Topic: Help a Brother decide - M10 Or R09HR?

[e.maynard]

I'll be using this for quiet acoustic stuff mainly with the built in mic's only.
Also, from time to time I'll use it's line in from a small PA feed.

I just sold my R-09 and I liked it, but the self noise was a bit much at times.
I know both of these (Sony PCM-M10 and Edirol R-09HR) are a step up, but if it was your money, which would you choose? And why?


Many thanks!

[Craig T]

If you're planning on using the built-in mics, stay away from the R-09HR.  The Sony PCM-M10 and even the much cheaper Tascam DR07 are much better options.

[e.maynard]

The R-09HR still has quite a bit of preamp noise?
The M10 sounded quieter on the sample page at: http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-noise.html#samples

But the DR07 sounded thin and nosier than my old R09.

Are those samples accurate generally?

[Craig T]

I've used the R09HR and DR07 to record music from the built-in mics.  The DR07 sounded more natural, and the difference was significant.  More noise?  Possibly, but I'll take a more natural sound with a higher noise floor every time.

[carpa]

I own a R09 HR and I'm satisfied with it. Never tried a Sony (I used to have two dat decks in the past and they worked great), so I can't compare.
As far I as I've read, I don't think M10 allows firmware upgrades, which Edirol does; I think that if it's true it can get to be a limitation nowadays.
As for the built-in mics, if most people here say that Sony is better this must be true; anyway be sure that built-in mics will definitely be the way you will use the deck. There are lots of good little mics (expecially with an external preamp) which are very easy and light to bring and would dramatically improve the quality of the recording, no matter what deck you're using.
c

[e.maynard]

There are lots of good little mics (expecially with an external preamp) which are very easy and light to bring and would dramatically improve the quality of the recording, no matter what deck you're using.
c

What's a good step up from the internals using external mics/preamp.
Without going ape, wheres a good place to start.

[Craig T]

What's a good step up from the internals using external mics/preamp.
Without going ape, wheres a good place to start.

Church Audio CA14 (cardiod or omni) + Church Audio ST9100 preamp.  Info in Retail Space.

[fmaderjr]

Church Audio CA14 (cardiod or omni) + Church Audio ST9100 preamp.  Info in Retail Space.

Incredible bang for the buck. Can produce recordings as good as much more costly sytems.

[willndmb]

Church Audio CA14 (cardiod or omni) + Church Audio ST9100 preamp.  Info in Retail Space.

Incredible bang for the buck. Can produce recordings as good as much more costly sytems.

i like the spro stuff

i see you have both sp and ca mics
have you compared the two?

[Belexes]

I have CA-14 card/omni and AT 853 (SP-CMC-4).  The AT's are comparable to the CA-14's except that the CA's cost a lot less and the AT's would benefit from Chris Church's 4.7k mod.

I am keeping the AT's as I like having the choice of hyper and subcard caps.

[fmaderjr]

I like both CA-14's and SP 853's equally. Like having the changeable caps with the 853's though. Used my 853 sub card caps for the first time recently (after owning them for years) and got a wonderful recording.

[tekdroid]

... but if it was your money, which would you choose? And why?

You must be familiar with the design of the unit by now, but I just can't stomach it to be honest. I much prefer Sony's design for reasons too boring to get into here, but I must mention the Sony has a recording dial and far more logical design to me. Sony's designers take usability (and I suspect, materials) much more seriously.

Quite apart from any technical aspects (battery life, sound, etc) I'd just have a hard time paying the same money for the Edirol. (I own 2 Roland products though, so please understand I don't hate the company).

There are a few features the Edirol has the Sony hasn't, but so has the Sony, and I don't regard them as being too different, feature-wise.

I expect Roland / Edirol to drop their price in coming weeks/ months as the PCM-M10 takes a hold of the market and the word of its goodness spread. I think Sony are doing an incredible job with this model and (barring any great show-stoppers) they will do extremely well against the competition here.

As the price of the Edirol drops (again, only my prediction), it may be the better choice, but only then IMO. I see a big value disparity between this unit and the Sony currently selling at the same price.

[digifish_music]

... as the PCM-M10 takes a hold of the market and the word of its goodness spread.

I was happy to see Sony included Micro SD on the unit. Finally! they are getting the message people avoid their products because of their proprietary card format (although it is there too, as it must be).

The battery life is a clear winner tho.

PS: I have an R09HR and use the line in for recording ambient stuff using a Sound Devices MixPre (external mic preamp). Although I have on occasion used the internal mics.

Tourists swimming at lake Eacham

You may like this comparison I did between Edirol units.

http://www.digifishmusic.com/public/articles/edirol_recorder_mics.htm

digifish

[spyder9]

R09HR all day long.  I like the Tascan DR-1 also, which I use.  Big brother to the DR07.  Can't go wrong with the Tascams.  Nice warm, smooth sound.  Low noise floor too.  I found the Sonys to be too bright for my ears.  Just my 2 cents.   

[dogmusic]

R09HR all day long.  I like the Tascan DR-1 also, which I use.  Big brother to the DR07.  Can't go wrong with the Tascams.  Nice warm, smooth sound.  Low noise floor too.  I found the Sonys to be too bright for my ears.  Just my 2 cents.   

I would second the motion on smooth Tascam sound.

The DR-07 is now the true bargain on the market. Great mics, small size, easy controls. $144.00.