Marantz PMD-602A

NorBro

NorBro

Major Contributor
I have been looking to add a second simple preamp to my setup. I was unable to find a used MP-1, so I settled for a used PMD-602A from B&H for $60. I figured I couldn't go wrong for that price for something that does line (which is what I need).

It hasn't shipped yet (just bought it a few minutes ago), but wanted to grab it while it was available and ask now…anyone here use it? Thoughts?

I believe it only started shipping a few weeks ago so not expecting much feedback, but here's a link:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...d_602a_2_channel_dslr_wireless_interface.html

Thank you!
 
Last edited:
Marantz gear is generally very good. I had a PMD 660 for awhile which worked perfectly recording EDU seminars, though I always used the line in with an external console. If your recording to a DSRL, which the PMD-602A is designed for, (unbalanced output only), quality will be a lot less than stellar, regardless of how good the preamps are.
 
Thank you. The one thing that's confusing is they call it a 'DSLR Audio Interface', but apparently the output is line and 99% of DSLRs are mic only.

One reviewer complained about a misleading title and a hot/distorted signal, but not sure if it's just user error.

I haven't read much about the device, but I'm looking forward to trying it out.
 
My experience is with the PMD 671 recorder so probably similar quality level.

The preamps are fine. I almost always use line in and have the MixPre as a front end but on occasion have gone straight in and had good results.
If the limiters on this are like the ones on the 671 then they are mostly useless. The limiters on the recorder react slow and then dip the level and have a pretty slow recovery so they act very much like a cheap auto gain. Played with them a tiny bit and have never turned them on since.
Still at $60 for a pair of decent mic pres, not bad.
 
The price is $99, probably you bought a used one, The Mixer Preamp is Fantastic I bought one and the build is very good, very clean preamps with 50 to 60 db gain, THIS IS A BARGAIN,
Marantz is trying to capture new customers giving up products like this IT IS Amazing!
 
Last edited:
Well, in a favorable turn of events for myself, my best offer was accepted for a MP-1 on eBay for a great price and I canceled the Marantz order before it shipped.

It's back in the USED section on B&H (along with a new one that was added) if anyone is interested. $59.95 and $74.95 as of this writing.

I really was looking forward to testing it out, but the SD is a no-brainer for me and a product (along with the MM-1) that simply works so well.

Nevertheless, good to know Marantz is liked!
 
If your going to be feeding a DSLR with a MM or MP1, the SD's output is fixed (balanced +4dB), so you will need some type of balanced to unbalanced attenuation adapter as most DSLRs input mic level (unbalanced).
 
For sure...I mentioned the same above about DSLRs' mic level. It's not for a DSLR though, but a camera with line level.

(The Marantz was going to be used with an H1...which the MP-1 can be as well of course.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top