tascam dr-100 or zoom h4n

[bojan_1]

anyone tried the new tascam dr-100 yet? is it qualitively/microphonewise better than the zoom h4n?

thanks

bojan

[rumleymusic]

Well I can tell you that the DR-1 sounds much better than the H4 in my opinion. Supposedly they improved the mics and preamps in the H4N, and the Tascam made improvements in the casing and recording functions in the 100. Either way is a safe bet i would say.

[oe894tj-039486j-]

This started out so simply... I have been eyeing the TASCAM DR-100 for a while. All but ready to purchase. Doing my last minute research to make sure it really is the right item. Came here tonite and read a bunch of info about competing/similar/better/worse recorders. Basically scoped every device on these lists (Avisoft comparison, Portable Digital Recorders (no mindless questions)) and a few others, and my requirements eliminate almost all alternatives.

It seems it's down to Tascam DR-100 vs. Zoom H4n, and I now favor the Zoom, mainly because of the 4 simultaneous tracks capability (even though it's only 48KHz/24-bit) but also other minor appealing aspects such as ad hoc PC audio interface, built-in effects, etc. Lower price doesn't hurt either. Seems like it has the most potential for creative/compositional applications vs. simply pristine audio.

Previously I was really into the Tascam because I thought you could blend the two sets of internal mics onto 2 tracks or possibly record them onto 4 separate tracks, but now that I have read up in the manual, I think this is incorrect. + wasn't aware there even was a "true" 4-track handheld device on the market. (Any further background explanation probably belongs in the "stupid things I heard @ guitar center" thread.)

(Also listened to sound samples here (link from another thread) and definitely didn't hear anything unexpected or highly discouraging, though I would have liked more instrumental samples of the H4n.)

Anticipated Usage (roughly speaking)

• 60% "musique concrete"-type sources I run across in my daily travels, most likely to be refined for use in composition via DAW, samplers, etc.; probably most of this will be done w/ internal mics. (and implied is that I intend to carry it around w/ me like a phone, when I am doing "other stuff" i.e. not out to capture audio!)
• 30% individual instruments (drums!) or ensembles (under relatively controlled circumstances) for same.; probably about 50/50 internal mics vs. external
• 5% occasional recording of live ensembles (probably 99% "pop"; rock/metal; some potentially very loud!), most likely at small venues, or in rehearsal/un-sound-reinforced situations (i.e. probably not "concerts"); probably 50/50 internal vs. external mics
• 5% everything else; e.g. voice/conversation/lecture for utility, archival, and/or artistic purposes

In the big scheme, sonic quality alone is probably not the most important thing I am looking for. More like "best sonic quality that does everything else I want".

Essential Features
"pocket-sized" i.e. no satchel-style / half-rack-unit-sized devices
(capable of at least) 24/96 recording
built in mic(s)
XLR mic inputs + phantom power

nice-to-have: pre-record buffer
looking to keep it in the $500-and-under range

Specific Questions re: the Zoom, for owners/users
"plug-in microphone power" - they say it can't be used simultaneously with the built in mics. They're not talking about phantom power, right?

Any difficulties - physical or otherwise - with the "push to select" function of the selection dial? seems like a lot (everything!) depends on this dial; I am mainly concerned about it getting worn out from constant use.

Very interested in any other "gotcha" issues w/r to overall usability, e.g. the "power off immediately" button is right next to the "start recording the coolest thing ever" button. (...which is right next to the "format media w/o asking for confirmation" button.) <- that kinda stuff.

Any advice, answers, or suggestions e.g. some dark horse I have overlooked would be appreciated. Thank you!

P.S. the other stuff which was on the "short list" - which you can probably guess - and which might be worth a persuasive argument...
no XLR: Olympus LS-11, Sony PCM-D50, Korg MR-1 (+ don't really want HD-based), Edirol R-09 HR (+ website wouldn't load forever :P; didn't really fully review this one)
no mics: Marantz PDM661
and I appreciate the "higher bracket altogether" aspect of stuff like the Nagras, Sony PCM-D1, etc. but this isn't really for those kinds of apps. Anything so pricey that I would have to obsess over keeping it safe kinda kills the vibe.

[didier.brest]

From these samples, I much prefer the Tascam sound. But the Sony PCM D50 is still better. And much more expensive...

[oe894tj-039486j-]

...about ready to click "buy" on this ...

Any last minute comments?

TY!

[tacman1123]

So, what'd you decide?

I'm found this thread while comparing the same two products, my needs are close but slightly different. I'm looking for a way to record audio for interviews and making movies. I just purchased a dSLR camera with HD video, beautiful video but I need better audio. My original plan was to use the Zoom H4n, but if there's a similarly-priced option that's even better, I'm interested in it.

I don't need any special effects, just the cleanest sound I can get, especially voices.

Recommendations?

Tac

[mathieujm]

Originally Posted by tacman1123

So, what'd you decide?
I don't need any special effects, just the cleanest sound I can get, especially voices.
Tac

With internal or external mics ?
If external, static mics or dynamics ?

JMM

[Orange Goblin]

A friend of mine is in the exact same predicament.

Are there anyone else who would like to chip in with their experience?

[jnorman]

i had a DR-100 for a while, and i thought it was pretty good for the money. the preamps are not as good as my outboard gear, but still quite useable. the pres in the zoom are not quite as good as the tascam, IMO. if you want 4 channels, just get a better machine like the edirol R44 or the tascam dr-680.

[petsematary]

Oade Bros are offering an upgrade to the Tascam unit now. Not shipping yet, but it's "coming soon", according to their website.

[ultrabop]

Originally Posted by Orange Goblin

A friend of mine is in the exact same predicament.

Are there anyone else who would like to chip in with their experience?

Yeah, I just returned my H4N because I thought the pre-amps sounded tinny, and I was totally flabergasted by the user interface. It seemed every time I went to use the menu I ended up at a brick wall and some of the function buttons on the front of the machine didn't do anything when I pressed them. The manual was useless, just a bunch of diagrams and numbers. Maybe I'm a klutz but I think if you want to use a machine in a professional environment, it needs to be more intuitive. So I'm looking for something better maybe simpler with more options for outputs and inputs that can be integrated into a studio, not just for on site video.

[Shubi]

For some lower budget gigs, I use a Sound Devices MixPre in front of a Tascam DR-40 recorder. I wouldn't really trust the preamps on most of these handheld recorders.

[Orange Goblin]

Originally Posted by Shubi

For some lower budget gigs, I use a Sound Devices MixPre in front of a Tascam DR-40 recorder. I wouldn't really trust the preamps on most of these handheld recorders.

True dat, but when we start talking SD gear, it's a bit more expensive.