TechRoadie

New at NAMM: Portable Solid State Recording from Sony & Olympus

Posted on August 3, 2009 by SCP Comments Off

Whilst (I love using that word) at the NAMM how in July in Nashville, TN, I had the opportunity to examine and compare two potential field recording devices. I compared the Sony PCM-M10 Linear PCM Recorder with the Olympus LS-11 Linear PCM Recorder. Neither were available for a field test, but I did get to see and touch both of them. Both are estimated to cost $399 USD.

The Sony physically is shorter and wider (around 4.5 inches x 2.5 inches) than the Olympus (around 5.25 inches x 1.75 inches). Both units feature interesting industrial design, the Olympus team opting for clear definition on the condenser microphones. The displays are virtually identical, featuring VU meters, transport state, record time and battery status.

Here is a side-by-side feature comparison:

My initial thoughts: I don’t want a wired remote. Recording time is paramount to me. The Olympus wins given battery life, fully size SD compatibility, and recording time. The Olympus also has an optional “Windjammer” windscreen, camera tripod mounting compatibility, and several microphone options. I couldn’t find data on the options for the Sony.

That said, I’m concerned (and have inquiries into Olympus) about the lack of a recording limiter. I could not find anything in the specification sheet nor on the website the talks about this. This feature could make the product difficult to use when a quick capture opportunity presents itself. I’d have to have a whole recording be distorted. The literature does mention an automatic level control, but that can compromise recording quality, as it changes the level of the entire recording, not just the peaks like a limiter.

Update: I have spoken with a Product Manager at Olympus about limiting and auto-level options on the LS-11 and confirmed that the device features both. The limiter has both an “auto” and “manual” setting, adjustable by the recording level dial on the side of the recorder.

As far as I understand it, however, neither product is complete. The both will ship this Fall. I’m going to make every attempt to get both units for evaluation and review.

I can’t wait to sell my MiniDisk recorder and get my hands on one of these devices!

PS: I will hopefully be getting a demo unit of the Olympus device sometime soon. Plan on seeing demos and applications on TechRoadie!