Topic: Recorder for Symphony Rehearsals

[chris319]

I'm looking for a better-than-dictaphone-quality recorder with decent mic(s) and possibly a decent built-in speaker for the conductor of a youth symphony who wants to be able to record the orchestra and then play back the recording for them to hear what they sound like. The recorder should not cost an arm and a leg. Monaural is OK.

I have an option to purchase a slightly-used Zoom H4 for $150 but it does not have an internal speaker, so I would have to connect it to one of these:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Edirol-MA7ABK-Stereo-Micro-Monitor-?sku=600094#new

Playback need only be monaural so I might mix the left and right outputs of the recorder before feeding them to the speaker. The only downside I can see is that she would need a surface upon which to place the speaker. I'm wondering if there is a handheld unit with an internal speaker which does not sound like a transistor radio and which a room full of 40 musicians could hear without sounding overdriven.

Many thanks.

[chris319]

P.S. AC operation would be nice.

[boojum]

In the ~$150 price range I think Zoom is about it.  A good set of earphones might be better and easier than lugging the monitors.  Your call.  For $25 you can get the AC adapter.  The Zoom H2 comes with the adapter when you buy it new for about the same as you are paying for a used H4.  I'd check them both out.

Cheers

[chris319]

A good set of earphones might be better and easier than lugging the monitors.

How are 40 orchestra members going to share a set of earphones? 

I think we're going to need speakers.

[Kevin T]

Why the need to playback to the entire group? Have them select 2 to do the listening & use headphones.

 

[chris319]

Why the need to playback to the entire group?

So they can hear how bad they sound.

Have them select 2 to do the listening & use headphones.

I don't think the conductor would go for that. It would take too long.

I got one of these for $39.99:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sony-ICDBX700-Digital-Recorder?sku=620012&src=3WWRWXGB&ZYXSEM=0

It sounds pretty decent if a trifle noisy in the "HQ" mode which covers 75 - 17,000 Hz and mp3 encoding at 44.1 kHz and 128 kbps stereo. You wouldn't use it for serious recording but for $39.99 it'll do just fine. Also on order are these:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Edirol-MA7ABK-Stereo-Micro-Monitor-?sku=600094

[guysonic]

FWIW I have a new H2 deck purchased for evaluation purposes. 

This to USA TS member for $150 USD including shipping.

PM, or much better to email me if anyone is interested.