Topic: What mini recorder has a spdif digital input????

[syngltrack]

Just looking for a small, cheap bit bucket to pull off a second stage while I run the main stage.  what is cheap/effective/used . . . .?

Thanks,

[TimeBandit]

Besides microtrackers which crashes your files when they don't explode, some irivers have spdif in.
modded with rockbox, bigger hdd (or Cf mod) and higher battery capacity it might a neat option.

benefit they only do 16 Bit, but should be solved when you got a neat preamp in front.

[mcroberts]

I'm also looking for something small and relatively modestly priced that can do 24/96 with spdif in for festivals where I'd be running a 2nd rig. Doesn't require even a decent pre or ad since it would be used exclusively to take a digital signal. Any recommendations?

[H₂O]

Tascam dr-100mkii (coax)
Sony PCM d50 (optical)
Both are picky on the input and only sync to properly formatted signals
 - SD usbpre 2, and v3 both work with latest firmware
 - I don't know about the minime

[sunjan]

PMD 670 (16 bit)
PMD 661, 671 (24 bit)

Yes, I know these are bulkier and more expensive, but I thought I'd mention them if you happen to see them cheap.
If tou really need 24bit and are feeding them with a mini-me there is probably less risk of compatibility issues, compared to the D50.

DR-100mkII does sync OK with the mini-me, it seems:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=153273.msg1939874#msg1939874

[mcroberts]

Thanks for the recommendations guys. I guess I'd be willing to compromise small size for reliability and don't want to be in a scenrio where I'm having signal issues, so I'll have to look closely at the 4 suggestions.

[shaggy]

Tascam dr-100mkii (coax)
Sony PCM d50 (optical)
Both are picky on the input and only sync to properly formatted signals
 - SD usbpre 2, and v3 both work with latest firmware
 - I don't know about the minime

Sorry, I read thru all the pages on the DR-100MK2 thread that Steve started but I never came across someone that verified if it works with a V3.  Does it work with a V3?

[F.O.Bean]

Tascam dr-100mkii (coax)
Sony PCM d50 (optical)
Both are picky on the input and only sync to properly formatted signals
 - SD usbpre 2, and v3 both work with latest firmware
 - I don't know about the minime

Sorry, I read thru all the pages on the DR-100MK2 thread that Steve started but I never came across someone that verified if it works with a V3.  Does it work with a V3?

Im not sure either. I would imagine it does, because it works w/ a MME as well

[Todd R]

Sorry, I read thru all the pages on the DR-100MK2 thread that Steve started but I never came across someone that verified if it works with a V3.  Does it work with a V3?

Need to get the feedback from those who have actually tried it, but I imagine the 100mkii works with the V3.

Folks are saying that the 100mkii and D50 are finicky about their digital input. I don't think it is something that is random -- if an A/D puts out a true spdif signal, they work fine.  The trouble is there are companies like Mytek that have pretty much said they are not putting out a spdif signal, but rather an AES formatted signal on a spdif-type coax RCA connector (which isn't then a spdif signal).

Anyway, the V3 works fine with the D50 (after the firmware upgrade), so I'd guess the V3 will work fine with the 100mkii.  The Sony D50 is in the same boat -- it wants a true spdif formatted signal (it is a Sony protocol afterall) -- so since the V3 is clearly been upgraded with the new firmware to provide a true spdif signal, it should work fine with the 100mkii.

[mcroberts]

Sorry, I read thru all the pages on the DR-100MK2 thread that Steve started but I never came across someone that verified if it works with a V3.  Does it work with a V3?
[/quote]

Im not sure either. I would imagine it does, because it works w/ a MME as well
[/quote]

Bean are you poditive it works with the mme? When I read steve's thread it appeared that it did not work if memory serves...

[eman]

If 16 bits works for you, the iRiver is an excellent recorder. SPDIF in, nice preamp, very small, solid construction, good battery life and easy outboard power (4xAA). They go for about $100 on ebay when they come up. Load it with Rockbox freeware, push one button to turn it on, another button and you are rolling. 20 or 40 gigs. FM radio to boot! Only the H100, 120, and 140 models have the features required.

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

Updating this topic...

The currently available recorders that have S/PDIF inputs and sell for under $1000 are:

   Sony PCM-D100
   Marantz PMD-661 MkII
   Tascam DR-100 MkII
   Tascam DR-680

None of them are really "mini" recorders.

If you know of others, please add to the list.

[H₂O]

Roland r-44

[jb63]

Is the tascam smaller than the Sony, or the other way around. The sony is optical not coax, and I don't know, is that spdif?

[DF81]

Tascam HD-P2

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

Both are not mini recorders, but thanks for adding to the list!

[flipp]

Both M-audio's original MT-2496 and the MT-II are small and take a S/PDIF signal. While not in production any longer, they can be found used for ~$100 and often less on ebay.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Both are not mini recorders, but thanks for adding to the list!

Nor is the Tascam DR-680, which is at least as big as the R-44 if not larger.  The Sound Devices 702, 722 and 744 are all around that size, too.

[jb63]

Both M-audio's original MT-2496 and the MT-II are small and take a S/PDIF signal. While not in production any longer, they can be found used for ~$100 and often less on ebay.

I forgot about those!
What was the largest card you could fit in one of those?

[flipp]

Both M-audio's original MT-2496 and the MT-II are small and take a S/PDIF signal. While not in production any longer, they can be found used for ~$100 and often less on ebay.

I forgot about those!
What was the largest card you could fit in one of those?

I've successfully used a 16GB card in the 2496 before while one time I had a different brand 16GB that wouldn't record past 8GB. Usual card I use in the 2496 is 8GB and the 2496 has taken every brand 8GB I've tried. While I do have a larger card - 32GB -  it resides permanently in my FR2. Note that some folks think the MTs are rather finicky. Other than the one card not being recognized past 8GB I have had zero problems that I didn't cause (read as engage hold button before hitting record).

[jb63]

Well, I use an 8gb card in a 661 that gives me 6 hours of 2496. I can't believe the mt2 batteries last 6 hours, but they might last 3. I doubt I'd ever need to run it more than 3 hours without an battery swap.

I'll have to look at some old threads. What was the biggest complaint about them?

[flipp]

Well, I use an 8gb card in a 661 that gives me 6 hours of 2496. I can't believe the mt2 batteries last 6 hours, but they might last 3. I doubt I'd ever need to run it more than 3 hours without an battery swap.

I'll have to look at some old threads. What was the biggest complaint about them?

Besides microtrackers which crashes your files when they don't explode, some irivers have spdif in.
modded with rockbox, bigger hdd (or Cf mod) and higher battery capacity it might a neat option.

benefit they only do 16 Bit, but should be solved when you got a neat preamp in front.

I "think" the crashed files were mainly caused by powering down without stopping the recording, removing remote power before stopping the recording, or the internal battery depletion but that's based on my memory which is becoming less reliable as I get older. I also seem to recall only one report of a battery "exploding"/catching fire. 5v external power is possible through the USB charging port so the basic limitation is file size (4GB with updated firmware) rather than internal battery capacity.

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

Here's what's currently available:

    Sony PCM-D100
    Marantz PMD-661 MkII
    Tascam DR-100 MkII
    Tascam DR-680
    Tascam HD-P2   
    Edirol R-44
   
None are what could be called mini-recorders.