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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
 Posted - 03/15/2008 : 11:48:11 AM
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Just when you thought it was safe to make up your mind:
I am reviewing two small field recorders: the Olympus LS-10 and Marantz PMD620.
Both list for $399, both record MP3 & WAV formats (the Olympus adds WMA), both have stereo mics, both fit in a shirt pocket & both run on 2 AA batteries.
So far I've only unpacked 'em; I'll post my impressions later. The review's due in about a month and I'll post a link when it is up on line.
Over the next few months I'm also scheduled to review new field recorders from Tascam and Yamaha. All look like contenders.
Happy recording!
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kealii
Aloha
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - 04/01/2008 : 08:27:43 AM
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| Enjoyed the last article, looking forward to these as well. Mahalo. |
"Geevum ... one more time!" (Gabby) |
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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2008 : 07:54:11 AM
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| Just wondering, do you get to keep all this cool gear? |
Aloha, Mike |
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2008 : 08:53:58 AM
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quote:
Just wondering, do you get to keep all this cool gear?
I wish.
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
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Russell Letson
`Olu`olu
USA
504 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2008 : 1:55:07 PM
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As usual, your review is a model of clarity and common sense. Only problem is, now I want one of each recorder.
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 07:38:52 AM
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My review of the Olympus LS-10, currently in fact check, is slated to appear online sometime today or tomorrow.
http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/
Bottom line? It's great. Rugged, tiny, very EZ to use, sounds great, terrific battery life.
Is it the The One?? Read the review....
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hapuna
Lokahi
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 5:12:06 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Mark
Thanks to the Kona Kitchen gang for letting me use a clip of one of our jams. Thanks, too, to Mr. Lonesome Coyote.
Warning: Banjo content
Eh how did some guy from Oregon get into Kona Kithchen????? |
hapuna
Seattle |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2008 : 06:18:19 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by hapuna
Eh how did some guy from Oregon get into Kona Kithchen?????
Eh - you'd find out, if you evah show up to the gatherings we invite YOU to...  |
Edited by - Retro on 05/23/2008 06:18:38 AM |
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2008 : 09:06:28 AM
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Another complete and thoughtful review, Mark. Of course, it confused me even more about which is the "best". Although I am really, really familiar with bagpipes and banjos, their clips didn't help me to decide , unlike when the H4 came out. There were fatal flaws in the competition then. I don't think there is any reason to ditch our H4 (which Sarah is now using in her 2nd term Hawaiian Language Immersion course, when she is away from the computer). Loved the sidebar even more than the review, though - super funny, and the tone of your writing in the entire article told me which I think you think you would rather live with :-)
We will wait until one of the plastic controls on the H4 snaps.
I still don't think it is a conflict of interest for all of the companies to let you, or O'Reilly, keep the tested models - and test them over time, like the car mags do with their long-term road tests. Short term testing, even as thorough as yours, doesn't always shake out all the issues, good or bad. And, every single one of them, regardless of faults, got bigtime advertisement from your test articles. They would have had to spend really big bucks for the equivalent buzz. OK, I understand you are trying to preserving your virginity so folks will believe what you write, but...
...Reid
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 09:50:32 AM
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I still don't think it is a conflict of interest for all of the companies to let you, or O'Reilly, keep the tested models - and test them over time, like the car mags do with their long-term road tests.
That is a good idea. I will pass it on to my editor, who will pass it on to his boss, who will pass it on to the marketing person and each and every relevant company... who will then run it up the chain to see if it goes. Nothing like changing years of corporate policy, right?
In other words... don't hold your breath.
Then I'll start asking for more money to cover all the extra time I'll have to put in. Fat chance.
quote:
OK, I understand you are trying to preserving your virginity so folks will believe what you write, but...
Yeah, but will you still respect me in the morning?
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 08:08:03 AM
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I did a dandy little comparison chart of all the recorders I have looked at so far.
Take a look here: http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/audio/pda-recorder-comparison/
Don't know if this will be the permanent url or not.
And Reid, I'll keep ya posted on what my editor says about your suggestion. |
Edited by - Mark on 05/29/2008 08:08:36 AM |
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 10:19:57 AM
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That table is just what was needed. Good job.
BTW, the long term tests interest me for a couple of reasons: many have flimsy components (so, how long before something breaks), how do the confusing or small displays get used over time(fr'instance, Sarah just sets and forgets the H4's controls, rarely touching them - and uses it as an iPod-like device, as well as a recorder - drag and drop sound files [mostly Hawaiian language study clips] to an SD card using an $11 USB reader, and slip the card into the H4)so it is just like an old tape recorder, but easier and better - other uses for other devices?, how do those hard wired batteries hold up?, and a bunch of other things.
Of course, all of those devices would require several people really using them, OTW it would be a real chore. Maybe disperse them amongst friends who promise to report in every 3 months? Real people bashing them around?
...Reid |
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noeau
Ha`aha`a
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 10:52:06 AM
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| The H2 is really cool but I always make mistakes. The blinking red light makes me think I'm recordind but the light should be solid so I always for get to tap twice to start recording. So we get a really good song going and it never gets on the recorder. I think I going try the Olympus since Mark really likes it. |
No'eau, eia au he mea pa'ani wale nō. |
Edited by - noeau on 05/29/2008 10:54:30 AM |
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Rich_Smith
Lokahi
USA
242 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 11:04:02 AM
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| Based on your review Mark I ordered the Olympus. The best price is at Sound Professionals $355. |
Rich Smith |
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2008 : 12:11:17 PM
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The blinking red light makes me think I'm recordind but the light should be solid so I always for get to tap twice to start recording.
Well, be careful, cuz the Olympus works that way, too. It is a legacy from the old days of analog recording, when you "armed" the tracks and the whole studio strobed from all the blinking lights on those big old tape machines.
If memory serves, the only recorder that has "one touch" recording (ie, hit the record button once and you start recording) is the Marantz. On that one, you hit "Pause" to place the recorder in read-ready. When you do that, the record button blinks (sound familiar) and you can set levels.
So you might want to take a look at that one, Al. |
Edited by - Mark on 05/29/2008 12:12:31 PM |
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