Marantz PMD-660K - Portable Compact Flash Digital Recorder ENG Kit

There are two major advantages to the PMD660 recording technology. First, it is basically shock resistant - there are no moving parts in the recording medium. Second, the computer integration process of data transfer, editing, and assemblage has been greatly simplified - the card may be removed and inserted directly into a computer with a like card reader, or the onboard USB port may be connected.

The PMD660 will record either uncompressed linear PCM audio at 16-bit, CD-quality, in WAV file format, or MP3 files using MPEG1 Layer3 compression. Typically, data compression is a function of bit rate: lowering the bit rate increases the compression, and therefore available recording time, but diminishes the audio sound quality. For example, a 1 GB card will record over 60 minutes of stereo uncompressed audio, while the same capacity card using compressed MP3 recording will yield over 17 hours of stereo audio.

The PMD660 is a professional unit that happens to fit nicely in the hand, yet offers features like dual XLR microphone inputs, with 48V phantom power, a security door for the switch settings and media, USB connectivity, and cut-and-paste editing with virtual track, EDL-style playlisting. The backlit screen and bright LED metering are additional enhancements, as are the built-in speaker and stereo microphone.

The PMD660 is a worthy investment for the journalist or documentary recordist with high standards, on a low budget.