Topic: Sony PCM-M10 portable recorder needs service - but where?

[Eldo Rado]

UPDATE:  Sony just contacted me by email.  Their California service center will replace my unit for a refurbished used one, for US$150.  I think I'll take them up on the offer.
Thanks to all who contributed and responded.

[robgronotte]

Thanks for the suggestions.  Looking at the specs on the Sony PCM-A10 it's hard for me to consider it an upgrade. Unlike my old M10, the battery isn't removable (only rechargeable) and it has no phantom power, which I need for my binaural in-ear mics.  The Zoom looks interesting, however; will research it.  Thanks again.

I agree with you - no way does the A10 look like an upgrade.

How so? It has Bluetooth control and is smaller. Is there something worse about it? If not, it's a big upgrade,unless you really will be recording for more than 30 hours with no ability to recharge the unit.

[unidentified]

So, here is an honest question for fans of using Bluetooth.  Does using it increase the risk of RF interference on recordings, especially if the recorder is on your person?   For years I have been diligent about avoiding RF interference on recordings by setting my phone on Airplane Mode before I start recording.  Thanks in advance. 

[nulldogmas]

So, here is an honest question for fans of using Bluetooth.  Does using it increase the risk of RF interference on recordings, especially if the recorder is on your person?   For years I have been diligent about avoiding RF interference on recordings by setting my phone on Airplane Mode before I start recording.  Thanks in advance.

I've never experienced any RF interference in roughly 150 shows where I recorded with a Bluetooth-controlled A10.

[vanark]

So, here is an honest question for fans of using Bluetooth.  Does using it increase the risk of RF interference on recordings, especially if the recorder is on your person?   For years I have been diligent about avoiding RF interference on recordings by setting my phone on Airplane Mode before I start recording.  Thanks in advance.

I've never experienced any RF interference in roughly 150 shows where I recorded with a Bluetooth-controlled A10.

Smaller number of shows, but same experience - no RF interference.

[unidentified]

This is good to know. But just for control case purposes, have you ever experienced getting radio frequency interference in any of the venues that you have frequented, without Bluetooth? I have in one of my favorite venues and it's pretty much a killer in cases involving quiet music.

[Twenty8]

I agree with you - no way does the A10 look like an upgrade.

If anyone reading this does not see it as an upgrade, that's fine and a personal choice of judgement and that's great.  However... it should be seen as an acceptable "lateral move".

I used to play a LOT of disc golf.  Guys would go out with expensive discs or rare discs or favorite discs and really, REALLY bemoan when they got lost or thrown into water.  Over the years, I realized two things in succession.  First, that if you didn't want the disc to get lost ... don't throw it or be more careful.  Secondly (and more importantly), the game has grown so much that manufacturers sell discs on the retail market that do nearly the same thing - that dinosaur can be replaced by something very similar.

What I am saying is, you can baby your equipment all you want to, but unless you have a backup - at some point, as a consumer - you have to be willing to make a lateral move when your equipment becomes dated or inoperable.  This is tech in the 21st century.

I have an M10 and an A10.  If my M10 fails, I'm not going to eBay for another.  I am going to embrace the fact that B and H sells A10s.  They probably used to sell M10s.  Now they sell A10s.  This is both to the advantage of the consumer and the march of time.

Personally, just my own opinion, I think nostalgia is for the weak and shows an inability to reasonably compromise/be open to the present moment.  Eye of the beholder, for sure, but, like, live for today maaaaaan.

[unidentified]

I agree with you - no way does the A10 look like an upgrade.

If anyone reading this does not see it as an upgrade, that's fine and a personal choice of judgement and that's great.  However... it should be seen as an acceptable "lateral move".

I used to play a LOT of disc golf.  Guys would go out with expensive discs or rare discs or favorite discs and really, REALLY bemoan when they got lost or thrown into water.  Over the years, I realized two things in succession.  First, that if you didn't want the disc to get lost ... don't throw it or be more careful.  Secondly (and more importantly), the game has grown so much that manufacturers sell discs on the retail market that do nearly the same thing - that dinosaur can be replaced by something very similar.

What I am saying is, you can baby your equipment all you want to, but unless you have a backup - at some point, as a consumer - you have to be willing to make a lateral move when your equipment becomes dated or inoperable.  This is tech in the 21st century.

I have an M10 and an A10.  If my M10 fails, I'm not going to eBay for another.  I am going to embrace the fact that B and H sells A10s.  They probably used to sell M10s.  Now they sell A10s.  This is both to the advantage of the consumer and the march of time.

Personally, just my own opinion, I think nostalgia is for the weak and shows an inability to reasonably compromise/be open to the present moment.  Eye of the beholder, for sure, but, like, live for today maaaaaan.

Truth be told, even though I love my M10s, I rarely use them now. My go-tos in most every situation are my Zoom F3s. Floating 32-bit means I don't have to worry about adjusting the gain remotely during a show. YMMV.

[mrfender]

I agree with you - no way does the A10 look like an upgrade.

I have an M10 and an A10.  If my M10 fails, I'm not going to eBay for another.  I am going to embrace the fact that B and H sells A10s.  They probably used to sell M10s.  Now they sell A10s. 

Yes, proof B&H sold M10s. 

[morst]

I used my new red ebay M10 last night as a backup. I like the M10's omni mics when I don't have optimal position for the A10 cardioids.
Love the battery life on the M10, and I get a lot of half-used AA's from work so that's like free power.

[unidentified]

I used my new red ebay M10 last night as a backup. I like the M10's omni mics when I don't have optimal position for the A10 cardioids.
Love the battery life on the M10, and I get a lot of half-used AA's from work so that's like free power.

Long live the M10! 

[Eldo Rado]

Just received the replacement unit ($150, shipped):  a brand-new, never-opened in-the-box PCM-M10 with all the accessories and even two new batteries.  Thank you Mr SONY!