Topic: Looking to buy a 2nd flash drive recorder. Looking for recs and Zoom H4n alt

[NYLifer]

I currently run Sennheiser 441s > Sony SBM-1 > m-Audio Microtrack II. Lately I have been getting soundboard access in certain venues for certain artists, and, as I want to continue to audience record, I thought I would get a 2nd recorder that has xlr inputs, such as the Samson Zoom H4n.

HOWEVER, the Zoom does NOT have coax in, which I would also like to have (in addition to xlr in) so I can use the Zoom as a backup / 2nd deck for festival situations.

Is there anything out there for around $300 with both xlr AND coax inputs? Otherwise, I'm thinking I just buy another Microtrack II and buy xlr to 1/4" adapters. Or this there another, simpler solution I am overlooking?

Bonus question. I use eco-charge batteries to power the SBM-1 (and Sony and Tascam dat decks in the past). BUT, they don't seem to offer a USB power solution for the Microtrack II or the Zoom (http://www.ecocharge.com/cables_ec90.htm). What's the current best rechargeable solution for USB power?

Thanks very much in advance,

Peace,

Bob

http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=taper%3A%22NYLifer%22

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Tascam DR-100MKII has XLR and SPDIF input:

http://tascam.com/product/dr-100mkii/specifications/

$329. Digi in is via a special cable though. I think it's basically a COAX > Mini cable.

[NYLifer]

Tascam DR-100MKII has XLR and SPDIF input:

http://tascam.com/product/dr-100mkii/specifications/

$329. Digi in is via a special cable though. I think it's basically a COAX > Mini cable.

Very close to what I am looking for, BUT...

1. The DR-100mkII has true xlr inputs, I would prefer xlr-1/4" combo inputs because the SBM-1 is not 100% reliable and sometimes drops a channel.
2. The digital in on the DR-100mkII requires a special cable.

So, retaining the xlr-1/4" combo and digital (coax) in requirements. What's the lowest cost entry there? for 2 channels?

If I wanted to step up to 4 or more channels, what's the lowest entry point for that situation?

Thank you,

Bob

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Tascam DR-100MKII has XLR and SPDIF input:

http://tascam.com/product/dr-100mkii/specifications/

$329. Digi in is via a special cable though. I think it's basically a COAX > Mini cable.

Very close to what I am looking for, BUT...

1. The DR-100mkII has true xlr inputs, I would prefer xlr-1/4" combo inputs because the SBM-1 is not 100% reliable and sometimes drops a channel.
2. The digital in on the DR-100mkII requires a special cable.

So, retaining the xlr-1/4" combo and digital (coax) in requirements. What's the lowest cost entry there? for 2 channels?

If I wanted to step up to 4 or more channels, what's the lowest entry point for that situation?

Thank you,

Bob

Do you mind me asking why you're running the SBM-1 into a 24 bit machine?

Just skip that an run directly to the DR-100MKII.

Also...you don't want a special cable for digi in, but you're ok with a special cable to run you're XLR's? I think the digital cable for the DR-100MKII is only a few inches long, but I don't understand why you'd run a 16 bit A>D into a 24 bit deck.

I haven't run this particular Tascam, but the 2 I've owned have been great (DR-07 and DR-680).

If you're looking into a multi channel rig with digi in, the DR-680 is generally well liked here. Some people have had issues powering it, but I haven't had any.