Topic: Hard Drive Recorders vs. MD and Hi-MD

[phriq]

Hey everyone,
   me again, hey i was just wondering what everyones thoughts are between hard drive recorders and mini disc recorders. Right now i have a sony net md, and i am getting sick of having to real time analog copy my show to my computer every time. I was thinking about getting a HDD recorder....what do you all suggest. i have heard though that if you have analog mics thats really bad with HDD recorders. i have dual binaunual mics with a 9 volt battery module with 107hz bass roll off. I really want good sound and ease of use, but cant spend a huge amount of money. suggestions? thanks in advance.
 

[beefstew]

its all about budget

you can get a decent used Hi-MD for around $50 these days

[powermonkey]

I can see the value of minidisc recorders, especially when someone's starting out and itching to get a rig going for little money - it's more important to be out taping than what kit you're using, if you're serious about getting as good a sound as you can. That said, I'm pleased to have been able to start out with an R09 and good mics... from the first, I've been thrilled with the shows I've now got on disc to listen to for years to come.

As has been said, it all comes down to how much you're willing to spend. I'm sure if you look around you can pick up an iRiver that would suit your needs, be it from the yard sale or eBay. I'm getting my hands on one asap, for backup and for soundboards for matrixes and all.

[SmokinJoe]

iRiver makes some models suitable for taping, but not all of them.  The H320 and iHP320 take analog in and have a color screen, but no optical.  The H120 and iHP120 are similar, but have optical I/O but a black/white screen.  As is, these aren't great recorders, but once you reload them with an alternate operating system called "RockBox" they are great.  I have a couple.

There is an iRiver FAQ here... http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,73139.0.html

[shaggy]

Best solution for under $200?  The H120 rockboxed with a remote. 

Here is the kicker:  You can control the H120 fully with the remote and see the levels!  That means, you could have the whole rig in your pocket and the remote dangling out looking at the meters and adjusting the levels.  If you are too lazy or too stoned to play with the levels then use the AGC that is featured in rockbox!  The remote will allow you to run the H120 with full control and peak visualization in the dark (the screen is backlit!) without dropping your head to look at your deck!  This is assuming that you wear your mics on your head....of course.

The AD is not as sweet sounding as maybe some hi-end HIMDs but will suffice with a pair of inexpensive batt powered binaurals.  As you get into it, you improve the rig by degrees.  Get some DPA406Xs and then get a modSBM down the road....all the while you can keep your H120 to play music and record your shows.

[nasarius]

The real trouble seems to be actually finding an H120. I see exactly one on eBay right now.

Why do they always stop manufacturing the good stuff?

(edit) My mistake, you get some more results if you search for ihpxxx or ihp-xxx instead of hxxx.

[nameloc01]

i find the removable media absolutley essential.my opinion is focus more on the mics and taping tactics,without providing these two things correctly the recorder doesnt mean a whole lot.

[SmokinJoe]

iRiver iHP-120... buy it now $149... 8 available
http://cgi.ebay.com/iRIVER-IHP120-Audio-Jukebox-black_W0QQitemZ300124527130QQihZ020QQcategoryZ114622QQcmdZViewItem
http://stores.ebay.com/roadpal_MP3-players_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ3853280QQftidZ2QQtZkm

If you want to bid on one you might get one for $100, but you will lose several before you do.  Now this RoadPal store seems to have a bunch of iHP-140's

[phriq]

Is there a big differance bettween the IHP140 iriver and the IHP120? will it still be able to install rockbox on it? is the main differance just the sixe of the HDD?

[Arni99]

Is there a big differance bettween the IHP140 iriver and the IHP120? will it still be able to install rockbox on it? is the main differance just the sixe of the HDD?

40GB vs 20GB is the ONLY difference.

[Javier Cinakowski]

Is there a big differance bettween the IHP140 iriver and the IHP120? will it still be able to install rockbox on it? is the main differance just the sixe of the HDD?

40GB vs 20GB is the ONLY difference.

The H140 is slightly larger...

The H100 is the same but with less RAM (32 vs 16MB)  so this is a bad choice...

[Arni99]

Is there a big differance bettween the IHP140 iriver and the IHP120? will it still be able to install rockbox on it? is the main differance just the sixe of the HDD?

40GB vs 20GB is the ONLY difference.

The H140 is slightly larger...

yes its about 1/8" thicker than the H120 but no problem for stealthing .

[phriq]

Would you guys recommend the iriver IHP140 for recording? i am watching a few on ebay right now. I have dual binuaral mics that go through a 9v battery module with bass roll off (i do 107hz). i am just wanting to get away from my MD cause i am annoyed iwth life tranfer. would you recommend the iriver IHP140? will i the quality be about hte same as my md (after the real time transfer?) thanks

[petur]

sure... buy one and put rockbox on it

if you didn't already saw it:
h120 => 20GB disk (single platter, 5mm)
h140 => 40GB disk (double platter, 8mm)

So the h120 will be a bit thinner and cheaper.

[phriq]

do you know how long you can record on the IHP120 and IHP140?