Zoom H2 or DMP3

[longt]

I posted this on another site but did not get a good response there. I apologize for the double post.

I want to record in order to gauge progress on playing guitar. I would use it mostly for acoustic but maybe some electric. Which would be better - a preamp (thinking DMP3) and mike or the Zoom H2 digital recorder. I would have to mike the amp with the H2 but could plug the electric directly into the DMP3. The acoustic of course would use a mike with the DMP3. I'm thinking the H2 would be a little easier, wouldn't have to record by the computer. The samples I've heard of the H2 sound pretty good.

I've been playing 1 year and I'm 60 so I doubt I'll ever have to record seriously.

Thanks,

 

[prestomation]

For your purposes, I would recommend a standalone recorder. I don't have any experience with that particular unit, but for your use it should not matter much which unit you use. That way you can avoid all the hassle with a computer(drivers, crashes, etc, etc). So the recording is only for yourself so you can keep a record of how your doing? Just that unit and a mic and you'd be set.

 

[Vagodeoz]

I would also say go for the standalone recorder.
The DMP3 is the next-up on my buy list, but I'm building a studio. In your case it should do fine.
But I would advice some other model, like the Fostex MR8, or the Tascam DP-01

Or if you are 60, maybe you will preffer the analog feel of one of these cassette recorders. I have that one and works like a charm.
You could get an used Tascam 488 in ebay fairly cheap, or a cheaper one.

 

[mshilarious]

You might also consider the Zoom H4. It has XLR inputs as well as the built-in mics, which can greatly expand your options for using different mics.

You probably can't avoid the computer entirely, as you'd still want to transfer tracks to PC and burn CDs (always make a backup to the SD cards!). But the recording process would be simpler, more portable, and quieter.

 

[ittam]

Well I´m only 55 but i went the DAW route some 6-5 years ago
and am in deep... in good or bad. It debends of your angle
to the projects in making, optimaly choose both?

Regards
Matti

 

[tkingen]

I have an Edirol R-09 and a DAW with a DMP3 as one of the preamps. The Edirol is similar to the Zoom unit you are looking at.

The Edirol is great for reference live recordings. Living room, rehearsals, song ideas, etc. You cannot do overdubs with it.
The DAW with a DMP3 route is more along the lines of a recording studio setup. You can overdub, punch in, etc.
What do you want to do?

Apologies if you already know this - it's just what came to mind after reading your post.

Good luck!

 

[antispatula]

if you're not interested in serious recordings, get the Zoom H2. It would be cheaper, and more portable and convenient. If you got the mic/preamp combo, you would also need a computer that can record, a soundcard, software and cables.

 

[Shadow_7]

If all you want to do is record yourself, then the Zoom H2/H4 are good choices.

The DMP3 is just a microphone preamp. It does not include a mic, a soundcard, a storage device, or any of the stands/cables to go along with the other stuff. I guess that's my main complaint with my Delta 44. Sure I got it used for $100 and it sounds great, but I'm also out extra cash for a $200 mic, $200 in cables, adapters, and stands, $200 in microphone preamp(s), $100 for a headphone preamp. All just to do what the H2/H4 does in one compact unit. Granted that I have more options with the DMP3 plus extras in terms of actually producing a professional like recording/CD. But it's a little bulky to lug around with me to the local park, or when visiting relatives, or when touring nationally/internationally.

 

[longt]

Thanks for all the help. I will probably go with the H2. The H4 looks good but for my purposes and budget I think that the H2 will be fine. If I need more then I can put the $100 price difference (H2/H4) towards the DMP3.

I really only expect to record myself to check for progress. But hey maybe I'll hit an unknown level of talent and want to record more

Thanks again.

Bill

 

[Shadow_7]

http://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.com/gs/gs-minigold1.htm

That and a laptop or vioce recorder/H2 is all you "need" for that. Although the plug-in power / bias voltage of my laptop puts a lot of hiss in the sound so I upgraded. My laptops soundcard couldn't do full duplex (record and play at the same time). Well, it could, but the bleed over was too much to bear. So I got a new soundcard for my desktop. Which had no plug-in power. So off to the preamp, real mic, and other upgrades(should have just gotten a battery box). Fortunately my region has a hearty craigslist in the recording realm. Unfortunately my need to strive for perfection bleeds over to technological gadgets.