Posted: August 7th, 2008 under Audio, Reviews. Tags: edirol, m-audio, microtrack, mp3, r09, wav
Comments: None
At Oreilly.com they have reviewed the new Edirol R09HR and M-Audio Microtrack v2 field recorders.
What’s New, Pussycat?
Here’s a quick rundown on some of the physical changes in the new models. Both M-Audio and Edirol continue to upgrade their products via free firmware updates. Visit their sites (M-Audio; Edirol/Roland) to make sure you have the latest.
MicroTrack II vs. MicroTrack
- New color: Black
- 48V phantom power
- Analog limiter
- Improved battery with longer life and faster charging
- Selectable One Touch or Record Ready/Record operation
- Extended input range
- Records files larger than 2GB
- USB 2.0 Hi-Speed transfer
- Monitor S/PDIF input via headphones while recording
- Add markers while recording
Edirol replaced the rickety battery door on the original R-09 with a sturdier hatch.
Edirol R-09HR vs. R-09
- Case covered in black silicone rubber
- Wireless remote
- Supports up to 96kHz WAV files
- Improved microphones
- Isolated Adaptive Recording Circuit (I.A.R.C.; separates audio and power circuitry to reduce noise)
- Built-in speaker
- OLED display
- Table stand
Read the whole review here
Posted: June 2nd, 2008 under Audio, Guides, Reviews. Tags: chart, comparison, edirol, korg, m-audio, marantz, mp3, recorder, sony, wav, zoom
Comments: None
O’reilly is a great source for audio related reviews and blogs. The blog of Mark Nelson in particular always sports nice articles. But now he did it! He made a comparison between current audio recorders. So here it is. (You can also visit his blog)
The table could be unreadable. So here you can download the pdf.
| Recorder |
Price* |
Pros |
Cons |
Bonus Coolness Factor |
|
|
$450
Get current price on Amazon |
- Easy to use
- Good onboard mics
- Good menu & interface
|
- Windscreen not included
- Tripod adaptor is optional
|
Optional case & tripod are terrific |
|
|
$899.99
Get current price on Amazon |
- Outstanding audio quality
- 40 gig hard drive
- Rugged metal housing with leather case
- Universal power supply
|
- No hardware rec level control
- Internal battery
- Hard to set recording levels
|
1-bit audio is a huge improvement over PCM |
| M-Audio Microtrack 24/96
|
$499
Get current price on Amazon |
- Easy to use
- Audio quality
- 1/4″ TRS mic inputs with phantom power
|
- Internal battery
- Potential damage from phantom power & TRS jacks
|
Smallest recorder with 1/4” inputs and phantom power |
| Marantz PMD620
|
$499
Get current price on Amazon |
- One-touch recording
- Mics well shielded from wind
- Sharp OLED display
|
- Awkward menu interface
- Flimsy covers for USB port & SD card slot
|
Mono recording useful for broadcasters |
| Olympus LS-10
|
$399
Get current price on Amazon |
- Size
- Easy to use
- Audio quality
- 2 gig internal memory + SD card slot
|
- Zoom mic effects color sound
- AC power supply not included
|
Outstanding battery life and great audio in a tiny package |
| Sony PCM-D50
|
$599.95
Get current price on Amazon |
- Rugged and ergonomic
- Very high audio quality
- 4 gig internal memory + removable memory
|
- Heavier than the competition
- Cannot record MP3s
- Optional windscreen is expensive
|
Outstanding limiter means worry-free live recording |
| Zoom H2
|
$199
Get current price on Amazon |
- Front & rear stereo mics
- Inexpensive
- Doubles as USB audio interface
|
- Feels flimsy
- Not exactly stellar audio
|
Records 4-channel “surround” |
| Zoom H4
|
$494.94
Get current price on Amazon |
- 3 devices in 1: recorder, 4-track recorder & audio interface
- 1/4” & XLR combo-connectors with phantom power
|
- Tiny display
- Confusing interface
- It’s big, Jim
|
It’s a portable USB audio interface with effects |
