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Home: Video University Forums: Audio For Video:
First Impressions Marantz PMD620

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Mark Foley
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Nov 24, 2007, 5:59 AM

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First Impressions Marantz PMD620	Can't Post

I've been holding off talking about this recorder until I got one in my hands...as I didn't want to get excited about it as I did with the H2 (only to be let down somewhat).

Although constructed of plastic with a metal-like faceplate, unlike the H2, this thing feels/looks like a professional piece of gear. Construction of the unit is up with typical marantz quality control as to be expected from the Marantz Professional line of products. First off...big surprise..NO 2GB file limit! This will be a big plus for those who will use this as a line-in recorder.

A real Key Lock!...yes everything is locked when enabled so no worries of an accidental stopping of recording.

Another big plus for those who sometime forgets to verify the thing is recording (like me)...the record button has a LED ring around it the illuminates when recording...this is a big plus when things/time gets hairy.

The high contrast OLED (Organic LED) is first rate...better than ANY of the current crop of recorders in the sub 1K price range....

It will allow you to set three different preset (with 23 set items available) parameters...handy if you, for example, want to use it with an external mic at the ceremony and then want to use it with a line-in capabilty from the DJ at the reception. In addition, you can load preset values for your SD card like the H2, although with a much better setup process. Marantz claims it can use SD cards up to a terabyte (and more)....beyond what is currently available...

Another pleasant surprise is the external mic setup...I have a audio technica lav that I could never get setup correctly with the H2, but the 620 gives you SO much more flexible control with various mics of various sensitivity. Along with a +5V mic power available for condensor mics, the 620 offers three levels of mic attenuation (0dB, -12 dB, and -24dB)...this is going to give you so much more latitude when setting record levels

I will add more to this as I do further testing....

The H2 and the 620

_________________________
Mark

(This post was edited by Mark Foley on Dec 2, 2007, 7:22 AM)

corelann
Enthusiast

Nov 24, 2007, 4:41 PM

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Re: [Mark Foley] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

And, the price sir?
"Your quality of video productions and integrity are unsurpassed!"
— David R. Curtis

Mark Foley
Veteran

Nov 24, 2007, 4:51 PM

Post #3 of 34 (2759 views)
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Re: [corelann] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

$400

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Mark

Ron Priest
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Dec 17, 2007, 6:05 PM

Post #4 of 34 (2608 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

$400

Buy me one for Christmas Mark?? Wink

___________________
Ron

Mark Foley
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Dec 24, 2007, 5:33 AM

Post #5 of 34 (2555 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Update:

after 3 wedding I can report this device keeps almost perfect sync throughout the ceremony when matched against the camera track....

_________________________
Mark

MLiebergot
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Dec 24, 2007, 9:19 AM

Post #6 of 34 (2550 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mark how would you compare it to your Microtrack?
Obviously it has better battery run times, as it has replaceable AA capability.
But how is the sound with the internal mics and external mics compared to the MT?

I know that I said no new recorders, but I'm really intrigued to try it out. But if I do, then I will either be getting rid of one of my current recorders (R09, H2, H4), as I have no need for 4 of these along with my R4. I see teh R4 being the most likely to leave the nest, as I love the R09 and have more use for the H4 with its 4 internal mics over the H4 and it's XLR input. I already have the R4 if I need to run XLR input.

In Reply To

Update:

after 3 wedding I can report this device keeps almost perfect sync throughout the ceremony when matched against the camera track....

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Mark Foley
Veteran

Dec 24, 2007, 9:44 AM

Post #7 of 34 (2547 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

It does have replaceable batteries. I haven't messed with the internal mics nor do I really plan to as I wanted a recorder for my external lavs...one witha decent pre-amp (quiet) which it has and one that is easy to setup and can be fully locked during recording (which it can)....

Being just my opinion...if I was going to make a decision of dropping any one of your equipment...I would drop kick the zoom products...IMO, they are ok for occasional personal use...but the build/sound quality just isn't up to par with me...just my opinion of course...

_________________________
Mark

MLiebergot
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Dec 24, 2007, 10:08 AM

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Re: [Mark Foley] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Mark, while I agree with the build quality of the Zoom products, I do find the H2 more versatile and having better built in mics, that would suit me needs for a quick down and dirty external setup for musicians during the ceremony. I haven't used the H4 in the last 4 weddings that I have shot. And don't see me needing it anytime in the future.
I have been rather happy though with the H2 and it's 4 internal built in mics, and that's the only way that I would use it. I prefer to use my R09 for lav micing and line in feeds form the sound board, as well as external mics. So with me writing this, I am now going online and ordering a PMD620.

man you suck... Wink

EDIT: Anyone interested in a used Zoom H4 in fantastic shape (and I do mean like new). I am serious... PM me for details!

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Dec 26, 2007, 11:59 AM)

Mark Foley
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Dec 24, 2007, 3:41 PM

Post #9 of 34 (2520 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Michael,
You won't be sorry with the 620....Although it says "Marantz Professional" on the face plate, it truly is a professional piece of gear.

_________________________
Mark

MLiebergot
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Dec 28, 2007, 1:02 PM

Post #10 of 34 (2465 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mark, just received my PMD620, you are right, very nice build quality.
Out of all of the units that I have tried, R09, Zoom H4/H2, Microtrack, this by far feels the most substantial.

Seems very easy to navigate, and set levels with. I like some of the features in the menu, like being able to set your hold options (full or partial). And love the ability to save various presets for quick setup and switch ability. The internal mics seem very sensitive and a little tinny, but fairly good for built in omnis. I like the SD an battery doors much, much better than the R09. And you are right about the REC/Pause and Record button, as it's great to have separate switches for each. I'm really going to love the seamless file recording and endless SD card capacity times.

2 things I don't like about it so far (mind you I am at work and haven't put this thing through any kind of tests):
1. Record Level switch clicks when you adjust the volume, so if you use the internal mics to record with, you will here clicks while adjusting volume and recording. Not so much with external mic.
2. There is a delay between what you are recoding and what you are hearing, when monitoring your audio though headsets. This is annoying if you need to monitor while you are recording. Which I pretty much set my levels test and go. So not really a biggie for me but annoying if I needed to.

As I said I haven't done any real scientific testing with the unit, but at first glance I may REALLY like this little bugger. If I REALLY REALLY love it then I might just be getting rid of my R09 and getting another one to replace it.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Mark Foley
Veteran

Dec 28, 2007, 1:24 PM

Post #11 of 34 (2464 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

It does feel/look like pro gear.

Quote

1. Record Level switch clicks when you adjust the volume, so if you use the internal mics to record with, you will here clicks while adjusting volume and recording. Not so much with external mic.

This was reported soon after it was released on tapers...but is something that would be edited out unless you are constanly changing record levels during a record process

Quote

2. There is a delay between what you are recoding and what you are hearing, when monitoring your audio though headsets. This is annoying if you need to monitor while you are recording. Which I pretty much set my levels test and go. So not really a biggie for me but annoying if I needed to.

For me, this was not even on the radar scope as I use the 620 (stand alone) to record the minister (and soon) backup for my wireless on the groom.

Quote

This is annoying if you need to monitor while you are recording

I think it may look a little silly running around with the minister with heaphones on...but I guess you do things different in that part of the US HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Sly

All kidding aside, good luck with your 620....

_________________________
Mark

MLiebergot
Veteran

Dec 28, 2007, 1:44 PM

Post #12 of 34 (2460 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

BTW for anyone wanting to pickup a PMD620, then go to B&H to pick one up. B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...andheld_Digital.html is offering FREE shipping as well as a FREE Kingston 2GB SD cards.

I normally buy most of my audio equipment from sweetwater.com, but figured that the FREE shipping and 2X 2GB SD cards were a good deal at B&H.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Mark Foley
Veteran

Dec 28, 2007, 2:17 PM

Post #13 of 34 (2458 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

card and free shipping...good deal there....

_________________________
Mark

Mark Foley
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Dec 28, 2007, 2:21 PM

Post #14 of 34 (2456 views)
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Quote

(and soon) backup for my wireless on the groom.

I need to update that statement...my MT830/PMD620 combo so outshines the audio on my Sennheiser G2 wireless, I should be saying the wireless will be used a back-up audio only (sync source only)

_________________________
Mark

MLiebergot
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Dec 28, 2007, 2:28 PM

Post #15 of 34 (2454 views)
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In Reply To

Quote

(and soon) backup for my wireless on the groom.

I need to update that statement...my MT830/PMD620 combo so outshines the audio on my Sennheiser G2 wireless, I should be saying the wireless will be used a back-up audio only (sync source only)

That's how I prefer to get my audio as well. Wireless is mainly for backup and sync purposes.

The only thing that I still use as my main audio from wireless is grooms vows. Everything else is via audio recorders and built in or external mics.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Mark Foley
Veteran

Dec 28, 2007, 2:35 PM

Post #16 of 34 (2453 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Although the R-09 is a solid unit, it has always been vulnerable when used with an external mic because of the contruction technique use to connect the external mic jack the PCB board. The 620 uses a very solid connection/contruction process...so there should be no fear of breakage....

_________________________
Mark

RT Steele
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Dec 31, 2007, 12:05 PM

Post #17 of 34 (2375 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Oh joy... yet another audio gizmo for our boys in the testing lab. Laugh

I held off on the H2 because I just didn't like what I was reading.

So you're saying dialog recording using the Marantz with a lav is better than the Senn G2's? Have you tried it with any other mic? It'd be great to hear some dialog samples of the groom... specifically, how it captures the bride as my iRiver doesn't do as good as job as my wireless.

The cicumvention of the 2gb limit is nice. I wonder why Zoom couldn't do this and thought that was strange.

Looking at the dimensions, this thing is only 3/4" longer than a G2 transmitter and weighs 1-1/2 ounces less. The H2 was "pocketable" but this is even better.

Also, this thing seems to be designed to go head-to-head with the Edirol 09. Why is this Marnatz better? (If it is).

Whatever I get, I'd eventually want 3 of them... (groom, minister, podium). Does Marantz have a history of coming down in price? I'm about ready to dump my wireless kits because I don't monitor audio any more once things get started (nothing I can do about it anyway).

And don't get too attached to these things because I guarantee if I buy one it will be out of production in 1 year or the Federal Government will enact some legislation that will make it useless. Laugh

- RT

Mark Foley
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Dec 31, 2007, 12:17 PM

Post #18 of 34 (2371 views)
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Quote

specifically, how it captures the bride as my iRiver doesn't do as good as job as my wireless

Ric,
This has probably more to do with the lav mic than the recorder itself.

Quote

Also, this thing seems to be designed to go head-to-head with the Edirol 09. Why is this Marnatz better? (If it is)

The Edirol R-09, although a great recorder, suffers from a very poor design with how the external mic input jack is soldered to the board. You have to be very gentle in handling when using an external mic. I haven't seen any specs on how it performas head-to-head against the 620, but Michael owns both and maybe able to give more details here.

I also can't comment on price reductions...as Marantz Professional/Denon line very rarely drops price.

_________________________
Mark

MLiebergot
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Dec 31, 2007, 12:21 PM

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Re: [RT Steele] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Rick, we have to keep up on the latest audio gear and post our findings for you.

After all if we tempt you enough, then maybe you may part with some of your money on any new gear. Wink

As for my limited findings so far, I agree that it's probably geared to go head to head with the R09 (which is probably the best quality recorder out there, until now). The R09 has slightly better built in mics and manual controls, but it ends there for me so far.

The PMD620 has better internal pre amps, build quality, endless time recoding capability (you can get the biggest SD card you can find and load it without a firmware upgrade). The 2GB seamless split ricks and is indistinguishable. The 1/8 inputs are also better constructed and more secure (The R09 has had issues with its 1/8 line inputs).

Both are great units and worth the price. Sorry, i don't think you will find any extreme lower price on the units. Edirol and Marantz are known for quality audio, Zoom not so much. The Marantz is made in Japan and not China like the Zoom, big quality difference for me.

As for the Zoom...I am still keeping my H2 (sold my H4 as I have Edirol R4 if multiple XLRs are needed). The H2 still has a place in my workflow to use as a 4 element mic recorder for recording bands and live events. As I have been very happy with my results in the field with it.

It's just that the PMD620 or R09 have different uses for me i the filed (ie. lav micing and line input uses), which I don't like the H2 for.

As I have said before, the H2 was really designed as a mic recorder using it's internal mic elements. Zoom just threw in as a bonus, the ability to record "Line" or external "Mic" via 1/8 inputs. granted not a great quality bonus.

But hey you get what yo pay for..Or in you case, don't pay for... Wink

And the PMD620 or Edirol R09 step up nicely. With the edge currently going to the Marantz PMD620.

In Reply To

Oh joy... yet another audio gizmo for our boys in the testing lab. Laugh

- RT

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Dec 31, 2007, 12:29 PM)

Mark Foley
Veteran

Dec 31, 2007, 12:52 PM

Post #20 of 34 (2363 views)
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The Marantz is made in Japan and not China like the Zoom, big quality difference for me

Bingo.... I have a self imposed boycot against any crap from China...unfortunately, it is hard to find anything that isn't made in China.

_________________________
Mark

MLiebergot
Veteran

Dec 31, 2007, 1:15 PM

Post #21 of 34 (2361 views)
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Japan: Good quality and QC, always.

China: Mediocre to Crap...always.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

RT Steele
Veteran

Dec 31, 2007, 1:43 PM

Post #22 of 34 (2359 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

This has probably more to do with the lav mic than the recorder itself.

Yeah, I've been following your posts in the member's forum.

And Michael, you're saying you might prefer the H2 to the Marantz when recording live music with the internal mics? (I know you haven't had it for very long).

- RT

MLiebergot
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Dec 31, 2007, 2:06 PM

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Re: [RT Steele] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

This has probably more to do with the lav mic than the recorder itself.

Rick as I said they have different jobs for me.
I ONLY use the H2 for live micing. The onboard mics (and remember there are 4 of them) seem to be better (less tinny) and as I just said the H2 has 4 Omni directional mics that enable you to record from both sides of the unit (front and back). The Marantz only has 2 Omni mics and is much more limiting.

While the H2 does have a much higher noise floor than the PMD620, I use the H2 in loud or instrumental environments, so (as long as the H2 is setup right) the noise floor is a mute point for me in this case.

Now I'm not saying that the H2 is a better unit than the PMD620, as it's not. But it does give me more versatility in live recording situations, where I want to place a recorder on a mic stand, push record and go.

Overall, I would recommend the PMD620 over the H2 in any recording situation (The H2 was designed to be an onboard mic recorder, which I prefer for instrumental recording using onboard mics), except using the built in mics. Although for vocal capture only, the PMD620 will more than suffice. You will be happy with the built in mics as well. as they are just as good as the R09's.

So if you are looking at getting 3 recorders for next year, then why not (2) PMD620's and (1) H2. Then you have 2 different recorders that you can use differently. For a reception mount the H2 (i 2CH or 4 CH) on a mic stand and record PA stack and crowd reaction, and a PMD620 into the board for board feed. Then use the extra PMD620 whichever way you like.

For ceremony, place the H2 to record musicians if present, PMD620 on Groom or officiant and PMD620 on podium.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Dec 31, 2007, 2:08 PM)

RT Steele
Veteran

Dec 31, 2007, 3:44 PM

Post #24 of 34 (2347 views)
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So if you are looking at getting 3 recorders for next year, then why not (2) PMD620's and (1) H2.

Sounds like good advice. I could start out with the H2 first as live/ambient recording is what I'm lacking now. (iRivers and wireless can continue to get me dialog for now).

I just find it interesting you'd prefer a unit costing 1/2 as much for live music recording. I suppose the inverse statement might be it's interesting to see a unit with only 2 mics cost twice as much.

As always... muchos gracias you guys.

- RT

Mark Foley
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Dec 31, 2007, 3:47 PM

Post #25 of 34 (2346 views)
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Re: [RT Steele] First Impressions Marantz PMD620 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Quote

I just find it interesting you'd prefer a unit costing 1/2 as much for live music recording

A matter of personal choice...for me, for live recording, nothing comes out of the bag except the Edirol R4

_________________________
Mark

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