Hello,
I wanted to take a quick moment to introduce myself to the forums.
I recently decided to start recording again. I used to record bands in my home studio, but the proliferation of inexpensive gear and an unwillingness to pay for time and space, as well as three growing children, forced me to close up shop. My attention turned to other hobbies, like photography, video, live music, and backpacking. Recently I have been making a number of training videos for the compang I work for, and have enjoyed learning more about the audio and sound side of video production.
As I approach a midlife birthday at the end of the month, I have started to think more about what my passion is, and I realize I have really missed recording, and that I should get back into it. I really enjoy going to Japanese indie shows, but also enjoy mountain camping. It seemed logical that location and live recording was the next hobby for me
In my search for a field recording device, I discovered this forum.
After days of reading and listening, I looked at almost every possible solution...
First I considered a new Audio Interface for my computer or ipad, but soon decided it would be too bulky and would prevent me from taking out my gear in the first place.
Then I considered a Tascam D60, D70, D701, etc. I liked the idea of something I could also use for my video work, but the prices seemed like they were skimping on sound quality.
Then it was the Zooms. The H6 appealed to me because of the 6 channels, which means I could record simple bands if I wanted. But there were still reviews and comments that suggested that the sound was not up to par.
Then the Zoom f4, f8, f8n, and much of the stuff above it. So want! Wife suggested I not look at those any further
Finally my attention swung back to the simple two channel recorders.
So I ordered a Tascam DR100mkiii... A few hours later I cancelled the order because I realized I couldn't run a phantom and non-phantom mic at the same time, and maybe I needed more channels?
So I ordered a Zoom H6... And cancelled it after reading more reviews that the sound was too noisy for woodland field recording. I also had to be honest with myself. Just starting out, how many times would I need the extra channels? If I am going to need more than two
channels to record a band, I am going to need more than six. Can cross that bridge when I need to.
In the end, I decided to go back to the DR100mkiii because it seemed to be the best sounding device that is portable, quick to use, and in a price range that I and my family could accept. It arrives at some point today!
So the journey begins. I am sure I will be on here more and more with questions as I try to learn all about my new device and the art of field recording.
Thanks for reading, and as we say in Japan, Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.