Topic: To R4 or not to R4

[Colin Liston]

I have been thinking of getting an R4.  With my tax return coming I can scrape enough to get one.  Just wondering if I should or not.

I usually tape at the same place all the time, the Freebird, usually have a power outlet to use and have 2 sets of mics.

Just trying to figure out if I should bite the bullet and just get one.  Thoughts?  Anyone who has one really love it?  Really hate it?

Thanks!

[Bdifr78]

Dude, you already have 4 recording devices.  I would take the money you might spend on an R4 and buy a V3.  Then I would sell the rest of my recorders and buy the R4.  Run the V3 infront of the R4, behind either the MGs or the DPAs and then run the other pair of mics straight into the R4.  Now that would be an awesome rig!!!

Or you could just sell of the rest of your recorders and buy a 722 once you factor in the tax refund money. 

[Brian Skalinder]

Unfortunately, though I have an R-4, I haven't had much chance to run it yet.    So...

  $200 | Apogee AD1000
  $500 | PSP-3
  $250 | SBM-1
  $150 | D8
  $170 | JB3
  $300 | MT
  $550 | ACM 660 (just a guess on $)
  $150 | 4GB CF card (assuming you have one for MT/660)
=======================================================
$2,270 | 722
Tax $$ | Playback or see more shows

[bconnolly]

Unfortunately, though I have an R-4, I haven't had much chance to run it yet.    So...

  $200 | Apogee AD1000
  $500 | PSP-3
  $250 | SBM-1
  $150 | D8
  $170 | JB3
  $300 | MT
  $550 | ACM 660 (just a guess on $)
  $150 | 4GB CF card (assuming you have one for MT/660)
=======================================================
$2,270 | 722
Tax $$ | Playback or see more shows

Isn't there still a mile-long waiting list for the 7xx series though?

[thegreatgumbino]

Unfortunately, though I have an R-4, I haven't had much chance to run it yet.    So...

  $200 | Apogee AD1000
  $500 | PSP-3
  $250 | SBM-1
  $150 | D8
  $170 | JB3
  $300 | MT
  $550 | ACM 660 (just a guess on $)
  $150 | 4GB CF card (assuming you have one for MT/660)
=======================================================
$2,270 | 722
Tax $$ | Playback or see more shows

Isn't there still a mile-long waiting list for the 7xx series though?

I don't think so.  I thought everyone was caught up?

[Colin Liston]

Unfortunately, though I have an R-4, I haven't had much chance to run it yet.    So...

  $200 | Apogee AD1000
  $500 | PSP-3
  $250 | SBM-1
  $150 | D8
  $170 | JB3
  $300 | MT
  $550 | ACM 660 (just a guess on $)
  $150 | 4GB CF card (assuming you have one for MT/660)
=======================================================
$2,270 | 722
Tax $$ | Playback or see more shows

You guys are killing me...

[RebelRebel]

buy an R-4, use the PSP3 for the DPAs, then for the MGs grab a neve portico. leave the v3 where it sits.  
MGs and transformer based designs generally sound very nice together. (Brick, Portico, Hardy M1, etc)

[timP]

I really love the R4...

for the money it is a great sounding box as is,

and with the talk of possible Oade mods and the busman mods, prob much better


borrowing sleepypedro's box for a couple of shows so I can get the SBD and my mics

[Brian Skalinder]

Wait wait wait. There's a V3 in the mix, too?  If you like the V3 (love mine), then keep it.  And if that's the case, then get the 722, but keep the MT.  That way, for 2-ch you'll have the choice of V3 > MT or 722 or V3 analog-out > 722.  And for 4-ch, just sync the V3 and 722 word clock (output on V3, input on 722).  That's my ultimate goal for 4-ch given my budget.  Still need to scrounge up another grand, though, hence I'm using the R-4 for a while.

[TNJazz]

No, no.  There's no V3 currently in the mix.  I believe Teddy is encouraging V3 avoidance...   

[phanophish]

FWIW I really like my R4, the only possible complaint is it's size.  It is a bit bulky and no way I would want to try and stealth with it.  The 7XX is smaller so if that is a factor you might figure it in.  I like it enough that I got rid of all the rest of my gear.

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

R4?  Love it!  Get it!  Sound Devices?  I've ran em both a bunch.  NOT WORTH THE MONEY!  And I know we can argue till the cows come home but you can get 2 R4's for the price of a 722.  8 channels vs. 2.  Not a tough call.   

[RebelRebel]

R4?  Love it!  Get it!  Sound Devices?  I've ran em both a bunch.  NOT WORTH THE MONEY!  And I know we can argue till the cows come home but you can get 2 R4's for the price of a 722.  8 channels vs. 2.  Not a tough call.   

Id think the only benefit is if you are not using outboard gear and wanted to use the stock preamp/converters. The SD sounds better than R4 yeah -line in??

[Colin Liston]

I'm keeping the ACM660.  I only use the SBM-1>D8 if and when I get board patches.
I wanted the AD1000 forever and can't bring myself to get rid of it.  I'd like to keep the MT for digi patches.  so yeah I have to much stuff, but damn I just can't ever seem to sell it.

Whats the deal with mods for the R4?  Are they really going to happen?  Thanks for all the tips and info, keep them coming!

[thegreatgumbino]

I'm keeping the ACM660.  I only use the SBM-1>D8 if and when I get board patches.
I wanted the AD1000 forever and can't bring myself to get rid of it.  I'd like to keep the MT for digi patches.  so yeah I have to much stuff, but damn I just can't ever seem to sell it.

Whats the deal with mods for the R4?  Are they really going to happen?  Thanks for all the tips and info, keep them coming!

I talked to Doug about 2 weeks ago, and he said they hadn't materialized yet.  He's been too busy trying to keep up with the demand for the ACM 671's.  He was hoping for April or May sometime for the R4 mods.