Topic: HD P-2 -VS-R4

[rowjimmytour]

I am trying to decide which one to buy and this also depends on how much I am able to get for my back end of my rig I have now. I would like to get either one w/ a mod right away but am not sure if I can afford it right away. Which one sounds better right out of the box? and if I can afford a mod version which one gives me more bang for my buck? Also in case I have to buy from fleabay will busman still mod a HD P-2 or R4?
Peace

[OFOTD]

I am trying to decide which one to buy and this also depends on how much I am able to get for my back end of my rig I have now. I would like to get either one w/ a mod right away but am not sure if I can afford it right away. Which one sounds better right out of the box? and if I can afford a mod version which one gives me more bang for my buck? Also in case I have to buy from fleabay will busman still mod a HD P-2 or R4?
Peace

Good topic.   I believe that both boxes sound really good after mods as well as having the mods that compliment the mics that you're running.  One thing in the HDP2's favor over the R4 (not R4 Pro) is the addition of timecode.  I don't know how important that is to you but for some it it the deal maker or breaker.

Here is the where the comparison gets complicated and will I assume ultimately decide your direction.

Four channel vs. two channel.   Really as simple as that.   For roughly the same price one has four channels and one has two.  I prefer four 

Sound wise like I said above depending on the mod and if that flavor of mod compliments your mics I think both boxes are pretty close sound wise. 

The best suggestion i'd have for you is to talk to Busman as I think he also runs some ADK's. 

[rowjimmytour]

I do some matrix work w/ a few bands so 4 channel matrix would be cool but my number one thing right now is HD device -Vs-CF card and which one would be better w/ my TL's if I can't afford a mod right away.
Peace

[kirk97132]

I'm running a P2 w/ADK-A51s's and couldn't be happier.  I am gonna get the Bussman mod when time permits.  Had a good buddy who just sold his R4.  FWIW he had some occasional problems when using it in a LOUD rock environment (hard drive write errors), I've heard of others on this board with the same problem.  He even had Bussman upgrade the harddrive but it still happened.  The P2 has no moving parts so never a problem no matter how loud it is. My .02

[rowjimmytour]

I'm running a P2 w/ADK-A51s's and couldn't be happier.  I am gonna get the Bussman mod when time permits.  Had a good buddy who just sold his R4.  FWIW he had some occasional problems when using it in a LOUD rock environment (hard drive write errors), I've heard of others on this board with the same problem.  He even had Bussman upgrade the harddrive but it still happened.  The P2 has no moving parts so never a problem no matter how loud it is. My .02

Not sure if loud shows would be a problem for me but heat would for sure. Last week at HSMF the heat peaked at 106 and I had problems w/ recordings all week long some worse then others.
Peace

[easy jim]

I have not had any heat related issues with my R-4 Pro, Jim, and have used it in some very heat-intense situations.

I think if you need something that is going to sound good stock, the P2 is going to be better than the R-4/R-4 Pro.  However, a Busman Mod. R-4 Pro through Cascademedia is no more expensive than the MSRP and I'm sure the regular R-4, as well as both with the Oade Mod offerings, will also be not much (if) more than a stock unit purchased new.  Some used R-4s have been floating around the YS lately.

I knew I wanted a 4 track HD unit, and I agonized a bit over the R-4 vs. the R-4 Pro since a SD 744t was way more than I could possibly afford.  The AES/EBU digi in (w/o resample) on the R-4 Pro vs. a s/pdif in on the R-4 (which does resample), in combination with the gain/trim pots (R-4 Pro) vs. line/mic in switch + gain pot (R-4), convinced me it was worth the extra scratch to pony up for the Pro.

[rowjimmytour]

I have not had any heat related issues with my R-4 Pro, Jim, and have used it in some very heat-intense situations.

I think if you need something that is going to sound good stock, the P2 is going to be better than the R-4/R-4 Pro.  However, a Busman Mod. R-4 Pro through Cascademedia is no more expensive than the MSRP and I'm sure the regular R-4, as well as both with the Oade Mod offerings, will also be not much (if) more than a stock unit purchased new.  Some used R-4s have been floating around the YS lately.

I knew I wanted a 4 track HD unit, and I agonized a bit over the R-4 vs. the R-4 Pro since a SD 744t was way more than I could possibly afford.  The AES/EBU digi in (w/o resample) on the R-4 Pro vs. a s/pdif in on the R-4 (which does resample), in combination with the gain/trim pots (R-4 Pro) vs. line/mic in switch + gain pot (R-4), convinced me it was worth the extra scratch to pony up for the Pro.

Yeahh over on Oades site the mod is not much more but I couldn't check on Cascadmedia for the HD P2 price because it was down. Any one know whats up? frank already quoted me a nice price for a busman mod R4 for all channels. Also would it be cheaper or worth while to only do two channels?
Peace

[OFOTD]

Yeahh over on Oades site the mod is not much more but I couldn't check on Cascadmedia for the HD P2 price because it was down. Any one know whats up? frank already quoted me a nice price for a busman mod R4 for all channels. Also would it be cheaper or worth while to only do two channels?
Peace

I believe that both Cascade's and Doug's prices are right in the same range for the units and mods.   Busman/Cascade though seem to do mods to units not purchansed from them though which may be a positive for you.

The flavors depend on what you'll be taping though.  For me on my R4 Pro I have channels 1&2 with the basic concert mod.  Since the vast majority if not all of my recordings on those channels will be coming from the V3 I did not feel it necessary to spend more when I wouldn't get the value out of those two channels modded.  On 3&4 I have a Warm mod.  For these channels I would either use them to record from a SBD feed or to plug in a second set of mics directly like a set of omni's for example.   Obviously the mod is only to the preamp section and not the a/d.

Maybe in your case you could get a flavored mod on 1&2 as your primary and just get the basic noise floor mod on 3&4 if you don't think you'll use them much mic direct wise.  The basic mods do sound much better than stock for both the R4 and HDP2.  You can always have either modder rework your unit if your tastes change in the future.

As far as the CF vs. HD debate I have to throw my hat in the HD route.  Tons of space.  Nothing to take in and out.  While people say that CF has no moving parts to fail it sure seems like there are more reports of people having recordings screwup using CF more than those using different HD type recorders.  BUt I assume those are all a YMMV type of situation.

[easy jim]

would it be cheaper or worth while to only do two channels?

Cheaper: probably...just ask Frank/Busman or the Oade Bros.
Worthwhile: Probably no, IMO, at least if you get a regular R-4 vs. a R-4 Pro.

With the regular R-4, if you do not mod. one pair of inputs they will really only be suitable IMO for either SBD feeds or when using an external pre.  With the R-4 Pro, that could be worthwhile if you do not mod. chan. 1/2 providing you plan to always send the R-4 Pro a digital signal via AES/EBU.  You could do that and send SBD feeds to chan. 1/2 until you have a chance to pick up a pre/A>D with an AES/EBU out (V3, MiniMe, Benchmark AD2k+, etc.)

With both the R-4 and R-4 Pro, the digital input overrides the analog inputs for chan. 1/2, though the digital in is worthless on the regular R-4 since it resamples the signal (just like the UA-5).

On mine, I have the Warm mod. on chan. 1/2  and the transparent on chan. 3/4.  That way, I can still use the T-mod chan. 3/4 for SBD feeds and have the choice open to either run a pair of my AKGs through the W-mod chan. 1/2 or to use my MiniMe and send a digi signal (+ clock).

[rowjimmytour]

would it be cheaper or worth while to only do two channels?

Cheaper: probably...just ask Frank/Busman or the Oade Bros.
Worthwhile: Probably no, IMO, at least if you get a regular R-4 vs. a R-4 Pro.

With the regular R-4, if you do not mod. one pair of inputs they will really only be suitable IMO for either SBD feeds or when using an external pre.  With the R-4 Pro, that could be worthwhile if you do not mod. chan. 1/2 providing you plan to always send the R-4 Pro a digital signal via AES/EBU.  You could do that and send SBD feeds to chan. 1/2 until you have a chance to pick up a pre/A>D with an AES/EBU out (V3, MiniMe, Benchmark AD2k+, etc.)

With both the R-4 and R-4 Pro, the digital input overrides the analog inputs for chan. 1/2, though the digital in is worthless on the regular R-4 since it resamples the signal (just like the UA-5).

On mine, I have the Warm mod. on chan. 1/2  and the transparent on chan. 3/4.  That way, I can still use the T-mod chan. 3/4 for SBD feeds and have the choice open to either run a pair of my AKGs through the W-mod chan. 1/2 or to use my MiniMe and send a digi signal (+ clock).

Are the RCA inputs okay for a SDB feed on R4 or is it better to use channel 3/4 XLR? And if you do use RCA input for SDB is this line in?
Peace

[Rick]

would it be cheaper or worth while to only do two channels?

Cheaper: probably...just ask Frank/Busman or the Oade Bros.
Worthwhile: Probably no, IMO, at least if you get a regular R-4 vs. a R-4 Pro.

With the regular R-4, if you do not mod. one pair of inputs they will really only be suitable IMO for either SBD feeds or when using an external pre.  With the R-4 Pro, that could be worthwhile if you do not mod. chan. 1/2 providing you plan to always send the R-4 Pro a digital signal via AES/EBU.  You could do that and send SBD feeds to chan. 1/2 until you have a chance to pick up a pre/A>D with an AES/EBU out (V3, MiniMe, Benchmark AD2k+, etc.)

With both the R-4 and R-4 Pro, the digital input overrides the analog inputs for chan. 1/2, though the digital in is worthless on the regular R-4 since it resamples the signal (just like the UA-5).

On mine, I have the Warm mod. on chan. 1/2  and the transparent on chan. 3/4.  That way, I can still use the T-mod chan. 3/4 for SBD feeds and have the choice open to either run a pair of my AKGs through the W-mod chan. 1/2 or to use my MiniMe and send a digi signal (+ clock).

Are the RCA inputs okay for a SDB feed on R4 or is it better to use channel 3/4 XLR? And if you do use RCA input for SDB is this line in?
Peace

The R4 doesn't have RCA inputs, only outputs.

Just to throw my hat in, if you're planning on doing any matrix stuff, get the R4. It's so easy to sync the two sources up that it literally doesn't take much longer to track a 4-channel recording then it would a 2-channel recording.

[OFOTD]

would it be cheaper or worth while to only do two channels?

Cheaper: probably...just ask Frank/Busman or the Oade Bros.
Worthwhile: Probably no, IMO, at least if you get a regular R-4 vs. a R-4 Pro.

With the regular R-4, if you do not mod. one pair of inputs they will really only be suitable IMO for either SBD feeds or when using an external pre.  With the R-4 Pro, that could be worthwhile if you do not mod. chan. 1/2 providing you plan to always send the R-4 Pro a digital signal via AES/EBU.  You could do that and send SBD feeds to chan. 1/2 until you have a chance to pick up a pre/A>D with an AES/EBU out (V3, MiniMe, Benchmark AD2k+, etc.)

With both the R-4 and R-4 Pro, the digital input overrides the analog inputs for chan. 1/2, though the digital in is worthless on the regular R-4 since it resamples the signal (just like the UA-5).

On mine, I have the Warm mod. on chan. 1/2  and the transparent on chan. 3/4.  That way, I can still use the T-mod chan. 3/4 for SBD feeds and have the choice open to either run a pair of my AKGs through the W-mod chan. 1/2 or to use my MiniMe and send a digi signal (+ clock).

Are the RCA inputs okay for a SDB feed on R4 or is it better to use channel 3/4 XLR? And if you do use RCA input for SDB is this line in?
Peace

On the R4 your only inputs are either XLR or 1/4" which plug into the center of the XLR terminal.   The RCA's are outputs only.

So say you have mics and a board feed.  Plug the mics either directly into 1&2 or use a preamp and then into 1&2.  Then for the board you run RCA > 1/4" or XLR adapters into 3&4.   The four tracks will be internally timecoded so matching them up in post is already done unless you have a bit of delay and then its as easy as just sliding one set over in your audio editor.

Here is a pic of a rca > 1/4" adapter.  They can be found at your local Radio Shack btw.

[rowjimmytour]

I just thought of one more thing that could make the R4 or HD P-2 a instant sale!!! I use a mac and pc right now for uploading/editing my recordings but my pc has been updated to vista(nothing but problems) and runs WL 5 w/ glitches and my mac only has audacity but is much easier to run. Does either one of these work better or worse w/ mac if ya got a good pull where all you got to do is track? What about a 4 channel matrix w/ r4? Is this possible w/ Audacity?
Peace

[OFOTD]

I just thought of one more thing that could make the R4 or HD P-2 a instant sale!!! I use a mac and pc right now for uploading/editing my recordings but my pc has been updated to vista(nothing but problems) and runs WL 5 w/ glitches and my mac only has audacity but is much easier to run. Does either one of these work better or worse w/ mac if ya got a good pull where all you got to do is track? What about a 4 channel matrix w/ r4? Is this possible w/ Audacity?
Peace

Its as easy as plugging in a USB cable to the R4.   As far as mac or pc it all depends on your software.  According to its feature list Audacity does offer four channel editing, although I use WaveLab for my four channel mixing.

[easy jim]

Are the RCA inputs okay for a SDB feed on R4 or is it better to use channel 3/4 XLR? And if you do use RCA input for SDB is this line in?
Peace

On the R4 your only inputs are either XLR or 1/4" which plug into the center of the XLR terminal.   The RCA's are outputs only.

So say you have mics and a board feed.  Plug the mics either directly into 1&2 or use a preamp and then into 1&2.  Then for the board you run RCA > 1/4" or XLR adapters into 3&4.   The four tracks will be internally timecoded so matching them up in post is already done unless you have a bit of delay and then its as easy as just sliding one set over in your audio editor.

Here is a pic of a rca > 1/4" adapter.  They can be found at your local Radio Shack btw.

And with the R-4 Pro, you only have XLR inputs and AES/EBU vs. the combo TRS/XLR and s/pdif (coax) on the regular R-4.  Adapters and/or adpater cables are easy to grab/stow in your bag for whatever you come across at unfamiliar venues.

I just thought of one more thing that could make the R4 or HD P-2 a instant sale!!! I use a mac and pc right now for uploading/editing my recordings but my pc has been updated to vista(nothing but problems) and runs WL 5 w/ glitches and my mac only has audacity but is much easier to run. Does either one of these work better or worse w/ mac if ya got a good pull where all you got to do is track? What about a 4 channel matrix w/ r4? Is this possible w/ Audacity?
Peace

The R-4/R-4 Pro is plug-and-play as an external HD on a Mac via USB 2.0...easy as pie.  

I can't say up or down with respect to using Audacity for mixing a matrix.  I know it can be done, but I personally find Audacity to be unstable and a major pain in the ass for anything but splitting tracks and quick and dirty resampling.  I figure you could get a decent start using Audacity, but will want to upgrade sooner than later to some better quality multitracking software.

[rowjimmytour]

I just thought of one more thing that could make the R4 or HD P-2 a instant sale!!! I use a mac and pc right now for uploading/editing my recordings but my pc has been updated to vista(nothing but problems) and runs WL 5 w/ glitches and my mac only has audacity but is much easier to run. Does either one of these work better or worse w/ mac if ya got a good pull where all you got to do is track? What about a 4 channel matrix w/ r4? Is this possible w/ Audacity?
Peace

Its as easy as plugging in a USB cable to the R4.   As far as mac or pc it all depends on your software.  According to its feature list Audacity does offer four channel editing, although I use WaveLab for my four channel mixing.

I used wavlab 5 for the one time I mixed a four channel recording from easyjim but after updating to vista w/ new tower I can't get it to work right and I have a going back to XP because I only have home version for my ole' tower and no CD OS.
Peace

[kirk97132]

I'm running a P2 w/ADK-A51s's and couldn't be happier.  I am gonna get the Bussman mod when time permits.  Had a good buddy who just sold his R4.  FWIW he had some occasional problems when using it in a LOUD rock environment (hard drive write errors), I've heard of others on this board with the same problem.  He even had Bussman upgrade the harddrive but it still happened.  The P2 has no moving parts so never a problem no matter how loud it is. My .02

Not sure if loud shows would be a problem for me but heat would for sure. Last week at HSMF the heat peaked at 106 and I had problems w/ recordings all week long some worse then others.
Peace

I was there too, no problems whatsoever

[BayTaynt3d]

Heh, I just bought a new PC from Dell, and had to jump through all sorts of hoops to make sure it came with XP and NOT Vista, LOL! I knew better...

Anyway, I'm going to add my opinion and go against the grain here (at the risk of being ridiculed).

For starters, to me, this decision comes down to two factors: 2 vs. 4 channels and more vs. less bulky. So think hard about those two things, and you'll have your answer.

FWIW, I've been running a stock R4 for a year and a half now, and I love it. I've never had the HDD slow error, and I've been completely satisfied with the sound quality. The ability to matrix so easily, and to mix in post, is simply spectacular (I bring 4 XLR cables and a pair of 1' XLR-to-1/4" adapters, and I can patch 95% of SBDs). And, the ability to run an AUD pair plus two more channels can also be very rewarding -- whether you run two stereo pairs or one pair and some spot mics. Your options are many. Also, contrary to what some may say, I actually love the gain staging the way it is, between line/mic-in and my pads on my mics, with experience, I can handle almost any scenario from super quiet acoustic (mic-in with +6 db on my 480s) to extremely loud and bassy (line-in with 10 db pad on the 480s). The thing is an absolute workhorse, and seemingly runs forever on a standard walmart dvd battery (I've done 6+ hours of 4-channel with phantom on all four with the LCD on the whole time with battery to spare).

The two downsides are BULK, the thing is kind of big no doubt, and if you're picky, maybe sound quality. I've got a crapload of MP3 samples readily available on my website (see sig) if you want to quickly listen to some stock R4 action, some with C4s, some with 390s, some with 480s, and a bunch of 4-channel mixes (AUD+SBD, 2xAUD, and AUD + 1 or 2 spots).

Good luck, I don't think you can go wrong either way really...

[rowjimmytour]

Last night while mastering some of HSMF sets I figured out my problem w/ Vista and wavlab5. Just had to right click on wav file and open w/ wl5 not sure why this made suck a huge difference but it worked. I noticed last night when I went to run CDWAV it is trial version now. WTF is up w/ that? Thought it was freeware.

I was there too, no problems whatsoever

Hey Kird not sure if I met ya but what were ya running the HD-p2 or R4 at HSMF?
Peace

[willndmb]

great thread

[rowjimmytour]

I searched here and LMA but did not get the answer I was looking for so I was wondering if the HD-P2 is as easy to matrix w/ on the fly as the UA5? I imagine like the UA5 you use the rca inputs but can you control the gain?
Peace

[OFOTD]

I searched here and LMA but did not get the answer I was looking for so I was wondering if the HD-P2 is as easy to matrix w/ on the fly as the UA5? I imagine like the UA5 you use the rca inputs but can you control the gain?
Peace

Remember that the HDP2 is only two tracks.   Now several people have a HDP2 for the time coding so they can daisy chain a couple of different recorders so that the tracks are all on the same word clock.  That in turn make joining pairs of tracks really simple.

[Brian Skalinder]

Now several people have a HDP2 for the time coding so they can daisy chain a couple of different recorders so that the tracks are all on the same word clock.  That in turn make joining pairs of tracks really simple.

I think timecode is a separate issue / feature set from synced clocks.

[rowjimmytour]

I am talkin' about a matrix on the fly just like I do w/ my UA5 where I change the gain of my SDB>RCA>UA5 and the gain of my mics>UA5 and turn two sources into a two track mix w/ the best of both worlds.
Peace

[AlexG]

Now several people have a HDP2 for the time coding so they can daisy chain a couple of different recorders so that the tracks are all on the same word clock.  That in turn make joining pairs of tracks really simple.

I think timecode is a separate issue / feature set from synced clocks.

You are right, timecode is metadata in the file.  Using the same same word clock will keep the tracks from drifting but the files won't have any extra information.

[AlexG]

I am talkin' about a matrix on the fly just like I do w/ my UA5 where I change the gain of my SDB>RCA>UA5 and the gain of my mics>UA5 and turn two sources into a two track mix w/ the best of both worlds.
Peace

If you have a UA5 just add an iRiver/JB3/(Toslkink In Device) and you can sync the HDP2 to the UA5.

[easy jim]

I am talkin' about a matrix on the fly just like I do w/ my UA5 where I change the gain of my SDB>RCA>UA5 and the gain of my mics>UA5 and turn two sources into a two track mix w/ the best of both worlds.
Peace

I don't think you can do this with the HD-P2.  To do an on-the-fly-matrix, you'd need to run some kind of a mixer in front of it.

[kirk97132]

Last night while mastering some of HSMF sets I figured out my problem w/ Vista and wavlab5. Just had to right click on wav file and open w/ wl5 not sure why this made suck a huge difference but it worked. I noticed last night when I went to run CDWAV it is trial version now. WTF is up w/ that? Thought it was freeware.

I was there too, no problems whatsoever

Hey Kird not sure if I met ya but what were ya running the HD-p2 or R4 at HSMF?
Peace

The P2 baby!

[rowjimmytour]

Sounds like you had no problems at HSMF!!! What size/kind of card did you use? How many for HSMF? What about power?
Peace

[kirk97132]

Sounds like you had no problems at HSMF!!! What size/kind of card did you use? How many for HSMF? What about power?
Peace

I took 4-4gb cards and kept dumping them to a usb HD (which is fucked up right now, working on that).  There are 8gb cf out now for a decent price and 16gigs on the horizon.  If I were buying now I'd just go with 8gig cards or larger.  8gigs @ 24/96 will give you about 4hours recording time.  For me I had access to ac power the whole time so power was never an issue.  But, 5.5 hours on AA alykaline no problem and it's run on Nimh rechargables for 5 hours.  I want to go LIion but haven't spent the money yet. 
( http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,78841.msg1057313.html#msg1057313 )

[rowjimmytour]

Thanks for the info and +t for going over to HSMF community board and help w/ beach ball topic and the evils.
Peace

[rowjimmytour]

Just sold my UA5 and NJB3 and almost ready to pull the trigger. Two more questions for HD-P2 owners! First has any one tried a 16gb card yet? Second if your taping at a fest and using CF cards can you keep all your recordings on the card until they fill up w/o re formating each time?
Peace

[JackoRoses]

Just sold my UA5 and NJB3 and almost ready to pull the trigger. Two more questions for HD-P2 owners! First has any one tried a 16gb card yet? Second if your taping at a fest and using CF cards can you keep all your recordings on the card until they fill up w/o re formating each time?
Peace

Jason Sobel and I have ran into issues with the 16gb cards.
We have only been able to record about 7.5 gbs~ than the card gives a error.
I know Jason did email Tascam tech support on the issue and their response wasn't very positive from how I perceived it. I think we are all hoping for a newer firmware to be released in hopes it will address the issue. I haven't done any more testing on my card since I had the mishap. Still trying to dig myself out.
I'd have to dig the thread up as I don't have it bookmarked.
I don't exactly understand what you are asking on the second question, but I have created multiple projects on a 8gb card and used it, till it was about full. At least until I knew the next project would not fit on the card, I than switch to a new one. Hope this helps some.

[rowjimmytour]

Thanks and I +t ya for the info. I did see the post about the 16gb problem but I was hoping for some new info since the 722 users found out it works. You answered my ? w/ being able to do multi projects no problem. I was a little concerned because I noticed a lot of folks dump the cards to HD at fest and then reformat but I was not sure if I would have the $$ to this for a while. Next ? is what is the best deal on 8gb CF cards that are known to work w/ the P-2.
Peace

[JackoRoses]

Thanks and I +t ya for the info. I did see the post about the 16gb problem but I was hoping for some new info since the 722 users found out it works. You answered my ? w/ being able to do multi projects no problem. I was a little concerned because I noticed a lot of folks dump the cards to HD at fest and then reformat but I was not sure if I would have the $$ to this for a while. Next ? is what is the best deal on 8gb CF cards that are known to work w/ the P-2.
Peace

Yes wish I/we could give you better news on the 16gb cards, I know I'd like to hear otherwise. I have faith Tascam will address this issue before the year is over as more and more people use the cards. But until than...

I am using a transcend 8gb card (24/96 all the time) and have had very few issues. The issues are easy work arounds. (don't use the pre-fill rolling buffer) I'm not sure what the price is on them now but it was very reasonable when I bought mine.
Also I have had ran I believe up to 4 projects (all 24/96) on 1 card. I know I have done 3 (projects) with no problems at all.

[Kevin Straker]

Thanks and I +t ya for the info. I did see the post about the 16gb problem but I was hoping for some new info since the 722 users found out it works. You answered my ? w/ being able to do multi projects no problem. I was a little concerned because I noticed a lot of folks dump the cards to HD at fest and then reformat but I was not sure if I would have the $$ to this for a while. Next ? is what is the best deal on 8gb CF cards that are known to work w/ the P-2.
Peace

I like the Kingston Elite Pro 45X. They are fairly cheap and very reliable. I've never had a problem with mine. They offer faster models now, but the 45 X will do at least 24/48.

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,88099.0.html

[Gordon]

Thanks and I +t ya for the info. I did see the post about the 16gb problem but I was hoping for some new info since the 722 users found out it works. You answered my ? w/ being able to do multi projects no problem. I was a little concerned because I noticed a lot of folks dump the cards to HD at fest and then reformat but I was not sure if I would have the $$ to this for a while. Next ? is what is the best deal on 8gb CF cards that are known to work w/ the P-2.
Peace

I like the Kingston Elite Pro 45X. They are fairly cheap and very reliable. I've never had a problem with mine. They offer faster models now, but the 45 X will do at least 24/48.

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,88099.0.html

do these work at 24/96?  I picked one up when I thought I was getting the 671.

[JasonSobel]

Thanks and I +t ya for the info. I did see the post about the 16gb problem but I was hoping for some new info since the 722 users found out it works. You answered my ? w/ being able to do multi projects no problem. I was a little concerned because I noticed a lot of folks dump the cards to HD at fest and then reformat but I was not sure if I would have the $$ to this for a while. Next ? is what is the best deal on 8gb CF cards that are known to work w/ the P-2.
Peace

I like the Kingston Elite Pro 45X. They are fairly cheap and very reliable. I've never had a problem with mine. They offer faster models now, but the 45 X will do at least 24/48.

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,88099.0.html

do these work at 24/96?  I picked one up when I thought I was getting the 671.

yes, the 8G Kingston Elite Pro 45X works great at 24/96 in the HD-P2.  that's what my friend uses and he hasn't run into any problems

Jason Sobel and I have ran into issues with the 16gb cards.
We have only been able to record about 7.5 gbs~ than the card gives a error.
I know Jason did email Tascam tech support on the issue and their response wasn't very positive from how I perceived it. I think we are all hoping for a newer firmware to be released in hopes it will address the issue. I haven't done any more testing on my card since I had the mishap. Still trying to dig myself out.
I'd have to dig the thread up as I don't have it bookmarked.

here is the thread:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,87480.0.html
to sum up, the 16 gig card formats just fine and is fully recognized.  but the unit just locks up as soon as you try to record past 8 gigs.  I have called Tascam tech support about it, and after getting the run-around there, I spoke with the tech support manager over there.  He told me that he was going to relay the information to the engineers.  He then told me that either he would get back to me or one of the engineers.  that was a couple of weeks ago, and I haven't yet heard anything back.  I've left two voicemail messages for the guy that I spoke with, and he hasn't returned either call.  a bit discouraging at this point, but I'm still hoping that the issue can be reasolved fairly easily with a firmware update.  in the meantime, I've used the 16 gig card plenty of times at shows (at 24/96), and I just be sure not to fill it up more than half way.  since most shows I tape are around 3 hours, and the 16 gig card gets 8 hours at 24/96, it hasn't been a major problem for me.  but with this issue still not yet resolved, I wouldn't spend the money on a 16 gig card.

[coloartist]

My 12gb card works great.

[JasonSobel]

My 12gb card works great.

have you recorded past the 8 gig mark?

[coloartist]

My 12gb card works great.

have you recorded past the 8 gig mark?

I don't know if I have. I'll try it this afternoon. 

[coloartist]

OK- Here is what I found.

My card stops at 7.99gb also.    I have 3.44gb left on the card.

It just ceases up the player. I have to pull the batteries to make it turn off.

It reads the card as 12gb, and it says I have 1:47 left on the card at 24/96. But won't record on it as you all have found.

That is really good to know.

Note to self   "Do not record at 24/96 with 2:00 hours on the clock"

[JasonSobel]

OK- Here is what I found.

My card stops at 7.99gb also.    I have 3.44gb left on the card.

It just ceases up the player. I have to pull the batteries to make it turn off.

It reads the card as 12gb, and it says I have 1:47 left on the card at 24/96. But won't record on it as you all have found.

That is really good to know.

Note to self   "Do not record at 24/96 with 2:00 hours on the clock"

okay, that's exactly the same issue that I'm having.  completely locks up at 8 gig.  and the only way to reset the deck is to pull the plug (or the batteries).  at this point, I have detailed this problem to the head person at tech support at Tascam.  that person said that they were going to get back to me, and they haven't.  that was 3 or 4 weeks ago.  and I've called and left voice mails for him 3 times now.  still, it couldn't hurt to have more than one person calling in with the same problem.  at least that way, they will know that its not an isolated issue.  as you noted, the HD-P2 "sees" the space beyond 8 gigs, but just locks up when you try to record past it.  I think it's got to be a weird quirk because they didn't anticipate cards >8GB.  but the deck formats the card at FAT32, and recognizes the full capacity.  so it's got to be fixable with a firmware update.  at least, that's what I think and am hoping for.

[coloartist]

I emailed them this afternoon. I will see if they get back to me. If not I'll give them a call.