Freesound Forums

For broad usage... city sounds, outdoor music/theatre performances, conversation, nature etc

i don't mind if the mic is separate but i cant afford over 200 $

Sorry if this kinda question gets asked too much I didn't really find it though

you guys are awesomE

ThankS!!!!

LR

lovenrage,

The ZOOM H2 has got to be the best for the $. You can find it online for $179 or less. I was very lucky & picked up one in May for $120 at San Ash online.

-810

I second that suggestion. All the uses you describe, I regularly use an H2 either in my shirt pocket (when stealth is required), or out in the open. You now have the option of Zoom H1 which is simpler and cheaper, but for my needs the form factor of the H2 makes it worth the extra money. (Not to mention the 4 capsules and surround abilities of the H2 which I do ocassionally get into.

Just out of curiousity, has anyone found any cheap netbooks that work OK for recording, for example with a USB microphone like Samson C01U? It would probably be a bit above $200, but then you'd get a netbook as well. Or aren't any of them reliable enough for glitch-free recording?

I wouldn't bother with a computer when doing field recording. A H2 is always ready to do its job, providing you have some spare AA batteries. Two clicks and you're ready for that once in a lifetime recording. And invest in a deadcat, to get rid of the wind. I made one myself.

I checked it out and it looks great.

Thanks for the info... !

speaking of AA batteries, try Eneloop rechargeables by Sanyo. They come precharged & hold a charge longer than other rechargeables. Uh-oh I sound like a pitchman, but really they're good!

-810

For the best low budget / quality balance, I'll third (Or fourth or whatever) the H2. It sounds decent, and you won't find anything else that I know of currently that sounds anywhere near as good for the price. The netbook solution is still going to require a good preamp and a good mic and a reliable interface. Add tat all up and there is no way you can get anything equivalent to the Zoom for even under $500.

This week I bought a ZoomH1. A small handheld recorder with xy configuration. I use a dead cat. The disadvantage of the dead cat is that it is high frquent less pass. This I have adapted by white noise to record with and without dead cat. The difference in character I compensate with audacity. ZoomH1 for users: from 1500Hz to 16kHz, 0 dB to 24 dB in a straight line. and your character is almost completely flat.

price 99$ and verry good. The first recordings you can listen to in a few days theme thunderstorm in the city

good luck

I have an Olympus DS-2 digital voice recorder. It's been a dandy recorder. Editing in the field with it is not particularly easy, but I usually dump the audio into my computer anyway. It's sensitive to picking up the sounds of handling it, but it includes a "leatherette" carry case that virtually eliminates handling noises. It records in some goofy Olympus sound format (DSS) or in WMA.

I got mine at Office Depot several years ago. It's out of production now and you may be able to find it for really cheep. Or you could look for whatever it's replacement was. Here are the stats on the DS-2:
www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_archived_product_details.asp?id=1153&fl=2

Robert