Topic: Which Deck?

[T140V]

Hey Ya'll, I've just picked a V3 and I wanna downsize from my current R4 Pro to one of the newer generation of small hand held recorders. Can you recommend which one might be a good fit. Mics will be AKG 460/KM 184. Also, is it better to go digi out of this pre or analog? Or is it just personal preference. Lots of new units on the market, hard to decide so I thought I would ask the pros. Thanks!

[page]

Largely personal preference.

The Sony M10 and D50 would be my first choices because they can reasonably handle a hot signal. The R09HR would be another even though it's older. The D50 gets a special nod if your V3 has an opti-mod so you could get it to receive a digital signal.

[Big Perm]

Very few of hand helds will take a SPDIF digital signal. If your v3 has optimod, then I agree with page, D50. If not i would go marantz 661. It's smallish, professional, and will take SPDIF input. IMO your wasting a huge feature of the V3 if you don't use (or at least have the option to use) the AD.

[page]

IMO your wasting a huge feature of the V3 if you don't use (or at least have the option to use) the AD.

true, you could just get a V2 and some cash otherwise.

[dogmusic]

Very few of hand helds will take a SPDIF digital signal.

TASCAM DR-100mkii takes a SPDIF signal, although with a special plug (provided with the recorder).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/832911-REG/Tascam_DR100MKII_DR_100mkII_Portable_Linear.html

I use it with an SD USBPre2 and it works fine.

[T140V]

Very few of hand helds will take a SPDIF digital signal. If your v3 has optimod, then I agree with page, D50. If not i would go marantz 661. It's smallish, professional, and will take SPDIF input. IMO your wasting a huge feature of the V3 if you don't use (or at least have the option to use) the AD.

this unit has not been modded....how much does that optimod cost? MD 661 looks like the obvious choice at this point...thanks for the input!

[F.O.Bean]

I would go with the marantz 661 as well. It seems more reliable than the dr100mkIIs digi input

[audBall]

this unit has not been modded....how much does that optimod cost? MD 661 looks like the obvious choice at this point...thanks for the input!

A few years ago the mod was about $250 USD. In this day and age I'd personally avoid that route and use that money towards a recorder with a coaxial digital input such as the 661 (or Tascam 680 for multichannel options). It's a much more solid and durable connection than using opti cables, imo. 

[T140V]

this unit has not been modded....how much does that optimod cost? MD 661 looks like the obvious choice at this point...thanks for the input!

A few years ago the mod was about $250 USD. In this day and age I'd personally avoid that route and use that money towards a recorder with a coaxial digital input such as the 661 (or Tascam 680 for multichannel options). It's a much more solid and durable connection than using opti cables, imo.

Thanks, looks like I need a 661...who's got one they wanna sell?

[audBall]

Here's one, definitely used, on ebay for $330 shipped if no other bids come in:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Marantz-PMD661-/171103462176

[T140V]

Well the V3 arrived today, pretty exciting but: no power cable....where can I source one by tomorrow nights RRE show?  I see some PMD-661's on Ebay, not sure if I wanna take a chance on a used electronic devive....what do you guy's think? I'm thinking buy a new one, spend a bit more but get a warranty/peace of mind.

[audBall]

Well the V3 arrived today, pretty exciting but: no power cable....where can I source one by tomorrow nights RRE show?  I see some PMD-661's on Ebay, not sure if I wanna take a chance on a used electronic devive....what do you guy's think? I'm thinking buy a new one, spend a bit more but get a warranty/peace of mind.

Is there anyone local that runs a V3 that might be able to help you out? You might be able to fashion a temporary 'non-locking' cable at Radio Shack.

Saving a little more up and getting the 'warranty/peace of mind' is certainly a good idea.

[T140V]

ok, so I kinda got it narrowed down to the PMD-661 or the DR-680. It appears buying new the 680 can be had for less money and has more features/bling. Buying used it seems to be about the same but I'm leaning toward new. My goal was to down size from the R4 pro, looks like the 661 is a bit smaller than 680 but really not that much. And I hardly ever use more than two channels so the extra in's on the 680 no biggie to me. I guess what I would really like to know from you guy's is which unit is more reliable/user friendly/easiest to power in the field. Thanks a bunch!

[jbell]

If you already have an R4pro then a 680 seems like over kill!! 

ok, so I kinda got it narrowed down to the PMD-661 or the DR-680. It appears buying new the 680 can be had for less money and has more features/bling. Buying used it seems to be about the same but I'm leaning toward new. My goal was to down size from the R4 pro, looks like the 661 is a bit smaller than 680 but really not that much. And I hardly ever use more than two channels so the extra in's on the 680 no biggie to me. I guess what I would really like to know from you guy's is which unit is more reliable/user friendly/easiest to power in the field. Thanks a bunch!

[rocksuitcase]

ok, so I kinda got it narrowed down to the PMD-661 or the DR-680. I guess what I would really like to know from you guy's is which unit is more reliable/user friendly/easiest to power in the field.

I own an OADE mod PMD-661. but have no experience with the DR-680 The PMD-661 is VERY user friendly. I think Doug Oade told me that the mod was basically a mic pre-amp mod which enables it to handle loud signals (since I record rock n roll/jamband music). As you can see from my sig line, I run the same AKG mics you do. the 661 is solid sounding using those mics. pre-amp mod is HQ and I can't complain. powering it for festivals will take an outboard DVD type unit. I have yet to go that route, I still have only used AA's with it. using the phantom power, 4AA's last about 2.5 hours TOPS.