Introduction
Finding a compact, professional-grade recorder that doesn’t compromise on sound quality is a challenge for any field recordist or sound designer. The Deity PR-2 Stereo Pocket Recorder is a tiny powerhouse designed for just this purpose.
In this review, I’ll cover my first impressions, microphone tests, a comparison with the legendary Olympus LS-14, and why this little recorder surprised me in the field.
Why the Deity PR-2 Stands Out
The PR-2’s appeal is simple yet compelling:
- Pocket-sized form factor – easy to carry or clip on a bag
- Up to 30 hours of battery life on just 2×AA batteries
- Professional recording options – 24-bit, 32-bit float (mono), timecode support
- Plug-in Power support – perfect for mics like the Clippy EM172s
While I haven’t tested the 32-bit float mode or timecode features yet, the PR-2 excels at what most field recordists need: reliable stereo and mono recording in a compact package.
Field Test: Microphone Experiments
I tested the PR-2 with a range of microphones to see how it performs in real-world conditions:
1. Deity Lavalier Mic (Included)
Simple, clean mono recordings — perfect for dialogue
2. Beyerdynamic M88
A robust dynamic mic delivering crisp audio with minimal noise. (Note: I accidentally call it an “M10” in the video.)
3. Clippy EM172 Stereo Pair
My go-to for stealth ambiences. Requires Plug-in Power, which the PR-2 supplies at 5V.
Coming Soon: 32-bit float mode (mono) and timecode functionality.
Deity PR-2 vs Olympus LS-14
To evaluate performance, I recorded the same mics using my trusty and underrated Olympus LS-14 – infact I have two of these they’re so good…
- Headphone Amp Noise: The PR-2’s headphone output is slightly noisier than the LS-14.
- Recording Quality: No impact on actual recordings; the audio remains clear and professional.
- Size & Portability: The PR-2 is smaller and lighter, making it ideal for on-the-go recording.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-portable and pocket-friendly
- Excellent 24-bit stereo and mono recording
- Up to 30 hours of battery life
- Plug-in Power support for mics
- Affordable compared to other pro-level field recorders
- 32bit float available in mono
- Extensive timecode options
Cons
- Headphone amp noisier than expected
- 32-bit float mode is mono only
Final Thoughts
The Deity PR-2 truly surprised me. It delivers professional-level audio, extreme portability, and long battery life. While it won’t replace a MixPre-3, it’s not meant to — it’s a tiny, always-ready recorder for field recording, ambiences, and sound effects.
If you’re looking for a small, reliable pocket recorder that punches well above its weight, the PR-2 deserves serious consideration.
Changing the batteries and SD Card on the Deity PR-2