Topic: Sony PCM-D100 or SD 633?

[devtank]

Odd question, I know, however, I am attracted to both but cant afford both. I can just about afford to find a used 633 for $2650.
I desire a 633 because I want to be able to do my hobby and also get some work out of it too. The 633 allows for that.
The D100 is appealing for size and features, although Id have to get a phantom supply to run my two 416's, and maybe something else to allow me to run a set of binaurals and a lav also.
Ive owned a DR100mk2 a PCM-D50 and currently have a Roland R-26, which has served me well on documentaries.
I dont really understand the SD633 because its a 3 channel mixer/recorder but has 10 tracks.. so does that mean I can use the mini XLRs on it to add more mics?
Size wise its reasonably small enough to take to remote areas and use for my needs and beyond, the D100 covers my needs and 'might' cover more with some added stuff (Im thinking of a Denecke PS-2).
Anyway I just want to get an idea of what the SD633 is capable of and will it cover what I want (2x 416s + atleast one additional mic.
The sony option saves me some money to buy a nice lens.

[Ultfris101]

I've looked at the 633 some and yes the way I understand it you can run up to three P48 mics direct into device. The additional three inputs can also be used with other mics but they don't have pres or provide power so you need an external preamp of some kind. Excellent for soundboard feeds of course and feeds from anything else.

You should be able to mix together the various channels to record the individual channels to tracks but then also record mixes of the various inputs so you get a mixdown on the fly or whatever. Looks like a pretty cool device.

No first hand experience with either but they fill very different use models. A couple folks here on TS have used the D100 and it has received a lot of praise.

Thanks, now you have me thinking about a 633 (like I need one).

[H₂O]

You may also want to consider the sd 744t which you can find for around $1800-1900 used

[stevetoney]

It is kind of an odd pairing.  I can't answer the question for you about whether or not you value a D100 + lens more than a sd633.

But if you leave the lens out of it and consider only the recorders, the two comments I have are...

Do you want DSD?  If not, then what does the D100 give you that your R26 doesn't already give you? 

Then if you comps the D100 against the 633, there's really no comparison.  The SD633 hands down is the one to get based on features, channels, aesthetics, fun, and on and on.  It's alot of money, but I recently picked up a 744 and I've never been more pleased with a purchase.  I'm pretty sure the 633 would have thrilled me even more, though of course the 7xx series lights in the dark are mesmerizing.

[yates7592]

I would guess, that on the basis of sound quality alone, the pre's on the SD would trump the Sony.

[page]

I desire a 633 because I want to be able to do my hobby and also get some work out of it too. The 633 allows for that.

Of the two, that's a no brainer for me in that I'd pick the D100. I own an 8ch rig and lots of equipment, and I also own a D50 and a small run'n'gun setup. My advice is not to assume you're going to make any money. I've gotten paying gigs before and it is sort of a damper on the hobby, and it requires way more gear than you assume it should plus you're expected to produce better results than most do here. Thats a high bar to pass.

You may also want to consider the sd 744t which you can find for around $1800-1900 used

This. If you want to go >2ch, then pick something else like the 744, the r-44, or the hs-p82. Something of that caliber that gives a better bang:buck ratio, but even having used a lot of Sound Devices gear in the past (and loved it), I'd keep the above in mind...