SONY PCM-D50 DIGITAL RECORDER
The PCM-D50 lets Sony address the entry-level digital recorder market that’s currently being dominated by M-Audio’s MicroTrack II and Zoom’s H4. Considering the feature set, robust build quality, high-res audio, and extremely attractive price, Sony’s D50 means business.
The PCM-D50 is a 96 kHz/24-bit recorder fitted with two-position (X-Y or Wide) stereo microphones, 4 GB of internal flash memory, and a Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo slot for additional storage. The body of the D50 is constructed of lightweight aluminum and it is built rugged to withstand the demands of pro applications, plus it offers long battery life using conventional AA alkaline batteries. The recorder includes a USB high-speed port for simple uploading/downloading its native .WAV format files to and from Windows PC or Macintosh computers. Other unique PCM-D50 features include digital pitch control, dual digital limiter (inherited from the PCM-D1), low-cut filter, Super Bit Mapping, A-B repeat, and MP3 playback capability. To complement the D50 recorder, new optional accessories include a remote commander, tripod stand, and microphone windscreen.
INCLUDES Sound forge audio studio LE software FOR FREE!
Built-in Electret Condenser Microphones The PCM-D50's electret condenser microphones have exceptionally high sound quality and offer a selection of 2 operating positions, X-Y and Wide Stereo. X-Y covers a wide sound range with good depth, perspective and a natural sounding stereo image; or alternatively, a wide stereo position offering a wider spread stereo image.
Superior Audio Signal Path The PCM-D50 is designed with four separate circuit boards to separate analog audio, digital audio, digital recording, and power supply circuits. Separate circuit boards for each function helps minimize noise.
Simple Uploading to Computer The PCM-D50 conforms to the USB 2.0 Mass Storage Class Device standard and this recorder's native recording file format is .WAV. This means recordings can be rapidly uploaded to a computer and used in conjunction with most common audio production software.
Versatile Recording Functions The PCM-D50 offers comprehensive signal processing features for location recording including a unique dual digital limiter function (inherited from the PCM-D1 recorder), a high pass filter with selectable frequencies (150 Hz or 75 Hz) and SBM (Super Bit Mapping) noise shaping. In addition, the PCM-D50 includes a 5 second pre-record buffer with an A-B repeat playback function.
Sony PCM-D50 Portable Linear PCM Digital Recorder Specifications:
- Built-in Microphones
- Electret Condenser microphones. High sensitivity -35.0 dB/Pa 1kHz (typical); Maximum input level 120 dB SPL; Self-noise level 20.0 dB SPL (A)
Recording Media - Built-in flash memory 4 GB, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo (Not Supplied), Stereo Recording. The PCM-D50 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo MS-EX4G (4GB), MS-EX2G (2GB), and MS-EX1G (1GB); and Memory Stick Pro Duo (High Speed) MSX-M2GNU (2GB) and MSXM1GNU (1GB)
Sample Rates - 22.05 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz
Quantization - 16-bit linear, 24-bit linear
Recording File Format - Linear PCM Stereo .WAV
MP3 Playback - Compatible bit rates and sampling frequencies:
- MPEG Version 1 Layer 3: 32, 44.1, 48kHz with 32 to 320 kbps (VBR)
- MPEG Version 2 Layer 3: 16, 22.05, 24 kHz with 32 to 160 kbps (VBR)
Maximum Record Time using Internal 4 GB Flash Memory - 22 kHz 16-bit Recording Mode: 12 hours and 55 minutes
- 44.1 kHz 16-bit Recording Mode: 6 hours and 25 minutes
- 44.1 kHz 24-bit Recording Mode: 4 hours and 15 minutes
- 48 kHz 16-bit Recording Mode: 5 hours and 55 minutes
- 48 kHz 24-bit Recording Mode: 3 hours and 55 minutes
- 96 kHz 16-bit Recording Mode: 2 hours and 55 minutes
- 96 kHz 24-bit Recording Mode: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Frequency Response (Line Input to Line Output) - For Fs = 22.05 kHz: Frequency Response = 20 Hz to 10 kHz
- For Fs = 44.1 kHz: Frequency Response = 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- For Fs = 48 kHz: Frequency Response = 20 Hz to 22 kHz
- For Fs = 96 kHz: Frequency Response = 20 to 40 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Line Input to Line Output) - 93 dB or greater (1 kHz IHF-A) when set to 24-bit
Total Harmonic Distortion (Line Input to Line Output) - 0.01% or below (1 kHz, 22 kHz LPF)
Wow and Flutter - Below measureable limit (less than +/-0.001% W. Peak)
Microphone Input (stereo mini jack) - Input impedance: 22k, rated input level: 2.5mV, minimum input level: 0.7mV. Supports external mic plug-in power
Headphone output (stereo mini jack) - Rated output level: 400 mV, maximum output level: 25 mW +25 mW or more, load impedance: 16 ohms
Line Input (OPT) - Analog input - Input impedance: 40k ohms, rated input level: 2.0V
- Minimum input level: 450 mV
- Optical Digital Input - Input level: -24.5 dBm to -14.5 dBm, Absorption wavelength: 630 nm to 690 nm
Line Output (OPT) - Analog output - Output impedance: 220 ohms, rated output level: 1.7V, load impedance: 22k ohms
- Digital optical output - Output level -21 dBm to -15 dBm, Emission wavelength: 630 nm to 690 nm
USB - Hi-speed USB, mass storage class
Power Requirements - DC IN 6V, Four AA (LR6) alkaline batteries (supplied), Four nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries NH-AA (not supplied)
Power Consumption - 0.75W
Dimensions - 2-7/8" x 6-1/8" x 1-5/16" (w x h x d) not including projecting parts and controls
Mass - 12.88 oz (including batteries)
Sony PCM-D50 Portable Linear PCM Digital Recorder Features:
- Portable and rugged 96 kHz and 24-bit recorder
- LCD digital peak bargraph metering-along with dedicated nominal and peak level LEDs
- Offers solid-state storage, free of drive mechanisms
- Built-in high-quality electret condenser stereo microphones
- Dual A/D digital limiter and low cut filter
- MP3 playback and digital pitch control
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
|
The PCM-D50's electret condenser microphones have exceptional high sound quality and offer a selection of 2 operating positions, X-Y and Wide Stereo. X-Y covers a wide sound range with good depth, perspective and a natural sounding stereo image; or alternatively, a wde stereo position offering a wider spread stereo image. |
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The PCM-D50 is designed with four separate circuit boards to separate analog audio, digital audio, digital recording and power supply circuits. Separate circuit boards for each function helps minimize noise. |
|
The PCM-D50 conforms to the USB 2.0 Mass Storage Class Device standard and this recorder's native recording file format is .WAV. This means recordings can be rapidly uploaded to a computer and used in conjunction with most common audio production software. |
|
The PCM-D50 offers comprehensive signal processing features for location recording including a unique dual digital limiter function (inherited from the PCM-D1 recorder), a high pass filter with selectable frequencies (150 Hz or 75 Hz) and SBM (Super Bit Mapping) noise shaping. In addition, the PCM-D50 includes a 5 second pre record buffer with |
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
|
Electret Condenser microphones. High sensitivity -35.0 dB/Pa 1kHz (typical); Maximum input level 120 dB SPL; Self noise level 20.0 dB SPL (A) |
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Built-in flash memory 4 GB, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo (Not Supplied), Stereo Recording. The PCM-D50 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo MS-EX4G (4GB), MS-EX2G (2GB) , MS-EX1G (1GB) and Memory Stick Pro Duo (High Speed) MSX-M2GNU (2GB), MSXM1GNU (1GB) |
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22.05 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz |
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16-bit linear, 24-bit linear |
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Linear PCM Stereo .WAV |
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Compatible bit rates and sampling frequencies; MPEG Version 1 Layer 3: 32, 44.1, 48kHz with 32 to 320 kbps (VBR). MPEG Version 2 Layer 3: 16, 22.05, 24 kHz with 32 to 160 kbps (VBR). |
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22 kHz 16-bit Recording Mode: 12 hours and 55 minutes; 44.1 kHz 16-bit Recording Mode: 6 hours and 25 minutes; 44.1 kHz 24-bit Recording Mode: 4 hours and 15 minutes; 48 kHz 16-bit Recording Mode: 5 hours and 55 minutes; 48 kHz 24-bit Recording Mode: 3 hours and 55 minutes; 96 kHz 16-bit Recording Mode: 2 hours and 55 minutes; 96 kHz 24-bit Recording Mode: 1 hour and 55 minutes. |
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For Fs = 22.05 kHz: Frequency Response = 20 Hz to 10 kHz; For Fs = 44.1 kHz: Frequency Response = 20 Hz to 20 kHz; For Fs = 48 kHz: Frequency Response = 20 Hz to 22 kHz; For Fs = 96 kHz: Frequency Response = 20 to 40 kHz |
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93 dB or greater (1 kHz IHF-A) when set to 24-bit |
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0.01% or below (1 kHz, 22 kHz LPF) |
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Below measureable limit (less than +/-0.001% W. Peak) |
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Input impedance: 22k, rated input level: 2.5mV, minimum input level:0.7mV. Supports external mic plug-in power. |
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Rated output level: 400 mV, maximum output level: 25 mW +25 mW or more, load impedance: 16 ohms. |
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Analog input - Input impedance: 40k ohms, rated input level: 2.0V, minimum input level: 450 mV. Optical Digiital Input - Input level: -24.5 dBm to -14.5 dBm, Absorption wavelength: 630 nm to 690 nm. |
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Analog output - Output impedance: 220 ohms, rated output level: 1.7V, load impedance : 22k ohms. Digital optical output - Output level -21 dBm to -15 dBm, Emission wavelength: 630 nm to 690 nm. |
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Hi-speed USB, mass storage class |
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DC IN 6V, Four AA (LR6) alkaline batteries (supplied), Four nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries NH-AA (not supplied) |
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0.75W |
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2 7/8" x 6 1/8" x 1 5/16" (w x h x d) not including projecting parts and controls |
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12.88 oz (including batteries) |
EXCELLENT REVIEW OF THE SONY PDMD50 FROM BRAD LINDER:
http://www.bradlinder.net/2007/10/sony-announces-pcm-d50-handheld-flash.html
I went to the AES show this afternoon with my mind almost made up. My next field recorder would be a Fostex FR2-LE. On paper it's the next step up from my Zoom H4. It has decent preamps, combo XLR/quarter inch inputs, the ability to make track marks/split WAV files without pausing your recording. Sure, the battery compartment is a bit hard to get at, but that's a small price to pay for a $600 high quality device.
But a funny thing happened. I fell in love with a different recorder, the new Sony PCM-D50. The D50 is the follow-up to Sony's PCM-D1 recorder.
Like the PCM-D1, the D50 packs 4GB of internal flash memory, a Sony memory stick slot for expanded storage, high quality internal stereo condenser mics, and the ability to record 22.05 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz, 16 and 24 bit WAV audio. But the D50 is about one third the price. While the D1 lists for $1995, the D50 will be available in November and has a list price of $599, which is the same as the Fostex FR2-LE. The street price could be even lower.
So what's the difference between the D1 and D50? The D1 has higher quality mics, old-fashioned analog VU meters, and a few more expensive components under the hood. The D50 has adjustable mics. You can change their position and the recorder will automatically adjust.
Here's a shot of the two recorders side by side:
What does the PCM-D50 have that the FR2-LE doesn't? On paper, not much. In fact, the D50 doesn't even have XLR inputs or offer phantom power for external condenser mics. But here's why I'm leaning toward picking one up in November:
- It's compact, fits easily in the hand, and has excellent internal mics, making it great for grab and go recording. The FR2-LE has internal mics too, but they're the kind of mics you'd find on a third rate digital voice recorder. I think my PDA has a better mic.
- When I plugged a dynamic mic into the FR2-LE I had to crank up the gain all the way to get a decent record level. When I plugged the same mic into the PCM-D50, I had to turn the record volume down to 3 or 4 to keep from clipping. This little puppy has some powerful preamps.
- The PCM-D50 automatically detects when you've got an external mic plugged in and switches between the internal and external mic.
- I haven't found a single external mic that sounds good with the H4. The preamps are way too noisy.
- When using the excellent internal mics on the H4, the unit is susceptible to handling noise. I detected almost no handling noise when using the PCM-D50.
- In order to save your track or create a new file on the H4, you have to stop your recording and start a new one, which causes a you to lose a few seconds of audio. The PCM-D50 lets you create new tracks on the fly.
- The PCM-D50 controls are super easy to use, and you can change record levels on the fly with a simple jog dial. On the H4, you have to go through a bunch of software menus which will result in handling noise if you're using the internal mics.
- The H4 has a cheap plastic feel, the PCM-D50 has a sturdy metal feel.
There are more reasons, but for now I'll just show you this side by side comparison:
Here are a few more specs:
- Runs on 4 AA batteries
- Estimated battery life: 16 hours with headphones, 20 hours without
- Weights 12.88 ounces (including batteries)
- Supports MP3 playback, but does not record to MP3
- Four separate circuit boards to separate analog audio, digital audio, digital recording, and power supply circuits
- Transfer recordings to your computer using USB 2.0
- High pass filter
- 5-second pre buffer when using record pause mode
Warranty policy:
Should you have a manufacturing defect in your product within 30 days of your order date, simply reply to your original email receipt with an exact description of the problem; We will provide instructions for you to send back the defective product (at your expense) and we will ship you a brand new replacement product (at our expense). Should you have a defect in your product after 30 days from your order date, but before the 1 year warranty expires, simply reply to your original email receipt with an exact description of the problem; We will provide instructions for you to send back the product (at your expense), and will have the product repaired by the manufacturer and returned to you (at our expense).
