Topic: Convince me I should buy an Edirol R-4

[dorrcoq]

I'm thinking of upgrading my stealth rig R-09.  A local music store has a clearance model R-4 for $799 (and that's Canadian dollars, so no 30% premium!)

Should I do it?

[vwmule]

get the R-44

[dorrcoq]

get the R-44

Well...it's a lot more money, and not available locally that I can find.

[goodcooker]

IMO

pros
HDD based so less worrying about media
sounds decent stock really good modded
lots of in - out options
4 channels
price

cons
if power is interupted recording is lost
crappy screen/meters
can only use 2 chan if using digi in

I really liked my Busman R4
if I go back to 4 channels it will be with a Oade R44

[Dede2002]

I'm thinking of upgrading my stealth rig R-09.  A local music store has a clearance model R-4 for $799 (and that's Canadian dollars, so no 30% premium!)

Should I do it?

If you need to be convinced, you probably should not.

[dorrcoq]

I'm thinking of upgrading my stealth rig R-09.  A local music store has a clearance model R-4 for $799 (and that's Canadian dollars, so no 30% premium!)

Should I do it?

If you need to be convinced, you probably should not.

True.  If I wasn't hesitant I would have bought it already.  I had the online sales order completely filled out, and then thought I should post here first.

[rowjimmytour]

IMO

pros
HDD based so less worrying about media
sounds decent stock really good modded
lots of in - out options
4 channels
price

cons
if power is interupted recording is lost
crappy screen/meters
can only use 2 chan if using digi in

I really liked my Busman R4
if I go back to 4 channels it will be with a Oade R44

Do it you will be happy I have never got a digital board feed and the meters take time but you do get use to them.

[Krispy D]

not to knock but the OP says you are upgrading your stealth rig?  The R4 is no little girl.  She's got curves~!  I just got mine and it is way bigger than I remember it being.  I'm not complaining, but you can't crotch one that is for sure.

[dorrcoq]

Well, I guess I should rephrase that.  Not upgrading my stealth rig, but upgrading to a non-stealth rig.  How's that? 

[Krispy D]

in that case I love my R4...

[dorrcoq]

Looks like internal battery recording time is the biggest drawback.

[rowjimmytour]

Looks like internal battery recording time is the biggest drawback.

I have come up w/ about 1250mah w/ back light on, running 4 channels and using phantom power x 2 Rechargeable AA are 2600mah at most I think so you would get about 2 hours but really easy rig to use external battery set up. All you need to do is DIY power cord to DVD lithium or rc Battery.

[wklitz]

yeah, internal power was never great with the R-4, but with even a small DVD battery, they last forever.  Just make sure that if you get one, you keep it from taking too much vibration as the HD WILL screw up.  keeping a jacket or folded towel under mine always did the trick.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I would guess a R-44 would last longer on internal batteries since it doesn't have any moving parts.

I'd rather run a CF rig that a HD rig...but that's just my opinion, man.

[Gordon]

get the R-44