Most recording rigs are “portable” only in that they’re not bolted to the floor. The D1 replaced my 20-pound backpack of mics, preamps, A/D converters, recorder, and batteries with a single, pretty, 18-ounce, titanium-encased unit. It’s easy to use, too: just select a sampling rate – up to DVD-quality 24-bit/96-kHz – and press the record button. Two large analog meters and external volume knobs make setting recording levels in the dark a breeze, and 4 GB of internal memory stores 6-1/2 hours of CD-quality audio – enough for a day’s location work or three sets of Disco Biscuits. Best of all: no moving parts mean less shock sensitivity (just don’t spill a beer on it) and less noise in your recordings. — Chuck Cage
WIRED AA batteries are easy to carry and replace in the field. Built-in condenser mics sound surprisingly uncolored. Integrated tripod mount. Switchable 20 dB mic attenuator picks out target sounds in loud environments. USB 2.0 connectivity eliminates hours-long DAT transfers. 70’s analog styling impresses hippie chicks and audio geeks alike.
TIRED No digital input. Optical out only (no coax) makes patching to older Sony DAT decks difficult. Pricey.
$2000, sony.com
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