Going portable-what to use

[MAK]

I would like to get a portable recording device to use for interviews. I would love a Marantz but the $500 plus price tag is too much right now. I was wondering what sort of set up you all use.

Marianne

[ferg]

I use an iRiver IFP 795. Any 700 or 800 series will be do, and can be had for under $100. They, essentially, record in mp3 format, and they go up to 384KBps bit rate. I like the sound of it so much that, for awhile, we recorded even our in-studio shows on it. Come to think of it, we've never gone out of studio.

I would not recommend using the built-in mic. It's not that it's bad so much as you cannot control the level. There are a number of relatively inexpensive options that will work, though, and sound much better.

[MAK]

what sort of mics does it support? I will probably grab a couple of field mics, but I would want to get the right kind.

[ferg]

It has a mini (1/8") stereo input.
Depending on what I'm doing, I use either an AT822 Stereo mic or a reactive sounds reporter, which is a tiny little mic attached directly to an 1/8" plug (no cable).

[theperfectsong]

Ferg,
The reactive sounds reporter is a new one on me. How's the sound in relation to the other standard mics you use? I checked it out and it looks like a great alternative to wires, and you can't beat $25. I'd appreciate your thoughts on the sound quality.

[ferg]

Well, the reactive...
I mean, it cannot hold a candle to the AT822. I mean, that thing is just a work of art. Also, I think that the sound is definitely inferior to that $70 mic that sony makes (targetted for camcorder users). The main benefit of the reactive sounds mic is that it plugs into the iRiver and lets you control the levels. It doesn't sound BAD, but it's definitely not top notch. It's clear, but a little tinny. The ambient noise rejection isn't bad, but it's not as directional as the sony.

[theperfectsong]

Thanks, Ferb. I agree with you on the AT822. I may pick up a reactive sounds just to play with it and have it as alternative in my bag of mics.

[roadrageradio]

Well, the reactive...
I mean, it cannot hold a candle to the AT822. I mean, that thing is just a work of art. Also, I think that the sound is definitely inferior to that $70 mic that sony makes (targetted for camcorder users). The main benefit of the reactive sounds mic is that it plugs into the iRiver and lets you control the levels. It doesn't sound BAD, but it's definitely not top notch. It's clear, but a little tinny. The ambient noise rejection isn't bad, but it's not as directional as the sony.

I've got one these reactive sound mics as well, and I use it with the iRiver 8xx. I've had the same results with it as ferg. It sounds decent, and if I'd never used a really good mic, I'd be completely satisfied with it. I'm guessing that the iRiver puts out a little plug power on the external mic jack, because the reactive sounds mic needs a small dc voltage to do its best.

One other thing I've done with this mic may be of interest. I took an old cheap headset mic and wired up a cable to it so that I can use the reactive sounds mic instead of the one that came with the headset. This gives me a half-decent headset rig for next to no cost.

[Steve Pinder]

I used to just use my iRiver 899, but I have a travel case for my gear now, so when I go to a show, I take everything.

Steve Pinder
www.karatekast.com

[tsidock]

I would like to get a portable recording device to use for interviews. I would love a Marantz but the $500 plus price tag is too much right now. I was wondering what sort of set up you all use.

Marianne

I would resist the temptation to spend money, at least until it is clear what isn't working for you with the inexpensive recordings. I have the Edirol R1, but still do all my portable recording with 2 $50 iRivers. one permenantly set to grab quick stuff with the internal mic. and one setup to use a couple dynamic ballhead mikes. and headphones.

The marantz is going to look cool when you walk into those fortune 500 CEO interviews. The Microtrack 224/96 will do it as well and be cheaper and more portable. The Edirol will di well with or without external mikes and be a bit cheaper, until you drop it. (lightweight plastic).

Try the iRiver - you might be surprised.

Tom

[computerking]

Has anyone tried doing any recording with the Mp3 players from A company caled Truly? (http://www.truly.net)?

I can't tell for sure yet, but some of them supposedly have line in/mic jacks. I haven't been able to find a definitive description, though. Does anyone know the sound quality on these?

[MarkJensen]

The Truly 37x line seems interesting because (as you mention) they have line in recording.

This line is *supposedly* available only in the Asian Market.

Has anyone seen them for sale in the US?

[MAK]

I ended up buying a marantz 670. It is a blemished model from Musician's friend with a 45 day trial period. I plan to do a lot of recoding on the road so I decided to spend the bucks. The 670 was only $50 morre than the 660. It should be here tomoroow and I have my first interview scheduled for this weekend.

[MarkJensen]

Hi Mak,
I have used the Marantz PMD line for many years. I currently have the trusty ole PMD201 cassette recorder, the PMD660 and the PMD560.

All of these are Pro quality and have served me well over the years.

Have fun!

[MAK]

Thanks, Mark. I'll know who to call for technical help:)

Marianne

[13tongimp]

I'm in the market for the same thing, and I've been considering one of the iRiver models. I'm going to need something extremely portable and at the moment I already have a cheapo ATR20 mic that I can use, but I would probably opt for something else in the near future.

I was looking at this...getting a refurbed one from the iRiver outlet (https://secure11.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=iriver&BusType=BtoC&Count1=994564235&Count2=911704659)

What would you suggest?

[AGuyandaGirl]

You really can't go wrong with the iRiver Series. We use the IFP890 (256MB) and the iFP899 (1GB). Avoid the 700 series, as technically they are the exact same, however the placement of the mic jack is very problematic.

If you have a Sony store near you, pick up the ECM-DS30P mic for $50USD. With the two pieces, you should be good to go!

This is the setup we have been using for quite a while, even when you have to do the occasional in studio thing.

Good Luck and have FUN!

[Craig]

You really can't go wrong with the iRiver Series. We use the IFP890 (256MB) and the iFP899 (1GB). Avoid the 700 series, as technically they are the exact same, however the placement of the mic jack is very problematic.
Actually, I'd argue the exact opposite...I've used both the 700 series and the 800 series and would much rather have a 700 for several reasons. First, the build quality is better. Second, the joystick control is less sensitive and therefore easier to use. Third, and most importantly, the positioning of the mic jack next to the headphone jack on the end of the unit means that it maintains a low-enough profile that you can place it in your pocket while recording. On the 800 series the mic jack is on the side of the unit which means the you have the mic cord coming out perpindicular to the unit unless you use a right-angle adapter which still makes it less streamlined.

The problem with the 700-series jacks that people have pointed out in that they are too narrow for some plugs can easily be worked around by carving away some of the plastic or using an adapter plug. To me (someone who has used the iRiver extensively in the field over the past year), the one-time inconvenience of having to set that up is more than made up for by having both the mic and headphone cables coming out the end of the unit.

Finally, as for purchasing the iRivers, check the prices at overstock.com.

Craig

[JamesBondz]

Good topic! Very useful :):) (http://seo-toolz.com/ringtones/)

[ElNacho]

can you stop posting that...

[macguys]

I'm also using the iRiver ultra portable. I use a Shure dynamic omni mic. The interface between the mic (xlr) and the iRiver was a problem. I did several home brews which didn't last. Now I'm using a manufactured adapter cable with great success. I usually carry a couple of the iRivers and kind of treat them like tape.

[ElNacho]

I usually carry a couple of the iRivers and kind of treat them like tape.

keep them out of your hair...?

[anotherquizshow]

There's a good deal on a NEW iRiver 780 (128 MB version) now....only $73 with FREE SHIPPING. This is one of the 700 series recommended by Craig.

If you've ever considered getting one, get it now while you still can.

Here's a link to the 780
http://anotherquizshow.com/iriver780


The Giant Squid mic works well with this iRiver.
http://www.anotherquizshow.com/gear/GiantSquidMic

You do need to get a special adapter to fit the mic to the ivier 780. If you buy the Giant Squid mic, ask about the adapter for the 700 series mics.
I was able to find a cable extension that fit my iriver from a local store, but I had to drive all over town to find that specialty electronics parts store. I think I paid $3-$4 for that little cable.

If you just record straight from the iRiver's mic, it's not that bad. The external mics do sound clearer though.

Michael

[MAK]

Here's an update on the portable issue.

I went to Mexico and decided the marantz was too bulky for my luggage and too expensive to put in my checked luggage so I bought the Iriver 895. It was so compact that I put it in my pocket when we were walking around town(Puerto Vallarta) I couldn't get the external microphone to work so I used the built-in. Most of the time I had the recorder sitting on a table while we chatted-sounds good to me and was so easy to use.

If you want to here a sample listen to my Episode 16.

Marianne from Turbo Blender

[theperfectsong]

I use an iRiver 700 series, too. I bought am xlr to mini cable but I get a lot of noise whenever I move the mic. It's coming from the cable and I'm not sure how to correct it. Any help here?