MARANTZ PMD PORTABLE
MARANTZ PMD PROFESSIONAL

When recording from the analogue inputs, the sampling frequency can be selected from six options between 16kHz and 48kHz, but only 44.1kHz and 48kHz are supported when recording via the digital inputs. There is even a two-second pre-record memory, so that you can still capture a complete recording even if you are a little slow in hitting the record button! All files are automatically time and date stamped, and it is impossible to accidentally record over a previous file. Next in the quality hierarchy is an MPEG1 Layer 2 option (MP2), with bit rates from 32kbps to 384kbps, followed by the more compact MPEG3 Layer 3 format (MP3), with bit rates from 32kbps to 320kbps. Maximum quality, but minimum record time, is provided by 16-bit, 48kHz linear PCM files in standard WAV or BWAV formats. The recorder offers three file-storage formats, with mono and stereo options. After downloading the wanted files, you have to cycle the mains power again to get back to normal operation. In the case of the PMD570, to access the files directly via the USB port you have to turn the machine off and then back on while holding the Menu button to put it into a special USB mode, after which the machine appears as a mass storage device. I found it quicker and easier to remove the card and load it directly into my computer to transfer files - something I tend to do with digital camera files as well. Recorded files can be transferred quickly and easily into a computer either by removing the card from the PMD570 and connecting it to a suitable card reader, or by accessing the machine directly via its own USB port.

MARANTZ PMD PROFESSIONAL

This is a rugged, professional 1U rack-mounting two-channel recorder which uses Compact Flash memory cards or micro-drives of up to 8GB capacity as the recording media.

MARANTZ PMD PORTABLE

In effect this is a studio version of the portable PMD670. Marantz have come up with a neat solid-state recorder that may be the ideal solution - the PMD570. However, often these machines are mechanically noisy, and there is also the time-consuming process of copying the scratch recordings into the computer to develop and embellish.

Far easier, quicker, and less intrusive on the creative process to use something like a simple cassette recorder, or maybe a Minidisc recorder. Sometimes when a musical idea enters your head, you really don't want to have to fire up the computer just to make a scratch-pad recording. This sleek rackmount Compact Flash-based recorder makes an ideal recording 'scratch pad', and files can also be imported into your DAW when things get more serious.

Marantz pmd