The New Edirol R09HR and Microtrack II reviews

uddhava — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:08:30 +0000

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

Comparison Chart Portable Audio Recorders

uddhava — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:43:49 +0000

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
Edirol R-09	$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
Korg MR-1	$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

Library108.com - Spiritual Media » m-audio

The New Edirol R09HR and Microtrack II reviews

What’s New, Pussycat?

MicroTrack II vs. MicroTrack

Edirol R-09HR vs. R-09

Comparison Chart Portable Audio Recorders