The PMD-670 is a rugged and reliable digital portable audio recorder wherein digital audio data is stored directly to a single Compact Flash Memory Card or Microdrive. There are two major advantages to this technology. Firstly, it is basically shock resistant, since there are no moving parts in the recording medium. Secondly, data transfer to and from a computer for processing and editing has been greatly simplified. Either the card can be removed and inserted directly into a computer, or the built in computer I/O port may be serially connected.
Flash Memory PC Cards are offered in sizes ranging from 8MB to 1200MB. The capacity required will depend on two factors: the time required for recording in a given session, and the acceptable level of audio quality. The PMD670 will record uncompressed PCM (.wav) files or compressed MP2 (.mp2) and MP3 (.mp3) files at various bit rates. Compression is a function of bit rate. Lowering the bit rate increases the compression and diminishes sound quality. As a general guide, a 512MB card will record about 40 minutes of stereo CD quality audio, while .mp2 at 128kbps will yield over 3 1/2 hours of audio.
The PMD670 is ideal for in-the-field audio recordings of interviews and for high quality sound gathering. The ability to archive to various formats allows this unit to interface with a variety of equipment, be it analog, digital or a PC based system. Unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs along with a pair of XLR microphone/line inputs are complimented by a S/PDIF I/O on RCA coaxial connectors. A switchable band or high-pass filter helps with reducing ambient noise. The unit comes with a two-second pre-record buffer, a silent skip mode and has a built in microphone and speaker.
| Type | CF memory card and Microdrive field recorder |
| Recording/Reading Methods |
MPEG1 Layer II compression MPEG1 Layer III compression MPEG2 Layer II compression 16-bit linear PCM |
| Recording Bit Rate | mp2: 32 to 384 kbps |
| Sampling Frequency |
16, 22.050, 24, 32, 44.1, 48kHz (analog) 44.1, 48kHz digital |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/-0.5 dB) at digital |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
86dB line 65dB microphone |
| Dynamic Range | 86dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.03% (at 0VU) line |
| Inputs |
2 XLR Mic/Line 2 x RCA phono S/PDIF digital RCA coaxial (stereo) |
| Output |
2 x RCA phono S/PDIF digital RCA coaxial (stereo) |
| Headphone Output | 1/4" TRS phone with volume control |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 2.0 x 10.4 x 7.3" (264 x 185 x 55mm) |
| Weight | 2.14 lb (1.3 kg) |
| Specialties | Phantom power available for powering condenser microphones |
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Comments about Marantz PMD-670 Portable CompactFlash Recorder:
I love the PMD670. I record my lectures as well as new material by friends who are recording artists. The phantom power is a great tool as well.
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Comments about Marantz PMD-670 Portable CompactFlash Recorder:
If you have no experience with electronics and are too smart to read directions or take the time to learn a device then is not for you. This a professional field recorder that is above the heads of nearly all consumers. I have had no problem because I know how to handle this type of equipment. I love it and have won several awards in my film projects. I would recommend buying a simple recorder for you aspiring film makers. If you have to get into something over your head, hire someone like myself, a professional to operate professional equipment.
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Comments about Marantz PMD-670 Portable CompactFlash Recorder:
It is so chic and professional that my competitors are offering to buy it at double the price I paid; and I'm like NO WAY!!
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Comments about Marantz PMD-670 Portable CompactFlash Recorder:
I really like this unit... we have it pared with a Crown PZM mic and it records very well. The only reason why I didn't give it five stars are that it's interface is rather complex. I don't have any problems understanding it, but others will
I ordered this unit for a user who isn't very tech savvy, and I think i've got it setup where i can just have her hit "record" and "stop", but i haven't field tested that with her yet. Her old equipment was a Marantz tape recorder that was very simple to use.
The phantom power for the mic is also an excellent selling point.
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