Need a new mini recorder...

AlexLakis · 12th September 2006, 12:52 AM

Well, my digital mini recorder that I carry with me to record lyrics and hum melodies and whatnot went thru it's inevitable trip thru the washing machine (thus has been the fate of every mini recorder I've ever owned...it's just a matter of time.)

I was wondering if anybody has any suggestions as to a good replacement? It's been about 4 years since I last bought one, I'm sure they got a lot cheaper and better. Any songwriters here carrying around one that they're liking?

I'm looking for a small digital one with USB connectivity and an optional external mic input (it can be 1/8", whatever.)

T.RayBullard · 12th September 2006, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexLakis

Well, my digital mini recorder that I carry with me to record lyrics and hum melodies and whatnot went thru it's inevitable trip thru the washing machine (thus has been the fate of every mini recorder I've ever owned...it's just a matter of time.)

I was wondering if anybody has any suggestions as to a good replacement? It's been about 4 years since I last bought one, I'm sure they got a lot cheaper and better. Any songwriters here carrying around one that they're liking?

I'm looking for a small digital one with USB connectivity and an optional external mic input (it can be 1/8", whatever.)

YES! the m-audio microtrack.

AlexLakis · 12th September 2006, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.RayBullard

YES! the m-audio microtrack.

Yeah, I was looking at that. But it's $400!! I can't rationalize spending that kinda money on something I carry on my person every day that could be crushed, left somewhere, and inevitably put thru the washer. It doesn't need to be the best quality or anything, just something to hold my ideas while I'm on the go until I get around to putting them into proper fruition.

I'd say I'm definately looking for something under $100.

T.RayBullard · 12th September 2006, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexLakis

Yeah, I was looking at that. But it's $400!! I can't rationalize spending that kinda money on something I carry on my person every day that could be crushed, left somewhere, and inevitably put thru the washer. It doesn't need to be the best quality or anything, just something to hold my ideas while I'm on the go until I get around to putting them into proper fruition.

I'd say I'm definately looking for something under $100.

eh..http://cgi.ebay.com/Creative-Labs-No...QQcmdZViewItem

the creative labs jukebox 3 does 16/44.1 , has digi in, and a 20g hard drive...you can use it with the sony 907 mics, etc..they are all over ebay..

just type in creative jukebox 3...honestly..that is your best bet.

Teddy

I know of a guy selling one actally..shoot an email to andrew@aclarkedesign.com..tell him Teddy from Germany sent you..he has 2 batteries for it too. (last 3-5 hrs)

jowillie · 12th September 2006, 01:11 AM

I hope I understand what you need...but I use one of these for similar use as you indicate. As a matter of fact, I added and ENG mic and a little boost box and recorded a talk program for a syndicated radio show on one.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...gitalmusic.asp

AlexLakis · 12th September 2006, 01:14 AM

Ah, that's waaay to big and too heavy. I'd like it to be around the size of my index and middle fingers put together, and no more than 2 ounces or so.

I'm looking for something like this, only it doesn't have to play MP3s, and has an alternate input:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16855102134

The highest quality possible under $100 would be nice...For some reason, I've been looking for days and haven't been able to find something I think I'd be happy with...

P.S. Thanks a lot for your suggestions so far, Teddy!

AlexLakis · 12th September 2006, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jowillie

I hope I understand what you need...but I use one of these for similar use as you indicate. As a matter of fact, I added and ENG mic and a little boost box and recorded a talk program for a syndicated radio show on one.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...gitalmusic.asp

Yeah, that's more of what I'm talkin about, those have all the features I want in the package I'm looking for...still a little pricey, tho!

I guess these things haven't come down in price at all since I shopped for my old one, like, four years ago?

jowillie · 12th September 2006, 01:18 AM

Here's the exact one I've been using for a while. My partner uses the WS100, considerably less expensive and does a great job.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1171

AlexLakis · 12th September 2006, 01:19 AM

Oh, nice! I just navigated the site a little more and found some with the functions and price range I'm looking for!

Thanks a lot, I think I'll go with onna these!

EDIT: I think this one: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1270

FURTHER EDIT: Oooo, looks like the one you suggested has much better sound quality...44k versus 12k...Plus, it only requires one AAA battery instead of two...Hmm...

AlexLakis · 12th September 2006, 01:28 AM

I'm going with the WS-100 for now. Gonna sleep on it.

The USB option is gonna be nice, that option wasn't really as affordable 4 years ago. For the past 4 years, when I've wanted to dump to my computer from the mini recorder, I've had to open a Pro Tools session and press the play button for each file I recorded! UGH!

Thanks for the help!

AlexLakis · 12th September 2006, 02:07 AM

Decided to go with the DS-2:

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-DS-2-D...619824?ie=UTF8

It's under a hundred bucks, and has a little better quality than the WS-100.

It also has a built in stereo mic (coooool!)

It's 1 gram heavier, and takes 2 AAAs instead of 1, but I think the stereo thing is the deal maker.

Thanks again, guys! Now back to discussing about REAL recording equipment.

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12th September 2006, 12:52 AM	#1
AlexLakis Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Annapolis, MD/L.A. Posts: 3,612	Need a new mini recorder... Well, my digital mini recorder that I carry with me to record lyrics and hum melodies and whatnot went thru it's inevitable trip thru the washing machine (thus has been the fate of every mini recorder I've ever owned...it's just a matter of time.) I was wondering if anybody has any suggestions as to a good replacement? It's been about 4 years since I last bought one, I'm sure they got a lot cheaper and better. Any songwriters here carrying around one that they're liking? I'm looking for a small digital one with USB connectivity and an optional external mic input (it can be 1/8", whatever.)

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12th September 2006, 01:11 AM	#5
jowillie Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NC Posts: 206	I hope I understand what you need...but I use one of these for similar use as you indicate. As a matter of fact, I added and ENG mic and a little boost box and recorded a talk program for a syndicated radio show on one. http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...gitalmusic.asp

12th September 2006, 01:14 AM	#6
AlexLakis Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Annapolis, MD/L.A. Posts: 3,612	Ah, that's waaay to big and too heavy. I'd like it to be around the size of my index and middle fingers put together, and no more than 2 ounces or so. I'm looking for something like this, only it doesn't have to play MP3s, and has an alternate input: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16855102134 The highest quality possible under $100 would be nice...For some reason, I've been looking for days and haven't been able to find something I think I'd be happy with... P.S. Thanks a lot for your suggestions so far, Teddy!

12th September 2006, 01:18 AM	#8
jowillie Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NC Posts: 206	Here's the exact one I've been using for a while. My partner uses the WS100, considerably less expensive and does a great job. http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1171

12th September 2006, 01:19 AM	#9
AlexLakis Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Annapolis, MD/L.A. Posts: 3,612	Oh, nice! I just navigated the site a little more and found some with the functions and price range I'm looking for! Thanks a lot, I think I'll go with onna these! EDIT: I think this one: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1270 FURTHER EDIT: Oooo, looks like the one you suggested has much better sound quality...44k versus 12k...Plus, it only requires one AAA battery instead of two...Hmm...

12th September 2006, 01:28 AM	#10
AlexLakis Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Annapolis, MD/L.A. Posts: 3,612	I'm going with the WS-100 for now. Gonna sleep on it. The USB option is gonna be nice, that option wasn't really as affordable 4 years ago. For the past 4 years, when I've wanted to dump to my computer from the mini recorder, I've had to open a Pro Tools session and press the play button for each file I recorded! UGH! Thanks for the help!

12th September 2006, 02:07 AM	#11
AlexLakis Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Annapolis, MD/L.A. Posts: 3,612	Decided to go with the DS-2: http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-DS-2-D...619824?ie=UTF8 It's under a hundred bucks, and has a little better quality than the WS-100. It also has a built in stereo mic (coooool!) It's 1 gram heavier, and takes 2 AAAs instead of 1, but I think the stereo thing is the deal maker. Thanks again, guys! Now back to discussing about REAL recording equipment.