Yamaha AW2816

Wow!, Thank you Phil!, THAT is very valuable info.

I also had one of the first AW4416 units back in October 2000, and I have to say, nothing but headaches with mine also. I had major problems with audio getting fragmented and playing back in random spots after it had been recorded. Yamaha acknowledged this problem, and said that it would be fixed with future OS updates. So I stuck it out for 3 OS updates, and still, nothing but problems. I also tried a different HD, and still, nothing but problems. I remember at the time hearing that other people were having the same problem if the unit was in an area where there were any loud noises (ie drums, loud guitars, bass, etc) that could potentially vibrate the machine slightly, and cause it to skip when writting audio. That didn't work for me because I needed the unit to be in the same room as everyone is playing in. And I also had a problem where a track of audio just totally disappeared on me overnight. That was pretty much the last straw for me, and I went and traded it in for my 001 and an 01v mixer, and no problems since. If anything, I will say that I liked the whole mixer setup, which is why I got the 01v after the fact. But the recording function of the machine... all I can say is that I hope they panned out their problems by now.

I'll have to agree with Phil on this one. I have had an AW4416 for about a year and have had wonderful results. As far as the AW2816, a songwriter friend of mine bought one about 2 months ago and loves it. He wasn't very studio experienced but was able to start recording right away with the 2816. As far as using the AW's with the DIGI 001, for me, it works flaulessly. It is a great marriage. Good luck, Jason

Not exactly a lot of gain in the mic pre's of of the 4416/2816' though. Comparatively, the O1V (and the the O2R, of course) has quite a bit more gain. This may or may not be an issue for you though. I have sevral O1V's, had an O2R (sold it..waiting for O2R96), and 2 4416's. Can't say I have ever had too many problems with any of these Yamaha products. I agree with Phil, Yamaha deals with trouble/issues/repair very efficiently and will almost always repair a unit for free. Although I highly doubt any amount of bass would make the the HD skip, fart , or bang normally (unless it's way defective) as they can usually take over 30g's of force when running. That is, unless you toss it out a window or something.

Glad I could help. I, too, enjoy the sound of AW pre's.