iRiver 899 – MP3 Recorder Firmware Update

This is the recorder that started it all for me.  I started podcasting in 2005 and latched on to the iRiver MP3 player because it also could record with an external or internal mic.  It is a great tool and was very popular among early podcasters.  Since then quite a few solid state recorders have come along like the my Edirol and Marantz PMD-660.

I have kept my collection of iRivers for one reason.  I can use record several people all at the same time at a remote location.  With my four recorders, I can record eight people with excellent fidelity.  That would get expensive with newer recorders.

I did have a panic when the iRiver software would not work with Windows Vista.  After some searching on Google. I found the solution to keep the iRivers in my toolbox.  Here is what I did to upgrade my iRivers:

• Find a Windows XP computer.
• Load the iRiver Music Manager 3.17 software from iRiver USA.
• Download iFP-800 Series Firmware V1.95 UMS and extract it.
• Connect the iRiver and use the Music Manger to upgrade the firmware.
• You now have the equivalent of a USB drive.  You can record and then download the files when the Vista computer recognizes the  iRiver as an external drive.

I was so excited to be able to extend the life of my iRiver recorders.  The Edirol is my primary recorder, but I regularly carry a backup (or two).  Even when recording video, I will record a separate track of just audio – just in case.

My thanks to Jan Karlsbjerg for the details to make the firmware upgrade work.