Topic: Zoom H2 or Tascam DR-07 - Which one?

[bravoland]

I want one of these Sub $200 Units.  and until today I was all set for the Zoom H2

Right now it's $158 bucks on Amazon - Free Shipping

But then i just saw on Soundprofessionals the Tascam DR-07 with MINI BINAURAL MICROPHONEs for $199




This will be the only rig i will own and i will use it primarly for stealth Loud Mainstream Rock in Arena's

Tascam dr-07 is newer but it's also about an inch longer..  Not sure it that will be a problem for stealth entry.

Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated on which one would be preferred

[paulbaptiste]

This will be the only rig i will own

 That's a good one!

[Nixoo]

When you'd buy the Zoom H2, would you be using the internals? When you're going to record loud arena shows, there's no way the internal mics of the H2 can handle the sound pressure level. Invest in some cardiod mics for arena shows, omni/binaural mics pick up too much crowd noise and the reverb of the arena itself. Unless you're standing upfront, you'd be better of using cards.
For the recorder, I couldn't give you any advice, I use the H2 only with external batterybox and mics and haven't heard of the Tascam DR-07.

[sunjan]

i will use it primarly for stealth

Ok, this is the key issue here. If you're serious abt stealthing, you won't use the internals, since external mics are so much easier to conceal.
So your choice boils down to: which recorder performs best with mic in? That includes built in preamp and AD performance (assuming that you're not going to pick up any separate boxes).

Those familiar with Tascam gear say that DR-07 is just a slimmed-down DR-1 with the same specs. From the user reports on TS, DR-1 outperforms the H2 when going mic in, so that should be the case with DR-07 too.

You could wait for more field reports on the DR-07, or jump the gun now and be our guinea pig! ;-)

[antsyashley]

I used the DR-07 to tape two JJ Grey & Mofro shows this week. This was my first taping experience, so I can't compare it to any other. The Tascam was great, and it produced excellent recordings. I did it out in the open, but I can see it being a wonderful stealth rig as well. I used the external mini mics that SP gave away with the device. I'll post the link to the archive when it's ready.

[Ozpeter]

Th H2 is a great little device, but the mic input (if used with a mic directly connected) is surprisingly noisy, unlike the internal mics. 

[det1967]

When you'd buy the Zoom H2, would you be using the internals? When you're going to record loud arena shows, there's no way the internal mics of the H2 can handle the sound pressure level. Invest in some cardiod mics for arena shows, omni/binaural mics pick up too much crowd noise and the reverb of the arena itself. Unless you're standing upfront, you'd be better of using cards.
For the recorder, I couldn't give you any advice, I use the H2 only with external batterybox and mics and haven't heard of the Tascam DR-07.

I've recorded some loud shows (Raconteurs) with the H2 using the rear internals and they handled the pressure fine. No distortion whatsoever with the mics on the low sensitivity setting.

[mloewen]

 Hey I can't compare it to anything else but I have had good results with my H2 . I have mostly recoded with permission. I am checking out the new H4n looks like it has some bonus features for a little more. Will be interested in what the reports are once this is out. Its a little bigger than the H2,probably less stealthy. I have been considering some mics and battery box for my H2 for stealth purposes and would pay more than the recorder cost for them. 

[antsyashley]

Hi folks,

I  taped a show with my DR-07. I am attaching some itty bitty samples (converted to mp3) so you can see how good it sounds. I used the SP-BMC-2 mini binaurals > Tascam DR-07. No extra battery or gain or anything else needed. It was way too easy! :-)

Enjoy!

P.S. By the way, did you see my posting on this thread (http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,116444.0.html) with the full shows from an out in the open recording with this rig?

[Kevin T]

I gotta say they sound overly warm to the point of a bit muddy. Your previous Full show on archieve site are top notch other than the sound guy had the rockband approch ( too much) kick for my take
I just bought the DR-.  I have the H2 and am thinking about the SP omnis now based on your captures At $49 how can you go wrong ?

[BayTaynt3d]

I'd like to hear a sample using the internal mics?

Also, I can't seem to figure out what kind of mics the internals are, omnis, cards? All the literature just says stereo electric condensers? Anyone know?