Handheld Recorder-

[OliverReich]

Hey everyone!
As an aspiring vocalist, I was wondering--could anyone recommend some budget, but good Audio Recorders? I have access to the mixer etc., so it shouldn't be much of a hassle to record---I was thinking if it were possible to get something decent for $100-$250 new or used-Any suggestions? Thanks! -

[TONEPUB]

digital or analog....

[OliverReich]

Digital--I don't care how big the HD needs to be..

[TONEPUB]

Hmmm, don't know there.

Our man Barry Diament should be able to answer this one!!

[seriousfun]

You obviously have a computer. You could afford a decent audio interface to use the computer as a recorder.

Edirol (Roland), Korg, and Sony have good handheld recorders if that is what you are thinking of.

[OliverReich]

I already have that (that's how I do needle drops) but it would be a drag to bring it along.

[seriousfun]

What is it you already have?

Describe what you are looking for :-)

[OliverReich]

A cheapish audio record interface where I record to WAV from line-in---I was wondering, are there any decent recorders where I can just plug into the mixer and press record?

[StyxCollector]

I own the Edirol R09. Zoom makes a few as well. There's also the one by M-Audio.

These are all generally sub-$400 and use things like SD or compact flash to store your music. The Roland and the Zoom have built-in microphones, but obviously you'll get better results if you use some sort of external mic.

You can either plug the recorder directly in via USB or take the memory card out and use a card reader.

Do a little research and you'll see the reviews of all of these different recorders. They are nice DAT replacements (with much more convenient storage media), but if I had the $, I'd get the Sony PCM-D1.

Having said all of that, MiniDisc is alive and well as a recording tool. It's reliable, been around for awhile, and you can record in PCM. The quality is arguably better (according to some) than the new SD/compact flash type recorders, but the downside is, well, it's MiniDisc.

[His Masters Vice]

In addition to the handheld recorders already mentioned Fostex have 2 models and Marantz have three.

The Fostex is probably better value as even their cheaper model, the FR2-LE can do 96/24 wav recording.

[Walt]

Zoom H4 (http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h4/) goes for about $220-250. I've been wanting to pick one up for interviews for my show and for recording band practices.

[factor]

The Zoom H2, which is a smaller and more streamlined H4 (minus the XLR ins and 4-track abilities), comes out this month for $200 and looks really nice. I'll probably be picking one up.

[seriousfun]

StyxCollector and everyone else have provided good ideas.

I will add the Korg MR-1 (http://www.korg.com/gear/info.asp?a_prod_no=MR1&category_id=3). It can record DSD - 1-bit/2.8 MHz - as well as high-bitrate PCM and MP3.