Topic: iAudio 6 or iRiver IFP-799?

[Qew]

Hello. Sorry to start a new topic but I haven't been able to find this info by searching.
I'm looking for a simple recording equipment to replace my old MD. No professional stuff should be needed. I will use it to record by band at rehearsals and gigs for reference. Therefore it should be able to handle loud music. Adjustable recording levels are needed. Also, I want it to be small and handy.

I've had my eyes on the iRiver IFP-799. It looks fine for my use but there seem to be some complications with setting the recording levels. How does this work on the IFP-799?
I've also seen the new iAudio 6, but I haven't seen any reviews of how good it is at recording. Is it possible to set the recording levels? Does it record mp3 or lossless wav?

Thanks in advance

[bconnolly]

I don't know about the iRiver but I'm fairly certain that all of the newer iAudio players can only record to mp3.  Some of the older models can record to wav though, so maybe the 6 can do WAV.

FWIW, Rockbox now works on the x5 so that will let you record to WAV if you want to get an x5 (which I recommend as a player... not sure about a recorder yet).

Also, a lot of people who use these sort of devices to record with use the iRiver ihp-120.

[Qew]

I don't know about the iRiver but I'm fairly certain that all of the newer iAudio players can only record to mp3.  Some of the older models can record to wav though, so maybe the 6 can do WAV.

FWIW, Rockbox now works on the x5 so that will let you record to WAV if you want to get an x5 (which I recommend as a player... not sure about a recorder yet).

Also, a lot of people who use these sort of devices to record with use the iRiver ihp-120.

Thanks for your quick reply.
Yes, the iRiver H120 (I assume it's the one you mention) looks great, but it's a bit too big unfortunately...
For this purpose I would accept mp3 recording if the sound is clear and the levels are good.

[bconnolly]

I don't know about the iRiver but I'm fairly certain that all of the newer iAudio players can only record to mp3.  Some of the older models can record to wav though, so maybe the 6 can do WAV.

FWIW, Rockbox now works on the x5 so that will let you record to WAV if you want to get an x5 (which I recommend as a player... not sure about a recorder yet).

Also, a lot of people who use these sort of devices to record with use the iRiver ihp-120.

Thanks for your quick reply.
Yes, the iRiver H120 (I assume it's the one you mention) looks great, but it's a bit too big unfortunately...
For this purpose I would accept mp3 recording if the sound is clear and the levels are good.

How small do you need? The ihp-120 can fit in your pocket and if you're worried about getting busted for stealthing... it's just an mp3 player.  The x5 is a little smaller than the ihp-120 and the levels with the stock firmware are decent.  You're going to need to get a locking line-in dongle to use it at a concert, though.  The dongle it comes with is not going to cut it.

Fortunately, they're not hard to make and if you want I can hook you up with a guy who makes them for cheap.

[Qew]

Hmmm... I think I still would want something smaller. I'll probably go for the IFP-799. I hope it will be possible to get good recordings without distortion. Has anybody tried to record loud music (concerts and such) on an iRiver IFP-799?

BTW, thanks for your help

[jkoch]

Hmmm... I think I still would want something smaller. I'll probably go for the IFP-799. I hope it will be possible to get good recordings without distortion. Has anybody tried to record loud music (concerts and such) on an iRiver IFP-799?

BTW, thanks for your help

irive ihp120 is about ipod size. how small do you need? anything smaller is really pointless.

[antiluddites]

Hi Qew,

Plus hello folks!

I've used an iFp895, which has identical parts and operation to the 799 as far as I can tell.
The preamp is acceptable for recording loud stuff, but a bit noisy for acoustic or dynamic stuff
The setup for levels is relatively easy,  you can use headphones to monitor. I don't think IIRC that you can set levels on the fly while recording. The level is set on a 0-65 scale.
The onboard mic is poor and the options for int mic recording are limited. I always got artefacts with int. mic.
Ext mic options are good, and then you can record stereo mp3 at 320kbps.
Get a good mic to go with it, and it should be equal to most MDs.
Perfect for rehearsals, I use my 895 for my singing lessons.


However, this is not the same as being able to set and monitor levels as you can with ROCKbox firmware on the  iriver H120 or H140. Quality of my singing lesson recording goes up several notches when I use the H120.

[Qew]

Hi Qew,

Plus hello folks!

I've used an iFp895, which has identical parts and operation to the 799 as far as I can tell.
The preamp is acceptable for recording loud stuff, but a bit noisy for acoustic or dynamic stuff
The setup for levels is relatively easy,  you can use headphones to monitor. I don't think IIRC that you can set levels on the fly while recording. The level is set on a 0-65 scale.
The onboard mic is poor and the options for int mic recording are limited. I always got artefacts with int. mic.
Ext mic options are good, and then you can record stereo mp3 at 320kbps.
Get a good mic to go with it, and it should be equal to most MDs.
Perfect for rehearsals, I use my 895 for my singing lessons.


However, this is not the same as being able to set and monitor levels as you can with ROCKbox firmware on the  iriver H120 or H140. Quality of my singing lesson recording goes up several notches when I use the H120.

Thank you, that's a lot of helpful advice. I just got the IFP-799 and it works really good for recording loud music with an external mic. I tried it at band rehearsal with a level setting at 45.
I might get one of those better machines one day, but for now this equipment is good enough for me.

[sunjan]

I don't know about the iRiver but I'm fairly certain that all of the newer iAudio players can only record to mp3.  Some of the older models can record to wav though, so maybe the 6 can do WAV.

iAudio 6 can't even do mp3, it's restricted to crappy 128 kbps WMA!
I hanve't seen this review posted here yet, where the stripping of functionality from previous models is highlighted:
http://www.iaudiophile.net/content.php?review.66.8

I've been looking at the IFP-799/899 as a light weight stealth alternative too, although I still haven't reconciled to the fact that it doesn't record WAV.
But its specs are still good enough IMHO to merit a mention in Brian's FAQ:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=35002.0

Any updates planned, Bri? Has any other recorders with a small footprint surfaced?

I already run UA5 + JB3 today, but I need a stealth option for venues with pat-dow security...

/Jan