Digital Audio Recorders
In the last couple of years digital handheld audio recorders have transformed from unwieldy cassette or DVD based monsters used by news agencies or on the other end the micro-cassette low fidelity note takers that business people used to dictate a memo or capture their thoughts into palm-sized recording studios capable of capturing live sound with amazing clarity and detail.
TV, print and radio interviewers, birding and outdoor enthusiasts, students, conference attendees, podcasters, musicians and concert goers are purchasing these new breed of digital recorders looking to capture their audio sources quickly and easily without having to set up stereo microphones, miles of cables and stands.
All these digital recorders use flash memory to record on. Flash memory is the same kind as you find in iPods, digital cameras and those tiny removable storage sticks used with computers. Simple and widely available SD memory cards ranging in capacity from 512 MB to well over 16 GB give you hours of recording time on some units.
Able to record in a wide variety of formats from MP3 to WAV files the finished recording can be uploaded to any PC for further manipulation or inclusion with video. (Mac users make sure the one you select is compatible)
The real benefit to these little marvels is the microphone system. Many use two mics to provide stereo coverage but some use up to four microphones giving you 360 degrees of recording ability and stunning sound.
The units run on batteries or can be plugged in. Some have onboard tuners and metronomes for the musicians in the crowd. They all use a standard USB port to attach to your PC.
Zoom, a company known for it’s guitar effects pedals, is leading the charge with two offerings the Zoom H2 and the newer Zoom H4n. The Zoom H2 Handy Recorder is the entry-level model and is the perfect choice for those wanting to record lectures, interviews or concerts. Musicians on a budget will love this recorder to record rehearsals, or song ideas. This unit boasts 4 mics, two facing forward and two back. This allows reflected sound to be added to the recording enhancing the naturalness of each track. You should be able to find a Canadian retailer willing to part with one for under $250.00 CND.
The Zoom H4n exceeds the audio performance of the H2 but unless you are using the device as a portable studio and recording live musicians to exacting standards the H4n may be overkill.
The Sony D50 is more expensive but also more robust. While the Zoom is made mostly of plastic the Sony sports a rugged aluminum case. Electronic media types will be drawn to it as most have grown up using Sony gear and appreciate its reliability. It has two fully adjustable microphones protected by a roll cage of sorts. It has built in memory and a slot to accept the Sony brand of memory stick. No SD cards here. The Sony retails for over $570 CND.
Olympus, the camera maker, has also a few contenders in the digital recorder scene but the Olympus DS-61 seems most suited to hi-fi audio. Directional microphones (2), remote control, 2GB of internal storage, and a voice instructional system are the highlights of this model. Check online for pricing but expect to pay between $250 and $300 CND.
The Zoom H2 gets my vote based on its expandable and replaceable media storage, the four microphones and it’s simple to use interface. Downside is its plastic body and cheap feeling buttons. The audio quality is not up to the Sony’s standard, but is still remarkable and many times better than a commercial CD. If you need a quality digital recorder begin your search here.
TV, print and radio interviewers, birding and outdoor enthusiasts, students, conference attendees, podcasters, musicians and concert goers are purchasing these new breed of digital recorders looking to capture their audio sources quickly and easily without having to set up stereo microphones, miles of cables and stands.
All these digital recorders use flash memory to record on. Flash memory is the same kind as you find in iPods, digital cameras and those tiny removable storage sticks used with computers. Simple and widely available SD memory cards ranging in capacity from 512 MB to well over 16 GB give you hours of recording time on some units.
Able to record in a wide variety of formats from MP3 to WAV files the finished recording can be uploaded to any PC for further manipulation or inclusion with video. (Mac users make sure the one you select is compatible)
The real benefit to these little marvels is the microphone system. Many use two mics to provide stereo coverage but some use up to four microphones giving you 360 degrees of recording ability and stunning sound.
The units run on batteries or can be plugged in. Some have onboard tuners and metronomes for the musicians in the crowd. They all use a standard USB port to attach to your PC.
Zoom, a company known for it’s guitar effects pedals, is leading the charge with two offerings the Zoom H2 and the newer Zoom H4n. The Zoom H2 Handy Recorder is the entry-level model and is the perfect choice for those wanting to record lectures, interviews or concerts. Musicians on a budget will love this recorder to record rehearsals, or song ideas. This unit boasts 4 mics, two facing forward and two back. This allows reflected sound to be added to the recording enhancing the naturalness of each track. You should be able to find a Canadian retailer willing to part with one for under $250.00 CND.
The Zoom H4n exceeds the audio performance of the H2 but unless you are using the device as a portable studio and recording live musicians to exacting standards the H4n may be overkill.
The Sony D50 is more expensive but also more robust. While the Zoom is made mostly of plastic the Sony sports a rugged aluminum case. Electronic media types will be drawn to it as most have grown up using Sony gear and appreciate its reliability. It has two fully adjustable microphones protected by a roll cage of sorts. It has built in memory and a slot to accept the Sony brand of memory stick. No SD cards here. The Sony retails for over $570 CND.
Olympus, the camera maker, has also a few contenders in the digital recorder scene but the Olympus DS-61 seems most suited to hi-fi audio. Directional microphones (2), remote control, 2GB of internal storage, and a voice instructional system are the highlights of this model. Check online for pricing but expect to pay between $250 and $300 CND.
The Zoom H2 gets my vote based on its expandable and replaceable media storage, the four microphones and it’s simple to use interface. Downside is its plastic body and cheap feeling buttons. The audio quality is not up to the Sony’s standard, but is still remarkable and many times better than a commercial CD. If you need a quality digital recorder begin your search here.
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