Re: Pocket-sized RAM based digital live audio recorders: Where are they?

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, in rec.audio.pro, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] says...
> "Jack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, in rec.audio.pro,
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] says...
> > > Hope this stirs up some thoughts about future products.  I really think
> what
> > > I'm asking for is what many recordists (and would-be recordists) are
> > > searching for.  Think simplicity and integration, with a singular
> purpose.
> > >
> >
> >   The one thought it stirs up for me is why do you need something
> > stealthy, unless you want to record a concert unnoticed?
> 
> I care about small size.  Stealth comes as part of the bargain. I need
> something that I can keep in my pocket at all times, to grab ambient sounds
> as they happen, anytime, anywhere. This means quick startup time, and
> (ideally) all-in-one integration. I don't want to be fussing with
> microphones and battery boxes when I need to be recording, or the moment may
> be lost.  Built-in mics would help a lot. Heck, I'd use one of those
> miniature digital voice recorders if they had reasonable frequency response;
> but they don't.  They're not intended for full-range recording.
> 
> > Trying to rip
> > off a musician or group? Hmmmm? Maybe I'm wrong, and if I am, sorry
> > about that.
> 
> I don't appreciate your insinuation; but you are forgiven :-)
> 
> Are you not aware of the huge network of *legal* concert tapers that exists
> (and which helped make the Grateful Dead what it was?).  Ever hear of a band
> called Phish? How about Dave Matthews Band?  Both openly condone taping, as
> do many others. I sometimes like to tape local bands, and then give them a
> copy on CD.  They're always glad for the support and encouragement, and to
> have somebody care enough to tape their performance (especially if they're
> happy about how it turned out). If there is any question about legality, I
> will either ask the band if it's OK, or just not tape.  It's that simple.
> 
> >   Aside from that, you mentioned earlier the Tascam unit. The Korg PXR4
> > is even smaller than that, and fits in a pocket very easily.
> 
> Thanks for the tip.  The Korg PX-R4 is interesting.  A couple of niggles, if
> I may.
> 
> - MPEG 1 Layer 2 is ancient technology (AAC is vastly superior)
> - Smart Media is dead. Compact Flash and SD/MMC are the current form
> factors.
> - 4" x 4" is not bad; but still a little on the bulky side
> 
> Yeah, I'm hard to please; but I think I have a good idea here, and one that
> will sell very well.
> 
> -Barry

  Yeah, I'm aware of the Grateful Dead and the long gone taper's area 
they had setup next to the sound board. It may interest you to know they 
stopped allowing that the last couple of years they toured before Jerry 
died.
  Phish - they're no more, at least according to Trey. Maybe in the 
future.
  Try bringing in any kind of recording device into a concert venue, and 
you'll more likely than not have it confiscated. You'll find some 
wording on the ticket saying as much.
  Perhaps as a musician I'm a little sensitive to this.
  With all you're expecting your recording device to do, with the I/O 
you want, unless you're willing to give up full-size XLR connectors, 
you'll not get much smaller than the Korg unit. Built in mics won't do 
much good if the unit is buried in your pocket. Be prepared to have some 
custom chips done to get things down as small as you're expecting. 
Sounds like a good project for a small start-up company that can scare 
up the venture capital needed.
-- 
de Jack N2MPU FN20
Modeling the NYC and NYNH&H in HO and CP Rail and D&H in N
Proud NRA member