Recording practice sessions

Stu Foley · #1 12-05-2011, 09:12 AM

I'm looking for a device to record and occasionally archive practice sessions. I'm talking about solo practice sessions and I normally use my acoustic. I would favour simplicity over audio quality. I see further down people commenting on the Zoom H2. I was thinking along the lines of the Zoom H1. Any suggestions?

moray · #2 12-05-2011, 10:00 AM

For this I can recommend my trusted TASCAM DR-07 Digital Recorder.

It can record either mp3 or wav Format on SD Card and has a
USB Interface to connect to a Computer to Backup your Recordings.

It operates on Batteries or with an optional (you have to buy it
separately

) Power Supply.

It's small enough to be fit in a Gigbag, is easy to use and has some
usefull Features like "Variable Speed Funktion", Limiter, 40/80/120 Hz
Filter, Pitch Control -50% to +16% etc.

The Sound with the Built-In Mics is OK when I put the DR-07 on a Guitar Footstool appr. 10cm in Front of the Speaker of my Cube XL80.

I bought the DR-07 may be a Year or two ago for ~140 Euro.
I can't remember what I paid for the Power Supply.

moray · #3 12-05-2011, 10:05 AM

... just had a short look at the Zoom H1.
Looks like it has the same Features as the Tascam and is Cheaper.
Not bad.

fep · #4 12-05-2011, 12:26 PM

Why not the less expensive Tascam DR-05?

I can't see much of a difference compared to the DR-07, except the price.

(I have a DR-07 myself, it does a really good job, the mics sound really good to me and shine when recording acoustically, much better than my Shure SM57 mic, looks like the DR-07 is being replaced by a DR-07MKII)

Here's a sample of my DR-07 recording my nylon string guitar acoustically (ignore the weak playing focus on the sound quality, this was recorded as a mp3, no post production. Really simple, just pushed record and that was it):

http://www.box.com/s/dp4o50ex9lgca1o87pel

Stu Foley · #5 12-05-2011, 12:48 PM

Fep,

That's a lovely piece. In fact I've got it on a loop in my mind.

I'm amazed at the lack of background noise. The Tascam DR05 is about 20% more expensive than the H1 here in the UK, but I like your demo.

JimBobWay · #6 01-27-2012, 11:14 PM

...but I think it's hard to go wrong and this puppy was 'obsolete' before I bought it. Which is why the price was so low I couldn't resist, given the features. It has served me very well. The Moore's Law for recording gear seems to have accelerated, to the point where it's best just to pick the cheapest tool that does what you need and consider it disposable.

In addition to recording everything (literally) I play including practice and live performance, I use this for business, and the only negative thing I have to say about it is that the housing is flimsy. But the fidelity is incredible. I have several Zoom tools from the past and would have bought their version but the Tascam was just too good a price to pass up and had similar capabilities.

oldane · #7 01-29-2012, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimBobWay

...but I think it's hard to go wrong and this puppy was 'obsolete' before I bought it. Which is why the price was so low I couldn't resist, given the features. It has served me very well. The Moore's Law for recording gear seems to have accelerated, to the point where it's best just to pick the cheapest tool that does what you need and consider it disposable.

In addition to recording everything (literally) I play including practice and live performance, I use this for business, and the only negative thing I have to say about it is that the housing is flimsy. But the fidelity is incredible. I have several Zoom tools from the past and would have bought their version but the Tascam was just too good a price to pass up and had similar capabilities.

Boss Micro BR is another option.