Topic: Sony PCM-M10 or PCM-D50?

[RoganSarine]

The reason I ask between these two is there is a indie concert I really want to record that happens in two weeks -- not enough time for Church Audio mics to be built. As far as I know, the PCM-D50 would give me way better sound because of the directional mics. I would assume, though, that the Church Audio mics would be way better than the D50 mics though anyway.

Additionally, the PCM-D50 is quite a bit bigger than the PCM-10 (about double the depth?), so I'd assume security guards at major concerts would be more likely to hate on the device. So, I am asking you guys what I should do.

Should I buy the PCM-M10 or the PCM-D50? It's the bands last show, so the audio recording is kind of the bigger deal. But, afterwards, I wouldn't want to not be able to go to other concerts because of a large bulky D50 (assuming they'd not allow it through).

[Belexes]

Well security should NEVER see the device.   Someone here a while back voluntarily showed security their M10. 

I have both the D50 and the M10, but do not have much experience using the internals as I have always had the better external mics.  The M10 is very compact with a very long battery life with just two AA's.  It's easier to use in non-open situations and I generally use my D50 for open taping for for venues with zero security.

Answer, M10.

Or you could check the return policy from where you buy the deck, use the D50 for one show, and return it for an M10. 

[RoganSarine]

Yeah, I was considering doing the return thing... But Im always scared they won't allow me to do it -- especially since if I bought them locally in CAnada it'd be nearly double the price as if I drive down to the states.

As for the hiding, like, I could probably pass the M10 off as an iPhone in a cellphone case since it's so small... D50? That'd be a riot to try and conceal.

By the way, just while I'm here... Any tips on concealing the M10? I could probably search for an answer, but most of them are for specific venues (not really a list of ideas where I could conceal it)

[rastasean]

a lot of people prefer not to indicate how they hide their unit. be creative.

perhaps you can see if any other taper is going to the show and maybe get a copy from them. are you only interested in recording one band or do you think you'll like to record in the future?

[Napo]

rastasean's question is a good one.

For instance I understand that the new SDPre2 can be linked to D-50, not to M-10. Is that correct?

[RoganSarine]

I'd be primarily recording a bunch of local bands, but I wouldn't mind trying to get stuff into bigger concerts.

In short, I'd do it more than once for sure. It might help to realize if there any any noticeable pros to the D50 besides the better internal mics (which I eventually wouldn't use). I'm not too familiar with the lingo their spec sheets use.

[rastasean]

For instace I understand that the new SDPre2 can be linked to D-50, not to M-10. Is that correct?

Well technically, both recorders can be used with the sd usbpre2 but the d50 has the optical tos in for the digital signal and the m10 only has analog via line in. even more technical, BOTH of the recorders can record from the usbpre2 at the same time.

[Belexes]

D50? That'd be a riot to try and conceal.

Tapers use to conceal this...a Sony D5. Anything is possible with creativity.

[Napo]

For instace I understand that the new SDPre2 can be linked to D-50, not to M-10. Is that correct?

Well technically, both recorders can be used with the sd usbpre2 but the d50 has the optical tos in for the digital signal and the m10 only has analog via line in. even more technical, BOTH of the recorders can record from the usbpre2 at the same time.

I have a M-10 . Which output option from the SDpre2 shoudl I use? which cable? (sorry for the newbie qustions and the off-topic)
 

[rastasean]

I have a M-10 . Which output option from the SDpre2 shoudl I use? which cable? (sorry for the newbie qustions and the off-topic)

the usbpre2 is $650. If you're looking for a less expensive and great sounding preamp, look at the naiant little/tiny box.

but I can still answer your question.

http://sounddevices.com/images/products/usbpre2-back-900px.jpg

that's male xlr which also means its the output from the pre-amp.
what you then would do is get two female XLRs (left and right audio) > 1/8" cable to plug into the m10.

going back to the littlebox, it can be configured in multiple ways but I think the standard is XLR in and the output is left/right RCA; therefore, you would need left/right rca to 1/8" cable.

if you don't have this cable, you can make it or contact someone like ted to make it for you.
ted's profile to PM him
ted's cable retail page
naiant pre-amps

[Napo]

WOW! that is an exaustive reply.

Thanks a million!
Mauro from Italy (wine is on me if in Rome )

[darby]

D50? That'd be a riot to try and conceal.

Tapers use to conceal this...a Sony D5. Anything is possible with creativity.

I did a few shows with that
I know some guys that did some shows with this:

[ilduclo]

I have had pretty decent results with the internal mics from the d50. I usually use my dpa 4061's, but if I can get a clear line of sight and balanced distances, the d50 mics can sound really good. If you only have 1 set of mics/bat box/preamp, I'd recommend the d50, if only that it is a back up in case something happens to the set of externals.

[Belexes]

LMAO, a Nak 550! That's the deck that Dan Lampinski used for most/all of the recordings are are now on Dime/TTD. What a beast.

[Napo]

The internals of the M-10 are good as well. They are omnis, though, working well in control ambients like auditoriums.