This blog is in relation to capturing audio with a portable recording unit; one of the most mobile and versatile Mac recording accessories. Although there are multiple methods to do so (a small audio interface connected to a laptop works), few are as portable and convenient as a 2 -channel mobile digital recorder. Today’s mobile digital recorders provide professional recording options like never before. Thanks to increasing input gain range these may now handle high-SPL sources without clipping. Most feature USB 2.0 connection for high-speed transfer; compatible with most PC and Mac computers. Easy to use mobile recorders feature drag and drop transfer to PC or Mac; requiring only minutes to download recorded audio from the device. Many of these devices feature 2-channel WAV (BWF) and MP3 recording (as well as playback). Pro versions of these devices features input gain control, analog input limiter, and even phantom power.

Some permit markers for easier location when editing; higher quality models even features user editable folders and subfolders for saving and partitioning projects in the field. A few years ago, these devices would top out around 2 GB. This meant seamless recording was not available beyond this capacity. Most producers have solved this FAT32 protocol limitation, and allow continuous recording.

M-Audio Microtrack II - High Quality Mobile Recording Device
Compact 24-bit/98kHz audio with optional phantom power

Portable audio recorders may have practicality for anyone looking to record. These can have implications for music producers, journalists, podcasters, or home musicians. A majority feature integrated stereo microphones for direct recording. While the quality of these micas differ between model, sometime they may provide high quality mobile audio. The devices are not limited to internal micas. Since the devices (sometime) may support 48v phantom power of active microphones a mobile recorder may beer used to power a studio condenser microphone in the field. This means whether you recording a new interview, a speech in public, or some home demos in stereo; a mobile recorder can be an extremely easy and convenient piece of recording equipment for Mac or PC.

Hifi recording on the go. Mobile recorders are commonly around the size of a guitar pedal. However, pro-quality preamps and high audio fidelity are still found on many of the best mobile digital audio recorders. Some feature audio quality up to 24-bit/96kHz, matching USB audio interfaces in performance. Bring this high quality audio recording wherever you go; the devices run on battery power (sometimes rechargeable) to provide hours of stereo recording. Depend on the exact device, mobile recorders commonly feature battery, USB, and power supply powered operation. This means you may either run it on battery, or plug it into the computer or wall to recharge.

Zoom H4n Portable Recorder - Handy Pro Quality Unit with built-In Mics
Record up to 4 tracks simultaneously with built-in and external Mics

Unfortunately, there is no way to conserve and win when it comes to audio quality with mobile recorders. Economy class units may capture live audio and some music, but commonly feature poor audio quality. The biggest difference commonly comes in features. Pretty much every mobile recorder features a 1/8" stereo mini headphone jack (and commonly a 1/8" input). This allows for practical use (conversations, journals, etc.) but commonly lacks in recording live performances. Not only do pro recorders feature higher quality audio (24-bit/96kHz), they feature compatibility with studio microphones and balance ¼” inputs (for recording directly forms mixers and amps). This means you may use it to record gigs, practice, or any other stereo audio. Some even feature S/PDIF for integration with digital mixers and other digital recording devices.

Mobile Recorders allow for the direct recording of 2 channel BWF, WAV, MP3 or other digital audio formats (depending on the model). Those that feature compact flash storage can provide around 100 minutes of uncompress 16-bit stereo WAV files for a GB card. These Apple sound recordings can be transferred instantaneously via USB 2.0 to your computer. You may either use the recordings instantaneously or mix them into music software for OSX. These files can be emailed, posted to the web, or burned to CD. Whether its a business meeting, record demo, or or interview, a mobile recorder can provide Studio quality recordings for Mac. Digital mobile recorders are excellent for mobile podcasts, live bands, or any other on the go recording.

Tags: mobile recording, portable digital recorder, live audio capturing