The BEST Handheld Recorder for Beginners
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- Опубліковано 24 чер 2024
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Learn what I love about my favorite entry level handheld recorder, plus hear the sounds it can record at 5:29!
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Hi man, I can see this channel exploding in the next couple of months, great work. Love it :)
I have the same recorder! I love it!
The M10, D50, and D100 are my go-to's, and the studio's go-to's for that matter tbh. we use them daily especially the M10. but the D50 is rock solid, their internals are basically the same across all 3, so you can't really go wrong. I don't even bother with Zoom or Tascam at this point, just too noisy, from mics to pre's.
Great video Alex! I wonder how does this Sony recorder compare to the Roland R-26? The R-26 is also discontinued :/ but it was best recorder I've ever used
Great, thanks for the Video! Never tried the D50, but really like the D100 for what it is. It's like a camera that you can take with you and capture sounds in a high quality, small enough to take it with you often. No XLR inputs, but the mics are great, it's easy to use and the batteries go almost forever (in comparison to the H4 at least). I have a H6 as well, which can do much more things at the same time, but if I want to just record sounds with internal mics, the D100 is the one I go with. "Cons" are the left/right panning is a bit difficult to get right in the middle and the recording location (sd card or internal) and the recording folder are set up in different menus, stuff I got used to.
I caved. Great video. After hearing so much about skillshare I joined. ALEX 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Ok let's see how much I learn now. 😉
Ty!
The mics at 3:04 are looking interesting. they are looking like the "Ohrwurm" a custom build microphone from a German guy. Maybe you can test these? It would be interesting what you think about them.
And to the D50, what about the successor, the D100? In my oppinion it is a little better in every aspect. But sure, also more expensive.
Thanks for this video!
Can you share some of your settings that you use to record with this? I've tried recording at a level of about 6-7 and there seems to be lots of noise.
It kills me every time you recommend not buying zoom. It's literally all I can afford
@Moishe Weinberg yeah. It's hard to keep things in perspective when you're talking across the board and not grouping things by their class/price range
I picked up a Sound devices mixpre for 350-400. Pretty affordable for the quality of preamps you get.
The Zoom F Series are really REALLY GOOD for their price, but if even those are too pricey, then take a look at the Tascam DR60Dmk2 (which is dirt cheap, costs never to nothing secondhand!).
You can get a D50 used on Ebay from Japan for a little over $300. Of course, a used Sound Devices MixPre would be more versatile. But if you're looking for handheld and can live with XLR to 3.5mm adapters, these Sonys are wonderful. I have the PCM-M10 (about $200 used) and have been blown away by the wonderful sound on location - music rehearsals, solo cello, even concerts.
Then buy it. The thing with Zoom is that it doesn't have great preamps or mics but it does everything... it has XLR AND TRS inputs, metronome, can be used a sound interface... really versatile.
Sound quality wise would you reccomend getting one of these instead of a dedicated X/Y Stereo mic like the rode nt4? Also, when you turn it off does it say something nice on the screen? Great channel.
It says "See You!"
I have a decision to make, pleas help! I’m creeping my way in to sound world, I’ve been working with Zoom f1 for about a year now ! Recorded a lot on it, it is time to grow however, so I’m looking to buy MixPre 3 or MixPre 6, I love recording sfx but also record short films, so right now I don’t need more then 3 inputs... but I might soon, should I even consider mix pre3 or it won’t be useful ?🤷♂️
Do you know if you can do live monitoring on this? Like I play guitar and want something to record myself at home while I'm playing and I want a unit that will let me listen to my sound with headphones and filter out some of the background white noise live without the lag you can get on some phone apps that I've tried etc that offer "monitoring" and you get those waves of lag that mess with you or with me at least lol
Hey Alex, I am looking for a portable recorder/mixer with EQ, more than just a hpf. I know the 888/833 have it but I like both my kidneys...do you know of any other options?
Agree about the recorder. An advice: Don´t put high ma/h accus in the holder. It will break apart after some time. Small cracks in angles. They are too big. The holder is almost impossible to fix. / Klas.
The battery life sounds great. My H4N is not something I can leave recording for hours. What I really want is a set and forget single XLR input recorder that can last all day.
Get a Tascam DR60Dmk2 with a big USB powerbank velcroed to it.
I want to get into sound recording. More for a hobby than anything. I am finding myself in situations where there are at least thirty birds tweeting away having a grand party, or a bunch of frogs are croaking and I just want to catch the sounds. This will be more of a hobby so I do not want to spend much money so would a recorder like this be the thing to start off with? Should I get some kind of external microphone? The more videos I watch the more confused I am on what is needed.
Does anyone know how to fix this: so
Basically I have an
Olympus WS- 853 digital voice recorder, which I use for meetings and regular stuff, (although it's not as good as I thought it was despite being £85), I once recorded rain sound with it while outside just by using the handheld recorder alone but the noise capture was not the best of quality and the wind seemed to really mess up with the sound too.
Does anyone have any suggestions for external microphones or other cheap but really good bits of equipment I could buy to fix the wind and quality problem especially when recording outside noise. If so I would really appreciate it 💛 if you could give full names of recommended products or equipment, or full details in advice. Thank you!
100% agree on what Alex says about zoom recorders being too noisy at 3:10, since i've used a zoom H5 for a long time.
The Zoom F Series however have preamps that are very clean.
have you tried zoom h8? Or heard bout it? Is it also noisy?
@@maniacpuma6653 haven't tried zoom h8, I'm sure they're somewhat better (actually switched to Sound Devices Mixpre). But I guess zooms form factor is convenient for recording something quickly and on the go.
What about the Sony PCM-D100? I have the zoom H6 and I must say that it is actually a little noisy. But it is very versatile: interchangeable capsules, 4 xlr inputs, the possibility of being used as an audio interface with the computer and long battery life. The new H8 seems to be better in terms of preamp..and the price is the half the Sony. Of course, here we are talking about portable recorders with integrated capsules .. as SoundSpeed says the Zoom F series is good; if the budget is limited take the Tascam Dr 60 Mkii, however, equipping yourself with a powerbank because the batteries sucks. I am interested in the opinion of those who have Sony PCM-D100
I have a D100 as well, and I do really like it. But at $800+ for a handheld recorder, there are definitely more cost effective options. A used D50 is an awesome bargain for what you get, even without interchangeable capsules or XLR ins.
I love the D100 and it’s definitely the better recorder in my opinion, but the price point puts it more in the “pro” or “semi-pro” range.
The F series Zooms do have better pres, the entire H lineup is too noisy for delicate work. Tascams are battery hogs (besides the DR100’s) but have better pres than Zoom to my ears.
@@axk Thanks Alex. Congratulations on your videos, very clear and explanatory
I was wondering if you’ve been able to sample the newer zoom f series in comparison to the Sony d50?
Hi Alex! Can this D50 recorder work well as a camera mic for picking up asmr sounds directly from its headphone jack port into a camera mic port for recording sound? Thanks again
My D50 works great for recording video. Always, and I mean always, record that audio on board the D50 as well as on your video camera.
These recorders are going for about $300 on Amazon, used. Great sound and worth it.
I wish I'd seen this video sooner, there's one up for 2k on there now
Would this be powerful enough to power a rode ntg 5?
Hi Alex, what can you say about sony icd ux570 vs zoom h1n? Thanks for your input.
He says in the video he’s really not a fan of zoom. There’s a lot of videos on UA-cam that review them and it’s pretty consensus that the Sony is better. Sony is really hard to beat, except when it comes to price.
Hey mate your afiliate links don't work for me (from germany). Just wanted to tell you to support your fantastic channel. Thank you for your valuable content!
Alex I have an issue that has been driving me nuts that I hope you could help with. I have a Rode NTG-2 and to get good levels I really need to crank up the gain on my recorder, a Tascam DR60DII. This introduces a good bit of noise. Do you know of a semi-budget friendly recorder (or other solution) so I can get good levels with my NTG-2 without getting too much noise?
While the NTG2 isn't a great mic, and it does have quite a low output, the Tascam DR60Dmk2 isn't too awful either. In fact when I was a student I was using the NTG2/DR60D combo! (but the DR60Dmk1, not the mk2. Your mk2 has even better preamps!)
Thus I'm inclined to think likely your biggest problem is your technique, get better with your booming! Don't be lazy, go the extra mile to get your boom into the perfect position.
As not even having a DPA 4017B with an Aaton Cantar X3 will sound good if you use it badly.
@@SoundSpeeding I THINK my technique is good but of course I will revisit it. Since you mention the NTG2 isn't a great mic do you have a better recommendation for something near that price point that should be able to work well with that Tascam recorder?
Hello from Portugal,
What's your thoughts on the Sony PCM A10?
Best regards,
Nuno Bartolomeu
Worth it, great little recorder to buy new. Not quite as good as the D50, but better than the D10 for the money.
@@axk Thanks for the fast response. All the best from Portugal
You made me smile, Alex. Sony PCM-M10 was my great discovery. They still sell for over $200 on Ebay, for good reason.
Those older handheld Sony’s are awesome! Have used mine for so many films and TV shows, super portable and sound fantastic.
I bought mine on someone's recommendation, took it to a Christmas concert and recorded with it lying on a chair ten rows back in the hall. I was amazed by the rich sound from that little recorder.
@@axk Are there any of these old sony handhelds that have XLR inputs as well?
Wondering if you have tested or have any thoughts on the Sony PCM-D10 especially compared Tascam DR-100 MK3
I don’t think the D10 is up to par. I’m really sad about it, honestly. I wanted that recorder to be so much better...but it’s not the right way to go in my opinion.
@@axk Yeah I was hoping it was better, I know it doesn't compare the the D50 or D100. I asked because you had the Tascam listed under your Kit recommendations for UA-cam and was thinking if they are far apart. Really appreciate the reply though. I'm learning a lot from your videos. Thank you for all the great content.
Glad it’s helping! I think the Tascam is the best bet of the bunch in that price range. XLR ins, good battery life, quieter preamps than the Zoom H series, solid for fast recording on the go. I always have my Sony D100 with me when I travel, especially when I’m not bringing any of my “main” recording rig.
What can you say about Sony PCM-A10? Anybody had experience with it? How it's quality and noisefloor?
It’s definitely better - and more expensive - than others in its class (Zoom H1 or H2, Tascam DR07X, etc). I’d still recommend a used D50 over a new A10 if you can find one. But for what it is, the A10 is solid.
seems that the D50 sky rocketed on ebay since your video, what do you think about the pcm d10? is about 500ish usd brand new vs 350ish for the used d50, have you tried the d10 already? I'm considering upgrading my portable gear (currently an F1 + XY capsule, but I don't use it very often bacause the pres) since my back is killing me for carrying my 16lbs sound bag all day, I would love something good quality and portable for soundscapes/sfx
Sadly the D10 is not up to par with the other recorders that Sony made previously. I wouldn’t recommend it as much as I would love to be able to…
@@axk oh!, that's a bummer, besides the D50 wich other portable recorder on the market you'll recommend?
Hey man which memory stick are you using? I bought another 32 gig memory stick duo pro and I am getting format error. Did I get a dude of a memory stick? I have another 32 gig duo pro memory stick and it works fine.
I use a 16GB MS in mine - works fine
Wouldn't I be better off with a Sound Devices MixPre 3 Mk 2, and a decent compact mic choice? Then I would have 32bit recording as well as XLR and 3.5mm inputs and great preamps. What do you think?
of course you would be. At about 3 times the price. so, there's that.... He's just saying, if you see one of these things used on Ebay, think about buying it with no worries. For what it can do, it does it very well, even with its onboard mics.
Three months ago I gave away my PCM-D50, and upgraded to the MixPre 3 II. Of course the MixPre is far more versatile (works as an audio interface too) and also quite compact, but I must admit the PCM-D50 was easier to use, and really did sound very good.For extended mobile recording, powering the MixPre can be a problem.
I had the MixPre-6 II but sold it plus some Canon gear to miniaturize my kit with a small Sony PCM-M10 and an iPhone 12 Pro Max. I powered the MixPre with an Anker 20100 battery with no problems at all. Carried it in a regular LowePro camera bag. I don't miss the MixPre - I'm just an amateur and really had no use for it that would make it more desirable than the Sony. The only thing I miss with the iPhone is the Canon 135mm F/2 lens - tremendous for music events, portraits, theater, dance, etc. Glorious ability to bring out the humanity in human faces. But, I digress.
Hi, I have a D50 and a D100. Just bought a pcm a10 and just jumped on a D10. Is the PCM D10 mics as good as the PCM D50?
Sadly, I’d say no. The D10 is a pretty significant step down in quality. Don’t really know what Sony was doing with that one...
@@axk How about pcm a10?
how do you listen to IT nobody seems to no listen to what you've recorded how. Are there or is there any way of connecting external speakers.....
I use an optical SPDIF cable to conaect directly to my AV amp. 48khz 24bit can be played back this way.
Or, transferr your files to a USB stick - all modern AV amps have USB input on the front panel and will play all of its file formats.
Or, burn a disk, or ... there are many lossless options.
Even the D50 headphone amp is very good - try some high grade headphones.
Is this what you used to record the SOAD albums?
What does this mean lol
@@demonskn You look a bit like Serj Tankian from System of a Down (aka SOAD).
I had the h6 this one and some other. I had bought the H6 for the mic pres, but were unusable because the preamp noise floor was just horrible and unusable. I sold it and kept the sony. Sony preamps are better, but still not anything from another world... and worst of all, it has absolutely no bass. This said it is a very, very good reliable recorder I am still using it. Until I get another eecorder this one is the best for the price! Nice review!
What happened to the sound of your video?
Which Sony MediaStick format and reader do you use? That seems to be its only challenge, its older media format.
I actually just use the onboard memory in the D50 and offload any recordings I make the same day. Haven’t needed additional space with that recorder for over 10 years now!
That being said, I do have other recorders for more demanding work (ie cars, firearms, surround, etc).
@@axk I see, you hook up the unit via usb then?
Yep, you can connect it via USB to copy files once recorded.
I have a 16GB MS in mine, it works great.
NOTE, this recorder has ridiculously sensitive mics. The sock really needs to be used outdoors. The onboard mics are way better than the marantz and as Alex says it has a very quiet preamp stage.
After years of use, mine has developed a bit of a problem on the attenuation 0/-20db switch. If not careful it attenuates one mic and not the other. With a tiny jiggle of the switch it invariable engages and kicks in and the levels are equal.
As a stealthy audience recorder, this thing is awesome. Over the years it has captured performance recordings, using a couple dpa4060s croakie mounted. Highly recommended for what it is.
I think I hear the middle D reverberated... Or am I going crazy?
Hey man. I don't know why this seem to happen recently with a lot of UA-camrs. Your video title or description does not mention the product you are talking about. Wouldn't just mentioning the actual product name in description make this video show up in the search results?
Good review btw.
The mystery of the non-specific title is used as click bait to generate views. Thumbnails and video descriptions are very important when it comes to getting people to click on videos even more so than specific ( and searchable) accurate titles. Creators all know this so whenever you see a trend of how people generate thumbnails or video titles/descriptions just know that ultimately it's going to deliver more views than a real life more accurate description. Twenty people may watch a video about a Sony model recorder but maybe a few hundred will click it to see the mystery of what is the 'best handheld recorder for beginners'.
“If your question is about sports, The answer to your question is money.” -Don Ohlmeyer
have you tried zoom h8? Or heard bout it? Is it also noisy?
Haven’t tried it yet, every time I get near one it scuttles away!
@@axk ok thanks
man
Hi im looking for help in finding a recorder that records in very low frequency.. not your sort of thing i know but I ghost hunt and need to find the best recorder. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
What frequencies are you looking to capture? Are these longitudinal waves (sound)?
@@axk to be honest i wouldn't have a clue because who really knows. I am guessing below 12 hz. I am just starting to teach myself all about frequencies etc.
Great recommendation. I will haunt ebay until I find one.
No sound test?
The way I see it is that alot of film producers use zoom and not Sony. I rather use something that the audio from a film I watched was done with the same recorder I'm using and it's zoom.
So they make a perfect high quality product and they just drop it dead, then they make another product which is like 10 steps backwards and they call it d10? What the actual f
Right? Should’ve stuck with what worked…
It's difficult to take advice from a video with such a prominent resonant frequency
The sound on this clip is terrible. Did you check it? This is a clip on audio recording...
To pricy
My D50 is rock solid and sounds great. You have to pay to play.
Why are you recommending a recorder that doesn't even use SD cards ? You can't even buy the Sony memory stick cards for this unit !
I use a SONY Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 16GB MS-HX16B I bought on Amazon. It works great.
Would you take advice from a man who hasn’t rigged his own mic correctly? 😂
I’m joking of course this is very useful stuff thank you!
The title is so bad ..."for beginners?" this is made for pros
In just 1hr beginners can be taught how to use the D50 make pro quality recordings. I used D50 outside in all kinds of tough environments, eg, on the side of a volcano crater in Vanuatu, that was throwing lava in the air.