Sony's palm-sized digital recorders have been audio mainstays for years, combining diminutive form with a useful feature set and excellent recording quality. The PCM-D100 linear pulse code modulation (PCM) recorder is the company's latest offering for professional applications, replacing its PCM-D50. A pair of directional mics that swivel into two different positions can conveniently capture audio from live performances, rehearsals, field recordings, and so on, while the recorder can also be connected to external mics or a console to capture the mix in high resolution.
The recorder fits in your hand, though it is not as small and light as some of the musician units that Sony and others offer, measuring 2.875 by 6.125 by 1.25 inches and weighing 13.9 ounces. For long-term durability and reliability, the main chassis is metal, with overlays of high-impact plastic for the display/control and back-panel surfaces. The pair of electret condenser microphones is protected by a metal cage, and the mics may be individually swiveled to point inward in a 90-degree X/Y pattern for interviews or focused recording, a wide 120-degree field, or can be pointed straight ahead if desired. The mics have a maximum input level of 128 dB, with a stated frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
The D100 records in linear PCM format at 10 different resolutions from 44.1 kHz/16-bit to 192 kHz/24-bit, direct stream digital (DSD) at a sample rate of 2.8 MHz/1-bit, and MP3 at 128- or 320-kbps. It can even record a performance in high resolution, while at the same time creating a smaller MP3 for auditioning or e-mailing; in this case, the MP3 track follows the higher-resolution file after each recording. In playback mode, the recorder also supports FLAC, WMA and AAC file formats.
At the higher resolutions, the files can become large, and the PCM-D100 provides a generous 32 GB internal memory. This is enough for more than six and a half hours of the highest resolution LPCM and over 43 hours of 44.1 kHz/16-bit recording. Using the SD slot, up to 64 GB of additional external memory can be on hand for long sessions. Cross-memory recording will ensure that a session that completely fills the internal memory will seamlessly move over to the external card, so that nothing is lost. To make sure that you can capture the first word or note, a five-second pre-record buffer can be enabled. A wireless remote control allows the recorder to be placed in a convenient location and activated.
Display prowess & notable attributes
The front panel features a generous LCD display, with a button on the side panel that turns on a backlight—which also conveniently lights up the numerals on the side-mounted recording level control. Buttons for record, pause, and stop reside next to a circular four-way, multi-function control with the play/enter button in the center. Additional F1 and F2 buttons allow access to regularly used features, and the Option button opens the recording and playback menus.
The right-side rotary recording level control functions in two modes, either adjusting both the left and right channel in tandem, or allowing their levels to be set separately. Switches are provided to select either a microphone or line-level signal for recording, and to attenuate the level of the microphone if it is overloading. Limiting, a high-pass filter, and other menu settings aid the recording setup.
On the left, a smaller rotary output level control feeds the headphones, and the recorder provides sufficient power to drive them to a high listening level. In addition, 1/8-inch jacks are provided for microphone in and headphone out, and another pair of similarly sized jacks function as both analog and optical Line In and Line Out. Four AA batteries power the recorder, yielding up to 18 hours at 192 kHz/24-bit and more at lower resolutions, or with an external 6VDC power supply.
The recorder is quite easy to set up and begin recording, starting by setting the recording resolution, then setting the levels while on record standby, and finally pressing the Pause button to begin recording (or using the remote). Push the Play button after recording and you'll hear the latest recording, or scroll back and forth through the files with the four-way switch.
The sound quality is excellent, and acoustic guitar recorded at the highest resolution is incredibly detailed
and accurate.
With a list price of $999, the Sony PCM-D100 digital recorder is a greater investment than a musician-level unit, yet it features a number of professional attributes that are necessary for critical recording, as well as the durability to last when used in field recording, touring, broadcast, and similar applications. Being fairly small, it does not have the real estate to accommodate XLR connectors, so if you use external microphones you will need an adapter cable to go to 1/8-inch. The ability of the high-quality mics to set to both an X/Y and a wider 120-degree pickup is very useful, as are the high-resolution recording settings and the ability to record a high-res track and create an MP3 at the same time. If you are looking for a compact, high-performance digital recorder, the Sony PCM-D100 deserves consideration.
