MPG3 Player and external mic.

[The_Fire]

Ok, I've run into a problem I'm not sure how to solve.
In connection with some private documentary shoots I'm planning, I'm going to need an external recorder for the interview victims voice.
I'm contemplating using an MP3 player/voicerecorder for this, but I need to know if one exists where I can plugin a dynamic microphone instead of using the (probably) substandard buildin.

So I got some questions I hope you lot can help me with:

1: does such a MP3 player exist? If so, what's the brand/model?
2: For the death of me I can't remember if a Linein audio connection can be used for directly pluggin in a dynamic mic. Help?
3: Is is possible to use an USB connection on a MP3 player for a USB mic (In case I get REALLY desperate)?.

Thanks in advance, my private internet deity, google, doesn't seem to want to help me on this one.......

 

[Medb]

Have you looked into the m-Audio Microtrack?

http://www.transom.org/tools/recording_interviewing/200512.maudio_microtrack.html

 

[Ducky]

Portable recorder that takes dynamic microphones (via XLR inputs.)

Or, a USB condensor mic that I use from time to time with very nice sound. A laptop and this mic would work just fine, though you would need a small mic stand for table mounting.

However, any USB capable digital recorder will work for you as well. You can search for such items at either Sweetwater.com or musiciansfriend.com, or on ebay.


A line-in however is usually just for preamp-out level signals. Such a low signal from a microphone would not be very good through such an input. If you wanted, you could have a small mic preamp such as this one and use a 1/4" out to a 1/4" line input on whatever device you were using.


ETA:

If you wanted, you could use something like this with your laptop and use dynamic or condensor mics (requiring phantom power) directly to your laptop via firewire. Your choice.

 

[WildCat]

I use a M-Audio Microtrack 24/96, it has worked well for me. It comes w/ a stereo electret mic that isn't too bad, esecially if you're just recording voices. It has digital and analog inputs, and also phantom power. It will record in mp3 format as well as wav up to 24 bit, 96 kHz. The unit is ~$300, and records on Compact Flash cards so you'd probably want to buy a CF card too, as it only comes w/ a 16 mb one. It's also very small.

eta: Oh, MedB beat me to it, don't know how I missed that!

Anyway, I've been happy w/ mine.

 

[The_Fire]

Thank you.

That M-Audio looks drooly......
Fowl, thanks. I feel rather embarrased for not knowing about line-in after all that time my audio-teacher tried to bang in theories in my head .