Topic: 24bit RELIABLE bit bucket to run behind V3

[aberg]

So right now I'm running iRiver at 16bit, and can periodically run my macbook for 24bit optical in from the V3, but I'm looking for a reliable, easily-portable, field ready, and relatively inexpensive bit bucket that will do 24/48 at least and optimally accepts a digi-coax in rather than optical.

What is everyone's favourite 24bit bit bucket these days? Anything I should watch out for in the new year?

I'm looking for something not much more than $500 realistically.

FWIW, I initially thought I'd jump on an MT, but have since decided I don't want to deal with its stability issues.

[Brian Skalinder]

AFAIK, the MicroTrack's the only option in that price range.  FWIW, I and plenty of other folks have run the MT as a bit-bucket with minimal trouble initially, followed by slim to no issues after identifying and working with its quirks.

Dnsacks may have some input on a PDA-based bit-bucket, but that may (or may not) take you above your budget.

[svenkid]

Ive been using the V3 > MT combo for ab00t a year now. with the latest firmware, things seem to work very well now

[dnsacks]

I'm quite happy with my dell axim x51v handheld, coresound's pdaudio cf card and the excellent live24/96 software.

The live 24/96 software automatically splits wav files at the proper point (which the mt won't do) and makes for a really handy pda.

VERY durable and, so far, battery life has NOT been an issue.

fwiw

[aberg]

I'm quite happy with my dell axim x51v handheld, coresound's pdaudio cf card and the excellent live24/96 software.

The live 24/96 software automatically splits wav files at the proper point (which the mt won't do) and makes for a really handy pda.

VERY durable and, so far, battery life has NOT been an issue.

fwiw

What would a setup like that cost? I've heard some bad things about PDA rigs in terms of reliability as well.

[aberg]

Also, does anyone know the going rate for a used stock pmd671?

[KLowe]

FWIW.  I actually love my MT as a bit bucket at 24/48.  The only issue I had was batery life with a microdrive.  Made a Li ion battery pack now the thing is rock solid and battery life lasts forever.

get a used MT for cheap.

[aberg]

FWIW.  I actually love my MT as a bit bucket at 24/48.  The only issue I had was batery life with a microdrive.  Made a Li ion battery pack now the thing is rock solid and battery life lasts forever.

get a used MT for cheap.

It seems that for every person that suggests the MT is stable, I find another person who has problems... not really sure if I want to take that gamble at this point... maybe I'm imagining things, but wasn't there a used pmd671 that sold on here a while back for $475 or so... to me, that would seem like a great deal.

[JasonSobel]

after using a MT for 6 or 7 months, I decided that I no longer wanted to deal with the quirks, but mostly, the lack of an auto-split at 2 gigs.  Granted, the latest firmware (which I never got to use), seems to be better in terms of overall stability, but there is still no 2 gig autosplit.  that was a big deal for me and made it a hassle to run.  so, I made the switch to a Tascam HD-P2.  it's been rock solid and I haven't looked back.  I think either an HD-P2 or the Marantz PMD-671 would be worthwhile, especially if you can find one used.

[aberg]

after using a MT for 6 or 7 months, I decided that I no longer wanted to deal with the quirks, but mostly, the lack of an auto-split at 2 gigs.  Granted, the latest firmware (which I never got to use), seems to be better in terms of overall stability, but there is still no 2 gig autosplit.  that was a big deal for me and made it a hassle to run.  so, I made the switch to a Tascam HD-P2.  it's been rock solid and I haven't looked back.  I think either an HD-P2 or the Marantz PMD-671 would be worthwhile, especially if you can find one used.

Yeah, between those 2 units, I've heard nothing but good things, but would probably opt for the 671 since it's slightly smaller. Either way, with a v3 and one of those units, I'd probably be investing in a Nova 5.

[jmerin]

i agree the tascam rocks, when i had mine, i had no issues at all, and tascam is a reliable company.  

[aberg]

Well, the tascam and marantz units are proven, so those are definitely good options.

Are there any good units coming out in the new year that people are hyping? i haven't been following the threads.

[JasonSobel]

Yeah, between those 2 units, I've heard nothing but good things, but would probably opt for the 671 since it's slightly smaller. Either way, with a v3 and one of those units, I'd probably be investing in a Nova 5.

actually, I went with the HD-P2 partially because it's smaller.
from this thread that I started a while back:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=62271.0

Marantz PMD-671
size: 10.4" x 7.3" x 2"

Tascam HD-P2
size: 9.6" x 7.4" x 2.36"

the HD-P2 is just a little taller (0.1 inches), and a little thicker (0.36 inches), but the PMD-671 is 0.8 inches wider.
I guess it all depends which dimension is more important to you

[aberg]

Yeah, between those 2 units, I've heard nothing but good things, but would probably opt for the 671 since it's slightly smaller. Either way, with a v3 and one of those units, I'd probably be investing in a Nova 5.

actually, I went with the HD-P2 partially because it's smaller.
from this thread that I started a while back:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=62271.0

Marantz PMD-671
size: 10.4" x 7.3" x 2"

Tascam HD-P2
size: 9.6" x 7.4" x 2.36"

the HD-P2 is just a little taller (0.1 inches), and a little thicker (0.36 inches), but the PMD-671 is 0.8 inches wider.
I guess it all depends which dimension is more important to you

Ah, thanks for the clarification Jason... I guess they're basically the same size give or take.

[aberg]

I'm quite happy with my dell axim x51v handheld, coresound's pdaudio cf card and the excellent live24/96 software.

The live 24/96 software automatically splits wav files at the proper point (which the mt won't do) and makes for a really handy pda.

VERY durable and, so far, battery life has NOT been an issue.

fwiw

Have you got any pics of your setup? This looks like pretty cool stuff.