Author Topic: Nickspicks: Marantz PMD660 w/Oade ACMod review (Read 12004 times)

Nick's Picks · « **on:** December 20, 2005, 04:57:25 PM »

http://www.nickspicks.com/

Chuck · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2005, 05:21:04 PM »

Good work as always Nick!

leehookem · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2005, 10:38:03 PM »

nice job. I really want to get my hands on one and check it out.

+T

spyder9 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2005, 11:32:07 PM »

God, I'd love to get one of these. Ratdog 9-02-2005 definitely convinced me that the 660 a killer all-in-one 16 bit box. I wonder if the 661 (24 bit) will debut next year.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #4 on:** December 21, 2005, 06:59:49 AM »

so sell your ua5>jb3 combo. kick in a couple hundred. viola! major upgrade.

silentmark · « **Reply #5 on:** December 21, 2005, 08:06:29 AM »

So there is no line in with the Oade mod ?

ehren · « **Reply #6 on:** December 21, 2005, 09:39:37 AM »

Quote from: Nick's Picks on December 21, 2005, 06:59:49 AM

so sell your ua5>jb3 combo. kick in a couple hundred. viola! major upgrade.

Although a very good sound, from the one show I've heard, I wouldn't want to speculate that the ACM 660 is automatically better sounding than a BM2 mod UA5. Considering that the UA5 does 24 bit, it might actually not be an upgrade. If we're comparing 16 bit to 16 bit then it might sound better, but without a true comp it's hard to know that.

+T for the review.

neutrino · « **Reply #7 on:** December 21, 2005, 10:20:11 AM »

Nick-
Where's the Oade modded R1 review? It seems like the R1 has been sorely overlooked due to its lack of spdif input, but IMHO is a much better alternative to the MT2496 for "line in" tapers.
dB-

aberg · « **Reply #8 on:** December 21, 2005, 10:43:44 AM »

I was very close to buying this unit last month. It was a tossup between the 660 and the MP-2>R-1. The MP-2>R-1 setup ended up costing $50 more, but I think with 24bit capability and the ability to power for longer (MP-2 can go over 50 hours on my 9v walmart, and the R-1 can go 6-7 hours on x2 2500mah NiMH's), I made the right choice (for now). Now that I've got Neumann's, the test will be whether the MP-2 is too warm for them. If so, I might opt for the 660 if 16bit is fine for me. I like that your review used Neumann's, and you enjoyed the sound. Transparency with these mics is definitely a plus. Thanks for the review!

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #9 on:** December 21, 2005, 10:57:16 AM »

where is the R1 review?
someone lend me one for a month or two, and i'll review it.

aberg · « **Reply #10 on:** December 21, 2005, 11:22:07 AM »

Quote from: Nick's Picks on December 21, 2005, 10:57:16 AM

where is the R1 review?
someone lend me one for a month or two, and i'll review it.

Sorry, I was referring to your 660 review.

d5 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 22, 2005, 07:25:10 PM »

Nice review Nick! +t

tfs8271 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 23, 2005, 12:27:07 AM »

Quote from: silentmark on December 21, 2005, 08:06:29 AM

So there is no line in with the Oade mod ?

Correct, no line in or internal mics.

Good thing to know when getting a 660. I was scratching my head and actually went out and bought a external battery and found this thread that day. I took the battery back and I'm running NiMH AA instead. More compact.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=55029.0

Nick did you find this problem? I want to contact Doug about this, so he can tell others. I kept thinking I was doing something wrong charging my NiMHs.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #13 on:** December 23, 2005, 07:51:28 AM »

I did read it.
I dont consider it a problem w/the Marantz. just that the NiMH batteries are not all the same size.
all alkalines seem to be the same size as they were never a problem.

IMO, if you are running *any* flavor UA5 > Jb3 at 16bit, then the 660 is an upgrade. UNLESS you like the Wmod sound w/your mics and have fallen into perfect synergy.

the 660 is to dye for.

tfs8271 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 23, 2005, 09:20:24 AM »

Quote from: Nick's Picks on December 23, 2005, 07:51:28 AM

I did read it.
I dont consider it a problem w/the Marantz. just that the NiMH batteries are not all the same size.
all alkalines seem to be the same size as they were never a problem.

IMO, if you are running *any* flavor UA5 > Jb3 at 16bit, then the 660 is an upgrade. UNLESS you like the Wmod sound w/your mics and have fallen into perfect synergy.

the 660 is to dye for.

Yeah I didn't mean for it to sound like there was a problem with the 660. It is the battery size, I just didn't think of that when I was using them.

Nick I must agree the sound is awesome. I have used my AKG and my Neumanns with great results. Still haven't tried the mbhos, might try them at SKB on the 30th.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #15 on:** December 23, 2005, 10:11:40 AM »

i know. the thing sounds silly good. its so small, easy to run and power, and sounds HUGE. I think its the coolest thing to come off of Dougs bench in a long time. I'm sure the 671 will be even better sounding..so i'm pumped for that. but if I was content to record at 16bit...and I question that stance all the time.... then I wouldnt think of anything but the ACM660. its too goddam cool.

tfs8271 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 23, 2005, 11:09:06 AM »

I'm going to use it to record a meeting at work today. You think it's cool to record a meeting in mp3...I need to email it to those not attending?

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #17 on:** December 23, 2005, 05:31:01 PM »

certainly.

and cut it into segments.

tfs8271 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 23, 2005, 09:31:15 PM »

I should get the company to buy me pair of omnis

spyder9 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 22, 2006, 10:01:05 PM »

I emailed them. They said no.

Wiggler · « **Reply #20 on:** March 22, 2006, 10:06:35 PM »

I couple of months ago I saw a thread that stated Doug may consider doing a 24 bit mod for the 660.
I think he said it can be done but he was to busy at present time and that project would have to wait until later in the year.
If you search his board you can find the thread.

thegreatgumbino · « **Reply #21 on:** March 22, 2006, 10:41:12 PM »

Quote from: Wiggler on March 22, 2006, 10:06:35 PM

I couple of months ago I saw a thread that stated Doug may consider doing a 24 bit mod for the 660.
I think he said it can be done but he was to busy at present time and that project would have to wait until later in the year.
If you search his board you can find the thread.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=51938.0

That would be the bomb! I've been eyeing the 660 for a while, but the 24 bit option would seal the deal me thinks. That would be one hell of a box.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #22 on:** March 23, 2006, 07:14:57 AM »

indeed.
its a great product at 16bit.
very forgiving..you can run it hot and push it hard. I have made some drunken recordings where I stumble back to the section and people are like "you should turn down, your clipping hard", and when I look down...I certainly was.
however, on playback its about as perfect as 16bit resolution can get.
the LEDs are so fast, that a clip light ...even though it seems long as it has a 1 second hold on the peaks, is just a microsecond transient. Very much like the V3 in that regard.

tfs8271 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 23, 2006, 08:22:43 AM »

Quote from: Nick's Picks on March 23, 2006, 07:14:57 AM

the LEDs are so fast, that a clip light ...even though it seems long as it has a 1 second hold on the peaks, is just a microsecond transient.

Thanks I didn't know that. I've done the same, gottin back to the rig and thought I was clipping. I get home to listen and realized that I shouldn't have missed with it at all.

If Doug ever does the 24 bit I'm in, but I'm very happy with what I've got. Might even buy a 671 just for open taping and 24 bit.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #24 on:** March 23, 2006, 08:37:41 AM »

oh yea, if doug does a 24bit mod for it, it will be the ultimate deck.
but in the meantime, its the word in 16bit, imo.

I can't believe I have this quality sound for $750.

ingsy · « **Reply #25 on:** March 23, 2006, 10:15:13 AM »

This thread makes me so happy - my ACM PMD660 should be here today! What type of CF cards are you all using?

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #26 on:** March 23, 2006, 10:17:14 AM »

i'm using a kingston 4gb

Chuck · « **Reply #27 on:** March 23, 2006, 10:44:05 AM »

Kingston Elite 4 GB in a 671 for me.

tfs8271 · « **Reply #28 on:** March 23, 2006, 12:50:35 PM »

Kingston 4gb...remember (I'm sure you have read) do not get a microdrive CF card!!!! I will not work.

ingsy · « **Reply #29 on:** March 23, 2006, 01:08:36 PM »

looks like Kingston is the way to go - thanks for letting me know.

ford prefect · « **Reply #30 on:** March 23, 2006, 01:12:19 PM »

Quote from: ingsy on March 23, 2006, 01:08:36 PM

CCM 41Lg > ACM 660

New toys!!!

OFOTD · « **Reply #31 on:** March 23, 2006, 02:21:11 PM »

Just to make sure I don't get too excited about this unit but it DOESN'T have a digital input, correct?

thegreatgumbino · « **Reply #32 on:** March 23, 2006, 02:59:20 PM »

Quote from: OFOTD on March 23, 2006, 02:21:11 PM

Just to make sure I don't get too excited about this unit but it DOESN'T have a digital input, correct?

Correct.

Chanher · « **Reply #33 on:** March 23, 2006, 03:23:06 PM »

gosh, I would love to have a ACM 660 for the indoor section/fob season and ACM 671 for onstage/outdoors/acoustic/classical!

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #34 on:** March 23, 2006, 05:46:56 PM »

so sell some shit and "refigure" what you have.

Chanher · « **Reply #35 on:** March 23, 2006, 06:31:15 PM »

I know, I know, I mean I think I can get around $800 for just the tmod+ and the jb3, there's your 660 right there, but I still have these occasions where 24-bit is so worth it, and my laptop batt just crapped out!

I've got to finish a project with my 410, my student loans start next month, sheesh...

spyder9 · « **Reply #36 on:** June 01, 2006, 03:35:38 PM »

My 660 just arrived from Oade yesterday. Thanks Nick.

Played around with it last night. Man, this thing sounds sweet! It has that smoothness that reminds me of a V3. Really easy to use, like you guys said. Love the presets. And the Kingston 2Gb had no issues what so ever. Thanks to everyone for convincing me to get this box. I'm very happy.

Phat!!

kgreener · « **Reply #37 on:** June 01, 2006, 04:01:26 PM »

congrats Dan, that little box is awesome, you're gonna love it!!

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #38 on:** June 01, 2006, 04:06:29 PM »

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #39 on:** June 01, 2006, 04:07:19 PM »

btw, get those duracell nimh 2500 AAs.
they are a must have for that box, imo.

spyder9 · « **Reply #40 on:** June 01, 2006, 04:08:14 PM »

Thanks Keith! I can't wait to run this puppy. I might tape somethin' local tonight. Just to test it out.

spyder9 · « **Reply #41 on:** June 01, 2006, 04:11:27 PM »

Quote from: Nick's Picks on June 01, 2006, 04:07:19 PM

btw, get those duracell nimh 2500 AAs.
they are a must have for that box, imo.

Actually I'm waiting on a set of Power2000 2700 mah AAs I picked up off of eBay. 4 batteries and their smartcharger of $20.00. I have Power2000 2100 mah in there right now and had no issues with them. I've used the Power2000 with my power-hungry Olympus camera (my digital is 9 years old) for a couple of years and they've been a rock. Power2000 are just as good in Powerexs, IMO. Both are popular on eBay as far AA bats go.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #42 on:** June 01, 2006, 04:13:20 PM »

good enough
you'll get more time than you'll ever need.

spyder9 · « **Reply #43 on:** June 01, 2006, 04:16:27 PM »

Quote from: Nick's Picks on June 01, 2006, 04:13:20 PM

good enough
you'll get more time than you'll ever need.

True. 2700 mah should get me solid hours. 8 hours, ya think, with phantom on? The 480s and 853s don't draw much.

kgreener · « **Reply #44 on:** June 01, 2006, 04:25:30 PM »

Quote from: spyder9 on June 01, 2006, 04:16:27 PM

Quote from: Nick's Picks on June 01, 2006, 04:13:20 PM
good enough
you'll get more time than you'll ever need.
True. 2700 mah should get me solid hours. 8 hours, ya think, with phantom on? The 480s and 853s don't draw much.

yeah man, your flash card will run out before your batteries do, no doubt!

spyder9 · « **Reply #45 on:** June 01, 2006, 04:36:30 PM »

Quote from: kgreener on June 01, 2006, 04:25:30 PM

Quote from: spyder9 on June 01, 2006, 04:16:27 PM
Quote from: Nick's Picks on June 01, 2006, 04:13:20 PM
good enough
you'll get more time than you'll ever need.
True. 2700 mah should get me solid hours. 8 hours, ya think, with phantom on? The 480s and 853s don't draw much.

yeah man, your flash card will run out before your batteries do, no doubt!

Woot!

spyder9 · « **Reply #46 on:** June 05, 2006, 01:20:18 AM »

Did a battery test w/ the following setup AT853RX > 660.

1) Used a set of Duracell Alkalines.

2) Kingston 2GB CF

3) phantom on

4) 44.1/16

5) button lock engaged

Results: 3 hours and 16 minutes in recording time.

Had to stop the recording, for I only had 1 minute and 40 seconds left on the card. Battery indicator was showing "empty".

Nice results for Alkalines powering the AT853RXs. Still waiting on the Power2000 2700mah rechargeables. I'll report on this thread when the test on those are done.

spyder9 · « **Reply #47 on:** June 06, 2006, 12:00:47 AM »

Sh&t! 660 is having problems w/ rechargeables.

Get major distortion in the left channel. Ran in separate tests, Power2000 and Energizer rechargeable bats and get the same problem. Even ran separate tests with the AT853RX and AKG 480 mics. Same deal. So I know it has nothing to do with the mics or the bats. Alkalines ran perfect in my tests.

I sent an email to Doug. Gonna have to ship it back for a tweek. Anybody have such problems with theirs? $:-\$

tfs8271 · « **Reply #48 on:** June 06, 2006, 12:07:10 AM »

No problems like that....you sure everything is connected ok? Doesn't sound like a battery problem, but I don't know much. All I know is I haven't had that problem but I have problems with the contacts using rechargables. Let us know what is up. +T

spyder9 · « **Reply #49 on:** June 06, 2006, 12:25:07 AM »

Quote from: tfs8271 on June 06, 2006, 12:07:10 AM

No problems like that....you sure everything is connected ok? Doesn't sound like a battery problem, but I don't know much. All I know is I haven't had that problem but I have problems with the contacts using rechargables. Let us know what is up. +T

Definitely not batteries. Both sets are by different manufacturers, and are brand new. Bought this from another TS member. There was an issue with external powering. Had him send it in to Doug, who had to order a part from Japan.

I also, made sure I had "Nimh" set in my preset. The biz-card mod in the battery sled was done by the previous owner. He had no problems running rechargeables. Something must have been missed when Doug was fixing the external powering issue.

Not too worried. Doug should be able to fix it. Just want to get it right. I do love the sound on this thing. Nice warm sound. And quiet too. Very quiet.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #50 on:** June 06, 2006, 07:09:12 AM »

hmmm...
thats fucked up Dan.

I can't see how batteries would to that.
try using only two cells in one end of the sled, and then try two down in the other two slots. maybe you can further isolate the issue before sending it off.
damn...and you just got it back!

fwiw, there should be paper shims in the battery sled already.

kgreener · « **Reply #51 on:** June 06, 2006, 07:58:21 AM »

aw man, this sucks big-time Dan, really sorry to hear this. as a process of elimination, have you tried pulling all the batteries and used the AC adapter plugged into the wall as another test to see if you get the same distortion?

big +T for your troubles. there's gotta be an explanation for this and i'm sure Doug will be all over it to help you.

spyder9 · « **Reply #52 on:** June 06, 2006, 09:35:58 AM »

Yup, plugged in the external battery. Everything worked fine. I'll try running it with 2 rechargeables at lunchtime, see if I can isolate it. Paper shims are still there.

One thing that does happen: once the batteries start to drain, the distortion goes away. But it varies when it goes away. Last Thursday it was 15 minutes. Saturday night, it was an hour. Strangely, the distortion returned at the 2 hour 6 minute mark on Saturday.

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #53 on:** June 23, 2006, 07:08:17 AM »

Quote from: raoulduke on June 23, 2006, 01:17:10 AM

I realize doug disables the factory line inputs when he does the ACM to the 660.

my question is, can the xlr inputs on an ACM accept a line level signal? for example, sbd > 660 ?

also, can one run an external pre be front of the ACM 660 ?

as for a sbd feed, probably. there is a 20db pad in there so once activated i'm sure that will work out.
as for the external pre, same boat. no line input.
also, why would you want an external preamp after paying for a preamp modification?
you wont want one once you hear it anyway.

tfs8271 · « **Reply #54 on:** June 23, 2006, 09:17:08 AM »

Quote from: Nick's Picks on June 23, 2006, 07:08:17 AM

Quote from: raoulduke on June 23, 2006, 01:17:10 AM
I realize doug disables the factory line inputs when he does the ACM to the 660.

my question is, can the xlr inputs on an ACM accept a line level signal? for example, sbd > 660 ?

also, can one run an external pre be front of the ACM 660 ?

as for a sbd feed, probably. there is a 20db pad in there so once activated i'm sure that will work out.
as for the external pre, same boat. no line input.
also, why would you want an external preamp after paying for a preamp modification?
you wont want one once you hear it anyway.

Nick is right...you won't need a preamp in front

That is the beauty of Doug's mod.
SBD feed is fine with the XLRs, but run it with the -20dB pad. I only had one problem running a SBD feed and I suspected it was the feed that I was getting was too hot and clipping. I had my levels low enough, but I remember I was running with the pad and had the noods at about 10% to 20%. When I run SBD feed from my home venue the noobs are 50-70%.

Unitmonster · « **Reply #55 on:** June 23, 2006, 01:05:51 PM »

Has anybody ever had problems running the 660 at Max gain? Is noise typically introduced?

Nick's Picks · « **Reply #56 on:** June 23, 2006, 02:24:47 PM »

no real line in after the Oade mods, but there is a stereo mini input on the stock units.
XLR input, through mic preamps. -20db pad option in the menu
headphone out (mini)
line out (mini), and its very quiet....or at least mine was.