Decent sound recorder

Mike Thorpe · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2005, 03:29 PM

I want something decent to record sounds on for my video things.

Something that isn't my camcorder. Tape noise. Mmmm... I was thinking of using a minidisc recorder considering they're suitable but out of fashion, but Mr Peters suggested an iRiver for doing it. The disadvatage there being that although it does contain a mic, it won't really be great.

One thing I have seen before now, is some sort of recording device that did actually have a built in mic, but not one of the pitchy little ones, it sort of protruded slightly.

So, can anyone recommend any sort of digital recording device (with a built in mic preferably) that's going to be slightly better than the built in mic of a cheap canon palmcorder, or a flash based thing and a reasonable mic?

mrlipring · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2005, 10:58 PM

depending on how often you need to record sound this way, it might be worthwhile renting (or even buying?) a dat recorder.

Andy Lockwood · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrlipring

depending on how often you need to record sound this way, it might be worthwhile renting (or even buying?) a dat recorder.

Dat's are the bees knees. Cumbersome but bullet proof.
I would avoid Minidisc as (I've said this before) over a period of time they do lag and it becomes a bitch sync-ing it together afterwards.

Mike Thorpe · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 09:38 AM

Hmmm... could possibly use one of these:

click in one of the little iriver things?

Andy Lockwood · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 09:51 AM

Mike, why not just buy a half decent external mic and suspension mount for your camera?

Or make a suspension mount out of elastic bands and bits from Homebase?

Do I feel a new product coming on from TM? :lol:

Mike Thorpe · #6 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 10:14 AM

Because that would make SENSE.

DV_Ed · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 08:15 AM

Nothing wrong with minidisk. I dont believe they lag either. That could only happen if the DAC/ADC was not crystal locked when it is, or sony used an odd sample rate which it doesnt.. They have been used for professional media capturing for years now, so in this sense I dont think they can be questioned. Dat again perfect. Both of these boil down to thefact that unless you have a decent mike which is very much dependant on what kind of recording you need results from either will be useless.

Ed

Andy Lockwood · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DV_Ed

Nothing wrong with minidisk. I dont believe they lag either. That could only happen if the DAC/ADC was not crystal locked when it is, or sony used an odd sample rate which it doesnt..

I really wish this was correct, but my experiences with MD is bad.

I have used various Sony prosumer units always with the same result. Over an hour or so, MD lags by about quarter to half of a second. Starts off perfect but certainly does drift out when syncing to DV. I was very surprised myself when I first attempted it, and mad at myself for trying again other times.

I changed to a CD recorder and wham. Perfect time.

I hasten to add I record music where split second timing is essential. It may not be so noticeable when you dont have drums thumping out of time.

Andy Lockwood · #9 (**permalink**) 10-06-2005, 02:15 PM

Mike...

You could always try This

Mike Thorpe · #10 (**permalink**) 10-06-2005, 03:29 PM

Fantastic!!

on the subject - i actually am considering shoving a mic on the shoe thingy on top of my camcorder. Bearing in mind i'm a bloody cheapskate, does anybody have any recommendations? I don't have any problems buying second hand ones.