Portable audio recorder

[aod]

I'm looking for a small device that I can use to digitally capture line out audio from my keyboard (and probably other things), which I can then transfer to my laptop/PC for editing.

My initial thought was a PCM recorder, something like a Tascam DR-05X. The built in mic(s) might be useful for occasional band rehearsal recordings, but that would only be an added bonus for a secondary use.

I wondered if this is overkill for what I need and if there is something more suitable and less costly?

[Drew Stephenson]

There's a similarly priced Zoom with a very similar set of features that would do the job as well.
I'm sure you can get cheaper options, but personally speaking I'd probably just be looking at Tascam and Zoom at this part of market given their reputations for durability and the likely availability of warranty support / repair in the event of any issues / accidents further down the line.

[Hugh Robjohns]

A simple USB audio interface would allow you record straight into your PC/laptop which would avoid the need for file transfers...

But yes, the Tascam or any of the dozens of other portable digital recorders would get the job done provided it had suitable external line inputs.

[Sam Spoons]

The Tascam and the current Zoom's (H1n-VP and M2 MicTrak) will do both jobs, field recorder and USB interface.

[ef37a]

I bought my son a Tascam DR-40X for his 50th and he uses it to record the band he is in and as an AI.

The 40X has combi XLRs and so will accept jack plugs for line inputs. I think other hand-helds only have the rather inconvenient and dinky 3.5mm jack?
The unit IS an interface so I don't think there would be any need to record then transfer?

But, as mentioned, if all that is needed is to get a signal into a PC, one of the lower end Behringer UMCs will be more than capable.

Dave.

[N i g e l]

The DR40 is also a 4 trak which can be handy.

The advantge of a portable over an interface is you can record a balloon pop impulse in a tunnel for your next awesome convolution reverb effect.

[aod]

Thanks for all the suggestions

Regarding setting up a USB audio interface into a PC/laptop – I already have a DAW/AI set up in my home studio, but that’s not really practical to use in this scenario as the keyboard I’m using is in a different room so I don’t want to be running cables all round the house etc.

Also I can’t put the keyboard in the studio as there’s no room, and the keyboard weighs nearly 25kg. (This keyboard isn’t for the DAW; I already have a controller KB for that)

That’s why I wanted a portable solution such as the Tascam I mentioned, but I wasn’t sure if this was the most suitable thing, or overkill.

I do have a very temporary set up with an old laptop connected to the keyboard using the 3.5mm line in, and works fine, but as mentioned I need something more compact and portable, so it looks like I’m on the right track ( sorry), I’ll check out the other suggestions.

Thanks

[aod]

The DR40 is also a 4 trak which can be handy.

The advantge of a portable over an interface is you can record a balloon pop impulse in a tunnel for your next awesome convolution reverb effect.

I absolutely want to do this!

[aod]

Also I'm trying to work out the difference between these two DR-05X's on Amazon:

This one is £77
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N1HGVNS/ ... _lig_dp_it

This one is £83
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handheld-Digit ... HGVNS?th=1

They appear identical, but have different ASIN numbers and have different dimensions and weights?

[Wonks]

One's on Amazon UK and one's from Amazon US.

The devices are the same. it's just the accompanying info that's different and possibly wrong in one instance.

But often size and weight are for the complete boxed sales package, so one may be with and one without.

The UK Amazon listing gives the values from the Tascam Europe web site, so I'd imagine the US one gives the boxed-up size and weight.