Topic: iRiver Mp3 Player & Semi-Newb Recording Help!

[Rich.]

Hey people, new to this board so go easy. I searched the forums and there is many posts on Iriver ihp-140 but none of them really answer all my questions, hence this thread!

Ive taped a few shows before using a sony mindisc and a cheap mic, most have them have just been local bands/gigs and accoustic nights etc. and have turned out mediocre. I have tried taping a few arena shows (muse & offspring) and basically they came out dreadfull.

Anyway my main point is ive just recently sold my minidsic amongst other things and now have enough saved up for a mp3 player. After doing extensive research on many hd mp3 players I found, or should I say beleive that the Iriver ihp-140 seems to be the best from what I have read. I was just wondering if this is a good choice of a mp3 player and also what the recording facility is like. There is an external mike that you get bundled in with it and wanted to know if this would be suficent for recordings. Ive heared a few bootlegs taped using a Nomad Jukebox, taped with the internal mic, some of them have been decent quality but others the bass is just too loud.

Im not looking into getting perfect bootlegs, but just wondering if the Iriver ihp-140 would be a sufficent recording device. If I do need to buy an additional mic what would you recomend, bearing in mind, I dont really want to spend too much seeing as I have just shelled out 300 quid for a new mp3 player!

If anybody has a Iriver, a review of it or some of its features explained would be awesome, especially if you use it to record shows and have any tips!

I have some pretty cool gigs coming up in the next few months (Incubus, Brand New, Nelly Furtado, Evanescence & Lenny Kravitz) and also many festivals this summer (Download & Leeds Carling). It would be awesome if I can record some of these shows decent quality! With your help I may be able to.

Thanks,

 Rich

[George]

The one thing i know about the iriver is it limits wav recording to 795MB per recording, so you would have to queue up another recording once that limit is hit.  I have personal not seen anyone use a iriver to record a show.

In regards to the recording you heard via the nomad, boomy bass has really nothing to do with the device, but more to do with the mics and what kind of preamp/adc/battery box was used.

[Rich.]

In regards to the recording you heard via the nomad, boomy bass has really nothing to do with the device, but more to do with the mics and what kind of preamp/adc/battery box was used.

No mic was used, just the built in internal one!

If anyone has any information on the external iRiver mic, please let us know!

[mirth]

Its probably a low quality electret omnidirectional microphone... One that is adequate for recording lectures and the like but would overload easily at your typical concert.

[Humbug]

Hey, another UK based taper...!

Save your cash and get a Nomad JB3 with mics/ battery box from sound professionals...what I've been using for the last year with good to great results.

[page]

I've done some testing wtih the optical and analog in with an 120 unit and the 140 isnt much different from what I've heard.

They drop samples periodically and there isnt anything the taper can do. Every 30.5 seconds or something close to that, on an optical recording, you can go through and find out that there are either 28 or 30 blank samples in a row, each time the hard drive inside starts to spin up. Until they post a firmware that fixes this (and its not on their roadmap... gapless ogg playback has been yelled for by the masses for the last year and they are just now doing it). So I wouldnt expect it any time soon.

I too recomend an NJB3 with a A>D unit in front of it. Can do it all for under $600 USD and have a decent rig for stuff. Granted, you can do it for as little as like $300, but it would take some research. (such as CoreSound mics, 1/8th to XLR, NJB3, and some cheap A>D unit)

-- Page

[F.O.Bean]

jb3 it, you'll be happy

[Rich.]

Hey, another UK based taper...!
battery box from sound professionals...

Im dead set now on a iRiver! What exactly do you need the "battery box" for and what does it do?

Im hoping to get everything sorted by the 14th of may so I can tape the incubus show (or try to).

Ill be buying the iRiver shortly when ive accumulated all my cash together. Can somone  point me in the right direction for a mic now. Ive seen this one on ebay, would this be sufficient:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15056&item=3084278160

Thanks!

[Rich.]

Infact all I really need is a mic because I still have access to a minidisc so if the recording is not very reliable on the iRiver I can use the minidsic! Can someeone juts help me find a decent and affordable mic?

[pfife]

Infact all I really need is a mic because I still have access to a minidisc so if the recording is not very reliable on the iRiver I can use the minidsic! Can someeone juts help me find a decent and affordable mic?

www.soundprofessionals.com

check out their binaurals, and you'll need a battery box.

word.

[Rich.]

Would either of these be ok:

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?category=110&item=SP-BMC-12&type=store

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15056&item=3084278160

What are the battery boxes for and why do i need one?

Thanks!

[F.O.Bean]

just asking, why would you buy an iriver when your going to get crappy recordings w/ pops and clicks in them???

i would buy a jb3 and bask in it

[Rich.]

just asking, why would you buy an iriver when your going to get crappy recordings w/ pops and clicks in them???

i would buy a jb3 and bask in it

jb3?

To tell you the truth im more concerned about using the iriver for is job really, just a mp3 player and radio!

If the recording facility on it is no good, I would consider any recomendations on other mp3 players (40gb) that I could buy, baring in mind as  long as I get the right equipment to record I can use a minidisc anyway! So at the moment I am more concerned about buying a decent but affordble mic and also finding out why I would need a battery box and what they actaully do!

Cheers.

[F.O.Bean]

oh alright, my bad

as a recording device, i wouldnt touch an iriver, but as an mp3 player, i def would;-)

if you wnat to record w/ it, check out the 40GB jb3's, made by creative labs, i have the 20GB model and couldnt be mnore happy

[F.O.Bean]

oh yeah, theyre on ebay, refurbished from the company

[Rich.]

oh alright, my bad

as a recording device, i wouldnt touch an iriver, but as an mp3 player, i def would;-)

if you wnat to record w/ it, check out the 40GB jb3's, made by creative labs, i have the 20GB model and couldnt be mnore happy

Refurbished are you talking about the mic or mp3 player?

Well the firstly I was going to get the nomad jukebox, but i changed my mind when I saw the recording feature and radio on the iRiver!

So then if i did get a nomad jukebox mp3 player what would i need and what do you use to record shows!

Thanks for your help!

[F.O.Bean]

well, theres a wealth of iknowledge in the archival section abourt the jb3, also, in the recording section

this should get ya started tho

http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=14;action=display;threadid=16338

[Humbug]

So then if i did get a nomad jukebox mp3 player what would i need and what do you use to record shows!

Thanks for your help!

-Mics similar to those you found on Sound Professionals website. I prefer the cardioid mics due to their pickup pattern, but thats up to you.

-battery box is to power the mics (the Nomad will not do this for you), and also you'll be wise to get one with a bass roll off, for the bassier gigs.

-A mini torch

-A strong bladder (!)

Humbug

[F.O.Bean]

whats the mini torch for alex??

[Humbug]

whats the mini torch for alex??

For shining right in the eyes of the support band, if they suck  

Actually, for checking levels on the Nomad.

[F.O.Bean]

really, you use a torch for that, brave man, id be worried id slip and burn the jb3

[Humbug]

really, you use a torch for that, brave man, id be worried id slip and burn the jb3

hahaha...I think we're having language difficulties...torch=flashlight!

[F.O.Bean]

really, you use a torch for that, brave man, id be worried id slip and burn the jb3

hahaha...I think we're having language difficulties...torch=flashlight!

hahaha, def language barriers, i got ya now bud

[pfife]

Do you use a flashlite in order to save the batteries on the JB3?  IT is backlit, and I tend to think that's a better option than a flashlight, cause the backlight looks like a cell phone (maybe...?) and would draw less attention, do you think?

word

[Rich.]

Ok, thanks peeps you have been a real help.

If I was to get the nomad, they are almost 100 quid cheaper so I could afford the recording gear! Ive also notcied ythat you can get a 60gb model which is also pretty cool, but I dont think i'll ever fill up the space, its always handy to have though!

One other thing that leaned me towards the Iriver is the remote, can you get remotes for the nomad? I dont like the thought of taking my player out of my pocket all the time, dont want to run the risk of being taxed!

Do you plug the mics into the roll of box?
Can someone direct me towards a decent mic and roll of box that will be sufficient, affordable and available to the uk.

Would those mics that I gave the link for be any good then?

Thanks again!

[pfife]

Would either of these be ok:

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?category=110&item=SP-BMC-12&type=store

These would do, but depending on what types of venues you will be recording in most often, omni-directional polar patterns may not be the most ideal.

Rule of thumb that I use, and others may disagree vehemently, is that if the acoustics of the room or the sound in the room are crappy, use hyper-cardoids.  if that is not available, cardoids are the next best bet.

Although, I do have omni's similar to these, and they seem to work pretty well.

I always record in crappy bars, so I almost solely use Hypers.

HTH

[Rich.]

Shit, Ice just realised that the nomad zens dont record, I was geting the models mixed up! Looks like ill have to record on my minidsic after all.

Im pretty confsued now as to what mp3 player to get!

Most of the gigs i will be recording will be indoor arenas and small-medium sized clubs

[Humbug]

Do you use a flashlite in order to save the batteries on the JB3?  IT is backlit, and I tend to think that's a better option than a flashlight, cause the backlight looks like a cell phone (maybe...?) and would draw less attention, do you think?

word

Heck yes...I've set the backlight to come on for the minimum amount of time. I don't know how power sapping it is, but I don't want to find out either. The more recording time available on the internal batteries, the better!

Of course I run the risk of being seen whilst stealthing, but better that than a Nomad thats stopped recording..

[pfife]

Im pretty confsued now as to what mp3 player to get!

It is commonly stated that the only one that is preferrable for recording is the Nomad Jukebox 3.

[Humbug]

Ok, thanks peeps you have been a real help.

1. If I was to get the nomad, they are almost 100 quid cheaper so I could afford the recording gear! Ive also notcied ythat you can get a 60gb model which is also pretty cool, but I dont think i'll ever fill up the space, its always handy to have though!

2. One other thing that leaned me towards the Iriver is the remote, can you get remotes for the nomad? I dont like the thought of taking my player out of my pocket all the time, dont want to run the risk of being taxed!

3. Do you plug the mics into the roll of box?
Can someone direct me towards a decent mic and roll of box that will be sufficient, affordable and available to the uk.

4. Would those mics that I gave the link for be any good then?

Thanks again!

1. I guess you mean the Zen, the Nomad JB3 comes in 20 or 40 GB size. Even the 20GB is 28+ hours of recording at CD quality. Plenty.

2. I've got a crappy little remote for the Nomad, never used it. Don't worry you don't need it, plus you do need to look at the Nomad to see that you're recording OK.

3. I am a little biased, but Sound Professionals are good budget stealth mics, and will post to the UK.

Believe me I researched it and theres nothing available over here. The postage isnt too expensive, you may get stung for import duty, but I didn't with Sound Pro.

The mics plug into the battery box, the lead from the battery box plugs into the Nomad. I wear the mics on my collar, run the mic leads down the inside of my shirt to the battery box which clips on my waist, then the lead from the battery box goes to the Nomad in my jacket pocket.

4. I'd guess those mics are OK, but my personal preference is the SPCMC2 cardiods. I promise you will get acceptable to great recordings with them. Only downside is that you need to point them towards the stage at all times.

Phew

Humbug

[Humbug]

Heck, I'll even post you something I recorded, for free, so you can listen.

Pick something off here with 'Master' against it:

http://db.etree.org/Humbug

If that link doesnt work (db.etrees a bit screwy at the mo), check out my main list:

http://www.geocities.com/humbugoneuk/other_shows.html

and look for 'Master' again.

Humbug

[Rich.]

The mics plug into the battery box, the lead from the battery box plugs into the Nomad. I wear the mics on my collar, run the mic leads down the inside of my shirt to the battery box which clips on my waist, then the lead from the battery box goes to the Nomad in my jacket pocket

What battery box would you suggest? Much appreciation on all your help BTW. Cheers.

[Humbug]

What battery box would you suggest? Much appreciation on all your help BTW. Cheers.

The SPSPSB1, with selectable bass roll-off (and belt clip):



Its small enough, tough, and reliable.

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?category=310&item=SP-SPSB-1&type=store

[Rich.]

What battery box would you suggest? Much appreciation on all your help BTW. Cheers.

The SPSPSB1, with selectable bass roll-off (and belt clip):



Its small enough, tough, and reliable.

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?category=310&item=SP-SPSB-1&type=store

Thanks!

What "level control option do i get?
Do i get one with built in mics?
Whats the Hinged lid for?

Im in quite a good situatiuon regarding recorders. My mate is probably going to get the jb3 which he will lend me for shows but at the moment im going to record on a sony minidisc.
For the actual mp3 player im stuck between the nomad jukebox zen or Iriver 40, Any sugestions on which I should get.

Thanks.

[Humbug]

Thanks!

1. What "level control option do i get?
2. Do i get one with built in mics?
3. Whats the Hinged lid for?

4. Im in quite a good situatiuon regarding recorders. My mate is probably going to get the jb3 which he will lend me for shows but at the moment im going to record on a sony minidisc.
For the actual mp3 player im stuck between the nomad jukebox zen or Iriver 40, Any sugestions on which I should get.

Thanks.

1. Mine does not have the level control. If you're recording with a Sony minidisc, you may want this as you can't change the levels on the Sony MD while recording. Its been a while since I used a MD though, but when I did, levels were very low anyway using line-in, so reducing the levels probably not a good idea. Anyone?

2. No. I cant see any details on those mics, but they look a bit cheap to be worthwhile.

3. Its for if you want to change the levels or bass roll off while recording. Mine is not hinged - I guess beforehand how bassy the gig is going to be and stick with it.

4. No idea, I use the Nomad 99% of the time for recording, never used another mp3 player.

Of course, you don't have to go with my suggestions, do some searching around, and make your own decisions!

[Rich.]

ok, thanks for your input.

[timP]

i use my iriver all day for my music..
I tried to make good tapes wih it when I first got it last Nov, but always had clipping...
I then went to the Archos and now use/love my JB3
I think the iriver is the best HD music player out there.. Blows doors off the ipod.... just not right for taping..
Def not bit accurate via optical in too....

[ajosephb]

yeah, I attempted to tape my first show last night .. interpol at the showbox here in seattle...

used my iriver 20 gig..internal mic..

sounded like crap...bass heavy ...

would love to figure out how to record good with iriver ...

any new info concerning this?

[goatfarmer]

I have only used my H120 to record one show directly from the board. It was superb, in my opinion!

When you say "internal mic", do you mean the one built into the unit? Because, as far as I know, you'll never get good results with that unless you're just voice recording.

Here is an excellent link for H series recording info. It is very recent and very well done.

http://www.misticriver.net/boards/showthread.php?p=49990#post49990

Good luck.

[ajosephb]

thanks for that link...

that will help out a lot..

It looks like all I need is a ECM-DS70P and plug that into the "Line in" on the iriver...

I believe the mic that comes with the iriver origianally is not good enough..possibly simply records in mono...

the ECM-DS70P should be the answer...

thanks

[ajosephb]

oh yeah, and "internal mic" .. the one built into the iriver is definitely not good enough for boots...
voice only...

external mic is the key..

I am new as hell...slowly learning...

[drufus]

if you haven't bought the iriver yet, dont
get my shows from bt.etree.org (drufus is the member name seeding) like drive by truckers 2004-10-08 or dubconcious 2004-10-08
put on a pair of semi good quality headphones and you will find the pops they are talking about
that is from analog input even, if it was optical the damage would be less possibly (help from the wiser members?)
because you can use the extra samples to dither down from 48khz to 44khz (iriver h series does support 16/48)
but yeah <end RANT>
i am stuck with one right now, if you do own one i can tell you about all the other minor twitches in my tard of a recorder
buy a good JB3 and be happy, until they get Rockbox OS hack on iRiver, i wont be.
drufus

[drufus]

the internal mic is good if you are getting pulled out of you doors by an angry cop in atlanta, but not for shows

the free mic with the h series players is nice, easy to disassemble too..
i put an audioi technica windscreen on it and keep the mic volume in the settings to 1 or 0 and i can stealth shows for fun until i can afford a nice set of stealths like these guys are talking about

the AGC setting is key too, needs to be on, makes a nice difference since you cant change gain ever

[Sean Gallemore]

After doing extensive research on many hd mp3 players I found, or should I say beleive that the Iriver ihp-140 seems to be the best from what I have read.

I guess you missed the 500 other threads saying that the JB3 kicks its ass.

[DCDireWolf]

I have the H140.  I record with it.

Pros:  It's tiny, fits in your pocket.  It records to wav, and then is hard drive, plug and play, no sound card needed.  It's a nifty little music player too, with fm radio, .ogg support, all the shit you get from an iPod.

Cons:  74 minute file limit on recording, you gotta do a "flip".  Regular sample drops that bother some people, personally my ear can't hear it, but some have reported an audible "click" at regular intervals.  No recording levels while you are recording, so you'd have to get a separate meter to monitor your levels on the fly.

Anyway, you would need decent external mics and something to power them with, but the click problem is overrated in my opinion.  I dont' hear 'em.

I think the JB3 is still the best option for a HDD recorder, but I do just fine with the iRiver.

Peace.

[Rich.]

Thanks for that. I still havent got a mp3 player yet, still using my minidisc. I'll probably wait a while & see what players are coming out in the near future.

[Weazel]

rockbox firmware for the iriver has  recording now. and plays flac and stuff.

www.rockbox.org

[DCDireWolf]

I checked out the rockbox site, it's not the easiest to understand, but I didnt' see anything about the recording glitch being fixed?

what exactly does the new rockbox iriver firmware do for recording?

[Weazel]

filesize limit for sure i guess.  but its still in development better wait for a final stable release