Right

so recently ive have started getting into sound design/ post production for films messing around with film adverts ect to try and start learning about it.

now i want a cheep portable recorder so i can collect my own sounds for use

looking to spend around 100 pounds and its main purpose would be sounds for sound design. may also use it to record an odd band rehearsal so i dont forget what im ment to be playing by next rehearsal XD

http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/tascam-dr-05-portable-digital-record er--86474 something along the lines of this? i know tascam are a reputable brand. however i open to other ideas.

Thanks

Jack

oo just noticed this one http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/tascam-dr07-mkii-portable-digital-re corder--86138 allows for an external microphone to be plugged in i gather getting that and using nat an NT5 I've already got would be quite good...

The tascam's and the zooms are the most popular. They are both more than capable of great results. In my experience the tascam ones are less menu driven. I thought the dr05 had a mic input as well, DR40 on the other hand has combi inputs.

Cheers

Gary

P.s I used to work for tascam, not anymore!

Not exactly cheap, but the Zoom H4N is a very capable device and I'm glad I took the advice to buy it for similar reasons to yours. The ability to use your own mic's along with the built-in mic's is superb.

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An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.

Quote Dodger:

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oo just noticed this one http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/tascam-dr07-mkii-portable-digital-re corder--86138 allows for an external microphone to be plugged in i gather getting that and using nat an NT5 I've already got would be quite good...

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Won't work I'm afraid...

The NT5 requires phantom power which that recorder can't supply. The small (and cheaper) recorders with the 3.5mm stereo input sockets provide "plug-in power" which is about 5volts DC. It's designed for the small mics designed specifically to work with that type of recorder.

If you're limited on budget to £100 then you're options are limited. I have one of the very small Tascams which I use with its internal mics and get very acceptable results as long as I only use manual record, am careful about levels and use 24-bit. The Zoom H1 comes in your budget, but in serious reviews I've always thought the recorded files were somewhat noisy. I've just bought a Yamaha C24 'Pocketrak' from DV247 at £89.99. Special offer "as new". Cames with all packing etc etc and is indeed 'as new'. For this application (for a client) they won't need to handle/hold the recorder when in use. With some of the smaller recorders handling noise can be a big issue with internal mics and you have to develop a technique for silent handling!

On the subject of external mics, a way round the 'no phantom' with cheaper models is to get/use a mic that will take a battery to power it. A good one for you would be the Rode M3 - a useful mic to have anyway as it's not at all shabby.

HTH.

Dear Dodger,
I recently bought a Tascam DR-05 after much research looking at everything from DR100's, Sony D50's and even in a mild bout of madness, the Fostex FR2... phew. In the end it all came down to money (I have a mortgage, food to put on the table etc etc) and I plumped for the DR-05. I needn't have worried it would be a turkey at all. It's great. Sound wise it's absolutely fine - I record at 24bit, it's VERY easy to use, the screen is clear, the batteries last for ages and it powers up ready to record in no time at all. I've just done a whole days recording using mainly contact mics (from a great guy - Jez Riley French - just google him, I minefield of info) just plugged into the top and it's worked very well.
So a thumbs up for that one. incidentally I have used a friends Edirol HR-09 (very good) and a Zoom H... something (not the 4 though) and thought it was rubbish.
Good luck and welcome to a world of secret sounds but be warned, it's addictive. You'll be recording all sorts of things.
Andrew

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Logic studio, Pianoteq, FM8, ARP2600v, Novation 61SL MkII, Tascam DR05 and... never enough time!
www.aqueousarts.com