PLAYED OUT typically tries to record every show. Recording shows is a great way to come up with ideas, correct wrongs, and really improve your live performance!

The Sanyo Xacti Sound Recorder arrived at my door an hour before I left to play a wedding. I took it out of the box and used it to record the show. I was excited that it was so easy to use. I was able to figure it out without even fussing with the manuals all that much. It came with bud headphones, which were great to listen back vs. lugging around huge noise-canceling headphones… They were pretty good quality too!

Often when we’re performing weddings, our clients ask for a cocktail jazz set. Since it’s instrumental, the guys in the band played while I manned the recorder. We recorded our jazz cocktail set and the quality sounded great! I was able to literally stand in the middle of the dance floor and capture the best sound possible. I also recorded our sets from stage, but the front of house recording sounded 100 times better. Next time, I’ll find a safe spot away from the crowd to record the show from out front. It’ll make a huge difference.

Overall, we’re very pleased with this product. The sound is crisp and clean, and that’s hard to find when you’re looking for a recorder but don’t want to break the bank. Our guitarist has his own Samson Zoom recorder that he brings to shows (and paid twice as much for), and I personally think the Xacti sounds better, and is a lot smaller. It has a slick interface which is easy to use, and it’s so small that you can throw it in your pocket and take it anywhere!

For all you Mac users: It’s also REALLY easy to upload files. It loads onto your desktop like any device would, and you can simply drag and drop… Works GREAT with Garage Band!

I’m excited to recording everything with this recorder. Rehearsals, shows and weddings!

I’m looking forward to recording more shows and posting them on the downloads page! Stay tuned!