I just got a new tool in my awesome arsenal of agriblogging and farmpodcasting. It’s a Tascam DR-05 Handheld Digital Recorder and it will be out and about with me starting next week at National Ag Day activities. Here’s some information about it for you agnerds:

The TASCAM DR-05 handheld portable recorder records in MP3 or WAV format (including 96kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio) to microSD or microSDHC media. A pair of built-in condenser microphones handles up to 125dB SPL with the sensitivity to capture every detail, and you can add your own microphone or line-level source through the 1/8” stereo input, including plug-in power for microphones that need it. The DR-05′s digital and analog circuit boards are built separately to decrease noise performance, with a low-impedance design to further decrease hiss. A separate power supply is sent to the A/D and D/A converter for even better audio performance. The result is clean sound quality with over 92dB signal to noise ratio, under 0.05% total harmonic distortion and 20Hz to 40kHz response (-1/+3dB) at 96kHz/24-bit resolution.

The Tascam DR-05 is currently on sale for a great price at BSW USA.

For you iPhone farm podcasters, here’s a new tool to check out. It’s the iRig MIC Cast which is the, “ultra-compact, portable voice recording microphone designed specifically for recording podcasts, interviews, lectures, voice memos, speeches and more. Features include:

• Features a stereo mini-jack headphone output enabling real-time monitoring of what is being recorded using headphones or speakers.
• Offers a mini-switch that provides two different sensitivity settings to record close-up or distant sources.
• Includes an adjustable desktop stand for convenient iPhone/iPod touch positioning during recording.
• Has a bumper-friendly mini-jack connector that fits the majority of iPhone/iPod touch cases.
• Has an ultra-compact profile that can be carried anywhere with ease.
• Like other IK Multimedia microphones, it includes 2 free apps: iRig Recorder, an easy-to-use voice recording/editing app, and VocaLive, a multi-effects processing app for singers.
• Works with all regular phone calls and any Voice-Over-IP app.
• Is compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/iPad.

Here’s another potential tool for the farm podcaster. They just keep coming and notice how many are geared to the iPhone? Just saying.

TASCAM’s iM2 turns the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch into a high-quality stereo recorder. A pair of condenser microphones – the same high quality as TASCAM’s best-selling DR-series recorders – plugs into the dock connector of your Apple device.

The iM2 contains its own microphone preamp and analog-to-digital converter for low noise and great audio quality. Unlike mics that use the built-in iPhone preamp, the iM2 can handle up to 125dB sound levels to capture the loudest concerts and instruments without distortion.

Looks like the item is available for pre-order only right now. I think I’ll check this one out when it becomes available.

Hey farm podcasters. Here’s a tool for your iPhone 4 (I’m assuming compatibility w/iPhone 4S). Fostex has introduced the AR-4i. It’s an audio interface that includes a small handgrip for support in holding the device and phone. It also has tripod threaded mounts too. So it’s a great little device to help you shoot better video or have a more comfortable grip while recording audio interviews. It also allows for connecting either the included mics or other external mics or audio sources. I see it available for $142 on Amazon right now.

• Exceptional audio quality – record/playback via Dock connector with built-in AD/DA converter
• Equipped with 3 x stereo inputs (Line/Mic) for using 2 of the 3 simultaneously for vertical or horizontal use
• 2 x plug-in powered condenser cardioid type microphones with pop-shields supplied. Third-party microphones can also be used.
• 4-dot LED level meter for input monitoring
• Thumb wheel input gain control
• Setup App supplied free from App Store for setting Pan (L/C/R), Low Cut Filter, Limiter, etc.
• Headphone output for recording & playback monitoring
• Long operation time with 2 x AAA alkaline batteries for 8 to 10 hours
• Supplied with a sturdy hand grip
• 2 x threaded tripod mounts on the bottom and side for use with tripod, camera rigs, etc.
• Cold shoe for use of third-party camera options

Thanks to Podcasting News for the heads up.

Hey farm podcasters. Here’s a new tool I just noticed that looks pretty cool. Of course if you’re recording and making your own music this tool will serve you too. It’s the MICRO BR® BR-80: Digital Recorder made by Roland and looks like it’s going for about $299.

Small enough to fit in your pocket, the BOSS MICRO BR BR-80 is the ultimate new portable recording and jam-along tool for guitarists and other musicians. It’s equipped with three modes to create, record, and perform your music: an eight-track MTR (Multi-Track Recorder) mode; an eBand mode for onstage backing tracks and phrase training; and a Live Rec mode for instantly capturing high-quality stereo recordings. You can even combine the three modes seamlessly. Record your phrase ideas using Live Rec mode, for example, and then import the recordings into MTR mode to use as foundations for song production. Once you’ve added tracks, import your finished songs into eBand mode for backing-track accompaniment at the gig. The MICRO BR BR-80 is truly a must-have for all musicians!

Three modes: MTR (multi-track recorder), eBand, and Live Rec
Records directly to SD/SDHC memory card (up to 32 GB)
High-quality stereo condenser microphone built in for instant audio capture
64 V-Tracks and eight simultaneous playback tracks
eBand function for phrase training and play-along tracks
Huge library of built-in backing and rhythm patterns
World-class COSM® amps and effects onboard
Use as a USB audio interface with built-in effects
SONAR X1 LE software included

Find full specs here.

Hey farm podcasters. Here’s another option for your gear bag. The Zoom H2n from Samson.

No matter the application, the H2n brings the very best in stereo recording to a convenient, user-friendly package that fits in your pocket.

FEATURES
Five built-in mic capsules provide Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel recording modes
Records in WAV up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 up to 320kbps
Newly designed user interface
Additional functions include Lo-cut Filter, Compressor/Limiter, Auto Gain, Pre-Rec, Auto-Rec, Tuner, Metronome, Variable Speed Playback, Key Control, A-B Repeat, File Dividing, Normalize, MP3 Post-Encode, Marker and Surround Mixer
Data recovery function protects against unexpected recording errors
Over 20 hours of operation using two standard AA batteries
Operates on battery, AC or USB bus power
1.8-inch backlit LCD display with 128 x 64 resolution
Analog-type Mic Gain wheel
Built-in reference speaker
High-speed USB 2.0 card reader function
1/8-inch Mic/Line Input and Phones/Line Output stereo phone jacks
Accommodates up to 32GB SDHC memory cards
Includes Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 editing software, 2GB SD memory card and two AA batteries
Optional accessory package (APH-2n) includes remote control with extension cable, windscreen, AC adapter (USB type), USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded-shell case and a mic clip adapter.

The good ones are getting smaller and cheaper. One of the questions I get asked most often is about what gadgets I recommend for today’s new media world. Well, add this one to the list. The TASCAM DR-03 might just be one of the handiest tools in your mobile journalism kit.

The ultra-portable DR-03 is TASCAM’s most affordable recorder yet! The built-in high-quality condenser microphones are recorded as either WAV or MP3 files to microSD card media, and a 2GB card is included to start recording right away. The DR-03 packs high-quality recording – up to 48kHz/24-bit – into a package smaller than an energy bar. At a price under $100, everyone needs a DR-03.

From beginning students to professional musicians, interviewers to videographers, everyone could use a DR-03 from TASCAM!

With a name like Olympus LS-11PKG it must be a good gadget for the Farm Podcaster. I haven’t tried one but they’re on special now at BSW.

The Olympus LS-11 handheld PCM recorder features two high-sensitivity microphones and 8GB of internal memory as well as up to 24-bit/96kHz linear PCM recording in multiple formats for better than CD audio quality.

With the LS-11 you can do stereo or mono recording in WAV, MP3 or WMA formats, fine tune your recording with an LCD-displayed level meter, edit the audio files, or use an auto-record function that activates (and shuts off) the LS-11 at pre-set levels. It also boasts two built-in reference speakers for handy stereo monitoring.

And you can plug in an external mic or other audio source.

Farm podcasters have lots of choices today when it comes to digital audio recording. Roland just added to the list with their R-05 recorder.

The compact R-05 is easy to use, affordable, and packed with big-ticket features that raise the bar in its price class. Experience crystal-clear 24/96 capture, enhanced recording and editing features, and extended battery life (over 16 hours per charge). On stage, in rehearsal, at school, on the street, in the boardroom — whenever inspiration strikes, let the R-05 capture the moment with convenience and quality.

* High-quality stereo recording (24-bit / 96kHz) with the built-in stereo mic or external input
* Records directly to SD card with extended battery life (over 30 hours continuous playback, over 16 hours continuous recording)
* Strong, attractive metallic exterior
* Onboard editing functions; built-in reverb
* Music-practice features (change tempo without changing pitch, loop playback, etc.)
* Auto record start, auto song split, auto level adjust
* Pre Record function (captures 2 seconds of audio that precedes pressing REC)
* Use as a high-quality portable audio player (plays WAV and MP3 files)
* Windscreen and tripod mount included