Topic: Small flash recorder w/individual record levels?

[nak700s]

There are a lot of new mini-flash recorders coming out lately, what is the best small one?  Most importantly, do any of the small ones allow us to balance the right and left recording levels?  I don't care if there are built in mics, in fact, I'd prefer that there weren't.  When I say small, I mean the same size or smaller than a Sony PC-M1 DAT. 

[Belexes]

For small recorders, most here prefer the R-09HR.  Built-in mics, but they are enclosed in the unit. It's smaller than the M1.

In regards to the levels though, the Edirol has a single control and not individual controls for the two channels.  That being said, you can record in 24 bit and boost/normalize in post to level things out.

I have an R-09 (slightly smaller than the HR model) for sale in the yard. 

[flintstone]

I think the smallest recorder with a gain control for each channel is the M-Audio Microtrack II. No built-in mics, either. 

Here's a link to Guysonic's noise floor test results for the Microtrack II
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,88437.msg1286241.html#msg1286241

The graph shows that the Microtrack II's line input is very quiet when driven by a quality preamp. The 1/8-inch TRS input is acceptable for recording a loud source like a live show, as are the pair of 1/4-inch TS inputs when they receive a balanced input. 

Unbalanced input into the 1/4-inch jacks is quite noisy.  This problem can be addressed with a specially designed cable from Sound Professionals
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?item=SP-MICROTRACK-MINI-TRS-1

You can read the experiences of people who use the Microtrack II here
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,88437.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,106690.0.html

The Microtrack II also accepts SPDIF digital signals through an RCA jack.  Most other small recorders have no digital input at all.  The few that do use an optical connection.  So people who own a preamp with digital output are attracted to the Microtrack II.

Audiolines sells a factory refurbished Microtrack II for $215
http://www.audiolines.com/product.php?productid=19772

eBay price for a new unit in factory box is about $230.  Best price from an online store is about $245.  I see that Markertek offers the Microtrack II for $250.  The have a pretty liberal return policy, so you might be able to order the unit and (carefully) try it out at home to see if it will work for you.

Flintstone

[nak700s]

I was hoping for something that takes regular batteries.  The new Marantz 661 looks great, but is it?  And how big is it compared to a Sony M1 DAT? 

[flintstone]

Marantz PMD661
93 x 165 x 36 mm
410 g no battery

Sony PCM-M1
80 x 117.3 x 29.3 mm
290 g no battery

M-Audio Microtrack II
61x 109.5 x 28.5 mm
139 g including internal Li-Ion battery

[nak700s]

Thanks, but I was hoping for something more visual...like a comparison photo.

[spcyrfc]

anyone got a book mark on that 3d image compare site? i have not bee able to find it and guess i cant come up with reasonable google search parameters.

[nak700s]

I'm guessing you mean this one:

http://www.sizeasy.com/page/size_comparison/20215-PMD661-vs-Tascam-DR-1-vs-Olympus-LS-10-vs-R-09HR-vs-PMD620

This doesn't help me, I like to see exactly what I am looking at, not 3 dementional blocks next to each other.

[sunjan]

I'm guessing you mean this one:

http://www.sizeasy.com/page/size_comparison/20215-PMD661-vs-Tascam-DR-1-vs-Olympus-LS-10-vs-R-09HR-vs-PMD620

This doesn't help me, I like to see exactly what I am looking at, not 3 dementional blocks next to each other.

Maybe the B&H pics are better for you?!
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,113804.0.html

[flintstone]

If you're willing to work with a recorder as large as the Marantz PMD661, then you should also look at the Tascam DR-100.  It's due to be released toward the end of March, price around $430.  It's a little smaller than the PMD661.

The DR-100 preamp could be similar to the DR-1, which is good, or it could be similar to the HD-P2 preamp, which is fantastic.  Tascam is talking like the  DR-100 is closer to the HD-P2, but we'll have to wait to hear it.

Photos of the DR-100 here http://www.tascam.com/products/dr-100;9,12,3717,18.html

Flintstone

[nak700s]

WOW!  That is beautiful.  Although I liked the 661, the size may be to prohibitive for me.  I also prefer the screen on the Tascam.  The less lights the better!  Why does the Marantz have a seperate meter anyway?  The Tascam looks awesome and seems to have everything I want.  Do you know how the size measures up?