Topic: anything beat the H4 w/xlr's in that price range?

[jnorman34]

i hve  been looking at some of the portable recorders.  i need something that i can use mics>recorder (with XLR inputs and phantom power) - no other gear - and still crank out high quality audio files.  mostly chamber music, acoustic ensembles.  the H4 and newer H4n look like about the only thing that is relatively affordable.  is there anything esle i should be considering?  are the pres in the H4 quiet enough to do decent work?  thanks.

[JasonSobel]

for a little more money, consider the Tascam DR-100 ($430 @ Full Compass) and/or the Marantz PMD-661 ($600).

[sunjan]

i need something that i can use mics>recorder (with XLR inputs and phantom power) - no other gear - and still crank out high quality audio files.  mostly chamber music, acoustic ensembles.  the H4 and newer H4n look like about the only thing that is relatively affordable. 

What Jason said.

In general, you can't get something for nothing. H4 and high quality doesn't go together, read previous threads here about various issues and noisy inputs when using phantom.
H4n might cut it, but hasn't been tested much among the users here. Take the plunge if you dare.
Otherwise, I'd encourage you to spend more and go for quality gear.

If you're doing chamber music, are we talking open taping? There are a few bigger units that should be mentioned. FR-2LE, and second hand PMD-660/670 (preferably modded) might fit into your budget too.

[flintstone]

"XLR and phantom power in that price range..."

the H4 costs about $200.  There are a number of decent recorders that
will produce good results when combined with a battery box that provides
phantom power and XLR inputs.  The ART Phantom II ($65) and the Rolls
PB224 ($80) are two such battery boxes.

I did a quick survey using Google Shopping to see where prices for recorders
sit this week.   Here are models that I found between $150 and $250.

Zoom H2 $150

Tascam DR07 $180

Yamaha Pocketrak 2G $195

Tascam DR1 $200

Zoom H4 $200

Korg MR1 $230

M-Audio Microtrack II $250

Yamaha Pocketrak CX $250

[sunjan]

There are a number of decent recorders that
will produce good results when combined with a battery box that provides
phantom power and XLR inputs. 

Good point! So ART Phantom II>H2 would only set you back $215 (+ optional external power).
And in the same price range, you can get a digimod UA-5>JB3 with added matrix ability:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,121983.0.html

I know the OP wanted an all-in-one unit, but there's a reason we all love to schlep on more gear for open taping :-)

[SmokinJoe]

Now that everyone is jumping on the Marantz 661 bandwagon, you might find a good deal on a 660.  It's 16 bit, but it's GOOD 16 bit.

[fmaderjr]

The H4 sucks. Want to buy mine?

The pres are not quiet and it's not at all intuitive to use among its myriad of other problems. Worst money I ever spend on taping equipment. The H4n may be better, but I wouldn't count on it.

The Tascam DR-100 is likely to be much better than anything from Zoom although I haven't read any reviews.

[sunjan]

Now that everyone is jumping on the Marantz 661 bandwagon, you might find a good deal on a 660.  It's 16 bit, but it's GOOD 16 bit.

Good point. There's a stock 660 for $270 right now:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,119042.0.html