Need "broadcast-quality" voice-recording device
Actually I don't plan to broadcast, but I do plan to interview people and put the resulting audio on a CD, and I'd like it to sound as good as possible on a low budget.
I've got a laptop and a microphone, which sounds OK, but I'm looking for something a *lot* more portable. Something easy to carry around in a coat pocket so that if impromptu interview situations present themselves, I have a device ready to go.
I've tried a couple of inexpensive voice recorders, but the sound quality through the built-in microphones isn't something I'd want to hear on a CD.
After all this build-up, here's my question:
Is there a portable recording device that...
* has a microphone jack
* delivers good sound quality (something you wouldn't be embarrassed to use on an audio CD or as voiceover on a DVD)
* records in a digital format so that it's a simple matter to get the data into the computer via USB
... and costs under $200?
I've heard good things about the Archos jukebox, but then I read reviews that say the newer models lack microphone jacks.
Also, I'm wondering about lavalier microphones. (Saw one at Circuit City for about $30.) The size is right, but am wondering about the quality. Also, are there microphones that, if they're sitting just inches away from someone speaking, are good at picking up only the person's voice and not background and infrastructure noise?
When it comes to audio/video stuff, I'm pretty much a novice, so any help or suggestions are appreciated!
Thanks
L.
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