Need Digital Recording Advice

[roger4554]

I'm interested in finding out how you all make digital recordings nowadays. I want to record a few tunes of my new band so I can download them to my PC and burn some demo CDs for inclusion in my publicity kits. I want something fairly simple and don't want to get into a whole lot of expensive professional studio gear, separate mics on each player, or anything like that. I checked out the music department at Best Buy (gawd - sounded like CG) and they recommended a hand-held Zoom HR-4 with dual built-in mics for around $300. It records to a 512 mb memory chip, comes with software and connects to the PC with a USB cable. In the audio showroom I found a recorder the same size as the components in my entertainment center and sells for a little over $300. It records to audio CD-Rs or CD-RWs and has the standard red and white jacks on the back, L-R for input and L-R for output. I assume i would need some sort of mixer for input. I'm looking for any feedback, suggestions or recommendations you care to offer.

Alternatively, if I were to get a digital video-cam, is there any way to rip the audio portion of a DVD and save it in mp3 or wav format? Thanks.

[Jim Alfredson]

The simplest solution is the Zoom. They can sound pretty good if you place them properly in the room and take care of your levels (ie, don't set them to high unless you like distortion).

[GregN]

I have the Zoom and I love it!

[AllenLowe]

I will suggest an alternative for more money, and I've mentioned it before - the Masterlink can be used as a GREAT 2 track recorder with 24/96 - it will put you out maybe $800 for new, but I have seen them used for $500 - and once you go to 24/96 it's hard to go back -

and if you can scratch up a used one for only $200 more than you will spend on the Zoom, it'll be worth it- and it has many more excellent archival uses -

[roger4554]

Thanks for the info, guys.

GregN - congrats on your 1000th post!

[jazzhound]

I will suggest an alternative for more money, and I've mentioned it before - the Masterlink can be used as a GREAT 2 track recorder with 24/96 - it will put you out maybe $800 for new, but I have seen them used for $500 - and once you go to 24/96 it's hard to go back -

and if you can scratch up a used one for only $200 more than you will spend on the Zoom, it'll be worth it- and it has many more excellent archival uses -

you think I can record my lps with the Masterlink and retain all the greatness of the vintage Blue Notes? I trled using a computer with an outboard dac and something was lost in translation. (although it was only 16 bit cd burn.) I figure the higher resolution will do it but before I spend the money I need to know!