MP3 for dummies

[Contratrombone64]

I was thinking it would be nice for people to put MP3s of their organ playing here so we could all listen (no matter how basic - as is my case) then it occurred to me, as I was born in the 60s before electricity and fresh, flowing water (tongue in cheek) that I have no idea how to do this.

I mean I own a tape recorder but translating to MP3 ... I just don't understand. What do you use to record music for MP3

CT64 - the techno phobe. I find, also, when I have computer issues, they are invariably due to a glitch between my chair and the keyboard.

 

[Krummhorn]

I think this is a super idea ... just the other day I was contemplating the purchase of a portable digital recording device. These record/playback in MP3 format - I've seen one priced ~$300(USD) that is rated pretty high. I would love to record my church instrument (Möller, II/9) and share it here.

There must be methods to convert reel-to-reel into digital format - we can do it easily for LP's now, so one would think it could be accomplished for mag tape.

 

[Contratrombone64]

OK - so it's a digital recorder ... I'll head down to my local Dick Smith Electronics (you have to be Australian) and see if they don't sell 'em.

I got all excited and went and bought a replacement MIDI interface cable at lunch today and then promptly left it at the office when I trudged home ... I'm a credit to dementia

 

[Krummhorn]

This is the digital recorder that I'm going to get:

 

[Corno Dolce]

Hi Krummhorn,

Do you have a website url for the recorder you posted?

Cheers,

Corno Dolce

 

[Krummhorn]

Hi Corno Dolce,

Yup - Just ordered it a few minutes ago ... from zZounds for $299(USD)

I also ordered the 2GB SD card from Samson for $40(USD).

 

[Corno Dolce]

Thanx Krummhorn - You Da Man! :grin::up::tiphat:

Cheers,

Corno Dolce

 

[Krummhorn]

Gee, Corno Dolce ... ... You are too kind ... :smirk: :grin:

Actually, I had been researching that unit for quite awhile - was waiting to see if anything better came along it that price range. There are better units but also at premium prices ... for the money, this H4 unit has lots of features. I'll finally have something to capture my improvs at church with, and will be able to import into a software notation program, massage the score and save for future times.

 

[Contratrombone64]

Boy, it's a fantastic looking device, out of my price range however at present ...

 

[NEB]

Looks way too complicated for a technophobe like me.

 

[Corno Dolce]

Hello Krummhorn,

That *researching* paid off - It seems to be a welterweight winner in re to price, functions, and user friendliness.

Cheers,

Corno Dolce

 

[Argoth]

Really great idea, would love to hear the organists on this forum!

 

[Contratrombone64]

Sweet Corn, when your profile says "oceania" does that mean New Zealand, or the Pacific Islands? I'm intrigued.

 

[Krummhorn]

Hello Krummhorn,

That *researching* paid off - It seems to be a welterweight winner in re to price, functions, and user friendliness. Cheers, Corno Dolce

Hi Corno Dolce,

Thanks - The Edirol R-09 (made by Roland) is a bit higher in price but doesn't have all the features of the Zoom H4. Other high end ones are the Marantz PMD660 and the Sony MZ-R50 (uses a mini-disk for recording). But feature for feature the H4 has the others beat hands down, at least for my $$.

With the addition of the 2GB card, I can record for 23 hours @ 192 kbps or for 34 hours @ 128 kbps, both in MP3 format.

 

[Corno Dolce]

Hi CT64,

I have sent you a PM. Do check your inbox at your convenience.

Humbly,

Corno Dolce

 

[Flute'n'Pedal]

Hi Krummhorn,

I was very interested to see the model of recorder you chose. I myself have the same one, only the H2 version, which is enough for me. For good advice on organ recording, go into http://www.nzorgan.com/odds/recording_organs.htm

Flute'n'Pedal

 

[NEB]

Hmmmmm. this is all looking way beyond my ken. I've been taking a look at these things and I've no idea how good they are whether they are worth the money or nt, how to use them and so forth. I'm gonna need a lot of convincing to spend money on a toy like that.

 

[Contratrombone64]

Flute - nice article - I'll read it through later when I have more time. Thanks for the link

 

[Krummhorn]

Hi Krummhorn,

I was very interested to see the model of recorder you chose. I myself have the same one, only the H2 version, which is enough for me.
Flute'n'Pedal

Hi Flute'n'Pedal,

How has the recorded sound quality been on the H2? Have you been using the internal mics or using externals.?
BTW, great article on recording the organ ... thx

Hmmmmm. this is all looking way beyond my ken. I've been taking a look at these things and I've no idea how good they are whether they are worth the money or nt, how to use them and so forth. I'm gonna need a lot of convincing to spend money on a toy like that.

Hi NEB,

Compared to their big brothers and sisters costing upwards of $1,000(USD) or more, these handheld units certainly pack a lot of electronics into a neat package. The H4 came out in 2005 I believe and has seen little change (if any) in its internal design or features. Zoom did release a software update this past November that can be uploaded into the H4.

The H4 also comes bundled with Cakewalk LE to 'massage' the recorded media - downloads are done through the USB connection on a PC or MAC from the H4. I'll write a full report/review on it in this forum after I receive it and have a few weeks to experiment with it.

 

[Flute'n'Pedal]

Krummhorn:

I use only the internal mikes, and I'm very pleased with the result.
The reason I chose H2 is that it's considerably cheaper than H4, but has everything I need. For example, software like Cakewalk can be downloaded for free.

LlL