Topic: Oade PMD661 Super vs. MixPre for MKH 8040 ST set

[mc2600]

Hi,

I have an MKH 8040ST set coming in, and need a little help choosing a preamp/recorder combo.

The mics will do double-duty ... some music and also some nature recording where low, low, low self-noise is critical.

I was going to grab a MixPre (or 302) and a PCM-M10. I don't like carrying two boxes ... even when one is small like the M10, but I figured this was my best compromise.

Now I'm wondering how the sound quality --- and specifically, the added noise --- of an Oade Super-modded 661 would stack up.

I'd much rather have a single, lighter box ... but I have no idea how far off the performance would be compared to the MixPre combo.

Any experiences, thoughts, suggestions or alternatives are appreciated.

Thanks,
Michael

P.S. I have also thought about a 702. But I'd still have the same question about it vs. the modded 661, but just because the 661 is half the weight.

[jbell]

The super mod 661 might overload with load music!

[OOK]

If you can swing the 702.......do it and don't look back.......its the last recorder you will ever really need....excellent piece of gear, built like a tank, great customer service. one box, one battery, one set of mics and your set......set and forget it......

OOK

[F.O.Bean]

If you can swing the 702.......do it and don't look back.......its the last recorder you will ever really need....excellent piece of gear, built like a tank, great customer service. one box, one battery, one set of mics and your set......set and forget it......

OOK

[datbrad]

If you simply need an all-in-one recorder that can give very low noise performance in ambient situations, and also handle high sound pressure of PA music recording, the 7xx will definately be the best choice.

Doug told me the super mod PMD661 is excellent for nature, but will overload in high sound sound pressure for taping shows. Conversely, the Concert and Warm modded 661s are made for recording loud music, and will not provide the SNR needed for nature work.

Now, if you are planning to run a quiet outboard preamp and feed a line input to the recorder, the size and weight of the 661 then becomes a big advantage over the 7xx recorders, not to mention the price difference.