Roland R26 portable audio recorder

sohus

This is going to be the audio recorder I am going to buy most likely. Looks proper spec-ed, and the pricing is about right and indicates a higher quality then Zoom/Tascam offerings.

R-26: Portable Recorder

Discover True Multi-Dimensional Sound
Superior detail, depth, and unparalleled flexibility—welcome to a new world of portable recording.
The R-26 captures audio with high-definition direct sound, as well as the rich natural ambience of the recording environment. With dual stereo mics, six channels of simultaneous recording, and much more, this portable recorder offers true professional quality and flexibility, opening the door to limitless creative possibilities.

- Two types of built-in stereo microphones (omnidirectional and directional) that can be used in various combinations
- Two XLR/TRS combo inputs with 48 V phantom power, plus an input for a stereo plug-in powered mic
- Supports up to six channels (three stereo channels) of simultaneous recording
- Large LCD touchscreen display for intuitive navigation
- Large input-level knobs for fine adjustment
- Built-in Hi-Speed USB interface for use as an audio interface or external storage
- Loop-Back function; combine this with the built-in or external mics for the optimum live video streaming setup (only with Audio Interface function)
- Bundled with SONAR LE software (PC)

More info: http://www.rolandsystemsgroup.com/products/100093

Pricing: around $500-$550

Available at:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=Roland%20R26&_sacat=0&_clu=2&_fcid=168&_localstpos&_stpos&gbr=1

http://www.amazon.com/Roland-r-26-R-26/dp/B005P4OPDO/

_gl

Just considering getting one. Does the limiter on this actually work, ie,. avoids clipping when the level is too hot? It's a digital limiter which usually sucks, you want to limit in analogue before hitting/clipping the AD converter. And once it kicks in, what is the release time, ie. how long before it fades up to the original volume again?

arno_hist

Is it possible to split one mono input to two different mono channels in order to have them at different levels for safety? Something like the dual mono feature in marantz pmd661 and tascam dr-60d?

kavadni

It has good large meters and large knobs. Why would you be fussing.
If you mean you want auto modes, it has that.

AfricaGH2

So wouldn't it be better to go with a cheapy recorder and a field mixer like the SD 302 than say this unit. Doing doc and run and gun I can't see how you can fuss around with the levels very easily with this unit?

5thwall

Never mind my last question. I watched this - great video about mic sensitivity on the R44 and pertains to the R26. Explained everything I needed. Great tip about not lowering output levels after setting mic sensitivity - only use it to increase levels.

5thwall

Got the R26 today. It's a great recorder. The headphone out is very noisy compared to the Zoom. I am keeping the unit as it does a much better job recording the hypercardioid mic. That mic really shines now.

So, I'm reading the manual and learning about the auto sensitivity settings in the unit. When you are setting up a particular XLR mic, do you let the Roland do it's auto sensitivity setting or do you manually set the sensitivity?

Last question - do mics have specific sensitivities that I should be aware of (in terms of db?) or is it necessary to set the mic sensitivity different based on any given situation?

5thwall

@evero Thanks for the response. I was mostly concerned about other issues, like possibly distortion or really bad hiss, pops, crackle, etc... I feed the Zoom to my GH2 all the time and audio is more than sufficient. My hope is that the noise introduced via the headphone/line out is at least the same as it is ont he Zoom.

Here's a link to a short doc I did where audio fed the Zoom directly into the cam. It was mixed from the GH2 embedded audio (not the original Zoom recorded content).

My main purpose for getting the Roland is that I'm hoping the preamps are good enough so that I can use my hypercardioid indoors. The mic requires that it gets pushed to 80 or 90 on the Zoom, which just introduces lots and lots of noise.

evero

It's been a while since I used it, but from what I recall think that the headphone signal is a little more noicy than the actual recording on the R26. Might be something to keep in mind. I always recorded on the R26 and synced in post.

5thwall

Is there anyone out there who has time to test the headphone out on the R26? I'm about ready to get one, but was hoping to confirm before I purchase it that feeding the headphone out into the GH2 line in will work. I would be using a sescom cable. Thanks!

5thwall

Thanks for the info. I have a hypercardioid that needs to be pushed. That's where the zoom is failing me. So, maybe this is a good investment.

peaceonearth

I sold the Zoom and went for the R-26 and I am quite happy with it even hen it was a loss of more than 200€ Pre amps are way better http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/3146/rode-ntg-2-with-zoom-h4n-problems-choosing-alternatives/p1

Leaps and bounds is a question of your point of view. XLR input quality is also depending on your mic. Having an expensive mic with high sensitivity and low noise it might save the Zoom and a budget mic with low sensitivity and high noise will bring dissapointment about the Roland. I was working with a wireless Sennheiser set plus lavalier on the Zoom and this was absolutely fine - but trying to record sound with a boom was a real dissapointment with the Røde NTG-2.

Regarding headphone out to GH2 in: I don't see a reason why this should not work but I haven't tried

5thwall

Does anyone know if the headphone out can be used to feed the GH2? I do this with the Zoom and the Sescom cable. I'll do this when I have to have a quick turn around edit.

Also, is the quality leaps and bounds beyond the Zoom in terms of XLR mic inputs?

Thanks.

AfricaGH2

Any idea how to make this unit record when you hit the shutter button on the GH2, can it be triggered by some type of external signal. Would be nice to have a little circuit that could do this, especially if you're a one man band.

rv3adv

Firmware update 1.10 is now available(18.05.2012).

[ Ver.1.10 ]

[Additional Functions] * Please read "Notice of New Functionality" ( R-26_l_add_func_je01_W.pdf ) for details of this software.

The following settings related to the use of 4-channel and 6-channel recording have been added. Settings that allow the input sensitivity/input level to be adjusted independently for the XY mic and the OMNI mic. Settings that allow the input sensitivity/input level to be adjusted independently for the input from the ANALOG IN 1/L and ANALOG IN 2/R jacks. It's now possible to delete an audio memo you've added to a recording.

[Bug Fixes] The following bugs were fixed. There is no sound from the PHONES jack when the input sensitivity of "P-IN" was set to "AUTO SENS" on the following recording settings.

REC MODE : 6 CHANNEL REC SOURCE : XY + ANALOG + P-IN R-26 became inoperable if you turned the [SENS] button on and off immediately after entering recording-standby mode.

http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=R%2D26&id=62428053

DrDave

The piano and the string quartet sound like like crap. I guess he meant to say "low fidelity" instead of "high fidelity".

peaceonearth

sorry if this may sound a little sheepish. I sold my H4n and switch to Roland R-26. All fine so far.

I need an assistant for sound recording and I have no expert available no budget either. A student without experience is going to assist me. So I thought best would be to switch on the limiter. I was reading every page of the manual and I was checking all setting of the recorder several times but I found nothing about limiter preferences. At which input level will limiter come into action and is this changeable? Thanks in advance for help.

evero

@JackDaniel I think I've experienced the same problem, and I hope the local dealer have another R-26 I can compare with. Did you do get a chance to do so?

JackDaniel

It's not that bad. I will go to the shop where I bought it and compare it to another unit. Thanks!

RRRR

@JackDaniel: for me it's fine with headphones. Maybe there is a problem with your R26? How is the sound distorted?

JackDaniel

Hi! When I plug in headphones in the R26 and listen to my recordings the sound is distorted. When I listen to the recordings on my computer anything is fine. Is this just my machine or is the R26's headphone amp just crap?

RRRR

@00fieldsy I'm sure you can compare signal / noise ratio on m3 and ntg2 and get an idea. Or take your ntg2 to your local sound equipment store and try it out with the R26.

00fieldsy

Can anyone test the Rode NTG 2 with the Roland R26? I wish to purchase the R26, I currently have the Zoom H4n & NTG2, but I'm not impressed with the amount of noise I get with the preamps on the Zoom and how close you'd have to put the shotgun mic to get a decent sound. I've listened to the test currently on here, but I need a little more convincing I think :) ... Many Thanks.

RRRR

(Updated with test files) I'll upload some of the other tests I did when I have time at work. My old laptop is falling apart..

RRRR

Ok, here are a few clips, made with Rode m3 (phantom powered by the R26):

Mind, the background was pretty noisy and I don't exactly raise my voice (tried to keep at a similar troughout the recordings). I'm not sure about the best way to set up this particular microphone.. but what the heck - I'm sure you'll get an idea.

Input level in this case refers to the dial (% of minimum to maximum) and not exact numbers on the recorder.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@RRRR

Just make high bitrate MP3 and upload as attachment.

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