One thing which appears to be true (so I read on the forums) about the Zoom h2 is also true of my Tascam DR-07: clipping can be an issue. The signal on the DR-07, when fairly hot, creates clipping in one of the amplification stages no matter where you set the level of the recorder. I have observed this clipping in practice situations with Horn and in concert situations with vocal groups in smaller spaces. (A particular concert was held in a smallish sanctuary that had been built very tall for lots of reverb, the recording was nightmarish on the loudest sections even though the recording level was set fairly low.)
I am aware that some DR-07s had bad capsules, but mine has the same clipping problems even when coupled with a Sony stereo condenser that I used with my mini-disc recorder with great results. Please note that the same practice conditions do not produce the distortions when recorded with different devices (digital 8 track and EMU audio to USB interface). I haven't compared my DR-07 with the H2 directly, so I can only state that there are complaints about this distortion in comments posted about both units, YMMV especially if the components of the units have changed at all in the production lifetimes. Point being if you want CD'esque' quality records of performances or practices, you may not get it with a recorder like the DR-07 (which has been replaced in the model line to be fair, but it's what I have still). That said, it may function just fine for recording a practice or two to critique or measure progress at a later date. I would suggest working with a local store where you can test your various use scenarios before purchase. It may also be a good idea to make sure you can return the product if you have to. Who knows, recorders that give some folks issues may work wonderfully for your applications. A final note of caution, if you buy such a device, don't leave it in the box before first use longer than the return policy provides! -G Author: [LINK: mailto:[email protected]] Chris Wilhjelm Date: 2011-04-28 12:13 UTC To: [LINK: mailto:[email protected]] The Horn List Subject: Re: [Hornlist] About recorders... I agree Steve, this little recorders amaze me. Chris >>> Steve Freides <[LINK: mailto:[email protected]] [email protected]> 4/28/2011 7:49 AM >>> IMO, the standard is the Zoom H2. We bought ours when they were about $275, but a student bought one yesterday for half that so they have come down considerably in price. They make near CD quality recordings, can hold hours of music and you can add an SD card for even more storage, and the microphones are good enough that I know people who use a Zoom H2 for recording video of live music, attaching it via cable to their video camera. Again, in my opinion. the "different" thing about recording a horn has to do with where you play the device. I have recorded myself playing the horn with my Zoom H2 and it seems to pick up what I sound like. I prefer not get fancy - I want the recording to sound like what a listener would hear, so when I record horn or trumpet, I put the device perhaps 6-10 feet in front of me on a table or chair, but that's something you would want to experiment with. -S- On Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 12:40 AM, <[LINK: mailto:[email protected]] [email protected]> wrote: > I'm looking into getting a recording device to use as a practice/performance tool. I'm looking for something that is portable and I don't have a lot of money to spend. There seem to be a number of recorders in the $200 to $250 range that get good reviews and fit in a pocket (3x5x1). They seem to fit what I'm looking for. But none of the reviews I've read were by horn players. I'd imagine that recording horn is a tad different than guitar. Do any of you have personal experience with portable recording devices you would share to help me determine what might be an appropriate (or inappropriate) choice? > > > > > Doug _______________________________________________ post: [email protected] unsubscribe or set options at https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
