In contrast, the R-09HR and R-09 create noise in your recording whenever you change the record level even if you are using external mics and even if you can eliminate handling noise.
I've never experienced that problem with my r09. Though I usually prefer to use a preamp and make the gain changes on the front end. And even then, I tend to make any gain changes between songs. Otherwise post-process mid-song leveling is a hassle.
I have never seen the gaps when changing volume on the R09 or R09HR. Like Freelunch, I try to change the level only between songs, or not at all, but I was not aware that this was an issue. Can anyone else confirm it? Is it tied to a specific firmware for either device?
The way I see it: the gain knob is a neg vs. the R09HR. The battery life is a plus. If the ADC is similar, and the ability to take a hot signal is also similar, then there is no reason for me to switch (price is now the same everywhere). For people looking to get either the M10 or the R09HR, it looks like a toss-up depending on what features are important to you.
If anyone has both the R09HR and M10, I would love to hear a line-in sample comparison. Also, if anyone can confirm which recorder can take a hotter signal (without distortion, digital attenuation, etc.), that would be very helpful.