What You Need To Succeed: Personal Recorders

Technology is constantly evolving and so is the personal audio recorder. 

A handheld recorder is needed for the second year of my radio program. I bought one in my first year of the program, but I was really unhappy with what I ended up with. Our class had not yet been advised about what to look for in a recorder and I simply bought what I found at Radio Shack.

Big mistake. My work was averaging in the 70s, even though the content was great the quality was horrible. The recorder I bought is just like the Sony pictured to the right. It is a great little recorder if you are looking for something to record your thoughts on, but it really is not broadcast quality. 

A good recorder is an investment, do not buy one that is cheaply made. Save your money, this is in an investment. It is telling when you listen to your work. Recording is the first thing you do when working with your own audio. If you record garbage than everything down the line will sound bad too. Crap in, crap out. 

I know a lot of people are switching to recording clips on their iPhones and iPads. I have recorded on both before for broadcast. But, I do not recommend it. There are some definite advantages doing this if you do not mind losing some quality. 

Drop Box and iTalk are some apps I recommend if you are recording on an iPhone or iPad. Search for these blogs specifically if you are interested in using the apps. Basically, I record and organize files with iTalk and then send them back to the studio instantly with DropBox.

You can use both apps for free, but if you are using them all the time than you will need to upgrade to a paid account (most likely). You can also integrate Evernote into this system as well. Evernote is also covered in another blog post. 

The clips can be good enough for broadcast, depending on what you want to use them for. Using these apps together is a great way to get clips from streeters, interviews or imaging clips that you want to send back to the studio immediately. But, if you are looking for perfect quality this is not the route I would take when recording. Again, the benefit of using this system is the speed of transfer back to your producer.




I am really excited to try Zoom's iQ5. It is a mic that plugs into your iPhone or iPad. If you have these devices and you plan on having them with you when recording on the streets than this maybe your best option. Personally, I like the boost I get when presenting myself with a professional looking recorder. Many people record on their iPhones, its become normal. Having a piece of professional looking recording equipment could open some doors for you that an iPhone or an iPad may not. This product is not out at the time of posting, but it rumoured to be priced around $100. Remember, you get what you pay for.
http://www.samsontech.com/zoom/products/mobile-recording/iq5/

What do I use? I use a Zoom Q3 HD. It is pictured to the left. To me it was worth the investment. Working at a 'Top 40' station, I saw how important social media development was. If you are thinking of using video on the web (or even just personally) than this is the perfect option for you. It records broadcast quality audio and high definition video. It is Mac native, but is simple to use on a PC too. Also, it uses SD cards so the storage can be whatever you want! 
http://www.samsontech.com/zoom/products/handheld-video-recorders/q3hd/

I love my Q3 HD, I take it with me EVERYWHERE. It is simple to use, so that anyone can help shoot you (if you want to be in the video). It is a bit more than other recorders, it sits around $300. 

The only thing I do not like about my Q3 is that it does not have an XLR plug. This would be very, very handy. The Zoom H4N does have XLR/TRS inputs. It is a bit cheaper than the Q3 HD as well, under $300. This is the base recorder recommended in my Radio and Television school program. As pictured to the right, plugging using these plugs may be better for your purposes. If you want to use a microphone in your recordings, this is your best option. If you know you will not be using the video feature than this may be the best option for you. 

http://www.samsontech.com/zoom/products/handheld-audio-recorders/h4n/ http://www.zoom.co.jp/products/h4n/

Most people in my program bought the Zoom H1 Handy Recorder, pictured to the right.  This recorder is essentially the Sony recorder on steroids. It records good audio, most of the time. It is around $100. If you need a recorder on a budget today than this is the best one to buy, but I would recommend waiting to buy one with additional features. Our instructor did not want us to by this recorder. I have heard really bad work out of this recorder and good work. Don't risk it, spend the money and it will come back to you in the amazing work you will produce.
http://www.samsontech.com/zoom/products/handheld-audio-recorders/h1/

I also bought the accessory kit for my Q3, it comes with a case, windsock and tripod for the Q3 (and other goodies). These are the accessories I use the most. If you are buying the accessory kit as well. It is worth the $50.  

No matter what you do ensure you buy a broadcast quality recorder. Search online for what is hot, what gets solid reviews and know what it is you are looking for. It can be overwhelming, but if you know what you want it makes the experience shopping for a recorder easier. I recommend, if you really do not know what you want, check a music store. Here in Halifax we have a Long & McQuade (that is where I bought my Q3 HD). Store staff can help you determine what you need, if they do not have what you are looking for you can always go back to shopping online. 

Or, if you are working in radio; ask your colleagues what they are using and what they recommend for your specific job. 

If you do not need to be portable, if you will be mostly recording at home than a home studio is what you are looking for. Not simply a personal recorder. We will talk about what you need to set up a home studio in future blogs. 


*I wrote about Zoom products in this blog, I am not supported by Zoom in any way. I simply know this brand better than any other brands out there in portable recording. There are other great brands to checkout, but most everyone I know use a Zoom recorder (and love them!).