We all know how valuable it can be to record ourselves.
But just because we know something is helpful, doesn’t mean we will act on it. After all, we know we ought to eat more veggies and do more cardio, but that knowledge by itself doesn’t turn us into marathon-running vegans.
At the end of the day, if it’s too inconvenient or time-consuming to do the right thing, we’re probably going to stick with our old habits.
So if we are serious about making a positive change in our life, we have to do more than strengthen our resolve. We must look for ways to make change easier.
Case in point, I had a DAT machine and a nice little microphone. But I almost never used it to record myself in practice sessions. Why? Because between looking for the power cord, finding a blank tape, getting out the microphone, and the annoyance of rewinding and fast-forwarding to find what I wanted, it was too much of a hassle.
What? I just need to suck it up and quit my bellyaching?
Perhaps, but it’s often the little things that get in the way of behavior change.
Choices. So many choices.
Nowadays, with so many dead-simple easy-to-use recording devices out there, there’s really no excuse not to record yourself more often.
But if you go online and search for a digital recorder, you are inundated with choices. Zoom? Teac? Tascam? Sony? Roland? Yamaha? Marantz? Olympus? A specialized microphone for your iDevice? GarageBand on your laptop?
Having lots of choices sounds like a good thing, but paradoxically, too many choices can lead to inaction. Often, we end up choosing nothing rather than risking the wrong choice.
What’s the best…?
So that got me wondering… Based on your experience, what do you think is the best device for recording yourself?
How important is audio quality? How important is convenience? Where does cost factor in?
Is it worth getting a high quality device that can double as a recorder in performance settings as well as in the practice room? Or one device for practice that prioritizes convenience and ease of use, and a more high-end model for performances that puts a premium on quality, but may not be as user-friendly?
Nominate your favorite recording device/setup in the comments below, and tell us what makes it stand apart from the competition. To make your nomination clear, please put it in ALL CAPS. Like, VOTE: ZOOM H4N.
About the “What’s the Best…?” series: This is the second set in a series that asks readers to identify the best tools out there for musicians. I’ll put out a call for nominations on Sunday, and YOU share your favorite tool and why it stands apart from the rest. On Wednesday I’ll report back with the top five recommendations and then you will have a chance to vote on your #1 favorite. For an example, check out five best metronome apps.
50 Responses
The thing that is going to dictate how well a recording comes out are the placement of the mic, and the mic itself.
That being said, the Rode NT4 stereo microphone I invested in years ago makes excellent recordings. I record to a Marantz flash recorder, using the preamps on the Marantz.
Honestly, the Zoom stuff sounds really bad.
VOTE: RODE NT4 and MARANTZ PMD670
The RODE NT4 is amazing. Makes you sound better. I use it with some rack mounted equipment that isn’t particularly convenient, but gives a great sound.
Yeah zoom sucks. Nice fad recorder for the youtube dslr kiddies though. I still have my old marantz cassette tape recorder.
I love my Zoom H4n. I just got it and I’m still figuring out all the features, but I was amazed at how good it sounded. You can hear one of my test samples here: http://soundcloud.com/emilyplayscello/allemande
VOTE: ZOOM H4N
Nice work. Zoom handles one instrument well. I wonder how it would do with a full on band. Thanks
I asked the same questions, and came up with the need to practise live. That is, with video- so I bought a Zoom Q4 that is touted as musicdom’s camera because of the audio mic placement (I presume the same one on the H2,3,4 .
I just started doing my first music video so time will tell.
Hi,
I got the Zoom Q3HD, which is already a big improvement, as I only had a huge DAT before, which I couldn’t bring with me to record concerts. But I have the impression, that it’s very difficult to find the right settings for recording piano. “High” is too loud, “Low” not loud enough, “Auto one way down” too unstable for the beginning.
Here are two examples:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51XUGo_7ppE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgL1zjR5roo
Audio recordings sound better with my friend’s Zoom H2, also the rec settings are better to adjust.
For recording my practicing at home I still use my old DAT.
Vote: Zoom H2
I use the Zoom Q3HD. I like it because it is the only video recorder I have found with studio-quality audio.
It uses the same microphone as the Zoom H4N, as far as I know. The video is pretty low-quality, but it serves my purposes as a musician. This recorder is very intuitive to use, also.
For examples, check out any of the first seven videos on my YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/LydiaRothFl/videos?flow=grid&view=0
VOTE: ZOOM Q3HD
I could relate to your comment about setting up to record pretty much stops one from doing it, because it takes more than 10 seconds to set up. Thats why I now think for practice or recording gigs (when you might listen once or twice), the best recording device is a simple one. A $100 zoom does the job for me. Press the on switch then the record button. That’s it. That’s how you end up actually recording yourself improvising over ii V I.
M
For ease of use you can’t beat the iPod voice recorder. I’ve used it to record rehearsals (choral, instrumental, vocal), and in students’ lessons (piano). The sound quality is surprisingly good for such a simple setup!
VOTE: iPod/iPhone voice recorder
VOTE: Apogee MiC digital microphone ($199)
I was looking for a good microphone to record my cello at home and came across this product. I’m very happy with the quality of the recordings. You can check out one of my samples to see what I was able to accomplish in my amateur setup in my living room.
http://audreywilliamsmusic.bandcamp.com/track/adagio-from-the-toccata-bwv-564 (Please note that only the cello part was recorded using the Apogee MiC.)
I think that this microphone only works with iPads, iPhones and Macs.
I saw this suggestion for an external microphone for an iPhone.
http://www.garynorth.com/public/9601.cfm
I use either the ITalk or Soundcloud app on my IPhone. I also have a little external plug-in mic that goes into the headphone jack but, I hardly ever use it.
Either of these do the job for me. I usually put my phone on my stand if I am practicing at home or, if I am on a gig, it can go almost anywhere.
You can even upload your ITalk files to soundcloud. From there I might download the soundcloud file to my hard drive, clean it up in Sound Forge and use it for demo purposes, etc.
I think ITalk is $1.99 and SC is free.
The best recording device is the one you actually use, regardless of the quality of the sound. I have a Zoom and I love it. I’ve had it for a while so it isn’t the latest model. Once I got used to the interface, I found it to be very helpful. I think the newer models are a little more intuitive / user friendly. I’ve recorded from long distances and fairly close up, and I get good quality sound either way. I have also recorded in concert halls when the audience was roaring during the encore and I still got a good take on the music. I would say don’t buy one that is really designed for voice (spoken, not sung) if you really intend to use it for music because you won’t like the sound.
I use GarageBand on my iPad and Mac. The sound quality is not quite comparable to that of a studio, but it is more than enough for home recordings, practice and YouTube. Anyone who hears my iPad recordings is amazed at the sound quality.
I just set the Mac or iPad on my baby grand, just next to the music rack, and press ‘record’ from the bench. I’m thinking of getting an external mic for more professional quality – but for now, GarageBand handles everything I need!
VOTE: IPHONE/IPOD VOICE RECORDER.
So convenient !!!!! If not this I would not record and LISTEN what I played. Zoom and other devices sound too complicated to me….. 🙂 I just need record , stop recording, and listen back IMMEDIATELY after I played an excerpt, not at the end of a long day.
VOTE: ROLAND R-05.
Not very well known, this is by far the best I’ve worked with. Like a zoom aside from these distinct advantages:
Faster audio scrolling (you can also listen while fast forwarding, so that silence, for example between two orchestral excerpts, can easily be skipped over).
Better sound quality on the built in mics. As a tubist I’m always looking for something that captures the low frequencies the best. This device captures all of the good and the bad with much higher fidelity. Really nice to listen to when it sounds good, really clear when it doesn’t.
Design comes with a remote controll, to pause and stop recordings, make new tracks without getting up.
I know this won’t get many votes because no one knows of it, but it deserves to be on the list much more than some of the other more popular things.
Actually, I have the R0-5 back when it was the Edirol R0-5, and it is still my favorite to use. Interface is a little clunky and such compared to the newer models, but hey, I’m not gonna spend more for something that already works.
Vote- iTalk for iPhone/ Zoom H2
For practice sessions, I like to use my phone mostly out of convenience. The iTalk app is super user-friendly: you can listen back immediately and also send to your computer via cloud. The sound quality isn’t amazing, but it’s pretty good! Perfect for when you’re checking in with your playing throughout your practice sessions. I have the free app, but I think there’s a better version for $1.99.
Anytime I make a recording that isn’t for my ears only, I use the Zoom H2. It does well in a variety of spaces and halls as well as being very user-friendly.
I just bought a mic that I knew a couple other people had, a cheap Zoom H1. I figured that the value of having had several other musicians on various instruments that had field-tested the thing gave me enough data to make it a decent enough decision. People underestimate the value of just getting what someone else has sometimes — it’s not just herd behavior. Real-world testing and someone you know that you can ask questions of is a big selling point for buying something.
I use it for cheapie “demo” recordings and intonation checking. When the time comes to record my music and even sell it, it will be written for piano, and I have a Clavinova. Line out to line in, boom. Problem solved. I am endlessly grateful that my instrument allows me an end-run around all of these considerations.
I should also say that the Clav allows meto record straight on it just by pressing the “record” button. People that badmouth digital pianos simply do not think through the multiple advantages of having an instrument with recording capabilities built-in. I don’t want to get into the digital-v-acoustic nonsense since I’m tired of that whole topic, but another advantage of recording directly on the instrument is that I can — and intend to — press “record” on my Clav, play stuff, hit “stop,” and then and only then feed the line out into a laptop’s line in, press “play” and just sit there and let the laptop soak up the audio. No concerns about sound quality, whether a jet goes by outside, whether my cat decides to add something to the conversation, whether the washing machine goes into spin cycle at the worst possible moment … 🙂
I am curious about pitch shifters and half speed playback possibilities… had an old tape recorder that did this and was very useful-not quite working as well these days though
VOTE: Roland R-05.
I bought this device this summer before I went on tour with KOBO TOWN. I recorded one rehearsal then our performance at this year Bardentreffen Festival. The quality is amazing! I have yet however to record myself practising. I am totally guilty of what you have written in this blogpost Dr. Noa. Will make a conscious effort to record myself at least twice this week.
Thanks again for all you help.
Francesco
VOTE: TASCAM IM2
This stereo condenser mic plugs into the charging port on an iphone and can be used with Tascam’s free recording app. The sound quality is good, and I like that I don’t need to carry around another piece of equipment.
I agree with Eric about mic placement and quality. But it depends what you’re using it for. I use my iPhone voice memo app a lot just to check really basic things (are there better apps? There must be!). I also recommend the MARANTZ PMD661 (there are probably newer version of this by now) which has decent built in mics, plus proper professional XLR inputs with phantom power. Audio Technica mics offer great value for money. I don’t use a single point stereo mic anymore, but the Audio Technica AT2022 Stereo AB Mic looks good
VOTE: IPHONE WITH ITalk
I don’t have to have thought about it ahead of time. Don’t need another set of batteries to keep charged. It’s almost always with me nowadays. Yeah, fidelity is not terrific, but it’s certainly good enough to hear what I might not be detecting while I’m playing.
I like my ZOOM for making CD’s, but for teaching or quick checking on practicing, it is not as easy as my old-fashioned cassette recorder. Now I use the iPHONE, either the voice recorder or STUDIO MINI because I can record and quickly play back for students. I like making video recordings because I can see and hear what I’m doing. I have a little Kodak (sigh!) camcorder, but again, for ease and portability, I can video on my iPHONE.
VOTE: ZOOM H4N or Iphone voice memo
I have my zoom set up on a tripod with headphones and the remote attached, works great can get superfast feedback and good quality. I like it quite a lot since it works very well in tandem with my D90 for HD video with sound.
VOTE: ROLAND R-05
May be the best portable recorder made! My first use was an outdoor recital – I just stuck it on the end of a mic stand and turned it on. Incredibly clear audio, lots of ambient garden, airplane, traffic noise in between numbers, but zoomed right in once the music started. I often take this to informal gigs and just set it on a table to record, battery life is very long. Others have mentioned handling noise while recording, but obviously I eliminated that. Maybe not as convenient without an external speaker, but headphones are easy, and I love the computer interface to manage files, import files for editing, and to easily burn CDs for my students.
I do have to admit I still use my Superscope PSD 300 in my Studio for direct-to-CD recording just because it’s always set up and ready to go. Paired with my stereo AT 825 microphone, it’s still great for recording when portability isn’t needed.
Is this referring to higher-end recording devices that you would use for things like submitting an audition recording, etc, or just listening to yourself as a practice tool?
For the latter, I use an Android app on my phone. It’s free (or you can buy the premium version) and pretty easy to use, and the sound quality is the best I’ve found so far out of all the Android recording apps I’ve tried (but may vary from phone to phone). It’s called Hi-Q MP3 Rec (Lite).
I’m not sure if that was what this post was looking for, but those were my two cents 😛
Hi! First off, thanks, Dr. Noa for such a practically useful post. Secondly, Hannah, you mentioned: “higher-end recording devices that you would use for things like submitting an audition recording…”
I am actually looking for a DIY solution for that situation — I have a bunch of audition recordings that I have to do within the span of a few years, and so am looking to invest in something that works well for my instrument (the flute). Do you, (or anyone else?) have any suggestions? I would sooo appreciate any advice. Willing to send flowers, cookies, etc. 🙂
I use a Blue “Yeti” USB mic plugged into my computer using Audacity. However, for any musician who owns an iPod/iPhone (and I suspect any other mobile device with recording capacity), there is no reason to buy anything else if they are only using the recording for self-evaluation.
VOTE: ZOOM H4
I previous used this recorder for sound design and foley when I worked as a sound designer for a film festival in previous years. As a musician and accompanist, this recorder is easy to use, but packs some great advanced features for your rig. I like being able to setup the recorder’s recording format with a simple button system, and being able to use it as an audio device for your computer is another great feature.
I’ve been using this recorder for years, so Zoom has produced other recorders, but if you’re interested, they are an awesome Brand and make great products.
My iPod. 🙂
VOTE: MBOX 2 PRO
… which of course means using Protools as the software.
Hi,
I am using a Zoom H4n as Audio Interface and Mic, Logic Pro on my iMac to record my practice sessions.
It is surprising that the Tascam Mic for iDevices http://tascam.com/product/im2/ sounds better 🙂 It is the same Mic Tascam uses for some of their Digital Recorders. I highly recommend this product if you use an iPad or iPhone! With a DAW you can get at the Appstore for some bucks it makes a great recording device.
Greetings
VOTE: SONY MINI DISC RECORDER MZ-M200 ( discontinued sony product )
I know it’s not too helpful to put a discontinued item on here, but I haven’t found anything more convenient with such excellent sound quality. I use it to record practice sessions, rehearsals, performances, and have made good quality CD’s from some of the performances that were recorded. With this mini-disc, you can also edit right off the machine which has been invaluable. I haven’t found anything better so far and am disappointed Sony discontinued it.
ZOOM Q3. I don’t care much about the video, don’t have anything that plays HD anyways. This is inexpensive,easy to use, quick and I keep it on my desk at all times. I teach a lot, and use it to record students. It is so easy for them to see their bow tracking, left hand position etc. In a matter of seconds they can see themselves on my computer screen. I have had expensive video cameras, and this is by far the most useful.
When I tried a couple of small recorders, I found that the sound quality varied significantly by the instrument recorded. I thought the sound of viola on a Zoom was very true, but the sound of the violin on the same machine was not. So if one can try one’s own instrument with a machine before buying, that’s helpful.
I ended up choosing OLYMPUS LS-10. I’m most likely to use it when I leave it attached to the music stand all the time, right in front of my nose. I use the built-in mic, but I have a colleague who uses the same machine with more sophisticated external mics for professional recording.
This website was helpful when I was in the market:
http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-sound-samples.html
It has samples of different instruments recorded on the various machines and microphones.
I’ve had great service from the Zoom H2 – recording band practices and home-recorded demos. You can get a clean sound with the right positioning and a touch of EQ in Audacity afterwards.
So far I’ve only recorded myself for practice sessions, but I also (along with Hannah) use the Hi-Q MP3 Rec (Lite) recorder for my Samsung Galaxy Nexus Android phone. It has the capability to adjust the input gains, which made a HUGE difference in how my flute sounds on it. I think putting it behind me while recording vs. on the stand will also improve the overall accuracy of the sound. But for free, I don’t think you can beat it!
I’ve used a Zoom H2 for several years now and really like the convenience and flexibility. Sounds OK for practice, and the leader of the band I’m in also uses a Zoom H2 as well as a Flipcam for recording rehearsals.
VOTE: IPHONE VOICE MEMOS
1. Always with you
2. Easy to use
3. Surprisingly good sound when played back through headphones or speakers.
VOTE: ZOOM H2
It is easy to use and it can handle the sound of a recorder (blockflute) without compressing it. I use it to record myself for my students and I record the rehearsels of the barock ensemble I play in with it.
The zoom H2 is good quality for a nice price.
(ok, an iphone has a app for it fot 2 dollar, but I do not use apple. 😉 )
Hi guys,
Need to do some Skype piano teaching and want to know what equipment I need to improve the quality of sound. I was told I need a good external mike (Samson Go, Sure DM57) or a mike with a USB interface like FocusRite. Failing that, a mike with a built-in USB interface. Heard good things about the Snowball Ice also. Do I need a good mike for reproducing the piano or just a general one for voice?
Any suggestions on a postcard please
Thanks very much
Tim
Oh, forgot to add that I already have a Zoom H2, but can’t follow the instructions and don’t know if I can use as an external mike!!
Tim
I presume we’re talking about basic ‘studio in a box’ stuff here, right? Mmmm ok I suppose I can see an iPhone in a pinch, using a proper microphone – but the built in Mic on the iPhone is definitely not designed for dynamic recording – comes off hollow, no range or depth. If you find yourself sounding great using just the built in mic of an iPhone, then run – don’t walk – to a local studio and get recorded because you’re a star in the making… For quick stuff we currently use the H5 with direct instrument/vocals via basic Shure 57/58’s and maybe a Behringer UB1002 or similar in the mix. We use the built in mics of the H5 for everything not mic’d and it works great when properly positioned. Great for live practice – but for professional recordings we’re in the studio – these devices are nice, but they definitely aren’t going to replace proper studio gear any time soon… CS
Hi im sorry I just want some advice please.. my daughter is 12 an loves singing she has the kids karaoke machine but wants a microphone on stand for birthday to sing songs an post on her u tube page like her friends but I have no idea what im buying is it just a microphone an stand off amazon as Ive seen a few she likes the old style mike retro lol.. but what does she plug it into? What makes it sound good please help me.. I dont have lots of money so a good buget version please if possible thankyou xx