Digital sound recording - need advise ASAP

[awaken77]

What kind of recorder is the best for recording loco sounds?
Are portable voice recorders suitable for this purpose?
I appreciate any tips becouse I'm new in this.
A meet with rare diesel loco coming soon, and I would like to use this chance to record it.

[SeanK97]

RE: Digital sound recording - need advise ASAP

I usually utilize the talents of my Sony Digital Hi-8 Handy-Cam. It is in stereo and gives one nice bonus of video from the adventure. The sounds can easily be transferred to your PC and e-mailed to those adventurous enough to try editting sound files for MSTS, I have had great success using sound bites to make awesome Air-Horn loops. I wouldn't consider a voicerecorder as it will be in mono vs stereo, and the quality is the pits. If you don't have a video recorder, borrow one from a friend or family member. If this venture will be repeated, buy one if it's in the budget, but stay away from those super-fancy ones that make video's on a mini-DVD, as the video quality is just below that of standard VHS video-tapes, and get onwe that recors sound in stereo.

Good luck,

SeanK97

[heffed]

RE: Digital sound recording - need advise ASAP

A portable DAT machine would be my choice.

Mini Disk would be good as well, but not as high fidelity as a DAT machine. This would also be a more affordable option.

Either should be able to connect to the SPDIF input on your soundcard. (assuming your soundcard has a digital input)

If you want quality recordings, you should also invest in a nice microphone and mic preamp. Mini disk player/recorders will usually come with a small stereo condenser microphone, but they don't sound very good.