can MR8 achieve pro-quality spoken voice (for making language learning CDs)

[Lingo]

I wonder if a Fostex MR8 would be adequate for a very specific need I have -- to produce clean wav files of spoken voice with great audio quality. I appreciate any feedback people here could give. (I'm also posting similar questions in other relevant forums (e.g. about the Boss 864, etc.)

I'm involved in a project to produce foreign language learning CDs. Just mono voice with no singing or music at all. I tried using an MAudio Duo w/ my laptop, but would get occasional slight popping sounds. I defragged my laptop prior to recording, but I figure there's too many variables to potentially control to get the Duo-laptop approach to work well enough. Plus I want to avoid buying a new computer or second HD for audio files, if possible.

I wouldn't use the MR8 for effects or editing, other than to adjust EQ. But I will do *a lot* of copying and moving voice clips around in the PC later with editing software, because language phrases will be repeated at different intervals to help students' learning.

I'm thinking perhaps if I record directly into a digital recorder and then transfer the wav files to my PC separately, I can avoid all chance of popping sounds or other problems. (Is this true, or could audio quality problems occur in the digital recorder, or in my PC simply by copying/pasting/moving voice snippets?)

BTW, I have a Sure SM58 mike.

I'd like to minimize cost and learning needs, (since I'm pretty much a rank newbie in the world of digital recording). I only need a single mono track and can transfer to PC frequently so the CF memory limitations aren't too big a deal, yet I would buy a 256 or 512MB card in addition to the MR8.

If I can record off of batteries only, I'd prefer it. But if sound quality wouldn't be adequate, I can go w/ a hard-drive based recorder, or even a used zip-disk or mini-disk recorder.

What do ya'll think? Is 16 bit 44.1khz adequate? Would the MR8 capture clear, nice-sounding spoken voices, or should I spend more for a Boss 864, or a HD-based system, or is there still a strong argument to stick w/ the Maudio Duo direct recording to my laptop?

Thanks for considering this.

 

[kesterdevine]

maybe

As far as portability, and ease of use the MR-8 will work fine for you. Transfering WAV files to the PC is a snap, but you have to download the wavmanager from Fostex to do this via USB.

With an SM58 you will achieve good clarity, but will want to mic closely, I suspect.

Be aware that the MR-8 does not have EQ. (One of the major downfalls) but it's a really cool and versatile machine for the price.

Good luck!

 

[pjh6467]

The MR8 will work but you would need pc mixing software to get the quality your looking for. This will allow you to eq, compress if necessary,de essing for each individual track,and convert to a sterowav file at a decent gain level. Also with importing back and forth from pc to mr8, you won't need to upgrade your cf card It's only 3 min when you use all 8 tracks which I don't see you doing. Ntrack gets alot of praise in here and is only around $50.00. Power tracks is another for around $25.00. Cool edit is another but a little more money. Shop around for your needs. Whatever you were going to spend on a cf, buy software instead and download Fostex Wav Manager off their site. Also suggest a windscreen or popper stopper of some sort for your mic(if you're not using one already) Good luck. pj

 

[Lingo]

thanks for your replies so far

Many thanks to both of you for the insights you've shared.

It sounds like from your replies that I can lay one of my main worries -- popping/clicking -- to rest.