These are my comments after reading the manual for the PCM-D50. The
manual is online at
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/docs/manuals/pcm-d50.pdf
--oryoki
Recording
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Preamp quality: We won't know until the D50 is released, but my hopes
are high. The PCM-D1 has been widely praised for sound quality, and
it appears that the D50 has a similar preamp design. The preamp in
Sony's Hi-MD models is excellent, and I expect better performance from
the D50.
WAV file recording only. No MP3, no ATRAC recording.
Max WAV file digitizing rate is 24/96, slowest is the unusual rate of
16/22.05.
A 24/44.1 setting is available.
The maximum file size is 2GB. When the limit is reached, the D50
automatically starts a second file. No word from Sony if any
recording time is lost at the time of the split. The D50 has a 5
second pre-roll buffer that could be used to make a seamless
transition from one file to another.
Recordings are organized in 10 folders, up to 99 tracks per folder.
File names can be longer than 8 characters. Internal clock adds date
and time stamp to tracks.
Recording functions include limiter, low cut filter, 20 dB mic
attenuation. All accessible through switches rather than via menu
selections.
The digital limiter lowers the volume 20 dB when sound pressure would
cause the recorder preamp to overload ("clip"). Limiter duration
settings include 150 ms, 1 sec, and 1 min.
Low cut filter can be set to 75 Hz or 150 Hz
Super Bit Mapping (SBM) function available when recording at 16 bits
only. Sony claims this reduces noise and increases dynamic range of
the recording. Sony has talked about SBM since the DAT machines of
the 1990's. I don't know if it makes an appreciable difference.
Two ways to initiate recording:
Message: 1.
Subject: Press REC button, D50 enters record/pause mode, shows mic levels.
Press Play or Pause button to start recording.
Message: 2.
Subject: Press REC while simultaneously pressing Play. Recording starts
immediately.
Built-in mic capsules can be moved to two positions: facing each
other in X-Y 90 degree spread, or facing apart in 120 degree spread.
When you plug in an external mic, the Plug-In power menu is
automatically displayed. Select on or off, then proceed. Internal
mics are disabled automatically.
While recording, press the Divide button to start a new track.
There's a tripod socket on the underside of the D50. Might be useful
to add some sort of handle there so you can reduce handling noise
while holding the recorder.
Removable Storage
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It's possible to record to a Memory Stick Pro removable flash memory
module instead of the built-in 4GB memory. The recorder uses Memory
sticks labeled "PRO-HG DUO" or "PRO Duo High Speed."
The largest Memory Stick Pro Duo available today is a Sony 8GB model,
but Sony's web site says it is not compatible with the D50. Sony,
Lexar and Sandisk sell 4GB High Speed Duo models that do work.
Playback
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The D50 has no internal speaker. You have to use headphones, or
attach an external speaker to the analog line out port.
For playback only, files can be organized in up to 500 folders, 99
tracks per folder. This would be useful for MP3 files. ID3 tags are
recognized, and displayed when you play back the MP3 track. File
names up to 12 characters are displayed as well.
Most memory stick models have a write protect switch that will help
you avoid accidentally deleting files.
General
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AA batteries are held in a removable caddy. No word if a spare caddy
is available.
Sony estimates battery life to be 12 hours recording @ 24/96, 15 hours
@ 16/44.1
Power supply is 6V DC.
It's unlikely that the D50 can be powered through the USB port while
recording. The D50 automatically switches from recording to computer
mass storage mode when a USB cable is connected.
Options
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--XLR-1 mic adapter includes 48V phantom power through its own
batteries. Price is $500! Ouch!
--AD-PCM1 wind screen
--RM-PCM1 allows remote control of record, pause, stop, track split.
--CKL-PCMD50 carrying case with belt strap
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