to reanimate the old thread:
I use two MR1s since 2010 sooften I'm too lazy for equipment, and did meantime loads of takes after the mtron ssd mod (runs totally quiet and reliable) and after a simply exchange of batteries. batteries for me aren't that problem of the machine, using everytime external solutions, mostly a 4x18650 2A powerbank into the dc in. lasts endless, in 7 years never reached to empty it on a workers day. For intern rugged solutions the space is too narrow. Look to fix together reliably the MR1 and the powerbank, may be with gaffa.
Till today the MR1 in terms of a/d conversion seems finest small machine under the Zax and Sax class. And two 3,5mm jacks balanced mono line ins are very delicate and unique, though the small machine isn't made to stay rugged outdoors in sun, rain and snow.
I confered MR1 takes sometimes with a good studio converter and can say, it's hearable quality going 1bit with later pc conversion to pcm wav is smooth enough and useable. The machine was badmouthed some years ago with irrelevant arguments may be to save the concurrencies courage.
An important weak point and price minimizer is the smallish cursor wheel, made for clean and tender ladies thumbs. From time to time will need -- no, I'll conceal.
Think the MR1 will give future years fine takes in commodius and lazy situations, if good preamps are nearby. Small machines with professional preamps now run the sound recording way. MR1 with SD 302 frontend doubles the weight of a SD Mixpre3. In 2010 it was a challenge, nowadays perfectly well responded, shurely not a last step minimizing size of great sound quality. Only the physical need for not less than 1/2 inch microphone capsules and xlr ins will stop that.