Outstanding in the field

Abstract

So what's a field recorder? Here's my definition: a device that lets you make a recording in a field. As in: no electricity, no roads, no buildings, no shelter, no access to any gear that you cannot carry on your back. That means a field recorder should be small, lightweight, and rugged. It should have either a built-in microphone or decent microphone preamps; ideally it will have both. Phantom power (for driving condenser mics) is a plus, as are line inputs.