Topic: Sony PCM-D50 vs. Tascam HD-P2

[discopanic1]

I have the Tascam HD-P2, I've been looking into a new device and am looking towards the Sony PCM-D50.  Anyone got any pointers?  I like the mics on the PCM-D50 and think that would be cool in stealth situations but really I'm just wondering if the gear is worth a purchase.  So please owners of either let me know comparably.

Peace.....jmc

Schoeps mk4/mk41 > kc5 > cmc6 > v3 > hd-p2

[illconditioned]

I have the Tascam HD-P2, I've been looking into a new device and am looking towards the Sony PCM-D50.  Anyone got any pointers?  I like the mics on the PCM-D50 and think that would be cool in stealth situations but really I'm just wondering if the gear is worth a purchase.  So please owners of either let me know comparably.

Peace.....jmc

Schoeps mk4/mk41 > kc5 > cmc6 > v3 > hd-p2

The good:
- sounds great, lots of clean gain for ambient recording, -20dB pad for concert recording.
- batteries run rig forever, it also goes into "powersave" mode and just wakes up by pressing record
- great user interface: level meters, level lights
- great headphone amp
- passable internal mics

The bad: too large!  Actually that is the only point.

  Richard

[discopanic1]

You say too large, it appears to only be 6 inches, is that correct?

[illconditioned]

You say too large, it appears to only be 6 inches, is that correct?

Outer dimensions: 3.25" x 6" x 1.5" thick

It is manageable, but I find it heavy to carry, and a little too big to fit in most pockets.  I find myself carrying a minidisc, or my Edirol r09 more often.

  Richard

[discopanic1]

Thanks for the input, do you have one?  I just think it would be easier to carry around compared to the HD-P2.

[illconditioned]

Thanks for the input, do you have one?  I just think it would be easier to carry around compared to the HD-P2.

Yes, I have one and I love it.  Just that I would carry it around a lot more if it were as small as the Edirol R09!

  Richard

[Belexes]

I have a D50 and R-09HR.  I find myself using the R-09HR in the summer more because of it's size/portability.  In the colder months, I am more likely to reach for the D50.  The size isn't a real major deal breaker for me.  I'm an old analog/DAT taper and those things were just as big.

[JasonSobel]

it looks like you're running a V3 in front of your deck, so my guess is that you're taking a digital signal from the V3 to the deck.  Keep in mind that the digital input on the D50 is optical, and not a coax input.  If you're just looking for a smaller deck than the HD-P2, also check out the Marantz PMD-661.  It's got an S/PDIF input via RCA coax, and is quite a bit smaller than the HD-P2 (probably similar in size to the D50)

[tekdroid]

I have the Tascam HD-P2, I've been looking into a new device and am looking towards the Sony PCM-D50.  Anyone got any pointers?  I like the mics on the PCM-D50 and think that would be cool in stealth situations but really I'm just wondering if the gear is worth a purchase. 

I love the PCM-D50. My only concern is the unit not meeting your stealth objectives; it's fairly large but still hand-holdable (and still  seems to be far smaller than that Tascam).

Usability is very good, build quality is superb, sound is excellent, mics are great in my limited testing so far (only had it a few days), battery life is great. The unit has met and often exceeded my expectations, so I am pleased. I have no experience with the Tascam HD-P2 so don't know how it compares to it.

Outdoors, a fluffy thing (Sony AD-PCM1 or equivalent) is a must to cut down on wind noise - a well-recommended retailer is selling the units with this bundled. Good luck.

[jlykos]

It's really not that large.  It fits in my jeans pocket and I am able to stealth it without too many problems.  I love my D50 and can't imagine running anything else right now.  The lack of a coaxial S/PDIF input may be an issue for you, however, if you want to run a V3 into it.  The internal A/D sounds good to me, however, if a bit dark.  I generally like darker sounds so I am fine with it.  With your signal path, getting an Nbox or something similar into the D50 would appear to me to be an ideal low profile rig.  Battery life is a major plus with the D50; you will never need to use an external battery pack under any circumstances.

[johnw]

i like it with the nbox line in or optical in from the v3. easily stealthable. cant comment on the built in mics as ive never used them

[aboy]

The D-50 as others have said a great little machine.  I like the record level control and the fact other switches are very hard to move accidently.  It would have been pefect had the mics are removeable.  that just make it a little too long for me.

[spcyrfc]

Thanks for the input, do you have one?  I just think it would be easier to carry around compared to the HD-P2.

Yes, I have one and I love it.  Just that I would carry it around a lot more if it were as small as the Edirol R09!

  Richard

i wish it were smaller as well, but the battery life is extraordinary. if it were smaller, it would be more versatile.  hope they come out with that one.

[discopanic1]

Thanks for all the feedback.