I have particular interest in field recorders that can start and stop recor=
ding based on an internal timer. I see by recent posts that a few other na=
ture recordists do as well!
At present, in my opinion, the field recorders with the most sophisticated =
timed recording features are the Olympus LS-7 (about $200) and the Yamaha P=
ocketrak W24 (about $300). These two recorders offer slightly different tim=
ed recording features.
Let's start with the LS-7. It offers three timer presets, enabling you to m=
ake timed recordings up to three times in the same day. Recordings can be =
set for a single session, or to repeat on a daily or weekly schedule.
The LS-7 allows you to set timer record mode (PCM, MP3, or WMA) and bitrate=
, mic sensitivity, and which folder to use to store the resulting file. Th=
e LS-7 will use these settings regardless of the way the recorder is set wh=
en the recording starts.
In addition to timed recording, the LS-7 offers timed playback of a recorde=
d file. You specify the time and the volume of the playback.
The Yamaha W24 offers many of the same features of the LS-7, plus the abili=
ty to select days of the week for timed recording. For example, the W24 co=
uld be set to make timed recordings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each we=
ek.
Considering cost, preamp quality and features, I find the LS-7 to be a bett=
er choice for timed recording. The ability to schedule three recording per=
iods in the same day can be useful. You might also schedule playback of a =
recording of a target species, and then record the sounds that follow in th=
e next few minutes.
--oryoki
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