Edirol 1 or Edirol 9

[nek]

I was thinking of buying an Edirol R-01 but then I was told that a new one called Edirol r 09 has been made.
Could someone give me some advice?
I think the r-09 is smaller than the r-01 but it has not build in all the facilities for manipulating the sound. And the question is whether those sounds facilities comes in handy or the manipulation is done by my software program in the practical world - audition and audacity - so that I will not be using the facilities of the Edirol r-1?

my greatest priority is the sound quality, not the size of the recorder.

I think I will spend up to 500 dollars on the recorder. Is there a better buy than the Edirol?

As you probably can see I am new in podcasting - and I do not want to start my "career" making the wrong investments

[roadrageradio]

I've been waiting for the edirol r9 to come out so I can read some ral world reviews. It looks to be very promising.

It does not have all the effects of the r1, and the literature claims the built-in mics are actually usable. It is also much smaller.

I want to see specs and user reports on two things: pre-amp noise and battery life.

If you're using Audition, that has all the effects you might want.

My only complaint about it is that it does not have xlr mic inputs.

The other two products in the same price range/feature set are the marantz pmd 660 (although for $500 you may be able to get a 670), and the M-Audio Microtrack, both of which have received positive mentions on these forums.

[SFEley]

I think the r-09 is smaller than the r-01 but it has not build in all the facilities for manipulating the sound. And the question is whether those sounds facilities comes in handy or the manipulation is done by my software program in the practical world - audition and audacity - so that I will not be using the facilities of the Edirol r-1?
That's really up to you and your workflow. Speaking just for me, I don't see myself ever using the various effects (reverb, EQ, mic simulation, etc.) of the R-1. If you choose the wrong effect and it comes out sounding bad, you can't undo it -- it's there on the recording. In my opinion it's much better to record a "clean" signal and do all of your effects work in post. (Besides, I'm not a fan (http://www.podcastpedant.com/2006/04/25/effects-101) of reverb or most other effects to excess anyway.)


I think I will spend up to 500 dollars on the recorder. Is there a better buy than the Edirol?

Both Edirol models sound very appealing, and from what I've heard they're basically identical in recording quality. The Marantz is slightly outside the range you're talking about -- especially if you're going to have it modified with better preamps, which many people recommend -- but has the advantage of XLR mic inputs. If you don't need those, you'd probably do just fine with either Edirol.


As you probably can see I am new in podcasting - and I do not want to start my "career" making the wrong investments
My usual advice to absolute beginners is to start podcasting with whatever podcasting equipment you've already got, or with the least money you can spend and get reasonable sound. (Oftentimes $50 to $100.) The reasons are:

1.) You'll have your hands full just trying to decide what you're going to say, and more expensive hardware usually gives you more options that make the learning curve more complex; and

2.) You can't be sure at this point whether this is a hobby or business that you'll stick with. Some people try it and decide that it isn't for them, or that it's more work than fun, and that's fine. If you decide that, it's easier to walk away guiltless from a hundred dollars down than five hundred dollars.

Just my take. Wherever you start, of course, you will always be itching to upgrade your sound equipment. >8-> So even if you didn't get the Edirol now, you might find yourself ready for it in several months.

[MarkJensen]

I've used and reviewed the R-1 and am waiting for the R-9.

The R-1 is a solid recorder and would serve you well.

However, if I spend $400+ on a recorder, I want pro XLR connectors.

I'll also say that you probably do not want to use the built-in effects. You can get free software effects that give you more precision and flexibility.

If you wanted to stretch your budget, the Marantz PMD-660 has pro XLR's and much more of a 'pro' feel to it.

You can also get your feet wet for about $70 with a refurb iRiver ifp-79x that sounds great. ...not pro, but a great little recorder

...as always, just my opinion

[nek]

Many thanks for the good advice.
Do you happen to know where I can buy the Iriver. I have tried to google it but I cannot find it
Best wishes
nek

[SFEley]

Many thanks for the good advice.
Do you happen to know where I can buy the Iriver. I have tried to google it but I cannot find it
Best wishes
nek

http://search.ebay.com/iriver-790
http://search.ebay.com/iriver-890
http://search.ebay.com/iriver-795
http://search.ebay.com/iriver-895
http://search.ebay.com/iriver-799
http://search.ebay.com/iriver-899

[MarkJensen]

Try http://www.overstock.com

[Art a GoGo]

I just ordered a Marantz PMD-660 from Oade Brother Audio.

http://www.oade.com/digital_recorders/hard_disc_recorders/PMD-660MODS.html

One of the beefs about the PMD-660 is the pre-amp hiss. Oade offers an upgrade to the stock model that reduces hiss. The Oade upgrade voids the factory warranty, but they offer a 90 day warranty.

[MarkJensen]

The Marantz PMD-660 pre-amp noise is quite an internet legend.

The actual pre-amp noise was an issue that only effected very early production runs (sorry, I don't have the lot numbers.)

I think it's safe to say at this point that this is not even an issue. What is a reality is that the PMD-660's pre-amps will not be as forgiving with levels or as linear as a $1000 set of high-end stand-alone pre-amps (no recorder, just pre-amp).

I think that's where the confusion comes in. The PMD is an ENG and commercial device. It is meant to be used in rough environments, take a lot of travelling and provide consistancy. The PMD line is used in broadcast, courtrooms, forensics, education and many other industrial markets. If you connect a traditional (equally durable, pro-dynamic mic) interview mic with the 660, I have found that it is an amazing workhorse. ...ask Scott at the Alaska Podshow just HOW durable the 660 is!

(As always, these are my opinions and my own experiences)

By the way, this isn't at all to take away from the mod you are having done. I have no idea what they are modifying, but if they improve your recording experience or tweak the inputs there's nothing wrong with that.

Have fun! I think you will enjoy your 660!

[Documentally]

Hi,
I was using the microtrack until i got my hands on the Edirol R-09 a few weeks back.

I won't bore you with a full and indepth review. (There should be loads online) All i will say is that as it was in my pocket and always ready for action I found myself documenting anything and everything these last few weeks and it is only today that I have managed to get round to podcasting with it.. :) (my episode 14)

It is a quality bit of kit and I am very happy. I would choose it anyday over the 01.

[Leigh Hanlon]

I've used the R-1 for several months and my major complaint is that its gain is too weak for routine recording of news interview voices. The R-1 seems designed and optimized for recording loud, live music -- which it does do quite well.

I like having it handy when I'm in the field, but how long the unit will last is up for grabs. Its battery cover is poorly designed, and the needlessly complex door to the CF card compartment also is not well thought out. In addition, removing the CF card can be tricky. I always keep a pair of needle-nosed pliers handy for the job.

Getting an external mic to work properly with the R-1 has proved to be a big challenge to me. I often just use the internal mics and get OK results. What I lose in fidelity I like to think I make up for with stereophonic sound.

I've never used any of the sound effects and agree with the previous poster that most of this stuff would be better fixed in post-production.

[Shadowmagic]

I use the R1 and love it. I am especially fond of the external mike filters that simulates qualities of different microphones .. I use ‘external mike 1’ setting and I feel it gives me a warm storytelling sound. With it I use a Sony ECM MS907 mike. It’s the same mike that BBC roving reporters use.

If you want to hear how this setup sounds check out my podcast.

Good luck

John L