Author Topic: PCM-D50 problems (Read 22579 times)

SClassical · « **on:** December 24, 2007, 01:25:48 PM »

Just received my Sony PCM-D50 today and tried to feed it with a range of digital signals from my V3 (optical).

When I pre-set the recorder to 24bit it will always show 16bit when I send a signal from my V3...It seems as if it cannot record a 24bit signal from a V3 even though the recorder was pre-set to 24bit.

Also it will ONLY show 44.1kHz and 48kHz.

So the only settings the PCM-D50 show are 16bit 44.1 and 16bit 48kHz via optical with the V3 (nothing else!).

Anyone know what is going on here?

WiFiJeff · « **Reply #1 on:** December 24, 2007, 02:02:52 PM »

This is exactly what Joe found from high-end A/D, and I found using a Mic2496. If you record the digital signal, you will see the clock moving way too fast, and the playback will be down an octave or so and slow, so you do record 96kH, the machine just thinks it's 16/48. When I imported the signal into Audacity as raw data as stereo 24/96 with a 31 bit offset i could recognize the real me-voice. This sounds much like what the MT II is doing to V3 and other coax digital input, and may be due to a similar bit flag problem. M-Audio is supposed to fix this in new firmware, I don't know what Sony plans to do. Joe did record some analog-in to one D50 at 24/96, and then fed this into another D50, and that worked fine, so whatever flag is missing form the V3/Mic2496/etc. the Sony is outputting it. I seem to recall a similar problem with the Fostex FR-2 or Marantz PMD 671 at high res, they fixed it with a firmware revision. Fostex and M-Audio do firmware upgrades online, the Marantz hads to be sent in to the service center and I fear the Sony may be the same.

Jeff

SClassical · « **Reply #2 on:** December 24, 2007, 03:02:16 PM »

I know Joe had a few words with them about this issue...What really p***** me off is that they were too arrogant to admit there's a problem with their D50.

If M-Audio fixes the problem before Sony with a new firmware (which I think they will) I might end up getting the MTII. That is sad

Sort of disappointed because the whole reason for me to get the D50 was to record @24/96 with my V3 without complications.

WiFiJeff · « **Reply #3 on:** December 24, 2007, 03:09:31 PM »

Okay, well here's some good news on the D50. I have run it several times now with a normal 8GB pro duo memory stick and it works fine, it runs for 3 hours 53 minutes and makes four files (2GB, 2GB, 2GB and the 1.57GB to media full) with seamless splits. I intend to use the HG pro duo when it comes out, but it's great that the normal pro duo will run.

Jeff

Jppiano · « **Reply #4 on:** December 25, 2007, 11:05:02 AM »

Hey, Guys

More than had words with them - I gave them specific information as to what equipment was feeding the machine and pointed out to them that the exact same problem was evident no matter what the source. As Jeff has pointed out, my symptoms are exactly the same as Simon's. I am going to call them after the 1st - meanwhile, I have Prism finding out about the 24 bit flag; I'll keep the group posted....

Joe

SClassical · « **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2007, 01:14:22 PM »

http://www.bradlinder.net/2007/12/unboxing-sony-pcm-d50.html

Looks like someone else in another discussion forum is having problems, too.... Sony told the guy it's not their D50 that has the problem but the external digital converter's fault (from M-Audio).

anhisr · « **Reply #6 on:** December 26, 2007, 01:19:04 PM »

Grace is also working on a fix for the problem with the V3 and the MTII. Maybe this will also fix the problem with the D50. Stay tuned.

spyder9 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 27, 2007, 11:17:21 AM »

Quote from: WiFiJeff on December 24, 2007, 03:09:31 PM

Okay, well here's some good news on the D50. I have run it several times now with a normal 8GB pro duo memory stick and it works fine, it runs for 3 hours 53 minutes and makes four files (2GB, 2GB, 2GB and the 1.57GB to media full) with seamless splits. I intend to use the HG pro duo when it comes out, but it's great that the normal pro duo will run.

Jeff

Were you feeding the D50 a 24/48 signal via analog? That is good news on the 8GB card. They go for $85.00 shipped on eBay.

mrsoul · « **Reply #8 on:** December 27, 2007, 11:26:59 AM »

Quote from: WiFiJeff on December 24, 2007, 03:09:31 PM

Okay, well here's some good news on the D50. I have run it several times now with a normal 8GB pro duo memory stick and it works fine, it runs for 3 hours 53 minutes and makes four files (2GB, 2GB, 2GB and the 1.57GB to media full) with seamless splits. I intend to use the HG pro duo when it comes out, but it's great that the normal pro duo will run.

Jeff

I am assuming that is 24/48 for the 3 hour 53 min times. Thanks for the info. I had an 8Gb but took it back in fear it wouldn't work. I'll pick up one of those before the Wanee to go with my HG 4Gb. Nice to have 16Gb for the 2 day fest! I will probably go 16bit with SBM for the festival and not even need to download any during the weekend. Thanks again for the info +T.
mrsoulMark

WiFiJeff · « **Reply #9 on:** December 27, 2007, 05:34:29 PM »

Quote from: spyder9 on December 27, 2007, 11:17:21 AM

Quote from: WiFiJeff on December 24, 2007, 03:09:31 PM
Okay, well here's some good news on the D50. I have run it several times now with a normal 8GB pro duo memory stick and it works fine, it runs for 3 hours 53 minutes and makes four files (2GB, 2GB, 2GB and the 1.57GB to media full) with seamless splits. I intend to use the HG pro duo when it comes out, but it's great that the normal pro duo will run.

Jeff

Were you feeding the D50 a 24/48 signal via analog? That is good news on the 8GB card. They go for $85.00 shipped on eBay.

I was feeding a line signal (analog) in, at 24/96, which uses roughly 2GB an hour, so my 8GB card gave me nearly four hours. It was fed from an FM radio, I checked the file joins in Wavelab carefully but only sampled the rest of the four hours. Since the FM signal was dynamically compressed, I could see the waveform was pretty uniform at -4 dB, no glitches or excursions to 0dB, and what I sampled was fine. 24/48 should give 8hours on the card, I might check that tomorrow.

Jeff

SClassical · « **Reply #10 on:** December 28, 2007, 04:42:12 PM »

Just got a message from Michael from Grace Design and this is what he said:

Hello Simon,
We have been made aware of problems with connecting the V3 to the
M-Audio MTII and I suspect the Sony unit you have is suffering from the
same issue. It seems that these machines are requiring sample rate and
bit depth sub-code data in the digital audio stream to configure their
recording parameters. When the V3s firmware was originally written this
was not a requirement for any equipment that was available at the time.
Jamie has revised the firmware so that the V3 will transmit these
codes and this should solve the problem. We are in the testing phase
right now and should have new firmware upgrades available shortly. This
will be in the form of a simple socketed chip replacement and should not
take more than a couple of minutes to do in the field.
We will keep you up to date with the status on this and will send you
the new firmware as soon as it is available.
Thanks for your patience,
Michael

Thanks Michael!

mrsoul · « **Reply #11 on:** December 28, 2007, 04:43:52 PM »

So, seems the problem is the source not the PCM-50

Belexes · « **Reply #12 on:** December 28, 2007, 04:55:54 PM »

New title of thread:

V3 problem

SClassical · « **Reply #13 on:** December 28, 2007, 05:12:32 PM »

I wouldn't say V3 has the problem. It's just that time has changed. New recorders (like PCM-D50 and MTII) all of a sudden requires sample rate and bit depth sub-code data in the digital audio stream. No one knew this will happen. So I guess it's good news that Grace Design is updating their firmware so that their AD can be used with some of todays recorders.

Maybe the problem lies upon Sony (and M-audio) not considering the old AD, which did not send out these data in the audio stream.

EDIT: I know MTII will have a new firmware soon that will address this issue so you can run it on new and old AD. But for the D50, who knows if Sony will ever deal with this issue. Maybe the only prof AD you will be able to run with the D50 is the updated V3.

Jppiano · « **Reply #14 on:** December 29, 2007, 02:05:51 PM »

And, BTW, I think this is bullshit. Why the hell cant these manufacturers agree on a standard, and not create problems of this sort? The standard for at least 15 years for both AES and SP/DIF has not included subcode Sample Rate or Bit Depth information. Why is this necessary? Are they trying to make the machines idiot-proof? I am not going to spend hundreds of dollars sending 30K worth of converters overseas so that the manufacturers can do this ridiculous upgrade. Well, I guess I wont be recommending this machine to any pros (THAT will cost Sony plenty.....)

Joe P (Obviously pissed off!)

anhisr · « **Reply #15 on:** December 29, 2007, 02:32:13 PM »

M-Audio's fix is in

SClassical · « **Reply #16 on:** December 29, 2007, 02:59:10 PM »

Wow why so fast??!! Cannot believe they even beat Grace and Sony!

anhisr · « **Reply #17 on:** December 29, 2007, 03:07:49 PM »

Remember that Grace's fix is a physical fix not a firmware fix and they don't have a MT II in house to check on. Their fix is just around the corner though. If it wasn't for Grace getting hold of M-Audio, I don't think we would see such a fast fix from M-Audio.

SClassical · « **Reply #18 on:** January 02, 2008, 12:57:22 PM »

Got a reply from Sony:

Hi Simon,

PCM-D50 automatically selects 16bit mode when the 24 bit status flag is
not set in the SPDIF stream. We have confirmed 24bit record operation
when the bit is set correctly. That being said I suspect the source has
the bit set incorrectly. I've heard more than one report and referred
back to the source manufacturer to confirm if the bit is set or not.

Please don't hesitate to call or contact as necessary, thanks
for choosing Sony.
Regards
Matt
POSC (Product Operation Support Center)
800-883-6817

Seems as if Sony still feel it's not their problem. He didn't say anything about the frequency issue.

anhisr · « **Reply #19 on:** January 02, 2008, 01:35:23 PM »

Here is hoping that Grace's fix, fixes the problem.

SClassical · « **Reply #20 on:** January 02, 2008, 03:03:18 PM »

Just feel sorry for the non-V3 users who wants to use this with their prof AD...

Got an email back from Sony after telling them to read this forum..

Hi Simon,

I read the thread and still suspect the issue is with the source. When D50 does not detect the flags a default selection is made. Once again we tested 24 bit operation and didn't have any issues when the signal was correct. Re: DVD, if D50 is recoding 96k/24bit, I can only conclude the flags are set that way despite your report they are not true.

I have forwarded your report, I'll keep you posted of any updates but this is currently how the unit functions.

Regards

Matt

So the final word from Sony Product Support Center is "this is currently how the unit functions" period.

anhisr · « **Reply #21 on:** January 02, 2008, 03:36:46 PM »

Nice. I think Sony take the lead in, I don't care what you think, customer service.

Yes, the "problem" is with the source. If M Audio can fix it why can't Sony? You should let them know that.

proaudio1 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 02, 2008, 04:12:35 PM »

Reality Check,

If manufacturers are working to make these products more idiot proof, that's great news!

In the past, making a digital transfers of high resolution audio was completely rocket science.

It's great that these products now know what sample rates and word lengths are required!

Jppiano · « **Reply #23 on:** January 02, 2008, 04:47:01 PM »

What Sony has done is not made the unit idiot-proof, but rather proferssional proof. I have been recording at hi-res for more than 10 years, and dont need such silliness. I am still really annoyed by all this....

Joe P.

WiFiJeff · « **Reply #24 on:** January 02, 2008, 05:02:01 PM »

Quote from: Jppiano on January 02, 2008, 04:47:01 PM

What Sony has done is not made the unit idiot-proof, but rather proferssional proof. I have been recording at hi-res for more than 10 years, and dont need such silliness. I am still really annoyed by all this....

Joe P.

Sony (and M-Audio, originally, probably others to come) is designing its product around newer standards. I'm sure that outboard A/Ds designed in 2008 will all conform to this standard, it will be a selling point to replace all your old expensive A/D with newer expensive A/D. When you're ready to unload all your old stuff cheap, give me a ring :-)

Jeff

anhisr · « **Reply #25 on:** January 02, 2008, 05:33:43 PM »

Grace is making a new chip to pop in and problem solved. No new unit needed. Sorry V3 not for sale.

WiFiJeff · « **Reply #26 on:** January 02, 2008, 05:48:03 PM »

Quote from: anhisr on January 02, 2008, 05:33:43 PM

Grace is making a new chip to pop in and problem solved. No new unit needed. Sorry V3 not for sale.

I have a V3. I was bidding for Joe's incredibly overpriced voodoo A/D so the jitter on my Bruckner symphony recordings doesn't upset the dogs.

Jeff (friend of the ASPCA)

mbgrace · « **Reply #27 on:** January 02, 2008, 07:04:59 PM »

Hi All,
I thought I would chime in here and provide a little background based on what we've learned about the issues you are experiencing. First of all, technically speaking, the V3 is the source of the "problem" with the MTII and the Sony D50. The original V3 firmware does not indicate high sample rate information properly. Also, in consumer mode, bit depth is not indicated. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, at the time we developed the V3 the IEC-90958 standard (the official spdif specification) did not include implementation of bit depth indication and there was no consumer recording equipment that supported high sample rates. Second, the AES-3 specification allows for bit depth and high sample rate indication but it is not a requirement. With this we implemented sample rate indication for 44.1kHz and 48kHz to satisfy consumer DAT and CDR recorders but assumed that if you were recording at higher sample rates your equipment (hard disk recorder or DAW) would require you to set the record sample rate and bit depth manually. There was also an issue with memory space in the V3 processor not allowing room for these extended registers. We have now updated the original V3 firmware so that it will indicate high sample rate information in both professional (AES-3) mode and consumer (IEC-958-3). It will also indicate 24 bit data at all times in both professional and consumer mode. Jamie, our firmware wizard, was able to streamline the code enough to include these. This new firmware is being beta tested presently on the MTII and will be shortly on the Sony D50. The V3 firmware lives on a socketed IC chip that can be easily replaced in the field. When the testing is complete we will ship new chips to anyone who wants the new firmware free of charge. I'll post a link to an online order form on our web site when it is ready. In the mean time I apologize the the inconvenience that this has caused.

With the large quantity of older equipment out there and the fact that these standards change often, it seems like a bad idea to design a piece of equipment that relies only on embedded digital stream data and does not allow for manual override of record settings. I applaud M-Audio's rapid response to this issue with their new firmware.

Michael

SClassical · « **Reply #28 on:** January 05, 2008, 08:33:25 PM »

To update everyone, yesterday I received the new chip (beta version) from Jamie from Grace Design to test it with the D50. Changing the chip was really easy. When you get it you have to make sure you plug it in correctly (orientation wise). The old chip is a bit stiff to take out so you might need to have a sharp thin knife handy to loosen it first.

I recorded a few tracks via the optical cable and I am happy to tell everyone that the test were successful at 44.1kHz, 48kHz and 96 kHz (all 24 bits - you cannot do 16 bit). Now I feel happier with my V3 and D50.

I guess all D50 and V3 users are all set

Thanks to Michael and Jamie for the fast fix!!!

auroboros · « **Reply #29 on:** January 31, 2008, 11:57:09 AM »

has anyone tried running a deneke ad-20 into a d50?

Belexes · « **Reply #30 on:** January 31, 2008, 01:02:08 PM »

Quote from: lateral_us on January 31, 2008, 11:57:09 AM

has anyone tried running a deneke ad-20 into a d50?

I'm curious on this as well and I plan on running the AD-20 into it.

Jamos · « **Reply #31 on:** January 31, 2008, 03:04:01 PM »

M-Audio has had so much practice at revising their firmware that they finally have gotten quite good at it!

Sorry, how many firmware revisions were there with the MT I?

Glad Grace and MT have responded quickly, but this obviously sucks for folks who planned on using the D50 with any product besides a V3.

SClassical · « **Reply #32 on:** February 01, 2008, 12:38:47 AM »

Is it only me in this forum who is using the D50 with the V3 via optical? I would like to know if anyone experience occasional clicks in the recording and skips using a 4GB HG card after 35min of recording. Maybe it's just a one off situation. I'm going to take it in the field again to see if it is repeatable.

Nataski · « **Reply #33 on:** February 01, 2008, 04:19:30 AM »

Hi there,

I have been watching this forum with great interest and thanks everyone for the input and information. I have a V3 and received a D50 from a colleague in the US in December, expecting I would be able to use it with the V3 spdif - no such luck. But I was overjoyed when Michael Grace and the guys responded so quickly to the various issues and so shipped my V3 via Fedex (Australia - USA) to have the toslink mod done and the new firmware chip inserted. The guys at Grace Design (Jamie and Neal) have been great. Once I have it all back together in Australia - I will test it out. I am hoping the V3 and the D50 will be a great combination - I really like the D50 for what it is and I have high hopes that it will work great with the V3 and my AKG 414 xls and other mics. I am mostly recording acoustic instruments, vocals and percussion - including low level sounds such as singing bowls and softly struck gongs. Thanks again!

Tony B · « **Reply #34 on:** November 16, 2009, 03:48:01 PM »

Old topic, new problem (for me, anyway)

Wondering if Grace is still doing these chip upgrades, and if anyone has done them lately to facilitate a V3>D50 combo @ 24/48. I've been meaning to send in my V3 to have the polarity on it fixed (a small deal, and one that has not, as of yet affected my taping). I also have a strong possibility of coming into a D50 at a good price from a fair merchant, and would like to get it behind my V3 at 24 bit.

Maybe I'm missing a recent discussion. Maybe I should just contact Grace directly. Either way, thanks for your time!

TB

johnw · « **Reply #35 on:** November 16, 2009, 06:28:48 PM »

I changed my chip out in March. No idea if they still have them, but I would think so. I'd give them a call and arrange to get it in for the chip swap and polarity fix. They have a fast turn around.

notsofast · « **Reply #36 on:** November 17, 2009, 11:28:45 AM »

I have a V3 that was sent to Grace in the spring (thanks Andrew) for the upgrade and it work fine with my D50. Like others I would say give them a call, you will not regret it.

Tim

brianp · « **Reply #37 on:** February 22, 2010, 11:16:04 PM »

new problem for me:

I run mics > Oade m148, XLR out > XLR>mini 1/8" stereo cable (Right angle Swithcraft) > PCM D50, line in

I occasionally get small bursts of static in one channel if my D50 gets bumped or moved at all. Normally this isn't a problem since my gear sits in a bag on the floor. Lately when stealthing and having the D50 in my pocket, my recorder moves a little bit and I get static. I'm using a right angle Switchcraft 1/8" stereo connector and it never really seemed to fit right, but always worked as long as everything stays still. Before the Switchcraft right angle plug I had a Neutrik, and it fit even looser, to the point of popping out sometimes if moved at all.

For a while there I was stealthing with a Sonosax that had a mini out and I just used a cheap mini > mini cable from Radio Shack and never had a problem with moving the D50 around to check levels. I guess my question is: Has anyone found a really good, reliable mini 1/8" stereo plug? I need something that I don't have to worry about. Any suggestions? It doesn't have to be right angle, just something that definitely works and fits snug.

johnw · « **Reply #38 on:** February 23, 2010, 06:03:37 AM »

I had Ed at Kindkables make me an RCA>1/8" cable that seemed to work great. Not sure what brand the plug is though.

WiFiJeff · « **Reply #39 on:** February 23, 2010, 10:12:28 AM »

Many Neutrik right angle plugs going into my D50 would cut out the right channel any time pressure was applied to them. But Switchcraft right angle plugs were too fat to be used into a DPA MMA6000. Vark Audio made me a cable with Switchcraft at the D50 end and Neutrik at the other, it has worked for several months with no problem. (I also had no problems with the hideous purple Radio Shack cable with right angle connectors, but it is too long and stiff). So far Switchcraft has been great, so I'm a little worried at the report of problems.

Jeff

brianp · « **Reply #40 on:** February 23, 2010, 01:11:32 PM »

Ed made me a mini to mini with Neutrik right angles. It's a great cable, but didn't work well with my D50. It kept popping out. I eventually moved that cable to the car for the iPod hookup and it's great!

The Swithcraft right angle seems to be pretty good, but again if I move it just a little bit sometimes the right channel drops out or I get static. So far the only cable that has worked perfectly has been the cheap, straight plug from Radio Shack.

John, is your cable a right angle plug? If so can you figure out the brand? Or email me a picture?

Right now my fix for the Switchcraft right angle has been to put a fat rubber band around the cable and the D50, wrapped twice. It works pretty good, but when stealthing the other night I had problems when moving the unit just the slightest bit to peep my levels.

I think the line in on the D50 was manufactured just a little smaller than spec. I say this because when you view the plug going into say an iPod and compare it to the D50 it just doesn't fit the same way.

I think my new solution may be to hack a cheap Radio Shack cable with my current XLR cable. or maybe even an iPod earbud cable end.

johnw · « **Reply #41 on:** February 23, 2010, 02:18:09 PM »

Here's the mini end of that cable. Never had a problem with it and the D50. In fact it alwasys snapped in with a nice click. I should be getting my M10 tomorrow - hope this works with that also since I'm headed down to Knoxville to use it for the TAB show.

EDIT: Just did an online search and it looks like that's a Neutrik plug. Weird - always seemed solid with the D50. Definitely going to do some tests before I rely on it with the M10!

Gutbucket · « **Reply #42 on:** February 23, 2010, 02:34:48 PM »

The problem I see with the Neutrik, Switchcraft, or any solderable 1/8 jack is the size of the connector housing and the leverage it places on the jack. Same goes for a straight plug, even the smaller molded plastic ones. I actually roll-up paper spacers and fit them between the body of the RA Neutrik connector and the recorder or preamp before gaff-taping it down, in an effort to reduce the considerable leverage stress on the jack.

IMO, the best 1/8" patch cable is one with the smallest molded connectors available. The super cheapo right angle ones available in various lengths from SoundProfessionals are the smallest I've found and have never failed on me or caused jack problems. I've used them in the MMA6000, Church Ugly, R-09, SD MicPre and others for years.

The photo below is a link to the SP page (it's part # SP-SPSC-7)-

it-goes-to-eleven · « **Reply #43 on:** February 23, 2010, 02:48:36 PM »

Agree completely with Gutbucket - a right angle cable with a long, stiff tail can still put a *lot* of strain on the socket.

You can make your own tiny connectors by cutting down existing designs and potting with expoy. Just don't put 3" of heatshrink on there... You just don't need it, because if you flex the damn thing that much your socket is going to fail.

brianp · « **Reply #44 on:** February 23, 2010, 03:23:25 PM »

Great info Gutbucket and Freelunch!

I think part of the problem with the right angle Switchcraft for me has more to do with the heavy duty shrink wrap that wants to tug it out of the socket. Never thought of it that way, but it makes sense. I'm definitely going to look into getting a few of those Sound Professional plugs. Those look perfect.

John: that looks exactly like the Neutrik connector Ed made for me except mine is silver and not gold plated. Make sure you test it out good before using it with the new Sony. You never know though, maybe my line in is a little weird, or maybe the M10 is built differently.

johnw · « **Reply #45 on:** February 24, 2010, 05:25:13 PM »

The new M10 connection is worse IMO. I may see if I can get Ed to solder on some RA RCAs to one of those soundpro cables...

Gutbucket · « **Reply #46 on:** February 24, 2010, 06:44:44 PM »

Dag-nabit, I jinxed myself with that post.

The Neutrik RA input on on of my CA-Ugly's went wonky lastnight, even with the little wad of paper under there supporting it and everything gaff taped down. The output sides of both preamps using those small connector SP-SPSC-7 cables are fine of course.

Artstar · « **Reply #47 on:** March 18, 2010, 04:05:42 PM »

It's really odd that a number of you are experiencing problems with the Neutrik right angled 3.5mm plugs. I've been using them on my Core Sounds binaurals and cardioids with both my D50 (since June 2008) and M10 without any need to do anything special to them.

Reading this has made me all the more cautious now but it has definitely never been a problem.

Gutbucket · « **Reply #48 on:** April 14, 2010, 05:30:02 PM »

Another one of my Neutrick RA 3.5mm TRS jacks went wonky last weekend. Fortunately, both times it only took unscrewing the barrel on the connnector and resoldering the wiring, then re-assembling it. The female input jack on the CA-UGLY is fine. Still, I've never had a cheapo molded jack connector fail, but that's not an option for a custom terminated cable.

jbell · « **Reply #49 on:** June 06, 2010, 05:07:41 PM »

I skimmed the thread, but wanted to make sure I am correct. A UA-5 will only feed a Sony PCM D50 a 16 bit signal? It can't do 24/44.1? Thanks for your help. I know I read a thread about UA-5 and D50 issues, but can't seem to find it. Thanks

stober · « **Reply #50 on:** January 16, 2012, 08:44:00 PM »

Im getting the "unknown data" error running mytek stereo 192 (optical out) > sony d50. Did sony ever release a new firmware or anything? I know Grace did a undated firmware chip for the V3's so they would be compatible with the D50's but after talking with mytek today it doesn't sound like I'll be getting one from them. They more less said the problem is with the sony...

stevetoney · « **Reply #51 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:58:43 PM »

Quote from: stober on January 16, 2012, 08:44:00 PM

Im getting the "unknown data" error running mytek stereo 192 (optical out) > sony d50. Did sony ever release a new firmware or anything? I know Grace did a undated firmware chip for the V3's so they would be compatible with the D50's but after talking with mytek today it doesn't sound like I'll be getting one from them. They more less said the problem is with the sony...

Brent:

Sorry you're getting the error.

I just went through the very same issue trying to get compatibility between a D50 and mini-me and I lost the battle, so I had no choice except to sell the D50 for the same reason you've encountered. Sorry, but the story Mytek is giving you is really only a half truth. The issue is that Sony's finalized SPDIF standard doesn't allow backward compatibility with some of the equipment, like the Mytek, mini-me, and UA-5 that used the earlier SPDIF standard. Grace obviously is a customer oriented company and goes above and beyond with EX+ service, so they addressed the issue by issuing a new chip that allows conformance with the finalized standard for forward compatibility. Mytek is choosing not to implement a upgrade/recall on their units for compatibility with the finalized standard, but they're telling you that the issue is on Sony, when really the issue could be just as much on them as Sony since they aren't going to update to the final SPDIF standard (or some story like that...Todd knows the real story.) It's unfortunate for Sony and Sony D50 buyers that they chose to use the more restrictive standard, since it effectively means that the D50 won't play well with many digital devices that were designed and sold prior to the release of the D50, but in another way it makes sense that they'd use it since they're the developers of the standard (they're the 'S' in SPDIF).

Anyway, I tried a couple of work arounds that were unsuccessful (I bought a HOSA digital signal converter) that were unsuccessful, so I ended up selling the D50 and buying a Tascam DR100mkII (newly released machine...see my review in the recorders section...$330 from B&H). The Tascam uses the former SPDIF standard, so it synchs fine with the mini-me. So far I'm very happy with the Tascam, although if the Sony had worked with my mini-me I'm sure I'd have been happy with that too. This new Tascam unit bridges the price gap between the D50 and the Microcrapper as far as providing digital input in a handheld. I recommend it.

One item of note is that the Tascam digital input is an SPDIF input, so the Tascam doesn't recognize AES/EBU on the digital input.

Author Topic: PCM-D50 problems (Read 22579 times)

stevetoney