Microphone recorders for recording interviews.

[Stanfordian]

Often I have to use a microphone voice recorder for face to face interviews. I will place the tape recorder on a table about 2 or 3 metres from me and the subject. Currently I use a Olympus Pearlcorder S701 with MC60 or MC90 microcassettes and I have also started using a Olympus digital voice recorder VN-5500PC. Both serve their purpose but I want to more up to something better.

Can anyone please recommend a good quality piece of equipment?

[Bryn]

As mentioned in the "Death of the CD" thread, I recently upgraded from the Zoom H2 (itself a very nice little recorder, but with a rather too small screen) to the new H2n. It's a very versatile little device with five (yes 5) good microphone capsules and four switchable configurations for their use. However, it might be worth your looking at the much cheaper, but still very fine, Zoom H1 too. If getting the latter, make sure it is of recent manufacture. Early ones had a battery life problem.

http://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/Zoom-H2n-Audio-Recorder-and-Accessory-Pack-Bundle/H8C

Is the best deal around for the H2n with accessory pack (pretty much essential). Beware of cheaper 'bundles' offering just a tripod and case (OEM) as the extras.

Oh, and here's the best deal i can find for the H1:

http://www.soundexposure.com/store/Zoom_H1.html?gclid=CO_WkpbmrqwCFUtC4Qod6nsdHQ

Beware, there is at least one mislabelled product claiming to be an H1 that I found for a few £ less.

[MrGongGong]

Seconded (you beat me to it Bryn)

:ok:

[old khayyam]

I'd like to keep this thread alive as i am also currently looking for a small recording device much like the ones shown, and i wouldnt like to go over £100. The H1 features seem sufficient, if the blurb is to be believed, although i have some reservations about "auto level control" as this usually makes things a bit messy. Plus i dont really like the look of it, so if there are any other suggestions, i'm all ears.

[Bryn]

I'd like to keep this thread alive as i am also currently looking for a small recording device much like the ones shown, and i wouldnt like to go over £100. The H1 features seem sufficient, if the blurb is to be believed, although i have some reservations about "auto level control" as this usually makes things a bit messy. Plus i dont really like the look of it, so if there are any other suggestions, i'm all ears.

The auto level control is a selectable option, not obligatory.

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h1/h1_09.jpg

[old khayyam]

The auto level control is a selectable option, not obligatory.

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h1/h1_09.jpg

Ah good. Then it should have a manual input level control somewhere..?

[Bryn]

Ah good. Then it should have a manual input level control somewhere..?

Indeed, right next to the external microphone input:

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h1/h1_06.jpg

The H1 is simplicity itself to use, and gives very good results with well defined stereo imagery due to the vertically coincident x/y microphone capsule arrangement. I would not bother with Zoom accessory kit, however. I find a G-clamp/tripod far more flexible. With a bit of luck you will find a suitable one in a Jessops shop.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21KlI%2BC5HYL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

H1 images linked to are at http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h1/

[old khayyam]

Excellent. Top of my list so far. Thanks for that. Though if there are any others i'd still be glad to hear about them.