« gaberman @ 11.09a | Main | Rocketboom go boom. »
March 24, 2005
This Is Not A Review of the Marantz PMD660 Pocketable podcasting field recorder.
I just saw a post on Gizmodo yesterday suggesting the new Edirol R-1 as a most excellent high-end pocketable podcast field recorder. A lot of people seem to be interested in this one, and for good reason: the R-1 has some nice specs for such a small frame. But there's one thing that really bugs me about dropping 4-large on a good field recorder: the lack of XLR inputs.
To me, a 1/4" to mini-plug adapter for mic input sometimes equals noise and I've been told that in audio recording, unintended noise is bad. If you're a podcaster who's going to spend that much on a pocketable field recorder, may I suggest the Marantz PMD660 instead?
(By the way, I use the term 'pocketable' as distinct from 'portable'. The way most manufacturers figure it, anything under 15lbs can have a cheap strap attached to it. And anything with a strap must be 'portable.' Add a strap to a pallet of bricks and it's portable.)
The PMD660 is about the same size as the R-1 and they share a lot of the same features. And while the Edirol does have a ton of cool effects built in to the box (which makes it quite appropriate for the home recording crowd), it's the extra IN/OUTs that make the PMD660 a more impressive pocket recorder to me. Having used the PMD660 for a community radio project, I can say that it just works. And next time I'm at my local pro shop, I'll take a look at the R-1. Looking at it on spec, it seems impressive.
But the XLR inputs (two of them on the PMD660) gives you a ton more options on what mic, mixing, and capture gear you can go in to and out of. What neither unit has is a digital optical input which keeps me from being able to replace my Marantz PMD660 PMD670 for live event recording.
If you're a beginning podcaster with a need for field gear, start off with an inexpensive (sub-$150) flash recorder that'll take an external mic via it's line in jack. The iriver 700-series is perfect for this. (Also check out PWOP's recommendations for a home podcasting kit.) If you're an intermediate podcaster looking to spend a little more for a good solid state field recorder, check out the R-1, but make sure that you check out the PMD660 as well.
Posted by yatta at March 24, 2005 12:36 PM
Comments
The PMD660 looks great, the XLRs are what really makes it stand out to me. This plus a Rode NT4 would make an interesting field recording combo.
Posted by: Recipher at April 11, 2005 2:51 PM