Topic: options for 2 or 4 track recorder with XLR line ins?

[uh huh]

ok i've been out of it for a while.  i'm looking for, well, it's in the subject line.  has someone released something like the Sony PCM-M10 (love mine!) with XLR line inputs?  i don't need built-in mics or mic pres, 1/8" inputs, etc., though those additions wouldn't hurt.  what i need is something that will reliably record board mixes to some computer media (not CDR).  are the H2N, the R-4 or R-44 the only options these days?

[LikeASong]

Tascam DR-40 seems pretty popular. It has XLR inputs (obv. phantom-powered) and some other fancy things. It has 4 channels but 2 of them *must* be the internal mics, it can't accept 2 different external stereo inputs (as the DR-2D can, for example).

[uh huh]

huh that might just do it - thanks!
i'm spoiled with battery life, so it looks like 15 hours will be a hit.  USB power fixes that too. what else will i be sacrificing compared to the M10?

[newscane]

A Tascam DR-100mkii may do the trick... it has XLR inputs.  Battery life isn't quite as good as the M-10 from what I hear, but with dual powering (Li rechargable + 2AAs), there are ways to keep swapping AA batts and run for a while...

[flintstone]

Here's a list of recorders with at least 2 XLR mic inputs, sorted by relative size (smallest first)

big, but still can hold in one hand
Olympus LS-100   
Zoom H4N
Tascam DR-100 Mk II
Tascam DR-40

probably too big to hand hold 
Marantz PMD661
Roland R-26   

def too big to hand hold:
Sound Devices 722 
Fostex FR-2LE 
Edirol R-44 
Tascam DR-680 

Pretty big list, compared to what was available 5 years ago!

[Datfly]

Here's a list of recorders with at least 2 XLR mic inputs, sorted by relative size (smallest first)


Olympus LS-100   
Zoom H4N
Tascam DR-100 Mk II
Tascam DR-40

Do these allow you to monitor all the recording levels at once?
Which one has the best track record here?

Thanks,
Datfly

[myke2241]

on the higher end you could check out

SD 744t
Zaxcom Maxx

[Datfly]

on the higher end you could check out

SD 744t
Zaxcom Maxx

Yes, that is true.  I did forget to mention that I am looking at small handheld (fannypack) friendly recorders at this point only.

Thanks,
Datfly

[H₂O]

Or the Sonosax minr82 - it fits in a fanny pack but only has 2 inputs that are balanced and no XLR inputs (although you could make adapter cables) - 4 analog inputs 2 on 1/8" mini and the other two on 7pin locking binder connectors

[NewTaper]

I am interested in the Zoom H4N & the Tascam DR-2d as I want to record two stereo line in with a 1/8" plug into the unit.
Will I be able to monitor & adjust each source on these units?
Which unit has the best track record of the two?

NewTaper

[achalsey]

I am interested in the Zoom H4N & the Tascam DR-2d as I want to record two stereo line in with a 1/8" plug into the unit.
Will I be able to monitor & adjust each source on these units?
Which unit has the best track record of the two?

NewTaper

No experience with the Zoom, but on the Tascam you can monitor each source, but only adjust the mic in while actively recording.  The line in has to be adjusted with an external pre or while paused.

[John Willett]

I am interested in the Zoom H4N & the Tascam DR-2d as I want to record two stereo line in with a 1/8" plug into the unit.
Will I be able to monitor & adjust each source on these units?
Which unit has the best track record of the two?

NewTaper

I would go Tascam over the Zoom.

[NewTaper]

I am interested in the Zoom H4N & the Tascam DR-2d as I want to record two stereo line in with a 1/8" plug into the unit.
Will I be able to monitor & adjust each source on these units?
Which unit has the best track record of the two?

NewTaper

I would go Tascam over the Zoom.

Can you tell me whay you would pick the Tascam over the Zoom?

NT

[acidjack]

I am interested in the Zoom H4N & the Tascam DR-2d as I want to record two stereo line in with a 1/8" plug into the unit.
Will I be able to monitor & adjust each source on these units?
Which unit has the best track record of the two?

NewTaper

I would go Tascam over the Zoom.

Can you tell me whay you would pick the Tascam over the Zoom?

NT

Zooms have a reputation for being poorly made.  While they are popular with video people and musicians wanting to record band practice and stuff like that, they aren't very good audio recorders.  Reliability is the main issue I've heard with them.   Of course, I can't really recommend Tascam products either. I hate the DR-680, and having now picked up a DR-40 because I wanted something small and inexpensive with XLR inputs, I'm not a big fan of its design, either.  That said, I would bet the quality of the DR-40 is better than the Zoom.

[ashevillain]

Here's a list of recorders with at least 2 XLR mic inputs, sorted by relative size (smallest first)

big, but still can hold in one hand
Zoom H4N
Tascam DR-100 Mk II

probably too big to hand hold 
Roland R-26   

The R-26 is not very much larger than the DR-100MKII or the H4N.

And, IMO it's a higher quality recorder in nearly all aspects.

edit:
DR-100MKII - 3.2 x 6. x 1.4" (80 x 153 x 35mm)
H4N            - 2.75 x 6.1 x 1.4" (70 x 156 x 35mm)
R-26            - 3.25 x 7.1 x 1.6" (82 x 180 x 41mm)