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EDIROL R4 W/TC


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This is looking to be a killer entry-level recorder. I'm hoping that it will educate more low-budget guys and gals on the value of good sound for their films and videos. Right out of the box it has an advantage over the next comparable recorder, the Fostex FR-2, by adding 2 more tracks and clocking in at the same price point. Other manufacturers are going to have to work hard to lower their costs or the R4-Pro is going to take over this market segment. Just my two cents of course ;)

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This is looking to be a killer entry-level recorder. I'm hoping that it will educate more low-budget guys and gals on the value of good sound for their films and videos. Right out of the box it has an advantage over the next comparable recorder, the Fostex FR-2, by adding 2 more tracks and clocking in at the same price point. Other manufacturers are going to have to work hard to lower their costs or the R4-Pro is going to take over this market segment. Just my two cents of course ;)

The Fostex as a good following already, and it's TC clock is pretty accurate.  It remains to be seen if Edirol has gone to the same trouble.  I wasn't very impressed with the sound of the original R4 a few years ago.  Who uses reverb on a location recorder?  I also want to see if Edirol has read the market and made the new R4 able to "auto-record" w/ incoming TC (as in SD and Tascam).  The R4's lack of a sync input already limits its usefullness w/ video.

Philip Perkins

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phil,

I know the fr2 has a good following. good track record.

we just recieved a preliminary spec sheet. and they promised much better preamps. the last version you had to put a mixer in front of it. there still is a "effects" button. it has a tc in, waiting on more tc q & a .

thanks,

fsbella

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check out the specs. direct from edirols site.

The R-4 Pro shares the R-4's rugged construction, robust feature set and great sound quality, but the R-4 Pro also includes AES/EBU support, SMPTE time code and superb electronics. Record up to four channels at 24-bit 96KHz and monitor each channel discretely. The durable DC input jack allows for industry-standard battery packs to extend your record time. Its 80GB hard drive will store up to 125 hours of high quality audio. You can plug in any standard USB drive and enjoy fast back-ups of your projects. Like the R-4, the R-4 Pro has on-board effects and WAV editing features. Geared for pro videographers and recordists, the R-4 Pro delivers professional sound and features in a package that everyone can afford.

Why are 4-channels of audio better than 2-channels?

• Capture more ambient sound at any shoot for an overall more convincing soundscape.

• Place mics on each participant in conferences, panels, reporters, etc.

• Redundancy or backup in case of camera mic noise or drop out.

• Simplify wedding shoots with a mic on the bride, groom, officiator and a mic for ambient sound.

• Video editing environments now support multi-channel audio as standard.

Main Features

Master or Slave Sync with SMPTE Time Code

The R-4 Pro accepts SMPTE time code which enables it to slave to video cameras or VTRs. Four channels of high quality audio can be fully synchronized with video. In addition, the R-4 Pro can also act as the master, sending out time code to slave devices.

AES/EBU Input/Output

The R-4 Pro is equipped with XLR style AES/EBU digital Input and Output.

Instant Backup via USB 2.0

The USB host terminal of R-4 Pro enables high speed and instant backup of recorded data to affordable and easy obtainable media like Flash Memory, Memory Cards via card reader or HDD storage. Easy and high speed duplication of recorded data improves production workflow across multiple locations.

DC Input for External Battery Power Supply

The R-4 Pro is equipped with a 4-pin XLR type battery power input. This enables power supplies from industry standard battery manufacturers for video cameras such as Anton-Bauer, etc. Additional flexibility in power options include AA type battery power or AC power (via adapter).

Individual Monitoring of 4 channels

Individual monitoring of all channels is enabled via the four analog outputs. This allows precise monitoring of all recorded audio.

Extended Recording with 80GB Hard Disk Drive

Equipped with a 80GB hard disk drive, the R-4 Pro can record a stereo audio file for approximately116 hours at 16bit/44.1kHz/ 106 hours at 16bit/48kHz, 70 hours at 24bit/48kHz, 34 hours at 16bit/96kHz, and 30 hours at 24bit/96kHz.

Superior 24-bit/96-kHz Linear Recording

Totally uncompressed recording assures outstanding sound quality. Choose 16-bit or 24-bit quantization and a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, or 96 kHz. Save data as WAV files.

Simultaneous 4-Channel Recording

The 4 XLR/Phone combo jacks come with switchable phantom power and give you a choice of MONO, STEREO, STEREO X2, or 4CH recording. Digital input/output is also provided.

Four-channel recording gives you exceptional flexibility. For example, you can use mics to capture the ambience of a performance hall while using line input to record the performance itself. Or you can record at several different level settings simultaneously.

On-Board Limiter

Built into the analog stage, the Limiter helps deliver a stable and reliable recording free of clipped noise from sudden input surges.

Built-In Nondirectional Stereo Microphones

The R-4 Pro's omnidirectional, back electret condenser microphones offer superb transient characteristics and vibration resistance.

Pre-Recording Function

When the REC button is pressed, the current material is appended to a buffer that contains recorded material from a few seconds earlier. This helps prevent missed recording opportunities or sound bites at the beginning of a recording.

Five High-Quality Effects

The R-4 Pro lets you tailor the sound during both recording and playback.

Waveform Editing Using Only the R-4 Pro

The R-4 Pro is all you need to edit waveforms. Just watch the waveform on the LCD as you edit. Scrubbing playback with the shuttle dial lets you set the edit points precisely by sound.

Index Any Point Instantly

Press the mark button anytime during recording or playback to mark that point for easy, instant indexing later. With the A-B repeat function you can set two points and repeatedly play back the material between them.

Easy Playback with the Jog Dial

Use the jog dial to fast-forward or rewind at any of seven speed levels.

Built-In Stereo Speakers

The R-4 Pro's built-in speakers make it easy to monitor recorded sound without headphones.

USB 2.0 Terminal Provides a High-Speed Computer Data Link

The USB 2.0 high-speed mode transfers data about 20 times faster than DAT. You can also use the R-4 Pro as a 80GB storage device. Edit R-4 Pro files directly from DAWs and other applications.

Advanced Linking with the EDIROL DV-7DL

A USB cable is all you need to connect directly to an EDIROL DV-7DL Video Editor and exchange files.

Soft Carrying Case

The R-4 Pro comes with a soft carrying case with a shoulder strap for safe, comfortable use in the field.

Main Specifications

R-4 Pro 4-Channel Portable Recorder and Wave Editor

Recorder Part

Channels 4

Signal Processing AD/DA Conversion: 24 bits

Sampling Frequency: 44.1/48/96 kHz

Data Type Format: WAV

Sampling Frequency: 44.1/48/96 kHz

Bit Depth: 16/24 bits

Media Internal Hard Disk Drive (80 GB)

Recording time 16 bit/44.1 kHz (Stereo): 116 hours

16 bit/48 kHz (Stereo): 106 hours

24 bit/48 kHz (Stereo): 70 hours

16 bit/96 kHz (Stereo): 34 hours

24 bit/96 kHz (Stereo): 30 hours

* These recording times are approximate. Your actual results may vary.

* If more than one recorded file exists, the total recordable time will be less than these.

Audio Input and Output Part

Analog Inputs XLR type x 4 + Built in stereo microphones

Analog Outputs LINE Out: 1/4 inch phone type (L, R), RCA phono type (L, R)

Headphones: Stereo 1/4 inch phone type

Digital Input/Output AES/EBU XLR type x 1

Time Code In/Out BNC type x 2 (SMPTE LTC)

Phantom Power 48+/-2 V / 8 mA (Available 4 Channels simultaneously)

Other Input/Output Part

USB Interface USB Ports A type x 1 + B type x 1

(Supports USB 1.1 / 2.0 mass storage device class)

Effect Unit Part

Effect Type 3-Bands Shelving EQ, 6-Bands Graphic EQ, Noise Gate, Enhancer, Compressor and De-esser

Available to either recording or playing.

Not available to recording in 96 kHz sampling frequency.

Control

Power Switch

Hold Switch

Input Gain Knobs: CH1--CH4

Monitor Level knob

Input Level Switches: CH1/2, CH3/4 (LINE/MIC Level)

Phantom Power Switches: CH1/2, CH3/4

Limiter Switch

Scrub (Value)/Shuttle Dial

Transport Buttons: PREV (REW), NEXT (FWD), STOP, PLAY/PAUSE, REC

Marker Buttons: CLEAR, PREV, NEXT, MARK

Function Buttons: WAVE EDIT, EFFECTS, SYSTEM

A-B Repeat Button

Display Button

Others

Display 128 x 64 dots Graphic LCD (backlit LCD)

Power Supply AC Adaptor (PSB-1U) or

Alkaline dry battery LR6 (AA) type x 8, or Nickel Hydrogen battery (HR15/51) x 8

Power Consumption 1.2 A

Accessories USB cable

AC Adaptor with XLR 4 pins conversion cable

AC Cord

Owner's manual

Carrying Case (soft type)

Size and Weight

Width 254 mm

Depth 221.8 mm

Height 72.2 mm

Weight 1.7 kg

later,

fsbella

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  • 8 months later...

I wasn't crazy about the sound, Edirol has not said whether or not the R4 clocks its SR to the incoming TC (as in SD and Tascam), I think that the long term stability of its clock is suspect, and it doesn't seem to support 23.976 TC (very important in the US).  It also seems to be only USB, so burning 24/48 4 track files via a laptop would be pretty slow.  So, yes, an entry level and or backup/wild sound recorder, but not serious competition for Sound Devices.

Philip Perkins

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