need a good, portable, recording device

[dvdwmth]

Can someone here recommend a good, portable, recorder of some sort to make two channel recordings of music?

Im not looking for mixing stuff or interested in setting up a studio, but I would like something with good sound. Analogue would be fine as long as the tapes are still available.

Any suggestions for microphones?




Anyone here able to recommend a good forum where I can ask some questions about recording music.

[Silhy]

Simplest thing I've found that works is just using a small Mini Disk Recorder. I think they run anywhere from 100.00 CAD to 350.00 CAD for a consumer unit. I've had mine for 3 years now and recorded a ton of stuff on it. Dependant on what type of microphone you use, the audio quality is actually quite good for what you pay.

Paul

[dvdwmth]

I've heard many people on the recording forum of Harmony central advising others to steer a wide path away from mini disks. I gather they are a lossy format so your sound is handicapped right from the start.

I wonder if a used walkman pro would be a good way to go. I've also seen a handful of revox recorders selling on Ebay that were used to make the famous proprius recording of choral and organ music in the seventies. I've heard these are difficult to calibrate and are no good if they're not set up right, but who knows. A nagra recorder might be cool but I dont know what the sound is like for music and they dont go cheap.

I have a feeling I'll end up buying a reel to reel from a second hand shop somewhere and see how it works out.

Steep learning curve ahead, i think..

[till]

you want a Nagra?

[dvdwmth]

I dont really know. Maybe. I dont really know what there capable of audio wise, just that they were once everywhere in the film industry.

I want portable, decent sounding, and not incredibly expensive.

Having said that if I came across a good deal I'd grab one cause they have a kind of fetishy thing about them.

[usekgb]

Check out the Marantz PMD670. It is a bit expensive, but it has excellent recording quality. It records uncompressed .wav files directly to compact flash media. It has two XLR mic inputs w/ phantom power, so you can use any good condensor mic for your recordings.

Cheers,
Zach

[Mike Gergen]

Go to
Rec.audio. pro

It's a forum for recording.

[dvdwmth]

Originally posted by Mike Gergen
Go to
Rec.audio. pro

It's a forum for recording.

cool thanks

[Enzo]

Also, EQ magazine is all about recording. Visit them at www.eqmag.com You can see the mag at newstands and music stores. They also have a forurm, a lot of recording experience hangs out there.

You didn't mention what you were recording and for what purpose. If you are directly recording a performance in the field - say setting up a couple mics for a guitar and a vocal to be mixed and mastered later, your need are far different than if you wish to record a concert from the audience.

I know people who record nature sounds for use in film and broadcast, and their mic needs are different than those of someone singing. ANd if you wish to record high sound levels, again the mic choice is affected as migh tbe the recording process.

The Nargas are popular with professional field recordists. Those Marantz recorders are very nice, I have serviced a few. (I work in pro audio)

There are many good mics out there. The Shure SM57 has been a standard workhorse for years. Very sturdy and sounds good. Good live mic. On the other hand there are many condenser mics now on the market. You can get a fine sounding large diaphragm condenser mic for under $100. Does it sound as good as the $1000+ model? Maybe not, but they sound darned good - check the reviews. Check some of hte deal in the latest Musicians Friend catalog on inrexpensive condensor mics. I wouldn't use them on the stage at the local dance club though.

[dvdwmth]

thanks for that info enzo.

I'll be recording musicians in the field. No audience. For example, a small vocal ensemble in a church. My inspiration is this proprius recording. Made with two mics and a revox.

http://www.proprius.com/7762sacd.html

The selection of mics is overwhelming. Can you suggest a specific model amongst those condenser mics under $100 you refer to.

I dont expect to get top flight quality at this point. I just want to jump in a play around abit.