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

[Dixter]

Here is the back side of the case... click on pic for bigger size...

[Dixter]

Here is the case in the tripod mode, 

[mrsoul]

Here is the back side of the case... click on pic for bigger size...

Very cool pictures, thanks!
I have a smaller version of that bag for my Hi-MDs.  I would really like to buy just the bag and the strap if possible.  Don't see it anywhere online.  But, if you come across it anywhere, post it!

[Dixter]

This pic shows the hand strap when used as a cable strain relief to protect the
units input connector...  this pic shows the cable routing and the two clamps
that hold the cable...

[Dixter]

Mr Soul...   as a noob,  I'd like to ask the question of the Digital I/O...

I have the D50 and the Digital I/O...  I don't have a cable for the connection... should I go with
the optical or the coaxial connector on the digital I/O..   whats the difference as to quality?
can you point me to the cable I need...

and what program do I use with the Soundblaster to interface with the D50??

what do I gain by using the Digital I/O over the USB connection

any and all information is greatly accepted

Thanks

[mrsoul]

Mr Soul...   as a noob,  I'd like to ask the question of the Digital I/O...

I have the D50 and the Digital I/O...  I don't have a cable for the connection... should I go with
the optical or the coaxial connector on the digital I/O..   whats the difference as to quality?
can you point me to the cable I need...

and what program do I use with the Soundblaster to interface with the D50??

what do I gain by using the Digital I/O over the USB connection

any and all information is greatly accepted

Thanks

I don't think there is much difference between the signal quality of the optical vs. coaxial. 
You can get an optical cable for less than $10 just about any where online.  Make sure it has the miniplug adapter to fit that 1/8 connection. 
If you have the Soundblaster hooked up to the Digital I/O module from creative, you should be good.  Can you see a red light in the Optical out if you remove the plastic cap?  If so, then the optical signal is working.  To change the settings, I go into the Creative Audio Console program.  See attached.

[mrsoul]

what do I gain by using the Digital I/O over the USB connection
Thanks

For upload, go with the USB, it's faster and there should be no difference.  Plus, a whole lot easier!  No need to worry about any settings or levels.  I plan to use the I/O more for the output to the PCM-D50 when I want to copy something digitally, etc.

[Dixter]

what application do you use for the optical download... my sound blaster came with several
different applications...

I see the red light on the digital I/o on the output side...

also...  as you know there isn't a left/right type of connection....   will the optical
connection be in stereo  

like I said, I'm a noob  ;-)'

[Outrageous]

Thanks Dixter for posting those photos with the leather case.  It looks really nice--even better than I expected, and the leather looks slightly padded.  Is the angled "tripod mode" setting the higher or lower angle? 

[mrsoul]

what application do you use for the optical download... my sound blaster came with several
different applications...

I see the red light on the digital I/o on the output side...

also...  as you know there isn't a left/right type of connection....   will the optical
connection be in stereo  

like I said, I'm a noob  ;-)'

If you set the optical to send out the signal (use the Audio Console I showed in the last picture) then you D50 will pick up the signal sent from your PC regardless of what program you are using to play.  Set the Bit Accurate to Yes so the signal out from your PC will be what you want. 

There is no L/R because it sends the stereo signal as 0 and 1's and that will be in stereo as long as the source is stereo.

[Dixter]

MR Soul,   Thanks for the info....  just waiting on the cable to show up that I ordered
and then I get to play around....

[Dixter]

Thanks Dixter for posting those photos with the leather case.  It looks really nice--even better than I expected, and the leather looks slightly padded.  Is the angled "tripod mode" setting the higher or lower angle? 

That pic shows it in the higher angle ( about 45 degrees).....  the lower angle is about half of that....
and of course there is always the option of just laying it down flat...   

[Outrageous]

That pic shows it in the higher angle ( about 45 degrees).....  the lower angle is about half of that....

Dixter, after seeing your pics and simulating the case with a piece of paper, I think I see how it might fold to get that lower angle.  Thanks again.

[Dixter]

That pic shows it in the higher angle ( about 45 degrees).....  the lower angle is about half of that....

Dixter, after seeing your pics and simulating the case with a piece of paper, I think I see how it might fold to get that lower angle.  Thanks again.

Here's a pic of the low angle....

[Dixter]

A little off topic here but for those that like to use earphones...   one of my co-workers
came in this morning and wanted to try out his new Shure E3 phones on the D50 as
I also have a few mp3 songs there also.... he loves the sound from the D50/E3 combo....

It seems that Shure is changing packaging and renameing the phones....

if you search on the net you can now find the Shure E3 phones for around $100....
at least until they last.... those phones were listed at $214 a while back....

They looked realy well built and the reviews I read seem to all like them...

anyway... not a bad deal if you wanted to use these on the D50...