News

DMi Introduces 'pocket size' Handheld Flash Recorder from Marantz Professional for Broadcast, Podcast, and Enterprise Applications (26/10/2007)

DMi D&M Installation has launched the Marantz PMD620 Professional Handheld Field Recorder, the latest addition to the market leading series of Marantz Professional solidstate recorders. This latest pocket size recorder integrates a stereo condenser microphone array, highly intuitive user menu and interface controls, built in speaker, and utilises SD flash recording media.

Robust construction, ease and speed of operation, versatile recording options, and the fully integrated compact form mean that the PMD620 ideally configured for ENG, podcasting, location sound recording, meeting, conferencing and other enterprise applications requiring accurate record. Selectable stereo / mono, MP3 / .WAV format modes, 16-bit / 24-bit signal resolution, and 44.1 / 48 kHz sample rates provide for the variable selection of recording time and signal quality, supporting everything from extended length voice recording to high quality music recording.

The use of the mass market SD flash media is a first for Marantz Professional recorders. The highly stable SD (secure digital) card is the most widely available flash media, and the PMD620 is compatible with SDHC (high capacity) cards, which currently provide for up to 2048 GB storage capacity. Recording time with a 4GB card extends from 3 hours 44 mins for stereo PCM at 24-bit / 48 kHz, to 283 hours 44 minutes - almost 12 days - for mono MP3 at 32 kbps.

Layout enhancements to the PMD620's control interface include a thumb operated transport scroll wheel - familiar to users of personal media players - and one touch record operation via a large tactile, red illuminating, engage button. Another first is the OLED (organic LED) display screen, providing vivid alpha-numeric and icon display, and reduced power draw from the units two AA batteries. The display is user configurable between a large easily read font size for field operation, and a smaller size for display of greater information per screen. Level and peak LEDs display input signal status, and display screens showing elapsed time, time remaining, and other key data can be toggled between.

The PMD620's on-board editing features confirm its professional product class; these include non-destructive cut-and-paste "Copy Segment' editing to create new sound files. The USB 2.0 port enables drag and drop file transfer to and from PC. Signal chain quality for recording is ensured with the two integrated omni-directional condenser microphone capsules. Line level and external mic inputs (and external line output) are included. The unit is supplied with a 512 MB SD card, power supply, tripod mount adaptor and wrist strap.

Commenting on the very wide user base to which the PMD620 is designed to appeal, DMi General Manager, Mark Perrins, stated, "The attractive form and layout configuration of the PMD620 provides an 'at a glance' user appeal that extends beyond the usual markets for Marantz professional recorders. It is clear from first sight that functions are both powerful and very easily accessible. Like any modern consumer electronic device, it can be operated straight out of the box, while at the same time retaining the powerful options and features of a fully professional field recorder."

The manufacturer's recommended price for the PMD620 will be £255 / €365 ex VAT, and it will be available from December 07.

www.dm-i.eu

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