New Device...Ipod Recording Dock to replace Zoom H4?

[Meryem Ersoz]

I used a Zoom H4 for quick n dirty back-up recording. It was stolen on a job. I thought the sound was very good, for the price, but I have not purchased a new back-up recording device yet. I never really loved the Zoom H4's menu or ergonomics. But I just found this in today's B&H newsletter:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._COMPUTER.html

http://www.alesis.com/content1463

Can any of you audio experts think of any reason why I should not replace my Zoom H4 with one of these? It's $100 cheaper and can deliver substantially longer record times, it seems. What would the downsides be? Thanks.

[Ivo van Aart]

Looks like it's not battery powered. If you're going for fieldwork, you're better of with a more portable solution.

[Meryem Ersoz]

i was thinking more in terms of comparing audio quality of recording to an ipod versus to an SD card on the zoom device, but you raise a very good point and one i had overlooked.

so strike one...what else?

[George Kroonder]

Originally Posted by Meryem Ersoz

$100 cheaper and can deliver substantially longer record times, it seems. What would the downsides be?

Interesting thingy... I believe it needs to be powered through AC or USB, so it isn't as versatile as the H4 and it only has 2 channel recording to the iPod. Also the iPod costis a bit more than SD memory cards...

Don't know what the recording codec/quality would be and if it can be changed.

Also you can get the H4's for around the same price if you look for it.

George/

P.S. Sorry for taking so long typing, that others beat me to it...