Hey all,
Sorry to fill this forum up with "what kind of field recorder should i get" questions, but man I have exhausted myself researching google and different forums to find one that works for me.
First off, I'm going to be recording different outdoor environments-calm to chaotic. Pretty much nature and suburban ambiance.
Second, the sound devices gear is waaaay out of my budget so pretty much anything $600 and under.
Third are external mics really important if you have good internal mics? Example: Sony PCM-50 internals vs say Marantz PMD 660 or Fostex FR-2L with rode nt4?
I'm just trying to find a good quality sound setup with clean crisp sound and low to zero unwanted machine or preamp noise. Thanks
I'll start off with a ~budget 'giant-killer' system (for field-recording). Yes it will be more than you want to spend, however it's just an example, but there is method in my approach, read below...
Sound Devices MixPre ($660)
Edirol R09HR ($350)
Audio Technica AT3032 pair (Omni) or AT3031 pair (cardioid) ($320) or Rode NT4 (in a blimp)
TOTAL = $1300~1400
This will give you a system that has extremely low self-noise and will pull field-recordings that are world class. It also has the advantage of being configurable from stealth (with the addition of some mics mentioned below) or full-blown cables-n-lights-everywhere rig.
Now I know that's not what you had in mind, however if you start with an R09HR you have the basis of an excellent setup and can add other bits as you gain confidence that this is something you want to continue.
So for now I would suggest Edirol R09HR +
Sound Professionals SP-TFB-2 Microphones (run of the mic power from the R09HR),
Church Audio or
build your own mics = TOTAL $400~550.
The internal mics of almost all gear are useless for field-recording ambiances as they are too noisy and closely spaced. Zoom H4 and H2 however do an good job there (but they are the exception in anything below ~$600).
You can browse my field recordings with an R09 + various gear and mics here...
http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/usersViewSingle.php?id=29541Some pics & samples, these aren't necessarily great recordings, just showing some of the places I record with my rig...
Semi-stealth...
Click here for the recordingExposed
Click here for the recording...
Click here for the recordingdigifish