Topic: r-4 v 744t

[jeromejello]

i have been itching to go 4 track... these 2 are what i am looking to jump to in about 6 months or so.  i was wondering if there was a set of pros and cons to each unit that could be referenced by individuals like myself looking at these boxes.  input from those that have ran either or both would be grand

thanks!

[Nick Graham]

Obviously one of the biggest differences is price. The R4 retails for $1600, the 744 for around $3900.

The R4 has phantom power available on all 4 inputs, the 744 does not.

The 744 can record to CF cards, either instead of, or at the same time as, the HDD. The R4 only records to the harddrive, the CF slot is only there for transferring to/from the HDD...no recording capabilities.

The 744 has 2 digi inputs, one for each group of 2 channels, the R4 only has 1 digi in.

Similarly, the 744 has 2 digi outputs for each group of 2 channels, while the R4 only has one.

The 744 has timecode synch and wordclock output, the R4 does not.

Most importantly though, the 744 likely sounds a lot better as an all in one solution. While the R4's pre/AD are definitely an improvement over the UA5, and pretty damn good, the 744 really is in a class by itself...one of the main reasons for the more than double price tag.

[Brian]

if you have the money than there's no question....744t

[Brian Skalinder]

Obviously one of the biggest differences is price. The R4 retails for $1600, the 744 for around $3900.
[snip]
one of the main reasons for the more than double price tag.

Make that nearly triple the price tag:  R-4 retails (publicly posted) for $1,399.  Best publicly posted 744 price I've found is $3,950.

If you have the cash, no doubt the 744 will sound great.  Just keep in mind you'll need some additional gear to run 4 mics if that's what you want to do (for example, PS-2 + battery).  Given the lack of other options in the 4-ch portable recorder field, I think this decision comes down purely to cost - can you afford the 722 or not.  I know I can't (at the moment!).

[scb]

don't forget the 744 is a hell of a lot smaller than the r4, too

[ghellquist]

don't forget the 744 is a hell of a lot smaller than the r4, too

Hmm. Smaller yes, but add the needed mic preamp and the difference really is not that big.

Personally I like the R4 and find it useful but love my 722, quite a difference. Well, I guess you get what you pay for.

The weakest point of the R4 are the digital ins and the power supply -- connect live power to the power socket when the machine runs on batteries and it stops, remove the power and it stops even if there are batteries inside. (The R4 cannot switch power supply "on the fly").

Gunnar

[Brian Skalinder]

Hmm. Smaller yes, but add the needed mic preamp and the difference really is not that big.

Do the 744 line inputs have the same gain structure as the mic inputs?  Is it only a question of powering mics when running through the line inputs, or is the gain structure different as well, requiring additional gain control external to the 744?

[ghellquist]

Do the 744 line inputs have the same gain structure as the mic inputs?  Is it only a question of powering mics when running through the line inputs, or is the gain structure different as well, requiring additional gain control external to the 744?

Yes, less gain on the line inputs. As the name implies they are line level inputs implying that you will like to have an external mic pre amp when you connect a mic there. The other two channels are switchable and can accept mic level inputs directly (or line leve if you preferr that).

G.

[jeromejello]

hmmm... thank you all for the info... i was kinda leaning towards the r-4 for $$ reasons, but it seems there are a couple of other good points about the r-4 that i would be happy with [although still have 744t lust i am sure] and a couple that i am not thrilled with [but can suck it up for the $2000 difference in price].

looking forward to hearing some of the busman/stock comps

**edit to add +t to the thread**

[kirk97132]

While I can't speak for the differences, I have to put a plug for Frank @ Cascade media for pricing!  A GREAT guy and fellow taper who I personally know.  He can compete with anyone's pricing and his employee taper Jeff has run most of the gear in the field and can help answer questions.  Give him a call and tell him Kirk sent ya

[Nick's Picks]

the ability to run 4 XLR inputs w/phantom into the R4 is a great option that I still can't believe is not offered by the 744.
but, the SD box will smoke the Edirol in terms of fidelity. 

[scb]

the ability to run 4 XLR inputs w/phantom into the R4 is a great option that I still can't believe is not offered by the 744.

no room in there for more

[Nick's Picks]

they could have made a dongle or something.  imo, that is the big bummer w/that box.  but the only one.

[scb]

i mean i don't think there's room for 2 more phantom power suppies in the box.  they could do phantom over the mini xlrs, but i don't think they could fit the actual power supplies in there.