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Re: Digital Recorders: a Marantz 661?

Subject: Re: Digital Recorders: a Marantz 661?
From: "Steve Pelikan" pelikan45224
Date: Fri Dec 11, 2009 5:54 pm ((PST))
I can't comment on specific recorder's features but have suggestions for 
features that I got when I switched form and MD recorder to a flash ram 
recorder and have come to think of as essential.

1) Sturdy XLR connections are much better than miniplugs on equipment you're 
dragging through shrubbery in attempts to get close to singing birds. They're 
much less likely to get pulled out, bent, or dirty on a day in the field.

2) A recorder with a pre-record buffer is a huge asset. Being able to get the 
previous 10 seconds (maybe 8 with reaction time) before an interesting 
vocalization has saved lots of work for me and other bird recordists I've 
talked with.

3) And of course things like "big" knobs or at least buttons that let you  
start recording with gloves or mittens on are very nice if you live north of 
the tropics.

Steve P

--- In  "oryoki2000" <> wrote:
>
> The Marantz 661 (about $575) and the Fostex FR-2LE (about $475) are both very 
> good "lunchbox" size recorders.  The FR-2LE has mic preamps that are a little 
> quieter.  However, the ME67 is a relatively noisy mic, so I think you will 
> have a hard time telling the difference between recordings made with the 
> PMD661 and FR-2LE.
> 
> Both the PMD661 and FR-2LE have XLR inputs that provide phantom power.  This 
> will allow you to run your ME67 without using its AA battery.  The result 
> will be quieter recordings. I own an ME62, and the result when running on 
> phantom power is noticeably better.
> 
> If you're satisfied with the sound quality you record now with your ME67 and 
> minidisc setup, then you might consider replacing the minidisc with a new 
> pocket-size Sony PCM-M10 flash recorder (about $300).  The xlr to miniplug 
> cable you use to attach the ME67/K6 to the minidisc machine will work with 
> the M10.  And the M10 has good built-in mics, much better than the 661 or 
> FR-2LE. Recording in stereo with the M10 will provide a more natural ambiance 
> than the narrowly focused shotgun mic.
> 
> > Secondary use will be recording audio for video 
> > captured with a DSLR (a Canon 7D) ... I will probably 
> > choose something moderately priced such as the 
> > Rode VideoMic for now.
> 
> The VideoMic is an impressive inexpensive mic that is a favorite of home 
> videographers. 
> 
> --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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