Stand alone digital audio recorder

[thevig]

I'm looking for a standalone audio recorder. Looking for a standalone solution to record audio from scanners. It's not always convenient or practical to feed the audio into a laptop or box PC.

Back in the day I used to use old school tape and DAT recorders.

I'm open to a wide range of ideas and price points. Suggestions?

 

[FedFyrGuy]

One option:

TASCAM DP-006 6-Track Digital Pocketstudio

6-track Portable Digital Multitrack Recorder with 2 Built-in Microphones, 9 Hours of Battery Life and USB 2.0 Output

www.sweetwater.com

You'll find others at a wide range of prices

 

[eorange]

I use this...audio is pretty good and can be set to record when triggered by audio. Menu system is slightly clunky.
Sony ICDUX560BLK Digital Voice Recorder 1" Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FWNSXJO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rVPgEb0G2F9MP

 

[polkaroo]

How about a used or cheap (Android) phone? That with even a paid app would be quite affordable.

 

[thevig]

How about a used or cheap (Android) phone? That with even a paid app would be quite affordable.

I'm looking for a dedicated recording solution. In other words, a device who's sole purpose is to record. I should have clarified that in my OP. Not your fault.

 

[thevig]

Here's a total overkill solution.

NexLog DX-Series Recording Solutions

Eventide NexLog DX-Series IP recorder solution and software fully meet the needs of public safety agencies and other critical communication users.

www.eventidecommunications.com

 

[thevig]

I use this...audio is pretty good and can be set to record when triggered by audio. Menu system is slightly clunky.
Sony ICDUX560BLK Digital Voice Recorder 1" Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FWNSXJO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rVPgEb0G2F9MP

I think I'm go with something like you are using. I just need to find a proper attenuator cable to go from the headphone output to the input of the recorder.

 

[Ubbe]

One important parameter are how many channels you'll need? That Tascam recorder are aimed at music composing and only have two inputs but can overdub on 2 other already recorded tracks. You probably need inputs that are isolated from ground so you can use outputs from scanners that use BTL amplifiers, or you have to use external ground loop isolators.

/Ubbe

 

[thevig]

One important parameter are how many channels you'll need? That Tascam recorder are aimed at music composing and only have two inputs but can overdub on 2 other already recorded tracks. You probably need inputs that are isolated from ground so you can use outputs from scanners that use BTL amplifiers, or you have to use external ground loop isolators.

/Ubbe

I'm gonna pass on multi track devices like the Tascam. I'll just be recording one scanner at a time.

 

[eorange]

I think I'm go with something like you are using. I just need to find a proper attenuator cable to go from the headphone output to the input of the recorder.

I just use a standard 1/8" audio cable. There's a dB meter on my unit when recording which displays OVER if the input volume is too high. The recordings always sound fine.

 

[racingfan360]

I have used a couple of digital dictaphones: a Sony ICD-PX312 and a TASCAM DR-05. Both work really well just with a simple 1/8" audio cable feed. I recommend looking for one that records to .mp3 format, with VOX option, and with an SD card option too. In the past the TASCAM has been particularly useful as it has a very high sampling rate, so I was able to use itto record high-quality discriminator output for DSD+

 

[waynedc]

I have had one of these for years. It works well for me.

Sangean DAR-101

 

[swman]

Review of the Sangean DAR-101
(plus a comment to the Tascam SD-20M model) :

N9EWO Review : Sangean DAR-101 MP3 Recorder TASCAM SD-20M

Another possible model (for home use) might be the Denon DN-300R MKII ?
(this is a new updated model, around $ 250.)

Denon Professional - DN-300RMKII

Denon Professional DN-300RMKII Solid-State SD/USB Audio Recorder

www.denonpro.com

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

'll just be recording one scanner at a time.

Your signature says you have an SDS100, this has a built-in recording function to record directly to its SD card

 

[Project25_MASTR]

One option:

TASCAM DP-006 6-Track Digital Pocketstudio

6-track Portable Digital Multitrack Recorder with 2 Built-in Microphones, 9 Hours of Battery Life and USB 2.0 Output

www.sweetwater.com

You'll find others at a wide range of prices

The only issue I potentially see with that compared to say, a DR-40 or DR-40X is the lack of a "remote" input to pause and start recordings based on COR.

 

[thevig]

I have had one of these for years. It works well for me.

Sangean DAR-101

I ordered the Sangean DAR-101

 

[buddrousa]

A PC Running PROSCAN I have a 16 track recorder that also logs TG's UID's Frequencies.

 

[ilgrant]

I think I'm go with something like you are using. I just need to find a proper attenuator cable to go from the headphone output to the input of the recorder.

You may not have to. I have a different model of sony digitial recorder and it had the option to change the input level. Check the manual to verify.