Ian May wrote:
g'Day all
Bob Inglis's recent notes on digital cameras were invaluable and
gave me some understanding of a subject that was previously most
confusing. For us with an interest in natural history and a
limited knowledge of electronic technology, I hope someone will
undertake a similar project about sound player/recording
equipment.
What are the advantage/disadvantage of mp3 players compared to
other systems. Wishing to buy a portable sound unit suitable
for birding field use, are there any recommendations?
I've been looking into this subject for a short time only but here are
my observations so far:
As most people would know recording soft sounds onto small format tape
(ie cassette/mini cassette)
produces an audible background hiss.
I've been looking around for an MP3 recorder but have not found any as yet.
MD may be a good alternative as the recording are digital, but I haven't
tested any.
I went on the prowl a few weeks ago to see what was on the market and
came home with a nifty
gadget by Panasonic. (model RR-XR320). This records digital sound onto a
memory stick known as SD ram.
It also records as files which can be later converted into wav file
using the bundled software.
Using third party software it's possible to convert these files into MP3
to conserve space.
The recordings I've made so far are very clear and the internal mic is
very sensitive.
The RR-XR320 is very tiny, about the size of a business card, and
therefore very handy
to take anywhere, uses batteries sparingly, so can be left in standby
mode for hours at a time
for instant recordings events.
The recording are stored on the device as files, and can be downloaded
onto a PC
using a USB card reader/ cable.
The supplied SD memory chip was 16Mb giving about half an hour's
recording, but 64MB (2 hours)
chips are available for a bit over $100.
One down side to the recorder is that I find the obligatory bundled
software very klutzy,
in fact it's a damn nuisance for archiving.
The frequency response is definitely much better than the stated 6kHz
bandwidth
as I've checked this out with my own analysis of recorded files.
One last drawback to the RR-XR320 is the pricetage. It sells for about
$600.
Added to the cost is the extra memory chip, which makes it an expensive
tool.
If you want to go overboard with recording, you may still be able to
find an old Nagra
reel-to-reel tape recorder. These would be a bulky item to take birding,
but you probably couldn't get much better quality. Journalists still use
them.
I'd still be interested to hear if there are recordable MP3 players, and
what kind of quality
is available from them.
Cheers,
Peter Adderley
Birding-Aus is on the Web at
www.shc.melb.catholic.edu.au/home/birding/index.html
To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message
"unsubscribe birding-aus" (no quotes, no Subject line)
to
|
