Recording a tune

[oldchemist]

Has anyone tried using a cheap voice recorder for recording a box? There is an earlier thread which recommends a Zoom H2. I am not looking for high quality but I would like to record a melody line to practice playing accompaniments. I expect downloading to my PC would be required. Considering Zoom H1 or Sony ICD PX333 for example.

 

[Glenn]

You can stick a microphone into the input of your pc soundcard if you can play in the neighbourhood of your computer.
Free to download software will do the recording.

 

[Soulsaver]

If you've got a fairly modern laptop you'll be ready to go, usually has its own mic and recording software built in. You'll need some PC speakers for play back, unless tinny is OK.
It wont be high quality but that's not needed, is it?

 

[oldchemist]

Thanks - didn't think of putting a mic straight into the PC.

 

[Anyanka]

I use a Sony voice recorder - it's useful for taking to rehearsals with other players or to lessons & workshops (with permission of the tutor, of course). The quality is not bad; husband recorded an entire No.1 Ladies concert on the Sony, which I use to practice the material at the right speed!

 

[fjsys]

I tried a cheap voice recorder once. Stole it from my wife who uses it to record dictation actually.
It did the job, but I wouldn't use it for anything other than personal use.
I have been really impressed with the built in microphone on my iPad and using SoundCloud to record directly, or SuperNote when I don't feel like sharing.

If you go the computer route, the Blue Snowball usb microphones are really good quality. (until you drop it, then it goes to an ok quality)

Ben

 

[jarvo]

It all depends on what you want to spend.....most PC s will benefit from some sort of interface between a mic plugged into the soundcard....such as an audiogram 3 from Yamaha or a Behringer.......

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yamaha-Audiogram-USB-studio-Cubase/dp/B001F21RJ0

look down the page in the also might like section for the Behringer...its a nice price and comes with software.........

 

[oldchemist]

Behringer mixer and cheapo mic ordered - I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[playandteach]

I have just bought a Yamaha PR7 for less than £100. It is a really good product, having had the previous generation (pocketrak cx) and its cheaper brother I can say that this is a real improvement. I upoaded a quick video and replaced the audio with the simultaneously recorded PR7 (just the tune is on the PR7 - not the instructional bit) so have a listen to see what you think. No audio enhancement was used at all (reverb etc).

 

[oldchemist]

That recording with the PR7 sounds pretty good to me.