Why would I want a handheld recorder?
The reason for the popularity of handheld recorders has to do with a number of factors. First and foremost, these recorders are small enough to record anything, anywhere. From laying down ideas for a new song or recording a speech, to compiling recordings of your favorite concerts - these units have unlimited potential.

Another great feature of these handheld recorders is their ease of use. Most models have dedicated buttons giving you access to instant recording. And what would a mobile recorder be without battery power? All of these units run on battery power for many hours of quality recording time.


What kind of recording media do these units use?
All of these recorders use solid-state media such as SD or Compact Flash cards, with the exception of the Korg MR1, which incorporates an internal 20 GB hard drive. SD and Compact Flash cards have become standard digital media in everything from digital cameras to keyboards. Because of the popularity of these cards, they are found at many electronics stores, including AMS.


Do these recorders sound good?
You bet. Many of our customers are astounded by the sound quality they can achieve with these products. Thanks to advancements in audio technology, these units can record at sample rates higher than CD quality. With a little practice, you will understand the advantages of adjusting your recording quality settings in exchange for recording time. For example, with a 4 GB card, the Zoom H2 provides 6 hours of recording time at CD-quality sound. But this extends to 138 hours in MP3 quality. MP3 is a slightly lower sound quality than CD.


Can I use my own microphones with these recorders?
Most of these handheld recorders include built-in microphones that are great for on-the-fly recording. However, these recorders also give you the choice to use external microphones when more precise microphone placement is required. The connections for these external microphones differ from recorder to recorder. Most recorders offer a 1/8th inch mini jack input with the exception of the Zoom H4 - it boasts XLR inputs. Some models even provide phantom power for condenser microphones. Also, these recorders are not limited to microphone inputs; you can also connect a line level source such as a keyboard, drum machine, or a live feed from the front-of-house mixer at a show.


Once I have recorded something, how can I transfer the audio to a useable format?
One of the most frequent questions we are asked is "how do I get this recording onto my iPod?" or "Now that I have recorded this, how do I burn it onto CD?" This couldn't be easier. Simply connect the recorder to your computer via a USB cable. Once connected, the recorder will show up as a drive on your desktop from which you can "drag and drop" files. Once you have these files on your computer, you can upload your MP3's to iTunes, burn your WAV files to a CD, or use them however you wish.