Iriver or Zen Creative at DVinfo.net

Adam Thomsen · April 10th, 2006, 09:31 AM

I am looking at getting an Iriver for capturing voice but there was also this Zen Creative that does some of the same things that the Iriver does. I just wanted to know if there is something special about the Iriver? That Maybe this Zen Creative does not do. Thanks for any help

Zen
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ist&sku=388107

Edward Slonaker · April 10th, 2006, 09:48 AM

You might want to follow this thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=55496

Scroll down to post #8. Should answer your question.....and then some.....

Pat Handley · April 10th, 2006, 02:10 PM

Hey Adam,

How's it going? I don't think the Zen has a preamp for external mics like the Irivers do. If you're looking at Irivers, you also need to make sure they're the right make. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe all the newer models lack the preamp feature. You can still find Irivers that will work for you out there for sale, usually used or refurbished.

Pat

Mike F Smith · April 10th, 2006, 03:08 PM

What Pat said is right. The Zen Creative does not have the necessary pre amp. You will need a powered microphone with the Zen. You can use the iriver 700, 800, or 900 series. They do not require a powered microphone.

Mike

Adam Thomsen · April 11th, 2006, 09:18 AM

Hey Thanks Pat! I didn’t want to bother you guys about this figured you guys have seen enough of me. Did you get the Hutch wedding finished? I am excited to see it put together. I think that the Iriver is the best way to go. I will just get one off eBay.Which do youthink would be bette the 1gig or the 256MB?

Edward Slonaker · April 11th, 2006, 09:43 AM

I was able to get the 1GB IFP-899 model for $99 from some place out of Florida on eBay. It's one of those "factory refit's" but it works perfectly, came just as if it was new, and I got the 3-yr warranty with it for another ten bucks.

Pat Handley · April 11th, 2006, 09:53 AM

Adam,

The 1GB may be more than you need, but if you can get it for $99, why not? A 256 should get you about 3.5 hours of record time, the 512 will get around 7 hours, and the 1GB will be double that. The 256 holds plenty for a groom mic, we usually use the 512's for reception coverage.
I'm rendering the Hutch wedding this afternoon, I'll give you a call when it's burnt. The welcome mat is always out for you!

See you soon,
Pat

Giroud Francois · April 11th, 2006, 10:28 AM

if you are lucky enough to find any model of iriver ifp-7xx or 8xx , just buy it.
it is extremely difficult to find them now, especially models with more than 256Mb.

Peter Chung · April 14th, 2006, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giroud Francois

if you are lucky enough to find any model of iriver ifp-7xx or 8xx , just buy it.
it is extremely difficult to find them now, especially models with more than 256Mb.

Check out overstock.com
http://overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?....x=0&IMAGE.y=0

They have some refurbished iRivers for a decent price.

Giroud Francois · April 14th, 2006, 08:34 AM

thanks , i will order 2 asap.

Vincent Croce · April 19th, 2006, 03:20 PM

Just picked up a couple of IRiver IFP's, a 1gb 899 and a 512mb 895. I know I've read some about the giant squid mics, but are these the best to use with the IRiver models I mentioned? If so, where's a good place to pick up a couple of those?

Edward Slonaker · April 19th, 2006, 03:45 PM

http://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.com/gs/gs-mono1.htm

This is the microphone you're looking for (scroll down towards the middle of the page). It's specifically designed so you can record mono on the iRivers. If you try any other mic, you'll only be able to record in "stereo" mode. AND, they're good mics!

Vincent Croce · April 19th, 2006, 04:37 PM

I'll be using the two IRivers w/giant squids plus my Azden 200ULH (dual channel) wireless system going to one PD170 on tripod, plus the shotgun on the second PD170 roving--you can never have too much audio! One more question--how long of a cord would you think would be just right--the 3 footer? Also, do I need the right angle adapters for the IRiver/squid setups?

Edward Slonaker · April 19th, 2006, 08:01 PM

There are many schools of thought on the length. Some like it short so you don't ever have to loop the cord, some like it long "just in case..." I went with the 3-footer. Seems like a nice size. And, yes, I got the right-angle plug, but I honestly am not sure why. The standard, straight plugs fit in the iRiver just fine. I read on another thread where someone recommended it so, there you go....

Have fun!

Vincent Croce · April 19th, 2006, 09:41 PM

Thanks again, Ed. I'm curious to hear just how good the IRiver/squid combo sounds-hard to believe such inexpensive gear can give me the quality so many on this forum have talked about.

April 10th, 2006, 09:31 AM	#1
Adam Thomsen New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 10	Iriver or Zen Creative I am looking at getting an Iriver for capturing voice but there was also this Zen Creative that does some of the same things that the Iriver does. I just wanted to know if there is something special about the Iriver? That Maybe this Zen Creative does not do. Thanks for any help Zen http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ist&sku=388107

April 10th, 2006, 09:48 AM	#2
Edward Slonaker Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hell's 6 acres in S. Texas Posts: 203	You might want to follow this thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=55496 Scroll down to post #8. Should answer your question.....and then some..... __________________ Edward Slonaker El Pilon Productions San Patricio, Texas www.elpilon.com

April 11th, 2006, 09:18 AM	#5
Adam Thomsen New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 10	Thanks Hey Thanks Pat! I didn’t want to bother you guys about this figured you guys have seen enough of me. Did you get the Hutch wedding finished? I am excited to see it put together. I think that the Iriver is the best way to go. I will just get one off eBay.Which do youthink would be bette the 1gig or the 256MB?

April 11th, 2006, 09:43 AM	#6
Edward Slonaker Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hell's 6 acres in S. Texas Posts: 203	I was able to get the 1GB IFP-899 model for $99 from some place out of Florida on eBay. It's one of those "factory refit's" but it works perfectly, came just as if it was new, and I got the 3-yr warranty with it for another ten bucks. __________________ Edward Slonaker El Pilon Productions San Patricio, Texas www.elpilon.com

April 11th, 2006, 09:53 AM	#7
Pat Handley Tourist Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 3	iriver Adam, The 1GB may be more than you need, but if you can get it for $99, why not? A 256 should get you about 3.5 hours of record time, the 512 will get around 7 hours, and the 1GB will be double that. The 256 holds plenty for a groom mic, we usually use the 512's for reception coverage. I'm rendering the Hutch wedding this afternoon, I'll give you a call when it's burnt. The welcome mat is always out for you! See you soon, Pat

April 10th, 2006, 02:10 PM	#3
Pat Handley Tourist Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 3	Hey Adam, How's it going? I don't think the Zen has a preamp for external mics like the Irivers do. If you're looking at Irivers, you also need to make sure they're the right make. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe all the newer models lack the preamp feature. You can still find Irivers that will work for you out there for sale, usually used or refurbished. Pat

April 10th, 2006, 03:08 PM	#4
Mike F Smith Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 156	What Pat said is right. The Zen Creative does not have the necessary pre amp. You will need a powered microphone with the Zen. You can use the iriver 700, 800, or 900 series. They do not require a powered microphone. Mike

April 11th, 2006, 10:28 AM	#8
Giroud Francois Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: switzerland Posts: 2,133	if you are lucky enough to find any model of iriver ifp-7xx or 8xx , just buy it. it is extremely difficult to find them now, especially models with more than 256Mb.

April 14th, 2006, 08:34 AM	#10
Giroud Francois Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: switzerland Posts: 2,133	thanks , i will order 2 asap.

April 19th, 2006, 03:20 PM	#11
Vincent Croce Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 263	best mics for irivers... Just picked up a couple of IRiver IFP's, a 1gb 899 and a 512mb 895. I know I've read some about the giant squid mics, but are these the best to use with the IRiver models I mentioned? If so, where's a good place to pick up a couple of those?

April 19th, 2006, 03:45 PM	#12
Edward Slonaker Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hell's 6 acres in S. Texas Posts: 203	http://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.com/gs/gs-mono1.htm This is the microphone you're looking for (scroll down towards the middle of the page). It's specifically designed so you can record mono on the iRivers. If you try any other mic, you'll only be able to record in "stereo" mode. AND, they're good mics! __________________ Edward Slonaker El Pilon Productions San Patricio, Texas www.elpilon.com

April 19th, 2006, 04:37 PM	#13
Vincent Croce Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 263	thanks, Ed I'll be using the two IRivers w/giant squids plus my Azden 200ULH (dual channel) wireless system going to one PD170 on tripod, plus the shotgun on the second PD170 roving--you can never have too much audio! One more question--how long of a cord would you think would be just right--the 3 footer? Also, do I need the right angle adapters for the IRiver/squid setups?

April 19th, 2006, 08:01 PM	#14
Edward Slonaker Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hell's 6 acres in S. Texas Posts: 203	There are many schools of thought on the length. Some like it short so you don't ever have to loop the cord, some like it long "just in case..." I went with the 3-footer. Seems like a nice size. And, yes, I got the right-angle plug, but I honestly am not sure why. The standard, straight plugs fit in the iRiver just fine. I read on another thread where someone recommended it so, there you go.... Have fun! __________________ Edward Slonaker El Pilon Productions San Patricio, Texas www.elpilon.com

April 19th, 2006, 09:41 PM	#15
Vincent Croce Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 263	Thanks again, Ed. I'm curious to hear just how good the IRiver/squid combo sounds-hard to believe such inexpensive gear can give me the quality so many on this forum have talked about.