Download the latest copy of Selections, our mini catalogue dedicated to portable recorders, USB interfaces and related accessories.
Portable Recorders
Solid state has taken over the world of audio recording in a big way and there are a whole range of different handheld, portable and rackmount recorders to choose from depending on your requirements.
Audio quality is no longer defined by the media which you use but can be changed to suit your needs. Where recording time is key the audio quality can be heavily compressed to fit more data on the memory card or harddisk. This can also be useful if you plan to put your recordings on a website.
At the other end of the spectrum these units can rival CD Audio quality and, with some of the recorders, can even surpass the quality of DAT. This is especially useful for recording music, wildlife and effects. All this is done without any moving parts and using commonly available memory cards.
Choosing the right unit
Comparing all the different functions and features can be difficult so we have listed all the different portable recorders right here together with their key features, specifications and images. Click on a product from the list on the left to view details of any specific unit . To make things even easier we have also drawn up a comparison chart so you can compare the different features at a glance and a recording capacity chart so you can calculate the size of card you will need.
Here's a selection to get you started...
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Edirol R09  Small and perfectly formed the R09 features built-in stereo microphones for instant recording. It uses an organic LED screen which is clear to read. External mic and line inputs are provided on MiniJack and, to keep the size down, it utilises SD memory cards. Accessories your R09 with a dedicated case, stand and microphone. |
M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96  This is the smallest solid state recorder with balanced microphone inputs and phantom power provided on 1/4" Jack connectors. This makes it ideal as a backup recorder to some of the larger units. With an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery it is always ready to go. Other features include a Compact Flash card slot and 24bit recording. |
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Nagra Ares-M  The Nagra name has always been associated with quality audio recorders and the Nagra Ares-M is no different. This little unit fits neatly into the hand and, with the clip-on mic, can easily be used for interviews. It also includes a built-in speaker for monitoring and handy wave editing to make changes without the need for a computer. External mics can be added using the supplied XLR cable. |
Marantz PMD670  This is a full sized portable recorder designed specifically for the professional user. With large buttons and level controls it is ideal for life on the move. It features user presets to enable settings to be easily recalled. Mic inputs are provided on standard balanced XLR connectors complete with switchable phantom power. The PMD670 can use rechargeable battery packs or standard AA cells and records in 16bit to Compact Flash cards. The PMD671 improves on this by offering 24bit recording and a 'virtual' third head for confidence monitoring and playback during recording. |
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Tascam HD-P2  This fully featured recorder doesn't just include a large screen, easy to use controls and a well laid out design. It is also the most cost effective portable recorder with timecode as standard which makes it a great choice for television or film use. It also features balanced XLR mic inputs with phantom power and a FireWire connector for fast transfer of audio files. |
Fostex FR-2  The FR-2 has come to be well known for its high quality mic pre-amps which are great when your recording demands that extra bit of quality. This rugged unit is designed to be used in the field and has simple controls. The optional timecode board also makes it ideal for use with film and television work. The FR-2 is unique by offering a Compact Flash and full sized PCMCIA card slot so that both types of cards can be accommodated |
