I've noticed the Marantz PMD 670 mentioned a few times.
I was wondering if a combination Fostex MR8 (uncompressed audio) with a Samson Mixpad 4 (field mixer with phantom power) would be a better route to recording.
Thoughts?

Adam,
I've never worked with the Fostex, but have heard good things about it. Also, have you looked at the new Roland unit? It also looks pretty sweet.

I'm impressed with the feature set of the Edirol R-1 for ~$440.

Not having phantom power will limit the microphone choice. Additionally, the Marantz will have superior connectors, pre's and converters, but i'd be curious to hear a side by side.

Sorry, I did mean the Edirol. To me, Roland and Edirol are the same company. Edirol was in the music industry as part of Roland before they split off and became their own channel, but still owned by Roland.

I've only heard great things about the Edirol units.

same thing to me, too. didn't even notice. :>

The poster might do well to consider the following "costs" of the Samson+Fostex configuration

- The circuitry is not at the Marantz level to begin with
- The added circuitry+cable will degrade the signal further
- Extra bog (mixer+cable)

Any reason you'd be overdubbing in the field?