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Recording Sound Recorder

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Paul

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Hi, can anyone recommend a digital sound recorder . Is the Zoom H1 suitable for recording my progress on the sax or are there other decent alternatives for around £50
thanks
Paul.T
 
I am sure it will do the job fine. I have the H2 and there is a H2N I think. I'm not hot on techie stuff but the H2 I have is easy to use and does what I need fine. There are a few threads about recorders on here:)

Jx
 
The H1 actually uses the same spec mics as the H2n so if you're not planning on using the extra features an H1 may be sufficient.

Edit:
Plus the version 2.0 firmware update from Zoom allows the H1 to be used as a USB mic too.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
a great alternative is to buy a USB mic lead and 2nd hand sure sm58 or sm57 mic then download audacity for free, just plug the mic in and press record on audacity. You will have much better edit options this way too.
 
Go with a Zoom H2N.You have way more options.You can record where ever you want and you can also just plug into your laptop/computer and use as a USB mic.Its condenser mics are very good.
 
dubrosa22 said:
The H1 actually uses the same spec mics as the H2n so if you're not planning on using the extra features an H1 may be sufficient.

Edit:
Plus the version 2.0 firmware update from Zoom allows the H1 to be used as a USB mic too.
Click to expand...

+ 1.
It does the job.
I am not to keen of autogain though. You better do some experiments.
 
aldevis said:
I am not to keen of autogain though. You better do some experiments.
Click to expand...

Autogain is terrible. I switch it off and also turn off the Lo-Cut filter.

I set the input level very low between 15 or 20 and close mic about 4-6 inches from the horn pointing straight at the G# key. A mic stand helps.

80% of my recordings are the H1 miked this way and I think they're decent for a $110AUD mic coupled with $0 software.

It's the hardware in my head that lets me down ;)

https://soundcloud.com/dubrosa22/serene-plus-noodling-alto-sax

V
 
Last edited by a moderator:
dubrosa22 said:
I set the input level very low between 15 or 20 and close mic about 4-6 inches from the horn pointing straight at the G# key. A mic stand helps.
Click to expand...

I briefly listened to your tracks: Try to keep the H1 at 1 meter from you (little more than a yard, or 0.00053 nautical miles). It should get rid of some unnatural 2600Hz I hear on the recording.
 
If you're wanting to home record yourself there's no need to lash out on expensive recording equipment. You can use your laptop or pc with a free download of audacity. The on board mic is poor so the addition of a microphone will give you better results and allow you to position the mic for best results. I started with a £1.50 skype mic. I'm now using a £12 condenser mic off amazon.

If you're wanting something portable then the zoom looks like the way to go.
 
10
aldevis said:
I briefly listened to your tracks: Try to keep the H1 at 1 meter from you (little more than a yard, or 0.00053 nautical miles). It should get rid of some unnatural 2600Hz I hear on the recording.
Click to expand...

LOL but I *like* it at 0.00011 nautical miles ;)

Actually I mostly practise and record in a phonebooth sized soundproof box. Seriously.
So it's a cramped recording environment for a reason and from my amateur experiments.
 
I have a Zoom H2 and have never regretted buying it (except the battery issue, but I just run it on the mains as much as possible)

I also have Audacity.
You can transfer your recordings from the Zoom into Audacity and edit away to your hearts content.

I don't know about the H1, but with the H2 you can choose to record in .WAV or .MP3 format ( there may be others, I've never tried)
In .MP3 format, I could record about 35 hours of audio! And to my ear it sounds fine.

I also have GarageBand on my iPad with a Snowball ICE external mic, which does a pretty good recording job too.
 
H1 does options for WAV or MP3 but no external power so battery drainage is very annoying.
I have to keep spares with me constantly. :(

Personally if my budget stretched to the H2n I would bought it instead but I probably wouldn't have used most of the extra features anyway so…
 
Hi and many thanks for all the replies very informative. I like the idea of the condenser microphone but just wonder if the sound is acceptable. I am looking at the Tascam DR-05 PCM recorder as it seems to get great reviews, and comes in at around the same price as the Zoom H1. I didn't really want the expense of the H2n although it does get great reviews.
Again thanks to all who replied
Paul.T
 
Paul said:
Hi and many thanks for all the replies very informative. I like the idea of the condenser microphone but just wonder if the sound is acceptable. I am looking at the Tascam DR-05 PCM recorder as it seems to get great reviews, and comes in at around the same price as the Zoom H1. I didn't really want the expense of the H2n although it does get great reviews.
Again thanks to all who replied
Paul.T
Click to expand...

I have a Tascam DR05 which is easy to use and gives a good recording.
 
dubrosa22 said:
I'd love to hear it - do you post any recordings?
Click to expand...
I think I don't have any: alto is not my main instrument and once my new endorsed alto came in, SML went on holiday. Mostly due to its keywork.

dubrosa22 said:
H1 does options for WAV or MP3 but no external power so battery drainage is very annoying.
I have to keep spares with me constantly. :(
Click to expand...
I use re-chargeable batteries.
saxplorer said:
A budget is a terrible thing .... >:) ....
Click to expand...

You are right: a nasty and aggressive rodent.
 

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