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Re: Sony PCM-D100

Subject: Re: Sony PCM-D100
From: "Gianni Pavan" gpavan1960
Date: Tue Mar 25, 2014 2:02 am ((PDT))
Hi all, the main advantage of using DSD is theoretically to have a larger
bandwidth. By using special software it is possible to convert to PCM 384K,
but of course this makes sense only if the analog bandwidth is large and
flat enough. A drawback of DSD could be the digitization noise that
increases with frequency, as easily expected by DeltaSigma converters.

Gianni


2014-03-24 19:05 GMT+01:00 Gregory O'Drobinak <>:

>
>
> Yes, I see the Avisoft test results, which one can only assume were
> conducted using the stereo mini-jack mic input.
>
> Note that the Avisoft specs the EIN measurement at 150 ohms. But the
> typical PIP electret capsule has an output impedance of several Kilo-ohms=
,
> so one would expect a larger effective EIN when using such mics. I would
> also expect that to happen for any of the recorders tested there when usi=
ng
> PIP mics.
>
> So that means order to benefit from this EIN spec, one needs to use
> quality studio mics with an outboard phantom supply with good enough spec=
s
> to not degrade the signal path. Not an easy thing to do.
>
> The PCM-D100 Brochure states that the equivalent SPL of the mics' input
> noise is 19 dBA, which is OK but not very good for quiet nature
> environments.
> The other question is whether or not the built-in mics give decent
> imaging in natural environments.
>
> All of this implies that in order to get the lowest noise recordings, one
> needs to add an excellent outboard mic preamp, such as one from Sound
> Devices, to a pair of quality condenser mics and then use the line input =
of
> the D100 (do we have specs on that input?). When you add the cost of the
> mic preamp to the cost of the D100, it gets close to the cost of a used
> Sound Devices recorder. So I personally don't see any advantage to using
> the D100 with an outboard preamp and the extra cables and batteries.
>
> However, a friend of mine gets excellent results using his Sony PCM-M10
> along with a used SD MixPre feeding the line input. This combo is cheaper
> than the cost of the D100 unit. But I prefer just using my FR-2LE or my
> DR-680 since there is no need for outboard gear.
>
>
> I have used Sony products for many years and I have gotten very good
> results, so I am not bashing Sony, just the D100 feature set relative to
> the economics.
> The lack of balanced inputs and phantom power on the D100 makes no sense
> to me given its other enhancements.
>
>
> BTW, is DSD a 'must have' feature and how does it improve the sound? What
> editing SW can deal with DSD?
> Also, does engaging PIP on the D100 degrade the measured Avisoft EIN spec=
?
>
> Thanks,
> Greg
>
>   ------------------------------
>  *From:* Dan Dugan <>
> *To:* 
> *Sent:* Monday, March 24, 2014 11:21 AM
> *Subject:* Re: [Nature Recordists] Sony PCM-D100
>
>
>
> Our friends at Avisoft have tested the D100 preamp.  The results place th=
e
> D100 among the best handheld machines, including as the Tascam HD-P2 and
> Tascam DR-680.  Only the Sound Devices 7xx and Fostex FR-2LE score higher=
.
> See
> http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm
>
>
> I note that there is no mention of the equivalent SPL of the mics' input
> noise.
>
> -Dan
>
>
>
>



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