re: Apple iPod,
There are at least ten companies, including Apple, that sell portable
hard-disc MP3 *players* right now. But I could only find two
portable hard-disc *recorders*:
Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox 20GB ~$325
records via analog Line-In jack
records WAV format, plays back MP3, WMA and WAV
USB 1.1 port works w/ PC or Mac
5 x 5 x 1.5" weighs ~16oz
Archos Jukebox Recorder 20GB ~$325
records by SPDIF or analog line in
supports MP3 recording and playback only
USB 2.0 for faster file transfer to PC or Mac
4.5 x 3.2 x 1.3" weighs ~14oz
To use these devices to their best effect, you need to raise the
microphone's input level to line-in levels. Several companies make
portable battery-operated pre-amps that do this task. Here are two:
Denecke AD-20 ~$450
input: dual XLR mic-level input
output: SPDIF electrical and optical
3 x 5.75 x 1.25" ~16oz
This super high-quality preamp seems to be a favorite of the folks
who use DAT to record live concerts. It would almost certainly
improve the quality of recordings made with portable minidisc
machines, too.
Sound Professionals Portable Pre-Amp ~$150
input and output: analog stereo mini-plug
2.4 x 3 x 1" 6oz?
This pre-amp is more affordable, and offers an improvement over the
pre-amp in consumer-grade solid-state, hard disc and minidisc
recorders.
--oryoki
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