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.
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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 | |
| *The specifications are subject to change without notice. | ||
5 Comments
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This unit is a mix of awesome and could be better.
On the positive side the mic pres and sound quality are superior to the Sound Devices 744t.
But, judge for yourself: http://www.soundchaser.ca/sample2.html
The Pro-4 is also a better stand alone unit with easier access and a better mix section than the 744t. Outstanding headroom and you can use this unit without a mixer for a professional double system on a film shoot, although you can not monitor in mono. This unit is so good sonically it can stand alone in any recording application without the need for outboard pres or an integrated mixer.
Cons: poor battery life–1 1/2 hours. I use an on board IDX lithion Ion battery with a pouch right on the R-4 carrying bag for a total of 16 hours charge!
No 48.048KHz sampling rate so you can not use this recorder in conjuction with a film shoot. It does however offer 23.976 fps timecode for HD video sync.
There are also no user presets. While there is a lot of adjustments within the unit, such as a fully adjustable limiter, EQ, additional headphone gain, all settings are lost as soon as you power down. The FX editing system is useless and slow to operate.
The unit is big compared to the ultra compact 744t and significantly heavier. However, the advantage is that it is a complete stand alone unit, simple to use with superior sound quality. -
I found your piece on the Edirol R4-Pro very interesting. I have one, and the battery life
is dreadful.Can you tell me more specifically which IDX lithion Ion battery you use with it.
Many thanks,
Mike Moore
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PRO-4 UPDATE:
Correction: The user presets do work with the exception of the monitor level and output levels which return to their preset setting on power down. Most importantly, the limiter section can be assigned on combinations of inputs, outputs (or both) in groups, pairs or individually and they are fully adjustable. This is a good comp/limiter.
I still find the editing section useless as it is so much slower and awkward than a computer.
More and more I am liking this unit as after a year I know it backwards and it has held up extremely well in the field. I have dropped using a mixer and find the unit great for film allowing me to run a boom plus 3 lavs in one easy, small self contained package.
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Hi Akira, I haver an EDIROL and I would like to find a better battery system. Could you explain me the type of baterry you use on tou sound recorder?
Thanks
A.
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IDX lithion Ion battery (IDX is the system)
Any external battery will work as long as it supplies the required voltage which the R4 Pro can be set to on the systems menu. (lots of range of choices) but get lithion.
These batteries are usually supplied with the standard 4 pin XLR connector that the Pro 4 uses.
