Topic: Tascam DR-680 SD card

[vantheman]

Hi all,

Can someone recommend, in 2021, an SD card I can use with this model? I bought a used unit recently on Reverb, and either I’m reading the manual wrong or the SD card feature doesn’t work on the unit. I’ve tried 3 different SD cards and none of them work, they are come up as invalid. So I thought I’d ask for a specific card, ideally with an Amazon link, to one that’s known to work. I need to record 4 channels, at 24/96, for 3-4 hours.

[vantheman]

Ok, well one problem is that this is the original 680, not the mkii. But the product numbers that Tascam tested don’t seem to be available to buy anymore.

[Gutbucket]

DR-680 isn't particularly picky about SD cards, in my experience.

Try formatting the cards in the recorder first.
Try reformatting them with a computer (FAT32).
Try cleaning the card slot contacts.

I used both mk1 and mk2 versions of this recorder, typically with a 32GB SDHC, mostly "nothing special type" Kingston and Transcend cards of the day, but plenty of others worked fine as well.

[goodcooker]

I have a 680 MK1 and it's not been fussy about cards. I use Sandisk Ultra Plus 16Gb and 32 Gb cards that I bought on clearance for like $7.

[Gutbucket]

That's why I suspect there may be gunk on the card slot contacts.

Spray some contact cleaner in there using the little spray tube, or alternately dip an SD card in some 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol.  Then insert/remove the card a few times, reapply whichever solvent and repeat.  The solvent + friction of insertion should clean off the contacts.

I've successfully used the above technique on a Tascam DR2d that suffered dirty card contacts.

[GLouie]

Ensure that you use SDHC in the original 680 and not SDXC.

[rocksuitcase]

Ensure that you use SDHC in the original 680 and not SDXC.

This. and when it comes up invalid, go to the menu and do a quick or full format
I own two original 680's and use the above Sandisk Ultra Plus 16Gb and 32 Gb cards. Never an issue