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--> arr1 = num.arange(4, shape=(1,2,2), type=num.Float64) --> arr2 = num.arange(4, shape=(1,2,2), type=num.Float64)+10 --> a = rec.array([arr1, arr2], names="a,b")

But is there any advantage to that compared to just using named arrays of the desired shape: a = num.arange(4, shape=(2,2), type=num.Float64) b = num.arange(4, shape=(2,2), type=num.Float64)+10

Not really, in this particular example.

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I'd be interested in your application as to why a 2x2 table is necessary.

Here are two different uses I've come up with (both related to image processing). [snip]

You need it because you need to pass it to the C-structure, I think. In any case, you have found a way to get around the problem by using setshape. I'll take a look of the module to get an idea of how much effort is needed to make the 2-D (and higher) record arrays to work more smoothly. JC Hsu