so you found that running the MIC in was too hot for concert taping?
huh. I hadn't noticed (as I ran a 248 in front of it). But that means that the preamp in it may not be the same as the UA5 apparently.
running line in is the same thing only with some sort of pad built in, just like all of the other line in options on other preamps. Good to know.
Clipping should not be a problem at 24bit. There is no need to run that hot, ever. If you are riding at -6db and peaking over that, then you are in great shape.
There is also a "lock" button on the top so you dont mess anything up. I've never seen locking phantom switches on any of the other taping gear i've owned. shit, that little switch is better than the ua5 button.
4 channels for most of us is pretty useless, imo. It is fun to play with, but nothing we need.
Still, adding a preamp in front of this still keeps the cost of this sucker under $2k, assuming you can find a used V2 or SAX or Oade box under $700, which shouldnt be too hard.
If money were not object, then i too would want a 7xx.
the R4 is built STRICTLY with broadcast use in mind. Its ment to record quiet events, interviews..etc. Not jambands and 100+db of pressure in the air. Its too bad that they didn't build it to be suitable for everything under the sun.
However, if running line in solves that problem, and the mic preamps are not too noisey, then what the hey. This thing costs less than a new V3. Let us not forget that. $1,000 difference between this and anything else that comes close to it is *a big deal* to many.
Its too bad the Fostex FR2 doestn' have a hdd in there. But you know, that too suffers from brickwall w/o the Oade "O mod". Same boat. So the R4 is just swinging for par here only better as it has large storage options and 24/96 reliability. Not bad...and still for the same money as the FR2. Having owned both...I'll keep the R4 stability over nicer levles and trim pots on the Fostex.
I can't compare it directly to any of the SD boxes as i've not seen one, let alone used one.