Zoom H2, Marantz PMD 620, Sony PCM D50: Inside Vs. Out

For rounds two and three of the Field Recorder Shootout, Owen O'Malley tests out our three recorders in a large indoor shopping mall and at the train tracks! We will still be taking bets, however. On anything. Owen also explains why we didn't put a windscreen on any of these recorders, and it's not because we're totally ignorant, we promise. See more on gearwire.com.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Zoom
• H2
• Marantz
• PMD
• 620
• Sony
• PCM
• D50

[kluchert]

You say in your review of the PMD 620 that you can't adjust mic sensitivity while recording. No true. You can adjust it, but you need to be in manual mode. You must have had Automatic Level Control (ALC) selected. It wasn't that hard to figure out (pg 25 of manual).

[kluchert]

I just bought a PMD 620 today and I can hear and adjust mic sensitivity by pressing the PAUSE button prior to recording. A few more minutes and I'll figure out how to adjust mic level while recording. Hee Hee.

[caponsacchi]

I started with the Zoom H2 and the cover over the SD card broke during the first month. Rather than resort to scotch tape I gave it to a friend and moved up to the Sony. I love its rugged feel and comparative simplicity. All of the variables in that tiny menu of the H2 were a nuisance. Otherwise, the sound of the Zoom is certainly competitive, but to me user-friendliness and durability of construction are the key.

[viceadmiraal61]

again outside use plopcap......

[hlnio]

i'm torn between Zoom H2 and Olympus LS 10. Which of the two has a better built-in microphone? I'll be using them mainly for recording my guitar practice sessions (and probably bootlegging a gig occasionally). I think H2 has a slightly better recording quality over LS 10 (tends to have phasing problem) while LS 10 seems to have a better built quality (it comes in a metal casing). what do you think people?

[deadendkid1968]

I made a DeadCat for my H2...its alot better than the included foam for stopping wind noise...the marantz if there is any latentcy going into a camera input must be very disapointing.

[lamparalaptopiaguita]

which is the best?

[luminousoctaves]

Nice work, thanks. But... I want to know more about:

- External mics; how good are the mic preamps?

- Boot time. How long does it take from when you press ON until you can start a record session. You know, sometimes you just realise I gotta record this NOW!"

- How well do they work in cold weather. (Go to Antarctis or something.)

No, but seriously, thanks for this more practical review. It's the way to go.