naturerecordists
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: iRiver iHP120, better than iPod as field recorder

Subject: Re: iRiver iHP120, better than iPod as field recorder
From: Klas Strandberg <>
Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2006 03:13:01 +0100
You are really "on", Oryoki! Thanks.

Klas.

At 02:53 2006-02-01, you wrote:
>If you're really interested in using a small hard disc-based audio
>player as a field recorder, check out the iRiver iHP-120 and the
>Rockbox software.
>
>iRiver is a Korean company that makes personal music players. The
>iHP-100 was introduced in mid-2003, and replaced in early 2005 with
>the newer 300 series.  The iHP-100, -120 and -140 are iPod style
>devices, with 10, 20 and 40GB hard drives respectively. Unlike the
>iPod, the iHP-100 series has several features oriented to recording audio:
>
>--3.5mm line level input jack
>--SPDIF optical digital input and output
>--records in 16/44.1 WAV format or up to 320kbps MP3
>--large remote control to manage most recording settings
>
>There are a few problems with the iRiver design:
>--maximum WAV file recording is 75 minutes
>--can't adjust levels while recording, must pause
>--1300mAh battery provides only 2.5 hours of recording time
>
>These problems have been addressed by the open-source audio
>software called Rockbox.  Rockbox is developed by volunteers
>and offered to everyone for free.  You load the Rockbox
>software into the iHP-100 series from your computer using a
>USB cable.
>
>Running Rockbox, the iRiver iHP-100 series players now record WAV
>files up to 2GB (more than 3 hours).  The record levels are displayed
>on the LCD screen, and can be adjusted on the fly as needed.  And the
>Rockbox software runs more efficiently, making the battery last almost
>twice as long.  Not bad for a free software upgrade!
>
>The Rockbox software development continues. Bug fixs and new features
>are added weekly.  You can find out more about the Rockbox project and
>download software by following links at www.rockbox.org
>
>The iHP-100 series machines are available used from eBay.  The iHP-120
>seems to be the most common model.  Prices for the iHP-120 range from
>$275 for a factory refurbished model with 90 day warranty, to
>$175-$200 for a used model with all accessories.
>
>Recording via the line level input works OK with most mics if the
>source has a high sound pressure level (like a waterfall or a rock
>concert).  Nature recordists will probably need an external preamp of
>some sort to raise the signal level.
>
>Admittedly, a setup like the iRiver iHP-120 and Rockbox software won't
>appeal to everyone.  Most of us would be better served by a device
>designed first and foremost as a recorder, such as the recently
>announced Edirol R-9.   But the iHP-120 combination offers real
>advantages over the current iPod as a field recorder.
>
>--oryoki
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>"Microphones are not ears,
>Loudspeakers are not birds,
>A listening room is not nature."
>Klas Strandberg
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Telinga Microphones, Botarbo,
S-748 96 Tobo, Sweden.
Phone & fax int + 295 310 01
email: 
         




________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the naturerecordists mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the archive e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU