Don't let the size of the new PMD 660 by Marantz Professional fool you; this portable solid state recorder has many incredible features. Firstly, only four AA batteries are needed for hours of usage. Secondly, it stores over 36 hours of recorded material on Compact Flash (CF) media cards, which are widely available and generally inexpensive.
You can use the recorder to edit your files as well, using one of two editing mode choices, or you can use the USB port to transfer files and edit them with your own system. Either way, the PMD 660 is ideal for reporters, writers, or anyone who wants to catch and preserve ideas and information while on the go.
Another important thing to consider about the Marantz PMD 660 is the fact that it has no moveable parts, so you don't have to worry about any external pieces breaking and needing repair or replacement. It also has an optional wired remote so that you can start and stop recording as quickly and effortlessly as you need to. It has two built-in microphones as well as two XLR microphone inputs, and various internet sources describe using it to record Podcasts.
In 2005, the latest version of Marantz's PMD 660 recorder was twice acknowledged for its excellent features and usability: it was given both Radio World's "Cool Stuff Award" and Radio Magazine's "Pick Hit Award." Not to mention the fact that the New York Times preferred its sound quality and versatility to other cheaper recording products in a 2006 review.
At about $500, the PMD 660 does not come cheap, and Marantz now offers a protective case with carrying strap for purchase, as the PMD 660 is a bit fragile. Unfortunately, some reviewers assert that it has various unfavorable technical audio issues such as substandard audio quality. Other reviewers are more positive, calling the recorder an excellent tool for beginning journalists who need something affordable that can be used on-the-go.
The important thing is to consider what your needs are before purchasing. If you need something that is either more affordable than $500 or of very high, professional quality for something such as a Podcast, the Marantz Professional PMD 660 recorder may not be the right choice for you.
If, however, you are recording for your own purposes - as, say, a journalist or writer - and need something small, portable and easy-to-use, the PMD 660 could be ideal. Every product has its advantages and disadvantages; in the end, it all comes down to the customer and what one is looking for.
Key Features
Enhanced Portable Design
? Small, professional portable Compact Flash card recorder fits in the hand
? Solid State design, no moving parts or maintenance
? Mono and stereo recording modes, WAV and MP3 file support
? Versatile, situation-dependent, uncompressed CD-quality or compressed data recording covers requirement range from sound gathering to speech and lecture recording
? Inexpensive, readily available, large capacity miniature recording media
? 4-hour operation on 4 standard "AA" batteries
Flexible Audio Connectivity
? Dual XLR microphone inputs with 48V phantom power and -20 dB pad
? USB port for direct computer connection, simplified file transfer
? 1/8" stereo mini line input and output
? 1/8" stereo mini headphone output
Advanced Built-Ins and Editing
? Built-in stereo microphone
? Built-in speaker
? Backlit LCD screen, bright LED meter bars
? Full onboard cut-copy-paste digital editing with Copy Segment feature
? EDL-style marking system creates new files "on-the-fly", 99 Virtual-track playlisting
Type Portable Solid State Digital Recorder
Recording/Reading Methods Compact Flash Cards/Microdrives
MPEG1 Layer3, 16-bit Linear PCM
Recording Bit Rate 16-bit
Sampling Frequency 44.1, 48 kHz
Number of Channels 2
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Mic: 60 dB
Line: 80 dB
Dynamic Range 80 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Mic: 0.15%
Line: 0.06%
Inputs 2 x XLR Female, Mic
1 x 1/8" Stereo Mini, Line
1 x 1/8" Mini, Wired Remote In
Output 1 x 1/8" Stereo Mini, Line
1 x USB
Headphone Output Yes, 1/8" Stereo Mini
Dimensions (WxDxH) 4.45 x 7.2 x 1.85" (113 x 184 x 47mm)
Weight 1.5 lb (0.7 kg)
Specialties Dual XLR Inputs with 48V Phantom Power
USB Port
WAV and MP3 File Support
? 64 MB CF Card
? AC Adapter
? 1/8" Stereo Mini - Dual RCA "Y" Cable
? USB Cable
? Owner's Manual
? One Year Warranty
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