Anyone here have a iPod? What I am looking for is whether they have the capability to record by external microphone, and what the quality of the recording is by either an external mic or a built-in mic. I record myself now playing the pipes and whistles on a Sony minidisc using an external mic, but one day I know the MD eventually will fail. The iPod looks to be a fine replacement prospect especially if it can record with a mic.
Thanks!
Ailin
It has some modest capabilities, 8-bit recording only. I’m not sure if it’s offically supported or not.
I wouldn’t use it.
It would be nice if they’re were to add decent recording support, even if only from an external powered mic.
Apparently the iRiver is a better solution if you want to record.
Turns out, there is a way to record with a higher sample rate on an iPod, but I wouldn’t recommend it, it’s a major hack.
As others have pointed out here, iPod is not a good replacement for a minidisc recorder.
My plan is to keep on using my minidisc recorder until it dies, and by then there will be a lot of affordable options for direct digital recording. I don’t keep much on my minidiscs, anything I want to keep I transfer (analog) over to my computer and burn to CD.
Right now your options are either a hard-disk device like the iRiver or a Flash-based device like the Edirol R-1. Both have their pros and cons; I personally would lean toward the Flash technolgy, and the Edirol R-1 looks great but expensive. The prices will come down with time, so I think it’s worth waiting unless you’re having problems with your minidisc now.
Nope, no problems with the minidisc for now. I am just looking to the future, and you are right, Brad, by that time there will probably be several options available for digital recording by mic. Right now I am in the process of transfering my recordings to the computer for CD burning to insure I will have them if anything does happen to the minidsc player.
Ailin
One day someone will release the Perfect Recording Device™ and there will be much rejoicing.
yea.
For me perfect would be as small and light as a matchbox, lasting at least 6-7 hours with battery, memory based and able to hold 50 hours of live recordings, has good mic amp, and encodes in MP3 and other formats in real time, with the possibility to chose the bitrate. Also, plus in UBS2 or whatever equivalent in the future and becomes an external hard drive and won’t require software to download/upload, with off course no freakin’ copy protection scheme 
That’s all!
Azalin, I’m surprised you didn’t talk more about the iRiver. You had me pretty much sold after you got yours and mentioned all the things about it. Sounds like it’s the best thing out there right now until someone gets it right…
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=18581&highlight=iriver
I have a minidisc recorder but I’m stuck with the media - can’t do anything on the computer easily.
You forgot to mention that it has to be beer-proof!
Montana, for me the iRiver is the best tool out there for recording live sessions, but it doesnt mean it’s perfect The fact that you have to boot it and that it’s heavier and bigger than flash memory based driver is one of it’s drawbacks.
Brad, now I drink to forget about the death of my iRiver, I’m not sure why I used to be drinking before that tragic event