Topic: Sony Debuts PCM-D1 Field Recorder at AES

[jazzgtrl4]

The PCM-D1 features 96K-24 bit recording capability, 4GB internal flash memory, removable Memory Stick Pro high-speed storage and a built-in USB 2.0 port for Macintosh and Windows/PC operating systems.

Additional key features of the PCM-D1 recorder include:

Built-in condenser microphones in an X - Y configuration with low self-noise, high sensitivity and nearly 30 kHz frequency response
.WAV recording file format capability
Analog level meters with LED peak overload indicators
LCD display with comprehensive recorder status indication and menu selection
Four AA nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries and charger (supplied, battery life at 96 kHz of approximately 4.0 hours with rechargeable AA batteries)
Signal processing functions including SBM, limiter and 200Hz high pass filter
Weight 18.5 ounces (with batteries)
The Sony PCM-D1 recorder is expected to be available in December at a suggested list price of $2000.

[kgreener]

got ya covered dude

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=51707.0

[poorlyconditioned]

The PCM-D1 features 96K-24 bit recording capability, 4GB internal flash memory, removable Memory Stick Pro high-speed storage and a built-in USB 2.0 port for Macintosh and Windows/PC operating systems.

Additional key features of the PCM-D1 recorder include:

Built-in condenser microphones in an X - Y configuration with low self-noise, high sensitivity and nearly 30 kHz frequency response
.WAV recording file format capability
Analog level meters with LED peak overload indicators
LCD display with comprehensive recorder status indication and menu selection
Four AA nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries and charger (supplied, battery life at 96 kHz of approximately 4.0 hours with rechargeable AA batteries)
Signal processing functions including SBM, limiter and 200Hz high pass filter
Weight 18.5 ounces (with batteries)
The Sony PCM-D1 recorder is expected to be available in December at a suggested list price of $2000.

Holy sh&t!  Why does Sony make this weird stuff when they drop mostly useful stuff like their DAT, and MD lines???  Analog meters.  That takes the cake!  Fun, but who is going to buy this thing?

  Richard

[spyder9]

Suggested list price of $2000.

For that tiny thing?  Can I hook up my own mics?  P48?   Sony is freakin' stoned. 

[madman]

Looks like they have LCD meters on the display too.

[Colin Liston]

[/quote]

For that tiny thing?  Can I hook up my own mics?  P48?   Sony is freakin' stoned. 
[/quote]

Exactly!  WTF were they thinking?  Those mics need to clip off revealing XLR inputs.

[Chuck]

I loved the TCMD-5 analog meters. I used to love to watching them dance. 

[spyder9]

As I look at this thing closely, this thing might be big.  I mean very big. 

Postivies from just looking at it:

1) nice LED metering w/ peak indicator
2) amber display, good for stealthing
3) displays what format your in and whether limiter is on
4) displays name of track being record (tagging)
5)  battery indicator.  Above it, I think that's storage space available indicator
6) simple to learn keyboard
7)  4GB memory built in w/ ability to add more through the Memory Stick. (Nice!)
  Onboard ADC (a downsized SBM-1wedged in there)
9)  4 AA rechargeables to run it. (Phat!)

Check out that "Divide" button.  That's either for cutting tracks or starting
a new recording on the fly.

For$2,000, Sony is still out of its mind.  But, I'm very interested for more pictures on this thing.  I bet it has SPDIF/Toslink In.  Sony loves digital in, so I bet its there.  Wonder what the analog it has?  Got to have it or those analog meters wouldn't be there.  Probably 1/8" connection.  After thinking about it, who cares if it doesn't have P48 power.  With built in ADC and possible SPDIF/toslink input, I can run any preamp I want.  And would want to any way.

With all the sweating over the Microtracker, this puppy may be the bigger than we realize.  A God-send maybe.  If there is a way to by-pass the onboard mics, I think they got something special.  You can bypass them on the Marantz' mics.

Correct me if I'm way off on some of these assumptions/guesses.   

Can anybody go to the AES show tomorrow and get pictures of this thing for the website?

[morst]

http://aes.harmony-central.com/119AES/Content/Sony/PR/PCM-D1.html

The PCM-D1 features 96K-24 bit recording capability, 4GB internal flash memory, removable Memory Stick Pro high-speed storage and a built-in USB 2.0 port for Macintosh and Windows/PC operating systems.

Additional key features of the PCM-D1 recorder include:

    * Built-in condenser microphones in an X - Y configuration with low self-noise, high sensitivity and nearly 30 kHz frequency response
    * .WAV recording file format capability
    * Analog level meters with LED peak overload indicators
    * LCD display with comprehensive recorder status indication and menu selection
    * Four AA nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries and charger (supplied, battery life at 96 kHz of approximately 4.0 hours with rechargeable AA batteries)
    * Signal processing functions including SBM, limiter and 200Hz high pass filter
    * Weight 18.5 ounces (with batteries)

The Sony PCM-D1 recorder is expected to be available in December at a suggested list price of $2000.

[jpschust]

wow, that thing is incredibly ugly

not to mention that use of memory stick is BS

metering looks nice though

[dmonterisi]

couple of things...how is sony calling those mics x-y??  they are not coincident.  secondly, those meters are going to suck, cause there is so little above -10...it's going to be tough to be accurate with those things bouncing all over the damn place with the dynamics of a live show.

[jpschust]

couple of things...how is sony calling those mics x-y??  they are not coincident.  secondly, those meters are going to suck, cause there is so little above -10...it's going to be tough to be accurate with those things bouncing all over the damn place with the dynamics of a live show.

you also have the digital meters.  that's kind of why i liked them- the combo of digi and analog for meters.

[dmonterisi]

the digi meters don't look bad.  gonna be a little tough to see them when standing up though...not bad, but not ideal.

[kgreener]

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=51912.0
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=51707.0

[zowie]

It looks like someone tried to mate a multimeter and an NT4.

[marc0789]

where's the proprietary 14 pin or whatever....

[goose]

I think it's a proprietary force field around the mics this time...

[nickgregory]

where's the proprietary 14 pin or whatever....

proprietary storage media

[robin0112358]

Built-in condenser microphones in an X - Y configuration

But hello, the caps are not coincident.

Signal processing functions including SBM, limiter and 200Hz high pass filter

200 Hz? Who picked that value? Obviously not a bass player!

This thing is bizarre.

[marc0789]

this thing looks cool, although goofy...love the old school vu meters. but...why are they calling this PCM? Am I wrong, or isn't PCM restricted to 16 bit or less?

[dmonterisi]

.why are they calling this PCM? Am I wrong, or isn't PCM restricted to 16 bit or less?

no, pcm is not 16 bit or less, it refers to the format.

[marc0789]

.why are they calling this PCM? Am I wrong, or isn't PCM restricted to 16 bit or less?

no, pcm is not 16 bit or less, it refers to the format.

natelsky getting the technology wrong.....what a shocker.

[BLOODYJACK]

No I asked asked about digital in and it has not got it there is a lame mic in and line in on 1/8" jacks

[Scuba Jeremy]

Damn, this thing is fugly. They should have kept the classic PCM-M1 look and just dropped a hard drive in there. Seriously, if I were to gut my M1, I could fit my 20G iPod in it, tell me they couldn't just make a hard disc based M1.

Oh well. Yeah, probably won't buy this. Sticking to laptop until I decide to drop the money on some new mics, then probably a 722.

[Cyril]

Sony has finally put up more information on the PCM D-1:

http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?m=0&p=10&sp=83&id=82662

Any thoughts of the specs?

[keepongoin]

Sony has finally put up more information on the PCM D-1:

http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?m=0&p=10&sp=83&id=82662

Any thoughts of the specs?

no digital input = crap.

sony is missing the boat with this one.  a totally and utterly useless piece of junk, IMO... and i think that is true for most everyone... built in mics and a 1/8" input as the only inputs... jeezus, who the hell decided on this design? 

[Cyril]

Sony has finally put up more information on the PCM D-1:

http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?m=0&p=10&sp=83&id=82662

Any thoughts of the specs?

no digital input = crap.

sony is missing the boat with this one.  a totally and utterly useless piece of junk, IMO... and i think that is true for most everyone... built in mics and a 1/8" input as the only inputs... jeezus, who the hell decided on this design? 

OK...I understand.  But for some uses, neither of those might be a big deal.  What if the mics sound great? Apart from those, any indication on the quality of the other components?  I am trying to get an idea if there is anything in the specs that indicate how good this thing might sound.

My use would be to record live classical music...solo or small ensemble type settings...

Thanks.

[keepongoin]

sony is saying their mics offer the highest quality...

The PCM-D1's electret condenser microphones have extraordinary high sensitivity and low noise characteristics. All microphone casing parts are cut from metal and fit together nearly seamlessly. During capsule manufacturing, each part is positioned and the front and rear openings are adjusted with 100-micron level precission. Peaks and dips within the mircrophones range are minimized so that acoustic energy is transmitted effectively to the diaphragm in each microphone capsule. The frequency response of the microphone is nearly 30 kHz. The microphones are positioned using an X-Y pattern and then angled toward each other with the left and right diaphragms close together, thereby covering a wide sound range with reduced phase shifts. The recorded sound from these microphones has good depth, perspective and provides a natural sounding stereo image.

not sure if that means anything until somebody hears it.  it may be good for your use...

[zowie]

Etronics site says the unit in stock and shipping in 1-2 days.  Could be B.S.

I'd prefer if the mics didn't offer very high quality because I wouldn't want the price to be jacked up for the sake of mics I'd rarely use.  Just practically, am I going to run mics from lap level, or have a recorder flying up on a stand where I can't reach it or see the levels.

[George]

I personally think its not meant for us tapers...unfortunately.  Sony has a bad habit of crippling anything that remotely looks or sounds like a good idea for us.

Plus, the damn thing costs 2k?  Thanks, but no thanks.

[zowie]

$1550, includes 4 gb flash memory.  Seems like the same ball park as an ACM 671.

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=sonpcmd1

[SClassical]

if the mics are pretty good it'd be an awesome stealth box. 

talk about all in one. 

i really wanna hear those mics.

Who will be brave enough to act like a mic stand for hrs and hold this thing up towards the stage? Don't think any one doing stealthing want to expose themselves doing that. It's like asking for trouble. Definately not for stealthing!

[SClassical]

Sony has finally put up more information on the PCM D-1:

http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?m=0&p=10&sp=83&id=82662

Any thoughts of the specs?

no digital input = crap.

sony is missing the boat with this one.  a totally and utterly useless piece of junk, IMO... and i think that is true for most everyone... built in mics and a 1/8" input as the only inputs... jeezus, who the hell decided on this design? 

OK...I understand.  But for some uses, neither of those might be a big deal.  What if the mics sound great? Apart from those, any indication on the quality of the other components?  I am trying to get an idea if there is anything in the specs that indicate how good this thing might sound.

My use would be to record live classical music...solo or small ensemble type settings...

Thanks.

You going to hold this thing up throughout the concert and look up at the meters while recording? It does not sound too practical if you sacrifice your body as the mic stand. You cann't adjust the mic spacing/position either.

[zowie]

Who will be brave enough to act like a mic stand for hrs and hold this thing up towards the stage? Don't think any one doing stealthing want to expose themselves doing that. It's like asking for trouble. Definately not for stealthing!

It might fit in a very large hat.  You could stealth rodeos and amish shows.

[WiFiJeff]

Who will be brave enough to act like a mic stand for hrs and hold this thing up towards the stage? Don't think any one doing stealthing want to expose themselves doing that. It's like asking for trouble. Definately not for stealthing!

It might fit in a very large hat.  You could stealth rodeos and amish shows.

+T for discovering the market segment Sony is aiming at.  Anyone have any FLAC files to share of hot Amish shows?

Jeff

[Cyril]

If you go to Sony's Japanese website they have a picture of some sort of tripod that I guess they will make available with it:

http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200511/05-1109/

[keepongoin]

If you go to Sony's Japanese website they have a picture of some sort of tripod that I guess they will make available with it:

http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200511/05-1109/

that is pretty funny.  still doesn't solve all the problems that it potentially has... built in, non-adjustable mics, not digi-input, etc...

[zowie]

If you go to Sony's Japanese website they have a picture of some sort of tripod that I guess they will make available with it:

http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200511/05-1109/

that is pretty funny.  still doesn't solve all the problems that it potentially has... built in, non-adjustable mics, not digi-input, etc...

You know, there are actually some comments on boards that claim the thing is a photoshop hoax.  Obviously we know by now that it is not, but its very telling that some people looked at it and thought it was.

[marc0789]

can those goofy ass mics be bypassed? because if not, this is one of the dumbest contraptions ever. having trouble even envisioning how this would be easy to use on location, let alone ambient taping.

[rowjimmy]

can those goofy ass mics be bypassed? because if not, this is one of the dumbest contraptions ever. having trouble even envisioning how this would be easy to use on location, let alone ambient taping.

That;d be a nice mod. rip off the mics and add xlrs. but then you've just gutted a $2000 memorystick recorder.
yuk.

NEXT!

[marc0789]

can those goofy ass mics be bypassed? because if not, this is one of the dumbest contraptions ever. having trouble even envisioning how this would be easy to use on location, let alone ambient taping.

That;d be a nice mod. rip off the mics and add xlrs. but then you've just gutted a $2000 memorystick recorder.
yuk.

NEXT!

not talking about ripping them off. I asked if they could be *bypassed*, Mr. ADD.

[keepongoin]

one way to bypass would be to get a PS-2 and power your mics - get the one with stereo mini-jack output, and you have effectively bypassed them... not that i would do such a thing, but it is possible that way.

[Colin Liston]

If you go to Sony's Japanese website they have a picture of some sort of tripod that I guess they will make available with it:

http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200511/05-1109/

that is pretty funny.  still doesn't solve all the problems that it potentially has... built in, non-adjustable mics, not digi-input, etc...

Maybe that would work for onstage taping?  I wonder how much Sony spent making this thing, and I wonder how many they will sell. 

You know, there are actually some comments on boards that claim the thing is a photoshop hoax.  Obviously we know by now that it is not, but its very telling that some people looked at it and thought it was.

[rowjimmy]

That;d be a nice mod. rip off the mics and add xlrs. but then you've just gutted a $2000 memorystick recorder.
yuk.

NEXT!

not talking about ripping them off. I asked if they could be *bypassed*, Mr. ADD.

I think you're reading too much sarcasm into my post. I actually mean ripping them off in the sense of using the appropriate tools (read: not a hammer.)
But really, I think the device is more worthy of leaving on a shelf until sony gets it right.

[WiFiJeff]

If you go to Sony's Japanese website they have a picture of some sort of tripod that I guess they will make available with it:

http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200511/05-1109/

that is pretty funny.  still doesn't solve all the problems that it potentially has... built in, non-adjustable mics, not digi-input, etc...

Now that I look at it a bit more, I see another way to use it in the field (and thus the intended market).  It could very well be a modular snap-on head for the lateat model Aibo Robot Dog.

Jeff

[RDunn]

Let's see...... built in microphones..... memory stick for media..... and it's $2000.  Do you think Sony has a clue what the market for flash recorders is? 

[BC]

must be aimed at recording interviews and radio broadcast type stuff? I can picture this thing sitting on a table on that funny little tripod in front of someone in a radio station.

This is definitely one weird-ass piece of equipment, what the heck were the engineers that designed this thing thinking?

I wish Sony would come out with the next-gen M1/D8: replace the tape transport with a HD or CF slot, and make it 24/96 digi in capable. Everything else could stay the same and they would have a great little box.

[keepongoin]

must be aimed at recording interviews and radio broadcast type stuff? I can picture this thing sitting on a table on that funny little tripod in front of someone in a radio station.

This is definitely one weird-ass piece of equipment, what the heck were the engineers that designed this thing thinking?

I wish Sony would come out with the next-gen M1/D8: replace the tape transport with a HD or CF slot, and make it 24/96 digi in capable. Everything else could stay the same and they would have a great little box.

i think you are right about it's use... i see reporters holding this thing up at press conferences and people having it on a table for meetings.  other than those uses, it is pretty much useless.

also: they will only do memory stick - never going to put HDD or CF slot on it. 

[Chuck]

What's with the botched X-Y config on that thing too...
Jeez... I'd be embarrassed to hold that thing up in front of some I'm interviewing.
This thing is a dog. I can't believe they even released it.
Come on Sony, you can do better than this.... can't you?

[George]

What's with the botched X-Y config on that thing too...
Jeez... I'd be embarrassed to hold that thing up in front of some I'm interviewing.
This thing is a dog. I can't believe they even released it.
Come on Sony, you can do better than this.... can't you?

Sony's response: "No, we can't..."

[justread]

what the heck were the engineers that designed this thing thinking?

Dunno, but it was probably the same engineers that designed Sony's latest DRM scheme for their audio discs...  not having a good month.

[whatboutbob]

there was a completely random photo of this in the free metro paper today.  Anyways...there's an angled shot of the side.  The photo quality's not great, but I'm pretty sure that silver knob to the right of the lcd adjusts levels...and the 1/8 input is just above it (to the right of the analogue meters)...which looks like it'd be very easy to knock.  its just bizarre.  anyone care enough to want to see a scan?