Best portable recorder?

I am thinking about getting "some" recording device. I just want something practical for getting riffs, licks lyrics and song ideas down before they exit my brain. Not looking for pro quality, multi-tracking, etc. But I do want something digital that won't make junk recordings of my at-home pretty loud guitar tone. Video not necessary. Looking online, Zoom and Tascam makes some in the $100-300 range. Any recommendations?

Both the zoom and tascam are great buys for the money. The Zoom H2 is cheaper than the tascam and you couldn't tell the difference between the recording quality of either if you listened to the same recording side by side. I've worked with live gig recordings from both and they both sound great. So Save some $ and get a Zoom H2. Easy to operate, easy to offload various formats of audio to your computer, and you'll be able to use it for more than you initially intended. Shop around online for the H2 and you'll find them for under $200.

Check this site for audio sample comparisons:

http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-sound-samples.html

Don't overlook the Zoom H1. Great little recorder for exactly what you want to do and and only $99. Mine goes everywhere with me.

Will

I use my iPhone.:lol:

+1 for the Zoom H2.
Two bandmates have the H1 and the H2 without doubt blows them out of the water.
I use it the record rehearsals and gigs.

I use my iPhone.:lol:

I got a recording app on my Droid and have tried it, and while it works for an acoustic it sounds like junk with loud electric guitar. The H2 looks perfect, thanks.

I've had my H2 about three years.

I would recommend that you budget in a higher capacity SD card along with the H2.

The H2 comes with only a 512MB SD card. Might be okay if you record mp3s, but may fill up quick if you record wav.

And of course a follow up question..

Are you thinking of adding additional "tracks" to the simple recordings ? OR are you just wanting to record a simple ONE take for capturing the moment ?

There are many options in the price range...

Of course Zoom H1 or H2, both stereo recorders.

then the H4...

Or even the new Boss Micro BR80, which is a hand held tiny 8 track which also can capture LIVE moments quickly as well in MP3 or wave. Overall a unit like this can address many applications and far exceeds the feature set of a stereo unit like the H2 or H1.

Zoom R8 or Zoom R16 ? ( unless size matters)

the above exceed the $100 window and are closer to the $300 window. But I do believe the added value that comes with them far exceeds the difference in price point. If you are ok with the $300 price point I would zoom right past the stereo only recorders and get into a multi-tracker that can also record live stereo, which they pretty much all do now.

good luck

t

+1 for the Zoom H2.
Two bandmates have the H1 and the H2 without doubt blows them out of the water.
I use it the record rehearsals and gigs.

Why would a H2 blow the H1 out of the water when you're recording rehearsals and gigs?

I know that the H2 has more bells and whistles but in pure stereo recording I'm sure one couldn't tell the difference which was what.

I like the simplicity and long lasting battery life of the H1.
...plus saving a few bucks.

I've used a couple of devices for recording ideas. Both do it well and have other capabilities.

One is a Tascam GT-R1, which has a bunch of features beyond just recording (over-dub, effects, slow-down, retune, drum samples, guitar jack) which you may or may not want. The guitar jack is handy but, mine has started cutting out. It's a plastic jack, not rigidly secured at the outboard end and I'm sure it must be soldered direct to a pcb. Not too happy about that development but everything else still works fine. Very portable.

The other is a looper pedal. These are handier if you want to over-dub, lay down backing tracks to play along with, etc. You can do that kind of stuff w/recorders, but you have to operate 'em w/your hands. Not all loopers will interface w/a computer (if that's where you want to save stuff eventually). Not as portable.

Why would a H2 blow the H1 out of the water when you're recording rehearsals and gigs?

I know that the H2 has more bells and whistles but in pure stereo recording I'm sure one couldn't tell the difference which was what.

I like the simplicity and long lasting battery life of the H1.
...plus saving a few bucks.

Why yes: 4 microphones vs 2 makes a hell of a difference!
We in fact do hear the H2 is a better item: more bass for instance, and better dynamics. My bandmates leave theirs mostly at home now.

The H2n has the long battery life and playback speaker of the H1 with the multi-mic options of the H2.

Fran