Topic: Deity PR-2 Pocket Recorder

[Powerage5]

A sample of my first test on the Deity. Recorded about 30 feet back and slightly inside from the stacks - unfortunately in Japan you don't necessarily get the luxury of picking a prime taping spot. This is just the raw file - I haven't amplified it, done any noise removal, etc. - exactly what I captured.

https://mega.nz/file/QF8BHJIC#nmm9HcXwT5Cy57y_2bFDapWv4Up8PcjQko_Lx25gouY

[rumbleseat]

I also got a chance to try out my new Deity PR-2 last weekend.
I recorded a couple of shows and the unit seemed to perform flawlessly.  I'm also running Church Audio CA-11 mics straight into the PR-2.  I confirmed that the PIP is 5V (and not adjustable as far as I can tell...)
The unit is very small.  I brought it into the United Center in Chicago in a small bag with some other stuff and no issues.

Here are some tidbits:

edit - APP version 1.6, HW version 1.0

1.  As noted earlier, the battery compartment door is very tight.  So tight that I'm afraid to completely close it - I leave enough of a gap that I can get my fingernails in to wrench it back open.  The batteries are also extremely tight and take a lot of force to get them in.  I've tried NiMH and standard alkalines.  Both very tight.  Have not tried the supplied Deity lithium batteries...
2.  The unit automatically splits long recordings into separate files.  The split point is just past 4 hours (4:08:32 in my test).  The file size was 4,194,001 kb.  The rejoined files sounded smooth across the split point.
3.  If you pop a battery out during a recording, the unit saves the file and then shuts off.  I shoved the battery back in after 5 seconds, but the unit was already off.
4.  The Deity runs its date clock even without batteries for at least a few days.  I doubt it would keep the date function current forever, but you certainly won't lose the date if you swap batteries.  The unit saves files in folders for each date as "PR-2 -001"; "-002", etc.  In each folder, the file name sequence starts over.  You've got to be a bit careful when you transfer several "PR-2 -001" files recorded on several different dates.
5.  The gain controls for L and R do not link.  If you're recording and need to change gain, the changes will occur on each channel, independently, as you spin the gain dial.
6.  The recordings I made sound fine, and I was nowhere near clipping the analog inputs of the Deity.  But, I have no idea where the CA-11 mics will start to clip with 5 volts.  I've read that they have less than 0.6% THD at 114 dB at 1000 Hz with 9 volts.  Not sure how to get to those volumes with a home system...
7.  I recorded the shows at the United Center at +12 Gain.  According to the Audacity "Amplify" effect, I could have safely run at +18 Gain with 6 dB to spare.

Now I just need to get a locking 3.5mm plug and I'm all set!

edit - Locking 3.5 mm plugs that "look" like the same one that's on the included lav mic:
https://www.amazon.com/Connector-Locking-Microphone-Adapter-elPart2334555/dp/B0CRQXR7ZP

[cleantone]

A sample of my first test on the Deity. Recorded about 30 feet back and slightly inside from the stacks - unfortunately in Japan you don't necessarily get the luxury of picking a prime taping spot. This is just the raw file - I haven't amplified it, done any noise removal, etc. - exactly what I captured.

https://mega.nz/file/QF8BHJIC#nmm9HcXwT5Cy57y_2bFDapWv4Up8PcjQko_Lx25gouY

Thanks. Do you recall where your gain was set? This clip peaks at -16. What mics? I recently picked one up and have yet to run for a concert. I use modded AT853's and usually a Roland R-07. I am able to fit my mics and the PR-2 in a Kangol. That was my goal.

[Powerage5]

A sample of my first test on the Deity. Recorded about 30 feet back and slightly inside from the stacks - unfortunately in Japan you don't necessarily get the luxury of picking a prime taping spot. This is just the raw file - I haven't amplified it, done any noise removal, etc. - exactly what I captured.

https://mega.nz/file/QF8BHJIC#nmm9HcXwT5Cy57y_2bFDapWv4Up8PcjQko_Lx25gouY

Thanks. Do you recall where your gain was set? This clip peaks at -16. What mics? I recently picked one up and have yet to run for a concert. I use modded AT853's and usually a Roland R-07. I am able to fit my mics and the PR-2 in a Kangol. That was my goal.

Had that info on the previous page, but to reiterate it here I was running CA-14 cards direct into the Deity. I had the gain set to +12. Not sure if you've played around with the unit at all, but a head's up also that the gain can only be set in 3 dB increments.

I've since taped two more shows with this rig - I taped another in Japan, through the barrier directly in front of the PA and pulled a great recording. I also used it for a little dive bar gig the other night also, haven't had a chance to check that recording yet. But I love how easy this thing is to use, and been quite happy with my results so far.

[cleantone]

I've since taped two more shows with this rig - I taped another in Japan, through the barrier directly in front of the PA and pulled a great recording. I also used it for a little dive bar gig the other night also, haven't had a chance to check that recording yet. But I love how easy this thing is to use, and been quite happy with my results so far.

Right on! Thanks for the insight. I just got in from John Scofield. I was able to run open from my seat, so I ran km184 > F8. I also put out my AT835 > Deity PR-2 as a test. I put the recorder at +18 and ended up with peaks at -7. This was a club gig with pretty low SPL's. Came out pretty nice actually. I do wish it could do 24/96 though. Considering I will use it as a LAV for video work, it was a great purchase. I have a second one coming. Might have to try dual 32b recording.

[adrianb]

I have a second one coming. Might have to try dual 32b recording.

It will be very interesting to hear your experiences. 

[Gutbucket]

Well, upon my return to the US a couple weeks back, I was really hoping to enjoy a recording of BEAT made from a primo recording seat, then take a deeper look and discuss how well the PR-2 rig pictured a few pages back worked in that situation.  Indeed, that show was my primary motivation to setup the DPA4061>PR-2 rig in the first place. Unfortunately my highly motivated friend ended up unable to attend, but went to admirable lengths to pass the rig and the very simple instructions for its use (put glasses on head, turn on recorder, put recorder in pocket) off to anther friend who was able to attend..  but did not bother to take the rig with him.   Harrumph.. and c'est la vie.

[WiFiJeff]

You mean you have to take this rig with you in order to get a recording?  What sort of punk old-school tech is this??

[Gutbucket]

You must be present to win!

Well, I decided a recording of that concert and of others to follow was the primary goal of this thing, so decided not to take the rig along with me to record city, village, mountain and jungle ambiences and any music performances I happened to come across.  I did briefly consider picking up a second PR-2 to put together a rig using the more sensitive 4060CORE pair to take with me, but decided my new phone would cover things well enough.  Now wish I had done that as I would have had it rolling when in the forest of Chitwan when an elephant walked right up and started purring and talking, and especially a bit later when a deer started wailing some funky warning cries followed by the roar of a tiger nearby in the bush.  An "all hairs up on the back of your neck" deep sound!  Phone video caught it, but is a static shot of the bush, with the roar audible if listening closely about 20 sec in.  Cool, but an "as if you were there" pseudo-binaural recording would've conveyed the live experience if it far better.  On the way back out of the forest we came across some impressively large tiger paw prints which weren't there on the way in, but never did get a visual on the big cat.

Meanwhile on this side of the planet, Adrian Belew was effecting some Elephant Talk himself, and while he didn't perform Big Electric Cat, he and those other cats certainly roared impressively! ..at least so I'm told.

[cleantone]

I guess I should share my experience. I mentioned above that I would be getting a second one. The first one I bought was from B&H and the shipping and retail packaging was fine. The recorder had a small break/crack at the seam. IMO would have been packaged that way. It's cheap plastic and Chinese manufacturing. I had written the company and sent an image. They asked for a video clip, which is fine. They then asked me to take it up with B&H. B&H wanted pics of the shipping package and retail package. I didn't have the shipping package by the time this came about. I went back to Deity and gave them the update. Letting them know that neither packaging was damaged and it was packaged with the flaw. They did the right thing and offered to ship a new unit. It was shipped out from China and arrived today. First tiny miff (and this is not a big deal) is that they did opt to not include the batteries or the lav. I get that but all things considered it was a small bummer. I guess that's selfish of me. The second small grip is that this new one, I can really hardly seat the battery. I first tried a Duracell and then went to the Deity batts from the first unit. All batts go in and out of the first unit fine. It's a massive struggle to get them into the replacement unit. It seems like the coil is a slightly higher gauge metal on the replacement. Then, once I finally cram it in, the cover doesn't want to slip in. With batts in it's at least twice as hard to open and close as the original unit. Oh well... Just sharing/venting.

[grawk]

it seems reasonable to me that they just replaced the broken part, and not the accessories, assuming you weren't asked to send anything back.

[thebigredone]

Just received mine. The battery cover is a nightmare.

[Powerage5]

I will echo the sentiments that the battery cover is a really tight fit. Mine has gotten a little easier to use after being slid on/off half a dozen times, but it’s still tighter than would be ideal.

[Gutbucket]

Mine also tight, but not frustratingly so.  Optimistically, I figure that's not a bad thing as its likely to wear in with some use until it fits just about right.  I've plenty of similar devices where the removable battery cover has become overly loose after some of use and requires gaffer tape to hold it in place.

[cleantone]

it seems reasonable to me that they just replaced the broken part, and not the accessories, assuming you weren't asked to send anything back.

Yes, of course. I probably should have just kept my mouth shut on that.

On a related note. Does anyone want to part with the LAV that comes with this recorder?

edit: bought Grawks lav