I need a over kill recorder for recording classes

[setboy]

Ok. I got off my ass and got it into college starting in the fall. So i need something to record classes, seminars etc.
What I need is a recorder that has mics, that can be used in some "under cover" taping along with my at933s, can be hooked up to a SBD with good results and it's got to be able to be hooked up to a mac.
I think i can get together about $300.

[Belexes]

I am not sure about the Mac issue, but I'd give the R-09HR a good look.  It's about $300 at Buy.com.

[setboy]

I am not sure about the Mac issue, but I'd give the R-09HR a good look.  It's about $300 at Buy.com.

The mac part of this is what keeps getting in my way.

[darby]

I use a card reader to transfer my files onto my Mac
it is way quicker than running out of the unit

[setboy]

I use a card reader to transfer my files onto my Mac
it is way quicker than running out of the unit

How big are those? If i can get one that is small so i can take it on the go, than that would be a great thing.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

R-09HR + Card Reader (about $10)...done.

I honestly can't think of any other option...unless you want a bigger recorder.

[John Willett]

R-09HR + Card Reader (about $10)...done.

I honestly can't think of any other option...unless you want a bigger recorder.

The Olympus LS-10 is smaller and easier to hold and about the same price.

The R-09HR was also on my short-list, but I went for the Olympus LS-10 in the end.

[sunjan]

The R-09HR was also on my short-list, but I went for the Olympus LS-10 in the end.

If the OP is going to tape with external mics (like the AT933 mentioned), the mic-in is much better on the R09-HR than on the LS-10. The line-in on the LS-10 requires a very hot signal too, so less versatility in the field:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,116964.msg1563230.html#msg1563230

Like others said, don't sweat it with the Mac connection. If you're only going to connect it for file transfers, just get one of these:

[rjp]

the mic-in is much better on the R09-HR than on the LS-10. The line-in on the LS-10 requires a very hot signal too

The issue with the LS-10 mic in isn't noise, but bass roll-off. Even with the low-cut switch off, there's still a roll-off... but if you have bass-heavy mics like my SP-TFB-2s, this isn't really a problem in my experience. It would be a problem with a lot of the small cardioids or hypers, though.

With line-in, though, you definitely need a hot signal - and even then you need to crank the input level to 10 for unity gain. My E-MU 0404 USB in analog monitor mode can drive it without problems (set output level to about 6.5), but when I plugged the LS-10 into my stereo's tape out to transfer some vinyl to digital, the stereo didn't really have enough oomph - at least the input is clean enough that the transfer could be boosted in post after recording in 24 bits.

[darby]

I use a card reader to transfer my files onto my Mac
it is way quicker than running out of the unit

How big are those? If i can get one that is small so i can take it on the go, than that would be a great thing.

I bought mine at a local camera shop for about $20
it's nice being able to transfer a 3 hour show in less than 10 minutes
the FW connection on my P2 would take over 20 minutes
plus it can read 4 different types of cards

http://www.amazon.com/ProMaster-Universal-Memory-Card-Reader/dp/B000S5RCYE

[setboy]

Thanks guys! It looks like i got to get my ass out to buy a card reader and be done with it.

[page]

I use a card reader to transfer my files onto my Mac
it is way quicker than running out of the unit

ditto, I do the same on my fr2-le and osx.

From my experience, some profs would allow you to record the lecture, while many wouldn't. Now, stealthing in lectures is easy, just don't sit in the first 8 rows. Stealthing in a class under 10 people (upper level workgroup style) is where it gets more difficult but still very doable with the appropriate backpack (or creative xacto cutting).

[setboy]

I use a card reader to transfer my files onto my Mac
it is way quicker than running out of the unit

ditto, I do the same on my fr2-le and osx.

From my experience, some profs would allow you to record the lecture, while many wouldn't. Now, stealthing in lectures is easy, just don't sit in the first 8 rows. Stealthing in a class under 10 people (upper level workgroup style) is where it gets more difficult but still very doable with the appropriate backpack (or creative xacto cutting).

Have no fears. I know what i'm doing

[bgalizio]

Card reader with your FR2LE should work fine. But, FYI, the Edirol R-09HR works just fine with a Mac.

[JD]

I used my R09 for recording classes, worked great. I'd record on the lowest bitrate MP3 and get like a whole semester on an 8gb card.