Topic: DR-680 vs R-4 Pro

[spcyrfc]

any thoughts on this?

the R-4 (even incredibly discounted) is more expensive, has 4 as opposed to 6 channels.  is slightly bigger(?)
the R-4 pro is a great box nevertheless

anybody used both?  the 680 seems to be getting rave reviews.

[bgreen]

I own both. I will be perfectly honest, if I didn't consistently need more than 4 channels, I would stick with the R-4. I think it is designed better and the 80 gig ard drive is wonderful. Recording 8 channels @ 24 96 at the last gig I had, I  could not get 2 sets on the same 16 gig card, had to pull and dump after every set. Really missed the HD. My R4 is modded. I think the sound is better on it than the 680 ut the trade off for the extra channells is worth it for me.

the 680 is a kick ass recorder if you are going to be using more than 4 channels a lot. If I weren't, I would have stayed with the R-4 personally. If 6 or 8 channels is going to e the excption, not the norm, I don't think the trade off in quality, intuitive functions,sound, and reliability is worth it to only use the extra channels on rare occasions

[dgale]

I would agrue that a supposed "trade off in quality" in a subjective assessment and everyone's opinions may vary on that.  Even if I only typically ran 4 channels (which for the most part is true), I really like the flexibility not only to run additional channels myself but also to be able to grab a feed from another taper that might be present etc.  Hard to beat the DR-680 for the price IMO.

[kirk97132]

I agree that as stock units the 680 has it over the R4pro even with a HD in the equation.  Multiple 16GB cards are pretty inexpensive and I'm looking to add some 32GB into the mix.  At 24/48 a 16gb will yield 4 hours of 8 tracks.  And I think the stock pres are as good if not better than the edirol pres.  For about the same money as the edirol you could buy two Tascam units.  I'm loving the 680 and was worried I would miss the easy operation of the R-44 which I sold to get this.  But, the Tascam is very easy to operate and so far I don't have any real complaints