self-recorder reccs? (for ideas, not recording)

[ruger9]

I have ZERO experience in self-recording, the last time I recorded myself playing or put ideas to tape was on a Tascam 4-track cassette. I'm not recording songs with production, just looking for a way to record some ideas to keep around for future development. You know... like what "the old cassette recorder" used to be.

I know there's alot of digital stuff out there now. Not looking for anything having to do with the computer (like garage Band), just looking for a recorder with a built-in mic. Like the Boss one, for example.

Can anybody give me a quick 101 on small, easy-to-use recording units for this type of use? Thanks.

[cheng&eng]

Zoom h2 as a sketchpad is hard to beat

[MichaelK]

I can tell you a couple NOT to get.

Zoom H4: after downloading files and deleting them from the recorder, the recorder's automatic file naming sequence would begin at 0001 again. File management was a huge pain in the ass.

M-Audio Microtrack: The built-in rechargeable battery is a joke. In use, a full charge lasts about an hour. When not in use, the battery loses its charge over the course of a few days. After 48 hours or so the battery is near-dead again, without even turning it on.

I wish I could recommend one, but I haven't worked with one I like yet.

[stevel]

Originally Posted by ruger9

I have ZERO experience in self-recording, the last time I recorded myself playing or put ideas to tape was on a Tascam 4-track cassette. I'm not recording songs with production, just looking for a way to record some ideas to keep around for future development. You know... like what "the old cassette recorder" used to be.

I know there's alot of digital stuff out there now. Not looking for anything having to do with the computer (like garage Band), just looking for a recorder with a built-in mic. Like the Boss one, for example.

Can anybody give me a quick 101 on small, easy-to-use recording units for this type of use? Thanks.

One of my colleagues just bought the Sony PCM D50 jobbie and they previously had the Zoom H4. He said the H4 was really insubstantial, with plastic buttons (felt like they'd break any moment) and the noise was pretty bad. The Sony was mounds better - but of course, more expensive.

I've known some people who have the H2 and don't really complain about it too much.

Here's some:


http://www.sweetwater.com/c1006--Portable_Recorders

Steve

[ruger9]

I wonder if the H4n is an improvement?

[BadMelonFarmer]

I use a Zoom H2 for recording the band practices works well for me.

For capturing ideas though I use all sorts, mobile phone voice recorder captures the ideas.

Song ideas I tend to use a spider jam amp as you can add effects, drum patterns, build layers then export to a pc. It is a great riff righting tool.

Cheers

BMF

[BadMelonFarmer]

Forgot to say, when you say boss.... Do you mean the microbr ? I found it a nightmare of menus

[sears]

The Olympus DS-30 is cheap, well-built, tiny and sounds about a little better than a cassette. If they made something that recorded CD-quality audio but that you could carry around in your pocket along with your cell, I'd get it. Unfortunately, they don't yet. I compromised on sound quality and went with small.

[ruger9]

I think I'm going with something small, like the Roland Micro-BR or the Zoom H2/H4. I'm only going to be layering guitar tracks, not building complete songs. I'm really just using it as an "idea machine". If I decide I want to go deeper in the future, I'll move up to a digital multitrack or maybe even garageband.

[The Kid]

Sony PCM D50 is great.
It's worth the extra money in audio and build quality over the other options mentioned.
IMO. YMMV.

[Joe F]

i carry an Edirol around. Before that it was an iRiver mp3 player with a built in mic.

BUT....Korg or someone is releasing one in a couple of months that does sound on sound so you can layer things - riff, vocal, lead, and get a flavor for how it would really be arranged. Since it's sound on sound and not multi-tracking it will be much easier to deal with and will not send you into an endless journey through menus which is the death of many devices.

[BadMelonFarmer]

I would try a microbr first if I were you, personally I found it a nightmare to use due it being so small with a limited number of buttons. There was just too much playing arround in menus and multiple function buttons .... I fliped it .... Too confusing for me, I was too used to the old school 4track tape units ie are record done.

YMMV

[Megatron]

I just bought an Olympus LS 10 this past weekend. Pure win.

[ruger9]

OK, leaning towards the Micro BR, simply because I can get one locally for $100.

The BR-600 looks very interesting, the most like the old Tascam 4-track I was used to, but not sure I need that much. All I would do, at most, is layer a few guitar tracks or maybe do a drum-bass-guitar instrumental. Nothing major.

My thinking is, if I want to get SERIOUS about home recording, I'll go with ProTools on the computer. But I'm looking for something just to use as a "sketchpad" & get me back into recording.

QUESTION: I'd rather not use the built-in guitar models...will the built-in mic on the Micro BR record decent guitar tracks? Because if that mic sucks, and I have to go with an external mic, I'll just go up to the BR600...

[stevel]

Originally Posted by ruger9

The BR-600 looks very interesting,

I would try the BR-549

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Steve