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I see a need for two types of field recording equipment. First, a machine with excellent preamps and converters, for high-quality music recording, and second, the audio equivalent of a point-and-shoot digicam, something that can be pulled out of pocket or case, switched on, and put to work without timeconsuming setup. In the first category, I like the Sound Devices boxes and the Nagra V. The other possibilities, Marantz, Tascam & Fostex, don't inspire confidence. I would be leary of their converters & preamps, so I would be reluctant to use them for music recording where high quality matters. And they require too much setup for point-and-shoot. In the second category, I like the newly introduced Sony PCM-D1, which, from the illustrations and description, appears to be pretty compact, with two fairly decent condenser mics positioned for stereo pickup; and the HHB Flash mic. Just pick a suitable vantage point, switch on, and record. I wouldn't expect either unit to have worldclass preamps or converters, but I would expect them to be decent, perfectly suitable for point-and-shoot recording. David Lewiston ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Sohn" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: February 25, 2006 1:13 PM Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] CF recorders and mic pre quality >> Tough one, Matt. The price issue will make it impossible to get a decent >> Mic-pre and a CF recorder for less than the 671 (its around 700, if I > recall). >> Maybe you should buy one with a return privilege and give it a try - >> piano > is >> tough and needs a pre with very good transient response, which also >> brings > up the >> issue of mics. What is he using? >> >> Joe P. > > I am currently using a pair of Joe Meek JM-47 "Meekrophones" (large > diaphragm cardioid condensers). He has a couple of Marshall mics, but > doesn't like them. I'm recommending a pair of Oktava MK-012 condensers. > The Marantz 671 is selling everywhere for $999, it's the 670 that goes for > $700. I'm just wondering if the "dramatically improved" preamps in the 671 > are worth the extra $200 or if a better deal could be had with a cheaper > recorder and an external pre. > > -Matt S