Field recorder advice...

[popvulture]

I'm thinking of getting a Zoom H4n (or rather H4nSP, which is I guess the latest iteration). Seems like a good bit of features, $ is right, good reputation.

I'd be using this for field recordings that I'd use for background/ambient stuff. Sometimes heavily treated, sometimes not. Also for reference recordings of practice sessions, which don't have to be perfect, but looking for a recorder that can handle some loud stuff without blowing the fuck out.

What do y'all use? Any other recommendations I should investigate? The H5 is a little pricier, but can apparently handle louder sources... might be a plus for the practice recordings.

[backwardsvoyager]

see > viewtopic.php?f=247&t=42495

still diggin' my Tascam DR40

[John Matrix]

I'm happy with my Zoom H4N

[SoaringTortoise]

I have a first generation H4. It has never let me down and always get's the job done. It's levels can be set to hear some pretty loud sources clearly.

[BoatRich]

I use a H4n to record everything in my Items in Space project in my sig, along with all of my bands shows and practices. It holds up really well even at volume worshippy levels. I've also used it for field recordings but not using the Zoom as the sound source, just a recorder.

[Inconuucl]

H6 masterrace reporting in. I kid, I kid. It's fantastic though.

[popvulture]

H6 masterrace reporting in. I kid, I kid. It's fantastic though.

Yeah that thing looks pretty damn sweet. Wonder if it'd be overkill for me though... probably.

[D.o.S.]

sometimes tape cassette recorders are better for ambient stuff.

[antennafarm]

Zoom H4n. I used one in Afghanistan for work-related stuff and it was badass. Took A LOT of abuse (like, helicopters flinging pebbles and dirt and shit into it, although I did end up making a windsock out of a plastic baggie, tape, and half of a sock.

[K2000]

Even the Zoom H2 has adjustability between loud and less-loud sources. The H1 might even have it.

[Inconuucl]

H6 masterrace reporting in. I kid, I kid. It's fantastic though.

Yeah that thing looks pretty damn sweet. Wonder if it'd be overkill for me though... probably.

It let's me record a whole drum set on the fly. Or mic individual instruments AND the room, all of my bands jamming with it and it sounds great. I'm planning to use it once the ILF drone collab starts, so I can give you guys some nature trail fr

[kbit]

see > viewtopic.php?f=247&t=42495

still diggin' my Tascam DR40

sometimes tape cassette recorders are better for ambient stuff.

I second both of these.

DR40 can also handle line level signal when recording direct, which not a lot of field recorders can do.