Pocket recorders Olympus LS 12 / 14 / 11 etc.

I currently own a Yamaha Pocketrak W24 stereo pocket recorder, which I'm quite happy with. As the soprano singer I work with needs one too and will buy it from me, I am thinking about buying a new one of an even higher quality, which is at the same time still very slim. I know various Zoom recorders are popular, but I'm specifically interested in Olympus models. Should anyone have made experiences with the above mentioned LS 12/14 or the older LS11 etc., I'd be interested.

Don't overlook Tascam. I've had several. Currently using DR-05. I've used it almost nightly for at least four years now. Choice of WAV or various MP3 formats. Built-in mics are o.k., but I always used stereo line-ins from mixer or keyboard. I use rechargeable batteries, but on the job I usually power it via USB.
Hard to believe that something this small and inexpensive can make perfect recordings. Perfect that is, as far as what you put in, you get out.

Thanks for the hint. Yes, I am currently comparing reviews and specs between Tascam and Olympus recorders. Tascam is certainly a very experienced manufacturer in this field.

BTW, I dropped mine out of my Expedition tonight. It hit the pavement, battery cover came off and batteries rolled away. I put it all back together. No harm, and it worked perfectly tonight. I'm listening to the evening's recordings now.

I got a Tascam DR40 on it's way here to record on the job or at home, ....very kool unit ....this model has Overdub Multitrack Recording also.......Thanx for the Tip Don M

I have a Tascam DR 07...works great..My go to recorder?..

Don ... didn't you also use a ZOOM H recorder? ... If so how do they compare?

I just got the Tascam DR-40
Great little unit.
Here is a nice comparison:



Eric

I used Zooms at one time, but the last few years I have used Tascams, currently DR-05. I also have a DR-07.
I think the DR-05 better suits my needs than the others.

What I like about the Tascam DR-40 is, that you can plug in 2 XLR cables straight from the mixer....
Eric

Yes you can, and that may be good in some cases. I prefer the little 1/8 stereo cable though. I just plug one from my mixer to the DR-05. There are cables that go from any format to the 1/8 plug. It's the same size that is used by phones, headphones (not 1/4 inch), computers and other devices.
I record myself on the job. I can critique it on the way home by plugging into my car's system (aux in). I can listen on headphones, or plug it into the PC via USB.
Sometimes it sounds bad everywhere. Then it's time to make some adjustments. Or get better.

Yes Eric and overdubs also. Kool features!

Having used several recorders in the past, when the S-950 came along with the onboard USB recorder, to me, it's the best thing since sliced bread. It really works well, very easy to access on the fly, and everything is saved on the USB drive. Great tool.

Gary

This is why I bought a Tascam DR40..like Don I would start to record my gigs and listen on the way home etc, in the car. The onboard mp3 is fine in a pinch on the S950 But it is very limited and versatility, overdubbing tracks, taking it anywhere and the recording options far surpass the Kb's in so many ways. Plus I needed a new toy this week!

Of course, considering that your latest 'new toy' was actually an 'old toy' revisited ...

On board recorders are great and I love mine on the Pa900 - I can record a midi file using an on board style, edit it, overdub, replace tracks, etc. and then use it to add a vocal while recording an mp3 file ... OR, I can just record an mp3 direct using an on board style, BUT there is no comparing them to today's free standing digital recorders for the reasons Donny cited above ...

The way I look at it, if I have to edit my songs, then I did something very, very wrong during my performance. Therefore, that one shot deal with Yamaha's USB audio recorder is exactly what I want to hear. If I blew it - I want to know I blew it! The last 10 songs I've posted here and on other forums have been one shot deals from the recorder. I think they sounded pretty damned good.

Gary

Gary I cant agree on the one shot record...yea great for a scratch sheet demo but refining a recording is essential to bring it to the next level if you know how to do that not everyone does. We are all human and make mistakes. But on the other hand if your happy with your recordings that's all that matters. I hope to do some interesting things with my DR40 when it arrives.

Carry On

Gary ... there is a big difference between recording a performance 'one shot' on a KB and recording for posterity such as on a CD ... and if I 'blew it' OF COURSE I want to hear it - (although I USUALLY know it the second it happens) - but do I want to put it on a CD which I am going to save for my family or friends ??? NO !!! ... and NO ONE is going to be perfect ALL the time ...
Plus, after hearing the recording I may want to add some efx, harmony whatever ...
As I said, on board recorders are great, but they are not the answer for all recording ...