Topic: R-44 Firmware Update 1.05

[digifish_music]

The R-44, makes the current version of the OS to V 1.05 and enables users to add effects in Pre Record mode, and also includes updates for the BWF (Broadcast Wave File) marker format, notable with previously recorded data. Other improvements include quicker shutdown times in some modes with SD cards, and a smoother overall workflow helped by minor bug fixes.

http://www.edirol.com/images/stories/downloads/r44_update_v105.zip

Updating the System

When performing an update, never operate the unit on battery power.  Be sure to use the AC adaptor.

Important Notes on User Data

Performing a system update resets the System Settings to their factory defaults. The R-44 has no feature for backing up the System Settings. Back up the System Settings by noting them down in writing.

* For detailed information about the System Settings, refer to p.60 of the Owner's
Manual.

1. Copy the update file on the computer (the r44_update folder) to the root directory on the SD card.
2. Insert the SD card onto which the update file has been copied into the card slot in the R-44.
3. Hold down [REPEAT] and [DISP] and switch on the power. * Continue to hold down the two buttons until the screen display appears.
4. Press [ENTER]. The update starts. * Never switch off the power while the update is in progress. * To quit the update, switch off the power by pressing [POWER] without pressing [ENTER]. When the update finishes, [PLAY] lights up.
5. Press [POWER] to switch off the power.

[Gutbucket]

Not a whole lot to get excited about it appears. 

But really, the only thing I would consider a significant bonus would be monitor panning, either as a playback effect or better yet as a re-purposed function of the center knobs (moving the digital level control to an adjustment in a menu).

[kirk97132]

"and a smoother overall workflow helped by minor bug fixes. "   Kinda wish they wold tell exactly what the bugs were and the fixes.  I guess being able to dial in effects and hear it is an improvement.  But I agree, nothing to write home about, Kirk

[Ozpeter]

Thanks for the heads up. 

These bug fixes will be greeted with considerable pleasure by those who have fallen foul of them (as reported here and by me to Edirol).  Kudos to Edirol for listening and fixing. 

I will be extremely interested to see if the markers are now usable, as they haven't been properly read by DAW software to date and when recording long concerts, that's a bit of a pain to say the least.  They haven't specifically mentioned the problem with MS stereo being broken on channels 3 & 4 but I'm hoping that will now work.

[Ozpeter]

Yipee!  Markers now work properly in wav and bwf format.  I've not been able to check anything else yet but that one really is big news.

[Edit - hmmm, there's still the oddity that unused markers (of the 99 available per recording) are all piled up at the zero point in the file, but personally I can live with that).

[Ozpeter]

Procedure for getting R-44 markers to show up neatly in Reaper (for those using it, and for those not, you should ) -

When you insert an R-44 file into Reaper, the markers in the file should now show up in the required position as little dotted vertical lines in the item (assuming the file was recorded with the new firmware update).

To create Reaper session markers from these file markers, first move the left edge of the item slightly inwards - this will stop the markers that the R-44 parks there at the zero point in the file from showing up in the session in a moment.  Then right click on the item, choose "Item processing" and "Import media cues".  The file markers will now show as project markers. You can now put the left edge of the item back the way it was, if you want.  If you now turn on "Ripple editing all tracks" the session markers will now stay aligned with the audio as you move it or insert / delete bits.

[Gutbucket]

Peter, thanks for noting that and outlining the procedure in Reaper.  Functioning markers will be very useful.  I officially retract my snivel above.  At some point I'll have to check out the marker implementation in Samplitude.

[sanaka]

...I would consider a significant bonus would be monitor panning, either as a playback effect or better yet as a re-purposed function of the center knobs (moving the digital level control to an adjustment in a menu).

That is a BRILLIANT idea!

[sanaka]

And meanwhile, i thought of a far less brilliant but possibly effective idea, here.

Peace

[Ozpeter]

I get the feeling that we won't see any new features added by firmware.  I know they have been working on this update for at least three months and quite likely for some time before that.  So I would have thought they could have provided some new features by now if they intend to.

Still, let's see.  Bug fixes should always come before new features in any system, and maybe that's been their priority.

[Gutbucket]

Been a while now. Haven't heard any screaming.
Getting around to installing this update.  Anyone have any issues?

[digifish_music]

Been a while now. Haven't heard any screaming.
Getting around to installing this update.  Anyone have any issues?

I've used it for about 1 hour spread across 3 sessions. Recording stereo into 1/2 and mono into 1-4.

No issues to report.

Regards Scott

[Gutbucket]

Thanks, I'll jump.