[Musikmesse] Edirol R-44

The new R-44 picks up where the R-4 left off — a four-channel recorder that uses SD or large capacity SDHC card storage media. According to Edirol, it offers very flexible recording options with up to four channels of uncompressed audio available at selectable bit depths (16– or 24-bit) with sampling frequencies between 44.1kHz and 192kHz (stereo mode only). Broadcast wave is also supported and two R-44s can be synced together to offer up to 8-channel recording for surround sound applications.

The R-44 weighs in at three pounds — despite the metal chassis — and features both XLR and 1/4 inch TRS jack inputs. The XLR inputs are derived from the EDIROL R-4PRO and come equipped with individual phantom power as well as a limiter. Eleven steps of input sensitivity enable the connection of multiple devices with a variety of input levels from microphones to musical instruments. The high-speed USB 2.0 port is designed to allow for quick and easy copy and archive to a computer. The R-44 can also operate as a USB host.

Power is supplied by external PSU or onboard AA batteries.

The R-44 also offers effects, including limiter, low-cut filter, 3-band EQ, 6-band GEQ, enhancer and de-esser.

Key Features of the R-44

• Compact, lightweight and rugged design
  
• Record up to four channels of audio at selectable bit rates (16– & 24-bit) and sampling frequencies (44.1, 48, 96kHz — 192kHz for stereo recording only)
  
• Wide variety of input sensitivity levels
  
• Uses SD and SDHC cards for quiet and reliable operation
  
• Very usable onboard effects
  
• XLR and 1/4 inch TRS jack inputs

The R-44 will be available from March, price £499.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rolandus.com/edirol