Digital voice recorder?

[littlebigman]

Hello

I'd like to buy a digital voice recorder to record classes or language conversation exchanges. IOW, it'll be voice (not music), but the setting could be quiet or a bit noisy. This is not for professional use but I'd like some good quality sound.

I've never bought this type of device so don't know what to get/check.

One feature I need, is the possibility of "bookmarks/indexes", ie. being able to put marks on a recording where it gets interesting so that I can go jump to those sections directly. Also, the recorder must be able to sync with Windows.

Other than that, I have no idea what makes the difference between the different brands and models.

Any feedback/links appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Jim Lad]

The Tascam Zoom H4N is about the best in the market right now at $300.
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--ZOMH4N
Start there and work your way down.
Your local music shop should have a few models in their display cabinets.

 

[littlebigman]

Thanks for the tip. I forgot to say I was looking for something around €100/$150 since I'll only use it once in a while.

 

[oretez]

not sure of EU cost but staying with Zoom product the H2 runs from about $130-160 new (though I'm sure you could find vendors that charge more)

the H1 is in the $100 range

both units support some type of track markers that can be exported (via BFW wavs) to computer for potential editing

of the two I'd lean towards the more expensive H2 for a couple of reasons. One might be purely subjective as the H1 uses micro SD cards as a medium and they just seem 'too' small (physical size) and fragile (but then I'm old enough to have started recording prior to consumer casette tape) Second reason is also a perhaps minor thing but H2's support an MS (mid side) style of recording something that was developed initially by film industry as a way of reducing unwanted sound while recording dialog live. If one is sitting way in the back of an amphitheater classroom the benefits (of MS) might be marginal (for voice recording my use of the MS feature is limited to one on one face to face interview type projects . . . things were even now I'd prefer dynamic cardioidal on a table stand for interviewer and clip on lavalier for interviewee) but I might have to test the idea now

in any case baring exorbitant import duties you might be able to find an H2 in price range. They also been out long enough and were/are popular enough that a used one should be floating about Zoom is not known for 100 year life span, but this is a type of product that if it works at all is pretty much in the impossible-to-guess-how-long-it-will-continue-to-work catagory It employs SD cards as recording media and can function as an interface, direct to computer via USB connection. It is powered by 2 standard (in US) 'AA' batteries and gets about 3.5 to 4.5 continuous use (also can be powered by wall wart) with some camera and/or medical gear versions @ upper end and rechargeable at lower end . . . (rechargeables can easily drop to 3 hr continuous)

while my default device in this catagory remains the Edirol R09 (currant is now an 'n' version) that is slightly more money but have gotten significant use out of both the Zoom h4 and h2, have personal quibbles about both but have no problem recommending to people I might have to see everyday

good luck

 

[FLYcrash]

Decent digital voice recorders (without the low-noise, hi bitrate, lossless recording needed by musicians along with good internal mics and preamps and professional-grade jacks) can be had for pretty cheap.

For example, the Philips LFH0602 does everything you ask - mono only, MP3 only, indexable, USB 2.0-compatible recording - for US $55. They also offer a full line of voice recorders with varying degrees of upgrades from this baseline. For example, the LFH0662 also functions as a player to play back MP3s. Other consumer electronics manufacturers (Sony, Olympus, ...) also offer full lines of digital voice recorders.

My girlfriend used a cheap unit like this for sociology fieldwork. She was pleased with the results.

 

[Jim Lad]

Just a guess though.
If you're looking at second hand, move now.
Another month and they'll be hen's teeth.