Marantz PMD661 Manual PDF

The Marantz PMD661 is a professional portable solid-state recorder featuring built-in stereo microphones, XLR inputs with phantom power, USB 2.0 connectivity, SD/SDHC card compatibility, and high-quality audio recording capabilities. Below are key sections covering features, operation, specifications, connectivity, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Recording Settings 7. Playback Features 8. File Management 9. USB Connectivity 10. Power Options 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Built-in stereo microphones, XLR inputs with phantom power, SD/SDHC card slot, USB 2.0 port, headphone output, line output, and comprehensive recording controls.

Feature	Description
Built-in stereo mics	High-quality condenser microphones for field recording
XLR inputs	Professional balanced inputs with +48V phantom power
SD/SDHC card slot	Supports up to 32GB cards for extended recording
USB 2.0 port	For file transfer and computer connectivity
Headphone output	With volume control for monitoring
Line output	For connection to external audio systems
Recording formats	WAV (BWF) and MP3 formats
Sample rates	44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz
Bit depths	16-bit and 24-bit recording
Power options	AC adapter or 6x AA batteries

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Prepare for first use.

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, install 6x AA batteries.
Install memory card: Insert SD/SDHC card into slot.
Connect microphones: Use XLR inputs for external mics if needed.
Connect headphones: Plug into headphone jack for monitoring.
Power on: Switch to appropriate power source.

WARNING! Use only recommended power sources. Do not expose to moisture.

Basic Operation

Power on unit; follow setup procedure.

Format memory card: Use MENU > CARD > FORMAT for new cards.
Set recording format: Choose WAV or MP3 in REC SETUP menu.
Adjust input levels: Use INPUT LEVEL knob and monitor with headphones.
Start recording: Press REC and PLAY simultaneously.
Stop recording: Press STOP button.

CAUTION! Always monitor recording levels to prevent distortion.

Specifications

Recording Media: SD/SDHC card (up to 32GB)
Recording Formats: WAV (BWF), MP3
Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz
Bit Depth: 16-bit, 24-bit
Inputs: XLR (balanced), built-in stereo mics
Outputs: Headphone, line output
Phantom Power: +48V for XLR inputs
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Power Supply: AC adapter or 6x AA batteries
Battery Life: Approx. 4 hours (alkaline batteries)

Controls and Functions

Front panel: POWER switch, INPUT LEVEL knob, REC/PAUSE, PLAY, STOP, FF, REW, MENU, navigation buttons.

Input Section: MIC/LINE switch, phantom power switch, input level meters. Menu System: Access via MENU button; navigate with arrow keys. Settings include recording format, sample rate, file naming, and system preferences.

Recording Settings

Access recording options via MENU > REC SETUP.

Select format: Choose between WAV and MP3
Set sample rate: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, or 96kHz
Choose bit depth: 16-bit or 24-bit (WAV only)
MP3 bit rate: 64kbps to 320kbps
Input source: Built-in mics, XLR inputs, or line input
Limiter: Enable/disable input limiter
Low cut filter: Reduce low-frequency noise

Tip: Use 24-bit/96kHz for highest quality recordings.

Playback Features

Playback recorded files with various options.

Select file: Use navigation buttons to choose file
Play: Press PLAY button
Fast forward/rewind: Use FF/REW during playback
Skip tracks: Use navigation buttons
Repeat: Enable repeat mode in playback menu
Delete files: Use DELETE function in file menu
Mark points: Set cue points during playback

WARNING! Backup important files before deleting.

File Management

Organize and manage audio files on memory card.

File structure: Organized by date and project. File naming: Automatic or custom naming. Folder creation: Manual folder creation supported. File transfer: Via USB to computer.

USB Connectivity

Connect to computer for file transfer and control.

Connect USB cable: Use provided USB cable
Select USB mode: Choose storage or control mode
Transfer files: Drag and drop files on computer
Remote control: Use with compatible software

CAUTION! Safely eject device from computer before disconnecting.

Power Options

Multiple power sources available.

Batteries: 6x AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH). AC Power: Use provided AC adapter. Battery Life: Approximately 4 hours with alkaline batteries. Power Management: Auto power-off feature available.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Unit won't power on	Dead batteries/power issue	Replace batteries; check AC adapter connection
No sound recording	Input settings/mic connection	Check input source selection; verify mic connection
Memory card error	Card format/corruption	Reformat card; try different card
Distorted audio	Input levels too high	Reduce input level; enable limiter
USB not recognized	Driver/cable issue	Reinstall drivers; try different USB cable

Reset: Menu > System > Initialize to factory settings.

Service: Contact authorized Marantz service center for repairs.