...ultimate portable recorder?

[david henman]

...for years i have been searching for the ultimate "black box" recorder. that is, a completely self-contained recording/playback device with a built-in mic and a speaker.

 

if i could manage to stumble upon a small (sony)cassette boombox from the 70s or 80s, i would be satisfied, but a digital box would be ideal.

 

the key is that it has to be a no-brainer. a record button and a playback button would be more than sufficient. a box that you simply take with you everywhere you go: rehearsals, gigs, hotel rooms...anywhere that you might be inspired to "capture" what you are playing or writing.

 

there are many "dictation/memo" type devices, of course, but the quality is abominable. as well, there are several "field" recorders, but they are cost-prohibitive.