Topic: PR-2 or A10 for a small recorder?

[adrianf74]

So, with a couple of larger name stadium tours happening next year, I need to have an other option besides the F3/PFA.  Am looking at the PR-2 or picking up another A10 (sold my A10 back in the spring because I thought I'd not be worrying but the wife had asked I roll). A10 is $10 cheaper in Canada and I'm looking at some sort of power solution for my nBox Neumann active cables to avoid the extra weight of the PFAs but that's another story (focusing on the recorder only right now).

Thanks everyone.

[darby]

Deity PR-2
tiny
locking inputs
has ability to lower your input (-dB) for HOT outputs
NO antler mics
NO internal memory
levels take some getting used to since you can't exceed -10dB
5V PIP
"AA"s instead of internal
USB-c powering as well
battery indicator is SHIT... reads FULL until it is about an hour from death

Sony A10
larger display
levels are accurate
can do 24/96
internal battery gets good life for years so far
battery indicator is accurate
internal memory

both units work well with my Baby NBox and Schoeps CMBIs
these are my observations and I'm sure others have things that I missed

[Gutbucket]

Agree with Darby on PR-2, but will qualify one point..

Deity PR-2
has ability to lower your input (-dB) for HOT outputs

^ that may be true for PR-2 in line-in mode, but not in mic-in mode.

I've not tested the PR-2's line input capability myself, so will defer to Darby that, and presumably that's how you will be using it along with an Nbox powering the mics.  However, be aware that if the intent is to use the recorder's 5V PIP to power mics, the PR-2 must be set to mic-in, since that's the only way to engage plug in power.  ..and when in mic-in mode, attempting to lower input gain below 0dB to accommodate a hot mic input isn't likely to be successful.  You'll instead need to attenuate the signal ahead of the PR-2, in a way that still passes PIP.  When in mic-in mode input gain on the PR-2 is fully adjustable into the negative gain range, however, doing so will not prevent the the input stage of the PR2 from overloading. 

Here are some actual numbers: In my brief use of PR-2, taking advantage of its 5V PIP by running mics straight in, I found DPA 4060 which has a sensitivity of 20 mV/Pa; -34 dB re. 1 V/Pa, to be too hot, while DPA 4061 which has a sensitivity of 6 mV/Pa; -44 dB re. 1 V/Pa, worked fine.

My primary point of comparison is Tascam DR2d which is able to accommodate a significantly hotter mic-in signal. I've not used the A10.  Neither of those provide 5V PIP.

[adrianf74]

Thanks guys.  I'm thinking about the Deity at this point because I can get a new sealed device for US$180 shipped up here in Canada.  Not liking the lack of left/right ganging, the meter inaccuracies but like the form factor.  Hoping Deity can fix those other "issues" with a firmware update.

[shadowfax1007]

Thanks guys.  I'm thinking about the Deity at this point because I can get a new sealed device for US$180 shipped up here in Canada.  Not liking the lack of left/right ganging, the meter inaccuracies but like the form factor.  Hoping Deity can fix those other "issues" with a firmware update.

I don't have experience with Deity, but my experience with audio devices and technology in general is don't depend on a firmware update coming to fix your issues.

It's nice when it happens, just don't purchase on the hope it will happen.

[adrianf74]

Thanks guys.  I'm thinking about the Deity at this point because I can get a new sealed device for US$180 shipped up here in Canada.  Not liking the lack of left/right ganging, the meter inaccuracies but like the form factor.  Hoping Deity can fix those other "issues" with a firmware update.

I don't have experience with Deity, but my experience with audio devices and technology in general is don't depend on a firmware update coming to fix your issues.

It's nice when it happens, just don't purchase on the hope it will happen.

I most definitely am not but am hopeful from the response some people I've talked to have been as far as Deity goes when it comes to supporting the product.  It's a little different than working with Sony or Zoom, for example.

[war throat]

I've recorded 2 metal shows recently with a PR-2 using the line in with SP AT853s and a SP keyfob battery box. I've been very pleased with it. A big advantage is that you can start/stop recordings, check & adjust levels, etc. on your phone with their app.(I do wish the font size on the app was a little bigger.) It's also very small and easily concealable, if that's a concern.

[Sebastian]

The Deity can only record at 48 kHz while the Sony can also do other sampling rates. I usually record at 44.1 kHz, so the Sony is a more natural fit for me. However, I've had a 6 month old A10 die on me recently just 3 minutes before a show. Got my money back under warranty and all, but it still sucked. I got a Deity as a replacement, simply because it was readily available from Amazon. The A10 is really hard to find in Europe these days. I was finally able to order another one just yesterday, though.

Overall, I like the A10 a little better. But that may be because I have used it for many years and am really used to it. The Deity is really promising and the only real drawback for me is the fixed sampling rate. The non-linkable level controls are a non-issue for me because I usually set my levels very conservatively. And the battery run time is spectacular on easily replaceable AAs. As far as audio quality goes, I don't think you'll be able to hear a difference in the kinds of situations we usually find ourselves in here on this forum.

[adrianf74]

The Deity can only record at 48 kHz while the Sony can also do other sampling rates. I usually record at 44.1 kHz, so the Sony is a more natural fit for me. However, I've had a 6 month old A10 die on me recently just 3 minutes before a show. Got my money back under warranty and all, but it still sucked. I got a Deity as a replacement, simply because it was readily available from Amazon. The A10 is really hard to find in Europe these days. I was finally able to order another one just yesterday, though.

Overall, I like the A10 a little better. But that may be because I have used it for many years and am really used to it. The Deity is really promising and the only real drawback for me is the fixed sampling rate. The non-linkable level controls are a non-issue for me because I usually set my levels very conservatively. And the battery run time is spectacular on easily replaceable AAs. As far as audio quality goes, I don't think you'll be able to hear a difference in the kinds of situations we usually find ourselves in here on this forum.

Fixed sampling rate isn’t really a concern because I’ve recorded 24/48 for as long as I have been doing this.

The A10 is equally hard to locate these days in North America so I thought I’d give the PR-2 a shot.  For the price I was able to secure one for, it was a no-brainer.