Ever since I first spotted the Edirol R-09 SD-based flash recorder at the NAMM show, it’s been an absurdly hot item. There are some 50 comments going on that item, largely from people wanting to know how it is. Only problem: I don’t have one. While I talk to Edirol about that, here’s an early reader report.

Via the CDM forums, our friend masterslave (guessing that’s not his real name), sends a detailed first impressions report, complete with sound samples. It’s not a full review, but the sound samples are impressive; the built-in mics sound great. (Never knock lowly electret-condensers; they’re cheap, reliable, rugged, and have a nice, warm sound.)

Edirol R-09 First Impressions [r09.ocbka.org]

Anyone else who’s gotten a hold of this or other gear and wants to share the results, don’t be shy!

Now it’s Edirol’s turn again with the R-09. It’s got a small, curvy form factor like the MicroTrack, costs $450 list, and includes an excellent built-in mic. How do these units compare (on paper, anyway)?

Storage medium: The R-09 uses SD cards instead of CF. I happen to have lots of high-volume SD cards around, so I like that; they’re also smaller than CF. When I last checked, 1 GB SD cards were going for as little as $75 — very cool. (Though if you’re doing a lot of field recordings and don’t want to have to keep unloading to your computer, MiniDisc remains a much cheaper way to go.)

File format: Like a numebr of new recorders, the R-09 lets you choose between uncompressed linear WAV and MP3, with MP3 bitrates up to 320 kbps. For the record, the R-09, R-1 and MicroTrack support up to 24-bit, though only the MicroTrack can record up to 96 kHz. I seriously doubt anyone would want a sampling rate that high on this recorder, though, so that’s unlikely to be a deal-breaker.

Form factor: I believe the R-09 is actually slightly smaller than the MicroTrack. It’s certainly much prettier, and the silver case is a delight to hold. I also like the extremely friendly controls on the R-09; one button gives you recording on both, but the Edirol more nearly apes the controls on an MP3 player.

Display: Here’s the best thing about the R-09: the reverse-colored LCD screen is simply gorgeous. It’s easier to read, and it’s easier on battery life (you’re only backlighting characters, not the whole screen).

Mic: Both units come with a stereo electret mic. On the MicroTrack, it’s an add-on you plug into the top. On the R-09, the mic is integrated with the device. The latter is slightly more convenient, and because this is a solid-state device, noise from the device isn’t much of an issue. Roland reps I talked to at the show said they thought this might actually be a slightly better mic than what was on the R-01, which already had impressive recording fidelity. (Stereo electret mics, while very cheap, are often underrated — while they’re not going to give you a flat recording, they can do a decent job.) The R-09 also has some nice recording options: dedicated input control, mono/stereo selector, low-cut filter, and gain boost.

Phantom power: A controversial element of the MicroTrack was its inability to put out a full 48V phantom power for mics. Not a huge issue given the target market, but Edirol said they have true 48V phantom power on the R-09. That spec isn’t on the Roland website, though, so the jury’s still out.

I/O: M-Audio retains the slight edge here, because it has balanced TRS inputs and optical inputs. The R-09 has mic and line ins (minijack), and USB. The headphone jack doubles as optical out. That’s too bad: I think there’s more of a market for optical in recording than optical out, because most of us are going to use the USB to off-load audio. Then again, if you’re not planning to do digital-in recording, the R-09 is fine.

Battery: The MicroTrack uses a rechargable Lithium-Ion battery. The R-1 and R-09 both use AA batteries (rechargeable AA’s work, too). I much prefer the latter setup, and battery life should be roughly comparable — a few hours of record time mean you’ll probably run out of storage space before you run out of juice.

Effects and Extra Features: Here’s the one remaining reason to get an R-1 over the R-09 or MicroTrack: the R-1 has 13 built-in effects (microphone simulator, noise suppressor, hum-cut, EQ, reverb, center canceller), a metronome, and a tuner. The R-09 has a reverb only. The MicroTrack has none of the above.

Conclusions: So there you have it. What we really need now is a recording run-off between the R-09 and MicroTrack, because their features and form factor are otherwise nearly identical. The MicroTrack is your choice if you want optical in, and the R-09 if you prefer a truly integrated mic and real phantom power, but the other features are so close I’d want to see extended hands-on reports with each before buying. I expect we’ll see some reviews of each soon — CDM will have to battle with every other reviewer on the planet, but if I don’t get one, I’ll point you to someone reputable who has.

What about the R-1? Edirol says they’re continuing to sell the R-1, and with good reason: the effects, metronome, and tuner remain unique. I have to admit, I like the idea of having a do-all musician’s tool, even if the R-1 is chunkier looking. I do have one of these on test, and will offer my review soon, complete with sound samples.

R-09
Pricing: $450 list, $400 street
Availability: Spring 2006

Related:

Which Portable Recorder to Buy?

iPod Nano Still Not a Recorder; Portable Recording Alternatives

O’Reilly Reviews MicroTrack USB Recorder, In Depth, In Maui

The verdict? The recorder isn’t perfect: no real phantom power (30V instead of 48V), as others have noted, made worse by the inclusion of TRS inputs (read: don’t fry your mic), and it’s hard to get adequate signal level. Setting record levels is unusually tricky, and there’s no standby mode for recording. The MicroTrack also weirdly doesn’t start over its file numbering from 1 after you’ve deleted old recordings (odd, as even my iRiver can do that). But overall, he loves the recorder for its portability, low price (relative to other options), and computer connectivity. If you’re in the market, don’t miss his detailed review and sound samples; this is the most info on this recorder I’ve seen yet:

Review: M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 Pocket Digital Recorder [O'Reilly Digital Media]

M-Audio appears committed to this device, and I’d say it has a serious edge on its competitors at the price point (HD-MiniDisc, I’m talking to you).

Previous product reviews in scenic locales:
Numark’s $99 Portable Turntable, Torture Tested in the Burning Man Desert

Now we’re talking. Tascam’s upcoming HD-P2 is finally a portable Compact Flash recorder that doesn’t skimp on pro features. Incredibly, its street price will be under US$1000, but the preliminary specs read like a device costing a lot more, and by providing timecode input on a cheap device, it’s an indie filmmaker’s dream recorder:

Up to 192 kHz / 24-bit

Absolutely silent (no transport noise, cough, DAT!), latched CF slot (so it doesn’t pop out accidentally)

Broadcast WAVE recording

FireWire for connecting to PC/MAC for instant file access

Data loss protection (continually re-saves data)

XLR mic inputs with phantom power and analog peak limiting

Unbalanced RCA I/O plus S/PDIF digital I/O

Built-in mic and speaker

Runs on AA batteries for 5.5 hours (battery pack could be an accessory in the future, a la the DA-P1)

Timecode input, video clock input, input chasing

Let’s focus on that last one for a moment: a $900 street recorder will have timecode input for sync in video shoots. That’s something even most DAT recorders don’t have. Edirol’s R-4 recorder is great, and has a 40GB hard drive instead of a CF slot, but it costs $600-700 more and lacks sync.

Timecode in has never been this cheap before. People might actually start syncing their audio recordings. Wow.

I got a chance to handle this box at AES, and quite simply, it’s beautiful. It’s got the same solid, crisp feel as Tascam’s DA-P1 portable DAT I’ve used a zillion times. It’s simple and inexpensive enough that amateurs and education will pick it up, but with serious enough features that it could become a hallmark of video shoots. Bravo, Tascam.

Tascam HD-P2 Recorder [Product Info]

New HHB FlashMic Is World’s First Digital Recording Microphone [HHB PR]

Fasinating, but not terribly useful to musicians: you’re limited to mono recording, since the mic is the recorder. Some interesting features, though: Mac/PC configuration of defaults, powered by AA batteries, single-button recording, USB connection, linear .WAV support. No word yet on pricing or availability. Now if they’ll just make a stereo mic version . . .

HHB comes highly recommended as a portable recording vendor, as a couple of you have tipped us off. So if this mic-that’s-a-recorder seems too limited — or simply unnatural — look to HHB’s pro-grade portable recorders, the PortaDrive (hard drive recorder) and PortaDisc (MiniDisc recorder). This ain’t your Circuit City Sony MD, folks: think US$1500 for the HHB MDP500 (shown). But you’ll get a serious rival for a DAT recorder. For one of HHB’s main rivals, see the Fostex FR2, previously on CDM. We’ve now heard from readers happily using both the MDP500 and FR2 (read the comments on the link before if you haven’t already).

See also part I (and extensive comments): iPod Nano Still Not a Recorder; Portable Recording Alternatives

Yet another iPod . . . yet another iPod without real recording capability. (And no, adding a piece of hardware and then having to deal with low-resolution recording does not count.)

So while Nano is certainly deeply drool-worthy for listening, wouldn’t it be great to have an iPod-like device for recording? Here are some of your options:

Hack your iPod. iPodLinux unlocks full-resolution, uncompressed audio recording with no additional hardware; it works best with a line out plugged into the headphone port but mic recording works, too (though the signal winds up being on the weak side). Installation on Windows and Mac is easy; see links on their site. Bad news: many iPod models aren’t supported; my 3rd-gen iPod works great but 4G support and mini are still in the works — and forget about Nano.

Get an iKey and a hard drive. Gemini’s iKey recorder takes a line in input from RCA and records either MP3 or WAV to a USB key or hard drive. That makes it a good companion to an iPod Shuffle or Nano or, better yet, a high-capacity, full-blown iPod. Detailed specs now available from Gemini. And it’s got a clip indicator so you don’t screw up your recording. Bad news: The iKey could be great for someone whose only need is getting a line feed recorded, especially for extended recording sessions. But the thing is big and clunky (2 lbs, and about 5″ wide) and costly ($229 list) for something that really doesn’t do anything. It’s just a line in, USB out with buttons on it — no mic in, and no built-in storage. For the price, you could get an iPodLinux-compatible iPod, or save up for a real recorder. Speaking of which . . .

Get a decent CompactFlash recorder: This is really the best solution. There are a number of real recording devices that do accept mic input, even with mic pres / phantom power. My favorites of these are the Edirol R-1 and M-Audio MicroTrack (shown). The R-1 has lots of great extras, like a built-in stereo mic that sounds surprisingly good, mic effects, and metronome. The MicroTrack is more iPod-like in shape and has digital in (perfect for connecting to your audio interface.) Bad news: None, really, other than price — about $400 for the recorder, plus $100 for storage. But as opposed to the other routes, while this will cost you more, you’ll get a real serious recorder you can actually use. I’m still saving up for mine, but boy do I want one of those MicroTracks at my next gig.

Get Apple to Add Recording. This sure would be nice. Bad news: Outlook very, very poor.

Previous coverage: (and more details on these recorders)

Which Portable Recorder to Buy?
Gemini iKey Recorder: BYO Hard Drive
M-Audio MicroTrack Portable Recorder: Official, US$499.95
Edirol R-1, Tricked-Out Portable Recording
Korg D4 Compact Flash Four-Track USB Portable Recorder
Pro Digital Recorders with SMPTE Sync for Video Production
The “HD” MiniDisc – 1GB Recorders from Sony
Marantz PMD660 Portable Digital Recorder

Updated: Music thing joins the quest for recording alternatives, no matter how “cheap or ugly.” I’m game. And I’m on the lookout for a MicroTrack to test; stay tuned. Heck, if I get one, and you’re in the NYC area, we can test it on your band. -PK

Updated again: The Digital Music Weblog waxes poetic about an old Archos Jukebox Recorder . . . that’s gigantic and records MP3s, not lossless files. Hrmm, still not impressed. Who knew basic recording would prove to be an elusive technology?

Up in the sky: it’s a Zoom! It’s a 4-track Portastudio! No, it’s a CompactFlash-based 4-track recorder from Korg.

Yes, the march of CF-based recorders continues. Hot on the heels of last week’s look at sub-$400 recorders, here’s another one — with a twist. The Korg D4 is a “complete portable studio,” not just a field recorder. Basically, it’s a four-track with built-in mic, metronome, drum patterns, effects, mic/amp models, MPEG-1 recording and USB out. Here are the full specs:

4 tracks simultaneous recording, 32 virtual tracks

1/4″ and XLR inputs for line, guitar, or mic

Low-quality (to save space) or high-quality MPEG-1 (audio layer -2) recording (sorry, no uncompressed recording)

93 guitar, bass, drums, amp and mic simulations

4-band EQ, chorus, phaser and flanger FX

Full editing with a push/turn knob; Punch-In/Out, Bounce, Copy/Paste, Delete and Time Compression/Expansion

Built-in mic; tuner; metronome

Audio rhythm patterns (32 metronome and 55 rhythm patterns) including 8 beat, 16 beat, Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz, 3/4, 6/8, 5/4, 7/4 and more (7/4 time? Excellent!)

Analog audio outs plus USB (sorry, no digital in/out)

So, in other words what you get is a lot of tricky extras; it’s mainly a songwriting/4-track and practice tool. That’s all fine and well, but I’d be much happier to lose all the extras and stick with digital ins and outs and lossless uncompressed audio recording, like on the other recorders we’ve looked at. But if these extras do appeal to you, it’s a great bargain. It’s either the world’s tiniest portable digital studio, or the world’s most tricked-out metronome. You be the judge.

Pricing/Availability: List US$399, available this month.
Korg D4 Product Page

Portable digital recording is great — import is as simple as dragging files to your hard drive, they’re mobile, they’re non-linear, and they write to increasingly cheap storage formats like CompactFlash. But what about synchronization for video applications? I have found one portable field recorder that’s CompactFlash-based, records up to 192kHz, and optionally can be configured with a SMPTE timecode reader/generator:

Fostex FR-2 CF field recorder

This is definitely a “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it situation,” but boy, check those specs and you’ll see what a CF recorder should be.

Video pros / post production gurus out there: what are you using? Seen anyone recording audio on synced field recorders yet?

For me, the solution has been just to use a standard consumer recorder and sync manually — though I definitely don’t trust those cheap MiniDisc recorders.

The M-Audio MicroTrack portable recorder (prototypes were called FlashTracker) is now official. See the awkward press release (via Harmony Central; as usual M-Audio’s Website is lagging).

Who’s writing this stuff? “Leaps in miniaturization technology”? (Sorry, a leap in tech would involve a $99 price.) “One of the secrets to the . . . compact size” is the use of CompactFlash? Well, okay, I suppose that might be a secret to someone who’s been living in a cave since 1990. (Hey, where’d my DAT go? And what’s this World Wide Web?) And “it will also be embraced by other markets including business, education and worship.” Well, first, we’ll wait to see if it gets embraced. Second, the mention of “worship” gives me images of people in robes circling around a MicroTrack on a pedestal, chanting. Oh, wait — you mean use by the worship market. Right.

Press release gripes aside, this confirms reports we’ve been getting since the spring. Basically, you’ve got the form factor of an iPod or WMA portable player, but with all the pro recording specs those devices miss: 24-bit/96 kHz uncompressed audio, phantom power for mics, and digital input, li-ion rechargeable battery, all in a cute little unit that connects via USB.

Now the bad news: the price may be worth it if the audio quality is spectacular, but it’s certainly high. An Edirol R-1 is larger and clunkier, but it’s also at least $100 cheaper and has more features. You’re definitely paying for the smaller size. And there are no extras, either: no included memory, no included software. (The press release touts a bundled copy of Audacity editing software, which is utterly silly — it’s free to download for anyone anyway. Way to bundle open source software, M-Audio!)

CompactFlash is certainly the way to go: a quick Froogle search reveals a name-brand 1GB card is just about US$70. Excellent. But you might want to just stick that in an R-1, and spend the rest of the money on a 5-star dinner. More once I’ve seen this puppy up close. Oh, and as usual, Music Thing thinks it doesn’t look cool enough.

CDM 5 words: Now make it 300 dollars.

Quick: which brand-new portable recorder will be your long-awaited iPod of recording? The newly-announced M-Audio MicroTrack, or the already-proven Edirol R-1?

One thing’s for sure: CompactFlash is where it’s at. I just got an email from Buy.com offering a full 2 GB of CompactFlash storage for US$70 after rebate. You’re likely to run out of battery life — or whatever it is you’re recording — before you run out of space. And drag and drop is so much better than the old way (dealing with MiniDiscs, DAT tapes, and the like).

So, based on some feedback from readers, I may have to upgrade the CDM rating on the MicroTrack portable recording device from ‘HOLD’ to ‘BUY.’ Street price is looking like it’ll hit around US$400. See Sound Professionals for that pricing plus the spec sheet that still (goshdurnit) isn’t available on M-Audio’s site.

Sure, that may sound pricey compared to your [insert iPod or competitor here], but if this in fact delivers high-quality recording, I’ll bite. The spec sheet also features a built-in mic, input for stereo electret, and mic pres via a TRS 1/4″ input. (Yes, those readers who speculated there was no room for an XLR jack — there isn’t. But a balanced 1/4″ is just fine, too. Just make sure you have a good adapter.)

MicroTrack edge: M-Audio’s device is small and has a cute iPod-like LCD display, plus a digital input for direct-digital recording. Edirol R-1 edge: The defending champion of this product category may be clunky, but it has built-in stereo mic and integrated software mic models, effects, metronome, and tuner. Which one do I want? I’m leaning towards the M-Audio because of its smaller size, but we need to see a shipping model before anyone can say anything authoritative.

Bottom line: Finally, we may be able to throw away the DAT and MD recorders.

Updated: Reader Dan wisely points out that the M-Audio device has a major edge over the Marantz and Edirol products; the MicroTrack has a digital input while the others do not. If you’re just doing field recording, of course, you won’t care about that, but if you’re plugging into other digital devices for recording performances or backup, you sure will! And I’ve learned my lesson: I’ll make a little product comparison grid for us tomorrow. -PK