Topic: Deity PR-2 Pocket Recorder

[ziggi]

Stereo monitoring and Bluetooth issue question

I'm new to the forum and I'm under big impression of users knowledge here.
I'm a field/nature recordist
I recently purchased PR2 (World version) and was amazed by it's size and weight.
I'm using Sennheiser HD25 and Beyer DT770 and Usi and EarSight Mics.
Questions:

• Is there a way to monitor stereo signal in stereo? I can't find a way to do that
• Do you have problems with Bluetooth pairing? I tried it with iphone 13 (latest ios), did BT reset, and I'm unable to connect. I even bought second one just to check if one I had was faulty. The same situation.

I would be grateful for your advice

[Gutbucket]

With the non-US version you should be able to switch on/off audio pass-through from the input jack to the headphone jack, and when switched 'on' it should pass signal to allow monitoring. Look for a little manual switch located between the input and output jacks.

Adjusting output level is a bit wonky as it can only be adjusted via the on-screen menu, in something like +/-3dB steps, and might not be accessible while recording.  Don't think it is but I've not tried to do so with my US unit, however I can confirm that headphone monitoring level cannot be change during file playback. Must first stop playback, then navigate to the correct menu to change output level to the presumed correct setting (with no playback occuring), then restart playback fo the file again.

[ziggi]

Thank you Gutbucket, yes I can monitor with toggle to the left but only in mono.
Playback is in stereo though.
Did you have any problems with bt pairing?

With the non-US version you should be able to switch on/off audio pass-through from the input jack to the headphone jack, and when switched 'on' it should pass signal to allow monitoring. Look for a little manual switch located between the input and output jacks.

Adjusting output level is a bit wonky as it can only be adjusted via the on-screen menu, in something like +/-3dB steps, and might not be accessible while recording.  Don't think it is but I've not tried to do so with my US unit, however I can confirm that headphone monitoring level cannot be change during file playback. Must first stop playback, then navigate to the correct menu to change output level to the presumed correct setting (with no playback occuring), then restart playback fo the file again.

[Gutbucket]

Haven't used bluetooth or the app with mine.

[lpmaskman]

I tried to encode the raw recordings to flac with TLH and it said the following error wit all files: file is truncated or otherwise corrupt.
The files play fine, and can be opened with Reaper without problems, no glitches.

Maybe something in their header that flac encoder does not likes?
Also tried to play with the includes foreign metadata option, but no luck.

I want to do this because I always compress my unedited files to flac to save space in the archives.

[aaronji]

Maybe try exporting the file from your DAW in .flac format? I use Audition and that is an option.

[grawk]

So deity says there is analog gain with separate preamps for left and right channel. So I was wrong before

[grawk]

Ran a test at warren haynes last night.  Set 1 had one channel at 0 and 1 at +15db.  I brought the level up in ozone.

https://archive.org/details/WHB20250207.kk14.pr2

Neumann KK14s -> PR2 balcony center

[thebigredone]

For the BT pairing; when not in use I take the batteries out. When needed, I put the batteries in and pair it to my phone before I leave home and then switch off. When I get to the show and switch on and try pairing, it's fine. If I don't pair that first time at home, I have to go through all the BT setup at the show, which can be awkward. If that all makes sense.



• Do you have problems with Bluetooth pairing? I tried it with iphone 13 (latest ios), did BT reset, and I'm unable to connect. I even bought second one just to check if one I had was faulty. The same situation.
I would be grateful for your advice
[/quote]

[Gutbucket]

So deity says there is analog gain with separate preamps for left and right channel. So I was wrong before.

Makes sense.  Haven't listened but does that equate to perceptible low level noise in the 0dB channel of the Warren Haynes recording?

The second part seems obvious since technically there must to be a separate preamp circuit for each channel.  Presumably when operating in single channel 32-float mode Deity sets them them to different predetermined determined gains and switches between the two.

[Gutbucket]

Public alert warning!! concerning previously mentioned support gear-

I strongly recommend that anyone using the cheap Ebay 2x female Microdot > screw-locking stereo-Miniplug "Y" adapter for DPA mics which we discussed early in the thread, unscrew up the miniplug connector side and check the solder joints and ground/strain-relief crimping.  The one I was using failed over the weekend - quite aggravating as I was really looking forward to recording several acts in quite oportune situations.  Opened it up to find the ground/shield/strain-relief connection was crimped only and not soldered, and had worked loose allowing the fine conductors to pull and twist, breaking the solder-joints for the signal connections.  I'd intended to open that up initially upon receipt to double check the solder-joint and crimping quality but was rushed at the time and never did it, and ended up suffering for it this past weekend after not that many uses.

The light blue wires of the Y adapter are also starting to delaminate a bit.  The blue exterior jacket layer appears to be some sort of spiral plastic ribbon wrapped around a white internal jacket.  I suspect its purpose is to make pulling cable easier in its intended application, and that it is not meant to be used as an external exposed jacket. Not a recording killer but unfortunate.  I may just unwrap the blue layer and cut it away when I go in and repair the connections.  Didn't notice that delamination earlier as I have both the Y adapter and mic wires sheathed in soft body-harness "quiet" techflex.  I only noticed it when disassembling to diagnose the open circuit problem.

[Pieteker]

I wanted to share my experience with the Deity PR-2. I used it to record a semi-acoustic gig last week, featuring both amplified and unplugged acoustic sections. Overall, the recording quality was impressive. The only noticeable drawback was the self-noise, which became apparent during the quieter parts. However, I believe the positives outweigh this issue.

The size of the PR-2 is perfect—it easily fits into the small coin pocket of my jeans, even with my AT-853 microphones plugged in (no screw locking needed). It remained securely attached throughout the recording, and I never had concerns about it coming loose. I connected the PR-2 to my iPhone 11, and the Bluetooth functionality worked flawlessly. The app consistently reconnected, even when I wasn't actively using it.

I set the gain to +21, and I saw DB peaks around 85 on my phone's app. With +21 gain, I had plenty of headroom in my DAW, ensuring I didn't have to worry about clipping. The PR-2 is ideal for those who prioritize portability and ease of use when bringing gear to a venue, as well as those who appreciate the Bluetooth feature. Also, the battery life is outstanding—lasting throughout the entire gig without any issues!

I love the PR-2 and look forward to using it for future recordings. A huge plus is that I won’t ever need a battery box since the 5V plug-in power (PIP) works perfectly!

You can listen to the recording here: https://e.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=kZ79WlZplmLSohoJHXrrqmxzWQ9rF8HrNok

[Pieteker]

Fun fact: The PR-2 fits perfectly in an empty playing card deck. Just some food for thought.

[gaijin]

The only noticeable drawback was the self-noise, which became apparent during the quieter parts. However, I believe the positives outweigh this issue.

Are you able to qualify this statement at all?  Controlled and / or A/B testing? Point to specific examples of the self-noise being greater than the mics themselves / ambient room noise / etc.?

My understanding of specs / self-testing thus far has left me with the conclusion that unless the levels are set "erroneously" low, the self-noise of the mics / room a/c & heating / etc. has been the limiting factor (i.e. the self-noise of the recorder is eclipsed by other factors).

Any additional data / experience you can share?

Thanks in advance!

[grawk]

The pr2 definitely has the highest self noise of any device I use. It’s plenty for most of the style recording we do, but ambient recordings etc will definitely show higher noise than is typical.