Topic: PT: 3 - New Marantz PMD661

[DigiGal]

I downloaded the file out of curiosity, and both the firmware details and the firmware itself have a timestamp of 10th Oct 2012. So that seems to be the build date.

Maybe they are just backporting some bug fixes from the Mk2 which uses, it seems, firmware versions 3.xx.

Just a guess of course.

Interesting, on October 26th I got this response from Marantz regarding firmware for PMD661, no mention at all of v2.04 and it wasn't posted in November when I last checked. Odd that it would have a date stamp of October 10th.

The PMD661MKII is a separate model from the PMD661.  Version 2.03 is the latest firmware for the PMD661.  There are no plans to release a new firmware version for the PMD661 that includes the new features present on the PMD661MKII.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
D&M Professional
1100 Maplewood Drive
Itasca, IL 60143

I'm hesitant to install a vX.04 firmware since I'm not having any problems and you brought up some v3.04 bugs in the MKII thread http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=158819.msg2024268#msg2024268

Has anyone installed v2.04 on a PMD661?  Problems with it?

[borjam]

I'm hesitant to install a vX.04 firmware since I'm not having any problems and you brought up some v3.04 bugs in the MKII thread http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=158819.msg2024268#msg2024268

Not really bugs, except maybe for the "sharp analog circuitry disconnection thing".

I hadn't read the manual thoroughly (my fault) and it clearly states that a seamless transition from one track to the next is not guaranteed. I assumed it because it's not that hard to do in software, having a small buffer which allows you to make a seamless transition. Seems they haven't done it. Anyway SDHC are peripherals with weird performance characteristics.

Regarding the "no audio", I didn't notice. It was recording a  -20 dB signal to the right channel, which is indeed the correct way to do it (and a nice feature).

So, my apologies. I was wrong.

I'm copying this to the other thread in order to avoid spreading false rumors

[pdxdanmusic]

I have been looking at this external battery for my PMD661. Has anybody tried it?
http://www.bixnet.com/bx550.html

[DiggerinVA]

I have been looking at this external battery for my PMD661. Has anybody tried it?
http://www.bixnet.com/bx550.html

It should work well. I am using a MP3300 that I got for a PMD660 I have. I also will use one of the Universal Powerbank's usb port as well. It is easy to power.

[Since85]

I would like to get an external powering solution for my PMD661. My criteria is:

1. Lasting 8 hours or so w/ phantom powering
2. Relatively small size for battery (small as possible)
3. Input to power deck through power plug, NOT USB
4. Relatively quick recharge

I have a batterygeek battery that I really like, but it is too big/too much voltage for the PMD661. I believe I need a 5v battery, correct?

thanks all!

[yug du nord]

I've been using a Tekkeon for a couple of years...  works great.  Can't comment on any run times though.
Been thinking about switching over to an Eyama 8800mAh dual-usb battery that I picked up from Newegg..... 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1WK0HR9208
I haven't tried it yet with the 661 though.

And yes..  5V.

[dallman]

I've been using a Tekkeon for a couple of years...  works great.  Can't comment on any run times though.
Been thinking about switching over to an Eyama 8800mAh dual-usb battery that I picked up from Newegg..... 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1WK0HR9208
I haven't tried it yet with the 661 though.

And yes..  5V.

I gambled and tried this on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5V-2-USB-20000mAh-backup-power-bank-charger-external-rechargeable-battery-pack-/281085100603?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item4171fa423b

It looks remarkably similar to the above and while I bought the rated 20000mAH for about $27.00 a few months back, it is also available for a little less $$ at 10,000mAH. I could not tell you if the ratings are accurate, but I can tell you I am surprisingly happy as I used it to record 3 shows without recharging, running my Marantz pmd661 and a SD USB Pre 2, and still had 2 led's glowing. I've been running it for about 4 months now with no issues at all. It does take overnight to recharge and I have only used USB into my laptop for recharging, not one of my in wall USB 5v chargers which technically should be the same but may be faster. My gut tells me be wary of the reliability or at least the specs, but I again, I have been happily surprised.

Since the instructions are useless, I can say after plugging the deck into the battery, you just press the button, the led's glow and you are set for hours.

[Since85]

Thanks all for the input.
I would like a battery that has a small round plug OUT and in (power port) on the 661. I would like to avoid the USB route in/out. Is there something like this out there? Or, is it possible to get a strong, low profile (right angle USB cable)?

Think a situation where it needs to be stuffed in a small bag w/ other gear. I am concerned about the USB plug holding well on both the battery and deck.

[yug du nord]

GAKables in the Retail section can make you a USB > barrel-plug that fits the 661...  with that cable or similar cable, you can run the 661 off of any USB battery.
I do not think that the 661 can be powered by battery via the mini-USB on the deck.  No matter what type of external battery is used, ya gotta use the DC barrel-plug input on the deck I believe.

[dallman]

GAKables in the Retail section can make you a USB > barrel-plug that fits the 661...  with that cable or similar cable, you can run the 661 off of any USB battery.
I do not think that the 661 can be powered by battery via the mini-USB on the deck.  No matter what type of external battery is used, ya gotta use the DC barrel-plug input on the deck I believe.

I bought a bunch of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/290936991038?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2661 I have some cables from Ted with the same fittings, and I like these cheap ones better because they are more suited to bending and flexing in my bag. I have never had one pull out. Since it is supplying power, I have no issues with the quality.

[dallman]

I do not think that the 661 can be powered by battery via the mini-USB on the deck.  No matter what type of external battery is used, ya gotta use the DC barrel-plug input on the deck I believe.

I agree with Guy, you will need the barrel-plug for power. If you are worried, secure it with some electrical tape. The fit is fairly snug though.

[Since85]

Cool.

For the USB end (out of battery) of the cable, are there right angle versions available? Essentially, I would like the cable to be right angle at both ends (USB out and barrel in).

[DigiGal]

Cool.

For the USB end (out of battery) of the cable, are there right angle versions available? Essentially, I would like the cable to be right angle at both ends (USB out and barrel in).

Yes, there are right angle USB connectors.  I use one pictured below to power my 661 from tekkeon mp3450, the other output powers SD MixPre-D. 

[tim_k]

So this is perhaps an odd option...
The battery is the Tekkeon MP2250, meant for wireless routers or something, BUT it is 5v out AND comes the correct tip for the 661.
http://www.amazon.com/computers-accessories/dp/B002N7L606
The catch is that it doesn't come with a way to charge it, since it uses the router's charger. So you need this:
http://www.amazon.com/Cradlepoint-Adapter-CTR350-CTR500-PHS300/dp/B001ISK29W
The battery is slightly smaller than the 661. I use velcro to keep them together. I have no idea how long it will last, but probably around 20+ hours, for my work I usually turn it on at the start of the day and off at the end and the meter is always at 3 out of 4 lights. I have the 3450 as well, but I like this smaller one because I don't have to think about accidentally over-powering the 661.
Anyway, works great, I carry this combo into the wilderness a lot, shoved in my backpack.

[Since85]

Lots of options. has anyone tried this one with the PMD661? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009USAJCC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ak9600-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B009USAJCC
It looks like it just has 5v, and 10,000 mAh rating. I think this would run the deck and phantom power mics for at least 8 hours.
Does anyone know if the button on top is a power switch, or just to light up the LEDs to check battery level? Is it the same from all batteries from this manufacturer?
This battery will be stuffed in a relatively small bag. I do not want a battery that can turn "off".