best iRiver replacement audio recorder

Vito DeFilippo · May 27th, 2008, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Omiatek

Buy an iRiver on eBay.

I have two already. My point is, with the price they are going for on Ebay at the moment, I was hoping to be able to find something more professional, small, easy to use, reliable, etc, etc. The Olypus units look interesting, but I don't like the limited ability to set levels...

John Moon · May 27th, 2008, 11:44 AM

We use Edirol R9 and love it. No problems at all. We are purchasing another. I think the price is about $370.00 to $400.00.

Travis Cossel · May 27th, 2008, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vito DeFilippo

I have two already. My point is, with the price they are going for on Ebay at the moment, I was hoping to be able to find something more professional, small, easy to use, reliable, etc, etc. The Olypus units look interesting, but I don't like the limited ability to set levels...

I've used 2 Olympus DS-30's for over a year now and I haven't experienced any clipping in the audio. I love them. I also have NEVER had a dropout or any kind of interference. The audio quality is awesome.

Ilya Spektor · May 27th, 2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis Cossel

I've used 2 Olympus DS-30's for over a year now and I haven't experienced any clipping in the audio. I love them. I also have NEVER had a dropout or any kind of interference. The audio quality is awesome.

Travis,

What lavs do you use with DS-30? I am planninng to get a Giant Squid mono lav for my WS-310M, but did you (or anyone else) have a chance to compare recommended by Olympus their ME-15 with Giant Squid or any other lav, e.g. Sennheiser ME-2?..

Travis Cossel · May 27th, 2008, 05:20 PM

I'm just using the mics that came with my Azden VHF wireless system. I got all sorts of interference with that system, and wasn't sure if it was the system or the mics. After using the mics extensively with the DS-30's (and before that with an earlier version of Olympus DVR's) I now know it's not the mics.

Andrew McWeeny · May 28th, 2008, 06:57 AM

Hi Vito, depending on the cut of the jacket you can either pop it in a pocket or use the pouch on his pants or belt, much like using a wireless bodypack.

I really like the H2. The backlit menu system is very easy to use. With the on-board mics you can record in 4 channel 5.1 Surround Sound. I use it this way to record extra sound clips to use in the edit. It uses the same SD cards as my Nikon.

I saw Andy and Jim at the Old Port.Finally wrapped things up after 17 hrs and 100Km. You gotta love those Montreal weddings!

Travis, I too had the problem with my Azden VHF wireless system and now only use the hand-held for close-up work.

Vito DeFilippo · May 28th, 2008, 08:56 AM

That's great info you guys. Thanks a lot.

Vince Baker · May 28th, 2008, 12:44 PM

The DS40 looks interesting, and a reasonable price...

I currently have 4 iRiver 8XXs that have done me proud (even though one of the screens is on its way out but I never change the settings so as a back up it is still fine.)

A question, I also have 4 Giant Squid mics that require a powered line in (god bless the iRiver!). Will they work with the DS40?

Vito DeFilippo · May 28th, 2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince Baker

A question, I also have 4 Giant Squid mics that require a powered line in (god bless the iRiver!). Will they work with the DS40?

Vince, did you buy the special rewired GS mics for your iRivers? I have two like that, and they do not seem to work on a consumer camcorder. My old sony has a mic input with 'plug-in-power' and I get nothing with the mono Giant Squid. I don't know if its the rewiring, or the fact that it's mono...

Carl Wilky · May 28th, 2008, 02:24 PM

Hi Vito,

I use the Olympus along with a lav mic and it works great. You remove the microphone that comes with it and you have access to the 1/8" connection for your mic. The three levels of recording is quite useful, i use the DICT setting when its on a person, the CONF when its on the podium so it picks up a lot more of the vocals.

I had it for a month now, done a few gigs with it and no issues thus far.

We should definitely meet up some time... after paying a little bit more attention to your website, i think i recognize you from a Canon event i was at last fall. CPSExpo, did you attend a such event?

Vito DeFilippo · May 28th, 2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Wilky

after paying a little bit more attention to your website, i think i recognize you from a Canon event i was at last fall. CPSExpo, did you attend a such event?

Yep. I was there all right. Took the chance to see a couple of seminars and meet Patrick Moreau from Niagra Falls. Very nice guy. I enjoyed chatting with him and picking his brain a bit.

Renton Maclachlan · May 28th, 2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vito DeFilippo

Vince, did you buy the special rewired GS mics for your iRivers? I have two like that, and they do not seem to work on a consumer camcorder. My old sony has a mic input with 'plug-in-power' and I get nothing with the mono Giant Squid. I don't know if its the rewiring, or the fact that it's mono...

Vito, its the wiring. I've just had all sorts of hassles getting recording on an iRiver to work from a Rode NTG2. I don't understand it all but the wiring for the iRivers is apparently the reverse of the standard. With the help of sound guy I finally got it to work.

Vito DeFilippo · May 28th, 2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renton Maclachlan

I don't understand it all but the wiring for the iRivers is apparently the reverse of the standard.

Yeah, Darren explains it on the Giant Squid website. That's why he offers a special mic for the iRivers.

Ilya Spektor · May 29th, 2008, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Wilky

I use the Olympus along with a lav mic and it works great.

Carl,

What lav do you use? Is it Olympus ME-15 or any other?..

Vince Baker · May 29th, 2008, 07:12 AM

yes my mics are specific for the iRiver, so guess after the previous few postings that means they will not work with the Olympus...

Still a viable option once my iRivers start to die....

May 27th, 2008, 11:44 AM	#17
John Moon Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 446	We use Edirol R9 and love it. No problems at all. We are purchasing another. I think the price is about $370.00 to $400.00. __________________ John J. Moon www.northernlightfilmworks.com - Event DV Top 25 Recipient

May 27th, 2008, 05:20 PM	#20
Travis Cossel Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,933	I'm just using the mics that came with my Azden VHF wireless system. I got all sorts of interference with that system, and wasn't sure if it was the system or the mics. After using the mics extensively with the DS-30's (and before that with an earlier version of Olympus DVR's) I now know it's not the mics. __________________ Black Label Films www.blacklabelweddingfilms.com

May 28th, 2008, 08:56 AM	#22
Vito DeFilippo Trustee Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Montreal, Quebec Posts: 1,585	That's great info you guys. Thanks a lot. __________________ . http://www.nosmallroles.com

May 28th, 2008, 06:57 AM	#21
Andrew McWeeny New Boot Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nepean, Ontario Posts: 18	Hi Vito, depending on the cut of the jacket you can either pop it in a pocket or use the pouch on his pants or belt, much like using a wireless bodypack. I really like the H2. The backlit menu system is very easy to use. With the on-board mics you can record in 4 channel 5.1 Surround Sound. I use it this way to record extra sound clips to use in the edit. It uses the same SD cards as my Nikon. I saw Andy and Jim at the Old Port.Finally wrapped things up after 17 hrs and 100Km. You gotta love those Montreal weddings! Travis, I too had the problem with my Azden VHF wireless system and now only use the hand-held for close-up work.

May 28th, 2008, 12:44 PM	#23
Vince Baker Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Portsmouth, UK Posts: 118	The DS40 looks interesting, and a reasonable price... I currently have 4 iRiver 8XXs that have done me proud (even though one of the screens is on its way out but I never change the settings so as a back up it is still fine.) A question, I also have 4 Giant Squid mics that require a powered line in (god bless the iRiver!). Will they work with the DS40?

May 28th, 2008, 02:24 PM	#25
Carl Wilky Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Montéal, Canada Posts: 115	Hi Vito, I use the Olympus along with a lav mic and it works great. You remove the microphone that comes with it and you have access to the 1/8" connection for your mic. The three levels of recording is quite useful, i use the DICT setting when its on a person, the CONF when its on the podium so it picks up a lot more of the vocals. I had it for a month now, done a few gigs with it and no issues thus far. We should definitely meet up some time... after paying a little bit more attention to your website, i think i recognize you from a Canon event i was at last fall. CPSExpo, did you attend a such event?

May 29th, 2008, 07:12 AM	#30
Vince Baker Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Portsmouth, UK Posts: 118	yes my mics are specific for the iRiver, so guess after the previous few postings that means they will not work with the Olympus... Still a viable option once my iRivers start to die....