Audio Equipment

Solid-State

These recorders are relatively new to the portable audio recorder scene. They offer many of the features currently available on cassette, R-DAT, and MiniDisc recorders, but instead of tape or disc, they utilize standard computer compact-flash memory cards or a Microdrive as storage medium.

Most units offer several recording format choices such as MPEG1 Layer II & Layer III compression (commonly known as mp2 & mp3), and 16-bit linear PCM. For high-quality, natural sound recording, and to avoid data compression the latter must be used. Due to the increased data rate that linear PCM generates relative to compressed formats one must carefully select appropriately-sized storage for their specific application. For example, a 512MB flash card will store roughly 7 hours of mono material using the mp3 format @160kbps data rate. The same 512MB card will only be able to store roughly 1 hour/36 minutes of mono material in the linear PCM mode utilizing a sample rate of 44.1kHz.

Currently, flash cards are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 32MB-1024MB. Microdrives can extend the capacity even further. Although large memory cards and microdrives are somewhat expensive right now, this is a growing industry and prices will continue to drop.

The real beauty of this recording device/format is the ability to create high-quality recordings stored short-term in a robust format with no moving parts. These can be easily edited within the device and instantly downloaded into a computer for detailed analysis, or perhaps to create compact discs for longer-term storage.

One such device the Marantz PMD-670 $695 w/64MB card.

This device offers many of the same professional features included on other industry-standard recorders. Included are balanced XLR-style microphone inputs, 48-volt phantom power, noise filters, internal speaker, 2-second pre-record buffer, one-touch record, and a large backlit display for metering. Digital audio in/out is accessible via RCA connectors (S/PDIF format). Line level audio in/out is unbalanced via RCA connectors. Available data/sampling rates range from a low of 32kbps/mp2 through highest quality at 48kHz/16-bit linear PCM. Audio files are easily transferred directly into a computer by simply placing the recorded card or Microdrive into a computer attached card reader. Additionally, a computer data interface is provided that can communicate with a standard USB compatible port on either Macintosh or Windows based platforms. Field power options include removable, NiCad or NiMH rechargeable batteries, or 8-standard AA alkaline batteries.

A slightly different variation is the new offering from The Fostex Corporation.

January 2004 marked the introduction of the FR-2 Field Recorder ($1,499 without time-code option or storage media). This is the first solid-state field recorder to offer up to 192 kHz sampling 24-bit operation, making it an ideal choice for recording situations that demand the highest quality, uncompressed data format possible.

The machine features a 10-second pre-record buffer, balanced microphone inputs via standard XLR-style connectors, 48-volt phantom power, generous sized LCD display for high visibility in the field, and a tough rigid housing to withstand the rigors of field use. Of particular note is the "file per take" and "auto take naming" systems to help organize and manage sound files within the device.

Recording media supported are PCMCIA: compact-flash or ATA Flash card, and ATA-type hard disk. Sampling rates from 22.05 kHz-192 kHz are supported. Bit depths of either 16 or 24. Full SMPTE time-code is also an option. Field powering is via 4xAA style batteries (NiMH recommended). The unit can also be powered externally via 12-volts DC (special connector required).

File transfers to either Mac or PC are easily accomplished via standard on-board USB connection. Digital audio I/O is via XLR connectors in both the AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats.