Portable 4-channel recorder with SMPTE Time Code sync function and Wave editor

r4pro_with_cameraThe 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.

The R-4 Pro is a part of our series of audio field recorders. Compare Audio Field Recorders.

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.

 

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R-4 PRO Awarded VideoMaker's Best Product Award

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Read a "How To" on Studio Monthly website: "Record Four Channels of 16-bit Digital Audio with the Edirol R-4 Pro Portable Recorder "

Portable 4-channel recorder with SMPTE Time Code sync function and Wave editor

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 videfo. 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 2.0r4pro_usb
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.

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 Driver4pro_recording_time_sm
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, 88.2kHz, 96 kHz or 192kHz. 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 Limiterr4pro_limitter_m
The built-in 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 Effectseffects
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.

Newly designed High Quality Pre-ampsr4pro_preamp
The high quality R-4 Pro pre-amps specially designed for field recording ensures superior sound quality.

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.r4pro_dc_input

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).

Wave Editingr4pro_waveform
Just watch the waveform on the LCD. Scrubbing playback with the shuttle dial let you set the edit points precisely by sound.

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

Optional accessories
SHC-R4: R-4 Series Hardshell Case

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CS-50: Stereo Microphone

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R-4 Pro 4-Channel Portable Recorder and Wave Editor
Recorder
Channels 4
Signal Processing AD/DA Conversion: 24 bits
Sampling Frequency: 44.1/48/88.2/96/192 kHz
Data Type Format: WAV
Sampling Frequency: 44.1/48/88.2/96/192 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
24 bit/88.2kHz (Stereo): 38 hours
16 bit/96 kHz (Stereo): 53 hours
24 bit/96 kHz (Stereo): 35 hours
24 bit/192kHz (Stereo): 17 hours

* These recording times are approximate. Actual results may vary.
* If more than one recorded file exists, the total recordable time will be less than these.

Audio Input and Output
Analog Inputs XLR type x 4 + Built in stereo microphones
• Residual Noise Level: LINE Out: -90 dBu
(SENS Knob: +4 dBu, Input Level Knob: Min)
• S/N ratio: 100 dB (max signal level is 10dBu)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD + N): 0.01 %
(SENS Knob: +4 dBu, Input Level Knob: Center)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz (0 - -3 dB)
Analog Outputs RCA type x 4 + Built in stereo speakers
Headphones 1/4 inch phone type x 1
Digital Input/Output AES/EBU XLR type x 1
Time Code In/Out BNC type x 2 (SMPTE LTC)
Frame Rates 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97D, 30, 30D
Phantom Power 48+/-2 V / 8 mA (Available 4 Channels simultaneously)
Other Input/Output
USB Interface USB Ports A type x 1 + B type x 1
(Supports USB 1.1 / 2.0 mass storage device class)
Effect Unit
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
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 or
4-pin XLR powered external battery systems

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
*The specifications are subject to change without notice.
questions about products
- Can I record four channels while the recording sampling frequency set to 192kHz?
"No. When the sampling frequency is se to 192kHz, you can only select MONO×1, MONO×2, or STEREO×1 for the recording mode."
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I start recording from an external device?
No. You must operate R-4PRO to start recording and cannot control this operation from an external device such as a video device.
Did this help? Yes No
- Is a dedicated case available?
"We offer SHC-R4, the optional semi-hard case dedicated for R-4 and R-4PRO. Please check our Web site for the details. Note that a dedicated carrying (soft) case is supplied with R-4 and R-4PRO."
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I connect two external microphones to R-4PRO and use them with the built-in microphones to record four channels simultaneously?
"Yes. When using the external and built-in microphones simultaneously, select [Int+Ana] in [Input Select]. MIC-L of the built-in microphones becomes the channel 1 and MIC-R becomes channel 2. Connect the external microphones to analog input terminals 3/4 channels * Note that [Int+Ana] cannot be selected when the recording sampling frequency is 192kHz."
Did this help? Yes No
- Is the sound quality different from R-4?
"The analog circuit was improved and the S/N ratio as well as sound quality of R-4PRO significantly improved from R-4. Reference: R-4/R-4PRO?S/N ratio comparison * R-4: 85dB @ -23 [dBu] input * R-4PRO: 100dB @ -20[dBu]input"
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I configure PAN for the output audio of each channel?
R-4PRO does not provide a function to configure PAN.
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I output recorded 4-channel audio from each of the four channels separately?
Yes. R-4PRO provides four RCA-pin output terminals (L/R×2) and can output audio from each of the four channels separately.
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I power on and off the phantom power supply of R-4PRO for each channel separately?
"The phantom power supply switches are provided separately for the channels 1/2 and channels 3/4 and can be operated separately. However, the phantom power supply cannot be powered on or off for a particular single channel. Note: Be sure to power off the phantom power supply unless a condenser microphone requiring it is connected. If you supply the phantom power supply to a dynamic microphone, it may get faulty. Refer to the manual of the microphone for its specifications. Reference: Phantom power supply specifications DC48V, 8mA Max (25mA or less for the total of all channels)"
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I output the time code of REC RUN or RTC for R-4PRO from the TIMECODE OUT terminal?
"The time code of REC RUN or RTC is not output from the TIMECODE OUT terminal. Even when REC RUN or RTC is selected, the time code of INT is output from the TIMECODE OUT terminal. To use R-4PRO as the master and record the same time code as R-4PRO on an external device, set the time code mode to INT."
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I simultaneously record analog and digital inputs with R-4PRO?
"Yes. By selecting [Dig+Ana] for [Input Select] under [Recording Setup] of system configuration, signals from a digital device connected to the digital input connector and analog audio signals from a microphone or audio device connected to the XLR input connector are recorded simultaneously. In this case, the digital input audio is recorded on the channels 1 and 2. Use the channels 3 and 4 to record the analog audio. * Note [Dig+Ana] cannot be selected when the recording sampling frequency is 192kHz."
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I connect an external storage to R-4PRO and save data on a memory card?
"Yes. Although R-4PRO is not equipped with a card slot for CompactFlash, you can write project files onto an external storage connected to the device. However, you cannot record or play back video and/or audio onto and from the external storage directly. * An external storage means a USB memory, external HDD, and memory cards which can be read with a memory card reader."
Did this help? Yes No
- Is the microphone terminal XLR type only?
The input terminal of R-4PRO for analog audio signal is XLR type only. When using a microphone with the standard plug, use a conversion plug to connect it to R-4PRO.
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I use R-4PRO with Oxyride cells?
"Use R-4PRO with alkaline or nickel-hydrogen cells. We do not recommend you use Oxyride cells for the following reasons. We also do not guarantee the normal operation if you use Oxyride cells. * The battery life is not different when using Oxyride cells and alkaline or nickel-hydrogen cells. * Oxyride cells may generate heat."
Did this help? Yes No
- What should I care when handling cells?
"When not handling a cell, battery, and/or charger in a wrong way, leak, heat generation, fire, or explosion may occur. Read the manual of the a cell, battery, and charger thoroughly before using them and observe all the precautions. Be sure to use a battery and charger in a correct combination specified by the vendor."
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I capture audio files recorded with R-4PRO to the DV-7DL series?
"es. You can connect R-4PRO and DV-7DL series via a USB cable to capture audio. Be sure to record audio in the following format to capture it to DV-7DL series. * Wave file, 16 bits, 44.1kHz, 48kHz * 24bit, 96kHz Notes: * The system program of DV-7DL series must be Version 1.010 or later. * You cannot capture a 24-bit and 96KHz audio file recorded with R-4PRO to DV-7DL series Version 2.001 or earlier. * If The system program of DV-7DL series is not Version 1.010 or later, contact the Roland ED Customer Support Center. We offer the update CD-ROM to the registered users. * To check the version of DV-7DL series, select [Setting] -> [Version] on the Edit screen. * Audio data recorded with R-4PRO in other formats other than above cannot be captured to DV-7DL series. If you forcibly do this, an unexpected error may occur. In such a case, the consequent failure will not be covered by our warranty."
Did this help? Yes No
- When R-4PRO is used with alkaline cells, how long does it run? Are there any other types of batteries which can be used with R-4PRO?
"When used with eight AA alkaline cells, R-4PRO can continue playback for approximately 3.5 hours and recording for approximately 2 hours. * 44.1kHz, 16bit, stereo, and phantom power supply powered off Note that this time varies depending on the use condition (whether the backlight and effects are used, environmental temperature, etc.). * Reference: You can also use nickel-hydrogen cells in addition to alkaline cells with R-4PRO. When used with nickel-hydrogen cells, R-4PRO can continue playback for approximately 3.5 hours and recording for approximately 2.5 hours. * 44.1kHz, 16bit, stereo, and phantom power supply powered on Note: * R-4PRO cannot charge nickel-hydrogen cells. Prepare a charger. * You need to specify the type of cells used in [System Setup] under [System Configuration] menu of R-4PRO. Do not forget this specification."
Did this help? Yes No
- "My R-4 Pro won´t automatically jam to external timecode on each new recording session. I have the TC set to ""External"", but it won´t jam to my camera´s TC every time I hit Record. Why?"
"The R-4 Pro will jam to External TC, but you must manually jam it to do so. Prior to starting a new recording, be sure to press System > Time code > Set INT TC > Jam EXT. This will ""update"" the R-4 to your external sync."
Did this help? Yes No
- "My R-4 Pro keeps shutting down, even on AC power. After I start it up, it warns me about ""Low Battery"" then it just shuts down. Why?"
"Check your Menu settings here: SYSTEM SETUP > EXT-POWER. Make sure this is set to ""Adapter"" when using AC power. That should solve the problem."
Did this help? Yes No
- How do I sync two R-4 Pros together to get eight tracks?
"You can sync two R-4 Pro units by setting up one unit as a SMPTE Timecode Master (INT) and the other as a SMPTE Timecode Slave (EXT). You can then ""jam sync"" the Slave to the Master. You will still have to manually select REC, PAUSE, STOP on each unit, but if your editing software supports SMPTE Timecode, you´ll be able to easily sync your eight tracks during edit."
Did this help? Yes No
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