Request recommendations for a digital recorder. I have been using a Tascam iM2 with iPhone 5, and am ready to graduate to better gear that can take stealth mics, but on a strict budget.
First criteria is no more than $200 for the recorder. I'm sure I can get a vastly better recorder for $50 more or whatever, but one has to set parameters. If I could just figure out how to use stealth mics w/ the iPhone, I wouldn't even buy a recorder, because you can always get an iPhone into a venue. I've been looking at the Zoom H4nSP and Tascam DR-40, but will consider others.
Second criteria is the recorder must work with Core Sound binaurals or cardioids, though I welcome recommendations for other stealth mics on a similar budget.
Finally, I actually don't much care about having 4 tracks, as I am not likely to spend much time mixing them except in extreme cases. So if there is some extremely good 2 track recorder that would take stealth mics and be an improvement over the iM2, then I welcome recommendations. But I don't mind spending $200, either.
Also, any recommendations about ancillary gear (pre-amp, battery box or whatever) would be appreciated. I don't fully understand what all I'll need to go along with the stealth mics. Basically, assume I am ignorant as hell (because I am).
Many thanks in advance.