What is a portable digital recorder?
A portable digital recorder is a compact, battery-powered device that’s capable of creating high-resolution digital audio recordings. 
Most portable digital recorders feature built-in microphones, but some only have inputs for connecting external audio signals. Recordings are stored on either internal memory or removable media (such as SD cards) making it easy to transfer the audio files to a computer .
Why would I use a portable digital recorder?
Portable digital recorders can be used for many different purposes. Musicians use them to record rehearsals and performances, while independent filmmakers use them as part of a dual audio recording system. Journalists use them to record interviews and ambient sound, students to record lectures and to take notes, and podcasters to record in the field; there are many practical applications for these recorders. Being able to create and share high-quality recordings benefits a wide range of users.
Is there a difference between a “portable digital recorder” and a “voice recorder”?
There’s a different product category of small handheld gadgets called “voice recorders,” which are often confused with portable digital recorders. Voice recorders are designed solely to capture low-quality voice memos. Portable digital recorders are devices with better sounding built-in microphones, better signal-to-noise ratios, more inputs and outputs and more options for recording high-resolution or compressed audio files.
What kind of inputs and outputs will I find on portable digital recorders?
There are a number of different kinds of jacks found on portable digital recorders in various combinations: XLR inputs and outputs, “combo” inputs, line-level inputs and outputs, S/PDIF inputs and outputs, headphone outputs, mini-plug mic inputs, RCA phono jacks, remote control ports, USB ports and external AC power connections.
What are XLR inputs and outputs, and why would I need them?
An XLR jack is a three-pin connector that is used on professional microphones and other kinds of equipment. XLR jacks are desirable because they lock into place and provide a secure connection. If you’re using a portable digital recorder to capture the audio for an HDSLR video shoot, you’ll likely want a recorder that features either XLR microphone inputs or a combo input, enabling you to connect professional shotgun and wireless microphones to the recorder.
What are combo inputs, and why would I need them?
This kind of jack combines a three-pin XLR input and a 1/4" input in a single socket that accepts both kinds of plugs. You can use them to connect either external microphones or various kinds of line level equipment to the recorder.
What are mini-plug mic inputs, and why would I need them?
Some recorders do not have XLR inputs or phantom powering for external condenser microphone use. In that case they will generally provide a 3.5mm (1/8” input) that can be used for self-powered or electret condenser microphones, or for connecting the receiver of a wireless system.
What are line-level inputs and outputs, and why would I need them?
Microphone signals are, by nature, low-level signals and need a preamp to boost them to normal recordable levels. On the other hand, line-level signals are much higher and if inserted into a mic-level input, will distort the input, hence the need for a separate line-level input. Depending on the kind of connector, line inputs can be used for connecting consumer devices such as CD players (RCA or 3.5 mm stereo mini), or for connecting a field mixer at wedding or live event (XLR or 1/4”), or for connecting instruments (1/4").
Line-level outputs are useful for connecting powered speakers to the recorder. On many handheld portable digital recorders, a single output acts as both the headphone output and as the line-level output.
What are S/PDIF connectors, and why would I need them?
S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interconnect Format) is a digital audio format that carries a two-channel stereo signal. S/PDIF connectors aren’t widely used on portable digital recorders, but you do see them on occasion. T
he most common S/PDIF connector is an RCA coaxial jack (looks exactly like analog RCA jacks), but an S/PDIF signal can also be sent through an optical TOSLink connector. Either way, the feature is only useful if you have other equipment with S/PDIF jacks, which enables you to pass a digital audio signal to or from the portable digital recorder without needing to convert the signal to analog.
What kind of microphones can I use with a portable digital recorder?
As already mentioned, the kind of inputs provided by the recorder will determine what kind of microphone can be connected. If XLR inputs are available and you want to use a condenser microphone, check to see if phantom power is delivered—without it the microphone will not function. The other connector featured on many compact models is a 3.5mm (1/8”) input that will accept either self-powered or electret condenser microphones.
So, what is “Phantom Power” and what does it do?
Phantom power supplies condenser microphones with the necessary power to operate their active electronic circuitry, without which they cannot function. Although the standard level is 48V, other microphones designed for use in electronic news gathering, or lavalier microphones, are able to operate with much lower levels, includings 6-, 12- or 24V. The advantage here is that the power drain on the portable device’s battery is greatly reduced, allowing for longer recording times.
How many tracks can a portable digital recorder record?
Typically, a portable digital recorder will record a stereo signal on two separate tracks. There might only be a single gain control for controlling both sides of the input, while other recorders provide discrete gain controls for either track. However, there are some portable digital recorders that can record four, six or eight individual tracks of audio simultaneously.
How long can I record on a portable digital recorder?
The amount of audio that you can record into a portable digital recorder is dependent on the amount of memory that’s available—internal as well as memory cards—and the amount of life in your batteries. If you’re recording CD-quality audio (16-bit/44.1 kHz), you can typically fit about 90 minutes of audio onto 1GB of memory. If you’re recording compressed MP3 audio, you can typically fit about 17 hours of audio onto 1GB of memory. Resolution and compression settings make a big impact on file sizes.
The latest recorder from Tascam has a dual-battery power feature, operating on either its built-in Li-Ion battery or everyday AA batteries. During long recording sessions, as long as the Li-Ion battery has a charge, you can replace the AA batteries seamlessly, without stopping the recorder.
How does a portable digital recorder connect to my computer?
Most portable digital recorders feature a USB port to connect to a computer. However, there are some models that feature FireWire connectivity. If you’re recording onto a removable media card, it’s also a common practice to extract the card from the portable digital recorder and slide it into a card reader that’s connected to a computer.
Can I mount a portable digital recorder on my camera or tripod?
Some recorders come with a built-in 1/4"-20 tripod thread, which makes it possible to mount them directly to a tripod (or to the shoe of a camera with the addition of an accessory shoe adapter).
Can I connect the output of a portable digital recorder to my camera?
If a camera features a mini-plu
g mic input, you can connect the headphone or line output of a portable digital recorder to that input, but only if you use a specially designed cable. As was explained earlier in this guide, if you connect a line-level signal to a mic-level input, you’re going to get overdriven and distorted sound. That’s why you need to use a cable that has a built-in signal attenuator.
There are special cables made by Sescom and Whirlwind specifically for this purpose. The cables have attenuators that reduce the level of the audio signal by 25dB or even 35dB, and they’re labeled to show you which end to plug into the portable digital recorder and which end to plug into the camera. Because the cable takes over the headphone output jack of your portable digital recorder, there are versions of this cable available that offer a “headphone tap,” which will enable you to monitor the sound of the portable recorder.
What are some useful features to look for in a portable digital recorder?
Because different kinds of people use portable digital recorders for varied purposes, there are features that may appeal to some more than others. If you’re a musician, there are many recorders that feature built-in effects like reverb and echo, guitar tuners and the ability to loop a section of audio and slow it down (which is useful for learning how to play a piece of music). The ability to slow down the playback of a recording is also useful for people who use their recorder to take notes, so you can listen to rapid-fire oratory at your own pace.
If your recordings will contain sensitive or confidential content, data encryption is an invaluable feature, as included in the Marantz PMD620MKII and PMD661MKII digital recorders.
Another handy feature to have is larger hardware dials to control the input levels. When you need to adjust the gain up or down on the fly during a recording, it’s very satisfying to be able to do so without having to search for the level controls.
What accessories should I get for my portable digital recorder?
Batteries and memory cards: It’s always good to have extra batteries and memory cards on hand when you’re recording in the field.
Cases: Because you usually bring a portable digital recorder along with you on your travels, it’s also a good idea to have a case for it.
Wind Protection: Some portable digital recorders come with a foam windscreen to keep wind noise from disrupting the audio quality when used outdoors, but it’s a good idea to buy additional wind protection (such as a fuzzy topper) for these mics.
Which Portable Digital Recorder is right for me?
Check out our Portable Digital Recorder Roundup for the 2012 holiday shopping season. This article takes a close look at the functionality and features of several different models. This should help you narrow it down to the recorder that best fits your needs.
The Takeaway
- Portable digital recorders are battery-powered devices that can create high-resolution recordings.
- Recordings are stored on either internal memory or removable media.
- Portable digital recorders are more versatile and provide better sound than “voice recorders."
- An XLR is a three-pin connector for professional microphones.
- A combo input combines a three-pin XLR input and a 1/4" input into a single socket.
- S/PDIF jacks are only useful if you have other equipment with S/PDIF jacks.
- A wide variety of wired and wireless handheld, lavalier, shotgun, headset and stereo mics can be used with portable digital recorders that feature external microphone inputs.
- Phantom power is required when using external condenser microphones.
- You can fit about 90 minutes of CD-quality audio onto 1GB of memory.
- Some portable digital recorders feature built-in 1/4"-20 tripod threads for mounting on-camera.
Comments
Hi -
I want to record signals that include a DC and near-DC component. I will probably use a line input. Is there a digital recorder that will do this?
For another application, I want to go to the other extreme and record signals up to about 90kHz. Anything there?
Thanks
Sorry, but none of these recorders are designed for this purpose. The average frequency response for the recorders we carry will be between 20hz and 20khz.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
HI, I am planing on using the Sound devices Mix-pre D as my preamp and AD converter, and sending the digital signal to a Tascam DR 100 mkII's TRRS input (through an spdif/TRRS cabel adapter included with the unit). Problem is, the digital output from SD Mix-pre D is through an AES/EBU 150 ohm connector, while the input in DR 100 is a 75 ohm spdif to TRRS connector. Is there any way I can use a converter cable or some type of impendance matching unit to match the I/O impendances, and therefore avoid digital errors. Thank you.
Hello Jonathan -
The CDL-313 from Hosa is an inexpensive solution to digital connectivity. The unit is a high quality, digital link, allowing simultaneous transfer of two channels of digital-audio in either or both directions between AES/EBU on XLR connectors and S/PDIF on RCA coaxial.
Some manufacturers' DAWs, sound cards or DAT recorders have only S/PDIF outputs and some offer only AES/EBU inputs, or vice versa. The CDL-313 offers a simple solution for making transfers without leaving the digital realm. Serial Copy Management System is disabled when transferring from S/PDIF to AES/EBU.
- Transfers AES/EBU digital audio signals to S/PDIF digital audio and vice versa
- Simultaneous conversion in both directions if needed
- Tracks remain in the digital realm - no resampling required
- Inexpensive connectivity solution
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
The most important advantage of 3-wire XLR microphones (and connectors) is their immunity to induced "hum" and other interference from other electrical cables. (Not the fact that they are usually clipped in place more firmly than 1/4" plugs.) An XLR microphone microphone generates both a positive and negative signal, and the electromagnetic interference which is generated on the "+" wire is canceled out by an equal but opposing amount of interference in the signal on the "-" wire.
That is why live stage shows always use XLR microphones and microphone cables: The 60 cycle AC wires, and the DC wires going to on-stage "monitor" speakers, would completely wreck the singal from the microphones and instruments. At home, this prevents 60 cycle hum from household wiring. (The longer your cables are, the important this becomes.)
Be extremely aware, however, that some cheap microphones (and cables) are not genuine XLR: the contain an XLR connector at one end, but the other end is typically a 2-wire 1/4" plug. Those cables and microphones are no better than RCA cables with correspondingly cheap 2-wire (signal and ground) microphones. Make sure that your "XLR" equipment contains separate wiring for +, -, and Ground.
Great articles, many thanks! Being new to the mobile recording community I ask for your advice. I would like to record my own (amateur) performances in chamber music (e.g. wind instruments and piano), church music (e.g. wind instruments and organ) and choir music. I am torned between Roland R-05, Tascam DR-40, Olympus LS-14 and LS-11 (no Zoom recorders as I am not convinced of the haptic quality). What recorder would you recommend and why? Many thanks, Christian.
Hello Chris -
As the LS11 is no longer available I will recommend the LS-14 Linear PCM Recorder from Olympus which is designed as an all-in-one, professional and portable recording solution. It has built-in stereo directional microphones as well as an omni pattern center microphone. This three microphone array is designed to effectively capture lower bass ranges and deliver high fidelity recordings. In addition to the internal mics, there are 3.5mm stereo mini-jack mic and line inputs for connecting external audio equipment such as microphones or CD players. There is also a USB port for interfacing with your computer.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
Ok! I belong to the Hare Krishna's. We go out on the streets chanting with instruments, drums, hand cymbals and sometimes trumpets, accordions or harmoniums. There's usually lots of other sounds and noise around us. I've used a small Olympus VN8100 Voice recorder but I know I can capture much better sound with the recorders you are reviewing. Which of them would you recommend for that enviroment.
Thanks!
Dennis
Hello Dennis -
The TASCAM DR-100mkII is a portable stereo digital audio recorder designed with high-end recording features aimed at musicians and engineers. Four built-in microphones, two cardioid and two omnidirectional, deliver great sound via the high-gain and low noise microphone preamps. A pair of XLR inputs can accommodate external microphones and provide switchable phantom power for use with condenser microphones. You will be able to obtain tremendous results recording the ambient audio of your group's street activities.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
I am considering Roland R-26.
Is it possible to send a audio output from R-26 to Sony PMW-200 for simultaneous recording to camcorder.
(My plan is to to attach Sennheiser G3 receiver to R-26)\
Sara
NYC
You will need to use this Sescom Cable:
Sescom SES-IPOD-XLRM03 3.5mm Stereo to Dual XLR Male Mono Audio Cable
From the headphone output of the Roland to the XLR inputs (set to line in) on the Sony PMW200.
Thank you very much. I will probably put a piece if tape over R26 Headphone volume knob to keep in place.
What's my best option for recording 3-4 people speaking? I'd like to start doing family oral histories and would like to have each person mic'd with a lavaliere and be able to adjust levels while recording. I would be doing some editing and want high quality sound that could be suitable for public radio. Any of these recorders fit the bill?
Hello Frank -
Using the DR-100mkII from Tascam and a professional 4 channel field mixer like the Rolls MX422 will allow you produce broadcast quality results. Pair these up with the Audio Technica AT803B, a miniature condenser microphone intended to be worn on the clothing of performers for excellent yet unobtrusive sound pickup. It's wide range capability ensures clean, accurate reproduction with high intelligibility for lecturers, singers, stage and TV performers.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
Please compare benefits of the Olympus LS100 to the Tascam DR100 mkii for dslr voice/music/ambience recording indoor and outdoors
Hello Russ -
The Olympus LS-100 has the distinction of being the highest-quality model the company has ever produced. It features an excellent-sounding pair of built-in stereo condenser microphones, as well as a pair of XLR combo inputs that are capable of providing microphones with 48V of phantom power. There are 4GB of internal memory, and the recorder has an SDXC card slot that can handle cards of up to 64GB. An included rechargeable Lithium-ion battery provides the LS-100 with more than 12 hours of use on a single charge. Musicians will appreciate its 8-track overdubbing multi-track mode, as well as its instrument tuner and metronome. Its interface is very user friendly, and even features a talking menu system to help you navigate the device. It has an interesting Lissajous Function, which helps you avoid phase issues when positioning microphones.
The Tascam DR-100mkII is loaded with a number of upgrades and additions. The end result is a powerful tool with more inputs that’s capable of recording cleaner and richer-sounding audio.
Outstanding among the improvements are its four built-in microphones and preamps. Both the forward-facing dual cardioid condensers and the pair of front-panel omnidirectional microphones were retooled to capture better-sounding recordings.The microphone preamps are often favored over competing products as they offer more gain and a lower noise floor.
A digital S/PDIF input was added to the DR-100mkII, which makes it possible to connect external digital signals. This gives you the option of using a higher-quality piece of equipment as the front end of your recording chain. In addition, this Tascam recorder has a robust aluminum case that helps protect the advanced that reside within.
The Olympus offers the very cool overdubbing feature but I feel that the Tascam has the better built-in microphone complement for ambient, music or voice recording and may prove more flexible in the field for a variety of different applications.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
A handy feature to look out for that you neglected to mention was a pre-precord function. I purchased the Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder because of this.
its "Pre record function" constantly processors/samples the audio and keeps a 5 sec memory of what it has just heard. When you hit record it actually starts the recording from 5 secs before you hit record.
I'm using it for a project when I want to catch inadvertent comments from people.
What I was surprised about was its battery life of my sony unit. I thought as its doing heaps of work in constantly processing audio that the battery life of the 2 AA batteries would be quite limited. I was very surprised to find out that they last for 3-4 recording sessions.
Great article. What do you recommend to record animal voices, birds during safari and work in the field. Y
Hello Martin -
The Tascam DR-100mkII features four built-in microphones; two cardioid and two omnidirectional. Additionally, two locking XLR inputs with low-noise preamplifiers provide 3 levels of gain staging and 48V of switchable Phantom power. The DR-100mkII also features 3.5mm jacks for line input, line output, and an S/PDIF input. A switchable limiter protects your tracks from clipping. This recorder is perfect for sound effects gathering – record sounds in the outside world, then drop them into your productions.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
Great article! I am looking for a digital recorder for recording piano works and filming for chamber music by GH2. I can borrow a few very good mics with XLR connections. I might also convert some of my DVDs to WAV format ocassionally. Is 4-channel recording is nice to have? I am consider to buy a DR-40 or DR-100mkII, please advise. Thanks.
Hello Isaac -
If your budget allows - then the DR-100mkII from Tascam designed with high-end recording features aimed at musicians and engineers is the better choice. Four built-in microphones, two cardioid and two omnidirectional, deliver great sound via the high-gain and low noise microphone preamps. A pair of XLR inputs can accommodate external microphones and provide switchable phantom power for use with condenser microphones. The 24-bit/96kHz linear PCM recorder features dedicated stereo mini balanced line in and out connectors in addition to an S/PDIF digital input. Also available is the ability to connect balanced line inputs via the locking XLR connectors. The rugged, aluminum case, high gain, low noise microphone preamps, and S/PDIF input of the DR-100mkII extends its functionality while improving the overall sound.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
I'd like to purchase a sound recorder to mount on a Nikon D800 DSLR and connect to the external microphone socket to provide better quality audio. Can you suggest recorders that are mountable on the hotshoe and which would allow connection of additional wireless or other microphones with the ability to easily select the microphone used and adjust recording levels.
Hello Lex -
The Zoom H4n features onboard true X/Y stereo microphones to pick up clear, natural sound without phase shifting. The mics can be rotated to select a 90° or 120° recording pattern for terrific versatility. The digitally-controlled preamp, combined with the high-quality microphones, allows you to capture Linear PCM audio at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz. The recorder captures audio to SD or SDHC cards with capacities up to 32GB. A USB 2.0 port allows you to quickly transfer files to a Mac or PC, or use the H4n as a live audio interface. Ideal for recording interviews, lectures, rehearsals, meetings, and more, this palm-sized unit packs the ability to record up to 4 channels of audio at greater than CD quality. Connect to your DSLR via this cable:
The LN2MIC-ZOOMH4N from Sescom is a problem solving cable for users of HDSLRs who are using a Zoom H4N or Zoom H1 as a secondary audio recording source. Many professional DSLR cameras have unbalanced stereo microphone level audio inputs on a mini TRS 3.5mm jack. The Samson Zoom H4N or H1 output line level audio signals. This cable provides the proper microphone levels and preserves the delicate connector contacts inside the camera, allowing users to go directly from the audio recorder into the camera.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
I am new to the world of audio recording and need to know what device would work best for me. I am starting to film live concert footage and practice sessions of bands with my two Canon Rebel T2i's and possibly a gopro camera or two. I am looking for a good audio device that I can connect to the PA system and directly to the mixer board to record instead of just using the sound from one of the camera mics. I film a lot of heavy metal bands so it gets quite loud in the venues, so I don't know if that would be a factor in deciding which portable digital recorder would be best.
Thanks for your time.
Hello Jordan -
The DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder from Tascam provides professional-level features and flexibility in a compact and durable design that's ideal for use in the field. The unit can record high-quality WAV/BWF or MP3 files to readily-available SD or SDHC flash memory cards.
The recorder features built-in adjustable condenser microphones, allowing you to choose an X/Y or A/B recording pattern to meet the needs of your environment and application. A built-in limiter and switchable low cut filter reduce peaks and rumble for cleaner recordings. Other features include a dual recording mode, and overdub mode, and a peak reduction feature. There is a 2-second pre-recording buffer to ensure that you never miss a priceless moment due to pressing the record button too late. There is also a chromatic tuner and a stereo reverb effect.
wht I'd like to see is a quality portable digital recorder with the ability to record MIDI data along with audio. this would be incredibly useful for recording jams and improvs so it would be easy to take it back into Logic and use it as raw material in MIDI form. when recording practice I use Logic to get both the audio and the MIDI data for analysis later. it woul be so easy to add to the recorders and very useful.
-mo
Thanks for the article, which is timely and on topic.
I am new to DSLR audio/video and have digital photography background. I have a Nikon D7000 and realized that I cannot monitor audio during recording, and I understand that clear, "quality" audio is important. I have searched and am still searching for solutions. My main outcome and purpose:
record videos for
-- training
-- interviews
-- promos for websites, organizations, etc.
I am looking for solutions that don't require much post processing or high-end "professional" audio equipment. What would you recommend? Thanks!
Hello Aloha -
For my money, it is hard to beat the overall value and performance of the Tascam DR-40. The small size of the recorder makes it easy to use in the field for a variety of applications. The built-in adjustable condenser mics provide X/Y and A/B stereo patterns for tight imaging or opening up for more room sound. The built-in limiter and switchable low cut filter (40/80/120Hz) reduce peaks and rumble for crisp, clear audio. A peak reduction feature will set the input level automatically without turning it back up later. You can also choose automatic or manual level setting. The locking Neutrik combo jack inputs accept XLR and 1/4" connections for wide compatibility with a variety of mic and line level devices for 4-track recording. The dual recording mode will capture a safety track at a lower volume level than your primary track to prevent peaking and distortion. The quick menu options and clear LCD screen let you set functions with a minimum of menu. Start your recordings quickly and easily by hitting the record button twice. The recorder has a stereo reverb effect and a VSA feature to adjust playback speed from 50-150.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
Hello
Congratulations for the excellent article.
I need to buy a recorder for use in classrooms, but I look for a better product than a simple voice recorder.
I need a device that captures with maximum clarity the speaker's voice, even those who speak very low, and can filter out the most noise, without sacrificing quality and clarity of the recording.
I wonder what would be your recommendations.
Thank you
Dr Valter Gurfinkel, MD, PhD
S. Paulo, Brazil
Hello Valter -
Recorders in and of themselves will not filter "noise" as they are not smart and cannot recognize what you may consider to be extraneous or spurious audio. In all recording scenarios, the best practice is to position microphones as close to the audio source as possible. When that is not possible, select narrow polar-pattern mics that reject sound from the sides and rear. Bear in mind that especially in a closed space like a classroom, sound waves will bounce and reflect and eventually be picked up by the mic and recorder. All that said, consider the Tascam DR-100mkII designed with high-end recording features aimed at musicians and engineers. Four built-in microphones, two cardioid and two omnidirectional, deliver great sound via the high-gain and low noise microphone preamps. A pair of XLR inputs can accommodate external microphones and provide switchable phantom power for use with condenser microphones.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
Hi.
I am going to film a local band perform with my Canon 600d.
I own a Zoom H1 and I was hoping record out of the venues mixing desk by using the line-in socket on the Zoom.
However when I tested this, on both the record out channel of the mixing desk and at home on the line out of my CD player, I find that the signal is way too loud for the Zoom and the recording distorts at any level.
I've checked out various forums and it seems that a known issue with the Zoom H1 is that its line-in sensitivity is far too high.
I've also read that the Tascams can have the same problem.
Is there a portable recording device available with a decent line-in capability. Is this an issue with this type of recorder in general?
Hello Richard -
Have you considered using an in line attenuation device - if you cannot dial down your board or CD player output? The DSLR-ML Mini-Link Line to Mic Level Interface from Sescom is an ideal solution for connecting small audio recorders to the mic input of a DSLR camera (or other device). Simply connect your recorder to the interface's 3.5mm line input, and connect the interface's 3.5mm mic output to your camera's mic input jack (or other device's audio input). The mic output has a selectable 25/35dB attenuation, allowing you to use the interface with a wide variety of recorders and cameras. There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack for convenient monitoring. In yourspecific case, you will probably need "Y" adapters for your board and consumer elctronics to make the connection.
A 3.5mm 1/8" stereo female to dual RCA or dual 1/4" phone male would most likely be required as well:
Hosa Technology REAN 3.5mm TRS to Dual RCA Pro Stereo Breakout Cable-3'
Hosa Technology REAN 3.5mm TRS to Dual 1/4" TS Pro Stereo Breakout Cable - 3'
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
Zoom recorders are infamous for having good sounding onboard mics, but inputs lack ability to handle normal to high inputs without overloading.
While using an attenuator does help to eliminate the problem, there are many way better decks made by Edirol, Sony, and others having no such input level limitations. Suggest using these brands instead of the Zoom products if external mic/line input ability is desired.
Hello!!
Thanks for all this information, it is really helpful. I arrived here looking for advise about purchasing a recording device and I'm still a bit at a loss. I'm a classical singer with a very loud voice and always have a problem with saturation in higher frecuencies (the loud ones), specially in smaller rooms (not a concert hall). Could you please recomend a device that might solve this problem?
Regards and thanks!
Hello -
The DR-100mkII from Tascam is a portable stereo digital audio recorder designed with high-end recording features aimed at musicians and engineers. Four built-in microphones, two cardioid and two omnidirectional, deliver great sound via the high-gain and low noise microphone preamps. A pair of XLR inputs can accommodate external microphones and provide switchable phantom power for use with condenser microphones.
The 24-bit/96kHz linear PCM recorder features dedicated stereo mini balanced line in and out connectors in addition to an S/PDIF digital input. Also available is the ability to connect balanced line inputs via the locking XLR connectors. An upgrade to the DR-100, an already versatile unit, the rugged DR-100mkII extends the functionality of a professional portable recorder while improving the overall sound.
If you have aditional questions do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail: AskBH@BandH.com
Filming weddings, vacations for family and friends is a great hobby of mine, I have an octava mc 012 external mic I used with my xh a1 camcorder, loved it, but that camera destroyed my back. So I just got a canon vixia hfg10 camcorder, knowing that I have to now deal with a mini hot shoe and no xlr inputs. But I am spoiled by the octava, and I'm not very impressed by canon's dm100 external mic. I would like to keep using the octava but now need phantom power, would a digital recorder like this serve my purpose well? And how does this set up, the mic xlr cable into the recorder, then another xlr-to-mini stereo cable into the camera?
Hello Judy -
For phantom power you do need a recorder at all.
The JuicedLink CX231 Camera Mountable Mixer / Preamplifier lets camcorder and prosumer camera owners connect professional microphones and line devices to their cameras. The mixer mounts to the base of camcorders and features two XLR inputs for balanced or unbalanced connection of microphones, recorders, additional mixers, etc.
The CX231 is capable of providing 12 and 48V phantom power to condenser microphones. A 1/8" (3.5mm) mini output and 9 inch (22.86cm) long cable (supplied) connect to the camera audio input. There are three gain settings and two attenuation knobs for controlling audio level.
The High/Mid/Low gain settings help control signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in clear audio results with a low noise floor. The CX231 is powered with a 9V alkaline battery for up to 16 hours (not included) and supplied with an output cable and allen wrench. If you have additional questions, please e-mail us at: AskBH@BandH.com
I checked B&H's online listing for the CX231, and it says that the manufacturer has discontinued this item. Too bad, since it would be useful for the suggested application.
I have a Sony PCM D-50 and am wondering whether it's possible to use it simply as a microphone for recording on a computer. (Mac, in my case.)
Is it possible to connect the PCM D-50's line out to a usb port to record directly into, say, Logic?
If so, would I need an adapter and which cable would work?
I know of course that I can transfer the PCM D-50's recording to the Mac after the fact. Just trying to save a step.
Thanks
Hello Aki -
The Sony PCM D-50 will not operate as a USB microphone to stream a live signal directly into your computer. It must first record to its embedded 4GB internal flash memory or to optional Memory Stick Pro HG Duo cards. Then the files may be transferred to your computer for storage or editing.
Thanks for your quick response.
Since it is possible to monitor w/headphones while recording, I was hoping the optical line out might carry a digital signal of what's being recorded.
Thanks again.
Thanks for the excellent primer.
1) I am just starting out with a Lumix GF2 doing video in the field which does not have a mic portal. Does having such a portal automatically sync sound and video?
2) I will be using the portable digital recorder to do interviews and also to sample music. I like the Sony PCM D-50 but am worried that I might have a great deal of difficulty finding memory sitcks in Africa. SD cards are alternatively a lot easier. I am thinking of perhaps getting the R26. Suggestions?
Thanks for any advice you may have.
Hello -
1. If your camera has an external microphone input - then the audio recorded by the external mic will sync with your camera's video.
2. Although SONY memory stick media is fairly ubiquitous worldwide, I agree that SD/SDHC memory cards may be even easier to obtain in remote areas. The Roland R-26 is a terrific device as well. It offers a versatile feature set that records up to 6 channels, uses a touch screen LCD panel and can capture different signals simultaneously, or capture the same source with 3 different types of mics. This allows you to choose individual tracks or composite mixes later on to suit your needs
I am looking to purchase a handheld digital recorder. I want one with XLR inputs, but also with the ability to connect my RODE Stereo VIdeomic which has a 3.5mm jack plug. I am reluctant to purchase the H4n, the most obvious candidate, as I suspect that the rubber on the casing will quickly degenerate in the hot and humid summer climate here in Japan quicker than the actual logevity of the product itself. I also don't want to pay Roland's price for the R-26 just to receive a 'Free' copy of SONAR which is useless with my Mac anyway.
Therefore I look towards the Tascam DR-40 which seems ideal - minus the 3.5mm jack plug. My question is, would a Y-cable of female mini 3.5mm stereo to male phone L/R (or connected to XLR adapters) allow me to use the RODE SVM and maintain stereo?
Really looking for some practical advice.
Incidentally, the direct connection of my RODE SVM to my SONY CX700v is not a solution as I am getting severe hum (more like a fly's buzz) as well as hiss.
Hello -
The Tascam DR-40 is a fine product, but not an appropriate choice for you. Adapting the unbalanced output signal of the Rode Stereo VideoMic to connect to the balanced XLR inputs of the DR-40 will not work. The ensuing impedance mismatch and the use of various adapters will introduce noise and hum and most likely distortion to your recordings. I recommend a Tascam DR-100 for its flexible connectivity. It features a 3.5mm line input that will accomodate your microphone easily with no additional adapters. The DR-100 also boasts a more robustly built industrial design that should fare well in your climate.
Very well done and informative. And that will save the staff a lot of tedious repetition as it serves the customers. It certainly provided the overview I had always been lacking.
Thanks.
Jim
Excellent intro and overview. Terrific photos. The Takeaways are a nice touch. Thanks, B&H, for teaching us as well as selling us good things.
In the section,
"Can I mount a portable digital recorder on my camera or tripod?"
what is the product used as the recorder shock mount? I don't seem to be able to find it.
Please help. Thanks.
Thanks!
Hello –
The Rycote 041119 Portable Recorder Suspension is a compact and versatile suspension mount for portable audio recorders.
The suspension has a 1/4" threaded screw, allowing you to attach any recorder with a 1/4" threaded socket. A 1/4" to 3/8" swivel adapter is included so it can be used with most tripods or light stands.
In the section above titled--
"Can I mount a portable digital recorder on my camera or tripod?"
--you have an image of a Lumix HDSLR with a digital audio recorder shock mounted to its shoe. It appears to be a mic mount used upside down with some adapters, a clever special arrangement of accessories. I clicked on the link provided but this arrangement is not easily understood. Please tell me how to buy / make / rig the shock mount unit in the photo.
Thanks...
Hello –
It's the Rycote 041119 Portable Recorder Suspension is a compact and versatile suspension mount for portable audio recorders.
The suspension has a 1/4" threaded screw, allowing you to attach any recorder with a 1/4" threaded socket. A 1/4" to 3/8" swivel adapter is included so it can be used with most tripods or light stands.