After some experimentation, I found the following steps allowed use of the MicroSDHC cards in a Sony PCM-D50
For 32 GB and smaller cards, the following will work.
- Load MicroSDHC card (using adapter) into PCM-D50 and select the "Memory Stick" as the memory source.
- Attempt to format the "Memory Stick" with PCM-D50. Make sure NOT to format the "Built-In" memory. It will attempt to format the MicroSDHC card but will fail.
- Format Micro SDHC card in a PC, 32bit FAT using normal format, NOT Quick Format.
- Copy all of the files/folders from the "Built-In" memory to the MicroSDHC card using a PC.
- Now, select "Memory Stick" as the memory source. The unit will display "Unknown Format." That is okay,
because it will still read and write from the MicroSDHC card. Press the Play or stop button and the MicroSDHC card in MS Duo's clothing is ready to go.
For a 64 GB card, the following worked. Please note that it took formatting on both a PC and a phone to get it be recognized by the recorder. Also, my LEDs still worked using the microSD card.
- Format Micro SDXC card in a PC using exFAT using normal format, NOT Quick Format with the SD Formatter program from sdcard.org
- Attempt to use SDXC card in Android phone and allow it to format SDXC card
- Load MicroSDXC card (using adapter) into PCM-D50 and select the "Memory Stick" as the memory source.
- Now, select "Memory Stick" as the memory source. The unit will display "Unknown Format." That is okay,
because it will still read and write from the MicroSDXC card. Press the Play or stop button and the MicroSDXC card in MS Duo's clothing is ready to go.
I have used both a 4GB and 8GB class 6, 16GB and 32GB class 10 microSDHC cards, and a 64GB class 10 microSDXC to record continuously for the entire card capacity at 24bit 48KHz. The unit seamlessly splits the files after 2GB. The unit recognizes the entire available memory for each card correctly.
For recordings at 24bits 48KHz: |
capacity | recording time |
64GB | 61h 34 min |
32GB | 30h 51 min |
16GB | 15h 25 min |
8GB | 7h 45 min |
4GB | 3h 52 min |
It stands to reason that higher capacity cards may also be compatible, given adequate speed.
After reviewing the
Memory Stick® Media Compatibility Information for Sony® Digital Voice Recorders,
it appears that 16GB, 32GB may also be compatible.
64GB card: SanDisk Ultra 64 GB microSDXC Class 10 UHS-1 Memory Card SDSDQU-064G-AFFP-A
http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDXC-Memory-Adapter-SDSDQU-064G-AFFP-A/dp/B009QZH6JS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387827622&sr=8-1&keywords=64gb+micro+sd $47.00 shipped, as of 2013.12.23
32GB card: Patriot Signature 32 GB Class 10 MicroSDHC Flash Memory Card PSF32GMCSDHC10,
$49.99 shipped, as of 2012.01.12
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004H8FTCU/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details16GB card: Patriot Signature 16 GB Class 10 MicroSDHC Flash Memory Card (PSF16GMCSDHC10),
$19.99 shipped, as of 2012.01.12
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004H8FTCK/ref=oh_o00_s00_i01_details8GB card: A-DATA Turbo Series 8GB Micro SDHC Memory Card with SD Adapter, Class 6,
$27 shipped, as of 2008.11.24
http://www.meritline.com/adata-8gb-microsdhc-card-class4.html4GB card: PQI 4GB Micro SD High Capacity (Micro SDHC) Memory Card w/ SD Card Adapter, Class 6, Model AEAS-4030R01FJ
$9.25 shipped, as of 2008.11.24
http://www.meritline.com/pqi-4gb-micro-sdhc-memory-card-class6-2.htmlMicro SD Adapter Set (SD, mini SD, Memory Stick Pro Duo) - $10.75 shipped, as of 2008.11.24
http://www.amazon.com/Micro-SD-Adapter-Memory-Stick/dp/B00196PQX0
Other considerations I have after using the recorder include some suggestions for ways to alleviate stress on the input connectors.
There are right-angle connectors for both analog and optical inputs/outputs.
Neutrik NTP3RC and NTP3RC-B 3.5mm Audio Plug, $14.09 shipped, as of 2008.11.24
http://www.markertek.com/Connectors-Adapters/Audio-Connectors/3-5-2-5mm-Mini-Connectors/Neutrik-USA-Inc/NTP3RC.xhtml?NTP3RC-BVelocity™ Right Angle Adapter - Toslink to Mini Plug, $12.53 shipped, as of 2008.11.24
http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=2001&sku=40017