RTP-area local music and culture

[grady <grady AT ibiblio.org>]

I've recorded into my (now discontinued) hard disk-based MP3 player, and 
I have to say, the inputs are pretty mediocre. I think you're going to 
find that the same is true of most MP3-player type systems that aren't 
really dedicated to recording. If you get something with a line-in, then 
you can use an outboard mic pre or whatever, but that just added another 
couple of hundred bucks to the thing, and at that point you're better 
off just getting the Edirol.

Plus most portable MP3 players won't give you level controls, nor any 
level indicators, nor any way to disengage the automatic level control 
on the inputs. Perhaps there are some that *will* do all that stuff, and 
I'd be curious to hear people's experiences in that area.

This Sony Hi-MD is only around $200: 
http://www.minidisco.com/Sony-MZ-NH700S_2

I'm pretty sure that all the current Hi-MD models will record 
uncompressed WAV, and the page implies as such, but you might want to 
dig deeper to be sure. I dunno what their mic pres are like, though.

I myself like the idea of inexpensive removable media more than the idea 
of a hard drive. I spend a lot of time at work replacing crashed laptop 
hard drives, and that's for customers who treat their laptops fairly well.

Ross

Koegler, Robert wrote:
> Hello All, 
>
>  
>
> So, I want to get a portable recorder to record band rehearsals, shows
> (either from the mixing board or via a mic), and interviews.  I'd like
> them to sound pretty good, so this means recording at a pretty good
> sampling rate, bit rate, whatever.  What I'd prefer is an iPod that is
> set-up for recording but they don't make one, and I don't want to try
> and hack an older one. Re: minidiscs--the older ones seem to require
> going Digital-Analog-Digital to get stuff onto the computer, and the
> newer fancier ones (Sony MZ100 or MZM200) cost $300 and $400.  The
> Edirol R09 costs $400.  I know there's some other MP3 recorders out
> there like Archos, but I don't have enough info about them. It would be
> nice if I could also use it for other listening pleasure (like MP3's).  
>
>  
>
> So, if some of you have experience w/ any of this, let me know what you
> use and like.  Thanks.
>
>  
>
> Recap:
>
> Portable Digital Recorder
>
> Good sampling/bit rate
>
> Line in and Line out
>
> Easy to get stuff off and onto the computer w/out having to go
> Digital-Analog-Digital
>
> Good, intuitive interface
>
> Good battery life
>
> Maybe an internal mic preamp 
>
> Could use as an MP3 player
>
> $250 or less
>
>  
>
> -RK (first time caller, long time listener)  
>
>  
>
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