Been reading these threads and I want to buy one but man... This recorder seems way more complicated than it should be.
I think the word versatile is what should be in place of complicated. I think any deck has a learning curve, but many of them are designed for the exact same functionality, so perhaps the learning curve is shorter after one becomes comfortable with basic taping terms and techniques. If anyone owns a Sound Devices USB Pre 2, there are (I think) 17 DIP switches to set, so it might take a little time to figure it out. Same with the Marantz PMD 661 and the PMD 620 which allows three very detailed presets. This deck is a breeze, but has lots of usage options. I have not learned them all (for instance I do not podcast so I have paid no attention to that), but I know how to record 2 track, 4 track, 6 track with or without the L and R mix, and I know how to use the knobs on front for gain or for fade. I know how to do the functions that I want to use and I have set 3 presets., At 62 years of age
, I will forget much of what I learned over time, especially as I like to rotate through different decks.
I would say this deck is no more complicated than any other of the popular decks often mentioned on this site. It is one of the more versatile. It also is not for everyone, it seems that taping styles, music tastes venues and local customs are some of the variables that best determine the right deck for each of us.