SOME NEW RECORDERS ANNOUNCED AND MY THOUGHTS:
Saw your post, David, about the new NAMM 09 recorder
Those devices look cool. I'm unique because I'm torn between the following use cases. I'll dissect how this matches what you posted above in a moment...
1. ** Record a loud band practice or show **MUST HAVE:
* Ability to plug in my ATM-822 mic (which terminates in either mini-plug or 1/4" jacks)
* Decent sounding built in mics that capture low end (rules out the Yamaha CX and Olympus models)
* Ease in setting levels
NICE TO HAVE:
* Since I compress/add reverb with my computer later, don't need them but a limiter would be nice.
* Long battery life
* Small size and ability to plug in a set of stealth binaural eyeglasses mics I own.
2. ** Quickly demo a new song **MUST HAVE:
* ability to overdub a track or two on top of a 2 track stereo recording
* some degree of compression / reverb
* Ability to punch in/out manually
NICE TO HAVE:
* Ability to record guitar directly, with effects
* ease of use for 4 tracking
WHAT NAMM 2009 MEANS TO ME:
I like my friends H4 OK. I use it w/ my ATM-822 ($250) which makes it sound better than all the other current recorders built in mics. It's rather huge and not pocketable though. Battery life sucks, and sound quality is only OK (mics are up there with the Edirol, better than Tascam, Olympus, and Yamaha CX)so... I was looking at the H4N
ZOOM H4-N:
PROS: Offers better construction, and better UI, battery life, ability to record SNBD+mics for matrix tapes at shows. Better UI for 4 tracking w/ effects. Improved MIC pre's.
CONS: Spendier than H4, still huge.
CONCLUSION: I'm interested. Wish it was smaller/cheaper.
ROLAND DR-07:
PROS: Like the DR-1 only smaller & cheaper.
CONS: Mics are only OK (if same as DR1). No guitar effects or overdubbing.
CONCLUSION: How is this different than the current Olympus models? Same size, similar features.
TASCAM DP-004:
http://www.tascam.com/products/dp-004.html You didn't mention this but it's a new tiny 4-track w/ built in stereo condensor mics & easy to use controls. Geared more for the 4-track demo, I love it's form factor. I'd buy it TODAY but, it doesn't have any reverb/compression or effects. What!? That makes it no better than the H4N.
Belkin iPod Podcast Studio: http://www.macfriends.com/belkin-gostudio-...ast-studio.aspx You didn't mention this either but this $120 device turns your iPod 5G or new Nano into a 2-track recorder w/ bult in mics & the ability to use XLR mics! If you already own an iPod, why not use its huge 80+GB drive to give you nearly unlimited space.
PROS: Cheap. can use XLR mics. Has a limiter. easy to use.
CONS: Clumsy, unsure of battery life. No effects.
Anyway, enjoy. Me? I'm looking at the new Zoom.