ok, my 2 hour test is complete. when recording at 24/48 via the S/PDIF input, it hit the 2 gig limit and displayed this message: "media full" but because I was using a 4 gig card, the media was obviously not full. I could start another 24/48 recording, and again, it told me I had just under 2 hours (another 2 gigs to use). I then recorded 4 or 5 more, short (i.e. 1 to 2 minute) files, just to play around. all the files transferred and opened in Cool Edit 200 with no problems. nothing got corrupted when it hit 2 GB, just that the recording stopped.
another test I did was use a stopwatch and time how long it would take for me to stop/save a file, and start a new recording.
about 10 seconds. with this firmware, I have two issues:
- no autostart of new file at 2 gig limit
- no 24/96 S/PDIF input
but really, at this point, I'm happy recording at 24/48 (until I get an 8 gig CF card), so the 24/96 S/PDIF is a lower priority for me. but the 2 gig limit thing, that is HIGH priority for me.
if this firmware actually is as stable as it seems to me right now (no freezes yet), then I am ready to use my D8 not for a full back-up, but only sparingly. basically, my idea, so I don't have to buy any more blank DATs, is to record at 24/48, and watch for when it gets close to 2 gigs (2 hours). many times, a set is shorter than 2 hours, so it won't be an issue at all. however, there are also many times when a set will go longer than 2 hours. I'll get the DAT rolling just before I stop/save the MicroTrack recording, and then stop the DAT recording again after a new file is being recorded with the MicroTrack. that way, I'll just have to splice in the 10 seconds or so from the DAT. not ideal, I know, but until M-Audio can get a work-around for the 2gig limit, it seems to me a good option. also, the 2 gig issue seems to me a bigger issue when recording 24/96, because then you've only got an hour of straight time before you hit 2 gigs.
they are getting closer, but not quite there yet.
