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

"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