TestDrive: Sony PCM-D1 Portable Linear PCM Recorder

A True All-In-One Digital Portable Recorder Or A New Car…You Decide!

When Sony first showcased the PCM-D1 at the AES trade show, I got a severe case of technolust. The sexy, beautifully designed, unit was a true digital recorder with built-in mics, a titanium case, and no internal moving parts, save for the tasty analog level meters. As I wiped the drool from my bottom lip, I couldn’t help but think that this was the first Sony product in years that I wanted no matter what the cost. Unfortunately, after using the unit, I think I’ll save the $2000 dollars it costs for owning one.

It’s not that I don’t think the unit has its place in the world of portable recording, but for musicians and audiophiles looking for a field recorder, the price is just too high for the quality of recorded results, the poor battery life and the memory limitations. So who is the PCM-D1 for? Reporters who want that “bling” factor. Pull out the PCM-D1 at an interview, press conference or another arena where you want to impress and the unit will make you look like a star. There’s a reason that 50 year old men get Ferrari’s, and the same thing goes for the PCM-D1. Not that the PCM-D1 doesn’t have some cool features, but then again, do you really need that huge spoiler when you’re only driving 55 mph? More!

Read the entire Sony PCM-D1 Portable Linear PCM Recorder Review at Futuremusic’s TestDrive.

Author: FutureMusic

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