sound recorders - need help

[AndrewG]

What I'm looking for is a device that I can carry around in order to record sounds. I like to collect strange sounds that I hear in the real world, and want something that I can just whip out and record.

I also need to be able to download the sounds to my mac. Doesn't need to be perfect quality, but I'd like the quality good enough so that people wouldn't be able to tell. The few options I've browsed through the past few weeks include minidisc recorders (although they aren't compatible with macs), digital voice recorders, and the ipod attachment.

Would appreciate any insights / suggestions!
Thanks
Andrew

 

[Oga]

IF YOU WANT A COMBO DEVICE

I have this.
http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a...reviews&id=541
http://www.mozongo.com/movabletype/a...m_revie_4.html

Has an internal mic and and external button that you can set to record at settings, whcih you pre-determine eg MP3 32kbs, MP3 64kbps, WAV etc). Records to either internal memory or SD card (up to 2GB compatible).

It has a integrated 2.5mm jac that can take a line in or headphone out or headset (ie both). Adapters are avalable for $5 to change that to standard headphone sized jack.

It also has the advantage of being able to more or less replace your phone + PDA + IPOD in one shot.

It has its pluses and minuses of course. Visit XDA Developers forum and Howard Forums for a disussion of that. But a very handy multi-device and very useful for sound recording.



SIMPLE, SINGLE USE DEVICE

You could also go with something as simple as the iAudio U2, which has an internal mic and a line it as well. I have that and can vouch for its quality too.

 

[Gigabomber]

I would bet that the iaudio products are good for recording as well. Just dont buy the m3 unless you want a mic to go with it - the m3s build quality actually seems lower overall than some of these newer smaller ones.

 

[AndrewG]

Thanks for the suggestions. I wish I could afford that PDA / cell / recorder! That's awesome.

To get a good recorder would it be essential to have a mic? I wanted something more casual, that I could just have in my pocket without needing to hook up a mic to it. I was actually looking now at the ipod sound recorder attachments.. only about $30-$40. Maybe the results will be bad though. I don't know.

 

[Gigabomber]

far as i can tell the recorders that are dedicated to recording are not too bad, but a mic is necessary for high quality recording in most cases. I had to get a mic for my iaudio m3l; the quality was just too low with the built in speaker. that is why i recommended the other models: the mics are larger and likely quite a bit better.

 

[AndrewG]

After some research I'm looking at minidisc recorders now. I didn't think they worked with macs but I found out that you're able to do it using certain programs.

I guess mics are essential, but my main hesitance comes because they are a whole different world, it'll mean a lot more research ... anyone have any recommendations? I'm looking omnidirectional recording.

 

[Mr Iriver]

I currently own an Iriver H320, and it can record through a mike, through a cable with line in, it can record the radio, and it can record through it's built in microphone, which according to CNET is the best microphone built in a portable that they have ever used. While I don't trust CNET much I also find the built in mic to be very clear. Line in and radio can be recorded up to 320Kbps, while when using the built in mic, only up to 128k.