Need something to record myself

[BobD]

I need a recorder of some kind to record myself for practice purposes. I was thinking mini disc or mp3 recorder. I can't seem to find any that record voice. I don't want to use a micro cassette because the quality is terrible. What is everyone else using to record themselves.

[Bill Mecca]

BobD,

I've said it before and I'll say it again, check ebay, look for some refurbished mini disc recorders, many have mic inputs, I use a Sony MZ R-37, works great. Be aware that it has Sony's plug in power for it's mics but in their infinite wisdom on this model and others they removed the attenuation switch so using plug in power and loud sounds it will distort. I use an EV ND308 dynamic (or Shure SM58) and a homemade xlr to mini adapter, set the record level manually, and the quality is fantastic.

I got mine for less than $95, with a factory warranty.

There are also some deals to be had on some full size cassette recorders that will do a bang up job. In fact I have a non working Marantz PMD 230 (I think that's the model) stereo recorder, that for Superscopes rebuild for $150 would be killer. A standard in Radio news for years (the mono version) a work horse. Marantz has 3 levels of rebuilds but since this is an older model it would need the highest level. I sold on on ebay last year and the buyer was extremely pleased with the results.

[Alto_Sax_Guy]

Or you could just get a 15$ mic for your cpu, and most cpu's come with a free recording thing. It should be under accesories.

[Anonymous]

Except for a sometimes-substantial surplus of noise, most sound cards will out perform the bottom-of-the-barrel mikes. I'd invest in a SM57 and an adapter to plug it in and go with the sound card suggestion!

[singlereed]

If you go for a current model Sony (NetMD) minidisc, bear in mind that you cannot export your recordings digitally, they only playback through the headphones out (analogue) socket. This may not be an issue for you; if not, something like the 707 is a neat little box, though you need to buy an external mic for it as there is none built in.