Took the DR-2d and STC-9200 out for the first run last night. Recorded CA-14(cards) > STC-9200 > DR-2d. Sure is going to be strange typing 9200 into my sources instead of 9000 which I've used all along. Ran with the DR-2d in a pocket, so I was worried about overheating but everything went fine. Really nice unit, much more durable than the 05 and 07, and especially the 03. I particularly like how the design is more metal than plastic, which was my main gripe with the other Tascams.
The only issue I had was the levels were a little lower than I prefer. There were 3 bands, one amplified solo acoustic set and 2 ska bands all performing in a GA theater, recording was about 10" back from stage on the floor, 7' ROC. IMO a decent mix of stage sound and PA, the horns from the stage sound particularly good. For the first 2 sets I had the tascam line in at 95 and the STC-9200 @ 100% with +10 gain. The solo acoustic set came out real low, needing to be amplified 22.7db to get max levels in post. The first ska band, still line in at 95 and +10 gain, came out a little louder but still needs to be amplified 18.7db to get to -.01db in post. For the main set, I upped the Tascam input to 98 and change the STC-9200 to +15db gain. That set only needs about 8.8db amplification so that is a little better. I guess none of this is that bad because it's better to come out low than clipping and none of the sources are "dangerously low." I was just expecting higher levels, even considered using the dual recording with the -6db pad for safety. Would have felt pretty silly had I used that. In these cases, should I have bumped the STC-9200 up to +30db instead and left the input at 95, or should I have left the gain on the STC at +15 and changed the Tascam input to 100? +30 seems like a lot so I think I'll stick with +15 on the STC and 98 on the Tascam. Of course in a boomy arena or dome shaped shed I might be a little more conservative. Again, I'm glad it came out lower rather than clipping, after all that's why I run in 24bit.
Regarding the internals, I went to record a local bar band after that show and made a decent recording of that. Only problem is the recording was on the verge of clipping with the volume set to 95. Then I realized the Mic settings are supposed to be lower, 67 per this thread. I don't plan on using them much if at all but I thought I might mention the importance of remembering the differences if using the internals.