Cheap (but useable) recording?

[lipton_lover]

I'm looking for an audio recorder... I can't afford anything really expensive though. I looked in another thread asking the same thing and the Edirol R-09HR was recommended. However, even that's too expensive for me.

I don't need something too high quality, just something that's enough that it sounds professional and not crappy. Can anyone please help?

Thanks, Nate

[Bob]

Something used?  Borrow someone's?

[ronde_des_sylphes]

The video or audio recorders on mobile phones can sometimes be surprisingly good. I wouldn't say professional quality, but maybe worth a try.

[Bob]

just something that's enough that it sounds professional

That's what catches my attention.

You get what you pay for.  The $2-400 stuff is not professional quality either.

It depends what you want it for.  A cassette tape recorder can give you a lot of information for practicing purposes. 

If you plug a mic into your computer and mess with the settings you can make a recording that way too. 


Maybe some type of dictation recorder?  It wouldn't be meant for music, but those are cheaper than the little sound recorders out now. 

[lipton_lover]

Sorry I don't think I was very clear in my first post haha.

Professional is a strong word. I need something that will capture every key I play. Like, with the phones and cameras I have available, it gets messy really quickly if I play too low, or too high, or too many notes at once. I need that problem to go away, that's all.

Does anyone know of a recorder closer to like $50, something you've used and can say how it sounds?

Thanks for the replies! Nate

[richard black]

If the Edirol is too pricey, look at the Zoom H2 - about 60% the price, nearly as good performance, a bit fiddly to use.

[lipton_lover]

Thanks! Have you personally used the Zoom H2?

[oxy60]

I have the Edirol and it wasn't cheap.

Let's go back to the computer solution. If you can get a decent quality stereo microphone that's compatible with your computer you will get a good recording. I like Goldwave to record and edit. I also use Razor Lame for mp3 conversions because it lets you choose the quality.

Classical piano is not easy to record because of the large dynamic range. The ambient noise may be louder than your PPP passages..

[richard black]

Yes, I've used the H2. I've even got some recordings I made with it still on the computer. You're not going to get anything of the quality you describe for $50 - even a single (mono) microphone of any quality at all will cost you more than that.

[Bob]

Find a friend and pay them. 

[daniloperusina]

spam

[Bob]

Radio Shack actually had a fairly decent stereo mic for $20.  Lapel style.  I was surprised by it the first time I heard it.  That was awhile ago though so I'm not really sure how much noise it has, etc. 

Dang.  I looked.  I remember looking before.  I don't think they make that anymore.