Please comment on Sony PCM-D1 vs. Digi 002

[ProActive]

I volunteer in a Spiritual Organisation & know enough to operate the audio recording equipment (I'm not a pro ). So any in-depth tech explanation, links will greatly help.

We record speeches with live audience (not a sound proof room). We usually have only one speaker. We need to get the best quality recording in every aspect.

So upon some professional advise, we started to use Digi 002, /w Sonar & Dynamic MICs from Sony & Philips. This is doing very well. BUT mobility & portability of the equipment is very very important to us. So we are looking at Sony PCM-D1.

With PCM-D1, could we get same or comparable to Digi 002 quality of recording?
If yes, please explain any additional requirements such as MIC.
If not, please explain why?

Thank you

[Lizardpoint]

Have you thought about a portable unit like the Zoom H2 ?

I have been staggered at the quality of recordings I have got with this unit using its built in mics although there is nothing to stop you connecting it up to a small mixer so you can blend several mics.

So portable you can put it in your pocket...

Cheers

Lizardpoint

[ProActive]

Lizardpoint - thanks very much. I haven't actually looked at Zoom, until I saw your post. It's one of the things that I'd be seriously considering in my evaluation.

BTW - what external microphone would you suggest for the Zoom? Thanks again.

[John Willett]

Also look at the Olympus LS-10, I went for this over the Zoom.

It's metal instead of plastic and is very instinctive to use.

[molecular]

Given that its twice the price, was there anything else to persuade you, other than the metal housing? EG, I'm assuming the onboard mics and pres on the Olympus are a noticeable step up?

Sorry to usurp the thread, but I'm looking for something cheap to do some field recordings for film and radio atmos. and they both look pretty good. But I also want something that's going to give me a decent bass response on trucks / trains / hoofbeats etc. I wondered what you use the olympus for?

Cheers,

H

[molecular]

And if anyone has anything really bad to say about the Sony, it would be much appreciated, before I start randomly auctioning household furniture...

[Len]

Back to original question - I own an Olympus LS-10 - quality is very good. I intend to get a Rode NT-4 to use with it (and can also use as camcorder stereo mic). The NT-4 can be powered by batteries and also has an adapter for the mini stereo mic input of the Olympus LS-10 or camcorder.

Seems like the ideal set up to me.

Good luck!

[Len]

Oh - and check this list out:

http://www.transom.org/tools/recording_interviewing/200703_recorder_reviews/

[John Willett]

Given that its twice the price, was there anything else to persuade you, other than the metal housing? EG, I'm assuming the onboard mics and pres on the Olympus are a noticeable step up?

My short-list was the Sony PCM-D50, the Edirol 09-HR and the Olympus LS-10.

I went for the Olympus because it felt perfect in the hand, was very well constructed with a metal case, was instinctive to use, was small and pocketable and two AA batteries lasted ages.

Also - now Rycote to a mini Windjammer for it.

I was delighted with the quality for the buck.

I wondered what you use the Olympus for?

As a small pocketable take-anywhere machine that I have with me all the time. I have used it to record Jazz concerts, a Jazz jam session in a bar, sheep on the mountains, outdoor concert, etc..

I'm very happy with it.

[John Willett]

And if anyone has anything really bad to say about the Sony, it would be much appreciated, before I start randomly auctioning household furniture...

The Sony PCM-D01 is about £1,350 on a quick Google search.

If you can afford this I would rather go for the new Nagra LB or the smallest Sound Devices machine (both around £1,600 I think).

The PCM-D50 is much cheaper.

The Olympus LS-10 is about £250

[John Willett]

Oh - and check this list out:

http://www.transom.org/tools/recording_interviewing/200703_recorder_reviews/

I found no problem with wind with the LS-10 using the supplied foam windshields.

The £19 Rycote special windjammer, which goes on over the foam ones, will make this perfect.

[Len]

One observation - I have not compared with other field recorders but as Transom notes, the LS-10 mic is a little on the bright side. But not really an issue as it does the bass well too.

[molecular]

no, I can't afford it!

and apologies for the interruption. The fact that rycote do a proper jammer for the LS-10 seems like a decider for me, I really want to get outdoors.

Cheers for now.