Digital Audio Recorders at DVinfo.net

Kevin Shahinian · September 5th, 2008, 06:27 PM

Found quite a few posts regarding video sync issues with the Zoom H4, just wondering if anyone has experience with the Sony PCM-D50? Or can recomend a similar stand-alone recorder in the $500 range without a video sync issue. Thanks.

Richard Gooderick · September 5th, 2008, 07:23 PM

For what it's worth I had an H4 but sold it and bought a Fostex FR2 LE when I had the opportunity to try one out on a sound recording course.
I've found it to be a better recorder for my needs. It's a lot bigger though.
It's stayed in sync for up to an hour.

Bill Koehler · September 5th, 2008, 09:23 PM

I have a Sony PCM-D50.
I use it as my double system audio recorder for Sunday Services.
So a recording session is typically 60 - 75 minutes.

Besides being a big upgrade from camcorder sound, it stays in sync very well.
I am very happy with mine. The fact that a set of 4 regular AA batteries will
last over 10 hours is a great bonus.

I have no regrets.

Allan Black · September 6th, 2008, 11:39 PM

I can second that, the D50 is great. The manual says the max size external card is 4G but
it can accomodate 8G. The internal mics are good enough, limiter is unusual but it works a treat.

But its companion Sony XLR adaptor has problems. My guess is it's made for the Sony PCM D1, the bigger brother of the D50, 'cause there are some hassles coupling it to the D50.

They sit side by side on the XLR adaptor base plate with the D50 sitting on the right of the adaptor, but they're too close. You can't access any of the controls on the left side of the D50 nor the low cut nor the limiter on/off switches which are under the D 50 and you can't plug headphones in. Bugger.

The 2nd option is to mount the XLR adaptor under the D50, same problem with those 2 switches and there's no tripod thread mount under the adaptor. Bugger.

The good news is you have 2 XLR inputs into the D50 with lovely 48volts available. Or you could run 2 dynamic mics, or radio mics.

I think enough of it to remodel the base plate.

Cheers.

Kevin Shahinian · September 8th, 2008, 07:09 PM

Thanks for the input, guys.

Since I'll be using mainly the on-board mics and line-in to patch into DJ boards (they actually prefer RCA) I'm leaning toward the D50 (sans XLR adapter). Seems like a great unit at that price range.

Guy Cochran · September 8th, 2008, 07:26 PM

Hi Kevin,

I tested it and found the noise floor to be very low using the built-in mics. It's amazing clean compared to any small digital recorder we have tested. When I plugged a Countryman lav into it, I wasn't as impressed - a bit of hiss. We offer the PCM-D50 with a 5% discount for dvinfo.net members too at http://www.dvcreators.net/the-sony-pcm-d50/
Coupon code is "dvinfo", oh yeah, and I'd suggest the little K-TEK topper for wind protection if you're going to be moving around-even indoors with any air movement the mics will sound like they're getting pummeled. I personally pack around an Edirol R-09 for personal stuff because it is so light, but if I were doing VO or anything serious, I would absolutely use the Sony PCM-D50.

Philip Fass · October 11th, 2008, 05:18 AM

I've been looking at the D50 and D1 lately. Unless you need the titanium for battlefield conditions, the only reason I can find to use a D1 is for highest quality live music recording. Any other considerations that would make it worth 3x the price?

September 5th, 2008, 06:27 PM	#1
Kevin Shahinian Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 116	Digital Audio Recorders Found quite a few posts regarding video sync issues with the Zoom H4, just wondering if anyone has experience with the Sony PCM-D50? Or can recomend a similar stand-alone recorder in the $500 range without a video sync issue. Thanks. __________________ www.PacificPictures.net

September 5th, 2008, 07:23 PM	#2
Richard Gooderick Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: London, UK Posts: 795	For what it's worth I had an H4 but sold it and bought a Fostex FR2 LE when I had the opportunity to try one out on a sound recording course. I've found it to be a better recorder for my needs. It's a lot bigger though. It's stayed in sync for up to an hour. __________________ http://www.gooderick.com

September 8th, 2008, 07:09 PM	#5
Kevin Shahinian Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 116	Sony PCM-D50 Thanks for the input, guys. Since I'll be using mainly the on-board mics and line-in to patch into DJ boards (they actually prefer RCA) I'm leaning toward the D50 (sans XLR adapter). Seems like a great unit at that price range. __________________ www.PacificPictures.net

September 8th, 2008, 07:26 PM	#6
Guy Cochran DVCreators.Net Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 892	Hi Kevin, I tested it and found the noise floor to be very low using the built-in mics. It's amazing clean compared to any small digital recorder we have tested. When I plugged a Countryman lav into it, I wasn't as impressed - a bit of hiss. We offer the PCM-D50 with a 5% discount for dvinfo.net members too at http://www.dvcreators.net/the-sony-pcm-d50/ Coupon code is "dvinfo", oh yeah, and I'd suggest the little K-TEK topper for wind protection if you're going to be moving around-even indoors with any air movement the mics will sound like they're getting pummeled. I personally pack around an Edirol R-09 for personal stuff because it is so light, but if I were doing VO or anything serious, I would absolutely use the Sony PCM-D50. __________________ Guy Cochran DVinfo Sponsor, Cool Gear - DVeStore!

September 5th, 2008, 09:23 PM	#3
Bill Koehler Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia, USA Posts: 760	I have a Sony PCM-D50. I use it as my double system audio recorder for Sunday Services. So a recording session is typically 60 - 75 minutes. Besides being a big upgrade from camcorder sound, it stays in sync very well. I am very happy with mine. The fact that a set of 4 regular AA batteries will last over 10 hours is a great bonus. I have no regrets.

September 6th, 2008, 11:39 PM	#4
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,928	I can second that, the D50 is great. The manual says the max size external card is 4G but it can accomodate 8G. The internal mics are good enough, limiter is unusual but it works a treat. But its companion Sony XLR adaptor has problems. My guess is it's made for the Sony PCM D1, the bigger brother of the D50, 'cause there are some hassles coupling it to the D50. They sit side by side on the XLR adaptor base plate with the D50 sitting on the right of the adaptor, but they're too close. You can't access any of the controls on the left side of the D50 nor the low cut nor the limiter on/off switches which are under the D 50 and you can't plug headphones in. Bugger. The 2nd option is to mount the XLR adaptor under the D50, same problem with those 2 switches and there's no tripod thread mount under the adaptor. Bugger. The good news is you have 2 XLR inputs into the D50 with lovely 48volts available. Or you could run 2 dynamic mics, or radio mics. I think enough of it to remodel the base plate. Cheers.

October 11th, 2008, 05:18 AM	#7
Philip Fass Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Charlotte, VT Posts: 397	I've been looking at the D50 and D1 lately. Unless you need the titanium for battlefield conditions, the only reason I can find to use a D1 is for highest quality live music recording. Any other considerations that would make it worth 3x the price?