Audio Recorder Epic Comparison

What should you record your microphone into? A Camera? ...or a portable audio recorder? Some recorders are so small, they are the size of a book of matches, and they have definite benefits over simply sticking a mic intro a camera. Here are the audio recorders tested in this video...
Zoom H1 6:19
Zoom H1n 7:00
Zoom F1 31:17
Zoom F2 21:22
Zoom F2n 31:52
Audio Limited A10 7:48
Lectrosonics PDR 8:53
Saramonic SR-VRM1 XLR 11:31
Tentacle Sync Track E 12:29
Tascam DR05 10:35
Tascam DR10L 14:36
Tascam DR40 15:57
Zaxcom ZFR400 16:47
Fostex FR2LE Super Mod 22:49
Nagra 7 24:29
Nagra SD 24:59
Nagra Mezzo 26:25
Roland R05 27:05
Roland R07 28:25
Roland R26 28:57
Sony PCM-D100 30:16
Sony A7SIII 32:15
Sony A7C 32:35
Panasonic Lumix G7 32:52
Panasonic Lumix G100 33:12
Sony RX100vii 33:25
Panasonic VX981 camcorder 33:53
Sony Z90V 1" camcorder 34:15
Summary 34:28
Here is a downloadable file with what I found to be the best mic/recorder/wireless combos
The Audio Series:
The Best Audio For Video- Part 1... the long awaited audio series intro

[MarkusPix]

Note: the Roland R26 costs $100, not 1000 like it says in the video lol ... and its by Roland, not Sony. Too many things to watch out for :-)

[DavidBakker]

Because I will look and listen to this video a couple of more times in the future (and you might too). Love the knowledge, enthusiasm and energy you share Markus :)))
6:18 Zoom H1 $100
7:00 Zoom H1n $80
7:48 Audio Limited A10 $1600
8:52 Lectrosonics PDR $800 ***
10:35 Tascam DR05 $120
11:31 Saramonic SR-VRM1 $100 ***
12:29 Tentacle Sync Track E $350 ***
14:36 Tascam DR-10L $150 ***
15:57 Tascam DR40 $80
16:47 Zaxcom ZFR400 $1000 ***
21:21 Zoom F2 $180
22:49 Fostex FR2LE Super Mod $100
24:29 Nagra 7 $2500 (best)
25:00 Nagra SD $800 ***
26:25 Nagra Mezzo $350
27:05 Roland R05 $150 ***
28:26 Roland R07 $199 ***
28:58 Roland R-26 $100 ***
30:16 Sony PCM-D100 $1000
31:17 Zoom F1 $170
31:52 Zoom H2n $180
32:16 Sony A7SIII $3500
32:35 Sony A7C $2000
32:52 Panasonic Lumix G7 $600
33:12 Panasonic Lumix G100 $600
33:25 Sony RX100VII $1300
33:53 Panasonic VX981 $800
34:15 Sony Z90V $2800

[MiaHessMusic]

Markus, it is REALLY nice of you to do all this hard work for us. You're a gem! Thank you!

[Pauloandradecom]

When Markus decides to deliver content, he does not only deliver, he over, over, over-deliver. I am impressed with how amazing his content is. He delivers technical information in a way that you can´t stop the video. I already got myself using my cellphone to move around my house just to not stop seeing a video. I have to say that Markus is a better teacher than I, even with my +20 years of experience teaching grads.

[PeterMossUkulele]

Hard to put into words how much I got from this video. Thank you for the many hours it must have taken to record and edit all of this. Thank you so much. Peter.

[solemnwinter]

If teachers in high school were more like you, I would have learned more. I appreciate all your hard work to share knowledge and information. :)

[linda_lawson]

I just want to tell you how much I appreciate your content.

I started my journey with recording in camera, graduating to Tascam and Zoom field products, and now working with Sound Devices. I still tell my students that they can use those retired iPhones in their drawers. Thank you for providing options at all price points. I love your attitude.

[OMTEKNO]

Thanks Marcus. You always have priceless contents that I can't find in other "audio expert" channels. I like the real world test and also the way you do the magic on the post processing. Awesome!

[chriscutress]

A very nice collection of digital field recorders. I personally have 5 different TASCAM, 4 different ZOOM portable field units ranging from camera mountable to professional audio field recorders. Each one started life as remote recording units and as I upgraded some found their way onto camera mounts and others are permanently attached to my computer analog or usb outputs. Some have built in (or detachable) microphones and others are 100% outboard microphone units. They're so cute and except for my newest ZOOM purchase generally not too expensive Most of my units are 4 or more track capable with the newest being 8 track capable I think you have me beat for portable recorders. Of the units you've shown I only have one matching unit with yours. That's probably because I generally need 4 or more tracks when recording remote sound.

[tsbrownie]

Thanks for the file. Very helpful. Great video as always. Please consider doing a video on audio post processing.

[resandor]

I can really appreciate the amount of effort you put into making this video. Chopping it up and combining all of those different recordings had to be a real task.

[daedalusjones]

The H2N records 360-degree surround sound. That's the reason for buying it. It is certified for recording 360 audio for VR environments, etc.

[TimHief]

I have a couple of the units you reviewed. The Zoom H2n is an amazing recording even though the menus are a challenge. Post processing a signal in one of the modes they provide make this unit tough to beat in a noisy environment. You can adjust the focus of the audio to the point it nearly eliminates off axis sounds. Once you have it setup, it is just a matter of turning it on and pressing record. Not a complicated in the long run. I have a Tascam DR-07 Mkii and love it also. I use this one the most when i must use an external recorder. You are correct, they are amazing. I enjoy your channel very much.

[sdhute]

Thank you again Markus this is a huge undertaking. Love your passion for the technology

[GrumpyGrandpaMusic]

I'm really loving this series. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[PMV]

Would you make a video on how you actually process the audio to make it sound so content

[daveinportland]

Completely nerding out on this series....thanks for doing this.

[LAHover]

Thumbs up for including (and explaining why) the raw and processed audio! Thank you

[xjet]

I think what we all want to know now is: how do you do your post-processing? :-)

[TheHotelChannel]

I like my Zoom H2n, it works great for me. The compressors and limiters are very useful, not much need for post editing anymore. Recently i used it for a voice over as a USB mic and, no noise at all! The various mics sound better than my Rode Wireless GoII.