KVR Audio

Just Float · Post by **Just Float** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:09 pm

What is the best equipment for recording samples? I want to be able to freely roam around the world and record noises as I hear them. I have a good mic and a good laptop but I don't want to carry the laptop plus a midi box around to record stuff? I'm assuming that's not how it's usually done is it? I'm guessing I need some sort of portable recorder like a minimdisc recorder that I can later just transfer files over to my laptop through USB.

Stupid American Pig · Post by **Stupid American Pig** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:30 pm

Just Float wrote:I'm guessing I need some sort of portable recorder like a minimdick recorder that I can later just transfer files over to my laptop through USB.

you could ask some attractive young ladies to speak into the mic

You can use whatever. Obviously the more hifi the recorder is the better the results. There are several recorders/pocketstudios that use either minidisc or some sort of memory stick. some may even do phantom power for a condenser mic.

Just Float · Post by **Just Float** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:33 pm

I am using a condenser mic so that is also part of the equation. And I need to know what brands or products in specific are designed with quality sound in mind. I'd also like to use the same method for recording vocals.

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:34 pm

Portable DAT, or Minidisc.

DevonB · Post by **DevonB** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 8:05 pm

If you're concerned about audio 'quality', pass on MiniDisc, as it's a comrpessed format. From there, you have portable DAT's like the Tascam DA-P1, which has been the 'standard' portable DAT for years, or there are a few portable CompactFlash recorders that record .wav files that provide phantom power for XLR connectors from Marantz PDM-670, HHB?, Denon DNF20R, Fostek, and a few others. Best part about flash memory is no moving parts, and that's usually what fails in the field. Be prepared to pay the price though. Just do a google search for CompactFlash field recorders if you want to look for the good ones out there.

Devon

pitchdrifter · Post by **pitchdrifter** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 8:13 pm

The da-p1 is robust (although theres even more tank-like ones you could get) and can operate from battery (rechargable brick thingy), supplies phantom power, can record at 44 or 48khz, built in limiter, 2 xlr mic inputs so you can record stereo. Definitely solid unit, been using mine for about 6 years now, very happy about it.

Markus

badpioneer · Post by **badpioneer** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 8:18 pm

I'd recommend picking up a refurbished Creative Nomad Jukebox 3 off of ebay. They record up to 48 Khz .wav files and have 20GB hard drives. There's an analog input as well as an optical input. I use mine along with a portable mic from Sound Professionals (http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-b ... /SP-PASM-2). This setup works well for field recording and will only set you back about $350 US dollars. Much better than minidisc and far cheaper than DAT.

tee boy · Post by **tee boy** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:26 pm

Edirol have recently released a flash recorder called the R1. Its about £350 and looks aright. The mic pres and convertors are likely to be a bit shoddy, but at probably no worse that your average PC soundcard.

If you have money to spend then the Sound Devices 722 look a choicy option. Very expensive, but has options for hard drive or flash, and incorporates very good quality mic pres and converters. Fostex do a good one too, seems to be popular.

badpioneer,
How have you been getting on with the Nomad? Iv been thinking of getting one of those, cuz i just got an Apogee Mini Micpre. How are the converters? I dont expect too much, but compared to an average soundcard?

Also, anyone tried HiMD yet? Might be interesting, cuz it records uncompressed i believe.

badpioneer · Post by **badpioneer** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:57 pm

tee boy wrote: badpioneer,
How have you been getting on with the Nomad? Iv been thinking of getting one of those, cuz i just got an Apogee Mini Micpre. How are the converters? I dont expect too much, but compared to an average soundcard?

Honestly I'm not sure. It works great for my purposes. I find it to be very low-noise and good clear quality. As far as I can tell, it's better than any onboard soundcard I've heard.

It's really nice to be able to record hours and hours of 44 Khz .wav's and not worry about filling it up. Plus, the firewire transfer is super fast.

I've read on several forums of people selling their DATs to replace them with these if that says anything.

Just Float · Post by **Just Float** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 1:34 am

So it wouldn't be possible to use my condenser mic with the Jukebox? Looking at the prices of all of these devices, I'm thinking I might just get a midi box and record direct to my laptop, even if i have to carry it to wherever im recording. I'm poor.

badpioneer · Post by **badpioneer** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 1:48 am

Just Float wrote:So it wouldn't be possible to use my condenser mic with the Jukebox? Looking at the prices of all of these devices, I'm thinking I might just get a midi box and record direct to my laptop, even if i have to carry it to wherever im recording. I'm poor.

You'd have to get some sort of pre-amp as well as a plug to get it into the mini jack. The updated firmware for the NJB3 has a mic option that boosts the signal digitally so the quality sucks so you really need to feed it a line level (thus, the pre-amp). I haven't looked into other pre-amp options but I'm sure there's something reasonably affordable out there. That same Sound Professionals website I mentioned previously probably has something that would work.

maximilians1 · Post by **maximilians1** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 1:56 am

http://www.quietamerican.org/links.html

teomi · Post by **teomi** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:16 am

Hello there.
I have a setup that has proved to be very high quality and reliable.

I am using a TDC D-8 Sony Portable DAT machine with a Zephyro Acoustic Stereo Mic Pre (specifically designed for DATs), portable phatom power by Denecke, Long life battery AD battery power from ECO charge, and a Shure VP88 Stereo conencer mic.

The preamp connects digitally to the DAT.

Everything gets power from the Eco charge (phantom, mic pre, and DAT). I can fit everything on my weist with belt clips. I get 8 hours of bat life and very hi quality sound. The setup isn't cheap but if you want to have hi quality raw material, it's worth it.

I have had this exact setup for 4 years and I see no reason to change it.

Hope this helps,

badpioneer · Post by **badpioneer** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:29 am

Just Float wrote:So it wouldn't be possible to use my condenser mic with the Jukebox? Looking at the prices of all of these devices, I'm thinking I might just get a midi box and record direct to my laptop, even if i have to carry it to wherever im recording. I'm poor.

It looks like this might work:
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-b ... ROLLS-MP13

With that, your mic and a NJB3 off ebay, you could have a great low-cost field recording setup. It would cost you less than $250 (US). I think it would definitely be worth it to not be dragging your laptop everywhere. Plus you get an mp3 player out of the deal!

Sample Recording Equipment