Need a Digital Audio Recorder

Does anyone know of a good digital audio recorder? Never used one before but I need one now and was wondering if anyone knew of some good ones. Feel free to give me a wide gamut of selection because I don't know what kind fits me best for my needs. Just want to know what are some good affordable ones. Kinda need to buy one this week


this looks decent and has decent reviews

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Digital-...qid=1347478212&sr=8-1&keywords=audio+recorder

 

What do you need it for? That really determines what you should be looking for. Is it just for voice memo, to record instruments, etc.

A really high quality one that is affordable is the Zoom H1 - http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H1-Porta...=UTF8&qid=1347482811&sr=1-1&keywords=zoom+h1n
Its small, has very high quality microphones built in, excepts an external microphone, lets you set recording levels, etc.

I needed a external recording for video work because the built in mic on a camcorder is crap, I went ahead and decided to go one step up and got the Zoom H2N - Amazon.com: Zoom H2n Handy Recorder: Musical Instruments

Figured I could use the few extra features it has and it has not let me down yet, VERY nice device. Some of the neat extras are the ability to use it as a USB microphone on your computer. It has powered input ports for mics that need it (not phantom power, for BIG mics)

Cant go wrong with either, they record well enough that you can record a live performance and come back with CD quality audio.

 

cool i'll check tthem out. I want them to record interviews and meets and talks with the VA. I don't trust them so i am records. More features the better. I don't know what features exist.

ack they both are really expensive :/

What are the major differences between the H1/H2. Between features and recording quality. I like stuff that has like auto leveling and stuff so no one is loud or quite.


EDIT: according to a revieew they releases firmware update that allows usb mic recording.

EDIT: also is there a way to use it to record cell phone calls? i would love that feature since android doesn't have a call recording feature. All apps only record through mic or record your voice only...which is useless for me.

 

android has apps to record calls I am sure but as for recording.. speaker phone it, or hook the line out (headphone out) into your recorder with a splitter.

The H2N has more mics and can do things like surround recording, its built a bit more robust and can stand on its own so you can just put on the table. I guess they are expensive but its pro audio stuff not just wallmart voice memo recorders, so you get what you pay for and its probably a one time purchase for the next decade.

Also look into google voice, I think it can record conversations. just have them call your google voice # instead of your cell #.

 

does google voice cost money? The apps don't work trust me tried like 4 of them

 

google voice is free for incoming calls. not sure about outgoing.

 

ok thanks +rep for all the help.

Also what is your opinion...i am on a budget so what do u think between the H1 and H2 is best?

I need it mostly for meetings/recording convos. i really like the H2 but it is kinda a lot more. Was only think 50 bucks but i see it'll be a lot more. What about user experience? is the H2 a lot easier to use for getting to settings or about the same?

Also what about the leveling of sound? do they both have a what is it normalizer/gain limit or whatever? I haven't worked with auto stuff in close to 10 years.