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Joined: Apr 2004
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Hi,
Often I get ideas for songs, a lot late at night and I would like a quick way to note them down or even sing the idea into a recording device.
What is the best way to go do you think, anyone on here use a Dictaphone or portable digital recording device such as from Tascam and other makers? They usually cost a lot more.
Your views very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Jan
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For the last several years, I've done that with my smartphone which has a recorder app. I have a good SONY digital pocket recorder, but the phone is always with me, and that's the most important thing.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Jan,
Just about any small audio recording device that you pick can do that sort of task. Fidelity is not a big issue there, but things such as ease-of-use, built in mic, built in speaker plus earphone jack, size, and, of course, cost would be the key factors.
But here comes the biggie:
*I found out by trying the same thing that the ideas I had that I could not remember weren't worth remembering.
Likewise, the good ideas don't need to be recorded in order to remember them.
YMMV
--Mac
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Jan, do not be dissuaded by others if you have found a creative process that works for you.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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I use my cellphone, it is most always within reaching distance so it is the perfect device. Once I get the idea down I go either directly to Biab or to my word processor to finish it.
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
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Thanks everyone for the quick feedback. I will try the app on my android phone to see how it goes, but won't rule out buying a recorder either.
I usually find that I get a lot of ideas especially for lyrics late at night and usually note them down in a book, just looking for a quicker way.
Thank you again.
Jan
Last edited by jan larkin; 02/13/14 12:37 PM.
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Cheap notepad. Ball point pen. Low tech, and cheap.  Regards, Bob
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Jan, I use a Tascam DR-05 for quickly getting down ideas, rift and for recording jams. If you like what you have you can import it to your DAW. With some cheap speakers this unit sounds pretty good, especially when you consider its’ price. I use a $5 USD iLuv set of battery powered speakers with the Dr-05 and the sound is pretty amazing. YMMV {edit} - It is on sale right now for $79 USD at www.guitarcenter.com
Last edited by MarioD; 02/13/14 02:57 PM.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Jan,
I use a Sanyo Digital Voice Recorder, small really easy to grab and use fast, battery life is beyond great and it was cheap.
Josie
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If you've got a cellphone, why not use it instead of a standalone recorder?
Even the most basic phones today include a recorder.
You've probably got it in your pocket if you're out and about!
Why not use it instead of buying something else that does the same damn thing?
Beats me.
Last edited by bobcflatpicker; 02/13/14 09:38 PM.
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If you've got a cellphone, why not use it instead of a standalone recorder?
Even the most basic phones today include a recorder.
You've probably got it in your pocket if you're out and about!
Why not use it instead of buying something else that does the same damn thing?
Beats me. In my case it was simple. I do not own a cell phone! But you are correct in that if you have a cell phone why not use it.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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As for me, I arrived at my conclusion empirically.
--Mac
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Jan,
Just about any small audio recording device that you pick can do that sort of task. Fidelity is not a big issue there, but things such as ease-of-use, built in mic, built in speaker plus earphone jack, size, and, of course, cost would be the key factors.
But here comes the biggie:
*I found out by trying the same thing that the ideas I had that I could not remember weren't worth remembering.
Likewise, the good ideas don't need to be recorded in order to remember them.
YMMV
--Mac I read once that this was the beatles strategy in their early days, if they couldn't remember it, wasn't worth remembering. musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 02/15/14 06:16 AM.
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