Topic: Upgrading from a Sony PCM M10

[nxb]

I've been taping with CA-14C mics > CA-9100 Preamp > Sony PCM M10 for a few years and have been consistently getting excellent recordings. The M10 has had a few knocks over the years and I'm thinking of replacing it before it fails and keeping it as a spare recorder.

Is there an alternate recorder out there that will give me even better results or should I just buy another M10?


Thanks for any input

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I've been thinking of a second M10 so I can either run 2 small rigs or to patch into someone else.

Haven't been able to come up with anything better so far.

[Phil Zone]

I'd get another m10 they are just solid and never have problems, how can it get any better.

[mccordo]

3rd for stay with an M10. I have one in my second smaller/ rig and can't think of any reason to get rid of it.

[Ultfris101]

I like my M10's a lot and for two channel, small rig and  I have no desire for anything else. Some people say they don't like the gain level wheel and feel it can get accidentally changed too easily, but that's not a problem I've had. You might find something a little bit cheaper that would do about the same, but the M10 has been so reliable for so many people it's hard to see a reason to change unless you just want to try something different.

There are times I'd like to have a more secure connection from pre to recorder like a locking trs mini jack or XLR or something but a right angle plug and a small piece of gaff tape does pretty well and keeps form factor small.

Personally I'd go for upgrading mics and pres before feeling I needed to upgrade my m10's. I guess if I was going to do it I'd look closely at a used Sony D50 or the successor, the new D100 but it's a lot more expensive than an m10 and a bit bigger.

Of all my gear, my M10 and R-44 give me the most sense of comfort regarding reliability and performance (followed closely by my tinyboxes).  I have gear lust at times to try new stuff and add channels, but can't complain about these guys at all.

[cashandkerouac]

considering the cost, functionality, performance and size of the M10, it's tough to beat.  as long as you are content to stick with an external pre-amp or battery box the M10 is a keeper. 

[stevetoney]

Your thread title says 'upgrade' but you didn't define what you have in mind or what you're looking to do with an upgrade.  Seems from your original post that you're just looking for suggestions for something new.  I can't argue the m10, but if it was me, I'd probably look for another recorder that has features the m10 doesn't that might prove useful if the opportunity presented itself.  For example, if you have mics with XLRs, perhaps you'd go for a Tascam DR40 which has XLR inputs.  It also has the dual recording feature that allows you to record one channel at 6 to 12db or more lower than the other.  If you want 4 channels in a handheld, consider a DR2D or the new Zoom H6.  If you want digital inputs, that's another feature the m10 doesn't have.  I'm just saying that there are lots of new products out there with lots of useful features.

[F.O.Bean]

I have [2] M10s as of right now, and LOVE THEM both! I will be buying a 3rd White one next month AFTER XMas, thats how much I love them! I have [2] complete Schoeps rigs, and the M10 is just a solid piece of recording gear! For the price/sound/quality, its a no brainer IMO

[acidjack]

I've been taping with CA-14C mics > CA-9100 Preamp > Sony PCM M10 for a few years and have been consistently getting excellent recordings. The M10 has had a few knocks over the years and I'm thinking of replacing it before it fails and keeping it as a spare recorder.

Is there an alternate recorder out there that will give me even better results or should I just buy another M10?


Thanks for any input

What would lead you to think the M10 will fail?  It really shouldn't, unless you break it.

I don't think there is a better recorder in that category (small, 2-channel, plug-in-power) unless you move to something like a Nagra SD, which is probably a higher-quality unit, but is complete overkill.  If you did a lot of open taping with mics with phantom power, there are moves that would make sense, but for your situation, I'd just keep the M10 you have and not worry about it.

[nxb]

Thanks for all the positive feedback about the M10. I am very happy with mine but as it's been bashed around a fair bit I think it will need to be replaced in the not too distant future.

I was just wondering wether it was worth getting a 2nd M10 or if there was any other recorder for around the same outlay that was significantly better but from the replies it doesn't sound like it.

I'll be getting a 2nd M10.

[spyder9]

There is nothing significantly better than the M10 in that price range.  An Edirol R-09HR, Marantz PCM-620, or Tascam DR-2D would not be an upgrade nor downgrade, but merely a question of taste.  My 2 cents.

[Thierry]

The M10 is the bomb, easy to use and great results!