I came across a detailed review of the Tascam HD-P2 Compactflash field
recorder ($1000) in DV.com, an online magazine for digital video
enthusiasts. The reviewer's conclusion is that the Tascam HD-P2 is
"the best low-price field recorder we've tested."
The review includes bench tests of the HD-P2's mic preamps. The tests
confirmed Tascam's claim of better than 85dB signal to noise ratio for
mic level inputs when recording at 16/48. The DV.com review concludes
that you don't need to use an external preamp or mixer with the HD-P2
to capture high quality recordings.
In contrast, similarly priced field recorders like the Edirol R-4 and
Marantz PMD671 have a dynamic range of about 65dB when recording 16/48
at mic signal levels. This means their preamps are likely to add
audible noise (hiss) when recording a quiet subject.
The HD-P2 offers a host of desirable features not found in less
expensive recorders. These include digitization rates up to 24/192,
XLR mic inputs, 48V phantom power, a pre-roll buffer, SMPTE timecode
input, and large, easy-to-use controls.
I think the Sound Devices 702 remains the gold standard for an
all-in-one Compactflash field recorder due to its superior preamps and
robust construction. However, the 702 costs $1850, while the HD-P2 is
widely available for $995.
Here's the link to the HD-P2 review
http://www.dv.com/reviews/reviews_item.jhtml?category=3DArchive&articleId=
=3D190500070
And here's Tascam's page for the HD-P2
http://www.tascam.com/Products/hdp2.html
--oryoki
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