Description
MARANTZ PORTABLE COMPACT FLASH RECORDER - PMD671
The PMD671 records in stereo from an internal microphone or balanced external microphone, unbalanced line audio or S/PDIF inputs on to Compact Flash memory cards in WAV, MP2 or MP3 formats. In WAV mode, 24-bit, 96kHz recording is possible. The recorder has a Read After Write confidence feature, and can replay audio from anywhere on the memory card while recording. Other features include a pre-record buffer, automatic record start/stop, automatic or manual file creation and date/time file-stamping. It is powered by alkaline, NiCd or NiMH batteries, or via an AC adaptor.
A 'Card Check' facility can run a diagnostic check on cards, before recording starts, to avoid the use of faulty media. Left and right recording levels may be adjusted manually with separate controls, with or without a limiter in-circuit. Alternatively, automatic level control may be selected. A filter, may be switched to band-pass or high-pass. The recorder has a small, built-in, mono electret microphone, making it suitable for rapid deployment, 48V phantom power is available at the external microphone inputs. Each new file has the creation date and time embedded in the header. New files may be created during recording either manually or automatically at pre-set time intervals. A 'SilentSkip' feature, triggered on a user-defined audio level, starts and stops recording automatically. A pre-record buffer of up to four seconds helps avoid missed takes. A versatile system of markers is available to aid file-location and specify audio sections for playback. The PMD671’s 'Read After Write' facility mimics the third head on an analogue tape recorder, permitting the recordist to hear what is actually being recorded, not just the input signal. Simultaneous playback of audio from anywhere on the card is possible while recording is in progress. Monitoring is available through a headphone socket or an internal speaker. File-transfer to an external computer may be via USB or by simply removing the card if the computer has a suitable reader slot. The PMD671 can be used in any orientation or carried over the shoulder with the supplied strap. A wired remote-control with peak meter is available.
The front panel carries a dual concentric (left and right) record-level control, a large record key with red LED indication and a 'Rec Pause' button. A large, multi-function LCD display shows information dependent both on the operating mode and the setting of an adjacent 'Display' button. A 'Light' button activates the display back-light, a 'Key Lock' slide-switch disables most of the controls to prevent inadvertent interruption of record-mode. There is a 6.35mm 3-pole jack socket for headphones, with associated level control.
Most of the remaining controls are on the top of the case, where the monitor speaker and built-in microphone are also located. Transport control is with large 'Stop', 'Play/Pause', 'F.Fwd' and 'F.Rev' keys. A pair of 'Track Jump' buttons perform next and previous file functions, and a 'Margin Reset' button resets the numeric peak level display in record mode and performs various functions in other modes. Other controls are for input source-selection, repeat-loop definition and mark-registration and location, and power on/off. A further set of nine slide switches control unit setup functions; these may be concealed by a security cover with screws if wished. The setup switches are for: monitor source-select, pre-record buffer on/off, input source select disable, mono or stereo play-back, microphone attenuator, repeat- playback select, input filter, EDL playback on/off (playback according to EDL marker instructions or not) and manual or automatic record level selection, which also controls the input limiter.
Analogue connections are on the right-hand side-panel. The two balanced microphone inputs are two female XLR connectors and the stereo unbalanced line inputs and outputs use RCA (phono) sockets. A slide-switch enables 48V phantom power at the microphone inputs. There are two jack sockets for remote control, 3.5mm 3-pole for the optional RC600 controller and 2.5mm 2-pole for a single, wired contact-closure whose function may be selected from a set of five via the menu system. The left-hand side-panel has two RCA (phono) sockets for the S/PDIF input and output, a coaxial socket for external DC power, with an LED indicating battery charging, and a USB port for file-transfer to a computer The Compact Flash card slot is located under a hinged cover. There is a metal attachment point for the shoulder-strap on each side of the recorder. The battery compartment is at the base.
Compatible media types:
Compact Flash card, 32MB to 8GB
Recording formats:
WAV files: Two-channel, 16-bit, 9 sample-rates from 8kHz to 48kHz; 24-bit, 4 sample rates from 44.1kHz to 96kHz.
MP3: Stereo, 8 bit-rates from 32kbps to 320kbps; Mono, 8 bit-rates from 16kb/s to 160kb/s.
MP2: Stereo, 6 bit-rates from 64kbps to 384kbps; Mono, 6 bit-rates from 32kb/s to 192kb/s.
Not all sample or bit-rates are available for S/PDIF inputs.
Recording times, with 1GB Compact Flash card:
WAV: 1h 28m, 16-bits, 48kHz; 29m, 24-bit, 96kHz.
MP3: 7h 6m, 320kb/s
MP2: 5h 55m, 384kb/s
Cards with other capacities and other sample/bit rates give pro-rata recording times for each format.
External microphone inputs: 1.2mV RMS maximum sensitivity, 3000 ohms. Line inputs: 300mV RMS nominal, 22000 ohms. Digital input: S/PDIF (IEC 958 Type II), sample-rates 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz. Response: -0.5dB up to 20kHz at 44.1kHz sample-rate. Distortion: 0.08% THD, 0VU, PCM. Noise: -65dB, IEC-A, microphone input. Line outputs: 2V RMS maximum level. Digital output: As digital input. Headphone output: 20mW into 32 ohms. External power source: 15V DC, 12W with optional AC adaptor. Internal power source: 8x AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH or NiCd), RB1100 NiCd battery pack, or RB1651 NiMH battery pack. Dimensions: 55 x 264 x 185mm. Weight: 1.3kg.
The PMD671 will recharge battery packs from the external power source, but does NOT charge individual AA NiCd or NiMH batteries. Approximate battery life: 5h, RB1100 NiCd battery pack; 7h, RB1651 NiMH battery pack.
Included accessories: Battery holder for 8x AA batteries, spare memory compartment latch pin, shoulder-strap and fixings, AC adaptor and power cable, USB cable, user guide, CDROM with multi-language manual and demo version of control software.
Required accessories: Batteries or battery pack, Compact Flash card.
Optional accessories: RC600 wired remote control unit, RB1100 NiCd battery pack, RB1651 NiMH battery pack, CLC670 vinyl carrying cover, PRC 600 reporters bag.
RC600 Remote control
The RC600 remote control attaches directly to a microphone using a rubber strap and provides record, pause, mark (track) buttons, three-colour LED for record status and peak level. It may be used with the PMD660, PMD671, PMD570 and PMD560. Lead length: 1.5m approximately.