No featured offers available
We feature offers with an Add to Cart button when an offer meets our high standards for:
- Quality Price,
- Reliable delivery option, and
- Seller who offers good customer service
Sony PCMD100 Portable High Resolution Audio/Voice Recorder,Black
Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
Brand | Sony |
Hardware Interface | USB, USB 2.0, Secure Digital Card |
Microphone Form Factor | Built-In |
Format | MP3 Audio, WMA, WAV |
Headphones Jack | 2.5 millimeters |
Number of Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. |
Memory Storage Capacity | 32 GB |
Item Weight | 0.4 Kilograms |
Screen Size | 3 |
About this item
- Offers solid state storage, Built-in electret condenser microphones
- Native recording including DSD, WAV and MP3; Output impedance: 220 ohms
- Simple uploading to computer, Supports USB 2.0
- "Built-in Mic: Electret condenser microphones. Max input level: 128 dB SPL. Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Mic Input (Stereo Mini Jack): Input impedance: 22 k ohm, Rated input level: 2.5 mV; Minimum input level: 0.7 mV"
Similar items that may ship from close to you
- Sony PCM, 2 Portable Studio Recorder, XLR to 1/4-Inch (PCMD10)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1Only 17 left in stock (more on the way).
- Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder, All Black, Stereo Microphones, 2 XLR/ ¼“ Combo Inputs, Battery Powered, for Stereo/Multitrack Recording of Music, Audio for Video, and PodcastingAmazon's Choicein Portable Studio RecordersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Tascam DR-05X Stereo Handheld Audio Recorder/USB InterfaceFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Sony ICD-UX570 Digital Voice Recorder, ICDUX570BLK, usbAmazon's Choicein Digital Voice RecordersFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
Compare with similar items
This Item Sony PCMD100 Portable High Resolution Audio/Voice Recorder,Black | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | ||
Price | — | $158.00$158.00 | -30% $42.23$42.23 List: $59.99 | $58.09$58.09 | -24% $267.34$267.34 List: $349.99 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 |
Customer Ratings | |||||
Battery life | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
Sound quality | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.9 |
Easy to use | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.7 |
User interface | — | — | 3.8 | 3.8 | 4.6 |
Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | The Tudak Store | Amazon.com |
hardware interface | usb, usb2.0, secure digital | usb | usb | usb, microsd, secure digital | secure digital |
memory capacity | 32 GB | 16 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 512 GB |
format | wma, mp3 audio, wav | mp3 audio | mp3 audio | digital | wav |
battery quantity | 4 aa, 1 product specific | 1 lithium ion | 2 aa, 2 aaa, 1 product specific, 2 unknown, 2 aaaa | 2 aaa, 2 aa, 2 aaaa | 2 aa |
weight | 0.4 kilograms | 1 ounces | 136 grams | 136 grams | — |
mic form factor | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In |
mic operation mode | Stereo | — | Mono, Stereo | Stereo | Stereo, Mono |
Product Description
The pcm-d100 is a high resolution recorder with two-position (x-y or wide) stereo microphones, 32 GB of internal flash memory and a SD-XC card slot. Recording formats include linear PCM (at 192, 176.4, 96, 88.2, 48 and 44.1kHz); DSD (2.8224 MHz) and MP3 (320 and128 Kbps). additional playback support is provided for flack, WMA and AAC files. The D100 is constructed of lightweight metal (aluminum) and it's 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 to/from windows PC or macintosh computers. Other pcm-d100 features include digital pitch control, Dual path digital limiter, low-cut filter, super Bit Mapping and a-b repeat capability.
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 9 x 5.5 x 7.5 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 13.9 ounces |
ASIN | B00FAY1LQ8 |
Item model number | PCMD100 |
Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #371,002 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #1,284 in Digital Voice Recorders |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | September 20, 2013 |
Manufacturer | Sony |
Feedback
What's in the box
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, sound quality, performance, and ease of use of the voice recorder. For example, they mention it's an impressive recording device, with superb sound and sensitivity. Some appreciate the clarity, and brightness. That said, opinions are mixed on value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the voice recorder. They mention that it is the best quality device for their workflow, it records in insanely high quality options, and it has a high-fidelity recorder with rugged construction. They also appreciate the internal microphone quality and the build quality of this amazing product. Overall, customers say that it's capable of making some of the best recordings that can be made with a device.
"...1. Microphones with superb sound and sensitivity;2. Quality pre-amps that fall within Sony's "High Resolution" specification;3...." Read more
"...Battery life, excellent.Easy to use, overall very good, but the volume Balance Control for the two mics needs to be improved...." Read more
"High-fidelity recorder. Rugged construction. Easy and intuitive to use. Long battery life...." Read more
"Awesome recorder and player for almost all form of music...." Read more
Customers like the sound quality of the voice recorder. They mention that it has superb sound and sensitivity, and the onboard mics are very detailed and clear. The preamp is clean and not noisy, and DSD recordings are stunning. The unit records in various MP3 quality levels in addition to DSD and Linear Pulse Code, and there are no squeaks or misfitted pieces.
"...like the device was carved out of a single block of aluminum, with no squeaks, or misfitted pieces, and that makes sense because the unit employs an..." Read more
"...The most important thing is Excellent sound quality, clear, bright and real, definitely 5 starsBattery life, excellent...." Read more
"...The one thing good I can think of to say is just that it's sound is truly stunning--especially on the DSD files...." Read more
"...it for the platform of my Weston W60 and it turns out the sound is very clear and enthusiastic but extremely cold...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the voice recorder. They mention that it is very effective, useful, and easy to use. They appreciate the division feature, which is very useful for fine-tuning the exact sub-second place. The product works hand in hand with any video work, and is incredibly handy. The buttons, knobs, and levers work reassuringly well, and the microphones perform well without the need for external accessories. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...a sound recorder with the built-in microphones, and these microphones perform so well that the need for any external microphone will be rendered..." Read more
"...Battery life, excellent.Easy to use, overall very good, but the volume Balance Control for the two mics needs to be improved...." Read more
"...4. Once you get used to the division feature, it becomes very useful for fine-tuning the exact sub-second place you want the recording to begin and..." Read more
"...Got excellent results. Love it! One complaint is a button that toggles between no loss and 20 dB of loss...." Read more
Customers find the voice recorder easy to use. They mention that they didn't read any directions, and the panel is well laid out with clear depictions of functions and settings.
"...The front LCD panel is well laid out, with clear depictions of functions and settings (see the user manual for examples of how the screen looks),..." Read more
"...Battery life, excellent.Easy to use, overall very good, but the volume Balance Control for the two mics needs to be improved...." Read more
"...number of very helpful buttons on it, while keeping it simple and easy to use.Another thing: for $800, why not include a $2 power supply?..." Read more
"High-fidelity recorder. Rugged construction. Easy and intuitive to use. Long battery life...." Read more
Customers like the brightness of the voice recorder. They mention that the backlit screen is an excellent feature, as is the lit pause and record buttons. The screen can be backlit or not, depending on need.
"...and can be backlit or not, depending on need...." Read more
"...The most important thing is Excellent sound quality, clear, bright and real, definitely 5 starsBattery life, excellent...." Read more
"...5. Having a backlit screen is an excellent feature, as is the lit pause and record buttons--but what's the point of going that far, and leaving all..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the clarity of the voice recorder. They mention that the screen display is clear and crisp, the sound quality is excellent, and the front LCD panel is well laid out with clear depictions of functions and settings. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...The front LCD panel is well laid out, with clear depictions of functions and settings (see the user manual for examples of how the screen looks),..." Read more
"...The most important thing is Excellent sound quality, clear, bright and real, definitely 5 starsBattery life, excellent...." Read more
"...Screen display is clear and crisp.The original box that came with the recorder is huge and wish it was more compact for storage." Read more
Customers like the portability of the voice recorder. They mention that it combines the best in portability and quality, making it the best portable sound recorder around.
"...It combines the best in portability and quality." Read more
"Probably the best sounding, handheld device currently on the market. The onboard mics are very detailed and clear, preamp is clean and not noisy...." Read more
"This is most def. the best portable sound recorder around. I garuntee you wont find in better on the market. I am just blowin away...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the voice recorder. Some mention that it's worth every penny, while others say that it has a far higher price point than the best zoom recorders.
"...But you have to decide for yourself if getting this supreme performance is worth the price, considering that there are many very good devices..." Read more
"...It has a far higher price point than the best zoom recorders, but it delivers the audio quality that is expected out of that price...." Read more
"...This is a videographers dream. Worth every penny. Movie quality!" Read more
"Wow, this is the best there is but the price is a bit high IMO...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
First, it is almost impossible to deny that this recorder is capable of making some of the best recordings that can be made with a portable audio recorder. I've owned a fair number of digital recorders from different companies over the years, and the PCM-D100 unquestionably stands apart from these in its ability to make incredibly accurate, noiseless, and distortion-free recordings. In fact, when I made my first tests of this unit well over a year ago, I "jumped" when I heard the quality of these initial recordings. Here's but one example: I had the unit recording in LPCM mode, sitting on my office desk. At about a distance of six feet, the unit accurately picked up THE MOVEMENT OF MY HAND IN MY SHIRT POCKET as I was looking for a pen. Without exaggeration, you could hear the friction between my hand and my shirt jumping out of a nearly silent background (i.e., a basically "noiseless" sound floor). I was simply astonished. I then made some short sample recordings of my wife and me talking to one another with no specific care taken for microphone placement, etc. Again, to my great surprise, the recordings sounded better than most studio recordings I've heard. These may sound like exaggerations, but they are not, and these describe only my first introduction to this incredible recording device before I even knew how to customize the settings for optimized output.
So, what makes this device's recordings sound so good? The (short) answer is the combination of:
1. Microphones with superb sound and sensitivity;
2. Quality pre-amps that fall within Sony's "High Resolution" specification;
3. The digital and analog circuitry, including the D/A converters, employed within the device; and
4. The implementation of LPCM (Linear Pulse Code Modulation) and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) codecs to losslessly save data
Any web search will yield the numerous tests done on this unit and confirm its unique status amongst portable recorders. I examined a number of these online professional reviews before my purchase, and these are still available via a simple Google search, but I still held a somewhat show-me-what-you've-got attitude until I tried the recorder myself, and was still startlingly impressed when I did my own field tests. There was--and is--no question that this is a TRULY impressive recording device.
Build quality is on par with the best of Sony's Japanese-made equipment. There is an imparted feeling like the device was carved out of a single block of aluminum, with no squeaks, or misfitted pieces, and that makes sense because the unit employs an aluminum-based frame. Buttons, knobs, and levers work reassuringly well and in a manner that we wish we saw in all our electronic devices. Moving parts, which include the two microphones, the sound level dials, and the protective metal hinge, etc., feel wonderful to use. And although this is an idiosyncratic observation, the device itself just looks gorgeous. It appears professional without being overwhelming, attractively designed without going overboard with overly-glitzy design elements. And yet, to most anyone, its gorgeous physical design and design elements will be immediately apparent. The front LCD panel is well laid out, with clear depictions of functions and settings (see the user manual for examples of how the screen looks), and can be backlit or not, depending on need.
The majority of features are accessed through a series of buttons on the front panel, although some controls are located on either side of the unit. The microphones are individually mounted on rotational pivot mounts at the top of the device, allowing positioning of the microphones for different types of recording. The microphones are placed under a cage of fixed metal bars which serve to help protect the microphones from being physically hit. Similarly, an aluminum pivoting ring on the right side of the device helps protect the left and right volume controls from being accidentally changed. An inset tripod screw mount is placed on the center-back of the unit, which is very useful because this device is so sensitive that you will likely not be recording much while holding it in your hand.
External microphones can be used with this unit, but they cannot be XLR-style. To use an external microphone, the microphone must have a standard stereo 3.5" plug style. The unit also allows for digital input and digital output via fiber optic cables, which means you can use the unit as a true digital recorder using optical binary transmission of data, really cool for a device like this. Most people who purchase this unit, however, are going to be typically using the device as a sound recorder with the built-in microphones, and these microphones perform so well that the need for any external microphone will be rendered essentially irrelevant. Given that there are no inputs for XLR-style microphones, the PCM-D100 is not a unit made for multi-microphone input and mixing (like the Zoom H6, for example, and which does so in an impressive manner), and you START with that understanding, you're in a good place for properly reviewing the unit for its intended audience.
The unit comes with a wireless remote control, which is not only a nice touch, but, in reality, an essential component, again because of the sensitivity of the microphones. You will not want to start and stop recordings with the onboard controls unless you are planning to later go back and edit out the sound caused by activating the buttons by finger presses: the remote allows you to do basic functions without touching the machine. A furry windscreen, which might look ludicrous if one does not have experience with devices like this, is very helpful for making outside recordings when a breeze or wind is present. Again, remember the incredible sensitivity of the unit can also work AGAINST you, so items like the remote and the furry windscreen are really helpful. If you are outside and even a slight breeze is present, without the furry windscreen, those highly sensitive microphones will generate lots of wind noise in your recording.
The device is powered by four AA (LR6) batteries which are loaded into a tray. The tray is then inserted into the bottom rear of the device after a hinged and lock-enabled door is opened. The battery tray clicks nicely into place before you close the door, so you know the batteries are not placing a strain on the door, nor is noise created by batteries bumping around inside the case. Nickle metal hydride rechargeable batteries are recommended in the manual. I use both Eneloop batteries and regular alkaline batteries without issue. Although the device can also be powered by a 6V 800mA A/C adaptor, that adaptor is not supplied, a *bizarre* move for such an expensive device. Nevertheless, such an adaptor can be purchased very inexpensively, if needed. The consensus is that the batteries will last about twelve hours when used in a continuous recording session.
If it matters, this unit comes presented (and believe me, no other word is more accurate) in an exquisite black cardboard box with a black felt-clad inner box in which the device sits, with accessories beneath it in their own dedicated sections. A colorful cardboard print encloses the entire package. If you purchase this device, you'll want to try to keep this packaging because it is so unusual and also distinguishes the product.
Here are some other cool items about the Sony PCM-D100 that I've selected as possibly pertinent for consideration:
1. This model is the successor to the PCM-D50, which was also highly revered, but was not a High-Resolution recorder as is the PCM-D100
2. 32 Gb of built-in memory is provided; an SDXC card slot provides additional storage to at least 96 Gb, and maybe more
3. The unit is capable of recording in "DSD" format (Google it), and up to 192kHz/24bit LPCM, which is true High Resolution specification
4. The unit records in various MP3 quality levels in addition to DSD and Linear Pulse Code Modulation; it also PLAYS additional formats
5. Super Bit Mapping (Google it) increases sound quality to 20 bits per word when recording at 16-bit levels
6. Using a 64Gb SDXC card and recording at 128 kpbs in MP3, you'll be able to record about 1,500 *HOURS*
7. Using a 64Gb SDXC card and recording at LPCM at 194kHz/24 bits, you'll be able to record over 20 hours (incredible!)
8. Sony's "Sound Forge LE" software is included if you do not have sound editing software (but "Audacity" is free and works impressively well)
9. A digital limiter trims off excessive input and automatically adjusts to within the buffer range of -12dB to prevent distortion
10. You can simultaneously record in both MP3 and LPCM; cool, if you want to send a reduced quality version to someone but don't want to have to first convert the huge LPCM file
11. Cross Memory Recording allows the unit to automatically switch from internal memory when the memory limit is reached to the SDXC card (nice touch!)
12. The inherent noise level from the machine itself is 19dDSPL(A) or below, which is incredible. You just have to hear it to believe it.
Without question, this is a Five-Star device. I've used a ton of Sony equipment over the years of all different types, and this device certainly is among the nicest consumer-grade Sony products I've run across. And, in fact, this device is actually used for professional uses, so labeling it as a "consumer" device is almost a misnomer. Let's just say that the Sony PCM-D100 resides at the very top of the consumer-grade offerings of this type of device across many brands.
There is another stark truth: this is an expensive piece of equipment. Although its price has come down somewhat from its first introduction in 2014, it still carries a price that stings. If you are looking for a single, self-contained recorder without using external mics connected with wires, microphone power supplies, etc., but that records at the pinnacle of the available devices today, this is unquestionably the product to beat. But you have to decide for yourself if getting this supreme performance is worth the price, considering that there are many very good devices available today for 1/3 the price. But as of mid-2018, it is, in my opinion, the best recorder on the market for its type. I believe that it is probably destined to become recognized as a Sony classic model at some point in the future.
Again, I rate this as a Five-Star item, and if you do some web searches to pull up some professional reviews, you'll find a slew of them from a wide variety of sources, and they will all attest to the recording quality of this device and its distinguished role amongst its peers. But you'll have to think long and hard about that price. My hope is that this short review may help you with that decision.
The most important thing is Excellent sound quality, clear, bright and real, definitely 5 stars
Battery life, excellent.
Easy to use, overall very good, but the volume Balance Control for the two mics needs to be improved. It is hard to adjust.
It has a micro USB connector, not a regular one, hard to plug in or out. The USB port is on the left side, making it even harder; and the micro USB cable is only 3 foot long. You will need to buy a longer cable for practical use.
The windscreen is not easy to put on, but easy to come off.
With all that being said, I wholeheartedly give Sony PCM D-100 a solid five stars, one of my best investment!
This is an unfinished product, and after ONE day of using it, I'd need a flowchart to explain all the things about it that annoy me.
Strangely enough, the device itself is a great device--it's just insultingly incomplete. There's a lot of good to say about this device--but for the astronomical price, I expect good things. I also don't expect basic functionality to be left out--and in ways that are just plain stupid.
1. DSD (DSF) recordings are stunning--if you can hear them. I expect an onboard speaker to suck compared to proper headphones or other sound equipment--but I don't expect the speaker to suck so bad that I simply can't hear enough detail to make editing decisions. What good does it do to provide file division, if you can't hear enough to make a decision where to divide it? In order to hear enough detail to make decisions, you have to exceed the levels of mic sensitivity and proximity to the mic so much that it would blow your thousand dollar earphones when you plug them in to listen. This is not only incredibly cheap-minded, it's also dangerous and reckless--considering how the disproportion naturally affects how one anticipates volume levels when changing equipment. Whatever you do, don't plug in your expensive earphones at a volume necessary to hear it on the internal speaker--or you will destroy your equipment. This is just cheap and stupid.
2. As this is one of the very few devices on the market that records native DSD, I was overjoyed to discover they included Soundforge--an amazing audio-editing application that DOES NOT SUPPORT DSD. I couldn't believe it. It won't even PLAY the DSD files. Seriously? What the fk is the point of including editing software that won't even PLAY the files--let alone allow you to edit them? That's just stupid. Even stupider is the fact that every time you close the application, it forces you to acknowledge a statement saying you should buy the software--even though a license to use the software already comes with the device. It's annoying.
3. Prerecording is an amazing feature that turns the laws of physics into mere suggestions. It's an amazing thing to hear someone start saying something you want to record--but didn't realize it until a few seconds after they started talking about it--and still not losing anything of what they said because of the prerecording buffer. Prerecording is a widespread technology that is available on almost every voicerecorder out there, but usually only offers 2 second buffers. Sony, realizing they had to offer something extra--since this costs a dozen times what the other voicerecorders cost, made it a 5 second buffer. 5 seconds? Really? For spending $800 instead of $50, all I get is 3 seconds more? Another 3 seconds reduces the number of times I have to stop everything and rewind--but not entirely. There are also times I don't realize for 10 seconds that I should have started recording--and I lose that if I can't rewind the situation--like in a lecture. Would it really have put Sony out to include another 5 seconds of prerecord buffer? More than 10 would likely be excessive--but you can buy an Olypus for 1/3 the cost that will do the same thing.
4. Once you get used to the division feature, it becomes very useful for fine-tuning the exact sub-second place you want the recording to begin and end at. This is extremely useful if you're trying to separate out statements made while several people are talking over eachother. You can either divide the file out, or you can press the "T-Mark" button, and then separate the file later automatically at each T-Mark location. This is incredibly handy. There are serious problems with this, however. First, even though this works with MP3, you can only do this on MP3s that were recorded on the device--those you try to add from your computer are not an option. Second, even with files that ARE recorded on the device, DSD files cannot be TMarked at all--let alone be divided. This is especially strange, because the device WILL divide DSD files just fine if you go through the division process using the menu instead of the TMark division process. Also, TMarks are not just for division, but also like bookmarks that tell you were things are. Why would I get a huge message on the screen saying that DSD files are not a format that can be edited on this device, when clearly TMarks are not even an edit function--but that division is a function that this device actually DOES perform just fine anyway.
5. Having a backlit screen is an excellent feature, as is the lit pause and record buttons--but what's the point of going that far, and leaving all the other buttons dark? It's so stupid. I don't have to turn on the lights to see the screen, pause, or record--but I DO have to for everything else. Imagine how stupid it would be to have a backlit keyboard that only lights up the space-bar and enter keys. It's not just stupid, it's April Fool's Day circus stupid. It's almost stupid to the level of a prank. It makes one wonder if maybe the team who designed this are sitting around laughing at us while we try to operate the thing.
6. Why no voice/sound activation? I know it's not just a voice-recorder, but there are plenty of situations where this device could be very useful with voice activation--and the price would certainly justify the inclusion of this simple feature that was available on $20 cassette recorders decades ago. Shouldn't an $800 price tag get us some voice activation? I think so.
This device has the potential to be wonderful--but it's not finished yet. The stunning thing is that it's all the most difficult aspects of the device that ARE finished, but the features that have been around on devices for decades that they couldn't get right.
Here's hoping Sony finds it worth their time to finish this product, because it will be great when it's done--but for now, it's just an annoying tease that makes you wonder why they would be willing to go to such extremes in offering amazing, bleeding-edge DSD technology--but couldn't be bothered to finish the job with low tech available decades ago.
UPDATE 09APR15
I've been familiarizing myself with the extensive features on this device--which takes some time, considering how many there are, how clumsily they're assembled, and how unnatural they are configured to operate together.
Take the position of the speaker for example. On balance, this is my weakest gripe--but it's still annoying that the internal speaker is positioned so that if you use this somewhat heavy device for any length of time and are tempted to rest in on your chest or the like, it completely muffles the already pathetic internal speaker. As I mentioned above, I fully expect an internal speaker to suck--but it has to at least pass muster for it's purpose. I don't need quality to make simple editing decisions on the fly--but I DO at least have to be able to hear enough to make out basic speech. Granted, I can adjust the mic sensitivity during recording--but the problem is that whoever designed this made NO PRIORITY at all of safeguarding our expensive earphones--and the intuitive adjustments that one naturally makes will blow out your earphones if you leave them on that setting while plugging in your earphones. It's aggravating.
My newest and biggest gripe is that this bleeding-edge high-tech DSD recorder has a nice optical out port. That sounds like a really nice feature, doesn't it? It would be--if the device played DSD (DSF) files through that port. It doesn't.
Let me repeat that, just to make sure the full extent of this stupidity of how this device was designed can wash over you like some bad Ben Stiller acting. Sony constructed this device so that the only format you can't play through the optical port is the best format it records in--DSD.
It took a lot of time and hassle, but there's one MORE caveat. This device will play any other format it records in--except the highest LCM setting for wav files. Even the manual claims that it will play this format--it doesn't. I've tested it over and over, and quadruple checked everything to be known good.
I can live with losing an LCM format, because the 320MP3 sounds better anyway. I didn't buy an $800 DSD recorder, though, to have it's biggest selling feature, DSD format, to be degraded by excluding it from the optical port.
As a last gripe--which is more of a recommendation than a complaint, is that I would really like to see a keyboard, wifi, or bluetooth incorporated into this device, so we can rename files to something more intuitive. On most devices this isn't a big issue. When you're dealing with a 32GB internal memory that stores thousands of files by date--plus a 256GB card storing thousands more, it becomes a serious drag to have to listen to every single file just to tell what it is--because the name is a bunch of numbers. We can certainly modify all the filenames through usb to pc--but I would prefer to do it on the fly. I'm not always around a computer--which is how this device was designed--to be mobile.
One last point I made above, but I really have to make again because it's such a pain, is that the editing features are broken, misinformed, falsified, misprogrammed, and just downright pathetic. Error messages claim you can't edit things you can--and pop up when you're only trying to bookmark rather than edit in the first place. Files you divide play back fine on the device, but are missing enough of the start and end to force you to re-record things. Worst of all, there's no way to bookmark or edit files that were not recorded on the device. That's just lame. At least commonplace formats like MP3 should bookmark.
Sony really needs to put down the crackpipe and redesign this abomination. This "good enough to keep us rich" attitude is really killing my respect for them--and I didn't have much to begin with.
UPDATE 14APR15:
The more I use this thing, the more I can't wait for DSD to become more popular, so I'm not middled between only 2 mobile dsd devices on the market.
My latest gripe is this: The remote blows. It's one redeeming trait is that it connects and functions reliably. It's a weird design, though. Out of the 8 buttons on the thing, 4 of them (3 alts) are about the remote's channel--and yet they left off the option button and function keys, so that anything you need to do to manipulate the file requires fondling the main unit--which misses the point of the remote. I can accept the fact that it's not backlit--although that seems a little cheap for $800. Also am not sure why they would orient the record, pause, and tmark buttons exactly like they are on the unit--but offset the stop button, so that your muscle-memory constantly makes you press a button that isn't there. Well over half the surface space on the remote is not used, so there's plenty of space to put any number of very helpful buttons on it, while keeping it simple and easy to use.
Another thing: for $800, why not include a $2 power supply? It has the input for it. I'll go a step further--why not make one available as an accessory? I had to spend hours online tracking down a 3rd party manufacturer to sell me a PS with specs for this thing. Why is it so hard to find a power supply that should have been included, and should have replacements available on their website--but there's nothing.
Here's another issue--why USB 2.0? Bleeding edge DSD--but no USB 3.0? USB3 all but comes in the mail with samples of detergent and granola bars. The main memory alone is 32gb, and I have a 256gb sd card. It takes half an hour to back things up. Would it have thrown Sony into hawk to include USB 3.0? In fact, why not have wifi? There's just no good reason for throwing an $800 device back to telegraphs and smoke-signals when even wristwatches can do wifi.
One more thing: the center of the mic sensitivity button has L&R physical limits to turn--instead of a SW meter that can be reset. If you unbalance L&R, you have to just guess at what the center is again--and if you're recording audio that has dramatically different left and right, you have to sit there and stare at the meter for several minutes and trial and error the thing back to what seems like the center based on guesswork. This is just stupid.
I feel like I've just been complaining constantly about this thing--and I have, but I am just seriously annoyed at the fact that almost EVERYTHING wrong with this device is something low-tech that was gotten right by most of the electronics market on devices decades ago.
The one thing good I can think of to say is just that it's sound is truly stunning--especially on the DSD files. It's literally more vivid than being there. I just wish everything else about the device weren't stone knives and bearskins.
UPDATE 20APR15:
Up until now, I've been obsessed with the DSD format, so most of my recordings have been with DSD. Only yesterday did I finally grow weary enough with the lack of almost any functionality with this format at all, besides recording and playback, and started playing with the MP3 320k format, which offers a host of convenient features, such as bookmarking, splitting a file by bookmarks en masse, and speed/pitch adjustment just to name a few.
This device fails to record and playback properly any MP3, 320k or any other sample rate. When I record something, then press play, it plays back the recording, then a few seconds before the end of the file, it starts playing the beginning of the file for 1-2 seconds over the end of the file. I couldn't believe it, and immediately thought that even though Sony clearly crapped out this abomination halfway through it's pregnancy--even STILL, they would not dare to release a product that simply scrambled the recordings incoherently.
I immediately went into the mode of localizing the problem. I ruled out mic, and external sound sources through mic and line in. I also changed from built-in memory to recording on the SD card. I even changed out several SD cards just to be sure. I tried both on and off AC/battery power, and ensured power cables connected to sound sources were disconnected.
It was the same result every time, in every configuration.
I just can't believe Sony did this--although it really is just so far down to their usual standard that I shouldn't be surprised.
The new Sony PCM-D100 Catastrosuck: Because you'll buy any dumb thing you see in an ad, and we JUST DON'T CARE!
UPDATE 25APR15:
I'm returning this POS. The basic recording and playback of DSD isn't enough to ignore everything else that's wrong with this.
My last comment on this review, though, has to be about how Amazon handled this situation. They gave me no problem at all. I barely even had to explain the situation, and in fact, actually handled this in a way that was far and above the way they even were supposed to handle it. I won't be specific, because I'm not sure whether it's routine or because I've made thousands of purchases spanning a decade with them, and they might not want me inciting everyone to clamor for the same perks. I WILL say, however, that the way Amazon handled this was EXACTLY why I buy almost everything on Amazon. There's not a physical store in the land that treats customers better, and I don't think it's exaggerating to say that Amazon might even be one of the best things that's ever happened in my life. They've done everything but send Gwyneth Paltrow to my house to give me a HJ--and I wouldn't be surprised if that's next.
I love this site.
Top reviews from other countries
El servicio del envío a México excelente. Gracias Amazon.!!
生録を久しぶりに行いたくなり、この機種を手に入れました。
試しに海外に持っていってスナップ的に生録してみました。外部マイク無しでも、かなり満足できる結果が得られました。
ただし、手で持って録音するとタッチノイズが気になる場合があるので、ショックマウント+小柄三脚をたたんでグリップにして使いました。また、RYCOTEのミニウィンドジャマーfor PCM-D100を使いました。
外部メモリーは、512GBのSDカードを入れていますが認識しています(自己責任です)。
ダウンロード購入したハイレゾ音源の再生も、手持ちのどのハイレゾプレーヤーより高音質でした。プレーヤーとして使うにはメニューが向いていませんが、生録レコーダーとしては、個人的に最高機種です。
なお、目立つ場所では、予備で持っていったPCM-A10で録音しました。このため、PCM-D100とPCM-A10をセットで持ち歩けば、スナップ的な生録は完璧です。
箱入り、付属品等も完備、申し分のない逸品と評価します。
si No.2000427。当方所持同品si No.2000429でほぼ同時期製造品と判断。
録再支障ありません。格落ち品ではと入荷前の危惧は雲散霧消。
是からも是非、良品ご提供を宜しくお願い致します。
有難う御座いました。