For the Record
Mention “portable recorders” to a musician older than 40, and the image that comes to mind is probably the venerable Tascam four-track Portastudio. For many, that machine was their introduction to multi-track recording, and a good one at that—it was easy to operate, used compact cassettes, and it wasn’t too expensive, as long as the whole band chipped in for one. Tascam still makes the Portastudio, and the 414mkII is still an excellent choice for those who prefer to record in analog.
The Portastudio became the benchmark for affordable, portable recording, but digital technology has allowed manufacturers to go one better in terms of portability, recording quality, and add-on features such as effects, tuners, and drum machines.
Whether you are recording yourself to keep track of progress, to log song ideas, or to make a posterity recording of your best work, take a look at the latest digital field recorders and portable four-tracks. All the models below are small enough to fit inside a gig bag, perfect for setting on a table at the local coffee shop to capture your latest performance!
M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96
Mobile Digital Recorder
The M-Audio 24/96 is a two-channel high resolution field recorder that can be used for professional recordings in many situations.
• MP3 tracks are recorded at 96kbps/44.1kHz or 320kbps/48kHz
• PCM recording is at 16 to 24 bits up to 96kHz.
• Five-volt stereo electret microphones are included.
• Battery power allows for three hours with phantom power, five hours with a dynamic mike, and seven hours playback.
• Storage is onto a CompactFlash card or microdrives.
• USB 2.0 mini-connector enables immediate drag-and-drop file transfer to PC or Mac computers.
For further information, visit www.m-audio.com
Zoom H4 Handy Recorder
The Zoom H4 is both a field recorder and a miniature four-track recorder that fits in the palm of your hand.
• Field recorder mode records in 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio or up to 320 kbps in MP3 format.
• Four-track mode records CD-quality with 16-bit/44.1kHz resolution.
• Two studio-quality electret microphones offer stereo recording.
• Two AA batteries offer up to four hours recording, and an AC adapter is included.
• Built-in guitar modeling is included (equivalent to what’s found on the Zoom G2 processor).
• Records onto a two-gigabyte Secure Digital (SD) card (included).
• USB audio interface allows recording directly to a computer.
For further information, visit www.samsontech.com
Boss Micro BR
The Boss Micro BR is billed as the “world’s smallest pro studio.” It is an all-in-one four-track, multi-effects processor, rhythm machine, and tuner.
• Each recording track converts into eight virtual tracks, for a total of 32 V-tracks.
• The Micro BR records onto a 128MB SD card and is capable of loading and playing MP3 files and of storing approximately 65 minutes of audio.
• Built-in microphone enables quick capture.
• Multi-effects guitar processor, 293-beat rhythm machine, and tuner are built-in.
• USB port enables uploading of songs to play along to or downloading of material to a computer.
For further information, visit www.bossus.com
Zoom PS-04 Personal Multi-Track Studio
The Zoom PS-O4 is a four-track portable digital studio, drum-and-bass machine, and multi-effects processor, with SmartMedia capability.
• Each recording track converts into 10 virtual tracks, for a total of 40 V-tracks.
• Records onto a 128MB SD card capable of storing up to 65 minutes of audio.
• High-quality microphone and pre-amp is built-in.
• Four AA batteries allow for more than five hours of recording time, and an AC adapter is optional.
• Chromatic tuner, 94 multi-processor effects, and programmable drum-and-bass tracks are built-in.
• Accessories include a belt clip, mike stand adapter, and 32MB SM card.
For further information, visit www.samsontech.com
Korg PXR4 Digital Recorder
The PXR4 is a compact digital four-track recorder with many features found on larger studio recorders, such as full editing capability.
• Each track converts to eight virtual tracks, with four-track simultaneous playback and two-track simultaneous recording.
• Recording format is 16-bit MPEG at 32kHz, with an approximate maximum of 90 minutes recording time in high quality mode.
• Storage is onto an SM card with up to 128MB capacity.
• For portability, the PXR4 is powered by two AA batteries, or it can use a 4.5-volt power supply.
• Other functions include a tuner, Korg REMS modeling technology with 77 built-in effects, and 55 rhythm patterns in high quality PCM sound.
For further information, visit www.korg.com
