Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder

  • Price: $1,095.00
  • B&H # EDR44
  • Mfr# R-44-R

Product Highlights

  • Compact and Portable
  • Support for 24-bit/192kHz Recording
  • Records to SD/SDHC Flash Media
  • AA Battery Operation
  • XLR/TRS Combo Inputs
  • Built-In Effects

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The R-44 portable field recorder from Edirol/Roland is an ideal choice for videographers, musicians, sound designers, and more. The ultra-portable unit weighs under three pounds but packs a number of great features. Record up to four channels of linear PCM audio at a variety of bit rates and sampling frequencies; up to 24-bit/192kHz!

The recorder offers four XLR/TRS combo jack inputs for great versatility. The XLR connections have phantom power, allowing you to use your favorite condenser mic. The R-44 can record to widely-available SD or SDHC flash memory cards, making it easy to store and share your audio. Because there are no moving parts, the R-44 delivers silent, reliable operation that you can depend on.

In addition to the input connectors, the R-44 also offers built-in stereo microphones and monitor speakers, allowing you to record and play back audio without any additional equipment. What's more, is that the unit will operate for up to four hours on four AA batteries. You can also use the included AC adapter to use it via wall power.

Built-in effects include a three-band parametric EQ and a six-band graphic EQ, a noise gate, compressor, de-esser, limiter, and low-cut filter. A pre-record function keeps the R-44 listening at all times, so that when the record button is pressed, the previous few seconds of audio (selectable) are captured to your memory card.

The R-44 has an easy-to-use interface, complete with a high-contrast OLED display, perfect for viewing under any conditions. You can also capture up to eight channels of audio by linking two R-44 units together. A high-speed USB 2.0 port lets you transfer your audio files quickly to a Mac or PC.

Compact and Portable
Weighing under three pounds, it's easy to take the R-44 anywhere you like.
Four Channels of Professional-Quality Audio
Record up to four channels of audio at 16 or 24-bit, at sample rates from 44.1 to 192kHz.
SD/SDHC Storage
Your audio is recorded to widely-available SD or SDHC flash memory cards, which provide great reliability and silent operation.
Versatile Connectivity
Four XLR/TRS combo inputs allow you to connect a variety of microphones. Phantom power is provided for condenser mics. Four RCA phono jacks are provided for output connection, and a stereo headphone jack provides private monitoring.
Built-In Mics and Speakers
Built-in stereo mics and monitor speakers allow you to record and play back audio without attaching any external equipment.
Power Options
The R-44 can operate for up to four hours on four AA batteries. You can also use AC power with the included AC/DC adapter.
Built-in Effects
High-quality effects include a three-band parametric EQ, six band graphic EQ, noise gate, compressor, de-esser, limiter, and a low-cut filter.
Intuitive Interface
The simple interface makes it easy to record and play back audio. The bright OLED screen is viewable in practically any environment, and the high-speed USB 2.0 port allows you to transfer audio quickly to your Mac or PC.
Expandable
Record up to eight channels of audio by linking two R-44 units together.
Type Portable Field Recorder
Recording/Reading Methods Linear PCM Files to SD/SDHC Memory Cards 1
Please Note:

Cards up to 8GB are supported as of November 2007.

close
Recording Bit Rate 16 or 24-bit
Sampling Frequency 44.1, 48, 88,2, 96, or 192kHz 2
Please Note:

Limited to Stereo x 1 @ 192kHz

close
Number of Channels 4
Frequency Response 20Hz - 40kHz (+0/-3dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio -100dBu
Dynamic Range AD: 100dB
DA: 104dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.02%
Inputs 4 x XLR/TRS Combo Inputs
1 x Digital RCA Input
1 x Power Input
Output 4 x RCA Phono Outputs
1 x Digital RCA Output 1 x 1/4" Stereo Headphone Jack
1 x USB 2.0 Mini-B Port
Dimensions (WxDxH) 6.2 x 7.25 x 2.4" (157 x 183 x 61mm)
Weight 2.9 lbs (1.3kg) (Including Batteries)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder
 
4.6

(based on 21 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (14)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (17)
  • Versatile (14)
  • Excellent sound (11)
  • Good power output (10)
  • Low distortion (6)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Professional recording (14)
    • Performances (11)
    • Outdoor events / games (10)
    • Amateur recording (6)
    • Soundtracks (4)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Experienced (14), Audiophile (3), Professional (3), Professional musician (3)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Absolutely Beatiful Sound

    I have been looking for a portable/battery operated recorder with 24 bits/96 KHz since about a year ago, for recording mainly my son’s piano solo performances but occasionally also piano conce...Read complete review

    I have been looking for a portable/battery operated recorder with 24 bits/96 KHz since about a year ago, for recording mainly my son’s piano solo performances but occasionally also piano concertos. The minimum criteria I have for the recorder are as follows:

    - Four channels (so I can record piano solos, piano concertos, piano + solo singer, or piano + solo violin)

    - Compact & battery operable (so that I can do field live recording where line power is not always available).

    - Flash memory based (no moving parts or the associated motor noise)

    - XRL inputs with 48V phantom power for the microphone (so that I can use my AKG 414’s and other high quality microphones that require phantom power)

    - 24 bits/96 KHz sampling (so that I can justify the cost of a separate recorder in addition to my “professional” camcorder which is 16 bits/48 KHz only)

    - Overall dynamic range of 100 dB or better (realized, not just theoretical value based on the bit depth)

    - True professional recording sound quality with no audible hiss or other noise from the recorder (i.e. the recording should be publishable).

    Well, my search was over when I bought this recorder a week ago. After some extensive testing while recording my son’s piano playing, I am convinced that this recorder meets all of my above criteria, and more.

    First I used a pair of AKG 414 B-XLS, while my son played on a particularly beautiful-sounding Steinway “B”. I am particularly impressed by the absolutely beautiful and crystal clear piano sounds that it records, with all the nuances and tonal details. There was not a slight hint of hiss or mechanical noise, in stark contrast to my “professional” camcorder that always had some inherent noises. The ease with which to do the recording was just icing on the cake. Then I tried a Rode NT4 (a single point stereo microphone) and other microphone that I own, and the end results were also very impressive.

    I have done quite exhaustive research on digital recorders currently available on the market, and believe that the only other recorder that also meets my criteria is the Sound Devices 744. However at about $4,000 it is more than 4x of this recorder, and I could not justify it given that I do not make a living doing recordings (and my son is only an elementary school student).

    The Edirol R44 looks and feels very solid, very substantial, has a fine build quality down to details typical of Japanese products (it is made in Japan), although it does have a plastic housing. To give you a perspective how solid it is, it is much smaller, but actually slightly heavier than the Sound Devices 744 (data on Sound Devices 744 per published specs). In short I am very happy with the build quality of this recorder. The relatively low-resolution display is the only area I wish it could have been be better.

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Nice sound, but disappointing design !

    BE SMART: Always purchase from B&H !

    PROS: Over the past two years I have carefully reviewed nearly every 2- and 4-track field recorder on the market. It was ...Read complete review

    BE SMART: Always purchase from B&H !

    PROS: Over the past two years I have carefully reviewed nearly every 2- and 4-track field recorder on the market. It was my expectation that the R-44 would be the long-awaited alternative to the extremely expensive Sound Devices recorders, which we all wish we could own, but can not afford. Unfortunately, the R-44 does not fully step up to the challenge. The positive attributes of the unit are: solid-state SD memory (not included); superb sound quality (except at high sensitivity/gain settings); highly compact "miniature" design (plastic), made in Japan ... not China; well-organized controls; good work flows; and an excellent, but very small, outdoor-viewable LCD. Except for some unnecessarily small, poorly marked control buttons, and inadequate button illumination, the unit's logical layout makes it quite efficient to operate in daylight. Recording in low light is a different story.

    CONS: (1) The R-44 does not retain important settings between power cycles. Among these, and especially distressing, is that it does not remember the project folder last selected. There appears to be no practical method of updating the firmware or customizing the menus to correct this problem; (2) The R-44 was designed as a "portable" recorder, and owners will no doubt have many occasions to use the unit outside at night or in dimly lit environments, both indoors and outdoors. However, the unit is ill-equipped for this task because many of the switches are not illuminated, and because a number of important buttons, although lit, are too small, not marked, and therefore unreadable in the dark. Also, the illumination levels of the "power" and "record" buttons are preset to a high intensity, the bright glare of which makes operating the unit in darkness distracting, conspicuous to others, and very annoying. These two buttons cannot be dimmed. Ironically, the illumination of these buttons, and the other buttons indicating mode selection or unit activity, although bright in the dark, is not visible in daylight or even in bright shade. Obviously, vivid, but dimmable, LED button illumination should have been employed throughout the unit's design; (3) There is no "Standby" button for headphone monitoring. Instead, two buttons must be pressed simultaneously. This may be acceptable in a desktop unit, but in a portable this two-finger exercise makes initiating recording awkward, day or night; (4) The level of introduced noise, or hiss, at high sensitivity (gain) settings, is clearly audible in standby monitoring (using headphones). The resultant recording quality could be better at higher gain; (5) "Projects", i.e. WAV files, must be deleted one-at-a-time. Folders containing files can not be deleted at all. This makes multiple file deletions an unnecessarily tedious and time-consuming chore. The only efficient way to delete more than a one file at a time is to reformat the SD card ... an impractical non-solution that will not thrill users; (6) A carrying case (important), an SD card (essential), as well as a starter set of batteries ("got to have power"), should all have been included with this rather pricey recorder. Most customers will want their recorder ready for use when they receive it. Including these small, but essential items would have been a thoughtful courtesy and probably created a happier state of mind with the new purchase; (7) No remote control is provided or supported. A good, long-range remote is often essential for recording whether in the field or indoors; (8) The R-44 has no treaded mounting holes or mounting provisions whatsoever. This is too bad because it greatly limits use options and negates other virtues and potential flexibility of the unit's compact size. It's use is thus relegated to either a carrying case (not provided) or table top. If this small unit had mounting capabilities, and if it were not entirely plastic, it could easily be attached to microphone stands, light stands, or positioned most anywhere. Flexibility in positioning is particularly important in small mobile devices. I had to fabricate a small platform, and use a small bungee cord, in order to attach the unit to a light stand, otherwise I had few options for using it; (9) The unit requires high sensitivity/gain settings with most low-end to mid-range mics. "Hot" mics, such as the Audio-Technica 4073a or Sennheiser ME66, are therefore highly recommended. I first tried a Rode NTG-2, which yielded fabulous results for voice over or close recording situations, but was wholly inadequate for wildlife and ambient sound pickup due its relatively broad supercardioid pickup pattern and concomitant high gain requirements; (10) Wi-fi is a "must have" convenience that dramatically increases efficiency and usability of portable devices in many situations. Even low-end video cameras have it for years. It was unwise not include this feature in the R-44; (11) Two SD card slots would have been nice. I often have occasion to copy files to a separate card for distribution while continuing to record to the one in the unit; (12) The R-44 could also have acted as a computer interface. Other manufactures are starting to incorporate this highly sought after and flexible function, e.g., the Zoom H4; (13) Firewire is much faster and reliable than USB, and it is designed to "stream" media. Surprisingly it was not implemented in this unit, even though much less expensive devices have it, e.g., Alesis (all); (14) I was a bit surprised at the high power consumption rate for such a small device. Even with only one phantom-powered mic attached the batteries last just a few hours, even while not recording, and they get very hot in the process! Users of the R-44 will want to use the much more economical and much longer lasting NiMH rechargeables rather than relentlessly swapping out sets of 4 alkaline AA's.
    Because this potentially innovative field recorder could have been a "great" recorder with very little effort or extra design and manufacturing costs, because it inexplicably did not incorporate several obvious and thoughtful refinements common in other units, and because the recorder does not come "ready for use", I have awarded the R-44 only 3 stars.

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 21 customers

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    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    R-44

    By Mic

    from Sydney, Aus

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Excellent Sound
    • Versatile

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Professional Recording

      Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

      Very reliable bit of kit and good value. Pres get a bit noisy at max sensitivity would be my only complaint.

      Share this review

       
      4.0

      Love, Love, Love it!

      By Tony the Digital Reporter

      from Naples, FL

      About Me Experienced

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Easy To Use
      • Excellent Sound
      • Low Distortion
      • Powerful
      • Versatile

      Cons

      • Unable to Maintain Config

      Best Uses

      • Amateur Recording
      • Events
      • Home Studio
      • Mobile DJ
      • Performances
      • Professional Recording

      Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

      I use the R44 to record depositions. The sound quality is superb! Much better than the sound I get from my AG-HMC40. The batter backup works flawlessly, and the effects are really helpful to enhance the voice for our transcribers.

      The only thing I wish was different is that it would keep the configuration after a reboot. Other than that, great unit.

        • Similar:
        • AG-HMC40 w/ XLR Adapter

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        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Great so far...

        By Tim

        from Athens GA

        About Me Experienced

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Excellent Sound
        • Powerful
        • Versatile

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Events

          Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

          I wanted to write a review to share some information that I found hard to find before I bought this recorder. This info pertains to people using this device for video work.

          I haven't field tested this yet, so I can't speak to the sound quality (although my early tests have yielded very good results, to my ears).

          One important function for me is that you can mix down all four channels to a single line out channel (select this by pushing the monitor dial). This means while recording all 4 channels independently, you can send a mixed-down line signal to the camera/DSLR. This can greatly speed up the editing process, as you can edit using the audio sent to the camera, and then when you come to the audio mix, go back to the original individual channels if needs be. It should also simplify the syncing process.

          The only downside is that the line out is not a balanced signal, but for these purposes I think it's fine. In fact, I tested it by hooking the line out signal to a wireless transmitter, and then sending that to the camera's second channel. So your sound guy and camera guy don't even need to be tethered to each other.

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Great Recorder

          By Jeff

          from Los Angeles, CA

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use
          • Excellent Sound
          • Versatile

          Cons

          • Small levels display

          Best Uses

          • Events
          • Home Studio
          • Performances
          • Professional Recording

          Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

          Just used this to record 4 channels at a few concerts, as well as two channel interviews.

          Was able to split the mics to seperate wav files, or have the combined to a single 4 channel wav file. Inputs and buttons are durable. Only complaint would be the read out of the levels is a little small. Trying to hit -12db can be tough because its so small. Wish they could make a firmware update to use more of the screen, which doesn't seem so hard. I highly recommend the bag for it as well. I used it on house power and battery power and could hot swap with no problems.

          Share this review

          (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Love it!

          By EddieK

          from New Jersey

          About Me Experienced

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Video Production Company

              Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

              Love this recorder! I would highly recommend this to anyone that is looking for great audio quality

              Share this review

              (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Great product!

              By vidcamp

              from New Lenox, IL

              About Me Experienced

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Excellent Sound
              • Low Distortion
              • Powerful
              • Versatile

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                  Great sound.
                  Would like to mount it on a tripod.

                  Share this review

                  (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  BEST FIELD RECORDER for the $

                  By Austin Soundmine

                  from Austin, TX

                  About Me Professional Musician

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                      The R-44 is the best field recorder I've used. It's sturdy, simple to use, interfaces easily with multiple computer formats. Never had a problem with the machine in many different field recording applications. Big thumbs up!!!

                      Share this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Solid recorder, great performance!

                      By Mike

                      from Burbank, CA

                      About Me Experienced

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Use
                      • Excellent Sound
                      • Versatile

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Amateur Recording
                        • DSLR Sound Recording
                        • Home Studio
                        • Performances
                        • Professional Recording

                        Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                        Just purchased this recorder and used it for a low budget commercial shoot this weekend. Everything sounded great and our sound guy was able to use the EQ functions to more closely match the shotgun to our lavs.

                        I did a lot of research and we were very happy overall.

                        Share this review

                         
                        4.0

                        Great Four Channel Recorder

                        By Eric

                        from New York

                        About Me Experienced

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Use
                        • Excellent Sound
                        • Low Distortion
                        • Powerful
                        • Versatile

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Events
                          • Professional Recording

                          Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                          I have two Mixers. A Sound Devices 302 and MixPre. With this set-up I can take full advantage of the R-44 using all four channels separately.

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          I Love This Thing

                          By JOB-

                          from Richmond, IN

                          About Me Experienced

                          Verified Reviewer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • Excellent Sound
                          • Low Distortion
                          • Powerful
                          • Versatile

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Events
                            • Performances
                            • Professional Recording

                            Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                            I use this in recording the sound for doc films, interviews, etc. The clarity is excellent and it's a snap to download the files to a PC. I'll be using this for a long time to come.

                            Share this review

                            (1 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            4.0

                            Good for mixing

                            By Carlos

                            from Sao Paulo Brazil

                            About Me Experienced

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Easy To Use
                            • Excellent Sound

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Performances
                              • Professional Recording

                              Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                              Very nice unit with great sound. Useful to mix tracks in 192K to take them to mastering studios. Would be nice to be able to overdub to tracks, with multitrack option.

                              Share this review

                              (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Great tiny Recorder

                              By soundrecordist

                              from Amsterdam Holland

                              About Me Experienced

                              Verified Reviewer

                              Pros

                              • Clear Sound
                              • Combo XLR and TRS input
                              • Easy To Use
                              • Professional Functions
                              • Versatile

                              Cons

                              • Battery consumption
                              • Memory card slot

                              Best Uses

                              • Amateur Recording
                              • Professional Recording
                              • Soundtracks

                              Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                              Professional 4 tracks combo XLR/TRS input, Clear Sound, Uses SDHC cards for quiet operation, Easy To Use, The Edirol R44 looks and feels very solid.
                              Work great with Earthworks QTC40 mic!

                              Share this review

                              (10 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              4.0

                              Great Beginner's Recorder

                              By BlackHighlander

                              from New York, NY

                              About Me Experienced

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • 4 tracks
                              • Clear Sound
                              • Easy To Use
                              • Price
                              • Professional Functions

                              Cons

                              • Fast battery consumption
                              • No separate gain control

                              Best Uses

                              • Amateur Recording
                              • Audio for video and film
                              • Events
                              • Performances
                              • Professional Recording

                              Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                              Other than the lack of gain control in addition to and separate from the level control, the need high recording settings on low to mid priced mics to attain acceptable sound levels and the inability to remember the last settings after it is turned off, this is a great recorder for beginners. It is extremely simple to learn and easy to use. The recording levels problem can be easily solved by adding a mixer before the R-44 and turning up your gains with that.

                              Share this review

                              (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Pristine audio, great control, good pric

                              By Jason

                              from Louisville, KY

                              About Me Experienced

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Clear Sound
                              • Easy To Use
                              • Powerful
                              • Versatile

                              Cons

                              • No Timecode

                              Best Uses

                              • Amateur Recording
                              • Foley
                              • Multi-source dramatic
                              • Performances
                              • Podcasting
                              • Professional Recording

                              Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                              This is a great little recorder that is simple enough to use right out of the box. It's controls are well thought through & extensive for an under $1000 piece. If you don't need timecode, this is the way to go! Also great for on-location podcasting & Foley. Most importantly, the audio sounds great!

                              Share this review

                              (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Versatile and very high quality

                              By Willow Street Studios

                              from Tampa, Florida

                              About Me Professional Musician

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Clear Sound
                              • Easy To Use
                              • Powerful
                              • Professional Functions
                              • Versatile

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Events
                                • Music Videos
                                • Performances
                                • Professional Recording
                                • Soundtracks

                                Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                                This very versatile 4 channel recorder is so good that I am seriously considering buying a second unit especially since 2 units will sync together giving me 8 channels!

                                Share this review

                                (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Excellent value

                                By leddy

                                from Florida

                                About Me Professional Musician

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Clear Sound
                                • Easy To Use
                                • Powerful
                                • Professional Functions
                                • Versatile

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Amateur Recording
                                  • Events
                                  • Performances
                                  • Professional Recording
                                  • Soundtracks

                                  Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                                  I do remote recording, usually small jazz groups. The small size and weight are perfect. The recording quality is great. The preamps are better than expected, only showing a little hiss with some dynamic mics and ribbons. Solid unit.

                                  Share this review

                                  (62 of 69 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  3.0

                                  Nice sound, but disappointing design !

                                  By Wizard

                                  from Southeast

                                  About Me Professional

                                  Verified Reviewer

                                  Pros

                                  • Compact
                                  • Great Sound

                                  Cons

                                  • High Power Consumption
                                  • Poor Design

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Home

                                  Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                                  BE SMART: Always purchase from B&H !

                                  PROS: Over the past two years I have carefully reviewed nearly every 2- and 4-track field recorder on the market. It was my expectation that the R-44 would be the long-awaited alternative to the extremely expensive Sound Devices recorders, which we all wish we could own, but can not afford. Unfortunately, the R-44 does not fully step up to the challenge. The positive attributes of the unit are: solid-state SD memory (not included); superb sound quality (except at high sensitivity/gain settings); highly compact "miniature" design (plastic), made in Japan ... not China; well-organized controls; good work flows; and an excellent, but very small, outdoor-viewable LCD. Except for some unnecessarily small, poorly marked control buttons, and inadequate button illumination, the unit's logical layout makes it quite efficient to operate in daylight. Recording in low light is a different story.

                                  CONS: (1) The R-44 does not retain important settings between power cycles. Among these, and especially distressing, is that it does not remember the project folder last selected. There appears to be no practical method of updating the firmware or customizing the menus to correct this problem; (2) The R-44 was designed as a "portable" recorder, and owners will no doubt have many occasions to use the unit outside at night or in dimly lit environments, both indoors and outdoors. However, the unit is ill-equipped for this task because many of the switches are not illuminated, and because a number of important buttons, although lit, are too small, not marked, and therefore unreadable in the dark. Also, the illumination levels of the "power" and "record" buttons are preset to a high intensity, the bright glare of which makes operating the unit in darkness distracting, conspicuous to others, and very annoying. These two buttons cannot be dimmed. Ironically, the illumination of these buttons, and the other buttons indicating mode selection or unit activity, although bright in the dark, is not visible in daylight or even in bright shade. Obviously, vivid, but dimmable, LED button illumination should have been employed throughout the unit's design; (3) There is no "Standby" button for headphone monitoring. Instead, two buttons must be pressed simultaneously. This may be acceptable in a desktop unit, but in a portable this two-finger exercise makes initiating recording awkward, day or night; (4) The level of introduced noise, or hiss, at high sensitivity (gain) settings, is clearly audible in standby monitoring (using headphones). The resultant recording quality could be better at higher gain; (5) "Projects", i.e. WAV files, must be deleted one-at-a-time. Folders containing files can not be deleted at all. This makes multiple file deletions an unnecessarily tedious and time-consuming chore. The only efficient way to delete more than a one file at a time is to reformat the SD card ... an impractical non-solution that will not thrill users; (6) A carrying case (important), an SD card (essential), as well as a starter set of batteries ("got to have power"), should all have been included with this rather pricey recorder. Most customers will want their recorder ready for use when they receive it. Including these small, but essential items would have been a thoughtful courtesy and probably created a happier state of mind with the new purchase; (7) No remote control is provided or supported. A good, long-range remote is often essential for recording whether in the field or indoors; (8) The R-44 has no treaded mounting holes or mounting provisions whatsoever. This is too bad because it greatly limits use options and negates other virtues and potential flexibility of the unit's compact size. It's use is thus relegated to either a carrying case (not provided) or table top. If this small unit had mounting capabilities, and if it were not entirely plastic, it could easily be attached to microphone stands, light stands, or positioned most anywhere. Flexibility in positioning is particularly important in small mobile devices. I had to fabricate a small platform, and use a small bungee cord, in order to attach the unit to a light stand, otherwise I had few options for using it; (9) The unit requires high sensitivity/gain settings with most low-end to mid-range mics. "Hot" mics, such as the Audio-Technica 4073a or Sennheiser ME66, are therefore highly recommended. I first tried a Rode NTG-2, which yielded fabulous results for voice over or close recording situations, but was wholly inadequate for wildlife and ambient sound pickup due its relatively broad supercardioid pickup pattern and concomitant high gain requirements; (10) Wi-fi is a "must have" convenience that dramatically increases efficiency and usability of portable devices in many situations. Even low-end video cameras have it for years. It was unwise not include this feature in the R-44; (11) Two SD card slots would have been nice. I often have occasion to copy files to a separate card for distribution while continuing to record to the one in the unit; (12) The R-44 could also have acted as a computer interface. Other manufactures are starting to incorporate this highly sought after and flexible function, e.g., the Zoom H4; (13) Firewire is much faster and reliable than USB, and it is designed to "stream" media. Surprisingly it was not implemented in this unit, even though much less expensive devices have it, e.g., Alesis (all); (14) I was a bit surprised at the high power consumption rate for such a small device. Even with only one phantom-powered mic attached the batteries last just a few hours, even while not recording, and they get very hot in the process! Users of the R-44 will want to use the much more economical and much longer lasting NiMH rechargeables rather than relentlessly swapping out sets of 4 alkaline AA's.
                                  Because this potentially innovative field recorder could have been a "great" recorder with very little effort or extra design and manufacturing costs, because it inexplicably did not incorporate several obvious and thoughtful refinements common in other units, and because the recorder does not come "ready for use", I have awarded the R-44 only 3 stars.

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                                  5.0

                                  It's Great

                                  By The Traverler films

                                  from San Diego

                                  About Me Musically Inclined, Practical, Professional

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Attractive Design
                                  • Clear sound
                                  • Compact
                                  • Durable
                                  • Easy To Set Up
                                  • Great Sound

                                  Cons

                                  • no complaints

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Entertainment
                                  • Production Quality

                                  Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                                  Indie film maker here! I love my new R-44 When filming I get perfect sound ever time. It's easy to understand and it records crystal clear. We have stated using it on every project

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                                  (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Great quality in a tiny package

                                  By Qingwen's Dad

                                  from Easton, PA

                                  About Me Audiophile, Musically Inclined, Professional

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Attractive Design
                                  • Clear sound
                                  • Compact
                                  • Durable
                                  • Easy To Set Up
                                  • Great Sound

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Larger Rooms
                                    • Production Quality
                                    • Smaller Rooms

                                    Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                                    Internal mics are actually quite good if convenience is most important factor for you. Internal speakers are pretty much worthless, but that's not why you buy this piece of equipment. The user interface is simple enough, and the quality of the recording is outstanding, particularly when using good external mics. I do wish that it had RCA line level inputs in addition to the mic inputs.

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                                    (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Wow! I Love it !

                                    By The Traveler Films

                                    from San Deigo CA

                                    About Me Experienced

                                    Pros

                                    • Easy To Use
                                    • Excellent Sound
                                    • Low Distortion
                                    • Powerful
                                    • Versatile

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Events
                                      • Music Videos
                                      • Performances
                                      • Professional Recording
                                      • Soundtracks

                                      Comments about Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder:

                                      What a great tool for my film studio, It works great perfect sound every time. It was well Worth the purchase. I Love it!

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                                      Batteries & Power

                                      Required item:

                                      Varta -  High-Energy 1.5 V AA E91 Alkaline Battery - 4 Pk
                                      • Price: $1.50
                                       
                                      Pearstone -  NM-4H23 4 AA NiMH Batteries (2300mAh) with 4 Hour Charger (110-240V)
                                        • Original: $13.99
                                        • Save: $1.40
                                      • Price: $12.59
                                       

                                      Cables

                                      Pearstone -  3-Pin XLR Male to 3-Pin XLR Female Audio Cable (6')
                                        • Original: $14.95
                                        • Save: $1.49
                                      • Price: $13.46
                                       

                                      Digital Cables

                                      Comprehensive -  XHD Digital S/PDIF RCA Male to RCA Male Audio Cable - 3'
                                      • Price: $15.99
                                       

                                      Media

                                      Lexar -  4GB Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Card
                                        • Original: $7.49
                                        • Save: $0.75
                                      • Price: $6.74
                                       

                                      Headphones

                                      Roland -  RH-5 Around-Ear Stereo Headphones
                                      • Price: $39.95
                                       

                                      Cases & Protection

                                      Edirol / Roland -  CB-R44 Carrying Bag for R-44
                                      • Price: $99.00
                                       
                                      View all Accessories

                                      What's in the Box

                                      Edirol / Roland R-44 Solid-State Four-Channel Portable Field Recorder
                                      • AC Adapter
                                      • 1-Year Limited Warranty
                                       
                                       
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