File Recovery - DR-680

[RobAnderson]

Howdy folks

Well, today I discovered the hard way that the Tascam DR-680 does not write the files in the event of power loss while it is recording.

It's not catastrophic I guess - I still have the files from the main 2-TR recorder. It's just that it would be nice to touch up some areas of the mix, so I was hoping to have these multi-track files.

I can see that there is 1.24 GB used on the card, so I am guessing that the data are there, but I cannot access the files on the DR-680 nor on my Windows machine.

I tried the "Rebuild" function in the BROWSE menu, but to no avail.

Any ideas on how I might recover/retrieve these files?

[JEGG]

Hello Rob-I have wondered about this scenario with the DR-680.

I have waited to respond because I was sure someone else would!

The HD-P2 is bullet proof in this regard (always resaves after every few seconds), and the DR-100's that I have used have always powered down politely, even after repeatedly forcing them to go on!

I'm interested in how the problem came to be-were you running it off of mains and then lost power with no batteries installed?

The file(s) are there, I'm sure. I'm completely inept with PC's, having used mostly Mac's. There is very likely a temporary file on that card-is there a way for you to display temporary files-or can you enable showing "invisible files?" Could there be a file there without a suffix? If so, try B/WAV or RAW.

If you have already found a solution, please post it as this will no doubt be valuable to others.

[Matti]

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/remot...g-recover.html

Matti

[audibell]

Hi Rob, a few years ago, a friend lost some 30 minute files on a couple of SD cards (not SDHC) We futzed around with 3 or 4 SD recovery utilities, not SanDisk's, and eventually did find improperly closed but intact files. Once they were transferred off, they wouldn't open until I experimented with little endian and big endian in Sonar and GoldWave, bring them in as raw 2-trks, not wav.

I looked yesterday when I first read your msg bt I'm sorry to say the project folders are archived with him but I think that's what needs to be done. I used Data Doctor Recovery Memory Card v3.0.1.5.


BRgds
WalterT

[RobAnderson]

Thanks all.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/remot...g-recover.html

Matti

Thanks Matti, but I cannot even see the files to rename them with a .RAW extension. Is there some way to view them? I have tried with "show hidden files and folders" enabled, but still nothing shows.

Hi Rob, a few years ago, a friend lost some 30 minute files on a couple of SD cards (not SDHC) We futzed around with 3 or 4 SD recovery utilities, not SanDisk's, and eventually did find improperly closed but intact files. Once they were transferred off, they wouldn't open until I experimented with little endian and big endian in Sonar and GoldWave, bring them in as raw 2-trks, not wav.

I looked yesterday when I first read your msg bt I'm sorry to say the project folders are archived with him but I think that's what needs to be done. I used Data Doctor Recovery Memory Card v3.0.1.5.


BRgds
WalterT

Thanks Walter - I will try this software when I get home this evening and report back.

[RobAnderson]

Oh well. I bought that software after it looked like the demo version found my files, but I was mistaken.

I did find the data - it looks like it is trapped in a couple of arrays. Not sure how to get it out.

I have to also mention that I am a little disappointed in Tascam customer service/tech support. After spending 20 minutes on the phone waiting in vain for someone to answer, I sent them a message via their website describing the problem. So far nobody has gotten back to me (this was on this past Friday - today is Tuesday).

Looks like I'll have to go with the live-to-2-mix.

I'll have to start putting batteries in. I am just afraid of them leaking...

[Remoteness]

What a drag!

Just remove the batteries after every session and you should be fine.

[JEGG]

Originally Posted by RobAnderson

I have to also mention that I am a little disappointed in Tascam customer service/tech support. After spending 20 minutes on the phone waiting in vain for someone to answer, I sent them a message via their website describing the problem. So far nobody has gotten back to me (this was on this past Friday - today is Tuesday).

This is a real mystery. I never really had a problem with a device, but I could never get an answer to a phone call or email over a period of years when I had a question. Then a couple of people on GS remarked that they had contacted Tascam for sundry reasons and had replies. One of these guys (it may have been Remoteness, I'm sorry! I've forgotten) sent me a contact name. Before I tried to contact that person, I tried one more time and got through immediately by phone-and got friendly, helpful, and very informed answers. I think it's safe to say that Tascam service experiences range from fantastic to non existent. Doesn't help much, does it?

On the basis of my own experience (only!), it is safe to say you'll never get a call back and you'll never get an email reply. If you happen by accident to have your phone call answered by a human in the correct department, you'll probably do well.

Originally Posted by RobAnderson

I'll have to start putting batteries in. I am just afraid of them leaking...

Here, I am completely puzzled. Why are you hesitant about putting batteries in this device? It is intended to be used with batteries. As a user of hundreds of NiMH batteries, dozens of them in Tascam products, I don't quite understand this. I'm not challenging you, and I would genuinely like to understand your concern, and possibly offer advice (if I have any that is useful). Could this have been avoided by simply having batteries in the device? They are a free UPS, after all. As mentioned above, I can't imagine the device would not safely power down when batteries finally give way.

Finally, my impression is that you are using a PC. If you have a friend with a Mac, it would be worth the effort just to connect a USB cable and take a look at what the Mac will read. This has absolutely nothing to do with the worthiness of platforms, just sometimes things are more accessible on one platform over another. This goes the other way, too, BTW. If I am wrong, and you are on a Mac, please look at it on a PC.

[RobAnderson]

Thanks JEGG for the suggestion, but I am running a Hybrid shop here - I have two Mac Laptops and two PC's. I have not been able to read it on any of these, though I only tried that Data Doctor Recovery program on my PC.

Interestingly enough, shortly after I posted here I received an email reply from Tascam that reads:

"Rob,

Using "SD card"+recovery as the search terms, you can probably locate programs that claim to recover lost and even corrupted files from various storage systems.

Thank you for your interest in TASCAM products."

I mean, it took them two working days to come up with this solution?

Thanks, I guess...

[RobAnderson]

Originally Posted by JEGG

Here, I am completely puzzled. Why are you hesitant about putting batteries in this device? It is intended to be used with batteries. As a user of hundreds of NiMH batteries, dozens of them in Tascam products, I don't quite understand this. I'm not challenging you, and I would genuinely like to understand your concern, and possibly offer advice (if I have any that is useful). Could this have been avoided by simply having batteries in the device? They are a free UPS, after all. As mentioned above, I can't imagine the device would not safely power down when batteries finally give way.

All good points JEGG.

I hadn't really considered batteries before this - I am always tied to house power, and generally I have another recorder that would keep going, or at least retain the files, even if I lost power (which was the case here).

I'll have to look into NiMH batteries. I hadn't really considered them because of the lower voltage rating.

I have plenty of alkaline AA's sitting around. Obviously, letting them sit in the 680 is not an option; I know I will eventually lose track of how long I have left the batteries in there. I've also had alkaline batteries start leaking inexplicably and rather prematurely, which is not good for the gear that it is in. It would also get pretty expensive...

[studer58]

I believe NiMH (and possibly other rechargeable types other than NiCad) can hold stored charges for a few months reliably nowadays, and i've never heard of them leaking. Sure, take them out after a recording session if you're suspicious....but using batteries will cause you to time shift your battery concerns to the other end of the recording scenario (ie make sure the damn things are charged BEFORE you head off to a gig ) and I know I often forget to do that the day before a show....
FWIW I have a Zoom R16 which uses AA's as backup (or alternatives for) a mains wallwart and it's safely written data to the SD if the mains supply gets yanked out of the Zoom, so I count it as cheap insurance ! I'd guess your Tascam operates similarly ?

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by RobAnderson

Oh well. I bought that software after it looked like the demo version found my files, but I was mistaken.

I did find the data - it looks like it is trapped in a couple of arrays. Not sure how to get it out.

I have to also mention that I am a little disappointed in Tascam customer service/tech support. After spending 20 minutes on the phone waiting in vain for someone to answer, I sent them a message via their website describing the problem. So far nobody has gotten back to me (this was on this past Friday - today is Tuesday).

Looks like I'll have to go with the live-to-2-mix.

I'll have to start putting batteries in. I am just afraid of them leaking...

Not to defend Tascam - but last week was Musikmesse / ProLight+Sound and this week in NAB. So everyone will be really tied up with important shows.

No excuse, but possibly the reason.



Posted via the Gearslutz iPhone app

[boojum]

Originally Posted by RobAnderson

All good points JEGG.

I hadn't really considered batteries before this - I am always tied to house power, and generally I have another recorder that would keep going, or at least retain the files, even if I lost power (which was the case here).

FWIW, I always have a battery in my recorder even when running off house power. When the battery is in I have UPS. I have never needed it, yet . . . I use the standard LiIon SD devices use, the SONY style camera battery.

[EV676]

I recently got a DR-680 and did my first location work with it last Thursday.

I left the AC supply at my office. Fortunately Target had Eveready Lithium AA cells on sale last week and I had picked some up for use as battery back up.

Did the entire 2 hours on the set of lithiums, the battery barely moved.
Thankfully I drew my phantom power from the pre and the mixer I was using.

I've also found it's easier to use a Mac in regards to SDHC management with the DR-680 than a PC.

[Matti]

What happened to those files?

Matti

[JEGG]

Originally Posted by RobAnderson

I'll have to look into NiMH batteries. I hadn't really considered them because of the lower voltage rating.

I have plenty of alkaline AA's sitting around.

I am really surprised this misimpression still exists! It's the voltage *under load* that's relevant.

Put any alkaline battery in an analyzer and discharge it at some reasonable rate: maybe 500 mA.

At the same time, do the same thing with an NiMH. In less than 1/2 hour-sometimes a lot! less-the voltage of the alkaline will have dropped below the NiMH.

Generally speaking, power and the ability to deliver it is more important than voltage.

Discharge any alkaline and most any NiMH-and you will see that the NiMH often has twice (or more) the power available at a voltage usable by your device.

For maximum consistent voltage over the discharge cycle, it would be very heard to beat the Eneloops. (Unfortunately, I haven't extensively tested the new current versions.)

Like anything else, there are good and bad NiMH batteries.

Get some good NiMH batteries and a good charger-the charger is as important as the batteries.

If you are new at this, I suggest getting the Eneloops over other higher specified batteries.

Oh, and leave your NiMH batteries in your device. Life is difficult enough.........

[JEGG]

Originally Posted by Matti

What happened to those files?

Matti

Not that I'm bumping or anything, but I'd like to know, too!

[JEGG]

Originally Posted by RobAnderson

Interestingly enough, shortly after I posted here I received an email reply from Tascam that reads:

"Rob,

Using "SD card"+recovery as the search terms, you can probably locate programs that claim to recover lost and even corrupted files from various storage systems.

Thank you for your interest in TASCAM products."

I mean, it took them two working days to come up with this solution?

Thanks, I guess...

It's a real bite. Much as I enjoy some Tascam products, I always feel I'm entirely on my own, and if something actually every needed repairing, I would be forced to buy some other device. It could take months to contact them and a year to get something done.

As I said, with only one exception, I've found customer service with Tascam in the US to be consistently and completely unacceptable. Others have not been so unlucky.

[RobAnderson]

Originally Posted by Matti

What happened to those files?

Matti

Not that I'm bumping or anything, but I'd like to know, too!

bdasilva was awesome enough to forward me a copy of that program from the taperssection forum that he mentioned. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to try it yet. After I get through this weekend I will give it a shot and see if it does the trick.

Either way I will report back to let you all know.

Thanks for the info on the batteries JEGG. I'll definitely be investing in some Eneloops batteries.

[philper]

Originally Posted by RobAnderson

bdasilva was awesome enough to forward me a copy of that program from the taperssection forum that he mentioned. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to try it yet. After I get through this weekend I will give it a shot and see if it does the trick.

Either way I will report back to let you all know.

Thanks for the info on the batteries JEGG. I'll definitely be investing in some Eneloops batteries.

And maybe a small UPS?

phil p

[Chriscolt]

I know this is an old posting but I had a file corruption issue with over an hour of Band Rehearsal and new female singer audition that we really needed to review - the file was recorded in full all out WAV format (highest Quality) and then I can compress where needed to email or post to limited size restricted areas and I use Audacity to perform the file conversion / compression. Anyway the file which was supposed to be around 350MBs was corrupted - using standard toolset from MS (I am Still running XP) were useless - checkdisk etc... so I ran file repairs from System Mechanic Tool-suite which are usually very good - it restored only a few minutes of the over an hour session - I was about to give up when I found by googling - STELLAR PHOENIX PHOTO RECOVERY 4.0 - on sale Premum edition with full Customer Service telephone support (very rare these days) for US$49 - usually $69, there discount version (no C/S support) was on sale for $39 so for $10 more I have support so I went for it - full 30 day money back for any reason - so I figured if it didn't work then I get my money back so I tried it and it worked like a champ - you can let it default or set the file type from a very rich menu of file type extensions looks like over a hundred - music, photo, image, video, audio, picture, data - so by limiting the extension you can cut down the time it takes to sort through every lost file whether you accidently deleted it from your memory card or if it was corrupted like in my case - and wow it found stuff that I deleted months ago - dozens of WAV and MP3 (I limited the search to only these 2) and it looks directly at the drive you want it to analyze - internal, external, IPOD, Memory chip etc... took about 15 minutes to analyze my 8GB SanDisk in my Tascam DR 1 Digital Recorder and another 15 minutes to restore the 40 some odd MP3 and WAV files - some of the WAV files were over a GB in size and were a couple of hours in length.

After it restored the "corrupted" file - found about 90 seconds of loud white noise in the first track of the very beginning - probably what caused the initial problem - just used Audacity to edit that "section" out of the recording and saved and that was it!!

Great Product and great price - didnt get a chance yet to use customer service - will let u know when I do.

Chris

[boojum]

This free package restored an entire HD for me: CGSecurity

Cheers

[Shubi]

Piriform(makers of CCleaner) makes a free program called 'Recuva'.
I've used it many times to bring back corrupted or deleted files.

Last year some AC on a shoot formatted away a half days work, and everyone was freaking out. In 5 minutes, I had recovered everything. Sound dept saves the day. Again.

Windows only. Might be an issue for some.

[Emmawino]

stop doing anything to your card, and using data recovery software to recover these files.
if you are runinng Windows, using File and data recovery software to unformat, undelete files. Recover deleted files and recover formatted disk or corrupt drives - EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
if you ware running Mac OS X, using Mac Data Recovery Software, File Recovery Freeware, Undelete Files on Macintosh OSX - EaseUS Mac Data Recovery Wizard.