For complete information and specifications on the portable digital recorders mentioned in this article, please visit http://KellysMusicAndComputers.com/pdr  

A comparison chart and detailed information on portable digital recorders can be found at http://KellysMusicAndComputers.com/digitalrecorders

There are a number of features to consider when selecting a portable digital recorder.  Most recorders are compact and easy to use, but it is important to select a recorder that will meet your specific needs based on what and how you plan on recording.

Microphones

Most recorders include built in high quality stereo microphones that are suitable for both general purpose recording and for recording concerts.  Except for the MicroTrack II, which uses a removable microphone, all units have the microphone built directly into the record.  The MicroTrack II is also the only unit to record to Compact Flash, instead of SD (Secure Digital).  All units, however, have the ability to transfer recordings to your computer via USB, so a card reader isn’t essential, as long as you have the recorder with you when you want to transfer files to your computer.

While most recorders just have two microphones, the DR-100 includes two cardiod and two omnidirectional microphones, allowing you to record in a single direction, or the entire room.  The BB-1000CD offers two mics on the front and two on the back for a balanced 360 degree recording.

Although the built in microphones provide surprisingly good results and are suitable for almost any recording, using high quality, professional microphones will usually provide even better results.  If you already have expensive condenser microphones you want to use, it is important to choose a digital recorder that will allow you to connect them and will provide phantom power.  The MicroTrack II, the DR-100 and the BB-1000CD are the only units that can provide phantom power.

Playback

Once you’ve made a recording, you can either play it back on the recorder, or transfer it to your computer.  All of the recorders have outputs for headphones or for connecting to speakers or a PA system.  The R-09HR, DR-100, and BB-1000CD also have built in speakers.  Of course, given the size, the speakers on the R-09HR and DR-100 aren’t suitable for playing a recording for your entire class to hear, but individual students can quickly and easily listen to their recordings.  For playback loud enough for the entire class, the BB-1000CD offers good sized speakers.

Multi-Track Recordings

Generally speaking, you will want to make stereo recordings, which you can easily burn to CD or share as an MP3 file.  The DP-004 and Micro-BR both allow you to record to four separate tracks.  This would allow you to adjust the levels of individual microphones, or record additional tracks afterwards, but keep in mind that you will have to take the time to mix to stereo before you can create a CD or MP3.  If you want the ability to add to backing tracks or allow students to mix a new recording to their own or other recordings, the DR-1, DR-100 and BB-1000CD allow overdubbing while keeping the size down and avoiding the need to remix.  This makes it easy for students to record themselves with backing tracks so they can easily evaluate their rhythmic accuracy or intonation.  It also has creative uses, such as collaborative composition, or playing a canon with yourself.

Size

Multi-track units such as the DP-004 and Micro-BR are a bit bigger than stereo recorders.  In fact, although all units are portable, some are more easily pocketed than others.  Keep this in mind in terms of student usage, as the DR-07 is a very small unit, with the MicroTrack, and R-09 are a bit bigger, with the DR-1, DR-100 being a bit too big for most pockets, and aren’t quite palm sized. 

Remote

If you plan on recording rehearsals or concerts, it may be important to have the ability to mount the recorder on a mic stand and start or stop playback from a remote instead of moving the recorder up or down on the stand.

The R-09HR, DR-100 and BB-1000CD all include a remote.  The BB-1000CD is a very large unit, with built in speakers for playback and can’t be mounted on a mic stand.  It does, however, offer XLR inputs for connecting your own mics that can be on mic stands.  The DR-100 has an integrated mic stand connector, the DR-07 includes a tripod stand mount instead of a mic stand connector, and the R-09HR has an optional accessory kit for connecting to a tripod stand.

Batteries

Built in, rechargeable batteries will usually last longer than removable batteries and can help reduce the operating cost of the recorder.  However, forgetting to recharge a built in battery means you can’t just insert some new AAA batteries and start recording!  The MicroTrack and DR-1 have built in batteries that can be charged through USB or through a power adapter, and the DR-1 battery is user removable, which means you can buy replacements if it stops holding a charge, or you need a spare.  All other units use AA or AAA batteries.

Special Features

In addition to the standard feature of recording, all of the stereo units from Tascam (DR-07, DR-1, DR-100 and BB-1000CD) include the ability to change the pitch or speed of music on playback, while all but the DR-07 have a built in metronome and tuner.  The R-09HR can also change playback speed from 50 to 150%.  The DR-1 and BB-1000CD also has center cancel technology to reduce vocals or solo instruments in commercial recordings.  The 4 track Micro-BR includes effects, a center cancel feature, built in rhythms, and a tuner.

Due to its size, the BB-1000CD probably shouldn’t be considered a portable digital recorder.  The built in speakers account for the 15” x 8” x 4” dimensions and almost 8 lb weight.   However, it is an excellent classroom tool for music teachers as it includes the ability to record and copy to and from CDs and SD cards and it is very easy to use. 

Summary

There are a number of features to consider when selecting a portable digital recorder, and finding the one that best suits your needs requires an evaluation of how you plan on using the recorder.  If you plan on using external mics that require phantom power, this will limit your choice.  The importance of overdubbing and special features will also help determine which recorder you should select.  Any of the portable digital recorders mentioned in this article will give you an easy and effective way to create high quality recordings of student performances.

For complete information and specifications on the portable digital recorders mentioned in this article, please visit http://KellysMusicAndComputers.com/pdr