The Superscope PSD450 desktop digital audio recorder is a workhorse that can do far more than any pocket audio recorder but this power comes with a steep price tag. Still, for many users the PSD450 provides features and capabilities that not only make recording a breeze but also make practicing and preparing for that performance much more effective.
Superscope PSD450 Best Features
The PSD450 has all of the traditional features that one would expect in a modern digital audio recorder. High quality WAV and MP3 audio formats are available, the unit has both built in and external microphone source capability, and it provides basic metronome and chromatic tuner capabilities.
In addition to these basics, though, the PSD450 goes far beyond the abilities of the current crop of ultra portable digital audio recorders by including a 40 gigabyte internal hard drive, a MiniSD slot for additional storage, and a slot loading CD burner built into the unit. In total, the PSD450 can store hundreds of hours of audio (depending on quality) in its internal memory, then dump that data out either to CD, SD, or to a computer connected by the included USB cable.
Aside from the many storage and output features in the Superscope PSD450 there are also many other nice features that serious audio enthusiasts would want to have. In addition to the built in stereo microphones there are also two built in XLR microphone jacks complete with phantom power capability as well as ¼ inch jacks for plugging in instruments and a pair of RCA audio in/out jacks as well.
All of these inputs provide the user with tons of flexibility when recording in different environments or with different artists. The unit even allows the user to mix between these inputs to some extent, providing a way to record both vocals and guitar at the same time for example onto the same track while independently adjusting mic and gain levels without the need for an external mixer.
Only A Few Minor Drawbacks To The PSD450
In terms of recording quality and ease of use a user will be hard pressed to find any significant issues. The huge LCD screen is bright and easy to read, albeit rather sparse on information on some screens. The inclusion of a MiniSD card slot is a minor annoyance since swapping the card into a computer or other device will often mean needing a full size SD card adapter.
Another minor issue is the fair but not overly impressive (at least for this review) response of the built in internal microphones. In such a nice unit it would have been nice to see larger mics instead of the tiny little pinhole mics that are installed in it.
Despite these minor drawbacks the Superscope PSD450 is a great choice for anyone needing lots of control and excellent quality in their recording sessions. Whether running on batteries or plugged into the wall the PSD450 has more than enough power to pull off all night recording sessions without a second thought.
Retailing at around $1200 the unit is definitely aimed at more advanced users, but anyone from the amateur to the professional will benefit from its features and convenience.
Chad Criswell - Chad Criswell is a professional educator and freelance technology writer for numerous online and print publications throughout the United ...
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