Just came across this on Youtube. It’s over a year old but has a good shoot out between these 3 units in the places they would normally get used.
I use a Zoom H2 a lot and have been considering the PMD620 as a replacement as it has similar features (AA batteries and small being my main requirements) but this video highlights some show stoppers for me – unable to adjust recording volume during recording and similar handling noise for twice the cost.
I’ll stick with the H2 for now as my most portable unit and look at some of the newer units from Tascam.
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Hmm what were Marantz thinking?? Shame as aestheics wise it looks rather nice/ I think Samson (Zoom’s) are very well featured but the build quality isn’t great. The H2 is at least a step forward over the H4 in that respect.
Nice find!
I’ve since read that the issue with changing recording volume was related to the unit being tested using the automatic gain control – obvious really I suppose.
The excessive wind noise compared to the H2 is related to the lack of covering/shielding on the mics – the H2 has quite a bit whereas the Marantz doesn’t look to have much at all.
I have two issues with my H2 after 18 months of daily use a) the paint to wear away on the corners, not a bid deal really (has gone through the silver covering and showing the grey underneath) and b) the slider switches are becoming difficult to use and the low/mid/high amp gain switch has lost the mid detent.
The Marantz does look nice to use. Reminds me of peering inside an old mini-disc unit!
re: Auto Gain… ah yes that would make sense, bet they feel a little foolish now!
The H2 mic shielding as you say probably does make some difference, would have been nice to have it on the H4.
I’m also having exactly the same “paint” issue as you on my H4… its not a big deal but it does make you feel it’s been made out of recycled tv remotes!
Shit test…
Marantz PMD620
Level control “Manual” setting and adjustable fine rec level.
God records!