The Sony PCM-10 Digital Audio Processor is a rather elusive piece of audio technology. Despite its reputation and the quality associated with Sony’s PCM line, detailed information about this particular model is surprisingly scarce. Whether you’re looking for technical specifications, user manuals, or even anecdotal experiences, resources are limited. This makes it challenging for enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals to fully understand and utilise the PCM-10 to its potential.
If you have any knowledge, documentation, or insights about the Sony PCM-10, we encourage you to share it with us. Your contribution could help fill in the gaps and assist others who are also searching for information on this rare device. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have something to add.
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The Sony PCM-10 was mentioned in a 1981 consumer Sony user manual for the Sony SL-5000 Video Cassette Recorder, which would seem to indicate it was a consumer model, despite its resemblance to the Sony PCM-1630.:
“Captioned TV programs* can be recorded and played back with this recorder when a decoder unit or a TV designed to receive closed caption signals is connected. PCM recording and playback can also be made when a PCM digital audio processor, such as the Sony PCM-10, is connected. For captioned program or PCM playback, set the CAPTIONS + PCM switch under the cover to the left position.”
However, there is also mention of the Sony PCM-10 in the recording of Telarc Records’ Verdi, Requiem & Operatic Choruses released in 1987:
Recorded in Symphony Hall, Atlanta, on April 11, 12 & 14, 1987
Microphones: Schoeps MK-2S & MK-4 & Sanken CU-41
Digital Recording Processor: Sony PCM 1610 modified by Tony Faulkner
Console: Neotek, custom-built, wired with Monster Cable Series III
Monitor Speakers: ADS Model 1530
Power Amplifier: Threshold Model S/500 Stasis with optical bias
Microphone & Interconnecting Cables: Monster Cable Prolink Series I,
Interlink & M1
Control Room Acoustic Treatment: Sonex from illbruck/usa
Soundex from Monster Cable
Digital Editing: Sony DAE 1100
During the recording of the digital masters and the subsequent transfer to disc, the entire audio chain was transformerless. The signal was not passed through any processing device (i.e., compression, limiting, or equalization) at any step during production.
Original digital recording and subsequent transfer to Sony PCM-10 format for editing was through Suma Digital Processor, custom-built by Kenneth Hamann.
In the Popular Science magazine, No.3 from 1981, there is also mention of the Sony PCM-10 being used for consumer recording:
Music recorded on video cassettes (top) as coded digital signals offers ultimate in audio fidelity with Sony PCM-10 decoder.
