M-AUDIO - MicroTrack 24/96 or Roland Eiodirol R-09

http://www.lightstalkers.org/what_kind_of_audio_recorder_do_you_use

I recently bought the R-09 and it is incredible… Granted, it’s the only one I’ve ever used, but based on my experience with it so far and the comments from the above post, I just don’t see how it could get any better with a different unit.

Thanks for the quick response. I had seen those threads before and couldn’t find them. After your comment and reading both those threads I am now definately favouring the R-09 over the MicroTrack, mainly because of the batteries but I’m now also wonder about the Samsontech Zoom H4 because of the price and XLR inputs????

I would love the Marantz for quality and XLR inputs but am ruling it out, not on price but on size.

Thanks again,
Terry

i’ve had the microtrack for more than a year and used it extensively in the field: cambodia, india, bhutan etc…and made excellent recordings with it. the only drawback is that when the built in batteries kick the bucket, i’ll have to send it to the manufacturer for replacing. the other drawback with the micro is that it has a separate small microphone…this can get lost. i have a friend who has the zoom, and swears by it. i’ve handled the zoom, and it’s similar to the micro…it has built-in microphones and regular batteries.

i suppose if i had the choice now, i’d go for the zoom for the convenience of the batteries, and microphones.

One thing I seldom see mentioned about the microtrack is how slow it is to turn on. It’s at least 5-10 seconds from the time you press the power button until it’s fully on. To catch some sound in the moment is nearly impossible because of this and it led to all sorts of frustrations as my interview subjects had to wait for me to ‘boot up’ the microtrack.

As Tewfic mentioned, having the built-in battery was another pain and made it difficult to use when off the grid.

I’ve only been using the R-09 for about a month, but am much happier with the usability of it.

good luck with your choice.

I’m trying to get going a sound recording system whilst trying to keep the $ minimum. I have a 60 gig ipod which i thought i could use if i bought the Griffin iTalk Pro ( http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/griffin-italkpro-stereo-microphone-for-ipod-5g/ ) and an external mic perhaps. Any suggestions as to this would be good enough?

Thanks.

The microphone is your biggest investment. I just got the Sennheiser ME66, and it’s great. So much easier to mic from 18” than 6”, and I’ve just been mounting it and recording from 3ft away, and the sound is excellent. Not “oh my god I can’t believe it’s not real” but very close.

Even I have no major complains, it has few problems:

1. No real time clock, you have to record in someway the approximate start of your recording.
2. Is not a tank, plastic enclosure feels fragile.
3. It gets noise from you when you hold it with your hand, you need to add an small tripod to isolate it properly.
4. You have to keep your eye on the battery indicator before it runs out of power.
5. No case included.

If you need something more rugged, I could suggest any Marantz model.

Edmond

A small preview is available here.

http://www.solidstatesound.co.uk/nagra_ares-m.htm

Makes me wonder if the Edirol 09 is the BEST choice. Because with the Nagra you have clip-on mikes, windshields (wind being a real issue with the built-in mikes of the Edirol), editing on the spot, 2 AA batteries, a sturdier build. BUT only 1Gig internal memory, no removable memory. It is also quite a lot more expensive than the Edirol though…

John Vink

Zoom H2 info.

I decided I have too many minidiscs to archive to change to another digital recorder, so I needed the latest minidisc recorder.
Here is Sony’s description of the recorder

B&H used to have this model MZ-M200, but they seem to be out of the unit, and had only the MZ-RH1, which is the version without a microphone. I paid $350 for the MZ-M200 at minidisco.com. It should arrive sometime next week.