The recorder offers three file-storage formats, with mono and stereo options. Maximum quality, but minimum record time, is provided by 16-bit, 48kHz linear PCM files in standard WAV or BWAV formats. Next in the quality hierarchy is an MPEG1 Layer 2 option (MP2), with bit rates from 32kbps to 384kbps, followed by the more compact MPEG3 Layer 3 format (MP3), with bit rates from 32kbps to 320kbps. All files are automatically time and date stamped, and it is impossible to accidentally record over a previous file. There is even a two-second pre-record memory, so that you can still capture a complete recording even if you are a little slow in hitting the record button!