Cool. this thing is so reliable I never even think about checking the firmware updates. Here are notes on changes if anybody is curious:
From:
http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=R-44&id=1812303R-44 System Program (Ver.1.21)
This system program updates the R-44 system program to the latest version 1.21.
Products:R-44
How to know the version
Before you start, check the system program version of your R-44.
Turn R-44 power off.
Hold down [DISP] and [↓](Down Cursor Button) and press [POWER] to switch on the power.
Continue holding down [DISP] and [↓] until the version is displayed.
And then check the version of [MAIN] on the display of your R-44. After checking the version, press [POWER] to switch off the power.
* Version 1.20 or later does not require this update.
* You can update from any versions.
Update history
[Version 1.21]
[Additional Functions]
Please refer to the "R-44 Owner's Manual" for detailed information.
Automatic setting of input senses (Auto Sens)
The optimal input level for the audio that is currently being input is automatically detected and the set value is displayed.
Playlist Function
A project is played in order of a playlist in an SD memory card.
Meter Zoom
The level meters can be displayed in a magnified view.
[Version 1.10]
[BUG FIX]
On Windows 7, MacOS X v10.6 or later, R-44 cannot communicate with a computer via USB after it wakes up from sleep state.
[CHANGE]
Changed the start-up screen of R-44.
[Version 1.05]
[IMPROVEMENT]
Got compatible with the latest BWF(Broadcast Wave Format) as much as possible while keeping compatibility with previously recorded files.
[BUG FIX]
At "MS Mic" Effect, wide control on ch.3 - ch.4 is unable and it causes no sound input for the ch.4.
No effect on Pre-Rec part of the sound.
Shutdown operation takes time such as 30sec when the SD card was locked.
[Version 1.03]
[IMPROVEMENT]
Compatibility improved with .WAV files made by LOGIC from Apple.
Got compatible with 4-ch surround or WaveFormatExtensible files made by applications such as SONAR from Cakewalk.
Shorter gap between recording start timing of two units in synchronized recording by the units linked each other through CTRL-SYNC connectors.
[BUG FIX]
Issues of compatibility with SD Cards.
Counter digits might jump back for few seconds within few seconds of recording which is Pre-Rec activated.
Signals might be easily distorted especially by negative values set at the Graphic EQ.
Incorrect frequency response by negative values set at MID of "3 Band EQ" in 88.2/96kHz sampling rate modes.