Audio Recorder...Recommendations?

egproductions

egproductions

Veteran
I need a very basic digital audio recorder for recording 2 channels of audio. XLR inputs are not even a major requiment but it should be able to transfered to a computer digitally (not have to be played back and captured) and it needs to have a decent audio processor. This is replace recording audio directly to a laptop through a bad audio proccessor.

If there are alternative options like an external audio processor for the laptop, I would also be interested.

Also, any recommendations for a 100 dollar voice over mic would be appeciated. (would a shotgun be best for V/Os?)
 
Any answer you get to this question will be budget dependent. If you're looking to go low-end, you could look at the Zoom H2. If you have more money to spend and are willing to make more of an investment, I'd suggest the Fostex FR-2LE (which has XLR in's and phantom power). Both meet your "digital / computer transfer" requirements. You'll have to decide how much you're willing to spend and the level of quality you need.

There are "external audio processor" options if you're looking at using a laptop. Each would include: a) buying an audio interface (many choices from M-Audio for instance) and b) DAW-style software (I use Cakewalk Sonar but there are dozens of choices depending on your needs, platform and budget). There's also a learning curve with software solutions that won't exist with a dedicated recorder (i.e. "press Record"). Not to mention, the laptop route makes location sound more challenging. Not impossible. But challenging.

There are several mic's to choose from. If you want to do studio voice-overs only, don't go with a shotgun. You're money is better spent on a large diaphragm condenser. If you're budget conscious, look at the offerings from Studio Projects. It will be difficult to meet your $100 requirement but for a little more, you'll find a mic that will perform decently.

As with most hardware in this business, the more you spend, the better quality you'll be able to achieve.
 
Thanks for the wonderful suggestions.

Let me ask you...(assuming you don't know off hand), would you bet that the Zoom H2 will produce better or worse quality audio than the same mic plugged into an XL2?

What are your feelings on the following (if they are worse what are their downfalls/limitations) I don't quote get what too look for to determine if something is a better quality option than the next.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...US_iKEY_Plus_Portable_USB.html#specifications

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...AT2020USB_AT2020USB_Condenser_Microphone.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._EF_RDX_150_Instant_Music.html#specifications

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/571273-REG/Blue_ICICLE_Icicle_USB_Microphone.html#features


Thank you...very much appreciated.
 
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egproductions... Can I assuming when you say "XL2", you're referring to the Canon XL-2 camera?

I have used neither the XL2 nor any of the products you've linked to. However, I'm inclined to believe that the XL2 will record better quality audio than any of the USB products.

I don't mean to discourage you but if you spend less than $100 on a recorder / microphone, you'll end up with audio that sounds like you've spent less than $100 bucks on it.

Any of the pro's on this board will tell you that quality audio gear usually outlives video gear and maintains a higher resale value. You can get a quality audio kit (i.e. recorder, mic, boom, shockmount and windscreen) for under $1,000 if you shop around. I appreciate this number may be beyond your budget... especially if you're in this for fun rather than profit... but a $1,000 set up can sound like a $1,000,000 in the right hands. A $100 set up is very, very limited in regard to the quality you can acheive.

Hope this helps.
 
egproductions... having thought about this some more... do you want to do location sound or only studio voice-over's?

If the latter, and a) budget is a major concern and b) you're Ok with a PC-based solution, consider either the AT USB mic you linked to above or the following kit from M-Audio:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/SessionMusicProducer.html

Don't expect Hollywood quality from either kit but both companies are in the professional audio business and should know a thing or two about microphones and recording. Read reviews and make an informed decision.

Keep in mind that--in any case--you'll need a proper shock mount, a stand (either desk or floor) and a pop-screen to make either of these solutions completely usable.
 
ChipG said:
I have the zoom h4, it sucks. My hvx has way better audio.
Click to expand...

I've got the H4 as well, and it has been a solid performer. However, that comes from use of the line-level inputs. The pre-amps in this device leave a bit to be desired. Line inputs are clean, and since I use a field mixer line is all I need. I have not had any issues from recording this way.
 
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