Topic: Tascam DR-2d or Sony PCM-M10

[bravoland]

I'm about to sell my Tascam DR-07 and get either the Tascam DR-2d or Sony PCM-M10. I've been browsing thru the recording forums reading as much as possible over the last few days.   I primarily record Stealth Main Stream Rock Acts in Arena's. To be honest the only reasons i'm going to get rid of my dr7 is 1) the size is just still a tad bit bigger than i would like for Stealthing in. The DR2d and M10 are both slightly smaller.   2) It drives me crazy having the Line in on the side of the Unit!  I know i can get a right angle plug but reason number 1 has made me decide to get a new recorder.

with that being said.
the DR2d is newer and most people seem somewhat impressed with the dual record mode.   This function slightly impresses me but i'm not sure it's a must have.
The M10 seems highly regarded except for the Clock issue. How big is this issue really to everyone?  If i put fully charged batteries in it before going to a show and making sure the clock is set. 2 hours later when i'm at the show and hit the power button does it force you to set the clock before doing anything else?

I know there will be a hundred different answers on which unit is preferred but I'm just trying to get a consensus based on if you were buying one of the above brand new which one you'd go with
Both seem to be about the same price.

[Will_S]

I think the dual mode makes the DR2D significantly more desirable IF you have a decent chance of getting a board feed now and then to take advantage of the 4 track recording ability.  The dual "safe" mode that just records the mic input at two levels strikes me as less useful as long as you know what you are doing level wise, and the M10's limiter can perform a simlar function.

The line out of the DR2D is also on the side of the unit though, so if that is what drives you crazy about the DR07, you won't like the DR2D anymore (unless you meant line in - I'm not sure why the line out position really matters on a pocket recorder)

[bravoland]

Thanks Will for the reply. Your right I meant Line In and have modified the original post.  Let's say the DR-2d didn't have the Dual Record mode.  Would it even be a question at that point between the M10 and DR2d?

[Will_S]

If not for dual mode, I would probably go for the M10 for its better battery life (although in practice I'm not sure 20 hrs is more useful than 5 hrs at a shot) and likely quieter mic input (which is not to say that the Tascam's is noticeably noisy, but from what I've read the M10's is exceptionally good for the price point).

[F.O.Bean]

So, how does one go about setting up and recording 2 separate stereo channels I take it like mk41+Sonosax>LINE-IN & Busman Mics>LB>MIC-IN Would the output of the LB be WAY too hot for the MIC-IN of the dr2d

[darby]

So, how does one go about setting up and recording 2 separate stereo channels I take it like mk41+Sonosax>LINE-IN & Busman Mics>LB>MIC-IN Would the output of the LB be WAY too hot for the MIC-IN of the dr2d

I take the normal RCA out from all the local SBDs into the Mic In (phantom off) at about 65 out of 100... no problem

Thanks Will for the reply. Your right I meant Line In and have modified the original post.  Let's say the DR-2d didn't have the Dual Record mode.  Would it even be a question at that point between the M10 and DR2d?

for normal 2 channel recording I always use my M10

[F.O.Bean]

I have [2] M10's, but I like having 2 sources w/ the same clock so I can juust track out each set once, and then use the cue sheet for the other fileset to save me some time. And YES, I'll still be running an M10 as a backup

What kind of runtime are we talking w/ 2300mah/AA's in the DR2D