easily be powered by an external source (not in a taperssection, just by the board) and doesn't rely of a specific battery (hopefully AA's)
3.  decent quality (i've been happy enough with my JB3 line in if that gives you any idea)
4.  would be nice to have a digi in so I could use ADK>UA5 if I wanted to.
5.  would like to keep it sub $300

As mentioned there are 2(ish) options that would meet all of these requirements (TASCAM DR-100mkII / used D-50).

That being said, I'd still go with a M10. It has been proven to be insanely reliable. Has ridiculous battery life. And while it does lack a digi in the A>D in the M10 is still pretty good. One thing that I was always worried about when I ran the UA5>JB3 was the optical cable. I was always worried about it getting bent. No worries about that with the M10 since you'll be running an electrical cable.

I can't tell the difference in the A>D in the UA5 vs. the M10. Both are decent. Neither are the greatest and neither are crap.

The M10 is one of the most popular recorders for a reason.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Along the lines of the Sony M10, I would give the Roland R-05 a look.  Doesn't have the stupefying battery life the M10 has, but the "lock button" function completely turns off all buttons on the R-05, unlike on the M10 where the input wheel continues to function even if the lock is on.  The M10 will also only accept MicroSD cards; R-05 takes full-sized SD cards.  Innards and mic pres are about on par with each other.

[F.O.Bean]

Even though the OP indicated he has already intended to purchase an M-10, I think the least expensive recorder that fits his needs is the original MT-2496. Has SPDIF coax digi in and if recording at 16/44 will meet his time criteria. While it doesn't run on AAs unless they are in an external power pack it will run from any USB power source. It also appears in the YS for prices around $100.

Note some folks have had problems with both this and its successor but the only time I had a problem it was user error, not product error.

I had nothing but problems when I had an MTII! I would stay away from then at ALL costs But YMMV!!!

Which is why I recommended the original MT24/96. Once the firmware for the 24/96was updated there seemed to be almost no problems reported with them, unlike the MTII which never seemed to be as reliable as the MT24/96 even after M-Audio released updated firmware for the II.

I owned BOTH when I had my DAT transfer setup, and they BOTH shit the bed per say But maybe I just got bum lemon units?!?!?

[F.O.Bean]

1.  can record lengths of at least 3 hours
2.  can easily be powered by an external source (not in a taperssection, just by the board) and doesn't rely of a specific battery (hopefully AA's)
3.  decent quality (i've been happy enough with my JB3 line in if that gives you any idea)
4.  would be nice to have a digi in so I could use ADK>UA5 if I wanted to.
5.  would like to keep it sub $300

As mentioned there are 2(ish) options that would meet all of these requirements (TASCAM DR-100mkII / used D-50).

That being said, I'd still go with a M10. It has been proven to be insanely reliable. Has ridiculous battery life. And while it does lack a digi in the A>D in the M10 is still pretty good. One thing that I was always worried about when I ran the UA5>JB3 was the optical cable. I was always worried about it getting bent. No worries about that with the M10 since you'll be running an electrical cable.

I can't tell the difference in the A>D in the UA5 vs. the M10. Both are decent. Neither are the greatest and neither are crap.

The M10 is one of the most popular recorders for a reason.

And I DEF recommend getting right angle mini>mini cables too? MUCH less strain on the m10s input compared to the straight connectors, and for some reason, a lot of the straight connectors folks use into their m10s end up fuckn up the m10s inputs!!!