What IC can I use?

[Peter Ericsson]

I am about to buy a microphone locally made here in Thailand. From what I understand I need to get either an MD or an IC. I tend to prefer the IC for various reasons. I will use the playback with an external speaker.
Is there any objections to using an IC? What brandname is to be recommended?

Any input is much appreciated...

Peter

[ermine]

Peter,

I'm a bit puzzled at IC. Do you mean a voice recorder such as this (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICD-SX25-Digital-Voice-Recorder/dp/B0007XHLZM), which use an IC to store the compressed signal. In which case listen to these examples (http://www.wildlife-sound.org/equipment/newcomersguide/usenospeechrec.html) and make your own chioce as to if the sound quality meets your requirements.

If, of course, you mean a compact flash recorder recording the audio signal to CF cards, which are also ICs of a sort, then there is absolutely no problem.

Basically you will get better performance from a HiMD recorder until you start spending about $700+, unless you have high signal levels. You don't, normally, with birds, but recording in tropical environments is sometimes noisy because of all the other vocalisations I am told.

So, in order of price, go for HiMD (not regular MD), or CF recorders eg Marantz PMD660 (noisy in quiet environments) Fostex. If money is no problem then a Sound Devices 702 (or 722 with hard disk) (http://www.sounddevices.com/products/702.htm) or a Nagra BB+ is pretty good.

Your microphone is the component which will mainly determine your recording quality, after your own skill and fieldcraft. You might want to take a look at this intro (http://www.wildlife-sound.org/equipment/newcomersguide/index.html) to the subject.

[Peter Ericsson]

Thank you so much for your lengthy reply. I meant a voice recorder. Now I also understand that iRiver has a model which allows for external microphone as well.
I am not going into this for the high end equipment. Simply want something that can pick up bird songs for ID purposes and for playback at times.
I have birder for years without the help of playback but have seen the results from those that do and it amazes me what it can do if handled in moderation.

I tend to shy away from the MD's. They appear too technical for me.....

Peter

[ermine]

I am not going into this for the high end equipment. Simply want something that can pick up bird songs for ID purposes and for playback at times.
I have birder for years without the help of playback but have seen the results from those that do and it amazes me what it can do if handled in moderation.


Hmm, yeah, the moderation bit seems to be the issue with playback. You might find one of these meets your needs

http://www.remembird.com/

I've played with one, and for quick ID shots it may do the job. Much better that a voice recorder. There is an audio bird guide on a SD card for it too.