Other references and articles comparing. | iPod® solutions
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| Model | $ List / Street | Notes and comments from various sources. |
![]() Alesis PROTRACK |
$200 street | Recording "dock" for iPods | XLR/1/4 combo input [48v phantom] | 16-bit 44.1kHz (high); 22.05kHz (low) | 1/8" headphone output | 4 AAA | ProTrack records to iPod Classic 7th and 6th generation, 5th-generation iPod, 3rd and 2nd-generation iPod nano, 2nd-generation iPod Touch, and iPod nano-chromatic. Sleds are not included for nano-chromatic and nano 2G. iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPod not included. iProRecorder™ is a trademark of BIAS, Inc. | Linder Review |
![]() American Pocket Recorder |
$200 | 44 KHz wav and MP3 recording formats | Built-in 128Mb flash memory | expanded memory slot for an SD card (reads SD cards up to 4GB each / Does not accept SDHC cards) -USB port for computer connection and DC power in - two AA batteries or a DC 5V - (LxWxH): 6.” x 3.5” x 1” / 155 x 84 x 28mm - Weight: .5 lbs. / 200 grams |
![]() Edirol R-1 |
$550 / 429 | |
![]() Edirol R-4 |
$1,895 / 1595 | Record up to four channels at 24-bit 96KHz - 80GB hard drive - |
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$450 / 399 | battery and memory card compartment is incredibly badly designed and fragile. One report - noise floor is really noticeable, omni mic boot up 6 seconds mini inputs, outboard mic gain is hi/lo switchable, and "plug-in power" is toggled w/ software | nice studio cans seem to require more energy than the R-09 provides |
Edirol R-09HR |
24 bits, 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz |Stereo only |WAVE: 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz, 16/24 bits
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3): 44.1/48 kHz, 64/96/128/160/192/224/320 kbps | Isolated Adaptive Recording Circuit (I.A.R.C.) |Records to SD or SDHC memory card |file transfer USB 2.0|
Cakewalk "pyro Audio Creator LE" | Mic input (Stereo miniature phone type, plug-in powered mic)| Full 48v Phantom on 1/4 TRS [read note 2] | LR6 (AA) type x 2, or Nickel Hydrogen battery (HR15/51) x 2
cnet review | O'Riley Review | Record Ready is only on LCD screen | Heard several reports of unit shutting down for no apparent reason. |
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![]() Fostex FR-2 |
$1,499 / 1,299 | 32Khz to 192Khz. 16 or 24 bit AA Batts, Good Mic Pres |
![]() Fostex FR-2LE |
$749/ $600 | BWF (stereo) or MP3 recording to Type II Compact Flash cards| FAT32 file system & BWF Stereo file format |16/24bit, 44.1/48/88.4/96kHz | XLR In | phantom | USB 2.0 for high speed file transfer to PC | Pre Rec buffer | Auto file closing maximizes available recording time |ALC (OFF/ALC/LIMITER) and HPF| XLR | (4) "AA" batteries or a 12V DC input |
![]() Fostex DV-40 |
Mono, stereo or 4-track recording modes | Up to 192kHz/24-bit performance. (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 kHz also available) | standard DVD-RAM media | Optional 2.5” internal 40GB HD (model 9055) for disk/file copy between disks | 20Hz - up to 80kHz frequency range | Rack Mount | |
Fostex PD-6 |
6 track DVD Ram and hard disk. | |
![]() HHB PORTADRIVE |
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![]() iKEY |
$179 / $60 and up | .Wav or MP3 files to 256kbs, 4AA Batteries Line Inputs only |
![]() iKEY Plus |
$289.95/ $138 | .Wav or MP3 files to 320kbs, 4AA Batteries, 1/8" mic input. Phono preamp, 6-bar VU meter |
![]() Korg PXR4 |
$500 / 299 | Uses Smart Memory 16 bit MPEG 1 Layer 2 @ 32bits |
![]() Korg MR-1 |
$899 | 20 GB Hard drive 1 bit audio DSD, DSF, DSDIFF, WSD + converts to 16 and 24 bit BWF up to 192 kHz mini trs, AC power of installed lithium polymer battery. |
![]() Korg MR-1000 |
$1499 | 40 GB Hard Drive 1 bit audio DSD, DSF, DSDIFF, WSD + converts to 16 and 24 bit BWF up to 192 kHz XLR/TRS AC or AA batteries |
![]() Marantz PMD 620 |
$400 | SD card, MP3 (32 - 192 KBPS) and wav (44.1 + 48K @ 16 or 24 bit) 2 AA Batts for about 5 hrs of record. Fast boot. Will record a mono file. Mini plug input, built in mics ok. Headphone jack located between the two internal mics.
Output is confidence monitor which means a short delay. [ Reports say the delay is fixed with updated software.]
Review at Transom | Brad Linder Review Possible File Format Problems reported here if converting to .BWF. |
![]() Marantz PMD 660 |
$649 / 499 | to 16 bit 44.1 & 48 kHz .wav + MP3 formats. Mic pres may be noisy for low-level dynamic mics. XLR mic input. Transom Review |
Marantz 661 |
$600 | Upgraded version of the 660 but 30% smaller.| 32Gb SD | 4 AA Batteries | 44.1/48/96kHz 16 / 24 bit | USB 2 |48v Phantom | Transcription playback functions, including pitch control and user-definable skip back | YouTube Marantz Intro | Podcast Academy Review and sample audio files.| Brad Linder First Look | |
![]() Marantz 670 |
$899 / 699 | 16 bit 44.1 & 48 kHz .wav + MP3 formats. XLR mic inputs, OK mic pres. |
![]() Marantz 671 |
$1,199 / 999 | 16 or 24 bit 44.1 to 96 kHz + MP3 formats. XLR mic inputs, OK mic pres. |
![]() M-Audio Microtrack II |
$499.95 / $279 - 299. | MP3 recording: 96 to 320kbps at 44.1 or 48kHz | PCM recording: 16 or 24-bit at 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kHz |
new features and enhancements including:
* extended input gain range
* analog input limiter with bypass
* 48V phantom power
* USB 2.0
* easily add markers to BWF files
* monitor S/PDIF input via headphones while recording
* seamless recording of files greater than 2GB
* backlight dimmer
* hibernation mode | CF or microdrive | built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery or included power supply | separate left and right input level controls
professional balanced ¼” TRS inputs capable of mic or line-level signals | dual microphone preamps with 48V phantom power for studio microphones |
1/8” TRS input with 5V power for use with stereo electret microphone (microphone included)
S/PDIF coaxial input | monitoring via RCA line outputs or 1/8” stereo headphone output | output level control |
dedicated buttons for navigation, record, hold, pause, delete, menu, and power Read the comment sections on all reviews Linder review | Inside Home Recording review | Wing Field Audio review | Core - Sound |
![]() M-Audio Microtrack 24-96 |
$499 / 399 | Mini TRS input. Non replaceable recharge battery. External power by USB plug. The USB port and one of the 1/4" jacks are so close together that it was impossible to use both at the same time The battery begins discharge when disconnected from AC even if not turned on. |
![]() Nagra Aries M |
$850 and up | -Only 1GB of fixed internal memory - 32, 44.1 and 48kHz @ 16 bit | Mini plug in and out no P48 on external mic-in -internal mic is mono runs 10 hours from 2 AA-cells (but records only 1hour26minutes at 48k linear PCM 16bit) | S/N 85dB, A-Weighted see low noise comparison |
![]() ARES-PII+ |
$2495 | 5 “AA” (LR6) batteries, CF Media, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48 kHz- 64, 128, 192, 256, 384 kb/s Mic. Inputs 12 poles DIN connector | 48v Phantom |
![]() Olympus LS-10 |
/$399 | The 2GB built-in flash memory and SD slot (up to 8 gigabytes). Long battery life allows to 12 hours with two AA batteries. .wav 44.1, 48, (24 bit/96 kHz) - .mp3 and .wma. Line and 3.5mm stereo MIC jack (PinP power)- usb file transfer. With one mic, mono plug, records left channel only. Record and stop buttons very easy to find and use. Input level set on side. Transom | Mix Magazine | Brad Linder Review read comments also. | Discussion on Naturerecordist | Linder - want to know what it sounds like? | O'Reily | sample file |
![]() Roland CD2 |
$799 / 695 | CD and CF Recorder |
Roland CD2E Portable CD/SD Recorder |
$600 | 44.1 16 bit stereo to CD-R, CD-RW or SD (64 GB). | 6 AA |Internal Mic, external mic or line in | Internal spkrs, phone and line out (mini phone) |
![]() Sonosax SONOSAX SX-R4 |
Shipping May 08 @ $4500? | 44,1 up to 192kHz @ 24bits and 16 bits ( dithering )|Up to 8 tracks on the HD plus 2 tracks on the CF Card # 4x electronically balanced 1/4 inch Mic/ RCA Line Input, XLR connectors | 2x unbalanced adjustable Line input on TA3 connector | 48V Phantom for Mic power | Pre LF Cut for rough wind conditions - PAD - Phase reversal | 2 Gain range and trim Gain control on the front |
![]() Sony PCM-D-1 |
$1995 / 1849 | to 24 bit 96 kHz 4GB internal memory built in mic. |
![]() Sony PCM-D50 |
$599.95 / 499.95 - 457.00 | 16 bit STEREO recordings ONLY at 22.05 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz NO mp3| Mic and Line in- mini |DC IN 6V, Four AA (LR6) alkaline batteries (supplied), Four nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries NH-AA (not supplied)| 4 GB Internal + Sony Memory Stick(Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo only)| 5 sec pre-record |
Windscreen and remote extra. Mic in stereo mini plug. Transom Review | Radio World Review | Brad Linder Review Production Sound group. Review |
![]() Sound Devices 702 |
$2,175 / 1,850 | to 24 bit 192 kHz CF Media Transom Review |
Sound Devices 722 |
$2,375 (B&H) | to 24 bit 192 kHz CF AND HD A major recorder in the film/sound industry. High quality and reliability. |
| Sound Devices 744 | $3,950 | to 24 bit 192 kHz 4 Track A major recorder in the film/sound industry. High quality and reliability. see low noise comparison |
![]() Sound Devices 788T |
/$6k | The 788T is a powerful eight input, eight-track digital audio recorder designed for production sound. Microphone or line-level signals, provide 48 V phantom power for condenser microphones, offer peak limiters for microphone inputs, and fully adjustable high-pass filters. Internal 160 GB SATA hard drive, CompactFlash media with UDMA support, or an external FireWire hard drive or DVD-RAM (with bus powering). |
![]() Soundman DR2 |
Mic in (PinP)| MP3, 96, 128, 196 and 320 kbps | .wav | manual level adjustment with -10 and -20 pads |2GB internal memory |
AAA/LR03 1.5V battery | Due May 08? Tapers Review | Freesound Review |
|
![]() Tascam DR-1 |
$299 | 1GB SD | MP3 or 48 or 44.1kHz 16 or 24-bit Recording WAV formats| auto gain control and analog limiting |
low-frequency cutoff |Rechargable Lithium-Ion Battery (can purchase additional bat) recharge via USB or AC | USB 2.0 |
Built-in Tuner and Vocal Cancel Features |Overdub Feature|Mechanical reset button | Mic and Line in - mini + 1/4 inch mic in.
(No level adjust for line in or mono mic in)
WAV at 16-bit (factory setting) or 24-bit, or MP3 at 32 kbps, 64 kbps, 96 kbps, 128 kbps, 192 kbps, 256 kbps, or 320 kbps. Brad Linder Review | Home Recording review | Gear Wire | Eugene Sonn Review |
![]() Tascam DR-07 |
$200 | 2 GB SD | USB 2.0 | 3.5mm Stereo Mic and Line Inputs and Output | 44.1 and 48kHz / 16 or 24 bit | MP3 File Recording from 32kbps to 320 kbps
Variable Speed audition with Pitch Shift | 22 AA | Sound on Sound Review | Brand Linder Review |
![]() Tascam DR100 |
$450 | 4 Built in mics (2 uni for stereo 2 omni for meetings) | 2-XLR mic in + phantom | 3.5 mini line in and out | Li-Ion or AA Batts | Brand Linder Review | |
![]() Tascam HDP2 |
$1,249 / 999 | to 24 bit 192 kHz Time Code
8 AA batteries, good mic pres, XLR input DV Review | EQ Review | Transom Review see low noise comparison |
![]() Yamaha Pocketrak |
$499 | 2 GB (type not specified) | USB 2 | Rechargeable Battery (USB) or 1 AAA| DRM10 |Variable playback speed | Manual rec adj or ALC | 44.1 kHz, 16 bits .wav or mp3 | mic/line input stereo |
![]() Zaxcom ZFR100 Audio Recorder |
miniSD media, single mic level unbalanced input, recorded 48kHz 24 bit convertible to: .WAV or .ZTF - 16 or 24 bits selectable - 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 48.048 kHz -Time Code Type: SMPTE |
|
![]() Zoom PS04 |
$259 / 199 | format? will convert to .wav or .aiff on transfer 128 Mb media |
![]() Zoom H4N |
24bit/96kHz on SD/SDHC media of up to 32GB and is USB 2.0. .BFW - onboard reference speaker | vari speed playback | remote control (RC4) | (BWF) compatible time stamp and track marker |
XLR inputs with phantom power | 1/8 inch plug in power mic input | normalizing and file splitting |
Brad Linder Review cnet Review |
|
![]() Zoom H4 |
/$299.05 | AA Batteries,: SD memory card (16MB - 2GB), SDHC memory card (4GB - 32GB) | It has been reported that with some media cards as battery voltage drops you can hear a clicking
type noise as the data is written to the SD card. Onboard studio effects such as compression, limiting and mic modeling TRS/XLR Input connectors-phantom 44.1, 48, 96, and MP3 - omni mic |
![]() Zoom H2 |
$349 / $199.97 | up to 4GB in SD Card storage, up to 24-bit/96kHz, up to 320kbps VBR MP3 1/8" inputs for both mic and line inputs | W-XY mic patterns with 4 mic capsules and signal processing allows Front 90° cardioid, Rear 120° cardioid and 360° polar patterns | 2 AA bats = 4hrs | For a wind screen, the "dead kitten" from Rode fits the H2. Review at Transom | EM Review |
| Other Readings
EQ - Portable Recorder Showdown Comparing the Sony PCM-D50, Fostex FR2-LE, Zoom H4 and Sound Devices 702 - Linder Audio Samples from SD702, Sony D50, Fostex FR2-LE Recorder Noise Floor compare Raimund Specht, Avisoft Bioacoustics, (PDF) Microphone Input Noise Comparision Avisoft Bioacoustics B&H Intro to portable recorders.
Comparison Chart by BSW (PDF) Beware of Fake Sandisk CF Cards New York Times Review Requires registration |
| Rycote -mini windjammers |
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