Oade PMD661 worth it with a SD302?

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kaidomac

Member
Picking up a PMD661, primarily for doing non-music vocals with booms & lavs. I've heard good things about the Oade Super Mod, but I'll be using a Sound Devices 302 mixer in front of the recorder most of the time. Is it worth doing the mod if using a mixer, and if so, is the Super mod the way to go? The primary mic will be a Sanken COS-11D XLR lav for film vocals. TIA.
 
I'm not sure that you'd need the Oade mod if you're using a mixer in front- the mods are usually for "tapers" who are not using mixers & need better results than the OEM pre's & A/D convertors.

If you need a small recorder- the PMD661 will work, but I'd be tempted to get the Fostex FR-2LE... I had one, and only sold it because I picked up an FR-2 (which is a great recorder for film). I like the layout of the FR-2LE a bit better than the 661, especially if you're going to use it in a bag- the inputs & outputs are on the sides of the FR-2LE rather than on the bottom of the 661. The FR-2LE can be had for $599, which is very close in price to the PMD661.

UPDATE: I just saw a Marantz PMD670 for sale over at TapersSection.com: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=138648.0. The seller is asking for offers, and is hoping to get something around $470 (which was mentioned by another seller) so you might be able to pick this up for something like $400. The 670 is larger than the 661 & the FR-2LE, but it is an excellent recorder for what your needs are.
 
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Alpha Flying Monkey said:
I'm not sure that you'd need the Oade mod if you're using a mixer in front- the mods are usually for "tapers" who are not using mixers & need better results than the OEM pre's & A/D convertors.

If you need a small recorder- the PMD661 will work, but I'd be tempted to get the Fostex FR-2LE... I had one, and only sold it because I picked up an FR-2 (which is a great recorder for film). I like the layout of the FR-2LE a bit better than the 661, especially if you're going to use it in a bag- the inputs & outputs are on the sides of the FR-2LE rather than on the bottom of the 661. The FR-2LE can be had for $599, which is very close in price to the PMD661.

UPDATE: I just saw a Marantz PMD670 for sale over at TapersSection.com: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=138648.0. The seller is asking for offers, and is hoping to get something around $470 (which was mentioned by another seller) so you might be able to pick this up for something like $400. The 670 is larger than the 661 & the FR-2LE, but it is an excellent recorder for what your needs are.
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Ah, I had totally forgotten about Fostex as an option, thanks!

The PMD661 will have two purposes - 1, for backup (primary recording with rented equipment), and 2, for my personal audio kit (ownership - for personal projects). That way I always have something small & portable on-hand for emergencies or small projects. I'm using a Zoom H2 and it's just not cutting it, as I'm starting to do more of my own projects. Ideally I'd like to just use the recorder on it's own for personal projects until I purchase my own SD302 mixer to supplement my personal kit, which is why I'm curious about the Oade mod - just to slap on a lav and record for quick sessions in more controlled environments.

My past experience with the PMD661 has been good, plus it fits my budget ($600-ish), but I'm definitely open to looking at alternatives if they're equal to or better in sound quality. I like the PMD661 because of the compact size, nice sound, reasonable price, and built-in mics (useful if ever needed, but not a dealbreak if they're not as good on the Fostex). I was reading through this comparison thread:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/remo...g/454069-fostex-fr2-le-vs-marantz-pmd661.html

If that first post is correct, I could pretty much get away with using the mixing functionality on the Fostex instead of buying my own mixer, correct? I don't mind the larger size, if it's less equipment and gives me the basic functionality I want. If I could do a Fostex and handle basic trim stuff right onboard, that'd nuke that $1300 SD302 I was looking at and leave more room for a few more lavs.

Bottom line, of course, is sound quality. The PMD661 is the least-expensive option I'd consider, just as something to keep in my bag at all times. So if the Fostex trumps that, I'm game! What do you think?
 
I also noticed that Oade has a few mod options for the FR-2LE:

Fostex FR2LE HD
Fostex FR2LE Super
Fostex FR2LE Basic
Fostex FR2LE Warm
Fostex FR2LE Transparent

The Super mod looks pretty nice :thumbsup:
 
Just ordered an FR-2LE after going back and forth between that and the PMD-661. C2V mentioned how bulky the 661 was and after I used a PMD-660 on a recent shoot, I could see why. Go for the FR-2LE. Same price and it will last you until you want, say, a 744t or 788t :)
 
Pete@twenty7pix said:
Just ordered an FR-2LE after going back and forth between that and the PMD-661. C2V mentioned how bulky the 661 was and after I used a PMD-660 on a recent shoot, I could see why. Go for the FR-2LE. Same price and it will last you until you want, say, a 744t or 788t :)
Click to expand...

coughDeva16cough


:laugh:
 
Alpha Flying Monkey said:
I think you'd really like the Fostex. You probably won't really need any of the Oade mods for most everything you're doing... I've heard nothing but good from people who use it for everything from film work to nature recording.

Of course, there's also the Tascam DR-680 (8 tracks!) for only a couple hundred more:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/673541-REG
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How's that Tascam compare in terms of quality? Budget is flexible; purpose is just for backup & small 1-2 mic projects, nothing crazy. But the extra options might be nice. Again mainly it will be for film vocals, maybe some sound effects & ambience for foley now & then. The Fostex looks nice - FR-2LE, extra battery, a couple memory cards, and a portabrace bag for under a grand. I'm totally open for discussion, so what do you think would be great for that budget?
 
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