^^
That makes sense.
Regarding media cards and formatting, I assume this unit will behave similarly to both the DR-680 and DR2d which I use. A couple comments on that that may be helpful-
With the DR-680 and the DR-2d, I’ve found it best to do full formats of the SDHC cards with a computer (formatting as FAT32) since doing that is far, far faster than trying to run a full format using the recorder. I then transfer the card to the recorder, power it up and it will either ask to format, requiring a press of the enter button (and doing a quick format), or it will just ask to write system files to the card, which also requires a press of the enter button. Writing system files does not erase the data on the card, it only adds system files and folders that the Tascam uses.
Important general notes on fast vs full-format (not specific to this recorder)-
Formatting erases the existing data on the card. Actually it’s more complex than that as computer savvy users will already know- A quick format basically erases the file system table of contents and allows the existing data on the card to be overwritten, but it may be possible to retrieve existing data before it has been overwritten by using file retrieval software. A full format completely erases the media, overwriting the existing data and also checking the full media for errors. Data is usually not recoverable after a full format. That applies to most all ‘flash’ recorders that use solid state media cards.
I share multiple SDHC cards between recorders and cameras. The Tascam machines are pickier about formatting and system files than my other recorders and cameras [edit- and will often ask to format a card it does not recognize, where as my Edirol R-44, R-09s, Panasonic and Cannon cameras generally work with any FAT32 formatted card]. To make sure I can use any freashly formatted card in any of my SDHC recorders and cameras, my working procedure for SDHC cards is as follows:
1) Do a full format of the card with a computer (choose FAT32 file system).
2) Put card in DR-680 and power up. DR-680 will ask to format (doing a quick format) and will write folders and system files to the card.
3) Put card in DR2d and power up. DR2d will ask to write its own system file.
4) Put card in the pool of ‘empty and ready to use cards’. Any of my devices will now read and write to the card. A couple cameras will add their own folders and system files the first time a formatted card is used in them, but they don’t specifically ask to do and present a risk of accidental formatting.
Note: The DR-680 is picker than the DR-2d. With a freshly computer formatted card, the DR-680 will require it’s own quick format (erasing anything that may be on the card) while the DR2d usually only requires writing system files, which does not risk erasing other data that is already present. By following the procedure above, I can interchange cards at any time between all of my devices, without having to re-format and loose data. Good pre-festival procedure, but maybe unnecessary if you don’t need the flexibility of swapping cards around.