portable recording device for LOUD ROCK concerts

[murry4]

I've read through a bunch of threads and used the search feature, but haven't found an answer for my specific problem. I'm in the market for a portable recorder for under $500 (looking at the tascam dr-100) for recording live LOUD rock concerts. I can set the level at sound check so thats not the issue. The problem I've been having is the loud low end from the kick drum and the bass overdrives the mic's... so even when i lower the level, it's still distorted. I have no problem using external mic's if that's what I need to do. Please let me know if this can be solved with a recorder in my price range. I have been using an old tascam portable DAT recorder from 15-20 years ago that I couldn't be happier with. I just think DAT tapes are a pain in this age of memory cards. Thanks in advance...

[jnorman]

the DR100 should do fine at this application. i had one for a while, and it tested out nicely for me. however, i would suggest you visit taperssection.com - there are tons of people over there who do just what you are asking, and have tried out all varieties of portable recorders, pres, mics, setups, etc, in the search for the perfect tracking of loud rock concerts.