PMD 661 MKll

[fmaderjr]

Yeah, I still think they just did a firmware update to the old recorder & are not letting the owners of the original PMD-661 access it, although DigiGal says she doesn't think the changes could be done by firmware update and she's way more technically knowledgeable than I am. It's just that the 4 changes don't seem like any big deal at all & I don't understand why it couldn't just be a firmware update.

[aaronji]

Looks like the PMD620 is getting a similar update (http://usa.d-mpro.com/us/denon/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=AudioRecordingandPlayback&SubCatId=HandheldandPortableRecorders&ProductId=PMD620MKII).  The same four things as listed for the PMD661 MKII.  Plus a bit of a face-lift (black instead of silver).  The frequency response spec is a little different; maybe that's reason to hope for some internal changes...

It seems like they are emphasizing law enforcement.  I don't recall that in the past and would be a good reason for the added security features.

[flintstone]

"Seems like they designed them to be placed on a table top. "

And also to be carried on a shoulder strap.  When carried in that manner, the XLR inputs hang down, and the digital meters point up so the operator can see them.  The "transport" controls are a bit difficult to use in this position since the operator can't see them at a glance. 

I think Marantz needs to improve the power consumption of the 661.  Using 4 AA cells to record for 5 hours is so 2002. 

[datbrad]

I wished they had done something about the gain knob. One like the 660 would be easier to deal with than what is on the 661 now.

[Colin Liston]

There is a "new" PMd 620mkii out as well

[DigiGal]

I e-mailed Marantz Professional tech support this afternoon to find out if/when they will be able to supply a firmware update with the features of PMD661MKII.  No response as yet, I'll relay the info if they respond.

I'm basically happy with the unit as it is for what it is, but am looking to switch over to Sound Devices at some point.  Yes, 661's and 661MKII's form factor is essentially a desk top/shoulder type design as are so many other manufacturers offerings.  It can be an awkward layout but it is workable.  If that layout absolutely doesn't work for you they do offer PMD671 which has a different form factor, but they do not offer a model with more tracks.

[dream]

I'm basically happy with the unit as it is for what it is, but am looking to switch over to Sound Devices at some point.  Yes, 661's and 661MKII's form factor is essentially a desk top/shoulder type design as are so many other manufacturers offerings.  It can be an awkward layout but it is workable. 

I have a Sound Devices 744T and some other recorders. The 661 is IMO a very good addition to a Sound Devices when a SD is overkill but a little Zoom or alike too less quality. The 661 sits right in the middle for me. With its digital input I can use high quality add ons if necessary. Handling is nice and easy to, build quality is quite good. I never understood why this recorder has not a better reputation.

[Napo]

I'm basically happy with the unit as it is for what it is, but am looking to switch over to Sound Devices at some point.  Yes, 661's and 661MKII's form factor is essentially a desk top/shoulder type design as are so many other manufacturers offerings.  It can be an awkward layout but it is workable. 

I have a Sound Devices 744T and some other recorders. The 661 is IMO a very good addition to a Sound Devices when a SD is overkill but a little Zoom or alike too less quality. The 661 sits right in the middle for me. With its digital input I can use high quality add ons if necessary. Handling is nice and easy to, build quality is quite good. I never understood why this recorder has not a better reputation.

dream,

your point is interesting to me as I am about to go for either a SD or a PMD661 OADE FET modded . Where is the diiference in your view: A/D, preamp, quality of sound, sturdeness, ec.
Can others please add their views on this comparison to help me in my choice?

Mauro from Italy

[dream]

I'm basically happy with the unit as it is for what it is, but am looking to switch over to Sound Devices at some point.  Yes, 661's and 661MKII's form factor is essentially a desk top/shoulder type design as are so many other manufacturers offerings.  It can be an awkward layout but it is workable. 

I have a Sound Devices 744T and some other recorders. The 661 is IMO a very good addition to a Sound Devices when a SD is overkill but a little Zoom or alike too less quality. The 661 sits right in the middle for me. With its digital input I can use high quality add ons if necessary. Handling is nice and easy to, build quality is quite good. I never understood why this recorder has not a better reputation.

dream,

your point is interesting to me as I am about to go for either a SD or a PMD661 OADE FET modded . Where is the diiference in your view: A/D, preamp, quality of sound, sturdeness, ec.
Can others please add their views on this comparison to help me in my choice?

Mauro from Italy

The 661 is NOT a substitute for a Sound Devices, it's for me an add on (as I wrote). There is no contest - the 744T is a first class machine, in comparison the 661 is a prosumer machine. I made some good recordings (sampling) with the 661 A/D (not modified) but usually I use digital microphones and therefore the digital coaxial input is used. Digital the sound quality is the same as with the 744T of course ... For A/D and preamp I prefer the SD and the V3 from Grace Design. The 661 is a good all round package for a modest price.

[thunderbolt]

Quote from: dream on Today at 09:17:38 AM
I have a Sound Devices 744T and some other recorders. The 661 is IMO a very good addition to a Sound Devices when a SD is overkill but a little Zoom or alike too less quality. The 661 sits right in the middle for me. With its digital input I can use high quality add ons if necessary. Handling is nice and easy to, build quality is quite good. I never understood why this recorder has not a better reputation.



We have the same gear, and these are my thoughts exactly.

[DigiGal]

I'm basically happy with the unit as it is for what it is, but am looking to switch over to Sound Devices at some point.  Yes, 661's and 661MKII's form factor is essentially a desk top/shoulder type design as are so many other manufacturers offerings.  It can be an awkward layout but it is workable. 

I have a Sound Devices 744T and some other recorders. The 661 is IMO a very good addition to a Sound Devices when a SD is overkill but a little Zoom or alike too less quality. The 661 sits right in the middle for me. With its digital input I can use high quality add ons if necessary. Handling is nice and easy to, build quality is quite good. I never understood why this recorder has not a better reputation.

dream,

your point is interesting to me as I am about to go for either a SD or a PMD661 OADE FET modded . Where is the diiference in your view: A/D, preamp, quality of sound, sturdeness, ec.
Can others please add their views on this comparison to help me in my choice?

Mauro from Italy

Mauro,

I have a stock PMD661, added a SD MixPre-D to feed it digitally which improves s/n ratio and provides an excellent headphone amp.  I plan to add a SD 744t down the line, I like this incremental solution which helps spread out the cost and ultimately allows more flexibility.  I'd keep the PMD661 and MixPre-D when adding a 744t because the MixPre-D can be used for the 744t's digital inputs and the recording options are nice to have depending on the situation. 

Some people 'dis on the PMD661 and Sound Devices 7xx series so ymmv but it works for me.

Here is photo showing how I run the MixPre-D with the PMD661, which makes for a compact rig.


Oh, I'm still waiting to hear back from Marantz support about when/if the MKII features can be added by a firmware update to PMD661.  Maybe some one else wants to inquire with them too in case they overlooked my message.  It can take a while to hear back from manufacturers sometimes but they may be ignoring my question so it wouldn't hurt if more people ask.

[Napo]

DigiGal,

SIMPLY FANTASTIC!

[rastasean]

Oh, I'm still waiting to hear back from Marantz support about when/if the MKII features can be added by a firmware update to PMD661.  Maybe some one else wants to inquire with them too in case they overlooked my message.  It can take a while to hear back from manufacturers sometimes but they may be ignoring my question so it wouldn't hurt if more people ask.

DigiGal,

Nice setup.

What's the address you contacted Marantz at?

[DigiGal]

DigiGal,

Nice setup.

Thanks, I hope to shoot and post some detailed pictures sometime showing how it all goes together.  Basically that rig consists of MixPre-D digitally feeding the PMD661 and PMD661 RCA outputs feed the return signal on the MixPre-D.  Both units are powered off one Tekkeon MP3450 that sits below the MixPre-D in the case.

What's the address you contacted Marantz at?

Just checked my sent messages and it wasn't there so I definitely contacted them this time through the form at -->> http://usa.d-mpro.com/us/contact/pages/contactus.aspx

I have contacted them in the past at this address though -->>  techsupport@d-mpro.com

Another request could be helpful.

[DigiGal]

Got an answer on this...

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.

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