$500 Budget need Bit Bucket!

[nedstruzz]

Any suggestions?

Preferably looking for something that I could patch with as well.  Coax!

[nedstruzz]

But isn't this considered a question??? 

Appologies for the misplaced posts. 

[dgodwin]

patience is key.  You posted your reply 15 minutes after your original post.  There's plenty of info out there.  If you want coax digital, then it seems like the microtracker might be what you're looking for.

[nedstruzz]

I was trying to figure out what section to post this question and I decided on Ask the Tapers but alas it was move to recording equipment.  I never seem to get it right. 

So the MicroTrack has a coax input but doesn't it also not cut files seemlessly at 2gigs? 

I appreciate your response. 

[Brian Skalinder]

But isn't this considered a question???

Sure, but it's specific to recording gear, hence the move.

Appologies for the misplaced posts. 

No biggie, happens all the time.

So the MicroTrack has a coax input but doesn't it also not cut files seemlessly at 2gigs?

Correct.  At 24/48, the MT gets about 1h 55m before needing to start a new file.  I rarely record any sets > 1h 55m, so I used one for a while with great enjoyment.

Do you care whether 16- or 24-bit?

24-bit, <= $500
MicroTrack 24/96

24-bit, > $500
Tascam HD-P2
Marantz PMD-671

16-bit
JB3 (under budget, optical input, requires digital format converter)
iRiver iHP-1xx (under budget, optical input, requires digital format converter)
Marantz PMD-670 (dunno what they sell for these days)
Various DAT recorders

You might also consider selling your preamp / ADC and putting the money towards an all-in-one solution like the HD-P2, PMD-671, Korg MR-1, etc.

[nedstruzz]

Thanks Brian!  Its actually for a buddy of mine who has been running Nak 701's>Battery box>D8 that wants to go to files instead of tape.  He really wanted the R-09 until I told him that he can't patch digitally.  I guess the MicroTrack is a good way to go as I don't think he will be effected by the 2gig limit. 

I appreciate all that you do here for us!

[nedstruzz]

So it looks like an R-09 or the MicroTrack.  Between these two options what are the pro's and cons? 

[JoeKiller]

So it looks like an R-09 or the MicroTrack.  Between these two options what are the pro's and cons? 

This is probably the most common question.  Doing a quick search in this section for R-09 yields:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,77741.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,86482.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,87872.0.html

I run a MT and love it.  Besides, it is the only sub-$500 that has SPDIF.  Sold.

[nedstruzz]

Thanks Joe, good info.  Seems to be an even split between the two untis though. 

Seems the R-09 has a better, pre amp and battery situation but the 24/96 has the coax input.  Anyone know other options to power the 24/96 as appose to the internal battery? 

[firebaugh]

The MT can be used with battery packs that have USB plugs.  I'd imagine the R-09 could too but you'd have to open the battery door on the bottom to get to it.

[Rick]

I'd wait till the MicroTrack version 2 is announced. I'd image its more stable and I would hope they would address the split issue.

Rick

[JoeKiller]

I'd wait till the MicroTrack version 2 is announced. I'd image its more stable and I would hope they would address the split issue.

Rick

I think Rick is correct, it should be coming out in the next month or so.  I would wait also.

[jerryfreak]

pdaudio cf + a used pda off ebay (like a dell axim x50v) is the only reliable bit bucket under $500 for 24/96 recording

end of thread

[goodcooker]

I bought my Marantz PMD670 off ebay for less than 350. Looked brand new.
+s - reliable, runs forever off rechargable AAs, decent meters, spdif I/O
-s - huge, worthless mic pres, did I say huge?, 16bit/48kHz

I use mine solely as a bucket behind a preamp

[macdaddy]

pdaudio cf + a used pda off ebay (like a dell axim x50v) is the only reliable bit bucket under $500 for 24/96 recording

end of thread

have you confirmed that this pda will record @ 24/96 for extended periods of time (say 3 hours)..? my pda (h2210) will NOT, though it is terrific @ 16/48.

i was thinking of ditching the pda setup for hi-rez work, and going up to the new fostex machine...