You know the value of recording your practice sessions, rehearsals, and gigs, and with the number of handheld digital recorders currently available you have little excuse not to be recording. These handy little tools nab clean, highquality recordings that are easily transferred to your computer. The only thing standing between you and a digital recorder is knowing which ones to consider buying. That’s where we come in.
Over the course of several months, we tested more than two handfuls of handhelds, toting them to rehearsals and gigs, recording interviews and performances, and occasionally catching inspired “note-to-self” ideas. Our contenders were the Edirol R-09HR, M-Audio Microtrack II, Olympus LS-10, Sony PCM-D50, Tascam DR- 1, Yamaha Pocketrak 2G, and the H2 and H4 from Zoom. These aren’t like your old cassette tape recorder; they have high quality stereo microphones and preamps, all the better to capture a clear, clean recording. Every one of them made pristine recordings in a variety of audio file formats and file sizes. From there, they varied widely. Each had different input and output jack configurations. Some had phrase-training features like A-B looping and speed shifting. One could bounce recordings for sound-on-sound multitracking, and another incorporated a full-on fourtrack. Still another could record in surround.
Feature-wise, here’s what they had in common: All had stereo microphones and had display screens with menu-based software navigation. All recorded to solid-state digital media—either internal flash memory, or removable media like SD or SDHC cards or Compact Flash cards. Each came with mini earphones and a USB to mini-USB cable (except the Yamaha, which has a full-size USB jack that pops out, and comes with a USB extension cable), and most came with software for audio file editing or conversion. Each has an 1/8" phone jack and could double as an mp3 or WMA music player. Most doubled as USB storage devices. All but the Zooms had HOLD switches to prevent accidental button mashing (with the Zooms you hold down MENU for a few seconds) and all but the M-Audio Microtrack II came with included media.
MY FAVORITE THINGS
After weeks of regularly recording band rehearsals with each of these recorders, I brought them all in to capture the same rehearsal for a comparative recording. Over time, I developed a list of my favorite features. Setting good input levels is the most crucial task for getting recordings that aren’t distorted or super-squashed from onboard limiting, so tops on my love list are easy-to-read meters, an annoyingly obvious peak light, and a handy input gain dial. Speakers are not a necessity, but they are nice to have for those should-I–really-delete-that-file? moments. I prefer units that run on standard, easily replaceable batteries as opposed to rechargeable batteries, as more than once I forgot to charge up or didn’t bring the AC adapter. While recording, I liked being able to start a new file with a press of a single button, rather than having to hit stop, record, and pause.
GENERAL TIPS
Again, setting appropriate gain levels is the key to audio victory. For most of these units, that involves setting a two- or three-position mic gain switch, then dialing up the input level while watching the meters, all the while keeping an eye out for the peak light. Most of these recorders have a limiter or automatic gain control (AGC); if your band is loud or has lots of quiet and loud dynamic variation, keep it turned on. To avoid unwanted noise, use a wind screen when recording outside, and engage the low cut filter for eliminating ambient pests like air conditioning noise. And unless the sound of your moving hands is an important part of your music, don’t touch the recorder while the red light’s on. Instead, set it on a tabletop surface while recording, and if a remote control is available, use it.
DEFINITIONS
WAV is a standard file format for storing audio data digitally. A WAV file can contain compressed audio, but it more commonly contains uncompressed PCM audio (pulse code modulation). CDs use uncompressed PCM audio captured at 44,100 samples per second (44.1kHz), 16 bits per sample. 24- bit samples and higher sample rates of 48kHz, 88.1 kHz, or 92kHz yield better-than-CD audio quality, but they also produce much larger files. BWF is a type of WAV file that allows for embedded metadata.
mp3 is a commonly used audio file format that compresses data for files that are about 10 percent of the size of the equivalent WAV. The amount of compression—which equals a smaller file size and more data loss—is reflected in the bitrate setting, with a common midrange settings of 128 or 192 kilobits per second (kbps). WMA, or Windows Media Audio, is another common compression format used in music players. Mp3 and WMA use compression algorithms that discard or reduce certain information and rewrite the remaining information more efficiently. They aren’t considered high-fidelity, but you can store many more compressed audio files than uncompressed in the same space.
Flash memory is an extremely durable and shock resistant type of computer memory that has no moving parts. It’s used in music players, PDAs, digital cameras, and other consumer electronics in the form of flash drives, Compact Flash cards, Memory Sticks, and SD and SDHC cards (Secure Digital, and Secure Digital High Capacity) cards. Most of these units use SD and SDHC cards, the latter of which can hold up to 32GB of data.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standardized computer interface for devices. Every one of these units connects to a computer via USB. Most of them did not work with the lower-powered USB jacks, such as those often found on the edge of computer keyboards.
X-Y miking is a stereo miking technique that places two directional microphones at an angle from 90° to 130° with their capsules close together. This provides a good stereo separation and a well-balanced image.
A-B repeat is a function that lets you mark beginning and end points in an audio track to loop a passage.
Digital pitch control lets you slow down playback of a recording without changing the pitch. In some cases, you can also use it to change the key of recorded performances.
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EDIROL R-09HR
EDIROL’S second-generation R-09 recorder fits nicely in the hand and has a rugged rubberized plastic casing. Everything is easy with the Edirol. It has a bright reversetext display with a straightforward user interface, and helpful file management tools, like the ability copy, move, and write-protect recordings. Phrase-training tools—SPEED and A-B looping—are single-button functions right on the front panel. The R-09HR also checks off several boxes on my fave features list: an onboard speaker, a SPLIT button for dividing files on the fly, and a bright (though small) PEAK light. Recordings sounded even and clear, with nice frequency balance and stereo separation. The included wireless remote control means you can place the unit at the sweet spot in front of the stage while you’re in back by the drummer. Bonus: Also works as a music player and storage device.
Pros Does everything you’d want, and does it easily.
Cons None.
TECH SPECS - Edirol R-09HR
List price/street price $450/$400
Warranty One year parts, 90 days labor
Comes with AC adapter, USB cable, remote control, 512MB SD card, stand
Available options stereo microphone kit ($159), carrying pouch ($39), carrying case ($69), silicone rubber case ($29)
Included software Pyro Audio Creator LE
Power Two AA batteries or AC adapter
Media/capacity SD and SDHC, up to 32GB
File formats PCM WAV (16- or 24-bit, 44.1kHz–96kHz), mp3 (64kbps to 320kbps, 44.1kHz)
Jacks 1/8" line in, 1/8" mic in, 1/8" phone
Special features Remote control, speed control, seamless file split.
Dimensions 1.5" x 2.5" x 1.06"
Weight 6 oz.
www.rolandus.com/edirol
M-AUDIO MICROTRACK II
Hardware-wise, the MICROTRACK II stands apart. On the plus side, there’s the two top-mounted 1/4" mic/line input jacks and 48V phantom power for external condenser mics. Then there’s the fact that it has no built-in mic. Instead, it comes with a T-shaped, plug-in electret stereo pair, which sounded good, but I kept fearing that I’d knock the unit over and break off the mic at the jack. One thing I don’t want in a rock & roll environment is gear that seems to require delicate handling. The RCA jacks on the bottom are cool for a stereo hookup, even if they seem a bit old-fashioned. Also, this was the only unit that arrived with no recording medium; 30 bucks at Radio Shack for an 2GB Compact Flash card, and I was almost in business. First I had to charge up the Microtrack II, either from a computer’s USB port, or the included AC-to-USB charger. Even with occasional charge-ups, the Microtrack II reported “very low battery” more than I cared for. (M-Audio notes that some of its pro users have recommended third-party battery packs to extend the unit’s recording time.) I dug the separate lights for signal and peak, and I liked the variety of recording formats. The Microtrack II supports the BWF format, which allows you to drop in markers while recording to find your place later. Bonus: Also works as a music player and storage device.
Pros Twin 1/4" balanced input jacks, phantom power, digital output.
Cons Internal battery ran down quickly; no internal mic.
TECH SPECS - M-Audio Microtrack II Mobile Digital Recorder
Warranty One year parts, 90 days labor
Comes with USB cable, earbud-style phones, 1/8" headphone extension cable with lapel clip, T-shaped electret microphone, earbuds, protective carrying case with mic pouch, power-supply unit with USB connector, AC-to-USB charger/power adapter
Available options Microtrack 10db pad ($20), MicroPack custom carrying case ($100)
Included software Audacity
Power AC adapter/charger, internal rechargeable battery, or third-party battery pack
Media/capacity Compact Flash or Microdrive, sold separately
File formats PCM WAV/BWF (16- or 24 bit, 44.1kHz–96khz), mp3 (96kbps-320 kbps, 44.1kHz or 48khz)
Jacks 1/8" mic in, two 1/4" TRS mic/line in, 1/8" phones, left and right RCA line outs, S/PDIF digital output
Special features 48V phantom power for powering condenser mics, two 1/4" jacks
Dimensions 2.38" x 4.25" x 1"
Weight 5.25 oz.
www.m-audio.com
OLYMPUS LS-10
Among the smallest of the bunch, the long, slender Olympus LS-10 slips easily into a pocket with room to spare for your smart phone. Its sturdy metal exoskeleton felt exceptionally robust, as do the low-profile knobs, buttons, and switches. Twin speakers on the back are a convenient plus. A RECORD LEVEL dial and a bright, bold PEAK light help with the crucial task of level setting. The button layout, the big square display, and the software interface’s nested menus made the Olympus superbly easy to navigate. I found it quick and easy to select among PCM WAV formats in six resolutions, and mp3 and WMA, each with three resolutions. Dedicated buttons make simple tasks of setting A-B repeat and accessing the file list, and if there’s a deep-in-the-menus item you frequently access, you can assign its function to the FN button. The condenser mics are positioned at a wide 90-degree angle for a nice stereo spread, but the Zoom Mic function offers virtual alternate mic settings, from WIDE through NARROW and ZOOM by capturing only specific portions of what the microphones hear. The LS-10’s recordings sounded crisp, open, airy, and accurate. I could still use files from one rehearsal that I recorded too hot thanks to the stout limiter, which clamped down to keep the signal from distorting. The LS-10 is one of the pricier units, but in terms of sound quality, ease of use, ruggedness, and form factor, Olympus got everything right. Bonus: Also works as a music player and storage device.
Pros Compact, easy to use, great sounding recordings.
Cons None.
TECH SPECS - Olympus LS-10
List price/street price $399/$399
Warranty One year
Comes with AC adapter, USB cable, earbudstyle phones, carrying case, microphone windscreens, AA batteries
Available options rechargeable batteries and battery recharger ($75); infrared remote control ($60); conference microphone kit ($550)
Included software Steinberg Cubase LE4 Power Two AA batteries or AC adapter
Media/capacity 2GB internal flash memory, plus an expansion slot for SD/SDHC
File formats PCM WAV (16- or 24- bit/44.1kHz–96kHz), mp3 (128kbps– 320kbps), WMA (64kbps–160kbps)
Jacks 1/8" line in, 1/8" mic in, 1/8" phone
Special features High-sensitivity, low-noise mics with machined metal interior parts, low noise preamp, A-B repeat, Zoom Mic virtual microphone technology
Dimensions 1.89" x 5.17" x .88"
Weight 5.5 ounces
www.olympus.com
SONY PCM-D50
On construction alone, the SONY stands ahead of the pack. This sturdy sucker is the one I’d choose if my livelihood depended on capturing high-quality audio in a war zone on a hostile alien planet, even if it doesn’t quite fit comfortably in my hip pocket. Almost every jack and switch is slightly sunken in a protective furrow, and the REC LEVEL and VOLUME knobs are covered in metal sheathes. The stereo microphones are covered by a protective grill, and you can turn them inward for a 90-degree X-Y position or outward for a wide 120-degree dispersion. Signal and peak lights for each mic make it easy to get a sense of signal strength and gain level, and the REC LEVEL dial with its bright red numbers means business, too. A short push of the menu button gets to folders and files, but holding it down accesses settings and features, like file resolution, the limiter threshold, or how much you want the digital pitch control to slow down a difficult passage. A pre-record feature continuously captures five seconds prior to engaging RECORD, so you don’t miss a moment of genius. A-B looping has its own dedicated button, and the DIVIDE button starts a new file in the middle of recording. The Sony plays back mp3s and WAVs, but it only records WAV files, which means a single song file might be too huge to easily e-mail to bandmates. Fortunately the 4GB internal flash memory is plenty capacious, and there’s an added slot for Memory Stick Pro Duo HG card if space gets tight. Recordings with the PCM-D50 sound crystal clear and high quality, so you better play your parts right. Bonus: Works as a music player and storage device.
Pros A serious recorder for serious recordings.
Cons Only records WAV files; might be overkill if you’re just looking to record rehearsals and lessons.
TECH SPECS - Sony PCM-D50 Linear PCM Recorder
List price/street price $599/$500
Warranty One year parts, 90 days labor
Comes with AC adapter, USB cable, four AA batteries
Available options RM-PCM1 Remote Control ($50), VCT-PCM1 Tripod Stand ($70), AD-PCM1 Windscreen ($50) and XLR-1 Balance XLR Adapter ($500)
Included software Sound Forge Studio LE Software
Power Four AA batteries or AC adapter
Media/capacity 4GB built-in flash memory, plus a Memory Stick slot
File formats PCM WAV up to 96KHz/24Bit; plays back WAV and mp3
Jacks 1/8" line in, 1/8" optical line in, 1/8" line out, 1/8" optical line out, remote jack
Special features High-quality condenser mics can be turned for X-Y, narrow, and wide settings, low noise mic preamps, A-B repeat and digital pitch control with up to 75-percent slow-down.
Dimensions 2.83" x 6" x 1.29"
Weight 12.5 ounces
pro.sony.com
TASCAM DR-1
The TASCAM DR-1 is one of two recorders in this roundup review with multitrack capability, which should come as no surprise given the company’s long history with compact portable studios. Constructed of rugged plastic with rounded edges, the unit has a solid feel, ergonomically placed controls, and a wide, backlit display. The DR-1 is powered by an internal lithium ion battery charged either by an optional AC adapter or a powered USB jack. The 1/4" input jack labeled MIC 2 is a mic level input, though I got decent idea-capturing sounds plugging in basses and guitars without a DI. (At press time, Tascam announced the GT-R1, a similar recorder with an instrument input, amp models, and rhythm patterns.) When jog-wheeling through possible recording formats, the DR-1 displays the amount of recording time each resolution will offer—a nice touch. Setting levels seemed simple with the DR-1—the INPUT LEVEL dial seemed controlled and responsive—and the resulting recordings were clear and even across the spectrum; neither overly bottomy nor artificially crisp. Applying digital pitch control was a simple maneuver, as was doing an overdub recording—combining an existing file with newly recorded material— and balancing out the levels. Bonus: Works as a music player, tuner, and metronome. Has digital pitch control for slowing down or speeding up passages, changing the key of a recording, and fine tuning.
Pros Lots of easy-to-use, musician-friendly functions; 1/4" input
Cons AC adapter not included.
TECH SPECS - Tascam DR-1
List price/street price $399/$300
Warranty One year limited
Comes with USB cable, carrying case, 1GB SD card, lithium ion battery
Available options AK-DR-1 kit (tabletop stand, microphone clip, and windscreen, $75), AC adapter/charger $29, battery pack $60
Power Internal rechargeable battery or optional AC adapter
Media/capacity Up to 32GB SDHC
File formats WAV (16- or 24-bit, 44.1kHz or 48kHz), mp3 (32kbps–320kbps, 44.1kHz or 48kHz)
Jacks 1/8" line in, 1/8" mic in, 1/4" mic/line in, 1/8" phone/line out, remote jack
Special features 1/4" input jack, audio overdubbing, slow-down, voice or instrument cancellation, tuner, metronome
Dimensions 2.75" x 5.32" x 1.06"
Weight 7.3 ounces
www.tascam.com
YAMAHA POCKETRAK 2G
Talk about pocket recorders: you could fit a half dozen or more Yamaha Pocketraks in your pocket and still have room for your car keys. This thing is tiny! Small doesn’t necessarily mean simple, but the Yamaha is simple enough: It offers a bunch of recording and playback file formats, can double as a compact storage device or music player, and has a built-in USB jack that slides out the bottom. It comes with a USB-rechargeable AAA battery but it also takes a standard alkaline AAA cell. The 2G’s omnidirectional stereo mic flips up to avoid noise from the tabletop. The included carrying case doubles as a miking stand. The Pocketrack has no dedicated input-level control; rather, with RECORD pressed but not engaged, you set the levels on-screen using the skip/search buttons. The Pocketrack’s recordings were clear and crisp, though they tended more toward darkness than an open sound and lush stereo imaging. (Yamaha’s Pocketrack CX promises to make significant improvements over the 2G, adding X-Y mic configuration for better stereo imaging, an onboard speaker, SD card expandability, and playback speed control.) Bonus: Works as a music player and USB storage device; comes with a rechargeable battery.
Pros A clever, compact design; an excellent choice for surreptitious recording.
Cons Modest stereo imaging.
TECH SPECS - Yamaha Pocketrack 2G Pocket Recorder
List price/street price $399/$300
Warranty One year
Comes with USB cable, AAA eneloop rechargeable battery, stereo earphone, leather carrying case with built-in mic-stand adapter
Included software Steinberg Cubase AI4
Power One AAA battery
Media/capacity 2GB internal flash memory
File formats PCM WAV, mp3 in various resolutions up to 16-bit/1411 kbps PCM. Plays back mp3, WMA, WAV, DRM10-WMA
Jacks 1/8" mic in, 1/8" phones
Special features Flip-up mic, built-in USB jack
Dimensions 4.675" x 1.375" x 0.5"
Weight 1.75 oz
www.yamahasynth.com
ZOOM H2
The H2 is the least expensive of the lot, but that’s not all that sets it apart: It’s the only one with four built-in microphones—two front and two rear—which you can use in different configurations for stereo dispersion options or even surround recordings. The display is small, but the soft front-panel buttons are laid out in a way that makes getting around the menus fairly easy. There are a ton of features and settings to be mined in the menus, including a variety of file formats, a metronome, tuner, A-B looping, and more. There’s prerecording that continuously captures two seconds prior to engaging record, and auto-recording, which starts tracking when the mic senses a signal at a specified decibel threshold. A three-position MIC GAIN switch gets you in the recording-level ballpark, but fine tuning the input level requires using the skip/search buttons. The H2 looks a bit like an electric shaver, and its recording results are just as clean. It comes with a tripod stand, and you’ll want to use it, as the unit’s plastic casing picks up hand noise readily. Bonus: Has a tuner and metronome; functions as a USB microphone.
Pros Lots of features; four mics for surround recordings, a great price.
Cons None.
TECH SPECS - Zoom H2 Handy Recorder
List price/street price $335/$200
Warranty One year
Comes with AC adapter, USB cable, earbud-style phones, carrying case, 1/8" stereo-to-RCA cable, mic clip adapter, tripod stand, 512MB SD card.
Available options Silicon jacket protective cover ($15), Mic clip Adapter ($9)
Included software None, but Zoom recommends several free downloadable surround-conversion applications
Power Two AA batteries or AC adapter
Media/capacity Up to 16 GB on SDHC
File format WAV (16- or 24-bit, 44.1kHz or 48kHz), mp3 (32kbps–320kbps, 44.1kHz or 48kHz)
Jacks 1/8" line in, 1/8" mic in, 1/8" phones/line out
Special features Four mics for four mic patterns (90°, 120°, two-mic 360°, and four-mic 360°) and 3D panning function. Auto record, and pre-record.
Dimensions 2.5" x 4.33" x 1.25"
Weight 5 oz.
www.samsontech.com
ZOOM H4
If the ZOOM H2 has a ton of features, the H4 has two tons: It’s a four-track recorder, it has two combo-jack inputs for direct mic or instrument input, it has a tuner and metronome, and it has effect and amp models for vocals, bass, and guitar. Unfortunately, that’s all a bit much to navigate given the tiny display and the two principal controls—a joystick- like MENU button and a slide-and-push side-mounted jog wheel—which are quite awkward to use in combination. For inputs, the H4 can’t be beat: You can plug in standard XLR microphone cables or 1/4" instrument cables directly into the combo jacks, and use them to record to two tracks simultaneously in 4-track mode. I found the controls counterintuitive and the learning curve daunting—I never seemed to stop making incorrect joystick/jogwheel combo moves—and a learning curve is the last thing I want to deal with when trying to capture potentially fleeting inspiration. That said, I was pleased with the sound quality of the resulting recordings. The H4 handles regular stereo recording with aplomb. The same four buttons you use to arm a track in 4-track mode make for easy file format selection in stereo mode, from 128kbps mp3s to WAV files ranging from 44.1kHz to 96kHz. The rehearsal tracks were solid, if a bit bottomy, and computer file transfer was seamlessly simple. Bonus: Tuner, metronome, effects, functions as a 2x2 USB audio interface.
Pros Quality recordings, lots of input options, a handy 4-track.
Cons Awkward controls; sharp learning curve.
TECH SPECS - Zoom H4 Handy Recorder
List price/ price $499/$300
Warranty One year
Comes with AC adapter, USB cable, earbud-style phones, carrying case, windscreen, mic clip adapter, tripod adapter, 512MB SD card.
Available options Mic clip adapter ($8.99) [option or included?]
Included software Steinberg Cubase LE 4
Power Two AA batteries or AC adapter
Media/capacity Up to 16GB on SDHC
File formats WAV (16- or 24-bit, 44.1kHz or 48kHz), mp3 (32kbps–320kbps, 44.1kHz or 48kHz)
Jacks 1/8" line out, 1/8" phones, two 1/4"/XLR combo jacks
Special features Two combo jacks for XLR or 1/4" input, can be used as a 4-track recorder and audio interface, onboard effects and amp models, tuner and metronome, phantom power.
Dimensions 2.75" x 6" x 1.38"
Weight 8 ounces
www.samsontech.com
KORG MR-1: RECORDING NOW FOR THE FUTURE.
If you’re an audiophile, or you expect you might be one some years from now, take a good look at the Korg MR-1 ($899 list, $399 street). (We received the Korg MR-1 too late too run it through the same tests as the other units.) The MR-1 records in DSD audio, a 1-bit, 2.8MHz recording format that is head and shoulders above the resolution of most digital recording devices. With it, you can make ultra-high quality recordings, use them now, or archive them for use with future technologies. The MR-1 comes with Audiogate software, which Korg says can transfer the 1-bit files to today’s audio formats without degradation. Accordingly, the Korg is equipped with a relatively huge 20GB internal hard drive. It has an internal rechargeable battery; Korg sends a free external battery pack with warranty registration. For more about the Korg MR-1, see Craig Anderton’s review from the March ’07 issue of EQ, at www.eqmag.com.www.korg.com
Since we started this test earlier this year, new and revised releases have been launched or announced almost monthly. The software for the Edirol and both Zoom recorders has been updated. At press time, Tascam announced the GT-R1, a recorder with features aimed specifically for bassists and guitarists. And, by the time you read this, the Yamaha Pocketrak 2G will have been superseded by the Pocketrak CX. Marantz didn’t respond to our requests to review the PMD620 or PMD660.
RECOMMENDATIONS
These are great tools, but they’re also fun toys. Each of these handheld recorders offers a cool combination of features and functions, some of which are borrowed from music players and phrase trainers. And they all sound much better than your old handheld cassette recorder. So which one to get? It depends upon what’s important to you. If budget is your primary concern, the Zoom H2 is a solid choice that combines fairly easy use with cool extras and surroundsound possibilities. On the higher end, the Sony PCM-D50 and the Olympus LS-10 have the most professional feel and sound; both have sturdy metal cases, internal drives and slots for removable media, high quality components, and a helpful set of easy-access features. The Sony stands out for its exceptional ruggedness, but it’s big; I preferred the Olympus for its compact form. The Edirol R- 09HR makes solid recordings, has easy access to all the most useful features and phrase training tools, and comes with a remote control. All of these have musician-friendly features, but the Tascam DR-1’s are exceptional. It has a 1/4" input jack, great phrasetraining tools, cool sound-on-sound recording, a tuner and a metronome, but factor in buying the not-included AC adapter and battery pack. All of these are excellent choices. Factoring in features, price, ruggedness, sound, and ease of use, my top recommendations are the Olympus LS-10 and the Edirol R-09HR.