Other recorder options besides Zoom?
by Daniel Schultz on May 11, 2011 at 11:18:51 am
I'm looking to buy a recorder for HDSLR sound, and wondering if there are any alternatives to the Zoom H4n that are worth considering, and are in a similar price range?
Thanks,
Re: Other recorder options besides Zoom? by Bob Kessler on May 11, 2011 at 12:39:19 pm
Tascam DR-100 - $330
Fostex FR-2 LE - $600
Marantz PMD-661 - $600
Tascam HD-P2 - $750
Tascam DR-680 - $800
Peace,
Bob
____________________________________________________________________
Filmmaking is the art of the invisible;
If anyone notices your work you haven't done your job right.
Re: Other recorder options besides Zoom? by Andy Balla on May 11, 2011 at 2:02:52 pm
I like the H4n for the price. Super simple to use on a set, logical file system, USB connection to any computer with no drivers needed for file transfer. One issue I had was that the form factor of it makes it difficult to use in a sound bag. I ended up getting a Manfrotto Super Clamp. Zoom screws onto the clamp, clamp attaches to boom pole. I've been working this way on a current production using 5D's and 7D's, and it's been a very efficient workflow for me.
Re: Other recorder options besides Zoom? by Noah Kadner on May 11, 2011 at 11:04:43 pm
Personally I think the Zoom is best bang for buck and has quiet preamps. But it's worth getting a demo if you can- ergonomics are different. For example most folks find the Zoom harder to deal/mix with in a sound gear bag than the others.
Re: Other recorder options besides Zoom? by Ty Ford on May 11, 2011 at 11:25:32 pm
The Sony M10 - Little Wonder
Ty Ford
It really is time to retire the cassette machine. I know. Although not a “hi-fi” device, it’s been a staple of radio news and interviews. In the other hand, the Sony M10 is a little thicker than an iPhone comes with 4GB of internal memory and a slot for more, forty hours of constant record on two AA batteries, built in stereo omni mics, a 1/8” TRS audio jack for external mics and another 1/8” TRS that takes pro line level. The 1/8” TRS output switches between headphone and line.
Power it up and the screen shows sample rate, bit depth, amount of recording time left and that it’s in STOP mode. The REC button puts the M10 instantly into record-ready with the yellow back-lit PAUSE button flashing and meters showing level. Hit PAUSE and you’re recording. There’s a five second pre-record buffer, but the M10 has to be in Record Ready first to fill the buffer. The LCD metering shows -40, -24, -12, -6, 0 and OVER. There are also LEDs next to each of the two mics that indicate -12 and OVER, so when the backlit LCD panel goes dark, you can check levels even in the dark. Excellent.
The M10 has a big, dedicated record level knob; no menu diving. The Track Marking button drops flags so you can jump to those points during playback. The digital limiter, along with over 10 dB of analog headroom, allows a wide spectrum of input levels to be successfully recorded. The hardwired remote can stop, start, record or drop track flags and has a red LED that remains lit when recording. A 3 VDC wall wart power supply is included. There’s a small utility speaker mounted in the base of the M10 and in most normal situations it’s loud enough to let you hear what has been recorded.
The built in mics work well, but can be popped if spoken into closely. You could always stick the M10 in a wool mitten. If you’re doing a two-person record, just hold the M10 sideways with one corner pointed to your interviewee and the other to yourself. Don’t like the take? An easy-access front panel Delete button plays back the selected file so you can hear the track you’re about to blow off. A small USB port allows connection to any computer where the M10 appears as a standard drive. The M10 feels and acts like a solid toy.
Re: Other recorder options besides Zoom? by Ty Ford on May 14, 2011 at 2:05:44 pm
Thanks, Ty, for detailing all the features of the M10 (that I'm assuming the Zoom h4n doesn't have, or at least doesn't do as well).
>>>Eric, I don't know that the features are exclusive. The M10 is a easy to use recorder with a good feature set and size factor. It's only short coming is the unbalanced line input. I think most people would agree that by using short cables the potential for problems is low. Also, the line input is professional line, not just -10. That keeps the signal above low level noise.
Recording-quality-wise, do you feel they're the same, or is one better than the other?
>>>I haven't done a direct comparison, but I was happy with the M10.
And do you feel these are the top contenders at this price point?
>>>That is actually above my pay grade. There may be others.
Re: Other recorder options besides Zoom? by Jason Jenkins on May 21, 2011 at 3:12:52 pm
[Daniel Schultz]"Okay, so it seems the three recorders in the $300 range are:
• Tascam DR-100
• Sony M10
• Zoom H4n
Anyone have thoughts on how those three stack up? (Or any others in that price point)"
Late response, but.... I bought a Tascam DR-100 and would not recommend it to anyone. Noisy preamps render it unusable. Packed it up and returned it rather quickly.
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