LIST PRICE: $399.99
WWW.GETOLYMPUS.COM

There’s no shortage of easy-to-record pocket studios these days. There are so many options that all a songwriter has to do is choose one that fits his recording personality, tech temperament and songwriting method, make sure the price is right, and go for it. Recording a song draft or demo to a Mac book (with GarageBand) can yield only passable quality. A good external microphone improves it, but that assumes you’re willing to lug these components around everywhere with you. You need something else to have on hand. The most promising handy recorder, as far as pure sound quality and value, comes from Olympus. In demoing the LS-10 unit, I found that 1) it was easy to use and didn’t have too many buttons (i.e., I didn’t have to read the instruction manual to get rolling), 2) the two built-in, high-sensitivity microphones produce studio-quality recordings that surpass other pocket recorders that I’ve used, and 3) it can be used to capture multiple instruments and vocals (live setting) just as effectively as it can capture a solo guitar/vocal or piano/vocal demo recording. When doing the latter, make sure to switch the “Zoom Mic” function to Zoom (Off, Wide, Standard and Narrow are the other options) for intimate sound precision. The LS-10 records WAVE files in Linear PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) format—CD quality or better—but also can be set to record via MP3 (which I find convenient for the easy USB transfer to iTunes) or WMA format. For more specifications and a list of accessories, visit the Olympus website. I’d suggest getting a small tripod, too, for stability’s sake.