Topic: Newbie - So Many choices!

[bravoland]

Hello All.. it's been about 5 years since i've done any concert recordings.  Last recorder i used was a mini disc player

i'm thinking about picking up a unit because i miss recording concerts.

i'm looking at the digital options now in addition to picking up a minidisc recorder (i sold the one i had years ago)
.. i want to spend $200 at most on the unit. 


so.. what is the best bet for recording loud concerts
the jukebox 3, Archos, iriver??  Something else... should i stick with Minidisc?


do the digital recorders have low and high sensitivity settings so that distortion doesn't happen at loud concerts?


little bit overwhelming combing through the forums here.

[beathydrolysis]

if you're looking to get in the door cheap and easy I'd go with the iriver (and rockbox it).  I've owned minidisc, iriver, and JB3 and based on what you've said it sounds like you're a good iriver candidate.  in reference to the distortion, you're still going to want a preamp to do your ADC work because none of the digital recorders you're looking at have the ability to handle a rock concert on their mic in without distorting.  As long as you have decent mics and a decent preamp you won't have to worry about distortion in a high SPL situation.

[kevy_metal]

What is the difference between using an iriver with a battery box and using the same machine with a preamp?

Is it reccomended to use both the batt box and preamp?