Topic: What's a better choice

[Phil Zone]

So I want to jump into 4-6 tracks. But I can't quite afford and r44. So the dr680 is my choice or I could get multiple m10s though tracking would be much harder.

So price wise it would be about the same to get 2 more m10s. So what's the better choice?

The number 1 most important thing is reliability!

Thanks

[adrianf74]

The answer to this is "it depends."

And by this, two M10's will be lighter to carry around and will have better battery run times.  A close friend uses the 680 religiously when running board and mics and has had few problems with it (one time it acted up because it had been in a trunk of a car all day and needed to warm up).  I've also had my M10 fail to write a file that had been recorded this past summer when it didn't shut down properly. 

Depending on your sources, you could also consider the R-26 which has a 1/8" input and XLR input.   I'm picking up a used Tascam DR-2D for 4-channel use but if I didn't have access to that I'd probably pick up a second M10 because I already own one.  Creating matrix mixes isn't that difficult between two diffent clock times but it does create extra work that can be annoying.

I'd say 680 ultimately if you don't already own an M10.

[runonce]

Nobody has said anything really bad about Zoom's new H6 recorder...yet.

[page]

Do you need to mix the tracks or are you just grabbing the tracks for casual comparison later?

I hated mixing across clock signals and compensating for drift as it's rarely fool-proof in the results...

[Phil Zone]

Do you need to mix the tracks or are you just grabbing the tracks for casual comparison later?

I hated mixing across clock signals and compensating for drift as it's rarely fool-proof in the results...

Ill be mixing them

[adrianf74]

Do you need to mix the tracks or are you just grabbing the tracks for casual comparison later?

I hated mixing across clock signals and compensating for drift as it's rarely fool-proof in the results...

Ill be mixing them

^^ 680.

[Gutbucket]

Do you need to mix the tracks or are you just grabbing the tracks for casual comparison later?

I hated mixing across clock signals and compensating for drift as it's rarely fool-proof in the results...

Ill be mixing them

In that case choose a multichannel machine over two stereo recorders.   I agree with these guys- its much easier, less painless, and usually less error prone and better overal quality to record all channels synced to the same clock (which in this case means all channels into one recorder). 

An exception is if you always have the two sources far apart and running long cables to one machine becomes more hassle than aligning and stretching files from mulitple machines to sync them.  But since you alreay have one M10, if that situation arrises you can always run both the mulitchannel recorder and the M10.

I've sync'd files from three separate machines numerous times.  Not having to do that is one reason I love the DR-680!

[DigiGal]

Do you need to mix the tracks or are you just grabbing the tracks for casual comparison later?

I hated mixing across clock signals and compensating for drift as it's rarely fool-proof in the results...

Ill be mixing them

^^ 680.

Another recommendation to go Tascam DR680 per your requirements.

[Phil Zone]

Do you need to mix the tracks or are you just grabbing the tracks for casual comparison later?

I hated mixing across clock signals and compensating for drift as it's rarely fool-proof in the results...

Ill be mixing them

^^ 680.

Another recommendation to go Tascam DR680 per your requirements.

But factoring in reliablity what do you all think. I don't want to ever have a problem, and with my m10 I've never had a problem. And what are the issues people have had with dr680s?

[DigiGal]

I can't speak for reliability because I don't own one.  It's a popular unit here with several members using them just like the m10, here are the main DR680 threads...

part 1: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=131128.0
part 2: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=137231.360
part 3: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=141730.0
part 4: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=147677.0
part 5: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=157462.0

[dallman]

The DR680 was designed for multi track recording and the M10 is not. I find the DR 680 a breeze to use and a breeze to mix and match channels. I do keep 6 custom short cables attached to the deck at all times because lining up 6 cables and having the deck positioned where I want it was the only hassle I ever had. I use the deck frequently have never had a single problem. It can do a great deal, but is really intuitive and easy to use. As far as reliability, there were battery issues stemming from incorrect power being supplied, discussed and solved, and apparently the deck is not good in 100 degree heat stuffed in a bag. Also, it is not wise to cut power while recording, as you will lose the file, but that is a pretty short list of manageable issues.

The m10 seems to have its share of issues and seems to have a limited life if exposed to even normal wear and tear. If you have ever tried to match files from 2 decks, it can be a nightmare depending on how the mics are oriented to the source. With the DR680, the files are easily matched together and there also is the option of recording a mixed track although in my experience it you are multi-tracking  or mixing a board and audience recording, it is great, if you are just trying to blend 4 of 6 mics in an audience PAS situation to get the best of each, it is not ever as good as the individual mics. The m-10 is a very popular deck, but if you plan to multi-track it is not a deck designed to do that so why go through the hassle?

[DigiGal]

Exactly, when it comes to multi track recording the DR680 "can core a apple" where multiple m10's can not.  - You'll want to go with The Chef of the Future for the task.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22oCaiccz3w

[pohaku]

While there were early issues relating auxiliary battery voltage, those appear to have been addressed.  I've had no issues whatsoever with mine.  Personally, I have no desire to try and line up and sync unclocked tracks.  Way easier to do it all in one machine.  If you only want 4 tracks a DR2d would be an alternate consideration if you can find one.   If you think you might do 6 or 8 tracks  from time to time, you might as well just get a DR-680 and call it a day.  Remember you need a digital source for the last 2 tracks with a DR-680.