Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder
The PCM-D50 continues the Sony tradition of offering high-quality and affordable solutions for portable field recording. This compact recorder offers 24-bit/96kHz stereo WAV recording to a built-in 4GB flash drive, with a Memory Stick Pro HG Duo card slot for added capacity. Perfect for location sound recordists, journalists, musicians, and more, the PCM-D50 has a sturdy and lightweight aluminum housing designed to withstand the trials of professional use.
The recorder is fitted with stereo microphones that can be positioned in an X/Y or wide pattern, and operates on four standard AA batteries for up to 14 hours of operation at 16-bit/44.1kHz recording. Recording features include five seconds of pre-record, Dual Digital Limiting to prevent distortion, and more. Playback functions include digital pitch control, A/B repeat, and more. It's easy to transfer your recordings to a Mac or PC with simple drag-and-drop file transfer via a high-speed USB connection.
- Compact two-channel professional audio recorder
- Records high-quality WAV files at up to 24-bit/96kHz for better-than-DAT sound
- Records to a 4GB internal flash drive, or to Memory Stick Pro HG Duo cards for additional storage
- Two re-positionable mics built-in
- Operates on four standard AA batteries
- Dual Digital Limiter feature to minimize distortion
- Pre-record buffer records up to five seconds of audio before you hit the record button
- Super Bit Mapping technology for a wide dynamic range
- MP3 playback function
- Digital Pitch Control allows you to slow playback down without affecting the pitch
- A/B repeat playback
- Drag-and-drop file transfer to Mac or PC via high-speed USB
- Lightweight and durable aluminum construction
| Type | Portable 2-Channel Flash Recorder |
| Recording/Reading Methods | WAV Files to 4GB Built-In Flash Memory or to Memory Stick Pro (High Speed) Duo/Memory Stick Pro HG Duo |
| Recording Bit Rate | 16 or 24-bit |
| Sampling Frequency | 22.05/44.1/48/96kHz |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (0 to -2dB @ 96kHz) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 93dB or Greater @ 24-bit |
| Dynamic Range | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.01% or Lower (1kHz, 22kHz, LPF) |
| Inputs |
1 x 3.5mm Stereo Mini Mic Input 1 x Line Input (OPT) 1 x Optical Digital Input (OPT) |
| Outputs |
1 x 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Output 1 x Line Output (OPT) 1 x Optical Digital Output (OPT) 1 x High-Speed USB Port |
| Power | 4 x AA Batteries or AC Power Adapter |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.9 x 6.1 x 1.3" (74 x 155 x 33mm) (Not Including Projecting Parts and Controls) |
| Weight | 12.9 oz (366g) (Including Batteries) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 130 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to control (108)
- Works every time (81)
- Easy to set up (77)
- Fast (76)
- Good quality duplicates (56)
Cons
Best Uses
- Audiophiles (74)
- Smaller rooms / apartments (37)
- Large rooms (32)
- Basic systems (31)
- High volume duplication (19)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Audiophile (81), Tech savvy (62), Practical (40), Professional (31), Pro audio / DJ / mixing (18)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (33), Yes (6)
Most Liked Positive Review
Awesome stereo sound, great onboard mics
I ordered this bad boy to record sound effects and sound design work for film. I wanted something quiet because I was annoyed with my mini disc recorder I was using. The unit itself ...Read complete review
I ordered this bad boy to record sound effects and sound design work for film. I wanted something quiet because I was annoyed with my mini disc recorder I was using. The unit itself was noisy and the level meter sucked.My new Sony PCM-D50 is AWESOME. It makes no noise and the record sampling rates are outstanding. The 5 second record buffer is great because I can record spontaneous sounds without constantly recording, wasting disc space. The unit is very easy to figure out. I only had to go to the manual for a few things.The mics are very sensitive (that's a good thing). I recommend a wind-screen for any outdoor use though. The limiter is OK and the low cut filter is useful for vocal recordings. The buttons light up when you push them(this feature can be turned on and off). The LCD has a back-light that you can turn on and off as well. The only thing that annoys me a little is that the buttons are not back-lit, so in COMPLETE darkness you can't see the buttons. Only the one that's active (Play, Pause, Stop, Rec, etc.) That's a minor issue though for me. For the price, this unit delivers. I recommend this tool for any sound recordists with a budget. I love it!!!! You get about 2 hours on 96k @ 24 bit on the built in 4 GB hard disk and 6.5 hours @ 44.1k, 16 bit (CD quality)These sampling rates can be mixed matched by the way. I like the 48k at 24 bit setting (4 hours record limit). You can also get a 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB memory card for more record space.The SONY PCM-D50 unit cost me [$] on-line.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Sony PCM-D50 Decent but not fabulous
Pros -
great battery life
super easy to use
can produce great sound
Cons -
Built very solid
In a small room mics pickup to many reflec...Read complete review
Pros -
great battery life
super easy to use
can produce great sound
Cons -
Built very solid
In a small room mics pickup to many reflections and seem to have a slight phasing issue.
In loud environments the case and mics seem to pick up some internal resonance at around 5000hz.
Frequency response of mics change greatly as you move around unless mics are pointed right at speaker.
- misc
Holding the unit with a small tri-pod (any small camera tripod will work) eliminates handling noise when using this for field interviews.
Overal this is a better solution than using seperate mics for field recording but it has some sever limitations. Your studio recordings and this units will never compare favorabley.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 130 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Fast
Cons
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
I use my Sony D-50 for interviews, sound/music recordings, public/Church performances, complement to my DSLR camera.
I've got very high quality recordings, thanks to the high grade built-in microphones. Menu is easy to use, clear and simple, as well as operation buttons.
The only negative point is the lack of a built-in speaker. This is like not having a built-in flash on a 7D camera.
Eddy (Tahiti)
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
- Fast
- Works Every Time
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
Primary use is making field recordings of noise control projects. Secondary use is to record acoustic guitar, voice, flute, and ukulele with the eventual intent of producing a vanity CD. It worked just as advertised, and was simple to use. Within 15 minutes, I had pressed "record" to get three short samples (voice and acoustic guitar). Another ten minutes, and the DAW software was installed and the files were moved onto my computer. The D50 has the basic functions you need, but not a lot of things you don't need like multi-tracking and overdub capability. That is better done on the computer anyway.
The LED metering lights were very useful. Set the recording level so that the green light (-12 dB) is on a fair amount of the time, but the red overload light (0 dB) only comes on intermittently. The mics sound good, but I need to experiment to find the best placement for balance and best sound indoors.
The remote control is really essential for solo recording, and cuts down on handling noise as you press the buttons. It has the basic controls and a 36" cord, so you can point the unit and mics any way needed but still do the basic recording functions and divide track. The remote does not include rewind and play -- it is focused on recording tasks.
The unit does not sit vertically at all without using a small tripod - the bottom is rounded. It will lay flat on a tabletop. The tripod needs a fairly large footprint too, as the center of gravity makes it want to tip forward. A Gorilla tripod with segmented flexible legs works just fine.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Digital IO
- Easy To Control
Cons
- No MP3 recording
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
- Field Recording
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
I choose this model for its relatively extreme capabilities in a small package that includes decent microphones. It is a grab-it-and-go one-box solution. This replaces a long line of compact analog recorders that I've used over the years for audio time-shifting and informal field recording (usually at the annual South Indian Classical music festival in Chennai). The key selling point for me was the digital in/out (optical) connections. The controls might appear a little intimidating at first glance, but are quite intuitive.
This product has been out for more than a year, so like any contemporary electronics it is subject to "feature aging". For this one, the lack of compressed recording (MP3) and the limit of 4GB support for the Memory Stick slot are notable. Neither of these are particular issues for me.
Overall, this highly portable digital audio recorder offers an excellent value, all essential features for the recordist, and easy to use controls.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
- Fast
- Good Quality Duplicates
- Works Every Time
Cons
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
- Basic Systems
- Larger Rooms
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
I have a Zoom H2 that sounds, if anything, slightly "enhanced" with its 4-point mic set-up compared to the Sony PCM-D50. However, in the first year of use, the tiny plastic tab that holds the cover over the SD card of the Zoom broke off, and I've been unable to get a replacement. Moreover, the Zoom is kind of a pain to operate--with its touch skin and tiny menus within menus. By contrast, the Sony PCM-D50 is built like a tank and feels like a "real" audiophile product, a professional instrument. It records only wav files and does not purport to have all of the features Zoom has crowded on board its lightweight plastic device--which claims to be a self-standing work station. But any professional will edit files with a full-featured computer software program. The Sony offers the user actual physical controls--buttons, switches, sliders--which is especially assuring. For stealth recording, the Zoom is no doubt preferable, providing the user can hit the right area under the touch skin. For professional recording, this Sony can't be beat.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Works Every Time
Cons
Best Uses
- Larger Rooms
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
i use this recorder for my studies because we want to write infant voices with cochlear implants...i believe is one of the top choices for this job and it has very easy use...with usb port for immediate data transfer...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Digital optical InOut
- Easy To Control
- Great built-in mics
Cons
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
- Basic Systems
- Portable recording
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
I use the recorder for personal and professional live field recording. The built-in mics are excellent, better than the Olympus LS-11, which is what I had before. In fact, they are better than all of the cheaper (under $500) portable recorders, in my opinion.
The main reason I bought the recorder was because it has digital optical in and out, and no other recorder has it for the price. This is also a huge plus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
Straight forward controls... just like a professional recorder. For my needs, loosing the stereo mics and using the extra space for XLR inputs
would be ideal, but for the size and price I really can't complain too much about the stereo mini plug ins and outs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Good Quality Duplicates
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
I am a long-time journalist, mostly in newspapers and television, now doing audio stories for our local public radio station. I have not had much experience in audio, and was urged by a friend to try the Sony PCM D-50. I have found it to be excellent in all respects, especially the sound quality and ease of editing. I would highly recommend this recorder.
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
- Fast
- Good Quality Duplicates
- Works Every Time
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Larger Rooms
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
I bought this product because of so many other positive reviews. I am very happy with the way it records my singing voice. It is a great value for the price and B&H has the best price. [...]. I am very happy with everything, which is rare :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
- Works Every Time
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
Travelling in the UK for 2 months, recording occasional interviews, nature sounds and music. Wanted something that didn't require experience with or knowledge about recording but would yield good quality results. This product has been very satisfactory on all accounts.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Metal body
- Quality recording
Cons
- "Big"
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
Do you self a favor and buy this as your first recorder - don't buy your "self up" like I did ...
The D50 records clean and smooth, for a portable recorder.
It handles indoor concerts much better then other brands I've tried, I even went a little too easy on the rec level the first time - but no need for that with the D50.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
- Fast
- Good Quality Duplicates
- Works Every Time
Cons
- Memory Stick Pro Duo
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
- Digitizing Tapes
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
Primarily used for digitizing old tapes.
Battery life is excellent.
Controls are simple and easy to use.
Optical input and outputs are a great feature.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Works Every Time
Cons
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
Detached audio for my video work (5d). This is my 3rd. Love this. Menu can be bit complicated but nothing you can't get around. The sound quality is amazing, nicely built. Wind screen is a must.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
Use it as either on my 5d hotshoe using the Rycote mount, or held as detached unit. The sound quality is excellent! My second one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
- Fast
- Good Quality Duplicates
- User friendly
- Works Every Time
- Works well
Cons
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
- Basic Systems
- High Volume Duplication
- Larger Rooms
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
excellent sound quality. Very compact, well maid.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
- High quality
Cons
- No auto gain
- Old school display hah
Best Uses
- Acoustic recording
- Ambience recording
- As a mixer
- Audiophiles
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
Awesome.. very clean crisp sound quality over the stereo mics, very 'real' sounding (almost to much hah)
Using as a standalone recorder for acoustic guitar/singing and as a recorder/preamp mixer for digital video recording on dslrs.
I've only had it a few days but I think it will get alot of long term use.
Done a couple of tests - Acoustic guitar sounds very very nice, vocals from a few metres away not so great (lacking bass as you'd expect) but general fantastic quality for mastering etc
Have plugged it into my Dslr - great ability to mix in the D-50 and provide line signal to the camera (hacked 550d so has static volume) audio quality on the camera sounds good (I should get a higher quality cable) so this was with the inbuilt stereo mics, I haven't got my hands on shotgun condenser yet as the plan is to use this mixing through the D-50 into the camera.. but if the internal mics are anything to go by the pre amps will be awesome..
I love it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
- Fast
- Works Every Time
Cons
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
Great Quality Condenser Mic's. If you need less ambient tone simply plug in a sm-58 direct and the preamp does a great job. Its quiet and transparent.
You need the wind screen for ease of use outside.
I bought it for ease of field recording and love it.
It easily transfers to my studio mac for editing and mastering.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
- Fast
- Good Quality Duplicates
- Works Every Time
Cons
Best Uses
- High Volume Duplication
- Larger Rooms
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
excenlent
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Control
- Easy To Setup
- Fast
- Good Quality Duplicates
- Works Every Time
Cons
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
- Basic Systems
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
I use it on location for small commercial shoots/documentaries. It allows you to hook up a boom to it. Definitely would invest in the wind guard.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Exceptional sound
- Works Every Time
Cons
Best Uses
- Outdoor music
- Smaller Rooms
- Speech and ambient
Comments about Sony PCM-D50 Professional Portable Stereo Digital Audio Recorder:
I use the D50 to record live street performers and other ambient sound settings. The accuracy is remarkable, and the mics swivel to give you control over the spatial width. I am very pleased with the performance and I recommend it for anyone seeking accurate reproduction of live music, speech and ambient sound.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Batteries & Power
- Price: $1.50
- Price: $13.99
Cables
- Price: $14.29
Media
- Price: $12.41
Headphones
- Price: $49.95
Wind Protection
- Price: $43.95
Cases & Protection
- Price: $29.95
What's in the Box
- AC Adapter
- 4 x AA Batteries
- Sound Forge Audio Software CD-ROM
- USB Cable
- Operating Instructions
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
