What device is good to use for podcasting "on location"?

[Brybry]

I run a Disney podcast and am pretty new at it.
This month I am going down to Walt Disney World for 11 days and I am looking to record a show from within the park and then upload it as an MP3 using one of the business centers at one of the hotels.

So I am looking for a handheld device with USB output that will record in MP3 format (or do they all record in WAV?). Quality is very important. I understand that I'm probably not going to find anything as good as recording in a home studio with a nice microphone but I need to get good recording quality out of it.

Does anyone have any ideas? Also...since the trip is only a couple of weeks away I would need something that a normal electronics retailer would carry such as Best Buy or CompUSA or something like that as opposed to ordering online.

Thank you

Bryan Ripper
Host of the All About the Mouse Disney podcast
and owner of www.allaboutthemouse.com

[inoveryourhead]

i use a Microtrack from M-Audio. it was 400 bucks, comes with a great stereo mic, and i bring it everywhere.

[X Pat Radio]

Look for a Marantz PMD 660. Of course you can always mail order, then you'd also have it in time.

[Slone]

As always I second the Marantz PMD 660

[Barefoot Radio.com]

It costs to get into it, but I also think the Marantz PMD 660 is likely a very good unit.

I would have bought one if I didn't have a million other expenses all year.

[X Pat Radio]

It costs to get into it, but I also think the Marantz PMD 660 is likely a very good unit.

I would have bought one if I didn't have a million other expenses all year.

I'd prefer the 670 for the non 1/8th in recording jacks, but like you, too many other expenses.

[Barefoot Radio.com]

Oh yeah, if you can upgrade to the unit with XLR, by all means, do so.

[Wrightroad]

Popular Science ran a small article in the best of whats new section of last months magazine, where they talked about a new hand help mp3/wav recoder that is comming out this month called the Zoom H2 Handy Recorder.

It has three built in condensor mics to allow for true surround sound recording. You can use it as an on site recorder or connect it to your computer via USB and use it as your regular podcast mic.

Also, you can chose what bit rate you want to record in, from 64 bit mp3 to 320 bit rate. It is made for recording everything from live interviews to live music.

here is a link to it: http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1916

You can buy it from a few places online for about $199.

[irsocal]

I just started using the Belkin TuneTalk Stereo. It records in .wav (not .mp3 unfortunately), hooks into the bottom of an Ipod and sounds amazing for the price/size ($40-$70). It has the USB cord that comes with as well. Anyway, just a thought. No doubt there are better quality ones, but if you are on a smaller budget....

[spartacusroosevelt]

I love my Zoom H4.

It has two external mics that sound really good, plus two input jacks that take XLR and 1/4 and can do phantom power if needed. Records in stereo or 4 track modes and does wav or mp3 in several bitrates. Records onto an SD card or you can connect it via USB. About $300 anywhere.

[jake359]

iRiver iFP-790 (I think I paid $40) , Reactive Sounds rp1 mic (http://www.reactivesounds.com/rp1.php) ($28).

iRiver might be hard to find now (and iFP-8xx would be fine as well).

Perfect mobile recording setup, compact, easy, I take mine everywhere.

[Shawn]

I use an iRiver 795 and a Giant Squid "podcaster" stereo mic. I think the sound quality is really good. You can usually find reasonably-priced used iRivers on eBay.

[rsavoia]

I love my Zoom H4.

It has two external mics that sound really good, plus two input jacks that take XLR and 1/4 and can do phantom power if needed. Records in stereo or 4 track modes and does wav or mp3 in several bitrates. Records onto an SD card or you can connect it via USB. About $300 anywhere.

How does the H2 compare to the H4? Are the mics comparable to the C01U?

[BSquared]

Find out what Paul Barrie uses for his Window to the Magic podcasts (another Disney one). His most recent where in the park episode is probably the best quality outdoor recording I've heard in 2 and a half years of listening to a lot of podcasts.