Review: Marantz PMD620 Handheld WAV Recorder
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4

There is even a modicum of non-destructive editing for emergency field work. The Copy Segment command creates a new auto file from material between markers you enter during playback. If your selection spans two or more similar files, the new file will even meld the gaps.



Although I am not sold on the implementation of recording presets, with care and forethought, presets can be useful. I liked the internal microphones, particularly on voice, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well they resisted wind noise. The lack of higher sample rates really doesn't bother me; for most workaday recording, 96kHz files take up too much space.

The itty bitty speaker on the back is good for spot checks; in noisy environments I had to grab my headphones. And that brings up the placement of the headphone jack (see photo). I had to be very careful lest my movements cause the headphone cord to bang into one of the mics or, worse, jerk the recorder around. That made it tough to monitor recordings in progress. According to Marantz's Brian Gorman, the company put the headphone jack on the top to make it easier to stash the PMD620 in a pocket or bag and use it with an external mic and headphones. He noted that the line-out jack on the side can also drive headphones, albeit without volume control.

Marantz PMD620 Headphone Jack
The awkward placement of the headphone jack allows the headphone cord to slap against the mics, producing thumps in your recordings. Note the camera tripod adapter sheath (tripod not included).

I do not like the flimsy doors covering the USB port, DC jack, and SD card slot. For a unit touted as a field recorder, these are a problem waiting to happen. The plastic sled that serves as a tripod adapter/belt clip is pretty low-tech, too, but it gets the job done.

When all is said and done the PMD620 is a contender. Once you've taken the time to create your presets, it is sublimely easy to use. It does a good job recording outdoors; handles music recording reasonably well; and has a number of useful features for interviewing, podcasts, and other voice work.

Specifications: Marantz PMD620 Recorder

Price $499 ($399 street)
Accessories RC600 Remote Control ($89)
Recording Format  
  • MP3
 Stereo: 192/128/64kbps
Mono: 96/64/32kbps
  • WAV
 16/24 bit; 44.1/48kHz
Audio Performance  
  • Frequency Response
 20Hz–20kHz (+/–1dB)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio, IEC-A weighted
 Mic 68dB
Line 80dB
  • Total Harmonic Distortion at 0 VU
 Mic 0.06%
Line 0.02%
  • Dynamic Range
 81dB
Inputs  
  • External mic
 1/8" stereo jack
Input Sensitivity: 6mVrms/30kohm
Phantom Power: 5V, 1mA (max)
  • Line
 1/8" stereo jack
Input Sensitivity: 500 mVrms/20 kohm
Outputs  
  • Line
 1/8" stereo jack
Standard Level 1.0 Vrms/10 kohm
  • Headphone
 1/8" stereo jack
Standard Level 16 mW/16 ohms
Dimensions  
  • Height
 102mm (4")
  • Width
 62mm (2.5")
  • Depth
 25mm (1")
  • Weight
 (Excluding Batteries) 110g (4oz)
Battery Life (Alkaline) 5 hours (Typical)
Included Accessories Audio Cable
USB Cable
AC Adapter
User Guide
CD-ROM
Handy Strap
Tripod/Belt Clip Adapter
512MB SD Card

Thanks to the gang at the Kona Kitchen: Gary, Kory, Jack, Al, Gregg, Lori, et al. Good food, good friends, good music — who could ask for more?

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