Marantz PMD620 Professional Handheld Recorder

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Includes a 512MB SD card. Portable 16/24-bit recorder.

The PMD20 is a rugged yet lightweight digital recorder that doesn't skimp on features or performance. It records to SD or SDHC cards (even the huge ones!) so storage media is affordable and readily available.

The PMD620 fits comfortably in the palm of the hand and houses two high-quality electret condenser microphones and a monitor speaker, making it ideal for go-anywhere field recording application, such as interviews, podcasting, and meeting recording - even live music.

The PMD620 can record in MP3 or WAV formats in 16 or 24 bit resolution. MP3 offers stereo 192kbps, 128kbps. and 64kbps recording. WAV offers 44.1 or 48k recording.

The PMD620 comes complete with everything needed to step into the world of high-resolution field recording:

Included Accessories
- 512MB SD Card
- Audio Cable
- CD-ROM
- USB Cable
- Handy-Strap
- AC Adapter
- Customer Registration Document (U.S. Only)
- User Guide
- Tripod/Belt-Clip Adapter

Features

True handheld portability with one-touch stereo recording

Professional recording features and flexible file formats

Digital recording with file size limited only by SD card capacity

On-board editing and playback features

Full inputs and outputs, including USB 2.0 connectivity

A true handheld, the PMD620 features an intuitive layout and tactile buttons for easy one-hand operation, while a high-contrast organic LED (OLED) screen makes setup a cinch under any lighting conditions. Just hit the Menu/Store button and the interface quickly walks read more you through the choices to ensure optimal recording for your needs.

The PMD620 uses convenient SD/SDHC cards, the most stable and commonly available type of flash media. Audio can be recorded either as uncompressed WAV files or any of three quality levels of MP3, in mono or stereo. So whether it's capturing an interview, a lengthy board meeting or a band's jam session, the PMD620 is always ready for action.

The PMD620 shines in post-production as well. Journalists and podcasters will especially appreciate its non-destructive on-board editing. Transcription is a breeze with its Skip Back function, and file transfers to any computer are drag-and-drop simple with the USB 2.0 connectivity. In short, the PMD620 combines ease of operation, professional recording quality and insightful features in a compact, ergonomic design.

A True Handheld with an Ergonomic Form Facto
At 2.5 by 4 inches by 1 inch and weighing under 6 ounces, the PMD620 slips easily into a pocket and fits comfortably in the palm of the hand, with oversized, tactile buttons that are laid out for intuitive, one-hand operation, from recording to playback. The high contrast OLED screen provides at-a-glance status of all critical functions, even offering a large font option. Integral high quality electret condenser microphones pick up the action, while LED telltales track Peak and Level conditions.

Professional Digital Recording
The PMD620 can record uncompressed WAV files for high fidelity stereo music, or lower resolution, mono MP3 files to maximize record time. For WAV files, choose from 16- or 24-bit linear PCM recording at either 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates. Podcasters will appreciate having a total of six MP3 bit rates available, ranging from 192 kbps stereo down to 32 kbps mono. And, the menu selectable Auto-Input feature detects whether the line input or external mic input is being used, switching off the dual integrated mics automatically.

Stability and Portability
The PMD620 is a true handheld, light in weight yet ruggedly constructed. The use of SD cards as a recording medium provides the ultimate in space efficiency and stability, with no practical limit on file size. Two AA batteries, either alkaline or NiMH rechargeables, provide upward of five hours of operation.

On-board Editing and Playback Features
The PMD620 makes field production amazingly easy. Use the integrated speaker or mini-plug headphones to monitor or transcribe. The Copy Segment function extracts a piece of audio as a separate file while keeping the original intact, while the Skip Back feature acts as a preset "back up and replay" function, programmable for audio jumps of up to 59 seconds at the touch of a button.

Connectivity and Hardware
Despite its compact, slender profile, the PMD620 offers a full array of 1/8-inch stereo connectivity, including both line and mic inputs, a Line Out for playback, and a headphone jack for monitoring. A pair of convenient Up/Down buttons allows adjustment of input sensitivity, while the USB 2.0 port makes file transfers to any computer a breeze. Once connected, the PMD620 appears as a device on your PC desktop, with all files contained in a master folder. Just drag and drop any or all of them onto your desktop.
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Digital Audio System
Digital Audio System System: Solid State Recorder

Usable Media: SD/SDHC

Recording Format:
- MP3: MPEG1 Layer III Compression
- WAV: 16/24 Bit Linear PCM

Recording MP3 Bit Rate:
- Stereo: 192/128/64 kbps
- Mono: 96/64/32 kbps

Sample Rate: 44.1/48khz

Number of Channels: 2 (Stereo) / 1 (Mono)

Audio Performance
Frequency Response: 20Hz ~ 20kHz

Signal-to-noise Ratio:
- MIC: 68dB
- LINE: 80dB

Total Harmonic Distortion at 0UV:
- MIC: 0.06%
- LINE: 0.02%

Dynamic Range: 81dB

Inputs
External MIC:
- Type: 1/8-inch stereo jack
- Input Sensitivity: 6 mVrms/20 kohms

Line:
- Type: 1/8-inch stereo jack
- Input Sensitivity: 500 mVrms/20 kohms

Outputs
Line:
- Type: 1/8-inch stereo jack
- Standard Level: 1.0 Vrms/10 kohms

Headphone:
- Type: 1/8-inch stereo jack
- Standard Level: 16 mW/16 ohms

Speaker:
- Standard Level: 150 mW/ 8 ohms

General
Power Consumption:
- Recording/Playback: 1.5W (DC)
- Battery Level (Alkaline): 5 Hours (Typical)

Phantom Power: 5V, 1mA (Max)

Environmental Conditions:
- Operational Temperature: 0~40C (32~104F)
- Operational Humidity: 25~85% (no condensation)
- Storage Temperature: -20~60C(-4~140F)

Dimensions:
- Width: 2.5 inches (62mm)
- Height: 4 inches (102mm)
- Depth: 1 inch (25mm)

Weight: 4 oz (110g)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 630-741-0330

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (8 ratings)
Submitted December 29, 2008 by a customer from comcast.net

"Marantz PMD620 review. The next level in portable recording"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I am very satisfied with my purchase. It does EXACTLY what I wanted it to.

Sound
The latest firmware (as of Dec 2008) is v2.27 which I received from Marantz with a short update guide. There is no latency, the auto level control (ALC) works great, the data formats are all correct (as far as I can tell from use in Adobe Audition, Windows media player, Winamp, and various other wav, mp3 players and editing programs. The noise floor on this unit is very very good and the recording quality is pristine. I have made several recordings of just me and my Taylor guitar. The recordings were so convincing that my wife thought I was playing when I was I was simply playing back the music on my home system. The battery life claims of 4 hours are grossly conservative. I use 2200mAhr NiMH rechargeables (that are a year old btw). I get 6 hours from these batteries. I have 2600mAhr AA's on route. I suspect that one could get as much as 7 hours of recording on a good set of NiMH rechargeables .... that should put a smile on your face. I have recorded using both the external mic and my PA system line out with everything from the previously mentioned acoustic setting, to my entire band blaring at club levels. Everything came out sounding fantastic. Marantz support was great and responded to my request for a firmware update in a polite and quick manner. With my update Marantz stated the following: "Please note, we strongly recommend using read more Lexar and SanDisk SD and SDHC cards with the PMD620" I have a 4Gb SanDisk SDHC headed my way from NewEgg. We will see how it goes ;) I researched alot before making this purchase. I compared the Marantz to the Edriol 09HR, The M-Audio Microtrack II, and the Sony PCM-D50. The Edriol had lower audio quality to my ears, and persistant quality issues with the phone jack breaking. The M-Audio's use of a proprietary battery that must be sent back to the manufacturer to be replaced (think iPod esque) removed it from the running despite its good recording quality. The Sony simply got disqualified because of price. If money were not of any concern, it would have won. I would have missed the MP3 and mono capabilities of the Marantz anyway. I paid ~$320 USD for the Marantz. In this price category, it is the best unit presently being made.

Features
The number of formats that are supported by the Marantz is comprehensive (Sony's only downfall). The OLED display is fantastic. The ability to mount the unit on a tripod (my camera tripod) is perfect. Other recorders require an additional purchase for this.

Ease of Use
It is stupidly simple to use. I had to read the manual only to edit the settings (you have to hold the "display" button down for 3 seconds to get into edit mode.

Quality
It is small, light, and built solidly with an mostly aluminum face. The buttons have a great feel to them and are easy to use.

Value
I think that $320 is a bit pricey; however, as stated, it is the best in this price range.

Manufacturer Support
Fast, friendly, and helpful.

The Wow Factor
Not only do "I want it", all of my band friends (in other bands) want one also now ;)

Musical Background:
Active Musician

Musical Style:
Alternative, Rock
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No longer available at zZounds

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