Edirol R-4 shown at AES - $1600

K

KevinScott

New member
I was wondering if anyone has experience using Edirol products? I need a good multi-channel (at least two tracks, but four tracks are MUCH better) field recorder but can't afford a Deva 4/5 or HHB PortaDrive right now.

I don't need timecode, but I do want excellent sound quality, and a reliable recorder. Am I asking too much for $2k?

I'm considering this unit as the specs are good, and the feature set is right for me... just not sure if Edirol can be trusted to make good (but not great) gear since my budget is only $2k for a recorder.

Here's the Edirol R-4 specs:

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.

USB 2.0 Terminal Provides a High-Speed Computer Data Link
CompactFlash™ Slot

AD/DA Conversion: 24-bit
Headroom: 12 dB
Sample Rates: AD/DA Conversion 44.1/48/96kHz
Digital Output: 44.1/48/96kHz
Digital Input: 32kHz to 96kHz (Convert to internal sample rate)
Hard Disk Capacity: 40GB

Recording Time: 16-bit/44.1kHz: 58 hours, 16-bit/48kHz: 53 hours, 24-bit/96kHz: 17 hours

Power Supply: DC 9V(AC Adapter)
AA Battery x 8

Anyone care to comment, or have other advice?
 
Re: Edirol R-4 shown at AES - $1600

If you can stretch your budget a bit, I'd consider the new Sound Devices 722. The MSRP is $2650 and you can probably found it discounted a little bit. The 722 is only 2-channel, but I'd rather have two rock solid high quality channels, than a more finicky machine with 4 channels.  Not to say the R-4 is going to be finicky, Edirol has a good reputation, but the R-4 is not going to be in the same class as the 722.  However, the $1600 price of the R-4 is tempting, but I'd still be a little concerned about build quality  and the ability to take knocks in the field.  I'd buy the 722 sight unseen--based on the fanatical quality of SD, but I'd sure wait on the Edirol until some good pro reviews roll in.
 
Re: Edirol R-4 shown at AES - $1600

This R-4 is not due until Febuary, 2005. It has been in development for a very long time. News of it first surfaced in Sept, 2003. It has been years in development which tells me that there were problems.

Edirol make good desktop audio products. Although the R4 will run DC, I think its construction is not intended for heavy field use. It looks like common thin (ABS?) plastic that you would see on a desktop product. I think I can kinda tell just from looking at it. I'll keep hoping that I'm wrong though, as this would be a good solution for me also.
 
Re: Edirol R-4 shown at AES - $1600

Well, I have to say that the SD 722 and 744T disk/flash recorders have also been in development for a long time, so that doesn't necessarily mean problems. I appreciate it when companies thouroghly develop and beta test products. However, I think you're right about the build quality. It looks *portable*, but the overall design seems sort of fiddly for field use. We'll just have to wait until it comes out, though.
 
Re: Edirol R-4 shown at AES - $1600

I think for the money, the R4 will be a great buy. Remember, the Fostex FR-2 is made out of plastic, and it seems to be holding up very well in the field.

I am very interested in this machine, and I think it will do quite well. I think it will go without saying that the Sound Devices machines will do well, as many many people are chomping at the bit for those things.

-Dave
 
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