Edirol R-44 Portable Recorder

EDIROL R44 Details ^top

The R-44 is a compact, four channel, solid-state field recorder that uses SD or large capacity SDHC cards as the storage media enabling quiet and reliable recording for a variety of professional audio needs. Capture up to 4 channels of uncompressed audio with selectable bit depths (16-bit or 24-bit) and sampling frequencies (44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/192kHz). Onboard effects include limiter, low cut filter, 3-band EQ, 6-band GEQ, Enhancer, and DeEsser.

Weighing in at just less than 3 lbs including batteries makes the R-44 a perfect high quality recording solution for videographers, musicians, teachers, and sound designers to take anywhere.

Pro quality four channels recordings to large capacity SDHC cards.
The Edirol R-44 is designed for professional use within a very conveniently sized package. Capture up to 4 channels of uncompressed audio with selectable bit depths (16-bit or 24-bit) and sampling frequencies(44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz). R-44 employs SD cards or large capacity SDHC cards as the recording media. No moving parts enables the most silent and reliable operation possible.

Built-in stereo microphones and monitor speakers
Although the R-44 is compact, all the necessary functions are included. Built-in high quality microphones and speakers make recording and monitoring without external devices possible.

Built-in Effects
3-Band EQ 3-band parametric EQ ; allows precise equalization with high/low shelving and peaking
6-Band Graphic EQ 6 point frequency band equalization; ideal for recording
Noise Gate Minimizes noise during low audio levels, cuts low frequency noise
Enhancer Cleary defines and enhances sound; good for dialogue
Comp & DeEsser Cuts hissing, smoothens the sound, makes audio level uniform
MS Mic Mixing Generates stereo mix with specified spread from inputs of Mid-Side Microphones
* Effects can be applied on both input and output
* Effects are not available while sample rate is set to 192kHz

Built-in limiter, low-cut filter and studio class effects
An on-board limiter helps suppress sudden peaks in sound from an input source. A low-cut filter is included to help prevent things like wind noise or mic handling noise. Studio class effects such as 3-Band EQ, 6-Band GEQ, Enhancer or DeEsser can be used as tools to greatly improve audio quality. Effects can be applied while recording or simply for monitoring/playback.

Pre-Record function ensures you never miss that important moment again
The Pre-Record function buffers input signals for a user-definable amount of time. When the REC button is pressed, the material from the previous few seconds (selectable) is included. This also helps reduce sound bites at the beginning of a recording by not having to start the recorder too early.

Combo type analog jacks and digital output enables connection with a variety of devices
The combo input jacks (4) supports the connection of both XLR and 1/4 inch plugs. XLR inputs are equipped with phantom power. Eleven steps of input sensitivity enable the connection of various devices with a variety of inputs levels from microphones to musical instruments. High quality analog circuitry in the preamp ensures superior recording results.

High-contrast Organic LED display and operation-oriented user interface
The high contrast, high response organic LED screen, viewable from wide angles ensures fluid operation in field recording situations. The high response of level meters makes precise level adjustments possible. All the necessary switches and knobs are located on the top and front panels. Self-lit buttons on all the key controls enable clear-cut recording operations.

Capture eight channels by linking two units
The Control Sync terminal enables synchronized operation of 2 units. Control the second unit from the master by simply connecting two with a stereo mini cable. The master unit can remotely control REC standby, REC start and REC stop of the slave unit. This function enables 8-channel recording in a compact space and at an affordable price.

Link to computer via high speed USB
The R-44 storage can be mounted on computers with a simple USB 2.0 connection. It is seen as an USB storage device on any computer. You can copy data back and forth with a simple drag & drop operation.

Four hours of recording with four AA batteries
The R-44 can be operated with 3 types of power: AC adaptor, 4-pin external battery and AA batteries. Four hours* of operation is possible with NiMH or alkaline batteries.

* at 16-bit/44.1kHz stereo. No phantom power and pre-record disabled.

EDIROL R44 Specs ^top

Recorder Section

Channels
4
Data Type Format : WAV/BWF

Sampling Bit Rate
16/24-bit

Sampling Frequency

44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/192kHz (Limited to Stereo x 1 at 192kHz) * 16 or 24-bit sampling rate can be selected with any frequency
Recording Media
SDHC memory card (compatible with 64 MB - 8 GB*)* As of November 2007.

Recording Time using 8 GB SDHC card

16 bit/44.1kHz 16 bit/48kHz 24 bit/48kHz 24 bit/96kHz 24 bit/192kHz
Stereo 755 minutes 694 minutes 462 minutes 231 minutes 115 minutes
4 ch 377 minutes 347 minutes 231 minutes 115 minutes

* Recording times are approximate. Actual results may vary somewhat.
* If more than one recorded file exists, the total recordable time will be less than listed.
Input / Output
Analog Input Ch 1 - 4 : XLR/TRS Combo type, XLR type (phantom powered), TRS type (balanced/unbalanced), Stereo Built-in Microphones
Analog Output Ch 1 - 4 : RCA Pin type (line output)
Headphone : Stereo Phone type (1/4 inch)
Digital In/Out
RCA Pin type (IEC 60958-3)
Input Impedance
XLR: 4k ohms or greater (balanced), TRS: 6k ohms or greater (balanced)
Nominal Input Level 11 steps : -56, -50, -44, -38, -32, -26, -20, -14, -8, -2, +4 (Input Level Knob : Center)
Maximum Input +24 dBu (Input Sens Knob: +4 dBu)
Output Impedance Line Output : 600 ohms
Recommended Load Impedance Line : 4k ohms or greater
Headphone : 16 ohms or greater
Output Level Line Output : -20 dBu (fixed)
Headphone : 40 mW + 40 mW
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise Line Output : 0.02 % (Input Sens : +4 dBu)
Noise Level Line Output : -100 dBu (Input Sens : +4 dBu, Input Level : Center)
Residual Noise Level Line Output : -103 dBu (Input Sens : +4 dBu, Input Level : Minimum)
Frequency Response 20Hz - 40kHz(0/-3 dB)

Dynamic Range
AD : 100 dB
DA : 104 dB

Phantom Power
48 V + or - 4 V, 8 mA per 1 channel (20 mA or less in all channels)
Other Terminals

USB Port
Mini-B Type Connecter
USB 1.1 or 2.0 High Speed (Mass Storage Class)

Control Sync Jack
Stereo Mini Type Jack
Word clock sync and start/stop remote control of 2 units
* Remote control function does not guarantee the exact same REC start time
Miscellaneous
Display 128 x 64 dot organic LED
Power Supply AC adaptor (PSB-1U), AA type battery x 4 (Alkaline or NiMH)
Current Draw 1.2 A
Dimensions 157(W) x 183(D) x 61(H) mm (6-3/16(W) x 7-1/4(D) x 2-7/16(H) inches)
Weight 1.3 kg (2 lbs 14 oz) including batteries

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

EDIROL R44 Manuals ^top

R-44 Manual (pdf)

EDIROL R44 Video ^top

R-44 Overview Video