Thanks for all these updates, Alan.
What are the "built-in stereo condenser mics" like - would you still advise
using an external mike for audio quality even for research (ie
non-broadcast) interviews?
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For UK based list members I've just found a website of a London-based
company which has info on both of the machines Alan mentioned:
<http://www.cunnings.co.uk/product/audiorecandplay/pcmcia-portable-marantz.html>
<http://www.cunnings.co.uk/product/audiorecandplay/pcmcia-portable-edirol.html>
They don't have prices on the website, but they are very helpful if you
give them a call. The Edirol R1 retails at about £320 (incl VAT) though
there may be some discount available to HE users - it's always worth
asking! The Marantz PMD660 is not available in the UK until around Easter -
pricing is still being decided though it will probably be more than the
Edirol.
So both of these are more expensive than the Sony Hi-MD series. I'm
avoiding the MZ-NH1 because it does not have a large enough display to
monitor that things are recording properly and does not allow you to add
extra batteries giving you longer recording times, both of which the
MZ-NH900 do. In the UK the latter retails between £180-200 - though you can
get it online for about £20 cheaper.
I can't say whether the download process is ridiculous and slow yet as Alan
suggests - that may be a matter of degree. Even listening to your
recordings in real-time again can be usefully exploited by increasing
familiarity with the content - but the Hi-MD download is faster than that.
I suppose each person will have to do their own cost/benefit anaylsis, but
at least there now seem to be good quality hand held solid state recorders
which opens things up a bit more - and gives Mac users a choice too.
I'm going to look at the quality of the lower-priced digital voice
recorders next. The Olympus DM-20 seems to be c £230 and the DM10 (half the
recording capacity) is c £200. Has anyone used any of the Sony models?
Thanks,
Duncan
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Duncan Branley [log in to unmask]
Research Applications Officer, Information Services
Goldsmiths' College, University of London
New Cross, LONDON SE14 6NW
Tel: +44 (0)20 7919 7708 Fax: +44 (0)20 7919 7556
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