I need to purchase a handheld digital recorder to use in my Master Classes as well as to record my practice sessions. I thought it would be easy until I started looking at everything and realized I didn't know what the heck all that stuff means!
The recorder doesn't have to be the most expensive, but I want to be able to transfer the recordings onto my computer to save, and have some way to date/time each recording. Also want the sound quality to be decent. Also -- I am sooo stupid with all these new gadgets and I need it to be relatively easy for me to use!!!!
Which models should I look at? What would y'all advise I get? I feel like such an idiot.
About as easy to use as any other modern digital recording device. I not only have the H2, but highly recommend it to all of my students. This mic is not only good as a personal recorder, the mic makes a decent performance microphone as well.
I use a Sony PCM-M10 and it works fine (about $200). A fellow flutist does professional recording with much more expensive equipment, but when he came to my house once to run the Cimarosa with me, this is what he used.
Should mention that it can be easily connected to a computer or audio system. Also comes with sound editting software (that I have not used). I am somewhat of an audiophile, my home system uses two amplifiers (200 and 400 wpc) with an electronic crossover to power speakers with a rated frequency response of 15Hz - 45KHz (that cost me $12K back in 1990 with two woofer towers which house a total of 8-12"woofers). Not bragging, but trying to convey that I know good sound when I hear it and for about $200 this recorder works pretty well.
I bought a Tascam DR-1 several years ago and have been very happy with it. They have updated the DR series now to make them even better. The current models are the DR-2D, DR-05, DR-07 MKII, and DR-08 which each offer different capabilities to cater to different needs. Some have rechargeable batteries, some do not. One has a built-in speaker for playback of your recordings, most just have a headphone jack. Some have special audio processing (like playback at half-speed, but maintain correct pitch). Model selection really depends upon what features you need or want.
Actually, my wife has "borrowed" my DR-1 nearly full-time, so I may have to buy another for myself. I'll definitely consider the Tascam models when I buy again.
"Never give a flute player a screwdriver."
--anonymous--
I bought a Sony recorder to use for my Masterclasses and lessons. It's easy to use and I can transfer the recordings to my computer. Fine so far. However, I can't fast-forward or go back except for full intervals (i.e., ends and beginnings of each recording). Is there a more advanced model that will let me go forward or back as I wish so that I can listen to just the parts I want? I saw on the Tascam DR 40 that it has a "variable speed playback" -- will that do what I want?
I assume you're talking about play position on the device rather than once you transfer it to computer? I haven't got one to check, but would be a little surprised if there isn't a way to do it onboard already. Would pay to check further before you buy another one...
'Variable speed playback' is likely referring to the ability to change tempo on playback, btw. Has nothing to do with playback position.
Missy, what model do you have. On my Sony PCM-M10, you press and hold the FF to advance through a track (just pressing it without holding will advance to the NEXT track). Same with reverse, press and hold FR to go backwards.
I just tried it and it works.
The Sony also has digital pitch speed control, +100% to -75% of normal speed which does not change the pitch. There is a Key Control button to do that, to adjust it 1 - 6 semitones higher or lower.
Yay!!! Thanks so much -- I figured it out! It has an "easy search" function that was not on, so I wasn't able to go forward/backward like I wanted. Didn't help that the operations manual didn't explain how this function works and how to turn it on -- had to do a lot of playing around before I got it right, but now I don't have to buy a new one. Thanks for the info!
Exactly what I needed to know -- I'm going to take your advise, then!
I'll definitely consider the Tascam models when I buy again.