The PMD670 is the first generation digital field recorder from
Marantz, introduced in 2003. The PMD671 is a revised version that
appeared in 2005. The two machines are very similar in design and
features. The 671 makes improvements in three areas:
Digitization: 671 maximum rate = 24/96. 670 max rate = 16/48. In
general, a higher rate more accurately portrays the analog input. The
671 includes the ability to digitize at lower rates, too, so you have
more recording options.
Monitoring: The 671 allows you to play back the recorded data from
the Compactflash card as the recording is being made. This allows you
to be confident that the recording is proceeding properly. The 670
(and most other digital recorders) only allows monitoring of input.
File transfer speed: 671 implements USB 2.0, while PMD670 uses USB
1.1. The 671 transfers data to a computer in half the time the 670
requires. This feature may be of little practical value, since you
will likely remove the Compactflash card from the recorder and insert
it into a card reader directly attached to your computer to transfer
files.
Marantz claims that the 671's mic preamp section is "dramatically
improved." The published specifications don't directly support this
assertion. In my experience, the 670's preamps add a noticeable level
of hiss when you turn the record volume up, so an improvement would be
welcome.
The PMD671 costs about $950. Competitors in the same price range
include the Tascam HD-P2 ($995) and the Fostex FR-2 ($1300). Both
merit your consideration.
The "HD" in its name notwithstanding, the Tascam HD-P2 records to
Compactflash. The HD-P2 is almost identical in size to the Marantz
recorders. The HD-P2 digitizes at rates up to 24/192, and records in
broadcast WAV file format only. The Marantz machines offer MP2 and MP3
as well as WAV. The HD-P2 supports time code input, which allows its
recordings to be synchronized easily with other audio and video
recorders in post production. The HD-P2 preamps are similar in
quality to the PMD671. The HD-P2 has a large LCD display that is
angled upwards, which makes it easier to use on a desktop than the
Marantz. instead of USB, the HD-P2 has a Firewire output.
The Fostex FR-2 offers 24/192 digitization, and its preamps are
noticeably better than the PMD671 and HD-P2. So you add less pre-amp
noise when you turn up the record volume of the FR-2. The FR-2 records
to broadcast WAV only, and uses the slower USB 1.1 to connect to a
computer. The FR-2 is a few ounces heavier and a little larger than
the other recorders. The FR-2 has a built-in speaker that is loud
enough for field playback. The other recorders have speakers, but
their playback levels make them useful only for review. Fostex
advertises that a time code card is optional for the FR-2, but I don't
think they offer one at this time.
All of the recorders mentioned here carry 8 AA batteries internally.
The FR-2 uses its batteries up the fastest, but none of the recorders
offer very good battery life. You'll be lucky to get 3 hours of
battery life with any of them. Changing 8 AA batteries in the field
is always an exercise in frustration. An external Li-Ion or NiMH
rechargeable battery is a good idea if you plan to be in the field for
more than an hour or two.
Here's a link to a magazine article that reviews several digital recorders
http://emusician.com/mag/emusic_playing_field/index.html
--oryoki
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