Topic: PMD660 or Microtrack 24/96

[vegas06]

Hello, this is my first post here so be gentle  .

I am an Event Videographer, who is looking for a Flash Drive recorder, better than the IRivers, that I have been using.
I mainly use them for ambiant and backup audio to go along with my camera feed and wireless audio.

My setup would  mainly be used for ambiant audio, micing speakers, and/or taking feed from sound board. Possibly record to unit and send signal to my camera via wireless as well.

I have narrowed it down to the Marantz PMD660 and the M-Audio Microtrack 24/96.

I like the XLR mic ports on the PD660, as well as the -20db pad if necessary, also battery powerd. BTW can you use battery box with the PMD660 like you can on the 24/96? The 60 seems to be a bit more sunstantial to me as well.

I like the 1/4 TRS Mic and Line In on the Microtrack 24/96. Although I have been reading problems with the firmware on the 24/96, are they justified?  I really have no need for the S/PDIF digital input, that others seem to want here.

Thanks for the help and feedback.
Michael

[cpatch]

If your primary use is for ambient audio then I'd say go with the 660 with the preamp mod from oade.com. That will give you a quieter noise floor than a stock 660 or an MT. And you're right, the 660 is more substantial and better built than the MT and will stand up better to event work. (I have both at the moment.)

Craig

[vegas06]

Craig thanks, that's where I was leaning towards.  Which mod would you recommend, the Basic or Basic Concert Mod.

I would be using one of the 3 mics, AT822 (Stereo), AT815B (shotgun), and Senheiser E604 (Drum Mic).
My normal setup would be micing the monitor preakers most likely.

Also is there a way to increase the battery time on the PMD660, like using a battery box?

Thanks again,
Michael

[Chuck]

Talk to Doug Oade about what mod would best suit your needs.
He's always been very helpful when I've talked to him.
I run the PMD671, and am using NiMH AA cells for power. I find this to be very versital. I made interchangable battery packs that I can swap in/out as needed.

[Colin Liston]

I just got the ACM 660.  I also have the Micro Track.  If you aren't stealthing get the 660 for sure.

The 660 is built much better and seems much more stable than the MT.  If you get one you won't regret it, unlike the MT.

[spyder9]

I just got the ACM 660.  I also have the Micro Track.  If you aren't stealthing get the 660 for sure.

The 660 is built much better and seems much more stable than the MT.  If you get one you won't regret it, unlike the MT.

Stealthing the 660 shouldn't be a problem.  A single box in a waist bag, under a club shirt or sweater, should be very stealthable.

[vegas06]

I just got the ACM 660.  I also have the Micro Track.  If you aren't stealthing get the 660 for sure.

The 660 is built much better and seems much more stable than the MT.  If you get one you won't regret it, unlike the MT.

Colin and Chuck thanks for the feedback.  Stealthability isn't a concern for this unit, as it will always either be by myself, or attahced to a mic stand accordingly.  I contacted Doug Oade to see which of the basic mods would work best for me in my recording situations.  I am assuming it would be the Basic Concert mod, since I wil mainly be micing monitor speakers.  I sometimes will take a live feed from the soundboard, but don't really trust DJ's at live events, as they occasionally wills send over an overloaded signal several times during the night.

[Colin Liston]

I just got the ACM 660.  I also have the Micro Track.  If you aren't stealthing get the 660 for sure.

The 660 is built much better and seems much more stable than the MT.  If you get one you won't regret it, unlike the MT.

Stealthing the 660 shouldn't be a problem.  A single box in a waist bag, under a club shirt or sweater, should be very stealthable.

Yeah stealthing with the 660 will be a piece of cake!  I love the peak only meters too.