MT2496 will do splits but not seamless. It will work on it's own and start a new file, or faster if you hit record twice. And how fast also depends on the size of the card and file size as the MT2496 must save the file first. That said as a bit bucket, MT2 is seamless so much better for that purpose. The MT2 has problems with the TRS jacks when the input is unbalanced, the MT2496 does not. The MT 2496 has additional gain controls on the side, the MT2 does not. The MT2496 runs super hot so easily distorts on the 3.5mm jacks, the MT2 (I am told) does not. I own many of the smaller decks (LS-10, DR-08, DR 2D, R-05, DR100mkII) and I still like the MT for my purposes most of the time. And of course none of those will operate as a bit bucket. The decks are quirky though and if you do not follow certain processes (lock the controls, and watch the file save before shutting it wdown) you are asking for disaster. Once those are mastered, the deck is fine. It is possible though that there are a lot of tempermental or poorly made ones out there, I have had good luck personally.