Hi Stacy,

There are great reviews and a comparison chart at this website:
http://www.transom.org/tools

They also include recording samples and they label the settings used and what the conditions were for each recording.

Ultimately, we decided on the Marantz PMD 660 because it had all the features we were interested in. It is very easy to use, the buttons are a nice size unlike some recorders that have really small buttons that are hard to push.  You can also program settings and save them for different recording conditions such as using the internal mic or an external one.  We've had ours for two years now I think and haven't had any problems with it.  It cost $600.00 at the time, but I think the price has gone down.

Heather Marie

Heather Marie Wells
Collections Assistant/Podcast Producer
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
118 W. Johnson Ave.
Springdale, AR 72764
Phone: (479) 750-8165
Fax: (479) 750-8693
http://www.springdalear.gov/shiloh/

----- Original Message -----
From: "Stacy Klingler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 12:33:51 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Seeking Oral History Hardware Recommendations



I’m looking for hardware recommendations for an oral history project for a group I’m working with. The recordings will be made by volunteers who have limited experience with digital technology. I am looking for a mid-range integrated recording system for “born digital” recording that is relatively inexpensive (under $800) and very easy to operate. 



After looking through the BCR-CDP standards, we would like to have a sample rate of 44.1 kHz and a bit depth of 24 bits (but will take 16 bits, if necessary). 



In my past experience with analog equipment, we found that a built in microphone caused the least amount of problems for volunteer interviewers and gave us a consistent (if not the best) sound quality. But if anyone would like to share objections, I would be happy to hear them. 



Ultimately, I’m looking for something that will create reasonable recordings with minimal fuss. Ease of use will be the key to success, so I’m looking for recommendations from people who are actually using the hardware. 



If you would like to respond to me directly, please send e-mail to [log in to unmask] . 



Thanks much! 



Stacy Klingler 

Assistant Director, Local History Services, Indiana Historical Society ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: 

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