best device for recording, then editing on a computer?

Posted on Dec 20, 2006 12:58 pm
Kat
Member Since: Dec 20, 2006

hey I'm working for the YMCA in W. Africa and we want to record interviews and music in the field, and then transfer them to a computer and edit them for radio and video production. So, minidisc? iRiver? I've heard minidisc is good quality but can be hard to get onto the computer, and iRiver I don't know much about . . . Basically I could care less about the walkman features or downloading capabilities, I just want to record and upload onto a computer, and I want something that has decent storage capacity and especially durability as it is very sandy here and access to electricity in the field (or bush, as it were) is spotty. And ideally something pretty cheap. And easy to use. Any suggestions?

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pjk
Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Dec 20, 2006 03:03 pm

Maudio has their handheld unit, the microtrak, or something like that. It looks nice, but I've heard a few iffy reviews of it.

Edirol has a similar device, at the same price range, but also sports two microphones out the top. Pretty snazzy looking, but I don't have any info re: opinions. I'm sure they're out there in inet-land.

I think zoom is coming up with an offering for less than the two mentioned above (299 vs. 399 $ us).

Just read up on the zoom at zzounds, the reviews look mixed, with some being very bad.

I used a minidisk system for awhile, with a separate stereo mic, and was very pleased with it. I could get 4 hours or so on a disk, in lp mode. I couldn't download sound with mine, but I think the new ones do that without a problem now. I'd certainly look into that route, if I was in the market again. (mine burned in a fire, and didn't replace it).

tonyoci
Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006

Dec 20, 2006 06:41 pm

The zoom one (H4) is getting good reviews (see here for a n independent site) www.2090.org/zoom/bbs/viewforum.php?f=15

but it's a weird device, part guitar modeler, part field recorder, part multitracker. 2 nice mics though. If those other things appeal to you then it's a great device as it also works as a PC recording interface.

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Dec 20, 2006 10:10 pm

Welcome to HRC Kat.

Mini disc is now an easy format to get into the PC or laptop. Most have a digital connection now via USB for just that purpose, getting it into the computer. The other units mentioned are very viable as well, and most now have a USB port for dumping audio straight into the PC for editing.