I'm currently in Tokyo and I've come across a used PCM-M10 at a decent price.
I currently have an Olympus LS10 that has been my primary recording device for years. I recently also got an Olympus LS12 for a few dollars due to an Amazon pricing error but I'm yet to use it.
My question is, is the PCM-M10 an upgrade based on my current gear, or would I be getting much of the same? I only ask as I see the PCM-M10 often referred to and highly regarded. They are difficult to find in my country so trying to decide if I should get one.
If you're talking internal mics, I say the LS-10 is better for most circumstances. Folks like the M10 for a mic in/line in device as supposedly the A/D converter is one of the best at that price point.
The M10 A/D converter is indeed excellent, but the main advantage of it is the battery life: I can easily get 20-30 hours out of a single pair of cheap AAs. Not having to worry about running out of power so long as I leave the house with even a single bar of charge is a huge upside for me, but YMMV.
Quote from: nulldogmas on October 18, 2019, 01:12:36 PM
The M10 A/D converter is indeed excellent, but the main advantage of it is the battery life: I can easily get 20-30 hours out of a single pair of cheap AAs. Not having to worry about running out of power so long as I leave the house with even a single bar of charge is a huge upside for me, but YMMV.
Seconded. We've gotten more than 30 hours out of a pair of AA's.
I used to have an LS10. It's the most ergonomically well-designed pocket recorder I've ever used, and feels built to last.
However, it does have a non-defeatable bass roll-off (starts at around 150Hz and drops about 6dB per octave from there). That's why I got rid of mine, because I'd rather record full range audio and make any modifications in post.
I don't know if the LS12 rolls off or not, but if that matters to you, the M10 would be an upgrade (especially since your signature says you use cardioids).
Incredible. I had zero idea the ls10 had roll off.
I alternate between cards and omnis.
With omnis, the roll-off could be an asset depending on personal tastes in music and recording location.
If the M10 is a decent price, just grab it and experiment with combinations of your mics, recorders and locations. Wait until you try everything and then sell what you don't need.
Just an observation worth keeping in mind: The Japanese M10 has button labels printed in Japanese characters. That may not matter to you, but will affect the resale value outside JP.
I don't know what you mean by decent price, but I rarely see them offered for less than 18,000 JPY and that is for very used copies, and in the range 50,000-90,000 for NOS.
At either price point, there are current offerings I find more attractive - although modern alternatives does not share the tactile solid feel of the M10 (the LS10 is equally solid).