Recording live music on the streets

For $450 you can probably rent some gear. Quality obviously costs money, gear wise and sound quality as well. If you are recording .mp3, you'd be better off with 256 kb/sec as a minimum. Go listen to some songs ripped to 128 or 96 kb/sec, the swirling whooshing sound, lack of low and high end and general "flat" sound are products of low bit rates and you can't add quality to a lossy format like .mp3.
 
Well, I know the pro audio guys won't approve, but I'd seriously look at the least expensive mp3 players that have an external mic input and will do 128kb/sec. For what you're doing, that may be just fine. There was an iRiver around $60 a couple years ago that would do it--I don't remember the model number, but those things turn so fast I'm sure it's already obsolete and replaced. And the ones with an external mic jack seem to be getting harder to find.
 
Yeah it's definately my preferred option to purchase over rent as I'd like to make it a regular thing, not a one off, i.e. film a variety musicians in '08 all around London.
 
If you can get some money for each film, you can use that to buy some gear. Maybe start cheap with those lavs you mentioned and go from there.
 
I understand your apprehension to rent but at least for the first time out it would be the wisest choice. You can learn what works and what holes need filling. If you throw all your money into a solution that is only a half measure you will be out both your money and your ability to get good audio.

I wouldn't choose the iRivers as a first choice but with a lot of work it is possible to yank some decent sound out of that solution. You will want to be super careful with mic placement (keep it visable) as you will not be monitoring to hear if things are going bad.

Good luck
 
Yeah, I may rent in future, once the concept is fully realised and proven, but at least in the short term it's not viable.

I reckon I might get one of these - http://www.offtek.co.uk/item_detail.php?id=520467&off=581a92bfe05bc2496f92e985b5abd65d they seem to support usage of an external mic and say they can record at 44khz and 128kbps, which whilst not amazing I'm hoping will be decent enough.

I don't know if they're exactly what I want, i.e. my understanding is that line inputs don't boost the mic signal enough to make it loud enough for a good recording, which is why you need a preamp or a dedicated mic in or something!

But, the Audio Technica ATR35S I know comes with a battery so perhaps the combo will work?
 
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