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Looper's Delight
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I'm amazed that someone would consider buying flash memory that is not recommended due to buggy performance. With all of the problems Electrix has dealt with, I'm going to listen to their advice. They have already tested several brands of compact flash and the techies at Electrix all agree that Simple Technologies is the way to go (Actually, Simple Technologies has the fastest cards on the market, period.) You can get a 128MB card for $89 at PCSTOP.COM 877-3PC-STOP or EMS computing 800-939-3948 (I got this info from Pricewatch.com). Regarding the compact flash limitations and features on the Repeater: 999 total loops can fit on any single flash card, regardless of the size of the card. No single loop can be longer than 8 minutes, regardless of the size of the card; and if multiple tracks are being used within the loop, the loop limit might drop as low as 6.5 minutes (this is from a lengthy phone call with Electrix). There seemed to be some ambiguity regarding the amount of space required when some or all of the internal tracks are used in a loop (the literal limit seems to vary depending on how many tracks are actually used). But the diminished loop time limit is still relatively minor drawback IMO. 10 MB of compact flash memory = 1 minute of stereo sampling 5 MB of compact flash memory = 1 minute of mono sampling The repeater comes with a 16 MB card that is capable of handling approximately a minute and a half (plus) of stereo sampling or over three minutes of mono sampling. There is also 8 MB of internal memory that acts like RAM and provides a buffer to help handle the real time load. Anything stored in the 8MB of internal memory will be lost when the unit is powered down. So, a 128 MB flash card can hold almost 13 minutes of stereo sampling and over 25 minutes of mono sampling. Again, these cards are $89. That seems like a pretty good deal for almost a half hour of sampling time. No? What do 25 minute sampling upgrades cost on other looping devices? Anyway, some of this stuff was not clearly spelled out in the manual so I hope someone benefits from this regurgitated reply. But the important thing to keep in mind is that apparently not all compact flash cards are made alike. I am going to listen to the people who know better and get Simple Technologies memory. If having two individual cards is not a problem then 256MB of ST memory is only $180 (89x2) (remember that's almost an HOUR of sampling time). Also keep in mind that if smaller loops are all you plan on using, you can get 3-packs of 16MB cards for about $25. So for $25 I could carry over FIFTY ten second loops in my pocket. I'm already envisioning a small library of loop cards and a stylie carry case to tote my sonic textures! ;) Well, maybe not quite. But I AM gonna get a 128MB card and get down to business! Tim