Digital Sound Recorders
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 1:24 PM
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I have been looking at the various compact digital sound recorders available on the market. What I am mainly interested in is just what exactly would be needed for the best quality sound recording for a singer/musician playing mostly acoustic. Simplicity, not particularly interested in effects just professional quality recording, clear sound without a lot of "white noise", muffled or tinny sounding.

Prices seem to range from $99 up to thousands of dollars.

Ummm... there is Zoom-H1,H2,H4N; Tascam DR100, DR05, DR07, DP-008 8-Track digital Portastudio; Olympus LS100, Sony ICD-SX712, PCM-D1, D50; Boss Micro BR; Yamaha Pocketrak 2G, Marantz, Edirol/Roland etc. etc. etc.

The ability to record/burn CD quality music is important along with Wav, Mp3 capability.

First of all, is it even worth spending money on a "cheap" ($99) "hand held" device? Or, would one be better off renting a recording studio or saving up for something more expensive for home-studio recording.

Also, what extras would be essential - external mics, or whatever.

This would be a gift for a musician friend. I know absolutely nothing about this stuff. If you were my friend and got a box in the mail, what would be on your wish list?

If it is portable and can be stashed in a duffel bag or nap sack all the better but QUALITY recording is the main requirement.

Any tips, personal experience, specs, comparisons etc. would be appreciated.

So far I've been leaning towards the Olympus LS100 based on various online reviews/comparisons, mostly because the display looks nice and easy to use and sound quality and other features make it seem like it might be a good choice.

Opinions?

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