Marantz 2-Channel DSLR Audio Interface PMD-602A

Been using this pre-amp almost a year with my Lumix FX300 (which has 1/8 audio in for direct audio recording). Regardless of hand-held, lav or overhead condenser, this little box is blowing my mind. 😁👈Low noise, quality sound, good battery life. For the money, it was the smartest move I ever made with my humble kit.I don't claim to be a pro. I was honored to win Best Music Video Grand Jury Award at the 2014 Indi Cina Film Festival and have been in the industry for awhile with a brawd range of quality equipment products.I recommend adding this piece to your collection.

Big, heavy, chunky metal box (like having another DSLR bolted to the bottom of your DSLR) with lots of amplification and a clear control layout. Noise floor isn't bad at the low amplification level, though I think my re-jiggered iRig is cleaner. At high amplification, noise is noticeable.And almost everything works - except the monitor switch and headphone jack. For whatever reason, it allows you to listen to the signal from the amp, or from the camera - but only when the camera is in playback mode, not while recording. There is no live monitoring from the camera. WTF?I wrote to Marantz for clarification (Is this a wiring problem or just dopey design?) and got no response. When I asked the seller, they told me to contact Marantz. Bupkis feedback loop. So it works okay if you don't mind a heavy design and a fairly pointless headphone amp. Mine is going back.

This worked great! I see it is now "discontinued" on the Marantz site, but I do not know the replacement model. Initially, I used this for microphones to audio in for a Video camera. Later, I found that using the "line in" setting, it works great to convert "line-level" audio from devices. This was a HUGE bonus.

Arrived quickly and was packaged well.Bigger than most and built like a tank it is also a bit heavy. That being said you get used to it and even like the substantial feel. Solid metal tripod mounts (female on bottom and male on top) allow a firm and secure attachment to your camera. If you remove the top tripod mount there is even a cold shoe attachment. One issue I found was that the top tripod mount has a very thin foam pad to buffer the PMD-602a and keep it firm from rotation once mounted. The pad is too thin and doesn't work as designed. I added a thicker rubber pad to it and all is fine. You can see it in the pics I've uploaded. In addition to that I might add that the battery compartment is clunky but solid. You must place a ribbon under the batteries to remove them or you will have a devil of a time getting them out.Features of the PMD-602a are many.While it has the ability to add multiple plug types such as XLR, 1/4" mono or TRS. 1/8" isn't one of them as far as input goes. If you have a mic that requires 1/8" then look elsewhere. For me the XLR was most important as it allows professional choices for mics and other equipment.On the control panel are left/right volume, line or mic or phantom level switch. Output gain Hi/Lo switch. Phantom power with dual voltages (12v or 48v) and a very nice to have a input limiter for when you have a spike in levels. In addition there is a headphone amp and volume control for it. The ladder LED display allows you to visually monitor the gain as well. Batteries (4) last about 6 hours with phantom power on. Not bad but you might keep an extra set with you.The most important part, the SOUND of the PMD-602a is very good. Very little if any self noise provided it is set up right. A word of warning though is the output is LINE LEVEL. If your camera can't handle the hot output you have pick up an attenuating cable of approx 20db. Mine as well as most other newer Canon's handle this fine. Another tip for good sound is turn the AGC on the camera off and set the level manually. I use large diaphragm studio mics and am impressed with the uncolored flat sound this provides. I don't have to use any EQ as the sound of this is transparent to what the mic puts out. Good mic=good sound. The monitor amp (headphones) leaves a lot to be desired though. I found it a bit noisy in a self noise way but this noise isn't present on the recordings. I have no test equipment other than my ears so take that with a grain of salt.So...Pros- Great build quality and sound. Price, as this is on the less expensive side of pro equipment.Cons- Output Line Level only, battery compartment, no 1/8" input. Too thin a rubber mount pad. Monitor amp is noisy.

First of all, it is a brand-name product, and it is best to have a reliable appearance and a crisp feel just by touching it.I bought a lot of Chinese brand products, but even just looking at them, they are cheap and fragile, and I don't like them because they are awkward.

Low fluttering noise in audio recording. I just started using the Marantz Audio Interface on long video recordings (over 60 minutes). None of them are good due to a low fluttering noise all through the audio recording. I removed the unit and used only the camcorder mic and the noise is not there. Hooked it up and the noise is there. I can't return it because the return date elapsed. That's on me.So I'm stuck with this Marantz PMD-602A 2 Channel DSLR Audio Interface that is no good to me.Buyer beware!!! Make sure you do all your testing before the return date expires!It gets a one star rating because there is no negative star ratings!! What a waste of money.

This little mixer is built really well and sounds good. The knobs and switches have a nice feel to them. All in all this a great piece of gear.It is not ideal for run and gun work as the case weighs as much as a camera body.