Subject: Re: [linux-audio-user] portable recording device
From: Ben Saylor (bsaylor_AT_macalester.edu)
Date: Thu Dec 13 2001 - 07:31:02 EET
Now that I think about it, a DAT recorder seems like a better choice,
even if it would be more expensive.. I'll look into the Sonys, since
they're cheaper and appear to be closer to the small size I'm looking
for, from what I've seen.
I'm intrigued by the Core Audio mikes - I'll probably get a pair of the
cheap version :)
Thanks!
Ben
On Wed, Dec 12, 2001 at 09:22:22PM +0000, Malcolm Smith wrote:
> In message <20011212195616.GA1858_AT_rem.dhs.org>, Ben Saylor
> <bsaylor_AT_macalester.edu> writes
> >This doesn't pertain directly to Linux; hope it's not too offtopic..
> >
> >I'd like to get some kind of small, portable recording device which I'd
> >use mostly for capturing environmental sounds in various places to use
> >in music, hopefully even making binaural recordings. It should have
> >decent fidelity (especially low noise), have a capacity of more than,
> >say, 30 minutes, stereo, and allow connection of external microphones.
>
> I use a Tascam DA-P1 portable DAT recorder for this. Works great! Has
> XLR mic inputs with phantom power for proper microphones, as well as
> S/PDIF i/o. Is pretty rugged and the rechargeable battery packs last for
> about 90 minutes (they're expensive though, i.e. 60 pounds each here in
> UK). The price of this unit has almost halved in the past year to about
> 800-900 pounds, which is much less than the seriously pro machines with
> SMPTE costing 3 grand. Needs special (costly) Tascam PSU/charger though.
>
> I use a pair of AKG C1000s, which are neither portable nor hi-fi; I'm
> saving for a pair of DPA 4061 miniature omnis for binaural :-)
>
> The smaller Sony Walkman TCD7 and TCD8 are OK, better than minidisk, but
> can't use XLR microphones. Cheaper to run, using standard batteries, and
> cheaper to buy, about 400 I think.
>
> Check out www.core-sound.com/ for all things binaural and portable!
>
> >Digital transfer of the recording to a computer is not essential -
> >analog transfer is acceptable.
> >
> Sonifex make a thing called the Courier which records direct to PCMCIA
> flash memory, which you can then stick directly in a (compatible)
> computer for instant editing. It also has a modem so you can connect a
> mobile phone and beam your sounds/interviews back to base. Costs more
> than DAT though, may be overkill.
>
> >So far, a minidisc recorder seems to be the main option. Can anyone
> >comment on the sound quality of these - both the encoding format and
> >ADC/DAC? Which brands are good? Are there any other viable options?
> >
>
> Marantz make a professional portable minidisk recorder, the PMD650, for
> about 800 pounds, similar in spec to the Tascam DAT, but still limited
> to MD lossy compression format :-(
>
> The consumer minidisk recorders I've used were a bit fiddly to work
> with, and it's real easy to erase something or not record at all.
> Setting record levels is a pain too. It depends on your needs. They are
> good in that they can fit discreetly into a pocket and are much less
> noticeable if stealth is what you want.
>
>
> Good luck, see you in the mountains...
> --
> Malcolm Smith
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