This Marantz is compatible with Compact Flash and Microdrive memory cards, records in multiple file formats/resolutions and now has a USB port, for the ultimate in flexible, portable digital recording! The easiest way to get sound into a computer! This professional, solid-state, stereo digital recorder provides the ultimate in convenience for just about any remote recording application.

This rugged and compact stereo digital recorder uses memory cards that provide hours of reliable solid-state digital recording (64 MB Compact Flash card included). Highly reliable solid-state memory cards contain no moving parts and are impervious to temperature and shock.

Features: accepts media in Compact Flash up to 10 GB (when available; unit ships with a 64 MB Compact Flash card to get you started), allowing over 1 hour total recording time in uncompressed stereo WAV format and much longer in compressed MP2 or MP3; records in WAV, Broadcast Wave, MP2 or MP3 formats; switchable bitrate (16 to 384 kbps) and sampling frequency (48, 44.1, 32, 24, 22.05, 16 kHz) allowing complete control over file sizes and audio quality; USB port for direct high speed file transfer into computers and for and software updating of the recorder; large LED screen which shows a wide range of recording information; lockable covers for setting selectors and media slot which allow pre-setup to leave users free to concentrate on recording without dealing with complex settings; digital input and output, XLR microphone inputs, unbalanced line input and output on cinch/RCA; switchable phantom power (48V); automatic and manual recording level control; microphone filtering and limiter; "Mark Points" for recording and playback; EDL playback modes; built in condensor microphone and loudspeaker; bundled with 64 MB Compact Flash card.

General Questions & answers about the PMD670Pro

What is a “Solid State Recorder?”

Solid State recorder refers to the technology and memory that the PMD670 utilizes. The PMD670 records to non-volatile type memories such as Compact Flash Cards or Microdrives. This means that your digital audio is preserved in memory until the files are removed from the card. Any of the files that are recorded onto these cards in the PMD670 cannot be recorded over, either.

What are the benefits of using a solid state recorder over cassette and minidisc recorders?

Because solid state recorders record directly to digital audio files, the length of record time possible is far greater than that of cassette or other traditional medias. Also, since the audio files are in a format that computers are already compatible with, you do not have to wait for the audio to record into your computer. You can transfer hours of audio from the PMD670 or memory card to your computer in a matter of minutes and seconds.

What are some of the applications for this type of recorder?

There are many applications that this recorder belongs in. Because of the PMD670’s ability to record 16bit/48kHz DAT quality audio - film recorders, broadcasters, natural sound gatherers, and birders will love its portability and ease of use. On the other hand the compressed audio files that result in long term recordings are great for meeting recording, court reporting, seminar recorders, school board meetings, and government and municipality applications that require audio logging of their typically long meetings.

What kind of file formats can the PMD670 record in?

The PMD670 can record in MP2 (finishing with an .mpg or .bwf file extension), MP3 (finishing in an .mp3 or .bwf file extension), and uncompressed PCM WAV file (finishing in a .wav or .bwf file extension).

What is the range of audio quality the PMD670 can record?

The PMD670 has a broad range of recording quality settings available to utilize for any application. For long term recording applications you can select MP2 or MP3 compressed digital audio files in the following bitrates: MP3 – 32 (mono only), 64, 80, 128, 160, 256, and 320 kbps. MP2 – 32 (mono only), 64, 96, 128, 192, and 384 kpbs. For uncompressed PCM WAV recordings you have the ability to select the following sampling frequencies – 16, 22.050, 24, 32, 44.1, and 48kHz. The sampling frequency for MP2 and MP3 can also be changed to any one of the above selections; however it has no bearing on media space consumed by the file. It is strictly for post recording compatibility with other programs and workstations.

Can I record an 8 hour day without changing media on the PMD670?

Absolutely. With the many audio quality settings available to you in the PMD670, a 1GB compact flash or microdrive can yield OVER 70 HOURS of record time in mono and OVER 35 HOURS in stereo. For a complete listing of media times for your card size click here.

What comes in the box with the PMD670?

Included in the box with the PMD670 you'll find: a 64MB flash card (already formatted and loaded in the machine), a cartridge to hold 8 AA batteries, an AC Adapter (model DA600), a computer I/O cable for uploading files, a carrying strap, and the user's guide.

Operational Questions

What kind of media is recommended?

Depending on your application, you'll want to select a proper compact flash or microdrive memory card to use with you PMD670 solid state recorder. Typically standard cards with faster read/write speeds are best. You'll want to stay away from cards marked as "ultra" or anything else other than standard. If your applications is one where the machine is constantly moving or subject to vibration, then you should buy a compact flash card as opposed to a microdrive. Recommended brands of flash cards: PNY, Viking, Hitachi, IBM, Lexar, and Sandisk.

Once my desired record settings are established, what are the chances of the settings being altered?

Once your settings are set, the PMD670 comes with a panel that screws down over delicate switches that can adversely affect you record settings. This helps to ensure that any additional users will not be able to easily alter the record settings and affect the final recorded files.

How easy is it to start recording on the PMD670?

Simple. Out of the box, the PMD670 is set to record in mono at 32kbps/44.1kHz MP3 files. First, plug in the unit either using the supplied AC adapter, 8 AA batteries in the supplied battery holder, or one of the recommended rechargeable batteries. Then turn on the unit, and slide the record button to the right.

Is the PMD670 shockproof?

Yes. One of the advantageous features of the PMD670 for field recording artists is the fact that when used with a compact flash card (not a microdrive), complete operation of the unit results in the use of absolutely no moving parts. Although the microdrives are considerably more stable than minidisc and CD-R, they are not recommended for any application where the PMD670 will experience movement and vibration. For tabletop applications the microdrive will work fine.

Can I listen to the recorded audio directly on the PMD670?

The PMD670 has a built-in speaker or headphone output that will play back any audio previously recorded. You can also use these to monitor while you are recording. The built-in speaker will automatically shut off, if the internal microphone is the selected input, to avoid recording any feedback. In this instance you can monitor the recording through the headphone output. If you elect to use any of the other inputs to record, the speaker will be active in the absence of headphones.

What is the maximum battery life available with the PMD670?

When using the RB1650 (rechargeable NiMH) battery the PMD670 will operate for approximately 7 hours. With the RB1100 (rechargeable NiCd) battery the PMD670 will record for approximately 5 hours. Should you elect to load the supplied battery holder with 8 AA batteries you will receive approximately 6 hours of record time.As with most digital audio recorders, playing back recordings and searching through tracks are the most taxing activities to a battery. These will adversely affect your total amount of record time.

Post Recording Questions

What can I do with the audio once it has been recorded?

There are many things you can do with audio that has been recorded on the PMD670. First of all, you can listen back to recordings through the built-in speaker or headphone output to see what is on the card. You can output the audio in realtime to another device via the digital output (s/pdif) or analog line outputs. Or you can transfer the audio files directly to your computer using the supplied computer I/O cable and a USB port on your computer. This, is of course, considerably more advantageous because of the accelerated rate that data can be transferred. With today's current computers, you can transfer 1GB of information (as much as 70 hours of audio) in approximately 25 minutes.

Do I need any special drivers to utilize the computer I/O port?

Unless you are running Windows 98, you do not need any special device drivers to utilize the computer I/O port. Windows 2000, Windows ME, and Windows XP all have built-in USB mass storage device drivers, and because of the design of the computer I/O port on the PMD670, you will not require anything special.

Is there any special software necessary for downloading the audio to my computer?

No. The files that are recorded by the PMD670, are standard digital audio files with standard DOS headers and therefore will be recognized by the most basic of programs, such as Windows Media Player for PC and iTunes for MAC. No special "gateway" software is necessary to transfer the audio to your computer. If your audio files require post-production for posting to the web or editing for content, then we suggest taking a look at PMDEdit.

History: For the Past 20 years Verbatim Mask reporters have been using the Marantz PMD430 2 channel tape recorders to record their depositions. Marantz has recently made a digital 2 channel recorder that will be the next step for mask reporters. The PMD670 has tape recorder buttons which are easy to use. New functions like marking segments to easy jump back to for read backs and the ability to download the days recording and then burn them onto CD for storage. Since the PMD670 records digital, it make what are called wave files. These files can be transmitted around the internet for free. So what does that mean? Well if you have a scopist in California and you live in Virginia, you can e-mail the deposition you did today to her instantly. No more picking up tapes or using the post office to send recordings around the county. Another choice is to tell the Court or Lawyers you can upload hearings directly to their web site for easy access and review.

Features for Mask Reporters: On the front display screen of the marantz unit, it does not have VU meters like the PMD430 but it does have equalizer bars that work just as well to confirm you are recording. Martel includes a 512 megabyte card with (Package 1 & 2) which allows 18 hours of straight recording on both tracks. A built in record indicator tells you exactly how much recording time you have left on the compact memory card.

Voice recognition: Once you have recorded the days proceeding, you can download the 2 channel file to your computer. Next open your windows sound recorder and change the marantz mini mask track to 16 bit 11Mhz. Then you are ready to drop the recording into any voice recognition program such as dragon or via voice. Remember to train your voice program with the mini mask. This makes a big difference. A note to verbatim reporters: We feel it is better to use voice recognition software at home, out of sight of lawyers and judges. The reason is the notion of how easy your job looks to an outsider. We know it’s a difficult job and we don't want you to show how you’re doing the magic, so leave the voice recognition at home.

Ready to Go: Plug in a mask & a microphone and this package is ready to go. The PMD670 will get you the high quality of recording you’re accustomed to, while the 512 Megabyte Compact Flash Card (Package 1 & 2) gets you the maximum record time you need. Between the quality silenced recording from your Mini Mask and the peace of mind you get from the HGM-1 Hi-Gain Microphone (Package 2), you're assured to lay down an accurate record. The Compact Flash Reader (Package 1 & 2) lets you upload your recording to the computer, where you'll use the TR2 Professional 2 Channel Transcription Kit (Package 2) to transcribe each channel separately.

The PMD670 replaces the 680 & 690, combining the features of both into one unit. It features 2 channels, allowing for separation during playback (transcription). This unit is a favorite with verbatim mask reporters who utilize it just like the PMD430 they are accustomed to.