I am looking to buy a field recorder to increase my audio options while editing. Looking for suggestions on a recorder that has good quality and it light weight and small in size?

It would be nice if the recorder had two XLR inputs and an easy way to transfer onto the editing station hard drive. Of course dependability is very important.

Thanks

Have you looked into the ridiculously cheap Zoom H4? I use it as a field recorder, amongst other things.

Thank you Steve no I have not looked into the Zoom H4 but will right now.

Wow great looking unit I ordered one today with a 2GB card.

Cheers Steve

I have an M-Audio MicroTrak which is very compact and good quality. It doesn't have XLR, but does have 1/4" inputs. http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MicroTrack2496-focus.html

The Zoom H4 does look like a great, small recorder at a great price, but I've read a number of reviews that say there are problems when trying to sync the sound files to video. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/445854-REG/Zoom_H4_H4_Mobile_Stereo_Field.html)

Steve, have you encountered any problems like that?

If you're a bit more ambitious, you could get the Korg MR-1:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=485878&is=REG

Or the MR-1000:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=485879&is=REG

I'm thinking about the latter. Oh, and I have the Zoom H4. But I find myself wanting something better.

I use it primarily for ambient sound gathering so I haven't really been in a position to have sync issues. There are many better devices on the market but this thing is great because of its size and capabilities at an amazing price break point. It all comes down to what you need it for.

Steve,

I just ordered one.
For interviews to use in voice-over and ambient/atmospheric
recording this looks like what I need.

David

Yes, it works great for that purpose.

Same here I will use it for voice-over and ambient recording.

Even, the MR-1000 looks very nice but a little more then I need now. I think the Zoom H4 will be a great first step for a field recorder. I do not need to sync just voice over and background for promotional videos.

Paul: Yeah, for field recording for, say a live concert, or something, it looks spectacular.

anyone's using the Fostex FR-2LE?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/newsLetter/fostex_fr2LEjul2006.jsp