Marantz has announced the release of the PMD580, and with it, improvements to both the hardware and software of the PMD family. The PMD580 adds ethernet and RS232 and networking capabilities with it as well as XLR I/Os, AES/EBU interface, and 24-bit revolution.

Of course now that I've spoiled all the new goodies available with the PMD580, there's no reason to read on . . . or is there? The new PMD580 is a rackmountable digital solid state recorder that carries the torch of quality passed on from prior models.

With new network connectivity features, the PMD580 can be controlled via a web-based GUI from any computer in the network. This means that anyone with access to the network can remotely set menu parameters, schedule recording events, and transfer or archive audio files. This is great for events like course lectures as an internal clock can trigger recording so your whacked out philosophy teacher doesn't spend the whole class eating granola bars and pondering the existence of on and off.

Marantz's Peter Papageorge had this to say about the new and exciting networking capabilities:

"By adding network connectivity, the PMD580 takes the solid-state digital recorder to an entirely new level, one that will vastly increase users' flexibility and their ability to communicate, the ultimate mission of any recording device. With the introduction of the PMD580 Compact Digital Recorder, Marantz Professional can now offer an array of market sectors a 'good-better-best' solution, consisting of the PMD560, PMD570 and now the PMD580. It's more than a product -- it's a solution."