I'm reposting this here cause it hasn't gotten any replies in the Member Recordings forum.

Hi. I'm not sure if here is the right place to ask this (mods, feel free to move it if it's not), but I'm looking for a portable audio recorder. I've seen the Zoom H4 / H2 mentioned on here on a few occasions, and the H2 is one I may be considering.

But... do you guys know of a good one that has more options on the encoding bitrate & sample rates (for example 16-320kbps, 11.025-48kHz (the Zoom does have a 96kHz option btw), and longer battery life (Zoom claims 4 hours, I'd rather have at least 10-12)?
Also I'd like a less expensive unit - $100-150 including the stereo mic(s), and I may be willing to give up some other features (depends on what I'd be giving up. For example, I wouldn't need the instrument tuner - my SAT III serves that purpose well enough.)

Also, for those of you that use the H4 or H2, could you comment on the audio quality with the built-in mics? (Feel free to direct me to other threads, too.)

I'd like to get one fairly soon. I'm limping along right now with an aging and failing iRiver ifp-899 (which has an excellent line-in mp3 encoder, but the voice recorder (built-in mic) leaves a lot to be desired), and have lost my muy barato external mike that sounded like caca when it was new.

P.S. someone on hydrogenaudio recommended the H2, and mentioned a couple other units that are considerably more expensive and/or less portable. I was wondering what units you guys have had experience with?

I have the H4, and I am thrilled with it. Check out the latest AB forum recital, and you'll find quite a few sample recordings made with the H4. There are a couple of H2 threads with sample recordings on it, as well. (Search the archives).

There's not as much posted here on the H2 because it was only recently released, but the few people who have bought it are very pleased with it.

You may be stuck with respect to the battery life issue. The Zoom does come with a power cord, though, so you could always just find a plug nearby.

88key PP you just heard it from the company’s UNOFFICAL SPOKESPERSON

The H4 has really shined in our recital sessions (not that I have been in many ) I had purchased a preamp, mics and stuff BEFORE the discovery of the H4. Although I do us a Sony DS30 for recording lessons and practice sessions, does a pretty good job for the size

my first double post

I just ordered a Zoom H2, which looks to be much simpler than its bigger sibling. "Everything should be as simple as possible, but not simpler." Thanks, Monica!

Cheers,

Craig