Topic: PT: 2 - New Marantz PMD661

[datbrad]

I'm just making an assumption, but I'm guessing that if the mod upgrades all of the XLR input path, the XLR line-in is essentially a padded mic in much similar to the way the r4 is made. Basically there is no true line in via XLR and that it would pass through the pre-amp stage. It might be slightly noisier than a true line-in, but Dougs mods clean it up quite a bit, with also gaining the ability to add some flavor line in.

Doug told me that the line input stage is not a padded mic input like the R4 and R44. When you move the mechanical switch to line on the back of the 661, you are mechanically switching the signal path to the +4 db pro level line input. There is an second gain stage (also modded) for mic in, but both share the same input capacitors and first gain stage after the XLRs. This is another reason I love this unit. The ACM 671, for example, only upgrades the mic inputs at the XLRs, not the RCA line input path, so you don't get the benefit of the mod line in. When you buy a mod 661, you benefit from upgrades that improve both mic and line input sources through the XLR input.

[GDfan]

another battery test 

Energizer NI-MH , 2450 mAh
Neumann 184's >661, P48 on
5hours

[JasonSobel]

another battery test 

Energizer NI-MH , 2450 mAh
Neumann 184's >661, P48 on
5hours

added to the list:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,119213.msg1597270.html#msg1597270

[skaggs]

from Doug:

I found the 661 problem, a bad phantom power resistor. it is inside the part that a bad connection develops causing a loss of phantom power on that channel.

Doug had to do a decent amount of bench testing to get this unit to not give phantom power.  it did it from the get-go when i had it.  i would recommend anyone who gets a new 661 to test it right out of the box, don't wait till you have travelled across the country to find it bad in your hotel room.  good day all

richard

[GDfan]

This should be my last battery test:

Energizer NI-MH, 2450 mAh
AKG 568 > 661, P48 on
5hours 15 minutes

[JasonSobel]

This should be my last battery test:

Energizer NI-MH, 2450 mAh
AKG 568 > 661, P48 on
5hours 15 minutes

I just added it to the list:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,119213.msg1597270.html#msg1597270

we've got a pretty good sample size of battery tests now...  but if anyone else wants to add to it, just post here

[JasonSobel]

here's another d'Elf recording with the PMD-661:

http://www.archive.org/details/clubdelf2009-04-16.ck930.flac16
or
http://www.archive.org/details/clubdelf2009-04-16.ck930.flac24

I had my beyerdynamic's -15dB switch engaged, and didn't run into any brickwalling/overloading issues (like I did before), which is great.
the files on the LMA have been normalized (based on the peaks), but other than that, no other changes to the recording.

the more I use this deck, the more that I am impressed with it, both from a functionality standpoint and from the sound quality.

[audBall]

Here's some recent stage-lip jazzy stuff I've been taping lately:
http://cid-08791ad30ebf6b87.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.Public/ColterHarper

nak cm1k cards > oade concert pmd661

The 4/5's are 24bit

[dactylus]

here's another d'Elf recording with the PMD-661:

http://www.archive.org/details/clubdelf2009-04-16.ck930.flac16
or
http://www.archive.org/details/clubdelf2009-04-16.ck930.flac24

the more I use this deck, the more that I am impressed with it, both from a functionality standpoint and from the sound quality.

^^
Good to hear.  An Oade 661 is in my near future.

 

[newplanet7]

here's another d'Elf recording with the PMD-661:

http://www.archive.org/details/clubdelf2009-04-16.ck930.flac16
or
http://www.archive.org/details/clubdelf2009-04-16.ck930.flac24

the more I use this deck, the more that I am impressed with it, both from a functionality standpoint and from the sound quality.

^^
Good to hear.  An Oade 661 is in my near future.

 

Same here.
I have a 660 busman mod right now and love it.
I think the transition is a no-brainer at this point.
They both seem to run the same basic way.

[GDfan]

Here is another recording with my Oade OCM PMD661:
http://www.archive.org/details/TheDead2009-04-17.TheDead09-04-17_AKG568_LaPorte_16bitFLAC

[vibralux]

Hi guys

I just ordered the PMD 661 Supermod from Doug, but I am totally confused as which mic to buy for it.
I will be using it for recording Fx, foley, etc.  – basically samples for my music – like Amon Tobin does ;-)
Anything from roaring tigers to  strange city noises and live music.  Initially I was thinking about the stereo pair of Oktavas Mk 012 – with three capsules – as it seems very flexible and my studio would also benefit from those. Are there any other options within this budget and flexibility? I cant spend more than 600$ on it.

I would appreciate any suggestions

Peace
Marty

[su6oxone]

Initially I was thinking about the stereo pair of Oktavas Mk 012 – with three capsules – as it seems very flexible and my studio would also benefit from those. Are there any other options within this budget and flexibility? I cant spend more than 600$ on it.

From what I've heard, the Octavas sound pretty good, but you could also consider Busman's mics, the BSC1 which come with I think 4 sets of capsules for $450.  Seem to be well regarded around here.

http://busmanaudio.com/bsc1.html

[vibralux]

Damn - those look promising and seem as flexible as the mk 012's. Are those considered better than Oktavas? Cause the price point is quite attractive...

What about those mk 012's moded by Michael Joly? A bit more pricey – how do those stand against busman?

thanks for help

M

[bephillips]

I got mine from Doug today! I had a lot of fun playing with it. Good build. Intuitive interface. I'm currently still running my Oade Micro Condensor Binaural plug-in power mics. I'll eventually move up to some nice phantom powered mics, probably Schoeps.

Instead of going with the battery box, I got a mini to XLR converter that steps down phantom 48v to plug-in power voltage. I only found it one place, and these guys were a pleasure to deal with. Fast service for custom work.
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?item=SP-XLRM-MINI-2&source=froogle

First show I have plans to record is McCoy Tyner and Bobby Hutcherson this Sunday. Woohoo.