Marantz PMD660 Professional Solid State Recorder
Can run for hours on four AA batteries. Records on Compact Flash media cards, will store more than 36 hours of mono on a single card.
Overall User Ratings (based on 76 ratings)
Submitted April 16, 2007 by a customer from sbcglobal.net
"Just the thing for recording live music with a pair of condenser microphones."
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I expect to use this for as long as it lasts - I'm hoping a decade or more.
Sound
The sound quality of this product is indistinguishable from the best there is. My basis for comparison is a Behringer mixer with S/N over 100dB and a SONY CD recorder, with the usual 90+ dB S/N and dynamic range.
Features
The designers did their homework. The setup functions were, for the most part, intuitive. The only quibble I had was that when I set up my Preset number one, I selected "Default" thinking I was making the settings I had entered the default settings, but what I was doing, actually, was erasing what I had just entered! Fortunately, the fact was readily apparent when the LCD display immediately showed me that I had reverted to MP3 instead of WAV format.
Ease of Use
I plugged in my condenser microphones, and the default of "No Attenuation" was perfect. The metering defaulted to showing everything and holding peaks into the mid-to-high range (close to going over). There were three LEDS in this range, so it gives a good sense of how the levels are set.
Quality
The one quibble in the finish and fit is the door to the Compact Flash card - it doesn't open very wide, and I'm afraid some day I'll break the hinge if I'm not careful.
Value
Price is on the high side, but compares favorably with the combined cost of microphone preamps/mixers and recorder or hard disk recorder.
The Wow Factor
I dig it! Only worry is that it is so light, it would be easy to pull off the table with the headphone cord.
Musical Style:
Classical and Rock
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Submitted December 31, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Unless you're independently wealthy, you really should buy the Marantz 660!"
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I expect to be happily recording with the 660 until either I or the 660 disintegrate with age. Unless, of course I win the lottery, and can suddenly drop 5 or 6 figures on a portable recording set-up!
Sound
When researching solid state recorders, I found more than a few reviews trashing the mic preamps in the 660, and I must admit that the built in mics were awfully noisy and distorted. However, when I hooked up decent (MXL 990 & 991) condenser mics, the sound was sweet! VERY little noise could be heard even in the quietest passages, and that was easily removed with a simple audio editor (Audacity). I use the 660 to record live music and for recording nature sounds. The nature sounds I've captured just using the fairly inexpensive MXL mics are amazingly clear and detailed, so I can hardly wait until I get the Audio-Technica shotgun mic I have my eyes on! The 660 together with even just an adequate condenser mic = awesome recordings!
Features
One of the most useful features for me on the 660 is the 3 customizable preset recording modes. Setup each mode for a different recording situation - for instance: stereo with external condenser mics in PCM (WAV) format for live music, or mono with single external mic in MP3 format for an interview, etc. - and in only a few seconds, you can switch modes. Handy as a pocket on a shirt!
Ease of Use
If you can operate a portable cassette recorder, you can handle the 660.
Quality
The 660 feels really solid. The jacks are secure and the controls are smooth. It's obviously well constructed. Not to mention the fact that The Oades Brothers Audio website (portable/remote audio recording specialists) describes the 660 as the most reliable machine they've sold in 30 years of business!
Value
In my research on solid state recorders, to get features and specs any better than the 660, be prepared to spend 30 to almost 50 percent more. It really is the most bang for the bucks.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't found the need for support since I haven't had a problem with it.
The Wow Factor
I bought it. 'Nuff said.
Musical Background:
Amateur musician & technician
Musical Style:
Country,blues,folk
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Submitted January 4, 2008 by a customer from verizon.net
"Fabulous for recording jams and workshops"
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I love my Marantz PMD660 and I see this as a long-term tool for me. I am not an audiophile and I don't spend lots of money on gear and I don't want to spend lots of time being a techy. I just want something that is easy to figure out and use to make decent recordings of jams and workshops. This machine was well worth the cost for me because it has made my life easier and saved me time. I can easily make tracks so workshops are SO easy to replay once I get home. My time is spent practicing new tunes instead of trying to figure out where the heck the tune is on the tape. I like that it can both run off of batteries AND it can plug into the wall so I can use it at out-door festivals as well as at home. (It can use rechargeble batteries for the environmentally conscious.) I like that I can use it to easily covert old workshop tapes to digital by using the line in from my old receiver. I like that it has removable memory cards so I don't need to worry about downloading it to a computer if I am at a week-long festival. I am very happy with this machine and would definitely replace it if I lost it.
Sound
I use my Marantz to record old time music jams and workshops so I can learn tunes later on. I only use the internal mics and they are more than adequate for that use. I have a friend who has the same machine and he also uses an external mike if he wants to record a concert or make a CD of his band. He is very pleased with the quality.
Features
I don't know if you would consider the USB cord an accessory but boy howdy to I love that cord. I just plug it in to my computer drag the files into Audacity and make any little edits I need and then burn to CD. One accessory I wish were available for it would be a sturdy foldable tri-pod stand (like you use for a camera). THis would be fabulous for workshops.
Ease of Use
It is a no-brainer to use the marantz to simply record without even reading the manual. For other uses the manual was fairly easy to understand. The hardest thing for me was replacing the memory card. It's hard to figure out how to completely close the door of the slot and it seems fragile so I was afraid I would break it. I still have problems with that. However you don't have to change the card very often.
Quality
THe only problem I see is the door that closes over the memory card. It seems flimsy and it is hard to close so it feels like it might break. Other than that the machine is great.
Value
Yes ~ I researched several machines in the 300-500 range and decided that the removable memory cards, the simple track making while recording, and being able to use both batteries or electric current made it the best buy for my money.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to use this yet. I've had the Marantz for 6 months.
The Wow Factor
Actually it is totally unsexy. It is about the size of a paperback book and looks like an old-fashioned tape recorder. I see this as an attribute because I think that the casual thief would go for a smaller, jet-agey-looking, iPod-type machine before he would even glance at a Marantz.
Musical Background:
serious (and obsessive) hobbyist
Musical Style:
Old time music ~ fiddle tunes
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Submitted March 24, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com
"If you want a great sounding product that's easy to use for recording those hot gig nights, buy it."
Our band is planning on recording many performances in the future. hopefully for the next several years.
Sound
I set up a couple of condenser mics and placed them in the middle of our brick wall 12x14 practice room and recorded our band at MP3, and WAV. The sound was so awesome! If you use the internal mics they are for lower sound pressure levels. NOT Rock-n-Roll. However if you use an inexpensive condenser mic or better, it will sound great.
Features
This recorder is for capturing those hot gigs. In MP3 mode you get a lot of recording time and it sounds pretty good. I played back our recording through our studio monitors and I was impressed! Recording in CD format sounds great but eats alot of memory.
Ease of Use
Read the manual and it's fairly easy to use. I got the manual out, hooked up a dynamic mic and followed the manual.
Quality
It feels like it's built well.
Value
Much better than some of the other products.
Manufacturer Support
n/a
The Wow Factor
Much bigger than ipods but it's a broadcast recorder for radio, tv, and musicians to capture live recordings.
Musical Background:
30years sax player and audio engineer
Musical Style:
all
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Submitted December 14, 2006 by a customer from disinfo.net
"Marantz scores a coup with the PMD660"
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I traded up my Marantz CDR300 for the PMD660 because the former was not portable enough for me in the field - too bulky and heavy, especially with the external battery. Operating on 4 AA batteries, the PMD 660 delivers on both weight and size. Get the carrying bag, strap the device on, and traipse around your favorite audio environments - it is compact and light enough that you barely notice you're wearing anything, and the feeling is liberating.
You'll notice you'll be stopping and concerning yourself more with minimizing the handling noise from the microphone and the noise it picks up from your own movement, than out of an awareness of the recorder.
If I could get the exact same device, with the same features and the same battery life, but with a better mic preamp on board, I'd pay extra for it. All in all, however, you definitely get your money's worth.
Sound
Contrary to what other reviewers say, the PMD660 does support unpowered microphones with its phantom power setting. You do not need a mic pre-amp. The onboard mic preamp could be better, but for the unit's size, cost, and power consumption, it is acceptable.
The XLR inputs are necessary to accept the better microphones on the market.
I use an Audio-Technica AT4040 to go field recording - picking up mechanical noises, wildlife, waves breaking, etc. The combination of the AT4040 with the PMD660 yields quite a decent signal-to-noise ratio.
Features
My one gripe with the features is that you have to buy the remote control and the carrying bag (not the world tour gig bag, but the PRC-660 nylon carrying case) separately, and they were way overpriced. I ended up not buying the remote, but the carrying bag is almost a necessity, and yet it cost 33% to 50% too much for what it is.
Ease of Use
The PMD660 is very easy to use. The buttons are all in intuitive, reachable places. The only disadvantage is drilling down into menus to change the audio specs. You can configure three presets of the combined parameters (sample rate, stereo/mono, format), but it would be a lot better if the controls for these parameters were simply on the surface, perhaps in the form of switches or a knob.
Quality
Even though this device is portable and made for use in the field, I treat it very carefully. It seems sturdy enough, but I still keep it in its protective carrying bag (which has access panels so that you never have to remove the device from it), and moreover I transport it in a padded case.
Perhaps a metal exterior would inspire more confidence on its durability than the plastic. Still, my feeling is that it could weather short falls and a few bumps - not that I'm going to test it.
With no moving parts and with the level of care I give it, I expect it to last for several years.
Value
This product is absolutely worth its selling price. My only complaint would be that they could charge a little more and throw in the accessories (see above).
Manufacturer Support
I have had nothing but good experiences with Marantz. They provide a good deal of detailed, user-friendly information. I have not had to redeem any warranties or contact customer service so far.
The Wow Factor
I love Marantz gear in general, and this item was no exception. It's got a nice combination of old-school features with modern ones. A brushed aluminum exterior (naked or black finish) would definitely make it sexier and give a greater impression of ruggedness.
Musical Background:
Active Electronic Musician, Field Recording
Musical Style:
Experimental, Electronic, IDM, Techno, Drum & Bass
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Submitted February 24, 2007
"Marantz: an amazing product for an industry standard"
once industry moves away from cf card usage i will change systems.... until then i see keeping this marantz for a very long time. it is easier to extract the sound off of the marantz than other digital recording systems that i have used.
Sound
This digital recorder provides very good sound quality especially in use with audio editing programs such as audacity. If the levels and settings are set correctly, the marantz can give you all the sound quality that you ever need or want. This is very good at direct recording through audio input lines, or even live capture. If you learn how to set it up correctly it helps the quality of the marantz recording. this is a staple in the photojournalism/journalism fields today.
Features
I wish that the marantz would have come with an xlr cable and mono mic. This would have made it completely usable out of the box. For the best sound quality an external mic is neccesary. That doesnt mean that the built in mic cant collect decent sound, its just that an external mic is a better sound collector for the system.
Ease of Use
after reading the manual and trying out functions it is a very easy to use the functions that one would want to use. It is easy to adjust levels and input output options on the fly.
Quality
i've never had a technical or physical problem with a marantz and ive been using them for over a year (this model in particular). if you have the strap or a porta brace kit, the marantz is a very portable device that just straps on to the person. it seems like the marantz could survive some pretty dangerous situations. it really isnt meant to be hand held its meant to be slung by a strap or placed on a surface for recording. by trying to hand hold this device you would get a lessened quality of sound, esp when using the built in mic because all of the movement of your hand will be picked up by the sensitive built in mic.
Value
well i wish it was cheaper in price, just because of all the additional mics and cables needed for what i want to do with it. But for a professional quality you need to expect a professional price.
Manufacturer Support
i havent needed to yet
The Wow Factor
its a very tempting product for people doing multimedia in the journalistic field. most get more affordable audio recorders or outdated marantz models, but the marantz is the industry standard, and most people in the field want one or own one, or at least the newspapers or magazines have one or two.
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Submitted April 26, 2006
"No Thanks -- It's a mediocre handfull, not a "handheld"."
Though I would love to be able to record directly to flash card, I'm sticking with my Sony TCD-D100 DAT recorder, which gives twice the sound quality in a unit half the size, and has the 1/8" stereo jack interface I want.
Features
I do onsite recordings of wildlife sounds as well as concert recording. For field work where simple form factor and small size and weight are important, the dual XLR mic interfaces are pretty silly, since they require dongles and mics that take up more space than the recorder. This recorder should have a 1/8" stereo mic interface option. Also, to say that this recorder is "hand-held" is fine, as long as you are a gorilla.
Ease of Use
Also requires a preamp for non-powered mics. Sound quality is mediocre. The internal mics are predictably useless.
Not the most intuitive recording interface I've ever seen.
I bought this product, gave it a try, and sent it back immediately.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Classical Chamber Music, Voice, also onsite wildlife recordings
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Submitted May 24, 2005
"Avoid this product. Do your research and get a quality piece of equipment."
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Sound
This unit has terrible hiss. I am a professional enertainer. I intended to use this to record interviews with people and for recording a singer playing a stringed instrument. In calls to Marantz, they assured me that they have used it for these applications, and that I would be very happy with it.
I have used several high quality microphones and with help from other sound pros, made many attempts to adjust the unit's settings. With all of this, the background noise/hiss is so loud, the recorded material is useless.
Do yourself a favor. Avoid this product.
Manufacturer Support
The tech support team was very helpful when I called, however, this item is a ppiece of junk.
Musical Background:
entertainer/musician
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