Topic: HIMD PCM vs HI-SP comparisons

[dunebug81]

Since I got my new RH1 the other day I thought Id split the signal coming out of the MMA6000 into 2 recorders one recording in HI-SP and the other in PCM to see if I could actually hear any difference.  While the units arent identical its pretty much accepted that any MD unit will record just as good as any other MD unit. I ran line in on both units at a gain setting of 24 of 30.  I was dead center about 25 feet back from the stage and 15 feet in front of the soundboard.

This is some random band called The Editors that was playing at the Roxy tonight here in Atlanta.  If you get a chance to see them, don't.  Just stay home and drink.

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[bubbybooshay]

Interesting, will have to give the samples a listen

[Karl]

I don't have a connection to be able to listen to the samples.  But, I've done my own comparisons and I'll offer my insight.  When I had my Sharp MT-15, it would introduce some noise artifacts that could be detected in high frequencies (cymbals, etc).  Then, I owned a Sharp DR-7, and it actually didn't create artifacts.  A little nicer sounding than the MT-15.  But, some of the high frequencies were gone due to the ATRAC compression.  Not a big noticeable thing, but there nevertheless.  One way or the other, I'm comfortable with having MD as a backup to the JB3.

[noam]

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I cannot access the samples. What are the conclusions? I've been switching back and forth from HiSP to PCM with Schoeps MK4's and a Sonosax preamp and could never hear a difference. - Noam

[dunebug81]

Sorry, ive deleted them to make room for something else. 

I personally didnt hear any difference between the 2 formats at this show.  Ive noticed that the pcm handles the heavy bass at an arena show better then hisp.

[nameloc01]

i own a sony mzr3, a rh910 hi-md and a mz-m100 hi-md. i have never actually done straight on comparisons with the recording mode qualities. i kinda am on the side of the fence where i use the absolute best possible setting( whether i personally can hear it or not) and take less actual recording time and the risk of fliiping discs vs. a technically (even slightly) inferior mode with more recording time.thats just me.i think it may someday prove a worthy decision.

[dunebug81]

Typically I use a 1GB disc in PCM for headliners or someone that I really want to see.  if its an opener or im going to see a show just to go then Ill go HISP.  The 1GB discs w/HISP sure do come in handy when its an all day show.

[Jammin72]

To my ears the HiSP is actually pretty darn good.  Tonality wise I can't hear much difference.  To me the place that it begins to suffer is the imaging.  As soon as you switch to the HiSP mode you loose a good deal of the 3-D imaging characteristics.  There is still good side to side placement but you loose depth.  Try a good outdoor venue as a comparison, I think you'll be able to hear the difference.

[dunebug81]

To my ears the HiSP is actually pretty darn good.  Tonality wise I can't hear much difference.  To me the place that it begins to suffer is the imaging.  As soon as you switch to the HiSP mode you loose a good deal of the 3-D imaging characteristics.  There is still good side to side placement but you loose depth.  Try a good outdoor venue as a comparison, I think you'll be able to hear the difference.

Hmmm, Im going to see 311 this weekend and runing to decks shouldnt be a problem.  Ill try it out and see how it goes.

[mrsoul]

Personally, I have found PCM>SP>HiSP.  SP has more warmth than HiSP.  Now that I have the RH1 and can record AND upload my SP files, I am probably gonna use SP on more than 1 occassion.  I typically go PCM for most stuff I plan to share, just because I can hear a difference.  Not that HiSP is bad but I can hear some compression effects on the percussion at times.  I have used HiSP for opening bands to save space and batteries and still listen to those shows but will tempted to use more SP mode in the future.  Besides, that's why I have 2 HiMD recorders, I can hot swap at 90 minutes and just keep it rolling. 

BTW, check out what I recorded in SP mode and uploaded via USB (Finally, Sony, yes!) with my new RH1 last week...
Oteil and the Peacemakers, Raleigh, NC 8-19-06

[dunebug81]

The RH1 can record in SP mode?  How do you access that recording mode?

[mrsoul]

Put a regular MD in the RH1 and format to MD and then you will have access to the MD recording modes (but not the HiMD since it will be formatted to MD now).   

[dunebug81]

Thats neet.  I knew the 1st gen models could record in SP but the RH10 which is a 2nd gen cannot.  Its nice to see they added that feature back in.  Ill have to try it out when I get home.

[mrsoul]

Its nice to see they added that feature back in.  Ill have to try it out when I get home.

Yes, especially since you can then USB upload that SP mode recording.  It converts it to PCM WAV or HiSP (your choice).  I go with PCM WAV.  Really cool and WAY fast!!!

[dunebug81]

Its nice to see they added that feature back in.  Ill have to try it out when I get home.

Yes, especially since you can then USB upload that SP mode recording.  It converts it to PCM WAV or HiSP (your choice).  I go with PCM WAV.  Really cool and WAY fast!!!

The uploading of SP is what sold me on the unit.  Ive uploaded so many old shows that I never would listen to because there was no real efficent way of putting them onto my ipod.