Topic: New Gear (2013) - Portable Digital Recorders

[Chimney Top]

What are all the (2 channel size) portable recorders with XLR inputs on the market now?


2 Channels:

(Handheld/Pocket Size)

Tascam DR-100 (XLR/3.5mm)
Tascam DR-100 mkII (XLR/3.5mm/digital)
Marantz PMD 660/661 (XLR)/MKII
Marantz PMD 620 (3.5mm)/MKII
Roland R-05 (handheld, 2 channel (3.5mm)
Edirol R09/R09H (handheld, 2 ch, 3.5mm) - discontinued
Sony M10 (handheld, 2 channel (3.5mm)
Pyle Pro PPR80 (3.5mm)
Ikey Audio M3 (3.5mm)
Olympus LS-10/LS-10S/LS-11/LS-20m (audio and video)/LS-12/LS-14 (3.5mm)
Olympus LS-100 (XLR/TRS/3.5mm - 2 ch simultaneous recording, multitrack editing)
Tascam DR-40 (XLR/TRS, no 1/8" input)
Tascam DRV1-HD (audio - 3.5mm, and video)/DR-05/DR-03 (3.5mm)
Nagra SD (XLR adapter), Ares, Lino, Pico (3.5mm)
Sony PCM-50 (3.5mm/digital)
Korg MR-1, Korg MR-2 (SD 1-bit, 3.5mm)


(Larger Size)

Marantz PMD 670/671 (XLR, 3.5mm/digital)
Fostex FR-2
Fostex FR-2LE (XLR/TRS)
Tascam HDP2
Korg MR-1000
Sound Devices 702/702t/722
Nagra VI/LB




More than 2 channels:

(Handheld/Pocket Size)

Zoom H4 (XLR/TRS/3.5mm - 4 ch) - discontinued
Zoom H4n (XLR/3.5mm - 4 ch)
Zoom H6 (6 ch, 4XLR input, 6 XLR input with attachment)
Roland R-26 (2 XLR/TRS, 1/8" stereo, 6 total ch w/ internal mic's) http://www.rolandsystemsgroup.com/products/100093
Tascam DR-2d (handheld, 4 channels (both inputs 3.5mm)
Tascam DR-40 (handheld, 4 ch, 2 external/2 internal)
Tascam DR-60d (4 ch, 2 XLR, 1/8" stereo inputs) http://tascam.com/product/dr-60d/
Sonosax MiniR82 (handheld 8 Channels)

(Larger Size)

Tascam HSP82 (8 ch)
Sound Devices 744 (4 ch)
Sound Devices 788 (8 ch)
Edirol R4/R44 (4 ch)
Tascam DR-680 (6 XLR/TRS, 8 total ch)
Cymatec LR-16 (TRS, 16 ch)
Aeta 4MinX (2-8 ch)
Fostex DCR302 (3 ch)
Sound Devices 664 (6 ch)
Roland R-88 (8 ch)
Zaxcom Nomad 4-8 channels
Sonosax SX-R4 8 Channels

IOS Recording Devices:
Tascam IXJ2
Apogee One/Duet/Quartet IOS (5 series apple products use the all-digital lightning connector, 4 series etc. use analogue 30 pin connector)
Fostex AR4i
Mikey Digital Blue
Rode iXY (mic's only, no external input)


updated Feb. 2013

[spyder9]

Please update your list. 

Roland Edirol R-26
Tascam DR-100mkii (newest version)

[flintstone]

More additions:

Marantz PMD661
Fostex FR-2LE

These are a little larger than the Roland R-26, but still easily portable. 

[kirk97132]

Tascam HD-P2

[George2]

This will be my next purchase for small recorder:
http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?ref=SERP&br=ro&mkt=en-US&dl=en&lp=JA_EN&a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fostex.jp%2fproducts%2fDC-R302

[Fried Chicken Boy]

This will be my next purchase for small recorder:
http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?ref=SERP&br=ro&mkt=en-US&dl=en&lp=JA_EN&a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fostex.jp%2fproducts%2fDC-R302

That deck looks pretty slick.  Supposed to hit the US shortly with a MSRP of $799

Not being a video guy myself, can anyone explain to me why it's 3 channels as opposed to 4 or 2?

[Chimney Top]

This will be my next purchase for small recorder:
http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?ref=SERP&br=ro&mkt=en-US&dl=en&lp=JA_EN&a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fostex.jp%2fproducts%2fDC-R302

That deck looks pretty slick.  Supposed to hit the US shortly with a MSRP of $799

Not being a video guy myself, can anyone explain to me why it's 3 channels as opposed to 4 or 2?

yeah, i'm not quite sure how practical that machine is.  camera goes on top?  where are the mic's?  easily movable?

[George2]

Standard ENG kit was/is 3 channel mixer. One boom and two lavaliere mics.
This goes a step further and adds a 2 track recorder. Does not come with mics, you buy your own.. you were asking about 2 track recorders with XLR inputs!
Made for the DSLR people with a mic mix out to cam.
Use your imagination.....take off the camera mount and use as 2 track recorder, with 3 XLR inputs.
I'm sure these preamps are better than the usual handheld all-in-one recorders.
Betting it will go 8 hours with 4 lithium AA batteries.

More here:
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/DC-R302.shtml#3

[spyder9]

Standard ENG kit was/is 3 channel mixer. One boom and two lavaliere mics.
This goes a step further and adds a 2 track recorder. Does not come with mics, you buy your own.. you were asking about 2 track recorders with XLR inputs!
Made for the DSLR people with a mic mix out to cam.
Use your imagination.....take off the camera mount and use as 2 track recorder, with 3 XLR inputs.
I'm sure these preamps are better than the usual handheld all-in-one recorders.
Betting it will go 8 hours with 4 lithium AA batteries.

More here:
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/DC-R302.shtml#3

Agreed.  This is Fostex's long awaited update to the original FR-2.  The FR-2 was great sounding, but it was big and more importantly:  horrible to power.   This thing runs on four AA batteries?  Hmmmm..... 

If it had digi-in, this thing would've gave the Sound Devices 702/722 a run for its money.  It will definitely kill dead the SD 302 in the marketplace. 

At $799 MSRP and 3 inputs, it will sell.  3 channels would be fun at any festie, IMO.

[spyder9]

Please add Fostex FR-2 to your list.  It is the predecessor to the FR2LE

Please add Zoom H4 to your list.  It is the predecessor to the H4n. 

[George2]

[/quote]

Agreed.  This is Fostex's long awaited update to the original FR-2.  The FR-2 was great sounding, but it was big and more importantly:  horrible to power.   This thing runs on four AA batteries?  Hmmmm..... 

If it had digi-in, this thing would've gave the Sound Devices 702/722 a run for its money.  It will definitely kill dead the SD 302 in the marketplace. 

At $799 MSRP and 3 inputs, it will sell.  3 channels would be fun at any festie, IMO.
[/quote]

I'm interested in this new Fostex, but will wait until after NAB in Las Vegas to see if SoundDevices comes out with something new.

[Ozpeter]

What's with the wonky display on that Fostex recorder!  Clearly ineptly photoshopped in....

[spyder9]

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/latest_news/EFkkkkyllEjYCfGMuM.shtml

[John Willett]

You are forgetting the Nagra SD - pluggable mic. heads that can be replaced by an XLR mic. or line input if needed.

[notlance]

And why are not the Sound Devices 702, 702T, and 722 on your list?  Am I missing something?

[notlance]

Since this thread has digressed to write about the Fostex DC-R302, I'll add this:

Mic input S/N (A-weight): More than 55 dB (INPUT GAIN maximum / 150 load: / input referred noise: 125 ｄＢｕ)

Let's hope it is much more than 55 dBA.  Perhaps the noise is much less at lower gain settings.

Otherwise this recorder looks interesting.

[sunjan]

Dunno what your cut-off for size is, but you could add Korg MR-1000.

[Chimney Top]

And why are not the Sound Devices 702, 702T, and 722 on your list? Am I missing something?

This thread focuses on the portable handheld  recorders with XLR inputs like the one's on the list.  there are already 'good' portable recorders around if you wanted to just post 'every portable recorder ever made'.  if these get any better, the 'ultra high-end' ie: sd 722 stuff is going to become obsolete, unless people like carrying around extra gear 5-7 times the size.  but, i am adding them for a comprehensive list.

[John Willett]

And why are not the Sound Devices 702, 702T, and 722 on your list?  Am I missing something?

They are - didn't you read the OP?

Actually, to that list he could also add the Nagra LB.

[notlance]

Actually, the OP was edited to add the SD 702/722 after I made my above post.

[John Willett]

Nagra SD (1 XLR Input)

Actually the Nagra SD has two XLR inputs - these can be mic. or line level with the optional plug-on lead options.

larger size

You should add the Nagra LB to this larger list.

[George2]

According to American Musical, the Fostex Distributor in USA, the DC-R302 will be available in April or May this year.
Seems already available in UK.
Hoping John Willet will do a review on this, as I know he likes Fostex.

[Chimney Top]

Since this thread has digressed to write about the Fostex DC-R302, I'll add this:

Mic input S/N (A-weight): More than 55 dB (INPUT GAIN maximum / 150 load: / input referred noise: 125 ｄＢｕ)

Let's hope it is much more than 55 dBA.  Perhaps the noise is much less at lower gain settings.

Otherwise this recorder looks interesting.

what you missed is the OP asks for additions to the list so we can have a comprehensive look at all the new products and compare to older models.  the thread hasn't digressed... it's still growing.

thanks for reading and all the contributions.


i will leave the lists split - handheld/pocket sizes and 'larger' sizes.

[Chimney Top]

Nagra SD (1 XLR Input)

Actually the Nagra SD has two XLR inputs - these can be mic. or line level with the optional plug-on lead options.

larger size

You should add the Nagra LB to this larger list.

cool.  i missed the cord option.

[aaronji]

^^^ The Nagra SD looks like a cool recorder, but I think it only half belongs on the list.  It does have that cable for two XLR mics, but no P48.  Since the vast majority of people here aren't using dynamics, it probably needs an asterisk or something!

[flintstone]

Add to the list the Sony PCM-D1 and PCM-D50.  If you add Sony's XLR-1 XLR Mic Adapter ($450), which is made for these recorders, you can use XLR mics.  Note that the adapter is not an external preamp, just a way to provide phantom power and balanced mic inputs.

[flintstone]

Like Goldilocks, I think I'd re-cast the list into three groups

pocket size

Zoom h4/h4n
Tascam DR-100/DR-100 mkII
Olympus LS-100
Tascam DR-40
Nagra SD

Medium size

Roland R-26
Marantz PMD 660/661
Fostex FR-2LE
Sony PCM-D50 plus Sony XLR mic adapter
Sony PCM-D1 plus Sony XLR mic adapter

large size

Marantz PMD 670/671
Fostex FR2
Tascam HDP2
Korg MR-1000
Sound Devices 702/722
Sound Devices 744T
Sound Devices 788T
Edirol R-44
Tascam DR-680
Nagra LB

[acidjack]

And why are not the Sound Devices 702, 702T, and 722 on your list?  Am I missing something?

that was my question..

[notlance]

I can quibble with your classifications since the Fostex FR-2LE is actually larger than the SD 702, 722, and 744, but that is not what struck me when I saw you list of "large" recorders.  Being an old fart like I am, I still find it remarkable that an 8-channel recorder no larger than a cigar box (now I really am dating myself) can be considered "large".

[willndmb]

Isn't the Sony adapter like 4 or 500 bucks?
Better off buying a normal per IMO

[John Willett]

Like Goldilocks, I think I'd re-cast the list into three groups

pocket size

Zoom h4/h4n
Tascam DR-100/DR-100 mkII
Olympus LS-100
Tascam DR-40
Nagra SD

Medium size

Roland R-26
Marantz PMD 660/661
Fostex FR-2LE
Sony PCM-D50 plus Sony XLR mic adapter
Sony PCM-D1 plus Sony XLR mic adapter

large size

Marantz PMD 670/671
Fostex FR2
Tascam HDP2
Korg MR-1000
Sound Devices 702/722
Sound Devices 744T
Sound Devices 788T
Edirol R-44
Tascam DR-680
Nagra LB

Not really sure how helpful this is.

There is not really much difference at all between the Fostex FR-2LRE and the Nagra LB and SD 702.

But if you are including the SD 788T in the list you must then also include tha Nagra VI and the AETA 4MinX (similar price to the 788T and both have better quality mic. pres.)

[dogmusic]

Hi John,

I wondered if you have done a comparison between the mic pres in the Nagra SD and those of the more expensive Nagras. Do they measure up to the Nagra quality standard?

[John Willett]

Hi John,

I wondered if you have done a comparison between the mic pres in the Nagra SD and those of the more expensive Nagras. Do they measure up to the Nagra quality standard?

No, I have not done a comparison - I don't need to as they obviously won't be as good.

That Nagra VI is over £5,000 and the EMP is two Nagra VI mic. pre-amps. and costs £1,200 - So a £600 recorder with two mic. pres will obviously not have pre-amps anywhere near as good as the far more expensive machines.

Having said that, however, Nagra analogue circuitry is excellent and the old unit had excellent mic. pre-amps and I would expect the SD to be better than the old one - just not as good as the top models.

[Chimney Top]

Like Goldilocks, I think I'd re-cast the list into three groups

pocket size

Zoom h4/h4n
Tascam DR-100/DR-100 mkII
Olympus LS-100
Tascam DR-40
Nagra SD

Medium size

Roland R-26
Marantz PMD 660/661
Fostex FR-2LE
Sony PCM-D50 plus Sony XLR mic adapter
Sony PCM-D1 plus Sony XLR mic adapter

large size

Marantz PMD 670/671
Fostex FR2
Tascam HDP2
Korg MR-1000
Sound Devices 702/722
Sound Devices 744T
Sound Devices 788T
Edirol R-44
Tascam DR-680
Nagra LB

Not really sure how helpful this is.

There is not really much difference at all between the Fostex FR-2LRE and the Nagra LB and SD 702.

But if you are including the SD 788T in the list you must then also include tha Nagra VI and the AETA 4MinX (similar price to the 788T and both have better quality mic. pres.)

yeah, i dont think the pmd661 or r-26 is any larger than dr-100.

[H₂O]

Your missing:

Large
Aeta 4Minx

Medium
Sonosax SX-R4

Pocket
Sonosax MinR82

[dogmusic]

Hi John,

I wondered if you have done a comparison between the mic pres in the Nagra SD and those of the more expensive Nagras. Do they measure up to the Nagra quality standard?

No, I have not done a comparison - I don't need to as they obviously won't be as good.

That Nagra VI is over £5,000 and the EMP is two Nagra VI mic. pre-amps. and costs £1,200 - So a £600 recorder with two mic. pres will obviously not have pre-amps anywhere near as good as the far more expensive machines.

Having said that, however, Nagra analogue circuitry is excellent and the old unit had excellent mic. pre-amps and I would expect the SD to be better than the old one - just not as good as the top models.

Thanks for that, John.

It makes me wonder if the Sound Devices USBPre2, which has the same preamps as the expensive 788T, would probably have higher quality preamps than the Nagra SD.

In which case, the USBPre2 going digitally into the Tascam DR100mkii makes for a better recorder at about the same price.

Of course, it's a two-box solution, and not as portable, but you'd need something extra for phantom power into the Nagra SD anyway.

[John Willett]

Hi John,

I wondered if you have done a comparison between the mic pres in the Nagra SD and those of the more expensive Nagras. Do they measure up to the Nagra quality standard?

No, I have not done a comparison - I don't need to as they obviously won't be as good.

That Nagra VI is over £5,000 and the EMP is two Nagra VI mic. pre-amps. and costs £1,200 - So a £600 recorder with two mic. pres will obviously not have pre-amps anywhere near as good as the far more expensive machines.

Having said that, however, Nagra analogue circuitry is excellent and the old unit had excellent mic. pre-amps and I would expect the SD to be better than the old one - just not as good as the top models.

Thanks for that, John.

It makes me wonder if the Sound Devices USBPre2, which has the same preamps as the expensive 788T, would probably have higher quality preamps than the Nagra SD.

In which case, the USBPre2 going digitally into the Tascam DR100mkii makes for a better recorder at about the same price.

Of course, it's a two-box solution, and not as portable, but you'd need something extra for phantom power into the Nagra SD anyway.

The SD pre-amps are good, but a step down from the Nagra VI and AETA 4MinX.

I use my EMP into the line-in of the SD for a quality stereo unit.

Not sure how the SD pre-amps compare with the SD.

[dogmusic]

What's the price of an EMP?

[gratefulphish]

I admit that I am lazy, but which of these decks has either optical or coax digital inputs?

[John Willett]

What's the price of an EMP?

In the UK - £1,206.90 +VAT  (£1,448.28 incl. 20% VAT)

[John Willett]

I admit that I am lazy, but which of these decks has either optical or coax digital inputs?

I think - all the SD units, the Nagre LB (and Nagra VI), the Fostex FR-2 (not sure about the LE).

[dogmusic]

What's the price of an EMP?

In the UK - £1,206.90 +VAT  (£1,448.28 incl. 20% VAT)

Thanks again for the info.

[Jema]

I admit that I am lazy, but which of these decks has either optical or coax digital inputs?

As Willett said all of the SD, as well as the DR-100 mkII, PMD661/671, PCM D50 (and I think D1 too), HD-P2, R-44, DR-680. I don't know about Sonosax and Nagra but it would surprise me if they didn't.

The Edirol R-4 Pro is missing from the list (it too has digital in by the way).

[Chimney Top]

anything new?

Sept 2012

[John Willett]

anything new?

Sept 2012

Nagra is adding A-format / B-format monitoring to the Nagra VI this month and the AETA 4MinX already has this.

[Chimney Top]

updated/new additions feb. '13


any other additions?

[Chimney Top]

2 Channels:

(Handheld/Pocket Size)

Tascam DR-100 (XLR/3.5mm)
Tascam DR-100 mkII (XLR/3.5mm/digital)
Marantz PMD 660/661 (XLR)
Marantz PMD 620 (3.5mm)
Edirol R-05 (handheld, 2 channel (3.5mm)
Edirol R09/R09H (handheld, 2 ch, 3.5mm) - discontinued
Sony M10 (handheld, 2 channel (3.5mm)
Pyle Pro PPR80 (3.5mm)
Ikey Audio M3 (3.5mm)
Olympus LS-10/LS-10S/LS-11/LS-20m (audio and video)/LS-12/LS-14 (3.5mm)
Olympus LS-100 (XLR/TRS/3.5mm - 2 ch simultaneous recording, multitrack editing)
Tascam DR-40 (XLR/TRS, no 1/8" input)
Tascam DRV1-HD (audio - 3.5mm, and video)/DR-05/DR-03 (3.5mm)
Nagra SD (XLR adapter), Ares, Lino, Pico (3.5mm)
Sony PCM-50 (3.5mm/digital)
Korg MR-1, Korg MR-2 (SD 1-bit, 3.5mm)


(Larger Size)

Marantz PMD 670/671 (XLR, 3.5mm/digital)
Fostex FR-2
Fostex FR-2LE (XLR/TRS)
Tascam HDP2
Korg MR-1000
Sound Devices 702/702t/722
Nagra VI/LB




More than 2 channels:

(Handheld/Pocket Size)

Zoom h4/h4n (XLR/3.5mm - 4 ch)
Roland R-26 (4 external ch: XLR/TRS combo input and 3.5mm, 6 total ch)
Tascam DR-2d (handheld, 4 channels (both inputs 3.5mm)


(Larger Size)

Tascam HSP82 (8 ch)
Sound Devices 744 (4 ch)
Sound Devices 788 (8 ch)
Edirol R4/R44 (4 ch)
Tascam DR-680 (6 ch)
Cymatec LR-16 (TRS, 16 ch)
Aeta 4MinX (4 ch)
Fostex DCR302 (3 ch)
Sound Devices 664 (6 ch)
Roland R-88 (8 ch)


IOS Recording Devices:
Tascam IXJ2
Apogee One/Duet/Quartet IOS (XLR/TRS)
Fostex AR4i


updated Feb. 2013

[achalsey]

Not totally sure what this list is, but if its for recorders on the market now, some to add:

Roland R-05 (handheld, 2 channel (3.5mm)

Tascam DR-2d (handheld, 4 channels (both inputs 3.5mm)

Sony M10 (handheld, 2 channel (3.5mm)

Whats the Edirol R07?  Do you mean R09?  Theres also then the R09HR.

[Chimney Top]

Not totally sure what this list is, but if its for recorders on the market now, some to add:

Roland R-05 (handheld, 2 channel (3.5mm)

Tascam DR-2d (handheld, 4 channels (both inputs 3.5mm)

Sony M10 (handheld, 2 channel (3.5mm)

Whats the Edirol R07?  Do you mean R09?  Theres also then the R09HR.

Thanks.

That's the Edirol R09.  I didn't know the DR-2d was 4 channels...

[achalsey]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but if this is "on the market" recorders, I believe both the R09 and R09HR are both discontinued.  They have been replaced by the R-05 I think.

[Chimney Top]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but if this is "on the market" recorders, I believe both the R09 and R09HR are both discontinued.  They have been replaced by the R-05 I think.

I am updating the list for reference... I'll add 'discontinued' next to the product if it is out of production.  People may still use the list for reference and purchase one in the yard sale, ebay, etc.

[DigiGal]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but if this is "on the market" recorders, I believe both the R09 and R09HR are both discontinued.  They have been replaced by the R-05 I think.

I am updating the list for reference... I'll add 'discontinued' next to the product if it is out of production.  People may still use the list for reference and purchase one in the yard sale, ebay, etc.

As long as you are updating, here are a few additions and I'm sure there are others.

In addition to PMD661 and PMD620, Marantz has added PMD661MKII and PMD620MKII.  Sound Devices has added the 664.  For iOS Rode has added iXY and there's MikeyDigital from Blue, however, none of the iOS devices utilize the lightning connector as yet.

[StuStu]

Also, the Aeta 4MinX is 2-8 channels depending on which set up you order. It's not limited to only 4.

[Ozpeter]

None of the Zoom small recorders are mentioned? 

[spyder9]

It's Roland R-05.  Please fix Edirol R-05

[Gutbucket]

Yeah, all things that were branded Edirol which are still in production are now Roland (who owned Edirol for a long time before retiring the name)

Note that the Tascam DR680 can record up to 8 channels if using the digital coax input in addition to the 6 analog inputs.

..3 channels would be fun at any festie, IMO.

Three are more fun anytime, IMO. 

[Chimney Top]

Yeah, all things that were branded Edirol which are still in production are now Roland (who owned Edirol for a long time before retiring the name)

Note that the Tascam DR680 can record up to 8 channels if using the digital coax input in addition to the 6 analog inputs.

..3 channels would be fun at any festie, IMO.

Three are more fun anytime, IMO. 

Researching I came by this new product from Roland:

http://www.rolandsystemsgroup.com/products/100113

I searched and did not see an R-88 thread... looks like it came out last fall.

[DigiGal]

I searched and did not see an R-88 thread... looks like it came out last fall.

Here's one  http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=158021.0

[H₂O]

I would add the following:
Zaxcom Nomad 4-8 channels
Sonosax SX-R4 8 Channels
Sonosax MiniR82 (handheld 8 Channels)

You may want to expand channels to something like 8 + 2 (where 8 solo's and 2 mix)

I am pretty sure the Korg MR-1000 has been discontinued; The Korg MR-1 has been discontinued

[Chimney Top]

More than 2 channels:

(Handheld/Pocket Size)

Zoom H4 (XLR/TRS/3.5mm - 4 ch) - discontinued
Zoom H4n (XLR/3.5mm - 4 ch)
Roland R-26 (4 external ch: XLR/TRS combo input and 3.5mm, 6 total ch)
Tascam DR-2d (handheld, 4 channels (both inputs 3.5mm)
Sonosax MiniR82 (handheld 8 Channels)



^

This is the area that could use expanding.

The Sonosax is almost $5,000. 
The Tascam DR-2d is good addition to their line of portable recorders with 4 channel mini-jack/3.5mm.
Multi-channel breakout cable for a handheld size recorder?

I ordered a Roland R-26 today.

[DigiGal]

iOS options not included on the list: Rode has added iXY and there's MikeyDigitalfrom Blue, however, none of the iOS devices utilize the lightning connector as yet.

MikeyDigital features 3.5mm stereo input.