Technophobe advice for my wife...

PWV · August 26, 2008, 01:48:28 PM

Here's the short story: my wife has a piano studio, some 40 students in all. Each year, she records many of them for auditions to play in "something-important-but-like-a-good-short-attention-spanned-husband-I-can-never-remember-what-its-called." But every year, she records these kids' piano solos on the same hand held mic onto *gasp!* old-school cassette tape. I've been telling her for awhile she needs to update a bit, especially when these recordings are being judged by somebody who probably uses a computer. She needs something she can easily transfer onto the iMac, then burn a CD. fwiw I use either a Superscope or a Sony Minidisc recorder at my school job (which are also somewhat dated I know).

So I was thinking of getting her this:

http://www.minidisco.com/Zoom-H4

Seems simple enough for her - understand she's pretty locked into that "Press record then stop" mindset. But it also seems like something I could record a gig with too.

Thoughts or other suggestions are welcome!

TBird1958 · August 26, 2008, 02:18:03 PM

Ummmmm... not it!

I finally caved and bought a cell phone 2 days ago. I'm lovin' the 90's

ramone57 · August 26, 2008, 03:12:32 PM

I don't have any experience with them but from what I've read, the Zoom digital recorders are a popular choice.

lowend1 · August 26, 2008, 05:06:46 PM

I think that's probably the hot ticket - anything else will require some setup.

Dave W · August 26, 2008, 05:13:27 PM

I've heard good things about the Zoom H4 but even better things about the less expensive Zoom H2 http://www.minidisco.com/Zoom-H2, especially because of its mic setup. If you don't need 4-track capability, you might want to consider it.

PWV · August 26, 2008, 08:50:51 PM

Quote from: TBird1958 on August 26, 2008, 02:18:03 PM
Ummmmm... not it!

I finally caved and bought a cell phone 2 days ago. I'm lovin' the 90's

Is that a rotary cell phone, Mark? That's what my Mom needs!

Thanks Dave, I'll look into the H2 too - the simpler the better!

chromium · August 26, 2008, 09:33:53 PM

Quote from: TBird1958 on August 26, 2008, 02:18:03 PM
I finally caved and bought a cell phone 2 days ago. I'm lovin' the 90's

Did you get one of these, Mark?

The drummer in our group has one of those Zooms - I think it's that H2. It does a respectable job, from what I've heard of it.

Bass VI · August 26, 2008, 10:51:29 PM

I own the H4 and it couldn't be much simpler to use, the H2 is easier still since you don't have to decide whether to use it as a two or four track.
My biggest beef with either is the tiny display, but as you can essentially just push the record button ( somewhat large ) and go, that might not be an issue.
The H4 automatically makes a new file each time you press record, so you can record a performance press stop, press record ( new song ) hit stop, etc. When your finished each "song" is it's own little file in the order you recorded them.
They both have USB so getting them into the computer is relatevely painless.
I use mine as an interface to do multitrack demos for my band ( that's another affair altogether ) and I would recommend a more sophisticated device if that was to be its' main function.
For your ( wifes' ) purposes I think either would be fine.

Hope that helps

S.

TBird1958 · August 26, 2008, 11:44:42 PM

"Did you get one of these, Mark?"

Naw, mine's bigger I couldn't afford a nice small one like that. Saving my money up for a new walker to celebrate my upcoming 50th! I even got mail from AARP today

Basvarken · August 27, 2008, 01:55:31 AM

Why don't you buy her a USB mic?
Plug it straight into your iMac and record with Garageband (or some other programme)

Chris P. · August 27, 2008, 02:00:21 AM

I thought youw would be promoting Behringer again here, Rob, but you aren't. Is it true you endorse Behringer? I heard some stories at the Messe last year.

Basvarken · August 27, 2008, 02:23:38 AM

No I endorse Samson.

not

Chris P. · August 27, 2008, 02:26:56 AM

But what about your Grolsch bass amp? A pic appeared in my mailbox yesterday;)

Basvarken · August 27, 2008, 02:30:36 AM

That's an old picture. Me and Grolsch have parted ways.

ramone57 · August 27, 2008, 04:50:24 AM

Quote from: TBird1958 on August 26, 2008, 11:44:42 PM
"Did you get one of these, Mark?"

Naw, mine's bigger I couldn't afford a nice small one like that. Saving my money up for a new walker to celebrate my upcoming 50th! I even got mail from AARP today

AARP is on top of their game. I got a package from them on my 50th as well and several offers since. it wasn't a day or two early, it was the very day I turned 50. how did they know?