The good:
The PMD661 recorder is a big improvement over the original PMD660
model. Using Rode NT1A mics, the recorder's self-noise is inaudible
in most circumstances I tried. I found results to be better/quieter
than my Olympus LS-10 with NT1A and battery box.
The PMD661 is very well constructed. The top plate is metal, making a
very solid mounting for the pushbutton controls. The controls operate
smoothly, giving the impression of a high quality device.
It's nice to have so many options for input. The PMD661 has XLR and
1/4 inch jacks for mic and line level input, 1/8-inch mini jack for
line level, and an RCA jack for digital input.
The PMD661's built-in mics are good. They're quite adequate to record
a conversation around a table, for example.
A pair of speakers are mounted in the sides of the case. These
speakers are powered by an amp capable of 450 mW output. That's 3 or
4 times louder than most small recorders, quite loud enough to fill a
room with sound. The speakers sound pretty good if not driven to maximum.
The bad:
Battery life is a lot less than I hoped. Four fresh alkaline AA cells
lasted just 3 hours when recording WAV files and providing phantom
power to mics.
The PMD661 makes heavy use of software menus to configure parameters
of recording. I found this to be a hindrance. For example, I counted
19 clicks of the controls to change mic attenuation from 0dB to -12dB.
An external switch would be most welcome to control this function,
which often can't be set in advance of the recording session.
The LED panel showing input level is not angled enough to let you see
them easily when carrying the recorder on your shoulder. I found I
had to lift the recorder up to see the LEDs clearly.
I was disappointed that the Record Timer function only worked if the
PMD661 was left on. I had hoped that the timer function would turn
the recorder on at the scheduled time, like the Yamaha Pocketrak CX
does. With limited battery life, leaving the recorder running is not
a good idea. I guess I will have to get out of bed to record the dawn
chorus after all!
Competitors:
At this price point, the primary competitor with similar features is
the Fostex FR-2LE. I think the FR-2LE has slightly better preamp
self-noise, but the Marantz seems to me to offer more gain. Both
recorders have menu-driven configurations. The Marantz has a louder
speaker and digital input. The Marantz is 45% lighter (500 g vs 900 g).
To me, the FR-2LE's most important advantage is in battery life. Its
larger case can hold a rechargeable battery good for 8 hours of
recording, even while providing phantom power. A small battery is an
unwelcome distraction while recording in the field. You have to worry
about the battery level constantly, and the battery seems to run out
at the most inopportune moment!
At about $850, the Marantz PMD671, and the Tascam HD-P2 should be
considered. Both are heavy, full-size recorders, but include better
battery life, more configuration by switches, and a design that works
better when carried on the shoulder.
Conclusion:
The Marantz PMD661 is a well built, flexible device that would be a
good choice as a general purpose recorder in the $600 price range.
Audio preamp performance is very good. The ability to provide mics
with 48V phantom power is most welcome. If you can live with a
battery life of 3 hours, then the PMD661 would be a great choice.
--oryoki
"While a picture is worth a thousand words, a
sound is worth a thousand pictures." R. Murray Schafer via Bernie Krause
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