Portable Digital Recorders

 

Digital Recorders: A Comparison

 

            Comparing all of the digital recorders that are currently available is an extremely large undertaking. With so many digital recorders already on the market, and more becoming available with each passing day, it is difficult to make a conclusive choices as to which is the ‘best’ available. Truth is, most digital recorders that may excel in one specific area are easily beaten in others. By comparing the best digital recorders currently available against each other in specific areas however may provide for a better picture as to how each digital recorder fares against its rivals.

            These digital recorders are the Korg MR-1, Edirol R-09 HR, M-Audio Microtrack II and the Zoom H4.

 

Audio Recording Quality

            Of all the areas of comparison, this is one that really does matter the most. Being the best digital recorders on the market, most of these do boast fairly high standards of audio recording quality already. Naturally, some outperform others in various regards, and thus it seems a legitimate area of comparison.

            Standing out at the front of the line is the Korg MR-1. Boasting the famous 1-bit revolutionary audio recording technology, it is a clear favorite in terms of audio quality. Essentially, it records at such high standards that it puts most other digital recorders to shame with the crisp, clear, and realistic sound that it digitally gets down to perfection.

            On the other hand, the Edirol R-09 HR, although without the 1-bit technology of the Korg, still produces crisp quality audio recordings, though at a price. By supporting WAV uncompressed files, it can go up to 24-bit/96kHz, but pays a very heavy price in terms of memory as a result of the format in which the files are saved. Due to this, users have a choice of long recordings with at lower quality, or shorter recordings at higher quality.

            Similarly, the M-Audio Microtrack II also has the capability that the Edirol R-09 HR does, and thus the same downside. One big plus on its behalf however is the fact that it has an analog limiter, which does help lessen all distortion. While other digital recorders mostly do have limiters as well, the Microtrack II’s is located before the analog to digital converts, thus increasing the effectiveness.

            Lastly, the Zoom H4, also, follows suit. Not great by any chances, but fairly similar to the Edirol R-09 HR. Essentially it, just like others, offers flexibility of choice between high quality (but memory guzzling) recordings, and lower quality options, including MP3. Any users of the Zoom H4 should be warned that the version 1.0 firmware did have some bugs that caused MP3 recordings to be distorted, however it is easily fixed.

            As a verdict, in terms of sheer audio quality the decision must go in favor of the Korg MR-1. In terms of sheer quality, coupled with audio compression for storage, the MR-1 produces the best audio recordings around. With quality so immensely real that it could probably record the sound of a pin drop, the MR-1 is hands and feet ahead of its rivals.

 

Memory Storage Ability

 

            In the case of the Korg MR-1, memory storage ability is truly a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it has an impressive built in 20 GB hard drive which offers truly remarkable amounts of storage. However, on the other hand, there is no flash drive compatibility for additional storage and the convenience of sometimes simply being able to plug flash drive to PC instead of having to use a USB. Also, rather unfortunately, the 20 GB hard drive that is impressive in size also is known for being pretty fragile, making it not exactly a wise choice for rugged field trips or anything like that.

            Coming close to the capacity offered by the Korg MR-1, and without many of the downsides, is the Zoom H4. The H4 records onto Secure Digital (SD) cards, and also supports SDHC cards that can go up to 32 GB in size. Due to the fact that its highest quality recording is in uncompressed WAV format, this is necessary storage, however when using MP3 format it allows for a huge amount of recordings to be stored onto a card. Being the fact that it is a card in itself is a blessing, as, for really long field trips when long hours of high quality recordings need to be taken and there is no time or avenue to transfer them onto other media, it is just as possible to bring along extra cards.

            For the M-Audio Microtrack II, storage comes in options, as it supports both CompactFlash and Microdrive cards. Both are fairly inexpensive forms of storage but still allow for great storage that seems to keep increasing in available sizes. Where once such cards only allowed for 512 MB of storage, today they commonly come in 2 GB, 4 GB or 8 GB varieties. Sandisk even has a 16 GB version for sale lately, and support for these card types essentially puts the Microtrack II in competition with its rivals.

            Just like the Zoom H4, the Edirol R-09 HR also comes with SD and SDHC support, for the same 32 GB storage. One aspect of the 32 GB cards that should be noted is that they are mightily expensive, however at the same time 16 GB cards are available that are much more affordably priced. Older users of the Edirol R-09 HR however may need to upgrade their firmware before SDHC cards can be supported, but this is generally pretty easily done without even needing to visit a store.

            Bottom line, there is very little to differentiate between the top digital recorders in terms of memory. While the Korg MR-1 clearly loses out in this regard due to the problems that it has, the Edirol R-09 HR, M-Audio Microtrack II, and Zoom H4, all have pretty good options. Of course, the Zoom H4’s options are slightly smaller in size, but CompactFlash and Microdrives make up for their smaller sizes by being very much cheaper than the SDHC cards that the Edirol R-09 HR and M-Audio Microtrack II both use. So if bigger is better, then it’s definitely between the Microtrack II and R-09 HR, however the Zoom H4 does strike a nice balance with pricing.

 

Battery Life

 

            Some people overlook battery life when purchasing digital recorders, while others tend to just look at the quoted battery life. Doing either would be a mistake as battery life is one of the single-most important considerations of any digital recorder, and could be the difference between the recorder dying mid-recording, or being able to go all night and then some. Quoted numbers tend to be the very best possible estimates, and so it can be hard to know how good battery life is on a digital recorder really.

            Unfortunately, this is the biggest weakness of the Korg MR-1. Its internal battery pack simply can’t take the substantial power requirements and as such only allows up to 2.5 hours of recording, which is insufficient for most needs. Even though as of January 2008 Korg began to package in an external battery pack that doubles this capacity, it makes the MR-1 extra bulky. Due to the fact that one of the MR-1’s biggest draws its slim, streamlined look, the battery pack is very much unwelcomed and still makes it only barely on par with other digital recorders. Thus the Korg MR-1 quite literally sacrifices battery life for the high quality recordings that it can churn out, which is really an expected price to pay but most would rather not pay it.

            Next, the Zoom H4 delivers about 5 hours of recording time, just about the same as the Korg MR-1 would, but it does not require an additional battery pack to do so. In a nutshell, it runs on two AA batteries, which causes mixed reactions. Some dislike AA batteries as, although rechargeable versions are available, it tends to be a hassle to be constantly taking them out and recharging them. Others however are of the opinion that it simply gives more flexibility as even in a tight spot it isn’t hard to just pop into a store and be able to purchase the batteries while on the go.

            Both these digital recorders are surpassed slightly by the M-Audio Microtrack II. Built-in to it is a lithium-ion battery that, when fully charged, is said to boast up to 8 hours of recording time. Granted, this may be a highest estimate, but most still put the figure at about 6 hours or so of recording. Also, with the additional option of a power pack that runs on two AA batteries, it can be made to boast the flexibility of AA batteries for those who like it, or just run on the more than satisfactory lithium-ion battery for those who don’t.

            Finally, the Edirol R-09 HR. Sadly, battery life is not one of the areas that are improved on from the Edirol R-09, and so it still runs solely on two AA batteries. Naturally this means that is has similar preference-related issues as the Zoom H4, however on the Edirol R-09 HR that problem is slightly amplified as the batteries tend to last only 4 hours or so. Due to this, the R-09 HR really does fall behind, though possibly not quite as much as the Korg MR-1.

            In short, probably the best of options is the M-Audio Microtrack II for battery life. By lasting the longest, and on top of that also having additional options, it leaves the choice up to the user, which ensures that most people can get what they want. Unlike the Korg MR-1, it’s battery pack is not a ‘necessity’, but rather simply an additional tool that could be useful in some situations, but does not make the digital recorder lack for much without it.

 

Phantom Power for Microphones

 

            One of the downsides with most digital recorders is that the internal microphones, while generally of satisfactory level, do not bring out the greatest possible abilities of the digital recorder. Frankly speaking, it would add much too much size to any digital recorder to do so, which is why most come with smaller internal microphones and a port that allows for external microphones to be plugged in. One of the things that some digital recorders do have in order to make this entire process easier, and reduce the bulk needed, is by allowing for phantom power which can help power the microphones without the need of other, external, power.

            While the Korg MR-1 does allow for external microphones to be used, it does not have phantom power. Instead, it has a 3V electrical power condenser type that, while able to power small microphones, is nowhere near sufficient for the type of microphones that would want to be used to get the best out of the Korg MR-1. Also, with the already meager power abilities of the MR-1 it is really not advisable to tax it further, therefore an external phantom power unit may be the best option for users of the MR-1.

            On the other side of the spectrum, the Zoom H4 supplies phantom power of 9-48 Volts, allowing it to use even the best of microphones without a problem. Of course, this can knock an hour or two off from the battery life; however it is power well spent and certainly makes things very convenient. With a 48 Volt external microphone, the Zoom H4 tested to provide 3 hours of recording battery life, as opposed to its 5 hours without the external microphone, which is not too shabby, all things considered.

            Unlike its predecessor, where one of the major qualms was that it did not supply the standard phantom power to external microphones, the M-Audio Microtrack II corrects this oversight and does supply the full 48 V of phantom power. That said, just like the original Microtrack, there is an issue that involves the TRS jacks that it uses as opposed to the more standard XLR that the Zoom H4 does. Thus it is necessary to be somewhat careful when using microphones as some are completely incompatible and may cause widespread electrical damage to both microphone and digital recorder.

            Lastly, the Edirol R-09 HR does not improve on its R-09 predecessor in that it too does not support phantom power. Although, admittedly, phantom power support is only really necessary with external microphones, the general consensus is that it is better to have the option, and not have to use it, than not have the option at all. As such, the Edirol R-09 HR does fall behind as it is roughly on par with the Korg MR-1 in this regard.

            Clearly, the Zoom H4 offers some of the best support for external microphones and phantom power. However, it must be said that it is able to do so mostly due to its size and the fact that because of this it does not need to, for instance, do as the M-Audio Microtrack II and use TRS jacks instead of XLR. End of the day, for those who don’t mind slightly larger sizes in exchange for more functions, then the Zoom H4 trumps its rivals. However, for those who feel they do not really have a need for an external microphone anyway, then the other options are all just as good.

 

Windscreens and Stands

 

            Both windscreens and stands are very essential components to most digital recorders that take care of two shortcomings. Many current digital recorders have very sensitive microphones that can pick up on even the smallest of sounds, including the brushing of wind against it, or other objects. While sensitivity is most definitely a desired quality, over-sensitivity and constant crackling due to wind is unwelcome at best.

            Stands on the other hand are used mainly to ensure that digital recorders remain propped upright in a stable manner. Most commonly, these stands take the form of tripods that provide for excellent balance. Even in digital recorders that can stand upright, the presence of a good stand ensures that it will not accidentally fall down and thus ruin a recording.

            For the Korg MR-1, an L-shaped bracket serves well as a stand. Additionally, the base has holes that make attachment to either any camera tripod or microphone stand pretty easy. Unfortunately no tripod is included with the MR-1, but as it can be attached to a variety of options, it is not too hard to locate something that will work. As for windscreens, there is none included in the packaging either, and this is slightly less than ideal as the MR-1 does suffer from noise problems due to wind and it would have been a good addition. While third party windscreens may be used, they generally do not provide the tailor-made level of compatibility that some other digital recorders have with their windscreens.

            In the case of the Edirol R-09 HR, there is no included or incorporated stand, however on offer are additionally purchased accessories that do the job very well. Best among these is the Edirol OP-R09HR-C that includes not just a tripod stand, but also a protective casing with a belt clip. Admittedly it is not ideal to have to further purchase accessories, however it is fairly satisfactory, and certainly much better than not having the option at all. Unfortunately, there are no windscreen accessories available, and the R-09 HR does not come with one inbuilt. Instead, Edirol have worked on making their internal microphones more resilient to wind, and it certainly does pay off. In high wind situations, they recommend the use of a handkerchief wrapped over the microphones in order to obtain still-good quality recordings.

            Matter of fact, the Zoom H4 trumps both the MR-1 and the Edirol R-09 HR by, first and foremost, come with its very own windscreen included. Wonderfully enough, this foam windscreen does work very well and does not muffle out voice noticeably while it blocks wind noise. Also, there is a tripod stand adaptor at the back of the Zoom H4, but it does require that the tripod be purchased separately, which is not too big a deal. All in all, the Zoom H4 seems to be one of the better options as far as these features are concerned.

            Lastly, the M-Audio MicroTrack II turns up to be disappointing in regards to a stand. Not only does one not come included, but there is no real way to use any other stands on it either, whether camera tripods or microphone stands. Essentially, for stationary recordings it can’t be propped up and left, unless the user is willing to risk it falling mid way. Instead, it must be laid down flat and thus decrease the quality of the recording. Also absent is the inclusion of a custom windscreen of any kind, which just adds to the annoyance.

            So as far as stands and windscreens go, the Zoom H4 is, just by a hairsbreadth, the best option. That said, the Edirol R-09 HR with its wind resilient microphones also are an attractive option, and the Korg MR-1 is decent too by merit of being able to connect to any stand. Sadly, the large oversight on the MicroTrack II makes it difficult to imagine if the M-Audio staff really were joking when they suggested using duct-tape to prop it up, as has been reported.

 

Other Miscellaneous Strengths and Weaknesses

 

            Every one of the digital recorders has various other strengths, as it does weaknesses. Some are common faults, easily glossed over, while others have more deep-seated implications that affect more than just its usage.

            In the case of the Korg MR-1, its biggest weaknesses have been previously discussed, as has the strength that lies in its top notch audio quality. However, other strengths that it possess also include universal power supply that, while not entirely making up for the weak battery life it has, does help mitigate it ever so slightly. By being able to connect to most any outlet, there is some flexibility to its usage, provided that there is a nearby power outlet. Despite this, there are other downsides to the MR-1 such as how difficult and complex it is to set recording levels, mostly due to the fact that there is no hardware recording level control. Overall, the MR-1 does offer a very nice package, and it can’t be discounted that its slim, streamlined looks and tasteful style combines with the prospect of much, much higher quality recordings to make it a very good digital recorder.

            On the other hand, the Edirol R-09 HR is extremely easy to use, building on the success it enjoyed in this regard with its predecessor. Also, with a complete and easy to read OLED display, it ends up being a very intuitively usable digital recorder that requires minimal manual-reading. Unfortunately, one fault that is present is in its design, where the external headphones cord does tend to brush against the microphone if not careful. One other feature that the Edirol R-09 HR has going for it though is its wireless remote. Truly a brilliant idea, the wireless remote allows for control while recording without having to actually go up to the digital recorder to fiddle with settings. Although hardly a revolutionary inclusion, it certainly does make using the R-09 HR for some functions a lot easier and much more pleasant.

            As for the M-Audio MicroTrack II, there is little that has not already been covered as far as its strengths and weaknesses go. All credit to it, the biggest weakness it has really is the absence of an adaptor for use with a stand. By being the smallest recorder to date that boasts 48 V phantom power, it deserves its place among the top digital recorders as it allows for convenient high quality recording without the hassle of additional phantom power packs.

            Lastly, the Zoom H4, which has come out tops in terms of functions, has done so by sacrificing other desirable elements. While no one expects a key-chain sized digital recorder, the Zoom H4 is much, much bigger than its competition, as is necessary for the features that it has packed into it. Furthermore, it has a very small display in relation to this size, and navigating menus is a confusing and tedious process. Essentially, while it is a top of the range digital recorder, it is almost brick-like and many would be very put off by the annoyance of using the confusing menu interface. Despite this, the fact that it is, really, a 3 in 1 device that offers a digital recorder, 4 track recorder and is a portable USB audio interface to boot, really does make up for the size, somewhat.

 

Overall Conclusion

 

            While no one of these four devices certainly can fill all roles, each does appeal to users depending on what they intend to use it for. This essentially frames any conclusion within the needs of a user.

            Firstly, the Korg MR-1 is best suited for any situation where having the best quality audio recording is paramount. Of course, even the best quality isn’t going to make, say, a bad guitar track sound good, however for a good guitar track having it in the famed 1-bit quality of the Korg MR-1 will highlight the subtleties of the sound and expose more of the melody. Due to it lacking the capability of a long battery life, it is also best suited to stationary situations and has the adaptor for a tripod or microphone stand to facilitate this. Also, if there is a nearby power socket, then even better as it will be able to function as a digital recorder without having to worry about its battery dying.

            Next, the Zoom H4 is for either those to whom size doesn’t matter, or rather, want the best of features irrespective of the package it is in. Due to the fact that it is strong in nearly every regard, from audio quality to battery life, storage capabilities, and also has support for stands, and external microphones including phantom power, it is one of the most complete digital recorders available. Coupled with the fact that it is really a 3 in 1 device and has a USB interface with added effects, the Zoom H4 can perform any function that may be required, so long as the confusing menus and large size are not an issue.

            Thirdly, the M-Audio MicroTrack II is a very accomplished all round digital recorder with the only downside being in the form of its inability to use stands or tripods. In most regards, save for the USB interface, it can compete with the Zoom H4 in terms of features, and delivers in a much smaller, and much more ‘chic’ package. Of course, this small size comes with some sacrifice such as the TRS jacks in place of the XLR ones, however with a bit of care taken to avoid incompatible microphones; it is not an insurmountable issue. Great audio and excellent features combined with the easy to use interface that it boasts make it everyone’s all-round choice, except for those who require much stationary recording.

            Lastly, but certainly not least, is the Edirol R-09 HR. It is largely a given that it will appeal to previous users of the Edirol R-09, as it essentially takes all the strengths of that model and reinforces them, while correcting some of the mistakes and oversights. Despite not having a lot of the overall features those other models may boast, it is complete and the only real area in which it might leave something to be desired is the fact that it does not have phantom power support. Instead, it fills almost the same niche that the Korg MR-1 does, but provides better battery life and all at a more affordable price. The Edirol R-09 HR will thus probably appeal to a larger audience that do want a good, high quality, digital recorder but are not willing to spend too much on one.