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Originally Posted by Tokolosh

I've heard good things about the iKEY Plus Portable USB Recording Device.

The iKEY Plus provides versatile live audio recording. Use the iKEY Plus with your iPod or any USB storage device to record MP3 or WAV files in real time. Perfect for keeping a log of board meetings, lectures, or keynotes, or transferring your favorite vinyl album to a digital format, the unit offers RCA inputs, a phantom power mic input, and a built-in phono preamp for direct connection to turntables. Easy to bring with you at 3.27 x 5.43 x 3.27" and 2 lbs, the iKEY Plus is a convenient real-time recorder.

I think they go for about 150 euros.

As for microphones, Sennheiser

that's a nice little interface, but the sennheiser mics would bust his budget in a major way. and he'd still need a storage solution, unless he's going to use his computer.

for VALUE mics i like audio technicas. good bang for the buck.

HOWEVER. you'd still need an XLR to miniplug adapter, which is the reason why i recommended the USB mics directly. lowest cost and he can use the computer (he's got computer no?)

hip priest, how fixed are you within the bounds of your budget?

also, you can convert your vinyls through the usb interface directly into your computer, no need for ipod/flash/etc.

anyway maybe i'm too money-minded when it comes to these purchases but i hate nothing worse than being broke after a shopping binge.

hip priest: you have to look at the TOTAL cost and how much you're really willing to spend, sure the more money you spend the more "options" you get but there's a point where it becomes impractical, and there are ways to optimize & make your money go a long way.

if money is not an issue then i'd recommend a fostex field recorder a shotgun sennheiser mic and a studio mic, maybe some lavaliers, plus solid state media; but then you're talking about maybe 1,500 pounds.