The D50 plays back in either mp3 or WAV
formats, but only records to WAV, adding an
extra step for podcasters. You can, however, drag
and drop WAV files onto your desktop or into
nearly any audio software (such as the included
Sound Forge Audio Studio LE). You can also
record at 22.05kHz, 44.1kHz, and 48kHz—and
Sony’s Super Bit Mapping crams 20 bits of information
into a 16-bit word. Also, an onboard
limiter records a parallel audio stream at -12dB
below the primary stream, and substitutes the
lower signal into the main recording should the
limiter encounter an overload.
I used the PCM-D50 to capture jam sessions
and make various field recordings, and it sounded
great in all applications. While there are currently
lots of small recorders to choose from,
the D50 is among the best I’ve encountered.
KUDOS Great sound. Large display. Generous
feature set.
CONCERNSMemory slot requires costly Sony
cards. Doesn’t record to mp3 format.
CONTACT (201) 930-1000; sony.com/professional.