KVR Audio

Aryaroman · Post by **Aryaroman** » Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:20 pm

I'm looking at getting a portable recorder like Zoom H6/H5 for foley/guitar/ambience recording and thought, I'd drop this question.
What do you (pros and amateurs alike) use for your sampling needs?

masterhiggins · Post by **masterhiggins** » Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:54 pm

Sony PCM-M10. Extremely low noise, both from the preamps and handling. The dual omni configuration gives a nice moderate (non-exaggerated) stereo image and the battery life is insanely good. If I need directional mics I just attach a stereo audio technica electret mic and it becomes a completely different recorder as the preamp is pretty transparent.

In general, my favorite portable recorder for what I do. It's also much smaller than most new field recorders that have been released the last several years.

Guenon · Post by **Guenon** » Sat Oct 01, 2016 7:08 pm

The PCM-M10 is really that good, I also wholeheartedly recommend it. No exaggeration, if you need something to fit your pocket, that's a great one. Its noise floor actually compares very realistically with some very high end bigger recorders:

http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm

Add to that the "it's so good it's almost silly" battery life

, it's a very safe bet.

budweiser · Post by **budweiser** » Sat Oct 01, 2016 7:28 pm

Seems the pcm m10 is not available anymore... I personaly use a zoom h1 with very good results. You can also use an emax for low fi results

...

Guenon · Post by **Guenon** » Sat Oct 01, 2016 7:30 pm

Yeah, I guess it's 2nd hand hunting these days with the PCM-M10 : \

subterfuge · Post by **subterfuge** » Tue Oct 04, 2016 8:23 pm

Sony PCM-D50 here, the older brother of PCM-M10. Bigger size and heavier than M10, yet I can still operate it mostly with one hand and it will fit nicely into the pocket too. Spent ages comparing the features and quality of these small recorders back in the day and finally ended up with this then new D50. For me the Fostex FR-2LE was the only other reasonable option in prosumer class, that one had also XLR-connectors which is the only thing I have sometimes missed in D50. But I certainly haven't regretted getting D50, it has served well recording hundreds of hours in widely varying conditions without problems. Done also portable digital transfers with it, and sometimes used it just as a portable playback device. Great machine.

Remembering the reviews and reading the recording forums, I just knew D50 would be dropped sometime soonish. Missing just couple of pro features to cater that crowd proper and too pricey for the regular folks. I gather M10 was Sonys answer to that and apparently that one also too good for what it was..

Guenon · Post by **Guenon** » Tue Oct 04, 2016 10:20 pm

subterfuge wrote:For me the Fostex FR-2LE was the only other reasonable option in prosumer class, that one had also XLR-connectors which is the only thing I have sometimes missed in D50.

Yeah, and hey, the FR-2LE is another great one! I've used both the PCM-M10 and that one a lot. (It's actually a combo that covers a serious amount of ground, for professional purposes too, given that you pair the Fostex with some nice mics and use the PCM-M10 for those "ohh I just have to record that, luckily I have the Sony in my pocket!" situations

).

BBFG# · Post by **BBFG#** » Wed Oct 05, 2016 1:58 am

I have the Sony PCM-M10 here also.
Absolutely love it.

woggle · Post by **woggle** » Wed Oct 05, 2016 6:31 am

PCM-M10 here as well. as good as everyone is saying - esp battery life. The new Sony is more expensive but probably amazing. I know quite a few who use the Zoom H2 and H4 and they are also very good. Basically even the bad ones are good so interface usability and battery life are as good as anything to choose on.

masterhiggins · Post by **masterhiggins** » Fri Nov 11, 2016 4:40 am

Thought I'd bump this thread as I just realized TASCAM released the TASCAM DR-100mkIII. A very formidable recorder.

http://tascam.com/product/DR-100mkIII/

What's your sampling equipment?