Portable Recorders with SPDIF output

bluegrasser · 26th May 2009

I want something to record my kids in the car. On board mic is a necessity as is SPDIF output, so I can feed the takes into my Masterlink at home. All recommendations welcome. Thank you....

sunflute · 26th May 2009

M-AUDIO Microtrack II

bluegrasser · 26th May 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunflute

M-AUDIO Microtrack II

That appears to be a SPDIF input. Looking for SPDIF output. Thanks.

NorseHorse · 26th May 2009

Edirol R-44.

Not handheld though.

Don S · 26th May 2009

Any of the Sound Devices 7XX recorders

John Willett · 26th May 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don S

Any of the Sound Devices 7XX recorders

Nagra LB

Biber · 27th May 2009

Tascam HD-P2

desotoslo · 27th May 2009

pcm-d50, optical in and out. i personally convert RCA out of my audiofire8 with M-Audio CO2, before it hits the pcm-d50, toslink.

Ozpeter · 27th May 2009

The SPDIF part is really restricting your choice and raising the cost - are you convinced there's no way round that part of the requirement? Normally these days the workflow is record to memory card, pop that in your PC, edit with the software of your choice (even something free like Audacity). For the purpose you describe I would have thought a Zoom H2 would be perfectly adequate (and if placed between the front seats would record you in the front on the front mics and the kids in the back on the rear mics).

I last did this about 30 years ago using a portable JVC cassette recorder with Super ANRS NR, and a binaural mic I made from Radio Shack capsules, a wooden disc with broomstick pole piece running through it, and a couple of sieves either side for windshielding. And I still have the result (and grandchildren!). I took my kids across the Thames ferry at Woolwich in London, and all you hear on the recording is my daughter saying "Dad, I wanna go inna water!". "No, darling, you would drown or get very cold". Silence for about 15 seconds. "Dad, I wanna go inna water!". Repeat as if on a loop for the whole trip....

Gaston69 · 27th May 2009

John,

Did you wrote a review/test on the Nagra LB?

Gaston

John Willett · 27th May 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaston69

John,

Did you wrote a review/test on the Nagra LB?

Not yet, I'm still waiting for it.

I have been told it should be soon now.

Gaston69 · 27th May 2009

John,

Will you do an AB test with Nagra VI?

John Willett · 27th May 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaston69

John,

Will you do an AB test with Nagra VI?

Probably, as I have a Nagra VI.

My understanding so far is that the LB is likely to be equal or better than the SD, but not as good as the Nagra VI.

Dan Steinberg · 27th May 2009

I have to agree with Ozpeter that the s/pdif output requirement is a bit limiting. How about this workflow:

-Buy any handheld recorder, not worrying about s/pdif output
-Copy audio file from recorder's memory card to desktop/laptop computer
-Open file in itunes and burn all relevant audio files to a redbook audio CD
-Insert redbook audio CD into masterlink and import from disc onto masterlink's hard disc

Kind of a pain, but probably quicker than real time transfers? You could also use a re-writable CD so that you didn't keep wasting discs just for this workflow.

Gutbucket · 28th May 2009

You may also consider the older Edirol R-09 which has an optical SPDIF output, internal mics, is hand-held and inexpensive (used or possibly new old stock). It would seem a perfect match for this application. You should be aware that the digital output has been eliminated on the newer R-09HR version which has replaced it over the past year.

Agreed that computer x-fer is probably faster, but I won't argue the workflow.

26th May 2009	#1
bluegrasser Gear addict Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 404 Thread Starter	Portable Recorders with SPDIF output I want something to record my kids in the car. On board mic is a necessity as is SPDIF output, so I can feed the takes into my Masterlink at home. All recommendations welcome. Thank you....

27th May 2009	#8
desotoslo Lives for gear Joined: May 2008 Location: AZ Posts: 1,138	pcm-d50, optical in and out. i personally convert RCA out of my audiofire8 with M-Audio CO2, before it hits the pcm-d50, toslink. __________________ The temple bell stops / but the sound keeps ringing / out from the flowers. - - basho

27th May 2009	#14
Dan Steinberg Gear nut Joined: Jun 2005 Location: Washington D.C. Posts: 81	I have to agree with Ozpeter that the s/pdif output requirement is a bit limiting. How about this workflow: -Buy any handheld recorder, not worrying about s/pdif output -Copy audio file from recorder's memory card to desktop/laptop computer -Open file in itunes and burn all relevant audio files to a redbook audio CD -Insert redbook audio CD into masterlink and import from disc onto masterlink's hard disc Kind of a pain, but probably quicker than real time transfers? You could also use a re-writable CD so that you didn't keep wasting discs just for this workflow. __________________ Dan Steinberg Pro Audio Product Manager http://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmsteinberg

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26th May 2009	#2
sunflute Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Arlington, MA Posts: 549	M-AUDIO Microtrack II

26th May 2009	#4
NorseHorse Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2008 Location: DC Posts: 2,095 2 Reviews written	Edirol R-44. Not handheld though.

26th May 2009	#5
Don S Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,376	Any of the Sound Devices 7XX recorders

27th May 2009	#7
Biber Gear Head Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Dreis-Brück; Eifel; Germany Posts: 35	Tascam HD-P2

27th May 2009	#9
Ozpeter Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 624	The SPDIF part is really restricting your choice and raising the cost - are you convinced there's no way round that part of the requirement? Normally these days the workflow is record to memory card, pop that in your PC, edit with the software of your choice (even something free like Audacity). For the purpose you describe I would have thought a Zoom H2 would be perfectly adequate (and if placed between the front seats would record you in the front on the front mics and the kids in the back on the rear mics). I last did this about 30 years ago using a portable JVC cassette recorder with Super ANRS NR, and a binaural mic I made from Radio Shack capsules, a wooden disc with broomstick pole piece running through it, and a couple of sieves either side for windshielding. And I still have the result (and grandchildren!). I took my kids across the Thames ferry at Woolwich in London, and all you hear on the recording is my daughter saying "Dad, I wanna go inna water!". "No, darling, you would drown or get very cold". Silence for about 15 seconds. "Dad, I wanna go inna water!". Repeat as if on a loop for the whole trip....

27th May 2009	#10
Gaston69 Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Belgium Posts: 664	John, Did you wrote a review/test on the Nagra LB? Gaston

28th May 2009	#15
Gutbucket Gear Head Joined: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 53	You may also consider the older Edirol R-09 which has an optical SPDIF output, internal mics, is hand-held and inexpensive (used or possibly new old stock). It would seem a perfect match for this application. You should be aware that the digital output has been eliminated on the newer R-09HR version which has replaced it over the past year. Agreed that computer x-fer is probably faster, but I won't argue the workflow.