Topic: Is there a clear winner for field recorders?

[worldtenor]

I have been reading reviews and listening to samples now for over 30 hours and still am unable to decide whether I should drop the 300-400 dollars it's going to take for a nice field recorder.  I've narrowed it down to the Marantz PMD620, the Zoom H4, the Edirol R-09, and the Sony MZ-RH1.

I'm also checking out the Sony PCM-D50 for a 100 bucks more....what are your thoughts on this one?

I will be using this device to record voice lessons and performances.  I am an opera singer and am also a bit of an audiophile, so I would like to make sure that the recording quality is very high.

Is there a clear choice between these units?  Are the mini-disc players simply too far gone to even consider the Sony?  I'm pretty much researched out and would like to hear what your comments are regarding which unit will perform the best.  Comments from those of you who have had several field recording units is very much appreciated.

Thanks!

[bensyverson]

There have been a lot of Fostex FR2LE and Marantz PMD671 decks popping onto the auction site at around $450... You might want to consider dropping the extra $200 to get a deck you won't be in danger of outgrowing.

That said, the recorders you mention should work fine. It's all a matter of degrees.

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

I've narrowed it down to the Marantz PMD620, the Zoom H4, the Edirol R-09, and the Sony MZ-RH1.

Marantz...  You can upgrade with the BusMan Modification later...

Fantastic unit.  The others are "toys" compared.  Add a pair of condensors and you'll be set for ANY field recording situation...

T

[Will_S]

I've narrowed it down to the Marantz PMD620, the Zoom H4, the Edirol R-09, and the Sony MZ-RH1.

Marantz...  You can upgrade with the BusMan Modification later...

Fantastic unit.  The others are "toys" compared.  Add a pair of condensors and you'll be set for ANY field recording situation...

I believe you are confusing the PMD620, which the poster asked about, with the PMD660, which you are describing.

The PMD620 does NOT work with condensors without an intermediate phantom powering adapter, nor is Busman modding them yet (ever?) as far as I know.  Of the recorders listed, only the H4 will work with condensors out of the box, although its mic preamps leave a bit to be desired.

[flintstone]

Overall, I prefer the Fostex FR-2LE, available for about $450 from eBay.  But the internal mics of the FR-2LE are not very good at all.  So for the original poster's needs, a machine with decent built-in mics like the R-09, PMD620 or PCM-D50 might be preferred.

Flintstone

[dogmusic]

I'm also checking out the Sony PCM-D50 for a 100 bucks more....what are your thoughts on this one?

Get it. You won't regret it.

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Has anyone actually used the new Sony and it's internal mikes to make music recordings? Comments and impressions, please?

[Belexes]

Has anyone actually used the new Sony and it's internal mikes to make music recordings? Comments and impressions, please?

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,92069.0.html

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,95964.0.html

[kindms]

I have been extremely happy with the Tascam HDP2 but it is def more $ than mentioned above. it is really easy to use and offers a lot of options

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Thanks, Belexes, but I read both threads and found, at best, two instances of actual use by actual owners. It sounds like a good machine, though.

Aside from the R-09's flimsier build quality, how does the Sony compare with the Edirol in sound quality?