For those that have experimented with portable recorders and the Motif, I was wondering if you have any recommendations on the best one for the money.  Im curious in one that is well-suited to work with the Motif and has quality built in mic/s.  Some sort of power adapter would be nice as well.  Money is an issue but dont let that discourage any suggestions.  Thanks!

Check out the pocketrak CX models of Yamaha.

Jan

Is this something that you use or have used, or are you just recommending it because its Yamaha haha!  I did see these and they might be good options.  The Sony PCM-M10 seems like a really good choice too.

I’ve tried the Zoom H4. Very nice, with 4 inputs (2 combo jacks and 2 built-in microphones placed in an XY configuration on the unit).  Amazing gear :)

Im glad you posted that Lexus.  I had already ruled out all Zooms due to so many bad reviews on their cheap design.  And from what I saw their internal mics werent anything spectacular.  I dont really feel like carrying around an additional mic for one.  And two, it might feel a little awkward at times out in public haha! 

Buuuut I did check them out again and, youre right, the H4, or I should say the H4n (the newest model) looks pretty amazing.  It looks like it might be the best or close to the best option below $500.  It has so many different features, multi-track recording, XLR jacks and the internal mics sound good from what Ive seen on videos.  I would probably never need 80% of the features but still cool nonetheless.  Now if it only had a lithium battery I could...maybe justify dropping $300 on one.  Thats a good price for someone who knows they will use it alot.  I dont know why almost all of them require double/triple AAA’s though.  Other than remotes, nothing I have purchased in at least eight years required these. 

I shouldnt have said anything about the price being a little steep because for what it does, its not.  But Im also waiting to learn more about the ipad w/ the motif and karma 3.0.  For me, its one or the other.

I also checked out the Yamaha brands but compared to other audio recorders there are barely any reviews on these.

Yes, I use the CX pocketrak myself. LOL. Works great for me.

Jan