McCreed
Halfnote
Posts: 76
Formerly Known As: Mick Reid @ FDP
|
Post by McCreed on Jan 18, 2020 20:26:40 GMT -5
I'm considering one of these units for quick, easy capture of song ideas and possibly recording rehearsals.
The two models that interest me are the Zoom H-1 and the Tascam DR05X. Both under the $200AU mark.
Anyone have any experience with either of these or similar?
I'm leaning more toward the Tascam as it has a couple extra features (for $10 more) to the Zoom, but both get very good user reviews.
Any experience or input appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Jan 19, 2020 6:39:13 GMT -5
Hey Mick, I just bought the Tascam but yet to put it through its paces. I was inspired after recording a LoFi couch version of "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" on my cellphone then importing it into Pro Tools. I did try a quick test with the Tascam in the same manner and what I found was the fidelity was much better but due to placement of the Tascam the acoustic guitar over powered my vocal. I won't likely get another shot in the next few months but think it'll work with a little experimentation. Be forewarned that the Tascam doesn't ship with a Mini SD card (at least mine didn't) so there is another purchase.
Maybe others with more experience will chime in.
|
|
|
|
Post by 9fingers on Jan 19, 2020 9:32:08 GMT -5
I have used a Zoom H2 for years. It is easy to use, has very good sound quality, and works a long time on a pair of AA batteries (I use rechargeable Eneloops).
|
|
matryx81
Wholenote
I think I know the reason but I can't spell it.
Posts: 771
|
Post by matryx81 on Jan 19, 2020 10:29:08 GMT -5
As someone who has had both the Tascam DR-07 and the Tascam DR-05 version 2, I would try the Zoom H1N or the Olympus LS4. The Zoom I am simply curious about and the Olympus has memory on it that does not require SD cards.
Between the 2 you want, I would try the Zoom first.
|
|
jeffscott
Wholenote
Rickenbacker Guru..............
Posts: 138
Age: GOF
|
Post by jeffscott on Jan 19, 2020 23:16:09 GMT -5
I have a Marantz PMD661. Fantastic recorder. I see they have a 3rd Gen out these day, you should put it on your shortlist.
|
|
McCreed
Halfnote
Posts: 76
Formerly Known As: Mick Reid @ FDP
|
Post by McCreed on Jan 20, 2020 2:47:51 GMT -5
Thanks guys.
I got busy and just now returning to this thread.
I would expect some experimentation to get that right. It's like the "olden days" when bands recorded in the studio with just one mic!
Any experience with the H-1n? The H-2 is pushing it a little bit out of my intended budget.
What is it about the Tascams that you don't like?
I'll have a look the Olympus and Marantz before I check back.
Thanks again!
|
|
tmc
Wholenote
Posts: 905
Formerly Known As: tmc
|
Post by tmc on Jan 20, 2020 10:46:58 GMT -5
I've had good results with a Tascam DR-07. Placement is the key, but it does produce a tight recording. The Zoom Q2N video recorder also does a great job recording audio even at high volumes.
|
|
McCreed
Halfnote
Posts: 76
Formerly Known As: Mick Reid @ FDP
|
Post by McCreed on Jan 20, 2020 17:55:52 GMT -5
Had a look at the Olympus and Marantz units. Definitely good features, but well above my budget.
I'll do some more research on the DR-05 and H-1n.
Thanks, any other input welcome too!
|
|
|
|
Post by Duke on Jan 29, 2020 13:00:46 GMT -5
The Tascam DR05X has a nice "overdub" feature.
|
|
bassngtr
Wholenote
I am all about the bass...
Posts: 147
|
Post by bassngtr on Jan 29, 2020 20:31:40 GMT -5
I bought a Zoom H2N about a year ago to record practices and gigs. The accessory pack is helpful (mic stand adapter, etc.). It's a lower end Zoom but I am beyond happy with it...sound quality FAR exceeds what I expected from it. Good stereo separation even at a distance. 1. I notice that it records somewhat differently when using battery power vs. AC power. I prefer using AC (lower gain result from identical settings IMO). 2. There is some emphasis on very high end (cymbals and hi-hats, some guitar). It's not irritating but is a bit forward. All other freqs are well represented. 3. I highly recommend just turning it on before a gig, and shutting it off at the end of the night (don't ask me why...  ). It seamlessly ends a 2G recording and starts up a new recording that you can easily splice in Audacity. ![]( "Right click to shift") |
|
|
|
Post by digiboy on Jan 30, 2020 14:16:04 GMT -5
If you plan to rely on the built in stereo mic setup, find out what type mics those Tascam models have. In the past some Tascam hand-helds had a built-in pair of uni/cardioid type mics while others had built-in omni mics. Unidirectional mics have a narrow pick up pattern. Omni mics by their nature have a wider pickup pattern and therefore will not give as good a stereo image when used side by side on a hand held.
|
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jan 30, 2020 15:21:42 GMT -5
One of the best handheld recorders you can get--you probably already have: a smartphone.
These have features and processing power that no affordable handheld recorder does. Get a nice USB Stereo mic and an interface like an iRig and you'll be able to make amazingly good recordings.
|
|
matryx81
Wholenote
I think I know the reason but I can't spell it.
Posts: 771
|
Post by matryx81 on Jan 30, 2020 19:47:26 GMT -5
What is it about the Tascams that you don't like? I'll have a look the Olympus and Marantz before I check back. Thanks again! One reason is that I am simply curious with other makers. Another is that the DR-05 seems less intuitive than the DR-07. Attempting to access some of the features through the menu on the DR-05 is...fun. I was curious enough about the DR-08 that I wished I would have picked that one up. IIRC, the Olympus LS-P4 had something along the lines of 8 hours of memory built in that did not require a SD card. The sound also seems to be at least decent if not excellent. Truthfully, I use my recorder for both recording my band and recording concerts. My Tascam DR-07 started eating batteries faster than it used to so it was time for a new recorder. I have not had a chance to give the DR-05 a real test. I have used it once, and will do so again in about a month. With what you have mentioned, I would try the Zoom first. Good luck. |
|
McCreed
Halfnote
Posts: 76
Formerly Known As: Mick Reid @ FDP
|
Post by McCreed on Feb 1, 2020 1:40:13 GMT -5
Sorry just got back to this thread. Thanks matryx81.
|
|
matryx81
Wholenote
I think I know the reason but I can't spell it.
Posts: 771
|
Post by matryx81 on Feb 1, 2020 16:08:11 GMT -5
It's all good.
I will use my Tascam DR-05 version 2 until it quits. Scoring it at $80 probably helps.
If you get the Zoom, please let us know how it works out. I am curious about their units.
|
|
|
|
Post by hushnel on Mar 2, 2020 14:14:49 GMT -5
I used the Zoom H2 for years, it was fairly intuitive. It died last year. I usually record rehearsals. I purchased a Tascam DR-05X soon after. It does what I need, it seems a little less friendly than the Zoom. I don’t use all it’s functions just on, record, pause and off.
|
|
). It seamlessly ends a 2G recording and starts up a new recording that you can easily splice in Audacity. 
