Alan wrote:
> Has anyone used the Oade Brothers' Marantz PMD 660? I'm
> looking for a reasonable priced compact flash field recorder...
The standard Marantz PMD660 preamp has two problems. First, the
preamp has a high level of self-noise, audible as a broad frequency
hissy sound, like tape hiss. Second, the preamp is more sensitive
than most to overloading when astrong signal is present.
To overcome the first problem, you need a mic that provides a high
voltage input so you can keep the preamp volume low. Too strong an
input, and you run into the second problem. There's a very narrow
sweet spot where the mic and recorder work best.
The Oade Advanced modification addresses both problems. Doug Oade
removes the line input, the internal mics, the limiter and the
Automatic Level Control from the system. Oade uses the new space to
rebuild the preamp with higher quality electronics. After the mod,
the only mic input is via the XLR connectors. This change voids your
warranty from Marantz.
Cost of the Advanced mod, including the PMD660, is $710. Add in the
cost of a couple of Compactflash cards. 4GB cards cost ~$65 each and
provide space for about 6 hours of stereo 16/48 recording.
The results are quite spectacular. I think it's the best-sounding
recorder for less than $1000, better than the stock Marantz PMD671 and
Tascam HD-P2 even though these recorders are 24 bit and the PMD660 is
16 bit.
If you can wait a few weeks, there is a new machine coming that may
give the PMD660 a challenge. It's the Fostex FR-2LE, about $550.
Doug Oade will sell them, and chances are he will develop a
modification for the Fostex that will surpass the PMD660. Time will tell.
--oryoki
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