Marantz PMD670 Professional Solid-State Recorder

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Uses IBM Microdrive or Compact Flash cards. Can record MP3's.

Marantz PMD670 Professional Solid-State Recorder
The easiest way to get sound into a computer! This professional, solid-state, stereo digital recorder provides the ultimate in convenience for just about any remote recording application. The PMD670 records your choice of uncompressed WAV or MP2, and now - MP3 files (selectable compression rates) that you can immediately drag-n-drop onto your computer hard drive via USB. The PMD670's Type II PC Card slot is compatible with type II compact flash cards, which are widely available at computer/electronics retailers. The slot is also designed to accept cost-effective IBM MicroDrives, miniature removable hard disks with capacities as high as 10 gigabytes for over 12 hours of continuous WAV file recording. To ensure that everybody's comments are captured, the PMD670 provides Automatic Level Control, and noise filters to filter out such things as the hum from an air conditioning system. Inputs include XLR (w/+48V phantom power) and 1/4 in. mic/line inputs for use with quality PZM or condenser mics. A built-in mic is also provided. Outputs include coax digital and RCA analog. Other features include a 2-second Pre-Record Buffer (continuously records audio before record button is pressed), a built-in speaker, a time/date generator and a Silent Skip feature (defeatable) that pauses recording during silences. Includes carrying strap, AC adaptor & battery holder.

Like its predecessors, the PMD670 is a rugged and reliable portable recorder read more specifically designed for applications like meeting recording, voice dictation, high quality sound gathering and everything in between. The PMD670 includes a built-in microphone, built-in speaker, and professional mic/line inputs and outputs. You can record many hours of quality stereo or mono audio on a single CF (compact flash) memory card or Microdrive. Transfer audio files into a computer for editing or distribution by simply placing a recorded card into your computer PC card drive or use the built in computer I/O port for a no hassle approach to file transfer. The PMD670 is also fully compatible with Marantz Professional's PMDEdit editing and file management software.

Features

Records onto inexpensive and reliable solid state CF cards (compact flash) or Microdrives (64 MB Flash Card formatted and ships with unit)

Records up to 5 1/2 hours (stereo, 48kHz)(when media becomes available)

Records in .mp2, .mp3, .wav, and .bwf digital audio formats

Over 40 assignable bitrates and sampling frequency combinations for many quality and media space saving settings

FAT 32 File Allocation Table allows for larger future media and files

One touch record

Simultaneously close and start new recordings

Improved menu-driven remote operation (contact closure)

Computer I/O port for direct to computer file transfer

Security screw for media door

Security panel to lock out sensitive recording parameters from being altered

Noise filters

Automatic level control

2 second pre-record audio cache

Built in mic and speaker

Digital in and out (s/pdif format)

XLR mic inputs

+48V phantom power

Extensive capability

Designed with compatibility for MP3, MP2, BWF, WAV formats the PMD670 boasts an impressive 40 assignable quality settings as well as a FAT32 File Allocation Table for future multi-gig file capability.

Simple Operation

With the flip of a switch record audio files to affordable and widely available Microdrives or compact flash cards.

Transfer audio files to PC

A table-top portable model, the PMD670 features a computer I/O connection that allows it to be easily linked for easy file transfer. Drag and drop recorded audio files to your computer's hard drive in minutes without the real-time delay disadvantages of cassette, MiniDisc, and DAT recording! The optional "PMDEdit" software enables easy file management and editing with its combined use.
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Specifications

General
System: Solid State Recorder
Number of channels: 2 (stereo),1 (mono)
Usable media: CF memory cards, Microdrives

Recording and media methods
.mp2: MPEG1 Layer II compression
.mp3: MPEG1 Layer III compression
.mp3: MPEG2 Layer III compression* *for all half sample rates
PCM: 16 bit linear PCM

Power Consumption
Recording/Playback: 5.2 W
Charging: 12 W
Standby (battery driven): 2.2mW
Headphone Output power: 20 mW/32 ohms
Speaker Output power: 100 mW
Phantom power: +48V, 10mA

Dimensions (Maximum)
Width: 10.4 in. (264 mm)
Height: 2 in. (55 mm)
Depth: 7.3 in. (185 mm)
Weight: 2 lbs. 14 oz.(1.3 Kg)

Audio
Recording bit rate (selectable)
MP2 stereo: 384, 256, 192, 128, 96, 64 kbps
MP2 mono: 192, 128, 96, 64, 48, 32 kbps
MP3 stereo: 320, 256, 160, 128, 80, 64 kbps
MP3 mono: 160, 128, 80, 64, 40, 32 kbps

Sampling Frequency
Analog: 48, 44.1, 32, 24*, 22.050*, 16* kHz
*except MP2
Digital: 48, 44.1kHz
Frequency response (PCM 44.1kHz): 20,000 Hz (-0.5dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio IEC-A Weighted:
LINE: 86dB
MIC: 65dB
Total Harmonic Distortion at 0 VU (PCM)
LINE: 0.03%
MIC: 0.08%
Dynamic Range: 86 dB

Inputs / Outputs
MIC IN L/R
Type: XLR (1:GND, 2:HOT, 3:COLD)
Input Sensitivity: 1.2mVrms/6.5 kohms
LINE IN L/R
Type: RCA jack
Input Sensitivity: 300mVrms/20 kohms
LINE OUT L/R
Type: RCA jack
Standard Level: 2 Vrms max./2 kohms
DIGITAL IN/OUT
Type: RCA jack
Impedance: 75 ohms
Standard level: 0.5 Vp-p
Sampling frequency: 44.1/48 kHz
Format: SPDIF (IEC-958 Type II)

Specifications are based on measurement conditions and proper care for the machine, and are subject to change without notice.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (92 ratings)
Submitted January 25, 2008 by a customer from mac.com

"A quantum leap for portable stereo recording!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I'll use it untill it (or I) turn to dust. What a phenomenal way to record live music. I have a 2GB flash drive that will record 36 hours with MP2 compression. Files transfer quickly to your MAC or PC with a USB cable. All the files can be imported into iTunes. You can burn the MP3 and PCM files to a CD. (I don't know how to get the MP2 files to burn). Imagine burning a CD of your rehearsal session and giving it to the guys while they get their coats on. Pretty cool.

Sound
The device reproduces sounds accurately with no noticable background noise if you record in PCM or MP2 mode. I can hear some noise artifact with MP3 compression. But with PCM it's awesome.

Features
It included wall plug and battery box. It burns through alkaline batteries pretty fase and it takes 8 AAs so I use NiMH rechargables. You can set the battery type in the menu list. There is a rechargable battery pack you can buy that gets charged by the recorder. I don't have that one.

Ease of Use
It's quite simple right out of the box. Use the internal microphone, hit RECORD, then hit PLAY. But there are plenty of options beyond that. I use it to record from my mixers LINE-OUT and it sounds awesome. It is possible to configure it to sound bad, but if you take the time to set it up and read the manual you will be happy. Using the line inputs you will have S/N of 86dB as compared to 65dB with the MIC input. So have read more a brain and use the line input. Use a quiet preamp and enjoy the dynamic range you get.

Quality
I would give it a 10 but I don't want to curse myself. I have had no problem si far.

Value
If it continues to perform as it does it is worth it.

Manufacturer Support
No need for support yet. But I believe the best support is to buy quality in the first place. This has it.

The Wow Factor
It is not flashy but well thought out and functional. Sometimes the screen is hard to read on the front, but there is a nice backlight. But hey it's all about the sound.

Musical Background:
Play with friends. Have a real other job.

Musical Style:
Jazz
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