Topic: Beat to Death - M-10 vs Dr2d

[mec111272]

So I know this one has been talked over about a million times in various threads, but I am going to sum up what I have found and open this up to others.

1. Both units are very nice and easy to use.
2. The M-10 build quality may be a little better.
3. The M-10 battery life is superior.
4. The DR2D has the option of 2 - 2 channel tracks.

And here's the big one!!
5.  Sonically they are just about the same when fed from and external amp and used for A/D & "bit-bucket". 

Would others like to opine on the topic? 

[darby]

I don't like to give opinions, but since I own both...
the M10 is my go to deck for 2 channel for reasons 2, 3 & 5 plus I find it easier to use.
another reason is because the DR-2d is no longer in production and will be harder to replace at some point

[adrianf74]

I've run an M10 since shortly after it was released; great deck and the menus are pretty straight forward.  The DR-2D is a discontinued product and will be harder to come by. 

I agree with darby on his stance.  The key advantage to the DR-2D is if you're gonna run two sets of mics with preamps that output to 1/8", you'll have clock synced signals.  Some people would still prefer to run two M10's.

I'd originally gone the route of the DR-2D but decided to keep my M10 and run a Tascam DR-60D (P48 and 1/8" input) when I want to run two sets of actives/mics and/or a board feed.

[yousef]

"bit-bucket"

Why do people have people have such difficulty with this term?

[DigiGal]

I don't own either unit, however, number five above isn't accurate since for either to be considered a "bit-bucket" a digital input on the recorder would be required.

[aaronji]

The M10 can also take a considerably hotter signal and the mic input is much quieter...

[mec111272]

I don't own either unit, however, number five above isn't accurate since for either to be considered a "bit-bucket" a digital input on the recorder would be required.

Thread Hijack ALERT!!!!

BLAH BLAH BLAH,  I get it, but to be perfectly accurate once it passes its A/D it is then a Bit Bucket.   

[mec111272]

The M10 can also take a considerably hotter signal and the mic input is much quieter...

So we need to adjust #5.  Sonically the M-10 is "better".  Quieter mic input, can handle hotter signal.  Anyone disagree?

[2manyrocks]

I have both. 

The 2d is a quality recorder.  The option to record 4 channels sets it apart from the M10. 

The M10 is still about $210, but the 2d got cleared out around $99.  Is the M10 worth the price difference?  If you only do short recordings where battery life isn't important, the 2d will work fine.  For longer recordings where battery life is more important, the M10 is the clear winner for battery life, for easier menu navigation, for the rotary gain knob, and for being just the right size to fit a shirt pocket, IMO.

With the 2d being discontinued, the current question for some buyers will be whether to choose the M10 or the Tascam DR 60d now that the 4 channel 60d is on sale for about the same price as the M10. 




 

[adrianf74]

With the 2d being discontinued, the current question for some buyers will be whether to choose the M10 or the Tascam DR 60d now that the 4 channel 60d is on sale for about the same price as the M10.

Sadly, you're gonna have a hard time putting a DR-60D in your shirt or pants pocket. 

The M10 is still a better deck and will be my go to recorder unless I'm planning on doing 4-channels (two sets of mics or mics and board).   Even when I'm running 4-channels, especially if I'm using P48, I'll need to invoke my external USB battery 

[DigiGal]

"bit-bucket"

Why do people have people have such difficulty with this term?

 

[dallman]

I don't own either unit, however, number five above isn't accurate since for either to be considered a "bit-bucket" a digital input on the recorder would be required.

Thread Hijack ALERT!!!!

BLAH BLAH BLAH,  I get it, but to be perfectly accurate once it passes its A/D it is then a Bit Bucket.   

Not really. DigiGal is right on the mark. You are running analog out from a preamp into analog in on the Sony which goes through the Sony pre.

[2manyrocks]

With the 2d being discontinued, the current question for some buyers will be whether to choose the M10 or the Tascam DR 60d now that the 4 channel 60d is on sale for about the same price as the M10.

Sadly, you're gonna have a hard time putting a DR-60D in your shirt or pants pocket. 

The M10 is still a better deck and will be my go to recorder unless I'm planning on doing 4-channels (two sets of mics or mics and board).   Even when I'm running 4-channels, especially if I'm using P48, I'll need to invoke my external USB battery 

Well, you're right that  I can't carry a camera, DR60D, a 10' light stand for my mics, and a camera tripod in my shirt pocket. 

I haven't read about stuff breaking on the M10 except maybe a battery door or something along the way.  I saw a review of the 60d where the reviewer complained that one of the strap mounts broke while the unit was in his bag.  The M10 form factor and the way the controls lay in the hand are pretty hard to beat.   If someone came out with a soft clamshell case with a flip out screen cover for the M10, that would be terrific.   

[hi and lo]

"bit-bucket"

Why do people have people have such difficulty with this term?

 

heh. I'm just wondering why we're trying to have an analytical discussion about two low-budget recorders while treating terminology 101 lessons as thread-jacks.

[acidjack]

For making recordings of PA systems with modest microphones either of these products is fine. The M10 probably sounds a little better, is easier to use, and it is made by a company that, in my opinion and experience, makes vastly better products, at least in portable audio. But it's not like the "quality" of the sound will be much affected by either. Bigger issues are stuff like ease of use, battery life, and reliability. The M10 is the best in class in those categories, though I'd say the Roland R-05 comes pretty close.

The DR-2D can do "4 channel" (kind of) which is the main only thing to recommend it over one of the other two.