Topic: Portable recorder recommendation

[Teppka]

Looking for small portable recorders for occasional use. Plan to use for video recordings through 3.5mm mic input to my Fujifilm camera or sync in post, also plan to carry it with me for casual ambiance and other sound recordings. No plans for any music or concert recording.
Also I need it to use standard batteries, I try to avoid built in batteries in any devices as I plan using it for a long time.

I narrowed down my search to OM System LS-P5. There was a thread here which didn’t have much info except for high noise levels.
I also read positive reviews about Olympus LS-P1 which has aluminum body and low noise levels. But it’s pretty old model, no 24/48 setting (only 16), 2 mics instead of 3.

I wander if anyone with real experience would comment on how these compare and what other models I could consider?

[rocksuitcase]

Sony M10?

[Teppka]

Was my first choice but cant really find one at the acceptable price and in English.

[unidentified]

Roland R07?

[Teppka]

Unfortunately not acceptable to me same as M10 as it’s discontinued.

[unidentified]

Unfortunately not acceptable to me same as M10 as it’s discontinued.

Used ones can be easily found on eBay and Reverb

[adrianb]

I see from the other thread that you have already acquired a Sony PCM-D100. I own this recorder and it is the best portable recorder I have ever used, and I have owned numerous models. Excellent built in microphones and low self noise make it my regular unit for ambient sounds, but with the drawback that it is very susceptible to wind noise.

Unless you are also looking for something with a smaller size then the D100 should be all you need.

[Teppka]

Yes indeed and I am very, very excited about it! In addition to D100 I want something smaller which I could easily carry with me every day and also use on camera for some video shooting. I tried mounting D100 on my Fujifilm X-H1 and it was on the bulky side, swinging around on Rycote suspension. Even more so considering how flimsy Rycote suspension connection is. I will definitely use D100 for ambient recordings but also want something smaller and lighter.

PS: you have on awesome collection of Sony recorders!

[rigpimp]

Sony PCM-A10

[Teppka]

No one recommends OM System LS-P5? I wander if it’s that bad or not realistically popular among tapers. It’s marketed more for a videography crowd and content creators.

[jbell]

Yep

Sony PCM-A10

[Teppka]

As I mentioned in first post, I am looking for a device with replaceable batteries.

[Chilly Brioschi]

I must say that the  OM System LS-P5 has the most unimpressive specifications that I've seen in a 24 bit recorder priced at $250.
The "Tresmic" had better be magical, and I have no reason to suspect that would be the case.
My list of "b.s. tech" is long and storied, and I want much proof in real circumstance before it would get my attention.
Also, 'Mic + Recorder' packages generally limit flexibility.
Who flies their recorder on 15' stands? 

Disposable batteries isn't a feature that I'd chase.
Replaceable recharchables or rechargable packs is.
I use rechargeable AA cells in my Fostex and Sony, and I like it.


Olympus seems to have focused on medical instruments:
https://www.nytimes.com/topic/company/olympus-corporation

[Teppka]

That’s what I meant by replaceable batteries, so I can use AA or AAA rechargeable ones.
I never owned one of Olympus recorders before but almost all of the LS line of recorders seem to have good reviews over the years.
They might be concentrating on other fields of business, but at least they release and produce new recorders. Unlike other brands with suggested models here being mostly discontinued.

[Teppka]

Yes indeed and I am very, very excited about it! In addition to D100 I want something smaller which I could easily carry with me every day and also use on camera for some video shooting. I tried mounting D100 on my Fujifilm X-H1 and it was on the bulky side, swinging around on Rycote suspension. Even more so considering how flimsy Rycote suspension connection is. I will definitely use D100 for ambient recordings but also want something smaller and lighter.

PS: you have on awesome collection of Sony recorders!

Please advise how internal mics of D100 compare to D10 as I can see you have both.
Thanks. 

[Teppka]

Thank you all for replies. I think I’ll stick with my D100 for the time being, will use it off camera for video and sync in post.

[Ozpeter]

Well, there's the new Zoom M3 if you can actually find one in stock.  32 bit float MS variable width stereo mic/recorder intended chiefly for video use.  More or less just one button (record) and not even a display.  Left field admittedly...  Initial release was greeted with some criticism due to RF breakthrough, and it was withdrawn with replacement available to original purchasers.  I think the revised version is now reaching dealers - but I've not seen a proper review of that new version.  I think I ordered mine in about January... still waiting...

[adrianb]

Please advise how internal mics of D100 compare to D10 as I can see you have both.
Thanks.

I sold my D10. A very disappointing product from Sony. Too noisy.

[Chilly Brioschi]

Well, there's the new Zoom M3 if you can actually find one in stock.  32 bit float MS variable width stereo mic/recorder intended chiefly for video use.  More or less just one button (record) and not even a display.  Left field admittedly...  Initial release was greeted with some criticism due to RF breakthrough, and it was withdrawn with replacement available to original purchasers.  I think the revised version is now reaching dealers - but I've not seen a proper review of that new version.  I think I ordered mine in about January... still waiting...

Who would expect there to be RF in a music venue or even a "home studio" in the 2020s.   

I'm sure that a few thin pieces of metal and little bits of ferrite will fix it, but I'm glad in not on that original product design architecture team !

Good on Zoom to jump on the fix

[jielkade]

  PMD 661

[Teppka]

Seems like portable and low noise floor is kinda difficult.
Have just ordered Olympus LS-10 which seems to tickle all boxes for me.

[GLouie]

A vintage LS-10? I still use mine for casual jobs, it's still quite good for what it is. My windscreens have rotted out though, and of course official replacements are NLA.

[Teppka]

Technically it’s LS-10s but yeah, that vintage one.
From the short time I’m researching portable recorders, it’s amazing how all great models are those produced decade or longer ago.

[Teppka]

Technically it’s LS-10s but yeah, that vintage one.
From the short time I’m researching portable recorders, it’s amazing how all great models are those produced decade or longer ago.

I have ordered Bubblebee Industries Windscreen for mine, use bigger on my D100 and am very happy with it.

[rocksuitcase]

Seems like portable and low noise floor is kinda difficult.
Have just ordered Olympus LS-10 which seems to tickle all boxes for me.

great device. My NOLA running buddy hauled his all around using it from hat stealth at the fairgrounds to SBD patching late nights.
+T

[Teppka]

Unfortunately I can’t update it to v1.10 as I can’t find firmware uodate program file. V1.12 available on Olympus Japanese site doesn’t recognize the device.

[rocksuitcase]

Unfortunately I can’t update it to v1.10 as I can’t find firmware uodate program file. V1.12 available on Olympus Japanese site doesn’t recognize the device.

yuk. Maybe ask around in an ISO thread in the gear section. People keep installer/upgrade version files sometimes.

edit- I see you have done this. +T good luck

[Teppka]

It’s actually an exe file, or smg for Mac. I thought this is the gear forum?

[rocksuitcase]

It’s actually an exe file, or smg for Mac. I thought this is the gear forum?

true
I meant start a new thread titled with your ISO.  I see you did so.   hopefully someone can help.

[justme]

Here’s something you might find delightful.

https://forum.soundonsound.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=869685#p869685

[Teppka]

Here’s something you might find delightful.

https://forum.soundonsound.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=869685#p869685

My thread on SOS forum about the same topic.