Topic: Edirol R-44 - 4 Channel Recorder (Part II)

[NOLAfishwater]

Eric Lindell
2008-5-28
Lafayette Square
New Orleans, LA

Source:
ch1&2: AKG c460b ck61> Lunatec V3> Edirol R-44 24/48
Ch3&4: AKG 414XLS Omni (Healy Method)> Edirol R-44 24/48

Stand at 7.5' DFC, ~25' from stage

Taped and transferred by NOLAfishwater Louie.Liokis@gmail.com

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http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=515597

[rastasean]

I can't believe we are trying to compare the 722 and the R44 given the HUGE cost difference...however since we are even considering comparing the two shows how much bang-for-the-buck the R44 is...  I agree...Edirol has got a winner here...

I didn't want a DIRECT comparison but two channels vs four for less than $900. Most of us on here are recording loud noise called music so I thought (and what I have read on here) the pre-amps in the r-44 have been pretty good already. I hadn't paid much attention to the R-44 until today but I've heard a lot about the 722/744 but I have also heard how expensive they can be. $2400, for example. I'm sure all the sound devices are very durable, time tested machines but remember most of us on here are recording from PA speakers for our personal enjoyment on personal stereo equipment...we are not making movies or recording audio for much else.

Here's a question:
Is there anyone who thought they would buy the 722/744 sound devices but "settled" (and I use that word gently) on the R-44?

[penguin]

Here's a question:
Is there anyone who thought they would buy the 722/744 sound devices but "settled" (and I use that word gently) on the R-44?

I had preordered a Sound Devices 788T a few weeks ago. But at around $6000 I spent a lot of time thinking about it. I ended up getting two R-44s and slaving them together. I am glad I went with the R-44s. I like the portability, ease of use, built in mics and speakers (for use in a pinch), no moving parts, XLR/TRS combo jacks (don't have to spend a lot of $$$ buying the SD TA3 cables). With the money I 'saved' I bought some large diaphragm mics, some SDHC cards, Logic Studio, 16GB of RAM and 3 1TB SATA internal hard drives for my Mac, and some gas for my truck.

[Gutbucket]

Here's a question:
Is there anyone who thought they would buy the 722/744 sound devices but "settled" (and I use that word gently) on the R-44?

I had preordered a Sound Devices 788T a few weeks ago. But at around $6000 I spent a lot of time thinking about it. I ended up getting two R-44s and slaving them together. I am glad I went with the R-44s. I like the portability, ease of use, built in mics and speakers (for use in a pinch), no moving parts, XLR/TRS combo jacks (don't have to spend a lot of $$$ buying the SD TA3 cables). With the money I 'saved' I bought some large diaphragm mics, some SDHC cards, Logic Studio, 16GB of RAM and 3 1TB SATA internal hard drives for my Mac, and some gas for my truck.

What, like a gallon? 

[rastasean]

I had preordered a Sound Devices 788T a few weeks ago. But at around $6000 I spent a lot of time thinking about it. I ended up getting two R-44s and slaving them together. I am glad I went with the R-44s. I like the portability, ease of use, built in mics and speakers (for use in a pinch), no moving parts, XLR/TRS combo jacks (don't have to spend a lot of $$$ buying the SD TA3 cables). With the money I 'saved' I bought some large diaphragm mics, some SDHC cards, Logic Studio, 16GB of RAM and 3 1TB SATA internal hard drives for my Mac, and some gas for my truck.

Ohhh, nice setup! That's what I'm talking about!
And other reason to get two r-44s is to let me borrow one to see if I want to buy one, right? hehe 

[hypnotoad]

from the reports of others, no problems with 16g sdhc cards.  Not sure on 32g.  Anyone tried that yet?


I have fallen in love with this recorder 

it is dreamy isn't it.

You guys (and this thread) aren't helping my bank account.

[digifish_music]

generally speaking, why wouldn't people just buy the r-44 over the sounddevices 722? I know this is a harsh comparison but I think I would be satisfied with two more channels over two fewer with a hard drive. But then again, that means I would have to come up with two extra mics.
Do those who have the r-44 like them?

Just a note, an R44 + 2 X Sound Devices Mix Pres costs ~ $2000. That would give you 4 channels of Sound Devices audio quality at less than 722 prices. But it's not a single box solution. Not a big deal if you are working from an audio-cart. However I have no doubt the stock pres would provide excellent results for the majority of location recording jobs.

digifish

 

[leehookem]

oh hells yeah!  upgrades coming soon!   

http://oade.com/digital_recorders/hard_disc_recorders/R44_upgrades.html

[Ozpeter]

I haven't test how long time it's possible to record with 4xAA yet. Someone does?

See http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,103270.msg1399949.html#msg1399949

I very much doubt whether in a properly conducted blind test a decent-sized group of test listeners would come up with statistical proof that there are audible differences between the R-44 and radically more expensive devices, using live concert material as the source.   However, the chances of anyone conducting such a test to the required standards are zero, so that leaves us free to continue to state our personal opinions on the matter, probably influenced by which device we own!

[Rick]

oh hells yeah!  upgrades coming soon!   

http://oade.com/digital_recorders/hard_disc_recorders/R44_upgrades.html

Do it Lee!

[leehookem]

It's gonna be a while, but will happen.

[boa]

oh hells yeah!  upgrades coming soon!   

http://oade.com/digital_recorders/hard_disc_recorders/R44_upgrades.html

I expect to receive my TMOD R44 from Busman in the next couple days.  Can't wait to cut it loose!

[willndmb]

oh hells yeah!  upgrades coming soon!   

http://oade.com/digital_recorders/hard_disc_recorders/R44_upgrades.html

i was just going to ask about upgrades and now i see oade is TBA and Busman has one coming out soon

it seemed by most accounts that the r44 was pretty solid and didn't need a mod like the r4
but i guess you can always try and make it better

[kgreener]

FWIW I had inquired with Doug a week or two ago about his planned R44 mods and this was his response (remember, these are his words, not mine ):

Hi!
I have had one for a while and I like it.  It does have a serious issue if you intend to record soft sounds.  You can hear the digital noise of its display in the background at high gain.  At lower gain settings, from about -44 on up it sounds fine.  The stock sound is a bit thick and slow or "smooth" with a bit of hiss, a sound I would call vintage.  I expect to offer a concert upgrade for recording music.  I used the R44 with Concert Upgrade for the third time recording stage sound on 2 channels and the board feed on the other 2 and it works great. The sound is very fast with exceptional detail, depth and clarity.  I love the way it is designed, ergonomics are excellent as is the feature set, battery life is good and it is tiny!  The trouble is the upgrade dramatically increases detail and clarity which has the unfortunate side effect of making it easier to hear the noise at high gains.  I want to see if I can fix the digital noise before I release any upgraded machines.
I plan on asking 895.00 for them with the Concert upgrade installed.  I have hopes I will be able to pull off a high gain MOD, like the R4 or R4pro ambient upgrades, it is likely to be around 1k.
I hope this helps and thanks for the inquiry....Doug

[leehookem]

awesome news.  I was just getting ready to email Doug.  thanks for posting.