> The Marantz PMD661 now appears to be the lightest
> and smallest solid state recorder on the market
> that has the crucial XLR sockets and full spec
> phantom power.
That's true for a few more weeks. The new Zoom H4n
and Tascam DR-100 are both considerably smaller, lighter
and cheaper than the PMD661. Both offer XLR inputs,
and are supposed to provide full 48V power to mics.
Zoom H4n (March 2009)
156 x 70 x 35 mm
336 g
street price $350
Tascam DR-100 (March? April? 2009)
151 x 81 x 35 mm
weight unknown, I'm guessing 400 g
street price $430
Marantz PMD661
165 x 93 x 36 mm
530 g
street price $600
Fostex FR-2LE
206 x 132 x 57 mm
907 g
street price $600
It remains to be seen how quiet the new recorders' preamps
will be. The H4n is supposed to be considerably improved
over the H4. The DR-100 may be an improvement on the DR-1.
The FE-2LE plus 7.2V radio car battery is proven to record
while providing phantom power for 8 hours, maybe longer.
The others are unlikely to last 4 hours. Plan accordingly!
--oryoki
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