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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: vantheman on October 12, 2021, 09:55:37 PM

Title: Tascam DR-680 SD card
Post by: vantheman on October 12, 2021, 09:55:37 PM
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.
Title: Re: Tascam DR-680 mkii SD card
Post by: vantheman on October 13, 2021, 08:36:54 AM
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.
Title: Re: Tascam DR-680 SD card
Post by: Gutbucket on October 13, 2021, 09:25:00 AM
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.
Title: Re: Tascam DR-680 SD card
Post by: goodcooker on October 13, 2021, 11:55:53 AM

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.

Title: Re: Tascam DR-680 SD card
Post by: Gutbucket on October 13, 2021, 12:50:07 PM
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.
Title: Re: Tascam DR-680 SD card
Post by: GLouie on October 14, 2021, 10:15:03 AM
Ensure that you use SDHC in the original 680 and not SDXC.
Title: Re: Tascam DR-680 SD card
Post by: rocksuitcase on October 14, 2021, 03:15:21 PM
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