Hallo,
I recently had a chance to play with Edirol's R-4 for a while and I
would like to ask a few questions concerning the device:

1. I already know a few 'bugs' this recorder has; one concerns the
power supply (after disconnecting the outlet it won't go on with
batteries). Does anyone know whether this problem has been solved in
the R-4pro version?

2. While playing with the wheels I found the Shuttle/Scrub functions
almost unusable (the scrub-wheel didn't change pitch at all, etc.). Has
anyone got a similar problem or was it just my distributor's prototype
disease?

3. Does anyone know please whether the R-4pro comes with crossfade? If
not then: can anyone tell me what's the point of buying some edit
features without an even fixed crossfading length? I really didn't get
this one...

4. I used Fostex FR-2 for a few performances and was really impressed
with the sound. Has anyone done a comparision of the preamps? I had no
time to do this. Anyway: any comments or experiences concerning the
R-4s sound? What device would you prefer (NOT concidering the channel
amount, just the sound please! I know what I technically need, just
don't have a chance to compare these two).

Great thanks to everyone bringing information on this topic.
I'm sorry for my language since I'm not from the States/UK.