Topic: Help - friend needs a recorder, specs inside

[rsimms3]

Hi.  I have a friend who is intimidated by being a n00b and did not want to post this fearing he would look silly so I told him I would look silly for him.  I have done some preliminary research and found some interesting information, but many heads are better than one.  He is looking to pick something up ASAP before leaving for Las Vegas in a month so waiting out the YS may not be an option.

Requirements:
1. Must record 48khz
2. Record at least 3 hours on one charge
3. Can do seamless new files (cuts the MT24/96, Tascam DR-1) - like Ron said "set it and forget it"
4. Must be able to buy direct, no eBay account
5. As affordable as possible
6. Small size for "special" recording
7. Reliable, I read bad staff about the Line In on the R-09

The plan is to use CA mics and ST-9100 to a line in.  Digital in or out not a concern, but the 48khz is since the desire will be to sync to video at times. 

[John Willett]

Olympus LS-10

[darktrain]

The Marantz PMD620 is small, built solid and has a great internal pre, in fact for loud rock/metal shows i don't need or use a bb or pre with great results as it provides 5v phantom power via mic in and it will record for well at least 6-7 hours on a set of AA's or a little longer on rechargables, for quieter shows i use a pre with no issues either, so far been extremely happy with it, oh yeh it has a real quick boot and shut off almost instantly and will save any file if for some reason the power cuts out.

[rsimms3]

Both look good.  Originally he was looking at the Edirol R09HR, but the price was a bit out of his range, those two the cheapest I can find at retailers is $350, but at Sound Pros he could get the R09HR for $350 - 10% plus it comes with a free 4gb SD card.  I will take these choices to him, but others please feel free to chime in as well.

[GDfan]

Korg for 399$
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,110879.0.html

would require an external battery pack, but from I understand they are small and last quite a while.

[KING RONNIE]

for the money, the Microtrack II is the way to go. they can be had for $225 and you can use the savings for a mics and battery box.

[flintstone]

The LS-10 saves its file and stops when it gets to the 2GB limit. 
If you're recording 16/48, you'll get your three hours run time.
If you're recording 24/48, then it's two hours.

Flintstone

[rsimms3]

for the money, the Microtrack II is the way to go. they can be had for $225 and you can use the savings for a mics and battery box.

What's the battery life?  I know with the MT 24/96 it was dangerous to go to longer shows without an external battery pack.