hey everyone, I have been a longtime taper and a member of these boards for a while, but have been out of the loop for a coupla years. I was hoping to get some input on getting a new recorder. I am currently running:
gefell>V2>minime>rme multiface (or vx pocket)>PC
Steve
I don't have an R-44 but I've also done alot of research on it. I'll take first crack at answering with a caveat that I will say where I'm not sure of the answer...
- does the R44 SEAMLESSLY split at 2gb?
YES - are there any audible artifacts from changing gain or trim while recording (pops, etc...)?
NO - we have all decided that sd cards above 8gb can be used correct?
YES, although some slower cards or some manufacturors don't work. - if on external battery, will the r44 seamlessly switch to internal AA batts as backup with out loosing any recording?
YES - does the r44 actually write data while recording, or is there a "save" operation when recording has stopped?
Not sure, but based on the answer to the previous question, I think it writes while recording. - are the analogue inputs line level, or do they pass thru some sort of preamp stage? I know that all circuts color sound, but will it drastically change the sound of my V2?
All inputs pass through preamp stage. I've asked this question alot already because the R-4 totally IMHO whacked your preamp. I need conclusive evidence that R-44 does not do the same, but as I've said I've already asked the qeustion and have recieved many opinions but no objective evidence. Based on my experience with the R-4, I am assuming your preamps are largely useless or at least SIGNIFICANTLY colored by the R-44 preamp stage...which for me is the sigle largest design problem with this product. - is it possible to send the R44 four spdif channels, or must some of th inputs be analogue?
Can't answer this - what is the general feeling on the a/d convertors? (please keep in mind that I own an ad500, ad1000 and a minime... love that apogee sound!)
Can't say for sure because again I don't own one, but if my R-4 experience remains true on the R-44, you'll likely lose your apogee sound...that's why bypassing the preamp stage is needed on this machine. Sorry, others will claim that the R-44 is totally transparent based on frequency tests. Proof is in the pudding...listen to the archive. If R-44 doesn't have a distinctively warm sound to it (which I actually rather like) compared to other decks, I'll eat ma hat! There may even be some V-2 and V-3 samples out there by now. If they sound more like the Grace sound, then I'm wrong. I think what you'll find though is that they sound more like the R-44 without any preamp than they do a stand-alone V-3. My opinion. I hope someone else can provide some more objective testing to prove me wrong, but right now I'm just reaching some prelinary conclusions based on a) skepticism from R-4 ownership and b) listening sample on archive. - on the R44, can record 4 analogue signals while sending a spdif output at the same time? can you assign what goes to spdif out or is it a mix?
?? Someone else??-can u record spdiff and send it back out digi at the same time? is that signal just routed in>out, or does it go thru the recording process and is there any altercation or resampling?
?? Someone else??Hope this helps!EDIT: I must edit to add that I'm almost in exactly the same boat as you are. I've spent alot of money in the last two years and finally found the sound I like with my rig, which is based around the Mini-MP. As much as I want to go to 4 channels, I'm reluctant because the bottom line is that I know I'd be giving up my preferred sound. I'm just not willing to do that just yet. Having said that, I've just recently heard one sample of my mics directly into an Oade ACM R-44 and have to admit that it sounds outstanding on its own. However, if I were to move to the ACM R-44, pretty sure I wouldn't be keeping my Mini-MP.