Having a convenient way to record our ideas and working versions of our songs is such an important part of songwriting. When we’re faced with a tangled mess of cords, software gliches, setting up microphones and balancing lyric sheets atop our guitar, we sometimes opt not to bother laying down the demo at all. I’ve found this to be true for myself, and so I took some time to look around for products on the market that could solve my problem.
What I needed was a quick and easy way to lay down a good guitar/vocal and piano/vocal. I needed to have the capability to transfer the files quickly onto my laptop, without much hassle. It also needed to have good, clear sound so that I could play the working versions for my publisher without a lot of disclaimers.
What I eventually ended up buying was the Edirol Field Recorder by Roland. Here’s a brief overview:
Pristine 24-Bit Recording to Go
Over the past year, EDIROL sold a staggering number of R-1 and R-4 recorders, making “Portable Recording” one of the most successful product categories in the company’s portfolio. Now comes a new addition to the red-hot lineup: the R-09. Building on the success of the R-1, the R-09 takes many of the most desired features — 24-bit uncompressed recording and a built-in stereo mic — and shrinks it all down into a more streamlined, stylish, and affordable package.
It lists around $450.00, but check your local music store for discounts or consider buying the display model.
In my experience, it’s well worth the money. It goes wherever I go, and makes wonderfully clear recordings already in MP3 or wav form.
To check it out, visit:
http://www.edirol.net/products/en/R-09/
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Hey,
I’ve found the Zoom H-2 to be pretty dynamite for quick demos. It’s small enough that you can carry it everywhere.
It’s self-contained, mics and all. It uses an SD camera flash chip, and can create MP3s or WAVs. You move the chip into your laptop, and you can double-click the file to play it. And the street price is just under two C-notes, not bad for something you can drop two double-A’s into and get great recordings.
FWIW, John
Thanks for adding this John, that’s great info.
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
I read your recommendation last week and decided I needed one of these, so I acted upon it immediately. I found and bought one on ebay, and it arrived today. So, I’ll be trying it soon, and I’ll let you know how that experience goes. I’m expecting it to be very helpful.
Mary
Great to hear that Mary. How is it going - are you finding any difficulties or praises you can share about the recording device you purchased?
thanks for your advice it has changenged the potential power ihad towards music and song writting as a career
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