Here's my comparison of the new solid state field recorders to the
best minidisc machine. I have hands-on experience with the PMD670 and
Portadisc. --oryoki
Fostex FR2 and Marantz PMD670 versus HHB Portadisc
The Marantz PMD-670 is less expensive and lighter than the other two
machines compared here. But it suffers in comparison to the others
when considering the quality of its electronics. Recordists using
highest quality microphones will likely be disappointed. The PMD-670
is a better match with less expensive mics. Recordists on a budget or
who want the lightest weight field kit would do well to consider using
a consumer minidisc machine.
The Fostex FR-2 appeals to recordists who want to experiment with
recording at different rates of digitization, and to those who want
faster transfer of recordings to a computer. The FR-2 also is
available with a time code controller, useful for on-location film and
tv work. How durable the PCMCIA hard disc recording medium will be in
the field is an open question.
The HHB Portadisc shines in the quality of its electronics. It's the
best choice of these three for recordists using the highest quality
microphones. The Portadisc has proven to be durable and reliable in
field use. And minidiscs make an excellent archival medium for
recordings.
Personally, I dislike the "real-time" transfers of recordings from
minidisc to computer. (An hour of recordings takes 60 minutes to
transfer, versus 5 minutes using the other machines.) And I would
prefer recording in WAV rather than ATRAC. Here's hoping that HHB
updates the Portadisc, adding Hi-MD and USB 2.0 features.
Specifications:
All three machines are designed as field recorders, with large,
conveniently located controls. All three record in mono or stereo, and
have a 5 to 10 second record/pause "pre-roll" memory buffer
Digital sampling rate
..Portadisc...16/44.1 (CD standard)
..PMD670...16/44.1 or 16/48 (DAT standard)
..FR2...up to 24/192 (DVD-A standard and beyond)
Recording formats
..Portadisc ATRAC 4.5
..PMD670 MP2, MP3, WAV, BWF
..FR2 BWF
Street Price, Recorder only
..PMD670 ~$600 (Saul Mineroff, email for quote)
..FR2 ~$1300
..Portadisc ~$1400
Recording medium
..FR2 and PMD670 record to Compactflash
..FR2 also records to a small hard disc in PCMCIA packaging
..PMD670 records to small hard disc in MicroDrive packaging
..Portadisc records to original minidisc (Not new Hi-MD...yet)
Street Price, Recorder plus medium for 2 hours stereo recording
..FR2 (24/96) plus $180 5GB Toshiba PCMCIA hard disc = $1480
..PMD670 (16/48) plus $375 2GB Compactflash cards = $975
..Portadisc (16/44.1) plus two minidiscs = $1403
comment -- Minidiscs cost less than $1.50 each, and make an excellent
archival medium. Compactflash and hard disc are extremely expensive
per hour of record time, so recordings must be copied each day to a
computer.
Physical dimensions
..PMD670...264 x 185 x 55 mm, 1.3 kg w/ battery
..FR2...250 x 220 x 77 mm, 1.7 kg w/ battery
..Portadisc...225 x 180mm x 57 mm, 2.0 kg w/battery
comment -- the 670's lighter weight is welcome after an hour or two of
walking!
Battery system 8 AA cells
..PMD670 and Portadisc use a quick-change "sled"
..FR2 stores batteries in internal compartment, takes longer to change
..battery life 2.0 hours to 3.5 hours depending on battery type and
condition
..all can accept 12V DC input from external battery
comment -- Portadisc is more energy-efficient by 10% to 15%
Analog (Microphone) input and output
..All provide analog input via XLR, output via RCA
..All provide 48 volt phantom power if needed
Digital input
..FR2...XLR, AES, EBU or S/PDIF (not 176.4, 192kHz)
..PMD670...RCA jack, S/PDIF only
..Portadisc...SPDIF RCA and optical
Digital output
..FR2...XLR AES, EBU or S/PDIF (not 176.4, 192kHz)
..PMD670...none
..Portadisc...SPDIF RCA and optical
Computer connection
..All three provide USB 1.1 ports
..PMD670 and FR2 media are removeable and can be plugged into a
computer with Compactflash or PCMCIA reader for faster file transfer
Speaker output
..FR2...1000mW watt
..PMD670...100mW
..Portadisc...250mW
Manufacturer's specifications for recording electronics
Marantz PMD-670
..Signal-to-Noise Ratio Mic 65dB
..Dynamic Range 86 dB
..Total Harmonic Distortion Mic 0.08%
Fostex FR-2
..Signal-to-Noise Ratio Mic: 87dB
..Dynamic Range 100dB
..Total Harmonic Distortion Mic 0.008%
HHB Portadisc
..Signal-to-Noise Ratio Microphone 122dB
..Dynamic range 96dB
..Total Harmonic Distortion 0.02%
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