Sampling sounds.....

[Zed10R]

What device is best suited to sample noises and sounds out doors? I'm thinking something small and handheld that can record an hour of ambient noise, traffic, trains, airplanes, my nieghbors too loud TV, construction across the street, shit like that. Ideas?? Oh - and it has to be able to download the recorded material to a pc somehow, and that downloaded sound has to be compatible with Sonar......

Thanks....

 

[Carter]

Why dont you just take a condensor mic and put it next to a open window...That will pick up all the sounds from outside

 

[thane1200]

Portable DAT with Stereo Mic, like reporters use.

Or, I believe some MINIDisc players can record from a microphone.

 

[MadAudio]

MiniDisc uses a compression format, though. Portable DAT's probably the best option even though it's only 16-bit.

My favorite device for sampling is.... the computer and Sound Forge. But that's not practical if you only have a desktop unit.

 

[punkin]

I have used a Fostex MR-8 for that sort of thing from time to time. It has a little built in mic (not the greatest thing but hey) or you could do a stereo set up with the two mic and/or instrument inputs. I like this little box for when I'm travelling or projects just like what you've described. I came real close to selling once but now I'm glad I've kept it.

 

[thane1200]

MiniDisc uses a compression format, though. Portable DAT's probably the best option even though it's only 16-bit.

I don't believe when you straight [line in] record to MiniDisc the recording gets compresse. I believe its only when you intentionally compress music files like Mp3s and what not. However I'm no expert.

My favorite device for sampling is.... the computer and Sound Forge. But that's not practical if you only have a desktop unit.

I agree 100%

[side note] My new MiniDisk sucks compared to the old one, I can only record from PC using USB, there is NO analog [line in], ONLY [optical]

 

[MadAudio]

Well at least one MiniDisc unit (can't remember which) uses ATRAC compression when you record to it. It uses the least amount of bits possible. Sounds better than MP3 but might be noticeable on field recordings.

 

[Zed10R]

Why dont you just take a condensor mic and put it next to a open window...That will pick up all the sounds from outside

'cause I need to be able to go places with it. like the Airport, train station, you know....carry it around.

I'll check out some minidisk recorders and the Fostex MR-8.

Keep the ideas comin!!!

Thanks!!

 

[thane1200]

Well at least one MiniDisc unit (can't remember which) uses ATRAC compression when you record to it. It uses the least amount of bits possible. Sounds better than MP3 but might be noticeable on field recordings.

You're right about that....My new one has that feature, but you have to enable it. I currently have the Sony Net MD MZ-N505 Type-R