eisprl

Does anyone out there know of a really good digital recorder that records directly to mp3? I'm looking for something I can record my practice sessions/brass quintet with.

Thanks
Eric

misty.sj

Look for a used iRiver ifp790. You can't buy them new anymore, but they are great. They take one AA battery and they are small. My husband and I use one (hooked up to a Berringer mixer) to record our weekly podcast (Geek.Farm.Life Podcast).

gchun

I have an Edirol R-09. Works very well. Records to mp3 (as well as 24 bit, 44.1) There is a built-in stereo mic (and will accept an external mic) and it records to SD cards, even accepts the 4gb high capacity cards. The interface is very easy to use. It does eat batteries and the door for the sd card slot takes a little getting used to using. Overall, I'm very happy with the unit.

Others have mentioned success with the recorders by Zoom. You might want to check those out as well since they are a bit cheaper than the Edirol.

Garry

JustinSmith

Check out the forums on the Zoom H2 & H4.

They are both great units. I bought a Zoom H2 after all of the good reviews on this site. I record all of my gigs and use in my practice sessions as well. I usually just record at the highest MP3 setting, 320kbps.

With the H2 with it's four built in microphones, you can place it on a mic stand and place it in the center of your quintet.

The H4 has XLR and 1/4" inputs, with phantom power. It has some more possiblities.

You can usually find them on Ebay for $200 & $300 respectfully. On Ebay, the stores will usually throw in an extra 2 or 4 Gig memory card.

Here is a link from Sweetwater.

Zoom H2 Handy Recorder | Sweetwater.com
Zoom H4 Handy Recorder | Sweetwater.com

Bill Dishman

I have the older Edirol R-01 (New version is the R-09)

I am extremely pleased with it.

Especially the inboard microphone quality for rehearsals etc.

I use it each week at brass quintet rehearsal for evaluation for the following week's session to plan improvement areas.

The outboard microphone capability is also a good aspect to have available.

Have even recorded recitals with it.

Very clean sound and easy to use.

I did get a larger SD card for longer lengths as I use the 24 bit WAVE files mode most of the time.

Personal practice I use one of the many mp3 file formats


Bill Dishman
Gainesville, Florida

MrClean

I too have an Edirol R1 as well as a Zoom H2 - both are fine. The "new kid on the block" is a bit more expensive, but it looks to be more durable with much greater battery life - my brother-in-law just bought one and loves it:

Sony PCM-D50 | Sweetwater.com

midwestchops

i really want to get one of the zoom recorders. would be great for practice and taking to performances. all recordings i have heard on them are good.

bigtiny

Zoom H4....EXCELLENT!!!!

bigtiny

brassandzin

The Zoom H4 and Edirol are both good options, but one thing to keep in mind is that just because something is small doesn't make it better. These small recorders are "convenient" only until you start pushing buttons that you didn't intend to. Don't buy until you try.

trumpetgeek01

Creative Zen Vision M. It makes great recordings for ensembles or if you're practicing. I've recorded jazz combos and myself and I am very happy with it as a practice tool. It's so simple to use and it is a 60 gig. so you can hold a massive amounts of Mp3s, videos, pictures, recordings, and organizer data in the thing.