TEST: Marantz PMD-706

 Have any of you recently shot a music video or ambitious film video? Have you noticed that almost no one is working with the rather bulky shoulder-mounted cameras anymore, but that people are increasingly turning to a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera as their recording unit? The advantages are obvious. Purchase price, image quality and handling speak a clear language, and the trend will probably increase in the future.

But what if you also need one or more professional audio tracks, for example for film recordings or panel discussions. For a music video, you can easily add the signal in post-editing, but when it comes to a good live sound, said DSLR products are consistently on the hose, because they were designed for image and not for sound recording. Aware of this shortcoming, Marantz has launched the Marantz PMD-706, a multi-track recorder whose design and handling are specifically adapted to the parameters of a DSLR camera.

In addition, the product has a retail price of just over 300 Euros due to Chinese manufacturing, which is very reasonable considering the features offered.


Application

First question, why do you need a six-track mobile recorder? What at first glance looks like shooting a cannon at a sparrow, turns out to be a practical solution at second glance, even though it is more likely to be used on larger sets in the film industry. But first, let's start with a rather small, clear area.


Application area 1.) Podcasting

The recording host has invited 5 experts / friends / drinking buddies and wants to record a corresponding podcast episode in a round of experts. If the host has a corresponding recording device in the form of a more or less ambitious home studio, he can of course choose the classic microphone / console / DAW variant. But what if he wants to remain mobile or wants / needs to drive the recording to another location? Now it's a matter of unwiring, packing, transporting, unpacking, testing, etc. With a mobile device, all that is needed is the microphones along with the cabling and that's it.


Application 2.) Keynote / Discussion evening

Up to 6 experts sit in a discussion forum and discuss any topic. The discussion is additionally recorded on video and is to be published / sold later on DVD or similar or placed on YouTube as product information etc.. Here, too, quick setup without major set-up, after recording completion, the material can be transferred to the DAW to be finalized there in post-editing, if necessary.


Application 3) Rehearsal room recording

Quickly record 6 instruments in parallel independently of each other. Good control over the individual instruments, ambitious songwriting setup.


Field of application 4.) Live recording

Microphones split via splitter, drums mixed as stereo mix via submixer to 2 channels, 2 guitars, bass and vocals. Good option for a sophisticated live recording. Backing vocals (were crooked anyway ;-) sung as overdubs in the studio afterwards, final mix in the DAW.

Application 5.) Film dubbing

Up to six different microphones are placed stationary / movable with boom etc. in the room / outdoor and allow the individual recording of medium-sized groups of people or a spatially optimized acoustic illumination. Especially with 5:1 / 7:1 mixes, you can generate a maximum of plastic acoustics via a six-way parallel playback, which integrates the listener, provided his multi-channel system is set up optimally, in the middle of the action.

According to the manufacturer, the operating temperature of the Marantz PMD-706 can be 5 - 60 degrees Celsius, which means that outdoor recordings in winter could prove difficult, but nothing stands in the way of heavy desert use.

 
Design and construction

The Marantz PMD-706 is a 6-channel recorder, which works with a sample rate of up to 96 kHz and a word width of up to 24 bits. It is powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) or a USB power supply (not included). To use the full power of the Marantz PMD-706, such as phantom power on all microphones, a power supply with a capacity of 1 A is required. As a comparison, an average iPad power supply delivers about 2 A. With the internal battery pack, you can operate a maximum of 2 microphones with phantom power.

The device itself is comparatively light at just under 540 grams, and its dimensions of 164 mm x 110 mm x 50 mm fit the standard dimensions of a DSLR camera. Even though the recorder has a rubberized underside to prevent it from slipping on slippery surfaces, the entire setup is designed for portable and mobile operation. The tripod mount on the bottom, the camera shoe on the top (hot shoe attachment is included) and the side sleeves for attaching the carrying straps suggest the product's main use.


Connections

Due to the fact that the Marantz PMD-706 only has small dimensions and the back of the case is taken up by the AA battery slots in terms of width and especially installation depth, you'll find plenty of jacks, pushbuttons and knobs on the side panels and front panel, though it never gets confusing, provided you still have very good eyesight or have packed your glasses.

To make the most of the recorder's six tracks, the Marantz PMD-706 also has six dedicated balanced inputs, which can be recorded separately, partially summed or grouped together. All microphone jacks are located on the side panels of the housing, whereby 2 lockable XLR combo jacks are located on each side, along with 2 TRS jacks on the left side of the housing. The TRS jacks were probably chosen for space reasons, but can be upgraded to full XLR jacks including phantom power (either 24 or 48 V) via 2 included adapters.

Let's first stay on the left side of the Marantz PMD-706. The audio output / input of a camera can be connected via one 3.5 mm mini-jack input, respectively output, whereby the output volume can be adjusted in the menu navigation. In order to be able to use the recorder as a stereo recording device without major cabling, there is an additional stereo microphone input in the form of a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack in the center left, which can also be supplied with phantom power.

Above the XLR jacks is the SD card slot for storing audio material. Accepted are SD Cards (64 MB - 2 GB), SDHC Cards (4 - 32 GB) and  
SDXC Cards (48 - 128 GB). The six tracks can be recorded in 3x stereo, 6x mono or 4x dual stereo mode. Dual mono and M/S recording modes are also available. The Marantz PMD-706 offers WAV (44.1, 48, or 96 kHz; 16- or 24-bit) and BWF (44.1, 48, or 96 kHz; 16- or 24-bit) as recording formats.

On the right side of the case, in addition to 2 more XLR jacks, there is also the ON/OFF switch, which turns the Marantz PMD-706 on by pressing it down, and in the hold function up locks all of the recorder's buttons to prevent accidental changes. Here is also the micro USB port, which allows you to connect a USB power adapter or exchange data with a DAW. Finally, two more mini-stereo jacks in the form of a line out allow you to connect a mixer / recorder / active speakers and a phone controller a headphones, whereby the headphone output has its own volume control in the form of a small rotary dial.


Front

Next to the small but legible display is an enter wheel with push function to navigate through the different menus. An interesting feature is the Slate push button, which marks a track with the Slate sound, while the Slate sound generator allows easy alignment of audio files with video files when using video editing software. 6 small knobs control the input level of each track, with a peak LED alerting you to impending distortion. Finally, there is a standard Play/Stop etc. control panel, whereby the six buttons each have a double function in terms of playback mode or menu mode.

In home mode, the display informs about all important status indicators like drive, remaining recording time, elapsed recording time, level, phantom power battery status, encryption mode and the setup of the six tracks. In playback mode, the folder and file name are added again.



Practice

What was already apparent from the listed data is surpassed once again in practice. The word flexible would be an understatement in this context. The available recording modes alone fill a whole box. While mono and stereo are familiar to everyone, the dual mono mode (Recorded file 1 = CH1, recorded file 2 = CH1 - DLVL (dual level): -12 dB to -1 dB in 1 dB steps) or Dual Stereo (Recorded file 1 = CH1 left, CH2 right - Recorded file 2 = CH1 - DLVL left, CH2 - DLVL right). In addition, the M/S R in the form of recorded file 1 = left (CH1 + (CH2 x pan setting)), right (CH1 - (CH2 x pan setting) comes into play.

The quality of the signal depends, of course, on the components used and the microphones used, but from the storage possibilities, the Marantz PMD-706 leaves an excellent impression. The microphone preamps used generated a neutral and very low-noise sound in all recording situations. A highlight here is the delay compensation, which can be set separately for each microphone in 1 ms steps and thus performs very well, especially in film recordings.

Conclusion

The Marantz PMD-706 convinces with very good handling at a very attractive price. In combination with a DSLR camera, the product can show all its strengths and leaves an excellent impression in the price/performance ratio. In my opinion, an external USB power supply should still be included in the scope of delivery.

Additional Informations:

Marantz is a renowned audio company with a rich history spanning over 65 years. Established in 1953 by Saul Marantz, the company has become synonymous with high-quality audio equipment, including amplifiers, receivers, CD players, turntables, and home theater systems. This report aims to provide a detailed overview of Marantz, covering its history, product range, technological innovations, and impact on the industry.

History and Background: Marantz was founded by Saul Marantz, an American engineer with a passion for high-fidelity audio reproduction. Saul Marantz's dedication to audio excellence led to the development of groundbreaking audio components that quickly gained a reputation for their superior sound quality and innovative design. Marantz products became highly sought-after by audiophiles and music enthusiasts around the world.

Product Range: Marantz offers a wide range of audio products that cater to various segments of the market. Their product line includes:

Stereo Amplifiers and Receivers: Marantz is renowned for its stereo amplifiers and receivers, which deliver exceptional sound quality and performance. These products feature robust construction, high-quality components, and advanced technologies to ensure accurate audio reproduction.

b) Network Audio Players: Marantz network audio players allow users to stream high-resolution audio files from various sources, including online music services, local networks, and USB storage devices. These devices offer connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet, providing seamless integration with streaming platforms and home networks.

c) CD Players and SACD Players: Marantz offers a range of CD players and Super Audio CD (SACD) players that deliver accurate and detailed audio playback. These players feature advanced disc-reading mechanisms, high-quality digital-to-analog converters, and sophisticated audio circuitry for optimal sound reproduction.

d) Turntables: Marantz turntables combine vintage aesthetics with modern engineering, providing vinyl enthusiasts with a high-quality playback experience. These turntables feature precision tonearms, high-quality cartridges, and isolation mechanisms to minimize vibrations and deliver accurate analog sound.

e) AV Receivers and Home Theater Systems: Marantz's AV receivers and home theater systems provide immersive audio experiences for home entertainment setups. These products support advanced audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and offer multiple inputs and outputs for seamless integration with various audio and video sources.

Technological Innovations: Marantz has been at the forefront of technological innovations in the audio industry. Some notable advancements introduced by Marantz include:

HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module): Marantz's HDAM technology, introduced in the 1990s, replaced conventional integrated circuit op-amps with discrete circuitry, resulting in improved sound quality, greater dynamic range, and reduced distortion.

b) Current Feedback Amplification: Marantz's Current Feedback Amplification technology provides excellent control over speakers, ensuring accurate sound reproduction and precise audio signal handling.

c) Marantz Musical Mastering (MMM-Stream) Technology: This proprietary technology enhances the quality of digital music by upscaling low-resolution audio files, restoring lost information, and improving overall audio fidelity.

d) HEOS Multi-room Audio: Marantz has integrated HEOS technology into some of its products, allowing users to wirelessly stream music to multiple rooms in their homes, creating a seamless multi-room audio experience.

Industry Impact: Marantz has made a significant impact on the audio industry. Its commitment to audio excellence, innovative technologies, and meticulous attention to detail has earned the company a loyal customer base. Marantz products are known for their exceptional sound quality, build quality, and elegant design. The company's influence can be seen in the adoption of its technological advancements by other manufacturers and the recognition it has received from both industry professionals and consumers.

Conclusion: Marantz has established itself as a leading brand in the audio industry, with a long history of producing high-quality audio products. With a diverse product range, technological innovations, and a commitment to audio excellence, Marantz continues to deliver exceptional sound experiences to audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide. As the audio industry evolves, Marantz is well-positioned to continue pushing the boundaries of audio technology and shaping the future of high-fidelity audio reproduction.