Portable Digital 2-Track Recording?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Alexbt
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Alexbt

Alexbt

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Hi all,

I'm looking for suggestions for something to do portable digital 2-track recording with, in such applications where it is desirable to plug a couple mics into a mixer or preamp and connect to the recording device. Something small would be desirable.

The first and only thing other than a CD-burner that has come to mind is a MiniDisc recorder. These are a little tricky to transfer to a computer unless supported through USB, which some aren't.

Any suggestions? I would like something low in price. It just needs to be really basic so I can move it around easily, as moving my Cubase/Logic Mac DAW around can be a pain and unnecessary for small projects.
 
We've been using one of those little Marantz jobs that uses compact flash cards with a Rode stereo mic.

It works quite well
 
Wow, what a nice little thing that is. It's perfect.

The price is too high for me though, unfortunately.
 
You can find DAT machines on Ebay for really cheap. They are more bulky than the m-audio or marantz, but they get the job done.

I used to have on like this. It cost me about $1000.

Sony DAT on Ebay
 
The street price on that M-Audio solid state recorder is going to be less than $500, so it still might be worth looking into for you.

I think you are right to avoid minidisc. I personally would also avoid DAT machines, man I hate those things. I've owned a couple over the years and am very glad they've been religated to the dust bin of history (mostly). All the problems of tape, maybe worse because of the very delicate and small size of the DAT tapes. I'd really avoid DAT, I've seen so many tapes get eaten, transports go down or need constant trips to the repair shop for adjustment.

You might want to look at the Fostex MR-8, which will probably be about half the cost of the M-Audio solid state recorder.

http://www.fostex.com/index.php?file=products/digital/mr8
 
SonicAlbert said:
The street price on that M-Audio solid state recorder is going to be less than $500, so it still might be worth looking into for you.

I think you are right to avoid minidisc. I personally would also avoid DAT machines, man I hate those things. I've owned a couple over the years and am very glad they've been religated to the dust bin of history (mostly). All the problems of tape, maybe worse because of the very delicate and small size of the DAT tapes. I'd really avoid DAT, I've seen so many tapes get eaten, transports go down or need constant trips to the repair shop for adjustment.

You might want to look at the Fostex MR-8, which will probably be about half the cost of the M-Audio solid state recorder.

http://www.fostex.com/index.php?file=products/digital/mr8
Click to expand...

The dat machine is a pain, admittedly.

I borrowed one a couple of months ago to some live to stereo recording. It is a way to get uncompressed 48mhz.
 
There was never a pro-grade transport developed for DAT, they are relatively delicate. But if you treat them right, they can be pretty reliable.

Funny how home consumers need pro-grade reliability more than the pros, sometimes. :p

Anyway, if quality isn't your main concern, an mp3 player/recorder like the ibead 1000, about $200, is an OK choice, or something similar. It has a stereo line in, so you would need a preamp, and proper cabling.
 
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