I know there has been some discussion in the past about digital recorders, but I haven't seen anything in the search since last September. I'm looking for something I can take to fiddle camp and also to some monthly sessions I attend. Something that will record maybe 60 hours with a decent sound quality. I'd also like to be able to burn them to a CD and listen in the car while driving back and forth to work. Any advice would be appreciated!
Check out the new Zoom H4 stereo recorder. I havent got mine YET but it looks excellent. Its specifically designed for recording sessions (although not exclusivly trad ones)
I've had one of the Zoom H4 units for a couple of months, but haven't comprehensively tested it yet. The built-in stereo mics seem to allow a pretty high quality recording though, especially if located well (for practice at home for example). I've also recorded at the local session several times, and the quality was good, including highly accurate ambient pub noise bouncing off a wooden floor!
I bought a 2 GB SD card for the unit, which allows for very long recording times if going straight to mp3 (at 192kbps I think). It takes 2 AA batteries which need to be of good quality if using rechargeables. It eats through batteries quite fast, so a fleet of chargers and batteries may be needed for remote recording. There are some good reviews out there, and the spec sheet is quite good - just lower the claimed battery and recording times a bit. A bonus for me was the ability to use it as a USB audio input for recording straight to hard disk on the PC, but I haven't actually done it yet.
I bought mine direct from the US for US$260 as the saving over Australian prices was worth the risk of needing support. Good luck!
The Edirol R-09 is great. I use the 4GB SD card. The available recording time depends on the recording quality you select. Will create MP3 128Kbs up thru 24Bit Wave. Very easy to swap SD cards if you fill the first one up. A little pricey at ~$400USD but the versitility makes it well worth it to me.
I have used a sony mindisc for the past 3 years.Excellent sound quality from a small unobtrusive mich powered off the device.I get about 8hours use off a charge Have recently been to two fiddle camps with no problems.Iplug it direct to my cars stereo through an aux connection or straight to home stereo.Only bugbear is not being able to download to computer But then for play back I dont need to.
I'll add another vote for the Edirol R-09. Very easy to use, straight forward menu structure, and nice sized control buttons. I purchased it to replace an aging Sony MD and it is so much easier to use. It was worth every penny.
I've been using an Olympus WS-320M voice recorder/music player($129 US at Amazon). Runs on 2 AAA batteries. Used it to record a 2.5 hr workshop w/ Kevin Burke. Worked brilliantly. Sound quality is very decent. USB interface, transfer of wmv files- simple copy & paste technology. Can import into iTunes and burn to disc or obviously use Win Media player to rip. It's great, very happy with it. Can also be used as a flash drive if that is of any use.
I had previously used a mini disc recorder/player for fiddle lessons. Setting all that crap up took way too much time and required a pilots license to run.
Brendan, the adaptor I have not only records in stereo but also lets you hook up any mic you've got with a stereo miniplug, so you can get pretty hightech if you want to.
for recording fiddle camp and sessions, is stereo so urgent?
DebWah - I used an Olympus voice recorder before I got the Edirol. The increase in quality is unbelieveable. Add that to the ability to control the input volume (peaking) and the flexibility to use the built in condensor mics, an external mic or line in from a sound board. I don't regret the additional investment at all.
Okay, I’m jonesing for the Edirol R-09 now. You folks who have one, what accessories would you recommend? You can just about double the price buying all of them, so what’s really useful? I’m thinking the mic stand adapter would be worth having.
Does it need the external stereo mic or is it “good enough for trad” with the built-ins?
To built in mics are great - I've gotten some real high quality recordings at small concerts and sessions. I didn't get any of the accessories so I can't really speak about them. If I'd buy any of the accessories it might be the cover stand set to get the unit up off the table when recording.
I just bought a cheap camera case at a discount store that clips right on my fiddle case and hold it in my hand when recording.
I didn't buy any extras for it. I cart it around in a small padded camera case to give it some protection from bumps during transport. I thought about getting the case/tripod a few months ago, but all the vendors had it on backorder. They have it in stock now, but I am not sure I want to spend the money. The case is really what I am after: to give the device some physical protection.
I already had an external Sony mic that I used with the MD recorder. I did a brief comparison, didn't hear much difference and decided that carrying the mic around was not worth it. If memory serves me right, a few users thought an external mic gave superior stereo separation compared with the internal mics. For my purposes, I really don't care about that. There aren't any moving parts in the device like in the MD recorder, so an external mic is not all that important in my opinion.
Thank you all for your replies. I'm leaning towards the Olympus WS-320m at this point. I am watching the price and am not concerned about the very best sound quality. I just needed some affirmation about the product.
I have an Olympus WS-300M and it works great for me. I will be using it a Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend in a couple weeks. Records for hours and is easy to download to a computer for using a slow downer or burning to cd.
I have a WS-320M. Works fine. If holding it in the hand any finger movement against the case will be picked up but the quality and sensitivity are OK. Better with an external mike but if being that fussy the lack of input level control is more of an irritation. Just to catch tunes it works fine left running in a pocket. Some editing software may not like files with more than an hour or two of recording. The small internal speaker is handy - tunes I'm learning, click tracks etc.
I have heard the WS300 has less hiss than the WS320. The WS recorders are pretty find for tune learning, recording a session etc. but for a serious recording, the Minidisc players, set on the highest PCM setting are astounding. Even the HQ mode is great, but you could actually recored a CD on them in the highest PCM mode. You'd be wise to get one of the ones that takes 1G discs though, they hold about an hour and a half in PCM. In HQ they hold like eight or ten hours. I generally use HQ.
Right, they are tricky to use.... too many functions that personally I never use. I would consider a WS300 for just session tunes though.... easier to use.
I'll throw my hat in the ring for the Edirol R-09. Used it on a month long trip to Scotland & Ireland recently & caught some great stuff with excellent sound. So easy to use, too. Will fit in a shirt pocket. I just keep mine in the top of my fiddle case. Two AA batteries will last for many hours.
I bought two 2GB cards for it. Each will hold 3 hrs of CD quality WAV files, or several geologic epochs at low MP3 settings. Bought the case & stand. The case offers creat protection. I seldom use the stand however. Probably not a necessary add-on.
I use it for recording lessons for my students. I can give examples in class, play the tunes slow/fast, etc., then quickly burn a CD to give them on the way out the door. A snap to use.
Certainly an expensive purchase, but so was my Walkman Pro two decades ago. Latest high-end technology always seems to come with a price.
Very happy with it so far .......... and no problems.
Current Digital recorders
Current Digital recorders
I know there has been some discussion in the past about digital recorders, but I haven't seen anything in the search since last September. I'm looking for something I can take to fiddle camp and also to some monthly sessions I attend. Something that will record maybe 60 hours with a decent sound quality. I'd also like to be able to burn them to a CD and listen in the car while driving back and forth to work. Any advice would be appreciated!
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by crfiddler
Re: Current Digital recorders
if you've got an iPod, you can get amicrophone adaptor for it, transferring between it to your computer is a piece of cake.
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by matan_fiddler
Re: Current Digital recorders
yeah, but can the iPod record in stereo?
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by Brendan
Re: Current Digital recorders
no, i don't have an ipod, I have a 4GB RCA Lyra
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by crfiddler
Re: Current Digital recorders
I have been using mini discs for the past five years.
I would like to get an Edirol recorder as well.
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by Ben Steen
Re: Current Digital recorders
Check out the new Zoom H4 stereo recorder. I havent got mine YET but it looks excellent. Its specifically designed for recording sessions (although not exclusivly trad ones)
http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h4/
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by session savage
Re: Current Digital recorders
I've had one of the Zoom H4 units for a couple of months, but haven't comprehensively tested it yet. The built-in stereo mics seem to allow a pretty high quality recording though, especially if located well (for practice at home for example). I've also recorded at the local session several times, and the quality was good, including highly accurate ambient pub noise bouncing off a wooden floor!
I bought a 2 GB SD card for the unit, which allows for very long recording times if going straight to mp3 (at 192kbps I think). It takes 2 AA batteries which need to be of good quality if using rechargeables. It eats through batteries quite fast, so a fleet of chargers and batteries may be needed for remote recording. There are some good reviews out there, and the spec sheet is quite good - just lower the claimed battery and recording times a bit. A bonus for me was the ability to use it as a USB audio input for recording straight to hard disk on the PC, but I haven't actually done it yet.
I bought mine direct from the US for US$260 as the saving over Australian prices was worth the risk of needing support. Good luck!
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by Martin_BC
Re: Current Digital recorders
sony mp3 recorder I swear by it
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by Saint
Re: Current Digital recorders
The Edirol R-09 is great. I use the 4GB SD card. The available recording time depends on the recording quality you select. Will create MP3 128Kbs up thru 24Bit Wave. Very easy to swap SD cards if you fill the first one up. A little pricey at ~$400USD but the versitility makes it well worth it to me.
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by RogueFiddler
Re: Current Digital recorders
I have used a sony mindisc for the past 3 years.Excellent sound quality from a small unobtrusive mich powered off the device.I get about 8hours use off a charge Have recently been to two fiddle camps with no problems.Iplug it direct to my cars stereo through an aux connection or straight to home stereo.Only bugbear is not being able to download to computer But then for play back I dont need to.
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by kkkkat
Re: Current Digital recorders
kkkkat, recent minidisc recorders have a USB interface for download to a computer.
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by timmy!
Re: Current Digital recorders
I'll add another vote for the Edirol R-09. Very easy to use, straight forward menu structure, and nice sized control buttons. I purchased it to replace an aging Sony MD and it is so much easier to use. It was worth every penny.
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by rob zouk
Re: Current Digital recorders
I've been using an Olympus WS-320M voice recorder/music player($129 US at Amazon). Runs on 2 AAA batteries. Used it to record a 2.5 hr workshop w/ Kevin Burke. Worked brilliantly. Sound quality is very decent. USB interface, transfer of wmv files- simple copy & paste technology. Can import into iTunes and burn to disc or obviously use Win Media player to rip. It's great, very happy with it. Can also be used as a flash drive if that is of any use.
I had previously used a mini disc recorder/player for fiddle lessons. Setting all that crap up took way too much time and required a pilots license to run.
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by Agnes Nutter
Re: Current Digital recorders
Brendan, the adaptor I have not only records in stereo but also lets you hook up any mic you've got with a stereo miniplug, so you can get pretty hightech if you want to.
for recording fiddle camp and sessions, is stereo so urgent?
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by matan_fiddler
Re: Current Digital recorders
DebWah - I used an Olympus voice recorder before I got the Edirol. The increase in quality is unbelieveable. Add that to the ability to control the input volume (peaking) and the flexibility to use the built in condensor mics, an external mic or line in from a sound board. I don't regret the additional investment at all.
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by RogueFiddler
Re: Current Digital recorders
Okay, I’m jonesing for the Edirol R-09 now. You folks who have one, what accessories would you recommend? You can just about double the price buying all of them, so what’s really useful? I’m thinking the mic stand adapter would be worth having.
Does it need the external stereo mic or is it “good enough for trad” with the built-ins?
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by Bob himself
Re: Current Digital recorders
To built in mics are great - I've gotten some real high quality recordings at small concerts and sessions. I didn't get any of the accessories so I can't really speak about them. If I'd buy any of the accessories it might be the cover stand set to get the unit up off the table when recording.
I just bought a cheap camera case at a discount store that clips right on my fiddle case and hold it in my hand when recording.
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by RogueFiddler
Re: Current Digital recorders
I didn't buy any extras for it. I cart it around in a small padded camera case to give it some protection from bumps during transport. I thought about getting the case/tripod a few months ago, but all the vendors had it on backorder. They have it in stock now, but I am not sure I want to spend the money. The case is really what I am after: to give the device some physical protection.
I already had an external Sony mic that I used with the MD recorder. I did a brief comparison, didn't hear much difference and decided that carrying the mic around was not worth it. If memory serves me right, a few users thought an external mic gave superior stereo separation compared with the internal mics. For my purposes, I really don't care about that. There aren't any moving parts in the device like in the MD recorder, so an external mic is not all that important in my opinion.
# Posted on June 21st 2007 by rob zouk
Re: Current Digital recorders
Thank you all for your replies. I'm leaning towards the Olympus WS-320m at this point. I am watching the price and am not concerned about the very best sound quality. I just needed some affirmation about the product.
# Posted on June 22nd 2007 by crfiddler
Re: Current Digital recorders
I have an Olympus WS-300M and it works great for me. I will be using it a Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend in a couple weeks. Records for hours and is easy to download to a computer for using a slow downer or burning to cd.
# Posted on June 22nd 2007 by nole
Re: Current Digital recorders
I have a WS-320M. Works fine. If holding it in the hand any finger movement against the case will be picked up but the quality and sensitivity are OK. Better with an external mike but if being that fussy the lack of input level control is more of an irritation. Just to catch tunes it works fine left running in a pocket. Some editing software may not like files with more than an hour or two of recording. The small internal speaker is handy - tunes I'm learning, click tracks etc.
# Posted on June 22nd 2007 by David50
Re: Current Digital recorders
I have heard the WS300 has less hiss than the WS320. The WS recorders are pretty find for tune learning, recording a session etc. but for a serious recording, the Minidisc players, set on the highest PCM setting are astounding. Even the HQ mode is great, but you could actually recored a CD on them in the highest PCM mode. You'd be wise to get one of the ones that takes 1G discs though, they hold about an hour and a half in PCM. In HQ they hold like eight or ten hours. I generally use HQ.
Right, they are tricky to use.... too many functions that personally I never use. I would consider a WS300 for just session tunes though.... easier to use.
# Posted on June 22nd 2007 by irisnevins
Re: Current Digital recorders
I'll throw my hat in the ring for the Edirol R-09. Used it on a month long trip to Scotland & Ireland recently & caught some great stuff with excellent sound. So easy to use, too. Will fit in a shirt pocket. I just keep mine in the top of my fiddle case. Two AA batteries will last for many hours.
I bought two 2GB cards for it. Each will hold 3 hrs of CD quality WAV files, or several geologic epochs at low MP3 settings. Bought the case & stand. The case offers creat protection. I seldom use the stand however. Probably not a necessary add-on.
I use it for recording lessons for my students. I can give examples in class, play the tunes slow/fast, etc., then quickly burn a CD to give them on the way out the door. A snap to use.
Certainly an expensive purchase, but so was my Walkman Pro two decades ago. Latest high-end technology always seems to come with a price.
Very happy with it so far .......... and no problems.
# Posted on June 22nd 2007 by gwfowler