Looking for a good field recorder. Recommendations, please!

[IrionDaRonin]

Hi, there, i'm going to buy a field recorder as i was working in the summer and want to invest in audio and music studio.
I have a videogame project and i need ambiental natural sounds, and sampled sounds from anything outside and inside my home, i'm going to make a whole library of recorded sounds. And also a natural ambient music project, mixing nature sounds with music harmonically.
My balance is about 150 USD.

I'm looking something alike to Zoom H Series or alikes.






I'm total newbie in this theme, so i would like you to bring me some light into this.
But if i can save a few bucks, the better. So anything in that style or good quality alike would be nice too.
I don't know if each field recorder colours the sound. I have zero idea of this.

Of course there are many other field recorders that i don't know about. So i would like you to bring me these recommendations here, please.
I'm open to recommendations from 70 USD to 150 USD or so. And where to buy those at cheapest price.

Thanks for your time and have a nice day

[BBFG#]

Out of the ones you have pictured, I remember the H4n being the one I was headed for.
(I bought the Sony which is a bit higher priced though, and love it).

[pocvecem]

Hi Irion!
Have the H4n since 5 years and i'm still happy with it. Today i'd choose the H2n. The H4n has too many features i don't use (like built-in fx). Only use the built-in asio interface with my netbook from time to time.
Tested the H1n some months ago (because it's really handy) but found the mics too noisy.
Two things about all three Zooms:
1) If you wanna use them outside you need a really good wind screen (this applies for all recorders and mics). The only one working satisfying for me was the "expensive" one from Rycote. This is the one for the H2n: http://www.thomann.de/gb/rycote_mini_wi ... oom_h2.htm
The mics are so sensitive. You don't notice the wind blowing but it already kills your recordings.
2) You really need a hand grip like in this set: http://www.thomann.de/de/rycote_zoom_h2n_kit.htm.
The Zooms are so much touch sensitive that you always get deep frequent rumble from the chassis.

In the lower price range these three could be an alternative to H1n und H2n:
http://www.thomann.de/de/yamaha_pocketrak_pr7.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/tascam_dr07_mk2.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/olympus_ls_12.htm

Hope i could help a little bit,
Big Bro Geraldo

[LimboLoves]

I never really understood why everyone likes zoom so much. Their Z6 product is their first good product imo.

I recommend a Tascam DR 100 MK2 or spending more money on the zoom Z6 or go with a Fostex. A used Marantz is also worth looking at.

[IrionDaRonin]

That seems good, but out of my budget.
Definitelly i think i will go with Zoom H2n. For what i want, i think it will be ok for being my first field recorder.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and time.
Have a nice day

[BBFG#]

I don't think you can wrong with that decision. When I was hopping for them, I heard plenty of good things about the zoom from people that sell their samples regularly. I remember one guy that had stepped up to a fairly expensive recorder and said something about still keeping his zoom handy when he wanted to capture something quick.
So if it's in your budget, good deal. The main thing is to jump in and use it up.