Freesound Forums

Hello, just joined Freesound not too long ago. I am still new to this whole recording sound editing/recording field.

I was wondering if anybody could give me suggestions on decent recording equipment for a college student to use. I hope to record all types of sounds I might use for movies but more so in theatrical plays. At the same time, I wouldn't mind using the equipment to really get the best of musical performances from a solo instrument but this is a lower priority. What I'm eyeing right now is the Zoom H2 handheld recorder. I would be willing to spend just about that $180 price tag, is it?-- unless someone can persuade me otherwise.

Also, I'm looking for decent speakers for the same types of sounds. No idea yet on what I should get. Any enduring brands I should look out for?

whatsanickname4u
Hello, just joined Freesound not too long ago. I am still new to this whole recording sound editing/recording field.

I was wondering if anybody could give me suggestions on decent recording equipment for a college student to use. I hope to record all types of sounds I might use for movies but more so in theatrical plays. At the same time, I wouldn't mind using the equipment to really get the best of musical performances from a solo instrument but this is a lower priority. What I'm eyeing right now is the Zoom H2 handheld recorder. I would be willing to spend just about that $180 price tag, is it?-- unless someone can persuade me otherwise.

Also, I'm looking for decent speakers for the same types of sounds. No idea yet on what I should get. Any enduring brands I should look out for?

Welcome to Freesound! The Zoom H2 will be okay for recording some sounds, but from a solo instrument it would be better to have a dedicated condenser mic (or 2) for the job. That said, for the money you can't do better than the H2. As far as speakers go, what size of speaker are you talking about? A small nearfield monitor to listen closely, or a larger reference monitor for general listening?

whatsanickname4u

decent recording equipment for a college student to use.
to record all types of sounds I wouldn't mind using the equipment to really get the best of musical performances from a solo instrument but this is a lower priority. What I'm eyeing right now is the Zoom H2 handheld recorder. I would be willing to spend just about that $180 price tag, is it?-- unless someone can persuade me otherwise.

Greetings,

given you are nervous at spending $180, you won't get a better sound in that price-range. The H2 can make great recordings, there are plenty on Freesound that support that. For your interest here is a H2 orchestral recording:

Click here --> www.digifishmusic.com/public/sounds/Freesound_H2_Orchestra.zip (1.6 Meg)

It was made on a Zoom H2 (courtesy of OZPeter ). The H2 was in the center of the orchestra on a 12 foot stand. The stand was right in front of, and effectively above, the first row of woodwind instruments. The back of the H2 faced the back of the orchestra and the front faced the conductor, looking across the back of the string players.

Some other flash-recorder options are...

Edirol R09HR
Marantz PMD620
Olympus LS-10
Sony PCM-D50
Tascam DR-1

BTW: This site has a nice comparison of features and inboard/outboard mics etc...

http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/compare-portable-recorders.html

About the Zoom H2, while it makes nice field recordings, the mics are definitely more colored than the group above.

Here's the sound comparison page...

http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-sound-samples.html

I have extensive experience with the R09 and R09HR if you want to ask questions about them

digifish

Thanks digifish. I'll look into it.

In reply to tweeterdj I'm hoping to find nearfield monitors but could you recommend me one or two in both categories just incase?

whatsanickname4u
Thanks digifish. I'll look into it.

In reply to tweeterdj I'm hoping to find nearfield monitors but could you recommend me one or two in both categories just incase?

Great NFM's for those on a budget are...

Alesis M1 Mk II.
Behringer TRUTH B2030A

I assumed you needed self-amplified?

digifish

Hmm... not so sure about self-amplified... the thing with the speakers is I'm also looking for connections to my laptop which only has one audio output. Suggestions please! Thanks digifish once again!

whatsanickname4u
Hmm... not so sure about self-amplified... the thing with the speakers is I'm also looking for connections to my laptop which only has one audio output. Suggestions please! Thanks digifish once again!

Digifish's suggestions are good ones. You can easily connect your laptop to any of these speakers with a stereo 1/8" to stereo RCA cable. As far as self-amplified (also called 'active') you probably do want that kind, as otherwise you need to have an amplifier for each speaker. If you have a couple nice amps around this is definitely an option, but any amp that's not really good will colour your sound. Active is definitely easier, especially if you're tight on space as well as budget.