Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Example of Field Recorder Review: Sony Hi-MD

1. What is the company name and the model name?
Sony MD Walkman MZ-NH700

Type of recorder? Hi-MD


Current model in 2008, or only available used or refurbished? Older model, purchased new around 2003, may be hard to find. Price: I paid around $250 US dollars in 2003, and it’s still advertised online for a similar price in the UK. I bought it in Europe but there were similar models released in North America.

Is this a favourite recorder you would recommend to others? Why or why not? I like the sound quality, simplicity of setup, and overall reliability, but it is awkward to get files off and re-assembled and not easy to find this type of recorder nowadays. Probably wouldn’t recommend it now.

How is it powered? Takes 1 AA battery, and also has an adaptor connection for DC 3V. Battery life? More than 3 hours on a typical AA

Built-in microphone?
No Built-in mic quality? N/A Preferred type of external microphone: Works well with regular un-powered microphones like the Shure SM-50, or with a battery-powered mic.

Records to built-in storage or onto removable media? Records onto standard removable mini-discs, which are removable, but the discs can only be played on the device. How much storage? A regular mini-disc will record more than 2-1/2 hours of audio. Also comes with a 1-gigabyte MD.

Choice of file formats? No What formats will it record? Proprietary hi-md files that are convertible to .wav with special software.

Connects to computer by? USB cable or audio stereo-mini to stereo-mini cable. What is the connection process like? Requires proprietary software to see, play, download, or re-label/erase audio files on the hi-md device.

Choice of stereo or mono recording? No, not to my knowledge

How do you get the audio in to the device:

a) Built-in mic? No
b) Line-in? Yes Type? Stereo mini
c) Separate mic input? Yes Type? Stereo mini

Can you control the level of sound coming in? No If so, how?

How do you get the audio out of the device? Can be uploaded to the computer through USB using proprietary SonicStage software that also converts the audio to stereo .wav files. (Or, you can play the audio out of the headphone jack and re-record it into the computer in real time.)

Can you control the playback volume? Yes How? Manually from an external button.

Internal menu structure – easy or complicated? There are menus, but you don’t normally have to use them to record, output audio, or playback.

Special features: Allows you to insert track marks that start a new track.

Best qualities: Sound quality is very clear, without adding background noise, so that even recordings made at a lower level can be boosted cleanly. Good pre-amp that can take a non-powered or powered microphone.

Worst qualities: Makes a new file every time you pause the recorder – these files can be messy to re-assemble in the correct order when you put your show together. Also, the proprietary software is a pain in the butt.

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