# Cannot record to SD card

**URL:** <https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/cannot-record-to-sd-card/33148>\
**Category:** CQ Troubleshooting\
**Created:** [15 October 2026 09:28 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/cannot-record-to-sd-card/33148 "2026-10-15T09:28:51Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![chienmort](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.allen-heath.com/chienmort/32/4428_2.png) [@chienmort](https://forums.allen-heath.com/u/chienmort)\
**Post date:** [15 October 2026 09:28 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/cannot-record-to-sd-card/33148/1 "2026-10-15T09:28:52Z")

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I have an SD card formatted in the CQ but cannot record onto it. I have tried Stereo and Multitrack but the transport controls are greyed out.

I thought maybe re-format the SD card but the format option is not there.

I have re-read the manual and watch the video. In the meantime I will search for anothe SD card or ISB drive but I wonder if anyone else has had this?

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**Author:** ![alleytom](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.allen-heath.com/alleytom/32/7470_2.png) [@alleytom](https://forums.allen-heath.com/u/alleytom)\
**Post date:** [15 October 2026 09:45 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/cannot-record-to-sd-card/33148/2 "2026-10-15T09:45:27Z")

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I’m sorry to ask this possibly stupid question, but have you armed some track for recording? I have recorded numerous gigs w/o issues.

Actually, if the format option isn’t there, I’d say the SD you put in isn’t recognized at all. Try getting another one, or verifying that SD card works into some other devices.

Finally, and this is the 2nd time I may look stupid in the same post, I have once put the SD card in UPSIDE DOWN (and freaked out since I thought I broke something). Top side should be up (duh…).

I hope you sort it out.

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**Author:** ![chienmort](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.allen-heath.com/chienmort/32/4428_2.png) [@chienmort](https://forums.allen-heath.com/u/chienmort)\
**Post date:** [15 October 2026 11:11 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/cannot-record-to-sd-card/33148/3 "2026-10-15T11:11:19Z")

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Thanks for your suggestions. I have put in a USB STICK/drive and that is also not playing ball.

I will try another SD drive.

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**Author:** ![robinhow](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.allen-heath.com/robinhow/32/4499_2.png) [@robinhow](https://forums.allen-heath.com/u/robinhow)\
**Post date:** [15 October 2026 21:10 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/cannot-record-to-sd-card/33148/4 "2026-10-15T21:10:50Z")

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Check the sd card hasn’t had its write protection tab moved. I’ve found that sometimes happens when the card is inserted.

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**Author:** ![chienmort](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.allen-heath.com/chienmort/32/4428_2.png) [@chienmort](https://forums.allen-heath.com/u/chienmort)\
**Post date:** [15 October 2026 22:00 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/cannot-record-to-sd-card/33148/5 "2026-10-15T22:00:20Z")

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Good shout, I will check it tomorrow.

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**Author:** ![glenndincnj](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.allen-heath.com/glenndincnj/32/1632_2.png) [@glenndincnj](https://forums.allen-heath.com/u/glenndincnj)\
**Post date:** [16 October 2026 16:23 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/cannot-record-to-sd-card/33148/6 "2026-10-16T16:23:55Z")

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Make sure the card is SDHC, Class 10, UHS-I / U1 with a max size of 32GB (that is the max officially supported) and is formatted as FAT32 (HAS to be that!).