The limitations of the built-in battery can be overcome: you can feed it external power from a battery via the USB port. But this is not a portable solution.If you are talking about a laptop computer, then I agree. But there are a number of USB battery packs out there that I would certainly call portable.

I bought a MicroTrack because my camera (Sony HC3) has no audio input whatsoever. I love the fact that I can record really long sessions - 2 hours nonstop with a 2GB flash card, at 48kHz and 24bits, and potentially more (if I needed more) with more memory. So I am essentially running a dual system for most of my recording, with the extra work to synch audio and video, but the audio quality is very good!

Depending on what mics you need to connect, the lower voltage for phantom power can be an actual problem. I chose my mics specifically for the MicroTrack, though. An alternative could be to add a field pre-amp for the microphones, which I am considering because of the noise added by the MicroTrack when I turn it into the highest gain (the "27dB TRS Boost") - my only real complaint so far about the recorder.

- Martin

There is a USB device sold on Comprehensive (listed along with the Microtrack on their site) that holds AA batteries and will power the recorder. It's only about 20 bucks. Problem is, you start adding these extra things, you sort of lose the reason for having a small, compact unit.

[...] Depending on what mics you need to connect, the lower voltage for phantom power can be an actual problem [...] Since I usually use it in one of the following three configurations, it's never been a problem for me: (1) Attached to my Sound Devices 302 Mixer, running Mini-XLR Line out from the mixer into the 1/8" input on the MicroTrack, this makes for an excellent back-up recorder when feeding a camera (since it does not tie up the XLR outs on the mixer) or an excellent double-system solution; (2) Dynamic RE-50 handheld Mic into the 1/4" TRS input for "reporter style" interviews, and (3) using the (amazing for what it is) T-Microphone (included with the MicroTrack) for stereo ambience recording. It all depends on your application. It works for me, it's not ideal, the lack of built-in limiter is annoying to no end, and that, plus not having a user-replaceable battery, is certainly a deal-killer for many. I hope M-Audio designers are reading and taking notes on this board.

Compatability?
Would a hand held interveiw mic such as an Electro Voice Dynamic RE-50 work in combination with a Sony MZ-100 or similar Hi-MD mini disc recorder. Has anyone used such a set up ?

Here's some very good info on the Microtrack:

http://www.sonicstudios.com/mt2496rv.htm


As I posted earlier, I tried the Marantz660 and found it too noisy. I returned it to B&H, and the customer service guy took my order for the Tascam HD-P2. I won't go into detail but there was a screwup in info I got. I had bought the 660 with their new credit plan that allows you to pay off in 90 days. When I didn't get any confirmation of the Tascam order in several days I called back, and a different customer service guy said they couldn't credit that account for me and apply it to a new order, so I would have to wait for the credit for several days...etc....it got to be a long story so I won't go into anymore boring detail. Let's just say it gave me time to think about things and I'm not sure I want to spend $1K on the Tascam at this time for what I want to do.

The thing is, I really need a little hand held recorder for the project. I don't need the Tascam. The deal killer for me on this Microtrack was the low voltage phantom power because I want to use one of my old Sennheiser K3U wired lavs. They still sound better than even our Countrymans. But they use mercury oxide batteries--now banned in the U.S. So I've been using phantom power.

However, thanks to B&H's screwing around, I've had time to check around and just discovered yesterday that finally they are selling silver oxide replacement batteries for the old ones, and they're readily available.

So, phantom power is now a non-issue for me.

Which means I think I'll buy that Microtrack. The internal battery isn't wonderful, but it will be way more than adequate for any recording times I might do with the deck. I'd rather have XLRs, but I can live with the 1/4" inputs.

All the reading I've done about these little handheld units indicate that they're the same thing to the audio world that "prosumer" cameras are to the video world. They have limitations but you can use them quite effectively for many things.

There are some fully pro handhelds out there. This one, for instance:
http://www.maycom.nl/products.html
Scroll down to the handheld picture. Unfortunately I can't find any mention of a U.S. distributor, though it is probably available here through the UK web page.

When the Zaxcom comes out it may be in the same category.

Bill,
Get teh Edirol r-09. I'm using one for all types of things and it's great.
Bruce S. Yarock
www.yarock.com

Bill,
Get teh Edirol r-09. I'm using one for all types of things and it's great.
Bruce S. Yarock
www.yarock.com

I second that
The R-09 is the latest recorder an is overall better than any other in it's prize range.

I personally use an iriver which fits me well with it's 20 GB storage as I may at times record for many hours before being able to upload to a PC, and because I needed an mp3 player anyway. For high quality music recordings I use an external preamp though.

With the R-09 no need for an ext. preamp, it's internal mics are good enough for most uses and hence even no need to set up external mics which makes the R-09 the fastest, most easy to use option there is.

What I'm doing is recording interviews using a wired Sennheiser lav. I'm trying to do it in a way that gets audio as good as normal shooting to video would be. The Edirol looks good but only has mini inputs and that bothers me a little. Although that's not as big a deal as it would be when shooting video trying to use one. In most cases the deck will be laying on a table.

How did M-Audio's microtrack 24/96 ever pan out? The ~$350 flash recorder? Might make for a nice little backup recorder if it is half decent.

Tim

Other than not being able to change out batteries, I'm pretty happy with it now that they've had a couple firmware updates. Using it very regularly now, due to size. It also supplies only 30 volts for phantom, which is a problem for a very limited number of microphones.

You might wanna check into this one.

On the other side, while it's a tad big, I'm very happy with my Edirol R4 as well.

Douglas, have you used it with an external mic, via mic input, for voice recording?

Douglas, have you used it with an external mic, via mic input, for voice recording?

Many times. With the 4049 and 4051 on several occasions, and with the 4053 on fewer occasions. The preamps aren't the best, they sound good but at low input levels they're a touch noisy. I've also recorded some street performances with the very low-cost microphone included with the deck, and was very nicely surprised at the quality. Some of the street sounds I captured in Malaysia recently will definitely find themselves in my ambiences library and sound design library. Got some great monkeys screaching at the Bahtu caves, those will be great for making weird sound designs for animals and machinery.

I'm not sure what you mean by low input levels--when you have to crank the gain up?

What I'm trying to do is get a hand held device for recording v.o. interviews that will be used in a documentary. I have a couple of old Sennheiser wired lavs I'll be using. I thought I needed phantom power because the mics are so old they use the now-banned mercury oxide batteries. However, I recently discovered there is now a readily available silver oxide battery replacement. So the mics now have power. They also sound better than even our Countrymans.

Do you think the noise level of the Microtrack would be acceptable for normal conversational voice recording?

I tried out the Marantz PMD660, but it was way too noisy. I'm not looking for studio quality, just normal voice recording that would be as good as what I normally shoot mic-in with a DSR500 and 250. The Marantz wasn't even close to being acceptable, which was a big disappointment because everything else about it was great. In fact, after the 660 experience, I had decided to get the Tascam HD-P2...but I really would like to stick with a handheld for these upcoming interviews. I can live with the 1/4" inputs instead of XLR and I can live with the internal battery, but I can't live with huge mic level noise.

you could check taperssection.com , you have to become member to see the forum though. People there are mostly into taping loud music, but still know a lot about recorders. The R-09 seems to be their prefered toy of lately.

That seems to be the major problem with these handheld recorders: most people want them for guerrilla taping of rock concerts. Mic input noise levels are not so relevant in that case. For recording quiet conversation, you need better noise specs. The Edirol's mini inputs bother me, but if it came out ahead of the Microtrack, I maybe could live with that.

quote from http://www.sonicstudios.com/r-09revw.htm:
Additional good news is both mic/line R-09 inputs have tested adequately quiet and of sufficient bandwidth for at least 16bit depth recording requirements. However, audible improvement for 24 bit depth recording is likely with the addition of high quality external mic preamplifier for lowest noise/distortion requirements.


another quote from http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=69131.msg935870#msg935870
from my tests on mic-low the noise went up 4 db when changing settings from 8 to 25, then another 4db from 25 to 30. So its not a linear function, looks more exponential.

Yeah, they (soncistudio) say about the same thing for Microtrack:

As-is, Microtrack 24/96 deck seems very good to excellent as an all-in-one recorder for at least self-[powered microphone input field recording,


It's difficult to compare specs on both units with their graphs. I wish the same guy had done both and we could line up each one side by side.

Personlly I don't understand paying for a more expensive piece of equipment when a Hi-MD will do the job almost flawlessly. Nothing is perfect of course and I'm ready for the day when mobile recorders have better pre-amps but for now isn't the Hi-MD about as good as any other device on the market? And because it's older technology it's cheaper technology.

I know there are advantages of hard drive recorders and flash recorders but they aren't that great. When you can record 90 minute on a single disc there isn't too much that will be a problem for recording as far as times go. And MD is pretty robust so it takes a pretty hard lick to make one skip.

Needless to say I bought a Hi-MD when I bought a recorder. I hope someday technology will improve greatly and there are some signs of that. Multi-tracks are certainly a great thing for me. But I think MD is about as good as it gets now for stereo recording.

my personal reasons why I'd prefer an R-09 over an Hi-MD are that there is no need for any special, in this case Sony software to upload and that it has inbuilt mics.
If to your use those are no advatages than I'd also say an Hi-MD is the better option because of being cheaper.

Hi-MD makes very good recordings, their A/C and preamp are very good, and from what I read so are the R-09's.

I've heard the R-09's are excellent and the software is a pain on the Sony's. But still it can be done. I'm sure if money wasn't a concern I'd prefer the R-09's too just because of the software problem.

It is true that Sony has just released a new model that has fewer software restrictions but still too many IMO. It will probably be the last incarnation of MD because of the competition around now. It still forces you to use their software though. What a shame. But it has definite advantages over the old models. But the price is $300. Maybe when it costs $100 I'll buy one.

I think some of the newer HiMDs might even
have individual control of the channels, which
can come in handy for using it as a
two-track recorder and not just a stereo
recorder.

I bought the R-09 to be able to mic the officiant at weddings( in addition to a wireless on the groom). I've also been using it as a songwriting tool-set it on the table,hit record, and start playing.The on board mics are surprisingly good. I did location sound on a 3 day video shoot this weekend on radiology(zzzzzz), and the R-09 was simple to use, and performed almost flawlessly. There were a couple of times when it wouldn't go from pause-record (blinking red) to record (solid red), but after a few clicks, it eventually went to record.
I bought a couple of addl 2 gig sd cards form B+H ($65 each),but only needed one card per day. At the end of each day we transferred to some kind of s l o o ow mac, and it still only took 29 minutes to transfer 1.7 gigs.
The sound was excellent. I recorded in 16 bit 48, out of a sounddevices 302 mixer.
When you consider size, cost,sound quality, ease of use and ease of transfer, there's nothing out there now that compares. I also look forward to using it in the field to capture interesting sounds.
Bruce S. Yarock
www.yarock.com
P.S. And then there's the R-04..... (Only kidding...can't afford it now).

I've heard the R-09's are excellent and the software is a pain on the Sony's. But still it can be done. I'm sure if money wasn't a concern I'd prefer the R-09's too just because of the software problem.

It is true that Sony has just released a new model that has fewer software restrictions but still too many IMO. It will probably be the last incarnation of MD because of the competition around now. It still forces you to use their software though. What a shame. But it has definite advantages over the old models. But the price is $300. Maybe when it costs $100 I'll buy one.Hi Jeff - is the new sony one you're referring to the MZ-R1 ?
i.e. this one :
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=441521&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

curious as i might get a Hi-MD soon.

thanks

There is a USB device sold on Comprehensive (listed along with the Microtrack on their site) that holds AA batteries and will power the recorder. It's only about 20 bucks. Problem is, you start adding these extra things, you sort of lose the reason for having a small, compact unit.


Oops--mea culpa--I meant this one, not Comprehensive. Sorry 'bout that. http://www.fullcompass.com/product/320587.html

Just to add more confusion to the mix...
Samson is releasing a new recorder that looks promissing also the Zoom H4:
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1901&brandID=4

I already own the Microtrack (bought it when it first came out), and the Edirol R-09.
And preffer the R-09 for eases of use (all functions you need are on the recorder, no digging through menus), better built pre amps, better firmware.
Also the MT was designed with the 1/8 and 10db too hot. Why I don't know, but they are.

The Microtrack does have balanced 1//4 TRS inputs, but I am not doing long cable runs with the recoder, so this isn't a worry to me. if I am doing a long cable run then I would be using my Promix 3 field mixer, fed into my camera and recorder.
Also, the MT, as the ability to do digital pass through, so you canrecord to flash card and also send a signal out via the units RCA's to a wireless or something like that. So that's a nice option if you need it.

I have a pre-order on the H4 unit with sweetwater.com and it should be out sometime in sept. I'm told.

If the H4 performs like I think it might, then my Microtrack will probably being going bye bye.

There is a USB device sold on Comprehensive (listed along with the Microtrack on their site) that holds AA batteries and will power the recorder. It's only about 20 bucks.]

'only' 20 bucks??...my external battery pack for mt iRiver ( holding 4 AAs ) cost me abt. 50 Cents...( can't tell you any source though, was in a DIY shop in Japan, and I had to solder the plug myself, another 50 Cents there. But cheap and good solutions should be available )

The Sony RH1 is the latest model, display the side of the body only with separate channel level indicators. Earlier models, e.g the RH10, or DH710 and DH910 ( not sure abt. their exact model name ) might do same quality recordings and come with an external battery pack included.

'only' 20 bucks??...my external battery pack for mt iRiver ( holding 4 AAs ) cost me abt. 50 Cents...( can't tell you any source though, was in a DIY shop in Japan, and I had to solder the plug myself, another 50 Cents there. But cheap and good solutions should be available )

The Sony RH1 is the latest model, display the side of the body only with separate channel level indicators. Earlier models, e.g the RH10, or DH710 and DH910 ( not sure abt. their exact model name ) might do same quality recordings and come with an external battery pack included.thanks for the info on Hi-MD machines. I think (well in USA anyway) the "DH910" is/was called the "RH-910" (might be different naming for different markets, or maybe just your typo - not sure.)

Hi Jeff - is the new sony one you're referring to the MZ-R1 ?
i.e. this one :
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=441521&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation



Yeah that's it. The new software also has fewer restrictions too. (http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?showtopic=14137) I should have pointed that out before. Version 3.4 of SonicStage is by far better than earlier versions.

They are getting very close to what a recorder should be but this is probably as good as it will ever get from Sony. There isn't much of a software hassle at this point but there is still a little. MD is a great technology IMO. It's too bad it will be eventually killed off by the stupidity of Sony and their DRM stuff. It should have been what the iPod became but Sony had their head stuck up their...

I got the Microtrack delivered yesterday, checked it out thoroughly this morning in the audio booth, and it's great.

As I posted earlier, I had bought the Marantz PMD660, but found it way too noisy for my purposes. Then I sort of sold myself on getting the Tascam HD-P2, but things got delayed and I had time to think it through, and decided that for the upcoming project, my first instinct was correct--I needed a small, handheld type unit.

Comparing the clip from the Microtrack to the same thing from the 660, there is a really big difference. You hear too much noise on the 660, almost nothing on the Microtrack. While the Microtrack is not totally silent and sound studio perfect, it is well within any tolerance for shooting interviews. I haven't compared it to the DSR500, but it's obvious that its quality will be at least as good, which is good enough for my project.

I'm using it with an old Sennheiser wired lav that uses the K3U power supply. Until recently I couldn't get batteries because the old mercury oxide batteries are illegal in the U.S. Now there are silver batteries available. The Microtrack only puts out 30v for phantom power, so if you don't have a powered mic, that might be a problem.

I've been comparing the Microtrack to a "prosumer" camera versus a professonal one: You have to go into the menu for lots of things. However, once it's set up, that's not a problem. It's quick and easy to set up. Like a "prosumer" camera, it's a little more user unfriendly than a professional one, but once you learn its eccentricities, you can make it work fine.

Although I would prefer XLR inputs, the 1/4" seem to work well with an adapter cable. I put in a 2-gig CF card, and when I stop recording, it takes about 4 seconds to write the file. Then about 2 more seconds to start recording again. That's about as fast as doing the same thing with a video camera, and you don't need rundown.

I was surprised that it's as small as it is. The photos looked bigger. It's lightweight but doesn't feel cheap. It feels well-built, but I wouldn't want to drop it on a concrete floor. The buttons are nice and require some pressure. It's obvious they've put some thought into that, and you won't be turning on or off something by accident. To delete a file, you press the delete button and get a message asking if you really mean it, so you press it again. No accidental delete there. Same with powering down--takes a couple of button presses.

According to the manual, I should be able to monitor audio levels before recording, but I haven't been able to make that work yet. Either I'm doing something wrong or it's one of those firmware updates they promise. I did the Aug. 1 update, and that was quick and easy.

Overall, I'm pleased. It will do the job I bought it for. I would prefer the Marantz for ease of use and XLR input, but it was too noisy. So I think the Microtrack is a pretty good deal. However, if anybody is in need of a small CF recorder and can wait till the end of the year, the Fostex will be out and also the Zoom. The Fostex looks like the Marantz but hopefully will have useable mic level inputs. There aren't any useful specs published on the Zoom yet.

Picked up a Sony H-MD MZ NH700 mini disc for back up sound.I just noticed that on the microphone input plug it reads Mic(plug in power).I intend using the recorder with an Electro Voice RE50/B omni derectional dynamic,non powered mic.Question for all you guys who use the mini disc recorders.
Is there any kind of issue if I plug the above type of mic in the Mic(plug in power)socket?
The last thing I want is to electricaly fry my RE50 or my AT897 shotgun.

As far as I know socalled 'unpowered' mics like your's actually NEED the socalled plug-in powered provided by the recorder in order to function. In case I am wrong - I am no specialist so you may wait for somebody to second me - I also believe that the plug in power supplied are just 2 or 3 Volts ( I don't know the exact figure, you will find at the sites linked below ) and could not harm your mics.

see: http://forums.minidisc.org/ and http://www.minidisc.org/part_Hi-MD_Sony.html

BTW, anybody having mp3 players like an ipod could try this:
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?item=BEL-TUNETALK&type=store
gadget to turn it into an recorder.

Your EV MIC is dynamic and does not require any phantom power. Your AT MIC either uses a battery or phantom power.
The Mini disk does NOT put out phantom power, it is a low voltage 3 volts usually mic power that is totally different. You want to make sure that you get an adaptor that has a blocking capacitor to remove this voltage from your mic for best performance. http://www.rcrowley.com/CamAdapt.htm gives you some ideas.

Sharyn

As far as I know socalled 'unpowered' mics like your's actually NEED the socalled plug-in powered provided by the recorder in order to function. In case I am wrong - I am no specialist so you may wait for somebody to second me - I also believe that the plug in power supplied are just 2 or 3 Volts ( I don't know the exact figure, you will find at the sites linked below ) and could not harm your mics.
...

Sorry to correct you, but the "plug-on power" in consumer MD recorders and the like (camcorders too, for that matter) is a mic bias power for cheap consumer electret mics such as are supplied with such gear and is NOT needed by dynamic mics or battery powered mics such as the AT897, nor is it adequate for mics that do require external phantom power. While it's not likely to damage the mic, it can, in fact, contribute to poor performance and should be blocked. Since both the EV-RE50 and the AT897 use balanced XLR connections and the MD recorders mic input is unbalanced, one will need an adapter and the best approach is to insure that the one you use includes a DC blocking capacitor. The problem is figuring out just how the MD recorder mic input is wired. If it takes a TRS mini plug the bias voltage is between the ring and sleeve and a properly wired XLR to mini adapter shorts it out to ground and it ceases to be an issue. But if the recorder takes a mono TS plug for the exernal mic, the voltage is between the tip and the sleeve and you need the capacitor in your adapter to block it. Adapters such as those from Beachtek include the capacitor AFAIK, but sometimes they get left out in a simple XLR to minplug adapter cable. If you're making up your own adapter cable simply wiring a small 10uF capaciter in series with the signal hot lead between pin 2 of the XLR and the tip of the miniplug should do the trick.

Sorry to correct you, ...

no need to be sorry, in the contrary, thank you for correcting.
It is me who should be sorry for posting without knowing. ( For my excuse I had mentioned that my knowledge was limited. )

How did I arrive at this wrong opinion?:
I have a 9 Volt powered preamp to record audio to my iRiver H120 which has a switch to turn on/off plug in power. When I use my self powered AT822 I turn the plug in power off as it is warned aganst using power on the AT822. When I use my non powered Giant Squid Omnis the plug in power must be turned on, if left to off no sound is produced.

I guess that there are many different kinds of Mics and I do not understand their differences and what they require. Dynamic Mics must have a much higher output, yes? I never learned anything about them, they are above my leage.
If there is anything I should know to shed some light on my ignorance or offer a link I'd be very grateful.

...

How did I arrive at this wrong opinion?:
I have a 9 Volt powered preamp to record audio to my iRiver H120 which has a switch to turn on/off plug in power. When I use my self powered AT822 I turn the plug in power off as it is warned aganst using power on the AT822. When I use my non powered Giant Squid Omnis the plug in power must be turned on, if left to off no sound is produced.

I guess that there are many different kinds of Mics and I do not understand their differences and what they require. Dynamic Mics must have a much higher output, yes? I never learned anything about them, they are above my leage.
...

Dynamic mics are like a miniature loudspeaker in reverse, a coil mounted on a diaphram moving in a magnetic field generates the signal. They have a much LOWER output than a typical condenser mic - often 10 to 20 or even more dB lower - and don't require any external power at all as there are no active electonic components inside the mic itself.

To compare the output levels, I have a Rode NT1a studio condensor mic that has a rated output sensitivity of -32dB (25mV). In comparison, a typical broadcast studio dynamic mic like the EV RE27 puts out -51dB (3.1mV) while its older brother, the EV RE20, is rated at only -57dB (1.5mV).

Condensor mics have a capsule consisting of two electically charged plates close together. Some have a fixed charge created chemically (called electret, permanently charged, or backplate charged mics) and others require an external high voltage ("true condensor" mics). In either case, inside the mic the capsule is connected to an preamp which itself also needs a source of power to operate. All condensor mics require that power source - the differences are in where they get it. That power can come from phantom power (the same phantom power also generates the charging voltage in a true condensor mic), an internal battery, or the so-called bias power. And that's why your Giant Squids need the power on for you to hear anything - their internal preamp needs it - while with the AT822 the internal battery in the mic is supplying it. But I'm confused - are you saying the power in the I-River must be switched on for the Squids to work even when you're using the 9volt powered preamp? I would have thought that would take over and supply everything the mic needs.

thank's a lot for your explanation Steve, you are very kind.

I would have thought that 9 the external preamp )would take over and supply everything the mic needs.

It is on the external preamp where I can switch line-in-power on or off, and where it must be turned on for the GSmics to work.

The iRiver supplies mic-in-power and therefore both mics work fine when plugged directly into it. I don't even know if it can be turned off on the iRiver but should find out as it could be better turned off when plugging the AT822 directly into it.

BTW I always thought that those Giant Squid Omnis lavs are mic capsules in a casing with cable connection, not more than that. I never thought that there was some circuit - a preamp, called fet?, inside those tiny mics.

What model number of iRiver is still available that can record well, on the open market? Also, what models of MiniDisc have XLR inputs?

I am looking for something inexpensive, $100 range to do some simple voice recording for some very simple short film projects. Doesn't have to be perfect but I plan on shooting Super 8 and laying in the audio (non Xtal sync) in the Avid timeline. If it can do 48KHz, super.

I want to try to aviod carrying my full sized DAT deck out in the field if I don't have to.

Thanks folks,

Sean

What model number of iRiver is still available that can record well, on the open market? Also, what models of MiniDisc have XLR inputs?

I am looking for something inexpensive, $100 range to do some simple voice recording for some very simple short film projects. Doesn't have to be perfect but I plan on shooting Super 8 and laying in the audio (non Xtal sync) in the Avid timeline. If it can do 48KHz, super.

I want to try to aviod carrying my full sized DAT deck out in the field if I don't have to.

Thanks folks,

Sean
The IRivers that you would be searching for would be the IFP 790 or 890 series recorders. And have been discontinued and replaced with a model that doesn't allow mic input recording, but only line in recording. they are available still online on ebay and such, but are becoming harder to find.

Mini disk recorders don't use XLR inputs, only 1/8 mini inputs. And there is no XLR type recorder out there that will be in your $100 range.
The closest to that would be the not yet released Samson Zoom H4 Handy recorder (for $299), which looks pretty sweet BTW (I have one on pre order and already own a Microrack and R-09).

...

BTW I always thought that those Giant Squid Omnis lavs are mic capsules in a casing with cable connection, not more than that. I never thought that there was some circuit - a preamp, called fet?, inside those tiny mics.

Yep, there one in there somewhere. Circuits with Field Effect Transistors (FETs) can be pretty tiny these days and the one's in a mic like the Squid aren't particularly complicated. Condensor mic capsules are extremely high impedence devices and the main function of the preamp is to bring the impedence down to where it can drive an input circuit.

The IRivers that you would be searching for would be the IFP 790 or 890 series recorders. And have been discontinued and replaced with a model that doesn't allow mic input recording, but only line in recording. they are available still online on ebay and such, but are becoming harder to find.

The iFP-799 and 899 are the 1GB, the 895 and 795 the 512 MB models. They record in mp3 only, have variable bitrate, are chosen for their small size.

Better iRiver recorders are the bigger harddisc players/recorders iHP120/140 and iHP320/340, the 20 or 40 in their name meaning a 20 or 40 GB harddisc. They record in WAV and specially with "rockbox' installed, an open source firmware which is upgraded daily, make very useable recorders with e.g. live adjustable levels and meters.
The iHP1xx series has optical in, the iHP3xx series has colour display and plays movies.

All of the above mentioned are discontinued models but can be found at online auctions.

A huge thanks to everyone for their help and feedback regarding my original post about MD recorders. My question about microphones and using the (powered) plug in socket for EV RE50 and AT897 has had an incredable amount of response. This Dv info site ceases to amaze; it’s a true font of knowledge.

Thinking more and more about this Zoom H4 I have found on several sites:
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1901

Anyone actually using one yet?

Sean

I don't think the Zoom is out yet. My #1 question
about that one would be how much hiss, or other
electrical noise, does it inject into the recording.

Same here. I find it odd that they don't list any specs.

Same here. I find it odd that they don't list any specs.


Samson, generally, is not known for having
low-noise audio devices. I'll let someone
else try the Zoom first. Even the name of
it sounds "consumerish".

I've been thinking to buy either Tascam hd p2 or M-audio micro track, but now I gotta wait for zoom h4. I'd like to have more info about it, but so far can't find any.
I hope somebody tries it soon.

I've been thinking to buy either Tascam hd p2 or M-audio micro track, but now I gotta wait for zoom h4. I'd like to have more info about it, but so far can't find any.
I hope somebody tries it soon.

Here's the PDF manual for it if you would like to look through it.

http://www.samsontech.com/products/relatedDocs/H4_manual.pdf

Quite a few interesting things in it. Take a look.

Here's the PDF manual for it if you would like to look through it.

http://www.samsontech.com/products/relatedDocs/H4_manual.pdf

Quite a few interesting things in it. Take a look.

thanks for the info Michael, I'll definitely take a look, but since you probably know more than me in this field, would you rather recommend M-audio or Zoom?

thanks for the info Michael, I'll definitely take a look, but since you probably know more than me in this field, would you rather recommend M-audio or Zoom?
I currently own teh Microtrack, Edirol R-09 and ahve teh Zoom H4 on pre order (should have it in a week or so).

Right now today, I would purchase teh R-09 before the Microtrack, no doubt about it.
Can't say about the H4 yet, but it looks very promissing as well, and I wouldn't be supprised if it works just as well as the R-09 and better than the Microtrack.

I'm reallyhappy with my Edirol R-09. I noticed that the Zoom doesn't allow you to record 4 tracks simultaneously. If not, i wouldn't be interested in it.
Bruce S. Yarock

I'm reallyhappy with my Edirol R-09. I noticed that the Zoom doesn't allow you to record 4 tracks simultaneously. If not, i wouldn't be interested in it.
Bruce S. Yarock
Don't get me wrong, I love the R-09 as well. It's much more intuative and stable than my Microtrack. Yes it's a shame that teh Zoom H4 doesn't have real time 4 track recording, but it does have quite a bit going for it, like the built in balanced dual 1/4 XLR inputs and true 48v phantom power. It's also $100 less than either the Microtrack or R-09.
Of course the real test is how it operates in the field (as I'm real curious to see the quility of the built in limiters and preamps). But I won't know that until I receive my unit.