Freesound Forums

Hi everyone,
I'm rarely write there. But I'm lost between choices.
My latest recorder dropped me, problem of internal component. My girlfriend at the DR-05 from Tascam, and as she rarely uses it she tells me that I can have fun with it.
But now, I consider the DVT6110 from Philips. I like EDC recorders, which is why I had the LS-P4 from Olympus. The Philips has a 36 -hour built-in battery, can be controlled remotely, and has nice filters.
I know DR-05 isn't bad. But This device is poorly shielded against electromagnetic interference, a bit like a lot of Tascam devices if I'm right. I also noticed preamp noises on quiet places, and I had some problems with the line in.
But what tells me that Philips would be better on these points? Should I buy it and switch recorder according to my catches?
Most of times, I'm recording ambiences, or live music.
I also sometimes record my piano lessons to work afterwards. For you, could the DVT6110 be a wise choice?
Just, I'm fed up to switch batteries all times ... But should this little boredom outdo a good recording quality? Hmm...
So. What are your advices ?
Have a good day, thanks for reading me.

Hi,

I personally prefer batteries than a built-in rechargeable one. I have 4 pack container and a nice AAA/AA battery charger, and it's nice to know "I pick up fresh batteries before my recording sessions, and have an extra pack with me in case I need it" without having to worry about leaving my recorder to recharge or the internal battery dying and needing to replace the entire device.

I know I'm in a rare camp here, but I think external AA batteries makes sense!

I would advise getting a 32bit recorder, the simplicity of ignoring gain, just mic position / subject is such a relief! The Zoom H1e or the DR05XP (32bit version).

In my experience, the biggest factor in sound quality is microphones, before pre-amps. So you may greatly improve sound quality from other microphones. For example, on my Zoom H5, I need to be around 9-10 gain, which has considerable amount of noise, while using a pair of Soundman OKM 1, I'm at 3-4 gain.

I can't comment on RF shielding of recorders, but perhaps microphones are also the biggest factor there.

In regards to the line in, most of the time devices expect a mic in, and has a pre-amp there. The Zoom H1E can even saturates with a line level (despite being 32bit)... Few devices will be able to handle a mic and line level, some old Zoom recorders had a physical attenuator / gain I think? Like my Zoom H5 is happy with either. The H5 studio is also designed for this, and my Tascam FR-AV2 handles Mic/line too.
A solution to this would be having some sort of attenuator. If you're comfortable with soldering, you should be able to make your own with a few resistances.

All in all.
-Portable and handy, Zoom H1e, 32bit ease.
-A small mixer or attenuator could fix the line issue.
-Zoom H5 Studio, greatest audio companion, will serve all your needs. With XLR inputs, line/mic input, clean pre-amps. But expensive.
-Microphones before pre-amps.
-Rechargeable batteries with a good charger and storage system > internal battery IMO

Cheers!