Topic: Sony D50 with PS-2 or Zoom H4n with onboard XLR for live music?

[(Evan)]

Hey guys. So I've read that the Zoom H4n's XLR inputs have a larger than usual amount of noise, but I was wondering if this matters for stealth recording a reasonably loud performance? Would there be a large difference in quality instead using a Sony PCM-D50 with a Denecke PS-2 with 1/8 output? I like the idea of being able to plug the mics straight into the H4n without the use of a device like the PS-2, but if the quality will be noticeably effected because of the poor XLR inputs, I could deal with the inconvenience.

Thanks!

[su6oxone]

I haven't tried the H4n but haven't heard great things about it.  I stealthed for a year with Neumann KM184 > PS-2 (1/8" out) > R-09HR and was very happy with the results overall.  I would give it a try, it's more than quiet enough for amplified shows.  Alternatively, you could try using a Marantz PMD661 which is a pretty compact all-in-one recorder that has very quiet preamps (I may be selling my stock 661 soon also).