![]() This was one of the most attractive features of the PMD740, providing an instant visual indication of what's being recorded where. Secondly, the 720's meters do not turn red when the machine goes into record. While it is possible, with planning, to use the send and the insert points on channels one and two to stretch the effects possibilities by adding effects as you record and bounce, nothing beats having an extra effects send. First of all, one effects send is simply not enough. However, I found one or two omissions to be operationally stifling. I plugged it in, tuned up my guitars, whacked down a drum pattern, and a couple of hours later I had a pretty funky finished track - the PMD720 is as easy to use as they come. The PMD720 is very comfortable to use, with logical layout and ergonomic design. The facilities that are missing don't make an awful lot of difference to the 720's performance, but they are worth noting - see the accompanying box. In common with the PMD740, the new machine features one effects send (with stereo return), comprehensive monitoring, and two stereo headphone outputs. The remaining four inputs are configured as two stereo channels. The four main mixer inputs offer mic or line operation, while channels one and two feature balanced XLR connectors and insert points. When I say stripped down, I don't mean compromised: this machine offers a two‑speed transport, simultaneous recording on all four tape tracks at once, eight mixer channels, dbx noise reduction and sync facilities. The PMD720's facilities have been stripped down, but that is reflected in the lower retail price. The new PMD720, while sporting a lower price tag, offers a similar control surface, similar electronics and (most importantly) a similar sound to the first machine. Well, it's a year hence, and we have another Marantz multitracker to look at. However, the PMD740 (reviewed in SOS August 1993) was a bit of a departure, both in concept and execution - who could forget those deliciously retro moving‑coil VU meters? Marantz surprised everybody when last year they released their first cassette‑based multitracker even more suprising was the fact that it was actually very good - though it shouldn't have been that much of a surprise, since Marantz do make exceedingly good hi‑fi equipment. Derek Johnson takes a look at its lower‑cost brother and finds it shares much of the same appeal. Marantz's first cassette multitracker made quite a stir on its launch last year, with its eye‑catching retro styling and round VU meters - and it sounded good too.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |