Topic: Edirol R44/4 VS. Tascam DR680

[kirk97132]

I'm pretty rough with my DR680. A month ago, I taped in a downpour. Two weeks ago, it was a moshpit. I frequently run it with dvd batteries, and usually forget to load up the aa's. I'm bad with my media--rarely formatting cards. I'm reluctant to say this, since it will most likely jinx me, but the only problem I have EVER had was with an SD card, NEVER with the deck. For me, switching from the R44 to the DR680 has definitely been the right call.

I echo this post ^^^ No special treatment at all.  And I run it in a pretty tight leather bag with no ventilation at all.  I even got two of them. 

Started out with an R-44 and don't get me wrong that deck is a sold performer.  I also think that comparing the R-44 and DR-680 is an apples to oranges comparison.  The 680 can do things that the R-44 will never ever be able to do.  They only "close" comparison is price point. The R-44 is hands down the easiset way to enter the "multitrack" (more than two track) arena.  You can pretty much take it out of the box put batteries in it and record a show without ever looking at the manual.  The thing I did find out in short order after I got my R-44 was the fact I was wanting MORE than four tracks.  The R-44 is sold and when paired with a digital output from a high end preamp and really deliver the goods.  But IMHO the 680 has slightly better pre's and A/d section besides the obvious extra tracks

[Hypnocracy]

I pocketed the $500 I didn't spend on a R-44 and pull gold with my DR680...the only issue I've had was user over estimation of remaining Li-ion Battery power and forgetting to put AA's in the base.

Now...could or would I be happy with a R-44...90% or more of the time yes...rarely do I run 6 channels...but I have and loved the result. Is the R-44 easier to run...yes the first few times...Is the R-44 easier to adjust levels - on this point I concur that Yes the R-44 is easier to adjust...is the R-44 lower profile - Yes...do you prefer the meters of the R-44 or DR-680 - well the R-44 is better but eh I do just fine with the DR-680 meters.

On occasion I run into the stock Preamp (I use a Grace V2 usually)...it sounds fine and have ran a whole festival with out the V2 and not sure anyone would know the difference if I had or not.

[Phil Zone]

what batteries do you all use with your 680s? and how long do they last?

[kirk97132]

what batteries do you all use with your 680s? and how long do they last?

DVD battery depends on the amperage

[Phil Zone]

what batteries do you all use with your 680s? and how long do they last?

DVD battery depends on the amperage

does anyone know the  mah draw of these? the second i get mine im going to figure it out

[Gutbucket]

Is the R-44 easier to adjust levels - on this point I concur that Yes the R-44 is easier to adjust...
[snip] ...do you prefer the meters of the R-44 or DR-680 - well the R-44 is better but eh I do just fine with the DR-680 meters.

R-44 gain adjustment is simpler in that you needn't push a button make gain adjustmet, just turn the knobs.
DR-680 is easier to adjust gains across all channels equally and simultaneously while recording- do it with a single knob.

The meters of both are rather crappy but sufficient.  At least the R-44 has indication of dBFS on the meters, yet the DR-680 -16dB line (or is it -18dB, I can't remember) is sufficient to use as a live recording target.

[yltfan]

what batteries do you all use with your 680s? and how long do they last?

I use DVD batteries, but not sure how long they last, as I've never come close to running out. Even with p48 on 4 channels, I can't imagine needing more than 2 batteries for 3 sets of music.

[Hypnocracy]

what batteries do you all use with your 680s? and how long do they last?

Go to for all but festivals is a Batterygeek 10-14-100 12v fixed 100wh. I run 12hrs and recharge. When I'm at Festivals I have a Tekkeon myPower All Plus MP3450i Instrument Battery for backup...voltage is changed via Dip Switches on this model (never use the Tekkeon with a button to select or auto range) It goes 6-7hrs easy

[DATPAT]

I have never used the R-44 but upgraded to a Dr-680 from a R-4, Prior to most recently upgrading to a Zacomm Maxx. I had to have the Dr-680's power components replaced once on my dime ($90). My deck was a few months out of warranty. I would have hoped they'd extended the warranty but they didn't. Ultimately the problem was a result of me removing the power from the deck while it was recording. I don't think removing the power from the deck during operation should have fried the power circuits but it did and i feel the price was justified. Anyway, the point i want to make is that aside from that the deck performed perfectly.  I swear by the little guy because the pre's and A-d Sound Great , and  for the money it definitely packs a punch. I had a problem with the mod's performed by Busman so unfortunately i wouldn't suggest getting your pre's modified but otherwise for the price you can't beat it.

[cashandkerouac]

I have never used the R-44 but upgraded to a Dr-680 from a R-4, Prior to most recently upgrading to a Zacomm Maxx. I had to have the Dr-680's power components replaced once on my dime ($90). My deck was a few months out of warranty. I would have hoped they'd extended the warranty but they didn't. Ultimately the problem was a result of me removing the power from the deck while it was recording. I don't think removing the power from the deck during operation should have fried the power circuits but it did and i feel the price was justified. Anyway, the point i want to make is that aside from that the deck performed perfectly.  I swear by the little guy because the pre's and A-d Sound Great , and  for the money it definitely packs a punch. I had a problem with the mod's performed by Busman so unfortunately i wouldn't suggest getting your pre's modified but otherwise for the price you can't beat it.

What problem(s) did you have with the Busman modded version?  I had two Busman modded DR680 recorders and had power issues with both.  I never attributed the problem to the mod, so I'm curious to get more info.  thanks.