PXR4, PS-04 and other portable sampling tools/multitracks

[ancientoak]

After listening to among others Cornelius and JM Jarre's "Zoolook" today, I've decided I need a portable recorder for field sampling. Now, I know there are several alternatives, from recording MP3 players to MD players, dedicated "professional" tools (Edirol R-1 certainly looks great but is kinda expensive) and portable multitracks. I am somewhat concerned with audio quality but I don't need 24/96, and compression doesn't matter much I think.

Okay, so there's a used Korg PXR4 mini 4-track recorder for sale here in a classified ad. I like the idea of combining my need with a multi-track recorder. (This litte thing and a ES-1 groovesampler + MicroKorg would make a limited but fun little portable music-making package. Of course, a laptop could do so much more, but limtations are fun and inspiring. But I digress.)

How is the mic on this thing? I suppose the guitar input is suitable for an external mic. Shame about the 32 kHz sample rate, and the mic/input being mono (can't use line in for mic). How does it sound though, can't be all that bad? How does it compare to the Zoom PS-04, they have basically the same specs and functions?

For pure recording, there are a lot of good MD alternatives, but what about MP3 players with recording function? Do any of these have mic input? How easy is it to actually set up and start a recording?