Topic: Sony's new $600 recorder PCM-D50

[mrsoul]

Really not that big, unless you have really big hands like me 

[finao1]

My hands are fairly normal size, not large.

BP

[Ozpeter]

Those pics give me a major ache in the wallet.  The moths in there are looking real nervous.  Thanks for posting them!

[finao1]

Here's the good news...The pre-amps sound fantastic with a microphone plugged direct to the mic in port.  This is the first portable I have used that allows me to use a dynamic mic without going through the external pre.  Levels are strong, I am not detecting any noise using the Rode NT3, NT4 (stereo), or a cheap dynamic Apex 870B. 

Now for the rub.  The internal (topside) mics are no-where close to what I'm getting with the externals.  Hiss using the built in mics is similar to the hiss I get with the Edirol R-09 internals.  That would make them good for loud sources such as bands, but not so good for low level recording.  I do hear background hiss with the built in mics.  It must be the mics (not the pre-amps); I hear slightly more hiss in the left channel (right mic) when I'm in XY configuration.  When I switch to wide configuration (right mic is now right channel) the hiss is stronger in the right channel.  Again, nothing major, but I would not expect the D50 to be a strong contender with its built-ins. 

Considering the exceptional job it is doing with every external mic I try it with, I'm feeling very positive that the D50 is going to meet my personal needs.

[finao1]

I turned on the stereo and played some music at about 85db.  The internal mics do a good job recording as the music covers up any noise.  I do hear hiss monitoring with the Sony 7506 headphones when spl drops in the music.  To keep it in perspective, I do believe the hiss with the internals is lower than I get with the R-09.

Also, the headphone jack and output is very clean!  I do not detect the headphone jack adding anything to the recorded sound.  I like the line out feeding the Sound Devices 302.  I am able to monitor using headphones direct from the mixer and also from the line out return from the D50. 

All this is preliminary; I am no expert.  But, I can't get over the mic-in quality.  I have no idea how it will measure in the lab, but I am seriously wondering if I need to go through the SD 302 (If I'm using only 2 channels).  The mic pre on the D50 is that clean!

[kskreider]

So only analog in and no digital in, right?  Only digital out's?

+T for being a guinea pig

[Nick's Picks]

no, its got digi in.
this is all good info!!!
well done.

[Ozpeter]

So only analog in and no digital in, right?  Only digital out's?

See the first post in the whole thread!   Optical in and out.

[mrsoul]

mini-optical plug like the MDs.

[kskreider]

So only analog in and no digital in, right?  Only digital out's?

See the first post in the whole thread!   Optical in and out.

Sorry I haven't looked at post #1 in six weeks since it was first posted.  My bad.  I just figured I would ask the guy with the recorder in his hand.

Edit to say that I still don't understand the fad of protruding crap mics.  Cut your costs and just give us a good bit bucket with decent pre's already.

[finao1]

The line in and line out are combo ports.  They handle a 1/8 inch connector or the digital connector.  I haven't tried anything with the digital (not the way I'll use the recorder).

BP

[Nick's Picks]

there isn't much to understand. 
they dont make these for tapers.  they make them for ENG, and then the mics are perfect for interviewing and basic soundscapes.

I think this will make a great bit bucket.
and if those mics are 1/2 decent...then great!

[Nick's Picks]

from the looks of it...how easy will it be to disassemble this ?
does it have exposed screws to take the front/rear off ?

[illconditioned]

there isn't much to understand. 
they dont make these for tapers.  they make them for ENG, and then the mics are perfect for interviewing and basic soundscapes.

I think this will make a great bit bucket.
and if those mics are 1/2 decent...then great!

I noticed that the mics swivel too, which is kinda cool.

If you really don't like the mics, you could put new ones in there.  But I'd be curious to hear how the builtin mics sound.  The Edirol R09 ones are not very good, but I suspect the Sony might be better.

  Richard

[Nick's Picks]

I'd like to see if they can be removed and extended via a wire.
or, can you hardwire something like 853s or DPAs and a battery box in their place.
that would be the shiz.