Portable Digital "Voice" Recorders
Recently I've been hearing about portable mp3 players that are capable of recording directly to their internal drives using either internal or external microphones (they have optical inputs/outputs as well). I know MiniDisc has been the predominant tool in recording live concert material, but these new devices seem really nice. Has anyone had any experiences with these?
I am considering getting an iRiver HP120 that has a Line-In jack for an external microphone, but hardly anyone has commented on their recording quality compared to MiniDisc. Mainly I'd like to use this to record live shows. Any opinions are appreciated!
there are a number of these players..
but before you buy the iRiver (very good product by the way), check out the newly released Rio Carbon. I just ordered one and should receive it early next week. It's the successor to the Rio Nitrus, a player I've been using for over a year. If you're looking for a device that can be used with an external microphone, the Carbon isn't for you. It's built-in microphone is probably unsuitable for live recording. If voice recording is what you want, the Carbon should be fine. The Carbon improves on the Nitrus in several significant ways. It uses a Seagate 5BG hard drive, has voice recording, book marking, is Audible compatible and is a UMS device (it will be seen as an external hard drive and can be used to store data files as well as music without special drivers or software). It's form factor is nearly perfect. Credit card size and in the form of a clamshell. It disappears into a pocket and is supposed to go as much as 20 hours before needing a charge. A lot of manufacturers puff there battery life and Rio is no exception but in the case of the Nitrus I'm getting an honest 12+ hours before it needs recharging. I expect the Carbon will improce on this a little. The Carbon is a direct assault on the iPod Mini but the Carbon has the mini outclassed in every way except perhaps the style and status department. By the way, I have no affiliation with Rio other than being a customer. I've owned several of their players over the years and with one exception have had excellent luck with their product. Here's a link: http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/sho....asp?model=267
If you need an external mic..
it looks like you were on the right track with iRiver. The H120 and 140 look like killer portable recorders, huge capacity, good (advertised) battery life. I have an ifp-195, an iRiver solid state portable. Fantastic sould quality and battery life. I'd still be using it but needed more capacity.