Sony PCM-D100 Review

As podcasters, it’s essential that we have the proper tools for recording, such as monitors, computer systems and microphones. Although not all of them are required, some items are must-haves. One of these is a portable audio recorder; we are here to share with you a review of the renowned Sony PCM-D100 high resolution audio recorder. 

Read our review to learn more about this fantastic audio recorder and see if it’s right for you!

About Sony PCM D100

The Sony PCM D100 was released in 2014 as a successor to the PCM-D50, a popular portable audio recorder among professionals and enthusiasts. The PCM D100 was designed to be an upgrade in almost every aspect, with improved audio quality, greater storage capacity, and more advanced features. 

The release of the PCM D100 was met with much anticipation and excitement from the audio recording community, as it promised to be one of the most advanced portable recorders ever made. It was marketed as a professional-grade recorder that could be taken anywhere, and it quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality sound and ease of use. 

The PCM D100 features a 2.8-inch OLED display, which provides a clear and easy-to-read interface for recording and playback. It also has two built-in microphones, which can be adjusted for different recording scenarios, and it supports a range of audio formats, including WAV and MP3. 

One of the standout features of the PCM D100 is its ability to record up to 192kHz/24-bit audio, which is among the highest quality available for portable recorders. It also has a large internal memory of 32GB, which can be expanded with an additional SD card. 

Key Features

• High-resolution field recorder
• Onboard stereo microphones feature focused X-Y or wide spread configuration
• Record in linear PCM (192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz), DSD (2.8224MHz), or MP3 (320/128 kbps) formats
• 3.5mm & Dual XLR-1/4″ Mic/Line Inputs
• 32GB of internal memory, which you can expand with SD-XC Card media
• Dual-path digital limiter, low-cut filter, and Super Bit Mapping onboard
• A High-speed USB port allows audio transfer to and from your Mac or Windows PC
• App-Based Remote Control via Bluetooth
• Built-In EQ, Key Change & Speed Control
• USB Type-C Connectivity
• Constructed of lightweight aluminum
• AA batteries provide long battery life 

Build Quality

This recorder has a sleek, compact design with a black and silver color scheme that blends with its surroundings. Its discreet design conveys a sense of quality and attention to detail, which indicates the product’s overall design quality.

The main chassis of the device is composed of aluminum, making it both rigid and lightweight. Plastic has been used in certain areas, such as playback, record level knobs, and the battery compartment lid. Furthermore, the swiveling microphone capsules are shielded by metal roll bars to protect them from direct impacts.

Compared to other recorders, the PCM-D100 is relatively compact and can easily fit in a large pocket. It is notably shorter but the same width as the Zoom H6, except for the level wheels.

The screen is quite spacious, making it easy to view the metering and song data, and the backlight can be activated by pressing a button. However, I found the text to be too faint. Additionally, the signal LEDs are situated so that they are often blocked by a windjammer.

Sound Quality & Performance

The PCM-D100 offers exceptional sonic quality, with a natural, open sound and a warm low end. Its ability to record ambience up to 25dB with virtually no hissing is awe-inspiring. However, it can struggle to capture moments before a dawn chorus which often dips below this threshold. 

The circuit board of the PCM-D10 is designed to uphold superior sound quality. It features distinct analog and digital circuits that are isolated from each other, resulting in less interference and a heightened signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, the amp blocks are situated close to the inputs to ensure optimum transmission clarity. 

Furthermore, the high S/N mode of the PCM-D10 eliminates the need to worry about lost low levels during recordings. This is achieved by using two ADCs that record at different volumes, replacing any lost levels with audio captured at -12 dB. The result is clear and dynamic recordings, even for the most dynamic performances. 

Additionally, the PCM-D10 features a digital limiter that allows interruption-free recordings even at high levels. In the event of a distortion, the device automatically fills in clipped portions with a backup recording at a lower level, ensuring that your recordings remain free of distortion even if there are sudden spikes in volume. 

If you have recorded your audio, you can easily connect the PCM-D10 to your computer using the provided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable and import the files for editing or post-production. You will also receive a download link and serial number for Sound Forge Audio Studio 12, perfect for refining your interview or musical recordings before sharing them with others. 

But if you are conducting an interview, you can switch the PCM-D10 from stereo to monaural mode and record only on the left channel when using an XLR cable.

Final Verdict On PCM-D100

The Sony PCM-D100 is an exceptional field recorder designed for professional audio capture. Its advanced technology and reliable build quality make it a great choice for audio professionals and podcast hosts looking for a high-quality recording experience. Its quiet preamps, sensitive microphones and multiple-track recording capabilities make it an excellent choice for capturing even the most subtle audio. The price tag may seem high, but the quality of the recorder justifies it, making the Sony PCM-D100 a great investment.