@Azo I listened to the files, I measured no difference in the noise, " CAD A" was one dB quieter than "CAD B" but that is well within the margin of error, and if you move the mic and inch or two it will create a difference of one or two dB; that doesn't mean that the circuit is not quieter, it just means that most of these stats are below the noise floor--that is, you would never hear the difference in the noise in actual use. I have a slight preference for "A" , both the Sennheiser and the CAD, but I really could not hear a big difference. Sennheiser B had a slightly lower noise floor, but again within the margin of error. You can try the key jingle test--take some keys and jingle them to hear a difference in the transient response, but unless you are recording keys (as we do sometimes) it is going to be a small difference.

@luxis

The reviews seem pretty positive in regard to the Zoom H6 preamps. The other added benefit of the Zoom H6 is the battery life, from what I read it seems like it will last longer then the Tascam DR680. If I didn't have the Zoom H4N and could only purchase one sound recorder I would still pick the Tascam DR680. IMO the Tascam DR680 looks more professional then the Zoom H6 so this might help with clients as well, my understanding is that Zoom H6 is just about the same size as the Tascam DR680. I have attached a picture of my Tascam DR680 with the case that is made specifically for the Tascam DR680. So hope fully you can get an idea of the size of the DR680 in comparison to the Zoom H6.

Best Regards

Damn I wish I would have bought one of those two on amazon when V first mentioned it! I look at me DR40 in disgust now. "Oh you dirty, noisy little recorder"

@luxis

Check out ebay you might have better luck there :)

Hey guys, great thread! Just as far as prices, all the euro amazons sell it for almost double the price unfortunately...£827.00!

@DrDave

Here are some of the files from the blind test. To be honest I don't notice any difference :( I am pretty sure at this point that the defective microphone caused me to believe that the Busman Audio mod was well worth it. Please take this test as is... My house has tile floors so this is not really a good test but since I said that I would post it here it is.

Please also keep in mind that I live in a house that is within close proximity to the freeway so the microphone is picking up a lot of noise. If I go into a carpeted portion of my house it is a lot quieter, unfortunately I don't have any speakers in those rooms so it is what it is. Just to set the record straight. The Tascam DR680 has really clean preamps and sounds a lot better then these recordings so please don't listen to these recordings and think wow that recorder sucks.

A little more details... Gain was set at 80 for Mozart, microphone was 1 1/2 feet away from the left speaker. For my voice the microphone was 1 foot away, gain was set at 40.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9ymw64kfpr07ygv/-xtHORIci-

At the lower price, it it a total steal.

I'm kind of surprised that these are selling so cheap. Did a new recorder came out that's pushing down the price?

I have simple theory on this. DR-680 just falls in specific niche. New wannabe filmmakers do not buy it, as it is larger and cost still more than H4n or DR100. More advanced guys look at sound pros and sound pros constantly tell you about SD as your only option ( I am removing high end options here).

@vicharris @DrDave

Yeah I saw that too... It seems like as soon as Vitaliy posted the link to Amazon then all of a sudden the used price shot up :( I will have some time on Sunday to perform these tests. I will include a 2-3 genres of music and maybe some dialogue to add into the mix. I do not have a controlled environment (sound proof room) to test this with so please take this into consideration when listening to the files.

I was thinking about recording the H4N and throwing that into the mix, but I think that it would be too obvious so in essence a waste of time to perform the test. @vicharris If you have another suggestion in regard to testing, I am more then willing to perform the test for you just let me know...

Best Regards

Of that list I guess I would use the ME66 because there are certainly ppl who use that mic. Also, it has a decent noise floor. BWF: yes, it is just :PCM with benefits. Music: I always use solo harpsichord music for this test, because of the overtone patterns, but pick something anything you like!

Post two sound clips unlabelled and see if we can tell the mod from the unmod :) record something through stereo speakers so the sound source will be exactly the same.

@DrDave

They are even going for $399, I mean Amazon "used in very good condition", Things that are called such are usually new open box items. At least this is my expirience.

Also at ebay sellers frequently use terms "open box" and "refurbished" to overcome minimum advertising prices (usually if they are official dealers).