Topic: Setting levels on Marantz PMD620, etc.

[flyingpylon]

I'm getting interested in the Marantz PMD620 for a number of reasons, but I was wondering if someone who owns or has used one can answer the following questions:

1.  Are recording levels set in the analog domain, i.e. before A/D conversion?  Seems like a no-brainer but I was surprised that the Zoom H2 works in the digital domain, which is rather pointless, at least for my purposes.

2.  Do the recording level settings take effect when using LINE IN?

3.  Regarding the mic attenuation switch, does that setting affect the internal mics, or just external mics that get plugged into the MIC IN jack (the manual only mentions external mics)?  Any idea how these settings compare to those on the Zoom H2 (do they provide more or less attenuation)?

4.  Is there a windscreen available, or has anyone managed to make one themselves?  How sensitive to wind are the internals anyway?

Thanks... any assistance would be appreciated!

[kbergend]

I'm getting interested in the Marantz PMD620 for a number of reasons, but I was wondering if someone who owns or has used one can answer the following questions:

1.  Are recording levels set in the analog domain, i.e. before A/D conversion?  Seems like a no-brainer but I was surprised that the Zoom H2 works in the digital domain, which is rather pointless, at least for my purposes.

2.  Do the recording level settings take effect when using LINE IN?

3.  Regarding the mic attenuation switch, does that setting affect the internal mics, or just external mics that get plugged into the MIC IN jack (the manual only mentions external mics)?  Any idea how these settings compare to those on the Zoom H2 (do they provide more or less attenuation)?

4.  Is there a windscreen available, or has anyone managed to make one themselves?  How sensitive to wind are the internals anyway?

Thanks... any assistance would be appreciated!

1. I would certainly think the gain is applied before ADC, but I don't actually know.

2. Yes.

3. Just tried it with the internal mics, the attenuation works with them too.  Not sure how it compares to the Zoom.

4. Can't help you there.  I have no plans to use the internal mics myself except for business meetings and other indoor voice recordings.