I need Opinions on Stock R4

[Rick]

I'd really like to get the busman mod, but the new mics I might be getting might make it impossible to afford it. How do people generally fell about mics > r4? Is it passable until I can afford the mod? I don't want to jinx it, but the mics are vintage sd mics and I'd use them mostly at louder shows. Will the R4 be able to handle it?

Thanks!

[BayTaynt3d]

Pretty much every recording in the past six months on my website (see sig) was into an R4 using either C4s, 391/93s, 481/83s, or some combination of those mics plus matrixed SBDs on some. Also, some were spot mic'ed, but most were a combo of stereo pair plus a spot mic or two or the SBD into a stock R4. Listen for yourself. Also, search the LMA for R4 recordings.

[Shawn]

Obviously this is a completely subjective thing. IMO mics > R4 is good. It's not on the level of the highest end pre/ad units that are commonly used for our purposes, but it's just a step below them. so could it be better? certainly, but it is not bad stock.

[balou2]

I opted NOT to get the mod on the R4, and I could not be happier with the unit.  I don't think you'll hear much difference unless you are recording acoustic instruments in a very quiet environment.  Look at it this way...if you get the R4 through Cascade, you can always get the mod later.  You don't have to do it when you purchase it.

[Busman Audio]

You will notice a difference on all types of music right away. It is a big improvement and with the noise floor/ gain mod now it is so extremely quiet and good for loud shows.

As Balou2 said you can always get the mod later if you would like but I would say pay the extra dough and end up with something you will be happy with for a very long time.

[flintstone]

I know where to look for pricing for the Oade mods to R4.
Where online is the pricing and description for the Busman mods?

Flintstone

[Busman Audio]

Here is info on my mod scroll down and you will see the description where it says custom pre amp upgrades.

http://www.cascademedia.net/products.asp?catid=94&prodid=1598

[balou2]

Then I have a question...

I run the V3 in front of the R4 as my pre-amp.  This generally means the gain on the R4 is turned all the way down.  Reading bus' and Brian's words illustrates that the modification would further enhance the sound of my recordings.  Am I correct?

[Brian Skalinder]

I run the V3 in front of the R4 as my pre-amp.  This generally means the gain on the R4 is turned all the way down.  Reading bus' and Brian's words illustrates that the modification would further enhance the sound of my recordings.  Am I correct?

You'd still receive some sonic characteristics of the mods, yes, though not as much as if you ran mic-in to the R4. 

[poorlyconditioned]

Here is info on my mod scroll down and you will see the description where it says custom pre amp upgrades.

http://www.cascademedia.net/products.asp?catid=94&prodid=1598

Yeah, but how much are they?  Can you post a price (or approximate price)?

  Richard

[Busman Audio]

$300 for all 4 channels

[poorlyconditioned]

$300 for all 4 channels

Thanks Chris!

OK, I've done my own mods, but I can certainly recommend others get it modded.  The difference in improved sound and lower noise is worth it...

  Richard

[mandoman]

Question. I'm thinking about getting this unit. Any opinions on Oade vs. Busman mod?
How are people liking their R4's? Are they rugged and reliable? Is the HDD user replaceable?

Thanks!
mandoman

[poorlyconditioned]

Question. I'm thinking about getting this unit. Any opinions on Oade vs. Busman mod?
How are people liking their R4's? Are they rugged and reliable? Is the HDD user replaceable?

Thanks!
mandoman

I love mine.  Even for two-track stuff it is just very convenient.  Large level meters, nice controls, etc.  It even has an onscreen clock so I can tell what time it is (I don't wear a watch).

The only complaint I have is that it is sensitve to vibration.  If you put it on a hard surface (that is not solid) make sure to put something soft like a coat or sweater under it.  I've lost two shows due to vibration causing skipping.  Otherwise it is great.

Oh yeah, hard drive is replaceable, but you have to jump through a few hoops to get the new drive to work.  I've posted here about this, but I don't know how to find my old post.  Maybe someone else can help me out and link to it...

  Richard

[Shawn]

Question. I'm thinking about getting this unit. Any opinions on Oade vs. Busman mod?
How are people liking their R4's? Are they rugged and reliable? Is the HDD user replaceable?

Thanks!
mandoman

at least one user on here replaced the hard drive opn their R4 with a larger one. So depending on your level of techincal ability it is possible. I love my unit, and find it very rugged and reliable. I haven't had a single problem since buying mine. I personally haven't heard enough of either the busman or the oade mods to formulate an opinion either way.