Not only has music technology gotten better at making high-quality recordings, it’s also gotten smaller. Nowadays you can carry in your pocket technology that surpasses what some of the best studios were using just a couple of decades ago.
If you like to be able to record on the go, or want something that’s simple for laying down tracks, a portable digital recorder is an excellent tool to have. But don’t be deceived by the small size, many of the latest recorders are capable of producing incredibly robust, detailed tracks.
Here are the three best portable audio recorders on the market right now:
Tascam DR-05
The Tascam DR-05 seems too good to be true. It costs just $100 it comes with a stereo pair of high-quality omnidirectional microphones and records up to 24bit/96k in Linear PCM, which is better than what most professional studios record at. It also features a few built in tools, like playback EQ and pitch-neutral slow/fast motion. And of course, it sounds great. For a recorder that can easily fit in your pocket, the DR-05 simply kills it.
Zoom H2n
For $160, the Zoom H2n is equally a steal. It features two internal sets of stereo cardioid mics that can be used simultaneously for a four channel surround sound recording. It can also record up to 24bit/96k in WAV format. Most importantly though, with the right placement, it’s capable of producing a rich, clear recording in a less than ideal environment.
Zoom H4n
If you like the H2n but want a few extra features, the H4n is its tricked out $200 big brother. With two phantom-powered XLR/TRS ports you can record using any mic you wish. Though, the mounted XY pair on the top of the H4n are excellent, and can be adjusted to expand their pickup pattern. Like with the H2n, the H4n supports up to 24bit/96k, but in Linear PCM. And like with the H2n, it’s capable of producing a solid recording.
It’s not short of amazing at how great of recording you can produce today with a handheld recorder that costs you $200 or less. If you’re ever inclined to try some recording outside the studio, try picking up one of these portable recorders. Even if you just use it to capture ideas, you won’t regret it.
Make Pro Songs
There are 6 unique value-points inside the Sage Audio membership, so let’s go over each one so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
1. 20 Free Mastered Songs Per Year
- 20 free mastered songs per year with your own dedicated professional mastering engineer so you can get all your mixes sounding like professional songs.
- You’ll get your own dedicated Sage Audio mastering engineer to create custom masters that are specific to you and sound exactly how you want.
- Unlimited revisions with your dedicated Sage Audio mastering engineer. As a standard of our service, we are not happy until you are happy with the sound of your masters.
- All masters are delivered as commercial, industry-standard high-resolution 24-bit HD WAV masters so they will sound clean and clear on every platform.
2. Unlimited Mixing Feedback
- Unlimited mixing feedback so you can quickly improve your mixes fast.
- This is highly valuable - giving you access to a thriving community of mixing engineers who can provide you with feedback about what you can improve first before sending your mix to be professionally mastered.
3. Sage Audio University™ (SAU) — (Mixing and Mastering Education Platform)
- SAU is a modern audio engineering education platform that includes in-depth mixing and mastering course curriculums that match the new music industry.
- SAU is designed for every experience level, ranging from first-time mixing engineers to advanced engineers. The techniques and concepts taught can be applied to any DAW to create industry-leading mixes without expensive software or plugins - and free plugin alternatives are suggested throughout every course curriculum.
- SAU course curriculums include Start-to-Finish session walkthrough lessons for multiple genres so you can follow along with your preferred genre.
- SAU Certification Document, which can be downloaded and showcased on your website, social channels, and portfolio for as long as you remain a member.
- Get first access to all future SAU course curriculums to continually build and refine your mixing and mastering skills as the industry evolves.
4. Sage Audio Community
- The Sage Audio community is a tight-knit community of passionate audio engineers that can provide you with real-world mixing feedback, discussions, mix competitions, networking, collaborations, and more.
5. 700+ In-depth Sage Audio Mixing and Mastering Videos
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6. 70+ GB of Curated Sage Audio Downloadable Content, Including:
- 36 multitrack sessions spanning multiple genres for mixing practice.
- 57 un-mastered mixes spanning multiple genres for mastering practice.
- 62 Recommended Free Plugins List (vetted, tested, and approved, so you don’t have to).
- 39 Recommended Paid Plugins List (vetted, tested, and approved, so you don’t have to).
- 58 Sage Audio custom plugin presets to improve your mixes and masters.
- Sage Audio Membership Badge to showcase on your website, social channels, and portfolio.