Sony PCM-D1 2-Channel Portable Flash Memory Audio Recorder

Comments about Sony PCM-D1 2-Channel Portable Flash Memory Audio Recorder:

This is one pricey but quite exquisite option for your portable recording needs. If price is no object, go ahead. If it is, or you'd like a simplified version more adroit for average needs, sony has another similar unit for a fraction of the price that is also a good contender. This is the rolls royce of this type of recorders. But a honda accord may do the job for you and cost much less. I was using a tascam recorder to capture live piano recordings and I wanted better quality of sound. This provides it, but also brings in complications. The mics on this are extremely sensitive to noises, touch, etc You may have to experiment with this before you find the optimum way to use it for your needs. My impression is that sony will discontinue this unit soon and stick to the simpler, cheaper one. Consumer electronics are dumbing down at flight speed and most companies go for the mass market of any niche with less expensive, more flashy and more basic products. It is the spirit of the times. If you want to secure the kind of machine nobody will be making anymore soon and requite that level of quality, this is it. It'll cost you almost two grand, but then again, rolls royces were never cheap. Or common.

Comments about Sony PCM-D1 2-Channel Portable Flash Memory Audio Recorder:

It provides nearly the quality of my stand-alone field recording system which uses high end Neumann and AKG condensers and UA 2192 converters. I generally record an event straight through, then dump the .wav file into the laptop for editing. With the Sony, this couldn't be easier.

I've made demo recordings holding the unit in my lap with little problem. I've used a mini-tripod which has also done well. The unit uses camera tripod threads, not mic stand threads, so an adapter is necessary if you want to use a pro mike stand with noise isolation.

The Sony battery recharger is slower than molasses in January. Recommend obtaining a 2nd recharger for field use, lots of spare batteries and battery cases.

Comments about Sony PCM-D1 2-Channel Portable Flash Memory Audio Recorder:

I have used a lot of field recorders including, Nagra, Zoom H4, Sound Devices 702 and others... This recorder is outstanding. It has extremely quiet mic-preamps. With the Sony XLR adapter it comes close to the quality of the Sound Devices 702. The built in microphones have exceptional high frequency response & sensitivity. (Much better than the Nagra.) The build quality is fantastic. (Sony at it's best.) It's not machined out of a block of aluminum like a Nagra... But it IS stamped out of titanium! The only potential problem I see is the battery door is plastic. But it seems sturdier than most. Overall... this recorder has the best mix of performance and compactness for making truly professional recordings.

Comments about Sony PCM-D1 2-Channel Portable Flash Memory Audio Recorder:

I have waited a lifetime for the ability to make pure, pristine, noise-free recordings outdoors or wherever, and The Sony PCM-D1 delivers that on all fronts. Sure, you have to be careful not to disturb the recorder or fumble with the mic while it's recording, but that's true of ANY recorder ever made. The sound is so real, with such depth and breadth -- just amazing! The 4GB of storage is perfect, since the entire memory will fit on a DVD for archiving in the event that you filled it up. There has never been anything like it, and Sony so out-distanced the competition (and even themselves) with this recorder that I don't foresee anything coming anywhere close to it for years, if ever.

Expertise: Pro-Am

Problems Encountered: The first unit I received had a problem where it would not retain the date and time and asked for it to be set every time I turned it on. The second one was/is perfect. The windscreens on the mics are too thin and fairly worthless -- I pulled a mic windscreen over it with great results.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: there is nothing equivalent to it

Items I Recommend: additional windscreen of some sort

Comments about Sony PCM-D1 2-Channel Portable Flash Memory Audio Recorder:

Very clear, easy to use, indexing and locating complex to read the numbers. But a very fine piece of equipment. I am doing older veteran military memories. Too bad the added Memory stick PROS cost so much as it is necessary to transfer to another medium, in my case cassettes to free up space for new work. This makes double work time.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Sony mini-disc and Tascam DAT.

Items I Recommend: Extra Memory stick PRO

Comments about Sony PCM-D1 2-Channel Portable Flash Memory Audio Recorder:

There's a good reason the Sony PCM-D1 costs more than other flash-based audio recorders: QUALITY. Not only does it sound better, but its user interface is simple, intuitive and reliable. This audio recorder is without peer and the right choice if field audio recording is essential to your work. I bought the first unit to arrive at B&H when the D1 hit the market and I haven't looked back. It is the best in its class.

Problems Encountered: None

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Many flash recorders, but no equivalent

Items I Recommend: Spare battery cartridge for quick change. BeachTek DXA-2S for XLR Mics