Portable audio recording device

[David C jones]

Hi Jack

Well, you’re pretty much correct in your findings; you’re not going to find the recording device with everything you’ve described and in that price range.

I have an M-Audio Microtrack II, which has balanced inputs w/48v power, switchable mic/line, but are not XLRs; they’re 1/4″ phone jacks. It records up to 24bit/96K, but has meters with no numbers and probably feels as cheap as the Zoom H4. I got it mostly to provide transcriptions for producers.

It seems everybody-and-their-brother is coming out with these small recording devices, most lacking something a professional would want. The bottom line is that you’re most likely not going to find something that has XLRs and a built-in mic.

Probably the overall best one out there, is the Sony PCM-D1. But it’s $1,800! You might as well get the Sound Devices 702 and use your own mics. Sony does have another one out…the PCM-D50 at $599 (or less). Again, probably the best built one in that price range but not all the features you want.

Hopefully this helps.

[Rodney Morris]

I use the Zoom H4 for transcription recording. While the Zoom H4 does have XLR inputs, they are not line level selectable. They are mic inputs with varying degrees of input sensitivity (Lo/Mid/Hi via switches on the side). You can adjust the gain of each channel via the menu (some diving involved). It’s not exactly convenient, but for only $300 it works well enough for transcription duty. The lack of line level input is really annoying though.

Freelance Sound Technician/Mixer

[Jack Taranto]

Thanks guys.

I did have a sneaking suspicion that the H4’s XLR inputs were not line level selectable. Although it was not specifically stated anywhere.

What is the build quality like? Does it feel “plasticy” and cheap?

The M-audio Microtrack looks nice, I guess the problem is converting XLR down to 1/4″ jack.

[David C jones]

I didn’t realize the H4 had XLR inputs. That’s strange though, that it’s not switchable to line.

The Microtrack II seems to have the most options (minus XLR inputs, though they are balanced). It also has a 1/8″ TRS mic input, as well as a S/PDIF for digital recording. The “built-in” mic is actually detachable; it plugs in on top via 1/8″ stereo plug. It does feel “plasticy” cheap, though. And I’m not a fan of the meters. There’s no indication where -20db is. Or 0db for that matter. After some chatting on the Microtrack website, I did get some info about them.

[Rodney Morris]

Yeah, the H4 feels plasticky and cheap. One good drop would do it in. Though in all fairness, you wouldn’t want to drop ANY recorder.

I was a little disappointed that the XLR’s weren’t line level selectable. But I feed it with a mic level feed from my Sound Devices 442 and it works fine (for transcription purposes). I’ve not done any A/B tests to see how good the AD conversion is, but on $300 unit I have my suspicions.

Freelance Sound Technician/Mixer

[Andrew Commiskey]

The H4 does have line level inputs (you have to convert the XLR to TRS 1/4″ plugs) I have one and while the sound is OK I have had problems with basic operation and workflow. It does not retain operation settings when you remove the memory card which disconnects the batteries. (A SD card to USB adaptor is much faster for transferring files than through the H4’s USB output) The operating system is cumbersome and not friendly if you are in a hurry. I recently got an Olympus LM-10 and I am much happier. OS is straight forward, it is smaller and the on board mics sound better. You can also adjust volume without going into the menu. It has no XLR’s but my mixer has a 1/8″ stereo out.
Hope this helps.
Drew

Chaos is the beginning of everything.

[Rodney Morris]

Thanks Andrew for the info on the line level 1/4″ inputs. I don’t remember seeing that in the manual – maybe I should look again.

Freelance Sound Technician/Mixer

[Jeff Mack]

I always wonder why a laptop and a FW interface is not deemed a portable setup. I feel your options are much better to get a better sound.

Jeff