I have a business which sells Audio tapes and CD's of interviews that
I conduct and also information products that I record.  I do most of
the interviews over the telephone.  I currently use a Marantz PMD201
recorded which uses audio casettes.

What I would like to know is what is the best tape recorded that cost
less then $1000 and is easy to use?  And also what is the best type of
software to use to record directly into a computer.  I own a Dell
Laptop and also an Apple IMac, so either Mac or PC would work for me. 
I'm not very computer literate and I've never had any training in
audio recordings although I've made about 200 tape products over the
last 5 years that I've sold.  Most have been done on a Marantz tape
recorder connected to the telephone.  I want to improve the quality of
the recordings as much as possible.

If you feel a better device would be recording directly into a
computer then let me know this also.  Because I want to be able to get
to the point where I can learn how to edit these recording myself and
then burn them onto Cd's.

I live in the Tempe Arizona area so if you can let me know what to buy
and where to go that would be great.

Thanks,

JOE

PS if you have an idea of any schools that are located in the Tempe
Arizona area tha provide classes on audio training that would be
helpful, although not required.  Thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 20 Feb 2003 18:23 PST

Hello -

Does require this solution to be portable?

jbf777-ga

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Clarification of Question by sparky99-ga on 20 Feb 2003 21:04 PST

As far as does it need to be portable?  If it's an actual audio tape
player like a Marantz then yes that would be helpful, if it's computer
related then it does not need to be.

Thanks

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 21 Feb 2003 08:40 PST

Yes, I meant "do you require this solution to be portable."  Sorry for
the botched text. :)

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Hello -

Marantz makes a portable CD recorder.   You can check one out here at
eBay.  This would give you the same type of functionality you're used
to, but recording at a much higher quality level w/ 16-bit CD.  Check
one out here at eBay: 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3008453394&category=14976

This is the Marantz home page on it: 
http://www.marantzpro.com/Products/CDR300.html

Looks to go for about $630-$700 brand new on eBay.

Another option is to get a Digi001 system by Digidesign.  Pro Tools is
the de facto industry standard Digital Audio Workstation [DAW].  It's
used on most films and CD's today.  The Digi 001's includes the "light
edition" [which, besides a few software differences, mostly means that
it runs on the host computer, vs. external processing] of the software
which has just been updated for OS X, and includes 32-track
functionality.  That means you can edit, record and mix up to 32
simultaneous tracks.  It includes a full-featured software-based
mixer, as well as plug-ins for things like EQ and reverb.  You can
also buy 3rd party plug-ins which will allow you to do everything from
mastering to digital noise reduction and beyond.

The software gives you a 24-bit [better than CD quality] non-linear
editing software-based workstation, with a digital/analog input/output
box that attaches to your Mac or Windows-based PC.  It's extremely
robust for the price point, and is essentially a fully functional
studio-in-a-box.   I use the Digi 001 for my own studio.  You can
produce completely studio-quality audio with it.  You just need a good
amp/speakers.  See more at www.digidesign.com.  Keep in mind, their
new Digi 002 product is about double your price point, and is really
unnecessary for what you're looking to do.

They can go for around $700 brand new on eBay.

If you don't want to purchase via eBay, I would look at
http://www.fullcompass.com.  They consistently have the lowest prices
available.  http://www.froogle.com is also a great resource for
finding great prices for things.

$695 for the Marantz at Full Compass.

$789 for the Digi 001.

As far as audio schools go, I would simply watch the video that you
can get via Pro Tools, buy a few books, and dig in.  That's the best
way to learn it.  It's very intuitive.  But you can check out the
Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences at http://www.cras.org in
Tempe as well.  They have a Pro Tools lab.

Thank you,

jbf777-ga
GA Researcher

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Clarification of Answer by jbf777-ga on 21 Feb 2003 11:34 PST

Hello -
 
Digidesign also makes their new Mbox, which is a portable recording
interface that includes Pro Tools:
 	
"Mbox — Powerful Micro Studio Music Production System
Mbox is a 2-channel USB audio peripheral specifically engineered to
offer you precision sound in a very small, very portable package.
Powered by Pro Tools 5.2 LE software, Mbox integrates audio and MIDI
recording, editing, real-time mixing and Internet collaboration with
acclaimed Digidesign and Focusrite performance. Now you can experience
the power of Pro Tools for under $500 USD."
 
This offers the best of both worlds, because it's computer-based AND
portable; you should be able to interface this into your laptop.  This
will give you complete studio-grade recording and editing capability.
 
jbf777-ga
GA Researcher

The quality of the recording is most likely to be limited by the
quality of the signal you get from your phone line, so you may want to
look at the equipment you use to connect your recorder (of whatever
type) to the phone line.

Owain

Thank you, this helps a lot!

Thanks for the rating + tip!  Yes, what owain-ga says is very true;
there are various noise filters available as well, if you run into
that issue.  A digital line might be something to look at as well.