Topic: Need rec on portable digital audio recorder for interviews

[Nick Mag]

A co-worker refered me to this message board. I've been asked to look into portable digital audio recording devices and an external microphone. Our office wants to use this device/mic to record interviews that will end up on our website as podcasts. The ideal device is portable, has a long battery life (not proprietary), is user friendly, and does not break the bank. This is really for mono recordings, not stereo. We recently purchased an M-Audio Microtrack, but I'm concerned it is overkill and that we will never use it to it's potential.

I understand that this message board is mostly music recording related, but perhaps someone might have some recommendations and/or suggestions. Thanks in advance.

[flintstone]

Nick,

This subject was discussed recently. See
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,77324.0.html

There are proponents of several inexpensive recorders among
the participants here.  In the "all-in-one, less than $500" category,
the nominees include:

-- iRiver H120/140/320 with Rockbox software
-- Creative Nomad Jukebox 3 (aka JB3)
-- Zoom H4
-- Sony MZ-RH1 Hi-MD recorder
-- M-Audio Microtrack 2496
-- Edirol R-09
-- Marantz PMD660 with Oade preamp upgrade

You'll probably hear from fanboys of each of these recorders.

Flintstone

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

Flintstone is correct.

Consider a good quality set of omni lavalier-style clip-on mics.  On some of them you can separate the two mics as much as 12-feet.  Clip one mic on the interviewer and the other on the interviewee and you'' have a pretty fine sounding interview.  They cost under $100 (ours costs $75 for a matched pair).


Len Moskowitz
Core Sound
www.core-sound.com

[IpaqMan]

You should take a look at the new Olympus DS series (DS-30, DS-40, DS-50).  Olympus touts them for podcasting.  They support recording in modes up to stereo 128K 44.1KHz WMA.  They are very portable, use two AAA batteries, have a built-in mono mike, have a stereo attachable mike, and three recording sensitivity levels.

[ghellquist]

The HHB Flashmic would probaly be the exact thing you are looking for, except for the price.

http://www.hhb.co.uk/hhb/usa/news/fullstory.asp?ID=336

Gunnar

[joekar]

If you already purchased the Micro-cracker...just pick up an inexpensive set of microphones......For under $100 you can get a nice set of small mics that terminate in one 1/8 male connector....Then just use the plug in power from the recorder and set the mics near the two people talking ( interviewing)....Ready to Rolll......Hope this helps..

ps: If its just for recording interviews you can probably just use the T-mic that came with the recorder...

Peace,
jk

[IpaqMan]

Another new option is the Sony ICD-SX57 (about $120).  It is an upgrade to the SX46.  It like the DS-30/40 is designed for podcasting.  The Sony software that comes with it can optionally convert the Sony audio files to different quality mp3 formats suitable for podcasting.

Compared to the SX46, the SX57 comes with twice the memory, a STHQ (high quality) record mode, manual record level setting, battery USB recharging option, switchable input (mike or line level), backlit display, dual record level meters in dBs, three microphones, and bass options.  In addition, the recording modes have improved recording.  SP mode on the SX57 sounds better than SP on the SX46.

[Nick's Picks]

keep your MT and get some mics.  that is good advise.
lots of mics to choose from too.  core-sound would work well for you.  as would many others.
check out www.fullcompass.com to just browse the selections out there.

also, the new Zoom H2, not mentioned above...might fit the bill and save you some dough (if you sell the MT that is).  it is turn key, mics are on the unit..and its pretty slick.
$199