Smallest 4-track recorders available

[optimisticpessimist]

I've done some looking around, but haven't been able to find any "handheld" 4-track recorders.  Does anyone know if one exsits?  If not, what are the smallest 4-track recorders available?

Thanks for your time.

[willndmb]

zoom h4 has to be the smallest
but is limited compared to others like the r44 or 744

[JD]

This little guy will record eight tracks, kind of spendy though.



http://www.sonosax.ch/recorders/minir82/minir82_index.html

[optimisticpessimist]

   Phew... that would be nice to have.  $5k though?

Not sure I want to limit myself to 16/44.1 only... with the H4.

Doesn't seem too promising for what I'm looking for. Ah well. 

[Chris K]

Zoom H4n does 4 channels and at 24/96 but you need to use a combination of the built in mics and the combo XLR/TRS input to get 4 channels.

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1994

[optimisticpessimist]

Yeah I had seen that, but I'm looking to run two sets of external mics into the same recorder.

[acidjack]

I've done some looking around, but haven't been able to find any "handheld" 4-track recorders.  Does anyone know if one exsits?  If not, what are the smallest 4-track recorders available?

Thanks for your time.

The R-44 is pretty small, and pretty lightweight, and certainly more feature-rich than the Zoom. I don't think I've seen a comparable 4-track unit that is smaller.  You will need (most likely) to use external power, though, which requires a DVD battery. 

[fotoralf.be]

Yeah I had seen that, but I'm looking to run two sets of external mics into the same recorder.

You can use four external mics with the H4n: two mics connected to the XLR inputs running on phantom power and another two connected to the 3.5 mm stereo jack beneath the built-in mics. For the 3.5 mm jack, you'd have to use mics running on their own power or plug-in power  or you'd need to connect them through a battery-powered phantom adapter.

I've used my H4n with two stereo bars and two Rode NT-2A on a mic stand for quad channel atmo recordings during our xmas vacation and they've turned out fine.

This is what it looks like:
http://www.fotoralf.de/temp/D-09-12806.jpg

Next, I'll test the version with four external mics using a small portable 12-to-48 V adapter.

If anyone is able to playback Fraunhofer surround MP3s or DTS I could upload an example of Dunkirk harbour noises recorded with this set-up.

Ralf

[optimisticpessimist]

What if both sets of mics I'm running terminate in 1/8" plugs?

[NOLAfishwater]

What if both sets of mics I'm running terminate in 1/8" plugs?

then get male mini to dual male xlr cable. that will allow you to utilize the xlr inputs. just make sure don't turn phantom power on.

[fotoralf.be]

What if both sets of mics I'm running terminate in 1/8" plugs?

...in which case I suppose you wouldn't even need 48 volt phantom power? Even better. Just get two adapter cables, one from 1/8" to 1/4" inch and another one from 1/8" to 2 x male XLR and Bob's your uncle.

If you know at which end to hold a soldering iron, you might even fit two 1/8" sockets into the upper portion of a Zoom H2 and have the smallest 4-channel rig money can buy.

Just out of curiosity, what mics are you using?

Ralf

[optimisticpessimist]

Thanks!  I figured adapter cables was the answer... just making sure I was understanding this unit correctly.  Trying to keep the rig as small as possible, obviously.

I'm running DPA 4061s and Church Audio AT831s.

[Walstib62]

You may need an attenuator or preamp going into the mic input. M-audio makes an inline 1/8" 10 dB attenuator. That input is easily overloaded.

[Gutbucket]

You can use four external mics with the H4n: two mics connected to the XLR inputs running on phantom power and another two connected to the 3.5 mm stereo jack beneath the built-in mics..

Interesting..

[BayTaynt3d]

You can use four external mics with the H4n: two mics connected to the XLR inputs running on phantom power and another two connected to the 3.5 mm stereo jack beneath the built-in mics..

Interesting..

I think you have to drop your resolution for 4-tracks, no? Down to 16/48 or 24/48 or something I think? Might be wrong.