I used multiple TASCAM DR-40X's for years with my TV production, editing and radio classes. They always worked extremely well. Students beat the crap out of them in a variety of situations from local sound gathering to slamming around in camera bags for five-week study abroad classes, and no problems. XLR inputs for external mics. Some features can be less than intuitive to operate, but once they find all the functions, students used them easily. $180 .