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Topic: The best handheld digital audio recorder (Read 13263 times) previous topic - next topic
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The best handheld digital audio recorder

I need to purchase a handheld portable audio recorder, to record live rehearsals and performances, both up close and in actual theatrical spaces.  Absolute purity and accuracy of sound is paramount.  This is specifically for acoustic music, no microphones or amplification involved, so hopefully this recorder will have this capability built in, for the sake of portability, and not getting in the way of the performers.  I would like to spend as little money as possible, but understand that some reasonable outlay will be necessary.

I was wondering if anyone here has done any actual listening tests, or personal real world comparisons.

I have heard both the Zoom H2 and H4n suggested to me, but upon researching them, I found a large number of negative reviews.  I have no personal knowledge of these, or any other recorders, which is why I am coming here for help.

Any information will be greatly appreciated!

The best handheld digital audio recorder

Reply #3 –
Quote from: OperaFanatic on
Absolute purity and accuracy of sound is paramount.

Quote
no microphones or amplification involved, so hopefully this recorder will have this capability built in


I doubt these 2 will come together.  Built in mics are generally mono, best for dictation, maybe AM radio quality.

The best handheld digital audio recorder

Reply #4 –
I just bought a Tascam DR-100 for recording live music, and I love it.



Features:

• Four microphones - Two Stereo Cardioid and Two Omni Condenser Mics
• 44.1k to 96k sampling rates for WAV file recording
• MP3 and WAV file Recording and Playback
• XLR Mic Inputs with Phantom Power
• High-performance microphone preamp with 60dB of gain
• Premium AKM Audio4Pro™ A/D converters with over 100dB signal to noise ratio
• 3.5mm Line Inputs and Outputs
• Low Cut Filter, Analog Limiter and Auto Gain Control
• Built-in Speaker
• Integrated microphone stand mount
• Runs on Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery or AA Batteries
• Optional PS-P520 AC power adapter
• Dimensions: 3.2" W x 1.4" H x 6" D (80.5mm x 35mm x 151mm)

My only issue with it is that the built-in speaker does not get loud enough to check recordings in noisy environments; other than that, it's a great device.

The best handheld digital audio recorder

Reply #6 –
Quote from: esa372 on
I just bought a Tascam DR-100 for recording live music, and I love it.



Features:

• Four microphones - Two Stereo Cardioid and Two Omni Condenser Mics
• 44.1k to 96k sampling rates for WAV file recording
• MP3 and WAV file Recording and Playback
• XLR Mic Inputs with Phantom Power
• High-performance microphone preamp with 60dB of gain
• Premium AKM Audio4Pro™ A/D converters with over 100dB signal to noise ratio
• 3.5mm Line Inputs and Outputs
• Low Cut Filter, Analog Limiter and Auto Gain Control
• Built-in Speaker
• Integrated microphone stand mount
• Runs on Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery or AA Batteries
• Optional PS-P520 AC power adapter
• Dimensions: 3.2" W x 1.4" H x 6" D (80.5mm x 35mm x 151mm)

My only issue with it is that the built-in speaker does not get loud enough to check recordings in noisy environments; other than that, it's a great device.

Thank you so much for this information!  This does look to suit my needs.

I guess my main question is, has anyone done any listening tests, of any kind, with these devices?  On paper, they all should sound great based on their specifications.  The issue is the same as in the codec listening tests, does one actually sound better at comparable settings, say 24bit/96 WAV recording?  Otherwise, if anyone has just done a casual listening comparison, that would be useful information too.

The best handheld digital audio recorder

Reply #7 –
Quote from: OperaFanatic on
Thank you so much for this information!  This does look to suit my needs.
You're quite wlecome.  It's a great little box. :-)

Quote from: OperaFanatic on
...has anyone done any listening tests, of any kind, with these devices?
I have not done any listening tests.  (I generally record live shows at 48k, and downsample later, if neccesary.)

There are some recoding samples of the DR-100, utilizing the different mics and settings, here:  http://www.tascam.com/products/dr-100;9,12...7,19.html#media
(Scroll down to the "Media" section.)

You can at least get an idea of the recording quality with those.

The best handheld digital audio recorder

Reply #8 –
Quote from: OperaFanatic on
I was wondering if anyone here has done any actual listening tests, or personal real world comparisons.

I've done real world comparisons between the Zoom H2 and Edirol R-09. For sound, I prefer the R-09 because the H2 in comparison is a little too bright. Not bad sounding, and it was only after I subsequently got an R-09 that I noticed a more balanced sound with it. I have recorded rock, folk, and classical performances with both, to varying degrees of satisfaction, and overall I like the R-09 sound better.

The H2 does have some nice features that are missing in the R-09 though. For one, there is an omnidirectional mode which is great for when everybody is around the mic in a circle (good for living room practice). It can also be powered by USB when you are connecting to a PC to transfer files - the R-09 requires batteries or AC cable to be plugged in for this. And the H2 has a small hole for screwing a mic stand into. Edirol makes you purchase two overpriced accessories to mount it on a mic stand. So if you plan on mounting it on a mic stand, be prepared to add another $60 or so for these accessories.

The best handheld digital audio recorder

Reply #9 –
Quote from: OperaFanatic on
Quote from: southisup on
Probably worth you reading this other thread while you wait for any suggestions here.
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....showtopic=80374

Thank's for pointing that out.  I actually already read that thread, and there was unfortunately no information there related to my query.

I thought the M-Audio MicroTrack II mentioned there would be close to what you wanted, but that was before that Tascam had been pointed out. I didn't realise you'd ever get close to "Absolute purity and accuracy of sound" with built in microphones, & was expecting you to have to compromise on that point. I should have said that before, sorry.

The best handheld digital audio recorder

Reply #10 –
Quote from: OperaFanatic on
I guess my main question is, has anyone done any listening tests, of any kind, with these devices?  On paper, they all should sound great based on their specifications.  The issue is the same as in the codec listening tests, does one actually sound better at comparable settings, say 24bit/96 WAV recording?  Otherwise, if anyone has just done a casual listening comparison, that would be useful information too.


The general run of this type of equipment is such that it can be expected to be sonically transparent or very close to it when used reasonably via their line/mic inputs.  The measurements I've done of my Microtrack pretty well reflect its specifications. I've never heard anything that suggests to me that it has some hidden flaw that somehow escapes conventional masurements.  I've used it as lab gear for technical tests that eventually ended up in an AES paper by someone else. This stuff just works!

The biggest area of audible differences can be expected to arise when their internal microphones are used.  The general state of the art of small electret microphones is such that remarkably good results can be expected from the microphones that are provided with them.

As a professional recordist, the biggest problems I see are related to the fact that the provided microphones naturally have a somewhat limited range of optimal applications. Professional recordists and serious hobbyists usually have a goodly number of microphones, cables and stands on hand for the range of recording applications that they encounter. 

The provided micrphones can only be used in the same place where the recorder is since most are part of the recorders. This means that you have to operate the controls of the recorder in full view of wherever the microphones are placed, which may be a problem. 

On balance you can often get what many would consider to be remarkably pleasing recordings with casual use of the internal microphones.  Close micing a number of instruments is impossible with them, so recordings made with their internal microphones are likely to have more audible reverberation.

The best handheld digital audio recorder

Reply #11 –
Quote from: singaiya on
Quote from: OperaFanatic on
I was wondering if anyone here has done any actual listening tests, or personal real world comparisons.

I've done real world comparisons between the Zoom H2 and Edirol R-09. For sound, I prefer the R-09 because the H2 in comparison is a little too bright. Not bad sounding, and it was only after I subsequently got an R-09 that I noticed a more balanced sound with it. I have recorded rock, folk, and classical performances with both, to varying degrees of satisfaction, and overall I like the R-09 sound better.


TOS 8 violation.

However, if you are talking only about how these devices work with their internal micrphones,  any claim that microphones sound different from each other is probably not an exceptional claim. Heck, mics sound different if you just move them around or reorient them.

A serious recordist would not be hindered or distracted by a microphone that is a little bright. Just fix it in post-production!

The best handheld digital audio recorder

Reply #12 –
Quote from: OperaFanatic on
I need to purchase a handheld portable audio recorder, to record live rehearsals and performances, both up close and in actual theatrical spaces.  Absolute purity and accuracy of sound is paramount.  This is specifically for acoustic music, no microphones or amplification involved, so hopefully this recorder will have this capability built in, for the sake of portability, and not getting in the way of the performers.  I would like to spend as little money as possible, but understand that some reasonable outlay will be necessary.


Depending on how I read your requirements, you seem to be on mission impossible.  Absolute purity and accuracy of recorded acoustical sounds is well known to be totally impossible at the current state of the art.  The idea that the built in microphones in poratble device would even come close to your stated goal is at this point an impossible dream.

The best handheld digital audio recorder

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Arnold B. Krueger on
Quote from: singaiya on
Quote from: OperaFanatic on
I was wondering if anyone here has done any actual listening tests, or personal real world comparisons.

I've done real world comparisons between the Zoom H2 and Edirol R-09. For sound, I prefer the R-09 because the H2 in comparison is a little too bright. Not bad sounding, and it was only after I subsequently got an R-09 that I noticed a more balanced sound with it. I have recorded rock, folk, and classical performances with both, to varying degrees of satisfaction, and overall I like the R-09 sound better.


TOS 8 violation.

However, if you are talking only about how these devices work with their internal micrphones,  any claim that microphones sound different from each other is probably not an exceptional claim. Heck, mics sound different if you just move them around or reorient them.

A serious recordist would not be hindered or distracted by a microphone that is a little bright. Just fix it in post-production!

Not sure how the statement that different microphones sound different is a TOS violation, but whatever. Of course I was talking about their internal mics - that's what the OP was asking about.