Field Recording
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Sony PCM D100 – Review
Review of the Sony PCM D100 recorder, a rare piece of gear. Analysis and personal feedback of this beautiful machine.
A Rare Piece Of Gear
The Sony PCM D-100 is a rare gem ! This recorder is no longer sold new on the market and is found at a premium price second-hand. It is renowned for its design and the quality of its built-in microphones. Compact, it is easy to carry everywhere, in a backpack or a satchel. In addition to the built-in microphones, it allows for the connection of external microphones via mini jack, such as a pair of Lom mikroUsi for example.
I was fortunate enough to buy one new before the stock disappeared. The idea here is to share my experience and feeling about this beautiful machine.
Design And Construction
The Sony PCM-D100 stands out with its elegant design and robust construction. Made of aluminum, it is both lightweight and durable, making it an ideal companion for outdoor recordings. Its ergonomic design provides a comfortable grip and easy access to controls. I can say that it’s very sturdy, as it’s been dropped a few times with no damage apart from a few small scratches.
Audio Quality And Connectivity
The PCM-D100 is equipped with integrated stereo microphones capable of capturing high-quality sound with exceptional clarity. It supports linear PCM recordings up to 192 kHz/24 bits. These capabilities allow capturing every sonic detail with remarkable precision, ideal for musical recordings and soundcapes.
It has one stereo mini-jack mic/line inputs, allowing for the connection of external microphones or other audio sources.
Power And Advanced Features
The Sony PCM-D100 is powered by four AA batteries, offering up to 25 hours of autonomy when recording in LPCM 96 kHz/24 bits. Unlike its little brother, the Sony PCM A10, no external battery can be connected for long recordings in drop rig configuration for example.
In terms of storage, it has 32 GB of internal memory, and its SD card slot allows for extended storage capacity.
The device also offers microphone sensitivity adjustment using a rotary knob and a playback option with internal spearkers.
Ease Of Use And Interface
The interface of the Sony PCM-D100 is intuitive. The backlit LCD screen provides clear information on recording levels, settings, and battery status. Well-placed control buttons allow for quick and easy access to the main features. Moreover, it powers up quickly, which is a good point for a pocket recorder !
Should You Buy It ?
The Sony PCM-D100 is a portable recorder that stands out for its sound quality, robustness, and flexibility. With its advanced features and ease of use, it is a great tool for anyone who demands the best in portable audio recording.
If you’re lucky enough to find a good deal, I can only recommend it ! But the problem is that second-hand prices are far too high for a small pocket recorder.
For roughly equivalent sound quality, you’re sure to find a cheaper and new product. Unfortunately for its price, the Sony PCM-D100 is a victim of its own hype.
Sony PCM D100 with a pair of external mics, the LOM mikroUsi
Have you ever tried this recorder ? Let me know in the comments below.
Find Out More
Discover some freely accessible sounds recorded with the Sony PCM D100.
Click on the image to get these sounds.
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