re:
>Here's a link to a magazine article that reviews several digital recorders
>http://emusician.com/mag/emusic_playing_field/index.html
If I recall correctly, the article doesn't
addresses our noise performance and gain
interests very well. I believe he used a pair of
Earthworks mics with >20dBA self noise with
unspecified gains and urban ambience in his
comparison test.
We could also add pertinant field use tips and
comments to our chart like these Oryoki supplies
here.
At 5:18 PM +0000 4/3/06, oryoki2000 wrote:
>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 =3D 24/96. 670 max rate =3D 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.=A0
>
>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.=A0
>
>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
>
>
>
--
Rob Danielson
Film Department
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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