Here you go -
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/9/22/1451533/R-44%20dynamc%20range.mp3
I listened very carefully to the wave version vs this mp3 version and I can't hear anything about the mp3 (256kbps) which, compared to the wave file, invalidates its use for this dynamic range example.
The original was 44.1kHz, 16 bits, preamp level -38dB, input level 0dB (12 o'clock position of the fader knob).
The music was recorded on location, and the following 'silence' in a recording studio, same mics, same levels.
To my mind, if the noise performance of the R-44 was any better, you'd have a hard job finding a location quiet enough to make it worthwhile, or mics quiet enough.
And no, I don't think a 24 bit recording would have provided a different result, as the recording studio background noise level was greater than that which needs more than 16 bits to capture (at risk of staring an argument...)
I'm impressed by the absence of noise in that sample and I'm encouraged so far by all reports except the price increase and the Transcend 16gb card issues. I've only really run my R-09's with external preamps, but I'd rather not use them with the R-44 if it can compare sonically. Noise performance is a big part of that battle, although not all of it.
I ran two simultaneous R-09 rigs a month or so back for 4 tracks outdoors, one a foot behind the other-
ADK TL's (Blumlein) > V3 > R-09
DPA 4060's (39" A-B) > MMA6000 > R-09
Both sources sound quite nice, different in the ways you might expect. I'd only played then back separately off a laptop 'till last weekend. On a lark, I plugged the outputs of both R-09's into my surround receiver, the Blumlein to the fronts, spaced omnis to the rears, loaded the files on the cards and pushed play simultaneously (I'd tried to start the recordings simultaneously to get them as close as possible). Damn, it was spot on.. and stayed that way for the whole set. Very nice surround, enveloping ambience and audience, especially real sounding bass end. I just got a copy of Samplitude Master but haven't played with it yet to sync them. Obviously this 'mixing in air' scenario is more accommodating of small amounts of drift than mixing bits to stereo with potential comb filtering issues. But I was really surprised that I heard no drift over a 1:15 set. It will be interesting to see how close they really are. I did have both recorders in the same bag so they were the same temperature while recording. Encouraging, but of course that much easier for you R-44'ers. I assume the R-44 can delay one pair during playback as a playback effect for mic distance sync or surround delay.
Had to test out running stealth surround for my regular Sunday jazz gig. Oh baby. Am I going to have to do this for everything now?
Carry on.