Topic: Very versatile recorder

[Karl]

Are there any handheld recorders that can do phantom power xlr inputs AND plug-in power type input?

I know it's probably asking a lot but it doesn't hurt to ask! 

Looking at <$500 budget, good clean preamps.

[fguidry]

Zoom H4n has the inputs you seek.

Fran

[Karl]

Awesome! How are the pre-amps? And, if I want to use my own battery box, does it have a standard 1/8 inch line input?

[jbell]

I would avoid the Zoom and look at a Marantz PMD 661 or Tascam DR100 MKII!!

[Karl]

What are the issues with the Zoom?

[rastasean]

What are the issues with the Zoom?

just search the forum. Most find the zoon products to be too cheap and unreliable. You can spend a little more and have taper test trust for your recorder.

[Karl]

Very good. Marantz PMD 661 and Tascam DR100 MKII have been recommended, I will search and check those out, any other recommendations?

Basically what I am trying to do is simplify my recording gear. I used to have a minidisc (used mic and line inputs) as well as a better quality rig that included the UA-5 and JB3 (I used the phantom power for that one, and that has pretty nice pre-amps). I am trying to replace all of that in one shot and have a more simple easy to use option (not so many cables!)

[adrianf74]

Tascam DR100 MKII is my choice in this case.

[Karl]

It does not appear that the Tascam has plug in power for mics 

Though, if I can't find an all in one solution, this may solve half of my problem, and I can get something else for the plug in power situations.

[Karl]

Yes, I saw the 1/8 inch inputs, but no plug in power. I know I can use a battery box, but I would like the ability to just insert a single point mic and be ready to go with no additional cables as well.

[fmaderjr]

Tascam DR100 MKII is my choice in this case.

The Tascam is almost certainly better than the Zoom if you can deal with a small battery box for providing plug in power. IMHO, Tascam makes very good recorders and Zoom does not, though the H4n is supposed to be far better than previous Zoom recorders. I suspect that the Tascam preamps would be a good bit better than the Zoom's but you need to hear input from people who have actually used them.

[H₂O]

With the tascam you should be able to get a PFA to provide plugin power to power electrets off it's phantom power

[Karl]

Right. So either I go with the zoom (idea leaves a bad taste in my mouth) or look at buying two separate recorders to do my jobs.

[fmaderjr]

With the tascam you should be able to get a PFA to provide plugin power to power electrets off it's phantom power

That's certainly one option, but a small battery box is cheaper and the Tascam will run a lot longer when not using phantom power.

[F.O.Bean]

Right. So either I go with the zoom (idea leaves a bad taste in my mouth) or look at buying two separate recorders to do my jobs.

I use 2 x Sony M10s to record diff sources, and they are a BREEZE to matrix/align in post with WaveLab 6 I thought it would be a PITA, but just align on one section and BAM, done deal so dont be scared away from buying 2 x M10s