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Cortland.Davis wrote:Does anyone know a cheap audio recorder that I could record myself playing solos and such, but I don't want to buy one that is just going to sound like static and bad quality. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Cory

I use what is now a fairly aged Sony Minidisk recorder. The only thing I don't like about it is that I have to go through the menus each time to turn off automatic record level control and then adjust the record level. I use an Audio-Technika AT-822 stereo microphone (I think I'm remembering that number correctly), on a stand several feet above the bell and 6-8 feet in front of me. The room needs to be large enough so that the low notes can resonate--a low ceiling will undermine any recording approach.

That microphone into the mic input of a laptop might do just as well. But my setup is extremely portable--the Sony recorder is about 3" square and an inch thick. I'm sure there's much slicker stuff on the market now, but this is still good enough.

Rick "don't use an iPhone--the low range sensitivity of the mic input has been attenuated" Denney

Neptune and I have both had good results with the Zoom H2 digital recorder. Lightweight, about the size of a pack of cigarettes, 2-AA batteries to operate (comes with an AC adapter). Records on SD (up to 2 gigabyte cards) or SDHC (4+ gigabytes....up to 16?). Records in various formats up to 96kHz and 24-bit, and also MP3. Recording time depends on format chosen.

My H2 came with a mini-stereo to RCA-stereo cable (short) for playback through stereo components, or recording of broadcasts (or dubbing your LP record collection to digital), a foam windscreen. Has line-in and microphone inputs and a headphone jack and USB 2.0 interface.

Best results will be obtained when the unit is not moved or bumped during recording. I usually attach mine to a camera tripod or light stand. The bottom of the H2 is threaded for attachment.

More (and current) product features can be seen in the Amazon listing:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H2-Portable- ... 251&sr=8-1" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

"4 mic capsules and signal processing allows Front 90 cardioid, Rear 120 cardioid and 360 polar patterns."

Every time one of these threads shows up, I recommend the Edirol R-9. I still think it is great, and there is a new model out that is even better than the one I use. There are several in-depth discussions on this subject in the archives; do a quick search and you'll find lots of quality information.

I'm going to second the motion for the Zoom H2. Great little recorder.

I have the Zoom H4, which is like the H2 except you can record four tracks instead of two. I also have the AT 822 mike and a mini-disk. The built-in mikes of the Zoom sound as good to my ears recording tuba and brass in general, as the much more expensive stereo-mike with minidisk setup, as well as being a lot less hassle to set up. The zoom is very portable, but no you don't want to bonk it while you're recording because you'll have a great recording of the bonk. You can just put it on something soft on a chair if you don't want to buy a tripod.

The zoom does have a small screen (mine does, but it's several years old) and a menu that is not all that intuitive, so you need your reading glasses and decent light to see it in.

I have a friend with an Edirol who loves it, too.

MA

if you have an ipod this would be great.

http://www.alesis.com/protrack" target="_blank

I have bought a Zoom H4n on da Bay but haven't received it yet,
Report to follow. . .

ben wrote:The H2 was substantially cheaper, but I did not like the L/M/H selector for selecting mic gain on the side. It indicated to me I may not get the level of gain control I desire

To avoid misleading other potential purchasers, it is worthwhile to note that _each_ of the L/M/H mic gain settings on the H2 is _user adjustable through a range of
0-->127_, using the touchpad on the front of the unit.

With the mics on standby (prior to beginning recording), bar graphs show the effect of the customized gain selection for reference in setting appropriately.

Gain on the H2 can also be adjusted while recording if necessary.

If you are prepared to use your computer/laptop for the purpose get yourself a free on with full editing facilities and multitracking here: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/" target="_blank

That way you can spend more on a decent mike too.

Ola