Gints Klimanis
August 14th, 2014, 12:39 AM
Hi,
I'm looking for a portable recorder the will record a day or so of input from a USB microphone. Obviously, my MacBookPro will so this, but I'm looking for a portable recorder that will do so with USB + XLR or, slightly less preferably, USB-only. Does such a portable device exist that isn't a laptop?
Richard Crowley
August 14th, 2014, 07:59 AM
I have never seen an audio device of any kind with a USB input. Those microphones with USB interface are pretty much a one-trick pony and are usable only when plugged into a real computer with all the drivers to interface with the USB audio standard. A microphone with a conventional analog audio output is far more flexible to use in different configurations as you are seeking.
Colin McDonald
August 14th, 2014, 11:36 AM
I agree - USB mics have a limited use. Personally, I have had too many problems over the years with USB devices that required disconnection /reconnection and/or reboot to fix and would not wish to introduce that into the recording chain in the field without good reason. YMMV.
Audio recorders now can often take very large cards (128Gb on my Zoom H6) which would allow umpteen days worth of recording at 48kHz/16 bit.
A google search for USB audio recorder brings up apps and cheapo flash drive based recorders, but none I could find with USB in.
Gints Klimanis
August 14th, 2014, 01:08 PM
Thank you for you replies, Colin and Richard. I'm evaluating audio devices that can be mounted as USB audio input devices and was hoping one of the Zoom-class portable recorders would record audio from its USB connector.
Fran Guidry
August 15th, 2014, 04:36 PM
Some USB mics work with iOS devices and the camera connection kit.
Fran