#42

FWIW, George Vlad’s comparison review of the different Sony models (I think all the current and recent pro handheld models except D-50) was pretty good and enlightening: https://mindful-audio.com/blog/handheld-recorder-review

According to this more technical comparison I was also eyeing when thinking about my own options, the observations made about preamp noise are pretty spot on (with: http://www.avisoft.com/recorder-tests/ - eg. Mixpre (3M mk1) -127dBu unweighted, PCM-D10 -117dBu unweighted.

What is surprising to me is that D10 is relatively noisy compared to PCM-D100 and PCM-D50, which are very close to eg. the MixPre regarding that spec. Even the PCM-M10 seems to have a better spec in that regard (of course you lose the XLR inputs in all of those).

(Practical comparisons are often more enlightening than just the specs / measurements, eg. someone doing very delicate nature recordings with super quiet microphones might constantly hit a noise floor that someone recording music doesn’t ever hear is there, but that should give at least some idea of the relative self noise of those devices)

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#43

I just purchased an Olympus ls-p4 impulsively with hopes of using it’s Bluetooth connectivity with my tascam model 16.

One of the tracks has a Bluetooth input and I can hopefully have my field records processed right on the same board with all my other gear and use efx sends and such.

#44

Yeah this is the thing I’m hung up on… I’d really like to upgrade to something with XLR inputs and ideally the lowest noise possible is best, but having little hands on experience with a variety of handheld recorders those spec numbers don’t give me much context. But I will revisit the mindful audio examples, thanks for posting them!

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#45

Zoom preamps don’t seem to get a lot of love, but honestly I think the H6 is one of the best audio-related purchases I’ve made.

Field recorder: I don’t do a ton of field recordings, mostly automotive / motorcycle stuff. The few nature-related spaces I’ve recorded have sounded fine without any noticeable noise issues. I am not as discerning or experienced as most of you are, though. But for my needs it has been great.

Modular recorder: if I don’t want to fire up the PC, the Zoom is always there and ready for four tracks. I can even power it with the Doepfer USB power supply I put in my rack. (Great use of 2 hp - powers my SQ1, too!) I’ve considered getting the extra input module to get up to 6 channels. 48 kHz / 24 bit DAQ for days, what’s not to love? It could even be an interface, but if I have the computer on I just… use my interface.

Podcast / interview recorder: this worked perfectly several times I’ve wanted to do podcast recordings or remote interview recordings. I’ve had it recording the onboard X/Y mic and four other mics with various phantom power needs and it was a champ! Needed to be plugged in, though…

Overall, I love it. The X/Y mic and M/S mics are fun to play with. I’ll probably get the additional input attachment. I bought a proper shotgun mic so I doubt I will get that one.

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#46

Heck yeah, I used my H5 (which, as far as I understand, is the same pre’s with less inputs/features) to record some IR’s recently and any deficiencies in the final result were more due to error on my part than issues with the equipment. As far as I can tell they get the job done just fine.

#47

any opinions on or experiences with the zoom iq7 or other smartphone mics?

sort of thinking about ditching the dedicated recorder for something a little easier to carry on me all the time.

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#48

I haven’t used that one, but a friend uses the Shure MV88 and it’s pretty good for what it does. I’d definitely get the custom windjammer for it tho too if you’re recording outside.

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#49

Clippys are great mics - I have been using them for years with an M10 - very low noise and good detail https://micbooster.com/clippy-and-pluggy-microphones/65-clippy-em172-microphone.html

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#50

I have heard from George Vlad a similar story regarding the A10 and external mics - I think he has upgraded his impression of the A10

#51

Yes the difference is ridiculous. Makes me think there is some design mistake with the internal mics.
Not that they are that bad, just noisy when using high gain settings.

#52

Thanks for the tip! Good to know they pair well with the M10.

#53

If you don’t mind my asking, have you used the H6 as an interface and if so any issues or does it work fine?
Moving to Norway for a bit to live with my partner, and while I’m taking my M10 to record in the field and to be able to make stereo recordings of my modular set up, I had decided not to take a full recording set up due to space restrictions and my partner having an H6 handy, which I figured I could use in a pinch with my laptop if I really find I’m missing a dedicated sound card.

#54

Only a handful of times, and it worked fine. At home I have a dedicated interface so to be honest I don’t have as much experience with that feature.

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#55

I have used one as an audio inferface afew years ago and thought it worked pretty well, didnt come up with any issues as far as I remember and thought it was super simple to set up

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#56

I’m in the market for a new recorder since my current h1 just bit the dust. I’m generally really picky as my capture kit is super small (camera and sound fit inside of a pelican 1150). The recorder is generally used with onboard mics and in context of filmmaking (although, generally field recording, not making on-board sync sound). I’ve had h1s in the past and tried a dr05 ages ago (but cant really recall it’s quality)… I’ve got a few PIP mics I’ve built (binaural, contact) and plan to build a few more in the future. Generally trying to stick to ~<$200

so my thought are somewhat between:
Zoom h1n
Zoom H4n Pro Black
Tascam DR-05X
Tascam DR-07X
Tascam DR-40X (no pip power is a minor problem, would need to adapt mics)

I’'m a little skeptical to get something larger than the really small recorders for my general needs and portability, but the 40X and h4 are probably on the edge and could work if it seems like they are major benefits in terms of the built in mics and pip mic input quality. It’s just really hard for me to tell!

Any advice is much appreciated!

Field recording
#57

Perhaps consider the nagra mezzo too:

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#58

How about a used Sony PCM-M10? If you want something small, it seems they’re highly rated both regarding built in mics and general preamp quality / noise floor.

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#59

I certainly love mine. Had it for ~5yrs with no issues. Using Usi mics with a stereo bar and mini tripod.

#60

Sony PCM-M10 provides enough PIP power for the Usi?

#61

Yes indeed. No issues with plug in power for Usi on the M10.

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Field recording