review

Edirol R-4 Pro
Four-channel location recorders are not the most common of devices, especially if you cannot justify top-end expenditure, but Edirol changed all that with the R-4. Despite its attractive price the R-4 had several shortcomings and with the new R-4 Pro Edirol has addressed the issues and produced a much more attractive proposition. ROB JAMES
HE ALL-PLASTIC cased R-4 Pro is around the same size as a Dan Brown hardback and a lot lighter without the eight AA cells installed, as is the earlier R-4. Look a little closer and the differences start to become apparent. The UK1275 (+ VAT) R4 Pro includes 2-channel AES-EBU I-O and SMPTE timecode. The analogue input electronics have also beneted considerably from a makeover. The mains power supply is an in-line block with a conventional coaxial output lead. However, the R-4 Pro sports a four-pin XLR power input. This uses the industry-standard pin arrangement found on camera battery packs from manufacturers such as Anton-Bauer. A coaxial socket to XLR convertor cable is supplied to plug in to the recorder. The Power switch carries dire warnings about not turning off during recording, playback or data transfer. Since the switch has to be pressed for ve seconds before acting this is safe enough operationally. In any case it wont allow you to switch off when recording. However, I cannot help wondering why, since the machine obviously knows what mode it is in, does it allow the operator to do something as stupid as turning the power off when the machine is in any other condition likely to lead to data loss? Recording is 16- or 24-bit on one to four channels
at sampling rates up to 96kHz or stereo at 192kHz, onto the internal 80Gb 2.5-inch hard disk. File format is BWF/WAV. Each recording is termed a Project and can contain mono x 1, 2, 3 or 4 or stereo x 1 or 2 les or one 4-channel le. The familiar 2Gb limit applies. If a recording continues beyond this, it is split into two projects. This occurs transparently to the user. Markers can be inserted during recording. Unlike the R-4 there is no Compact Flash card slot. In compensation there are now two USB sockets (1.1 or 2.0). One is for communication and le transfers to a computer and the other can be used with an external USB hard drive for direct back-ups with no computer involved. Phantom power is switched in channel pairs. A Hold switch locks all controls in their current state apart from the knobs and mechanical switches. System gets you into the main menus. Navigation is easy using the four Cursor/Monitor select keys with the scrub wheel and Enter/Finder and Exit keys. Four dedicated keys deal with Markers and two more enter Wave Edit and Effects modes. The four analogue input channels are XLR. This is a downgrade from the R-4, which employs the more useful jack/XLR combi sockets with separate Mic/Line switches for each channel pair. This change has been made in a good cause because, on the sloping front
panel the R-4 Pro has stepped analogue input sensitivity controls for each input at -56, -50, -44, -38, -32, -26, -20, -14, -8, -2, +4dBu and concentric continuously variable input level control. However, there is no way of determining accurately what value this variable input level is set to. The manual states that the centre position is 0dB (i.e. at) but there is no detent and no on-screen indication of position. When the stepped controls are altered, the display changes momentarily to show their current value. The limiter has been improved in so far as channels 1 and 2 and/or 3 and 4 can now be linked for stereo or all four channels when appropriate, preventing unwanted image shifts. The time-constants have been altered and limiter action improved. There is some confusion about the variable input control and limiter signal ow. The website says they are analogue, before the convertor, but the diagram in the manual says they are post convertor with the variable level post limiter, which would be about as much use as a chocolate teapot. A bit of playing with a signal generator reveals they are almost certainly analogue and the limiter is after the pot. The practical upshot is that the analogue inputs are vastly improved over the R-4. Noise levels are subjectively reduced to the point where they are no longer an issue although I would still appreciate another 10dB of gain on the mic inputs. My AT 825 mic needed both coarse and ne gain at out at normal speech levels. Another improvement is the provision of four channels of analogue line out on phonos instead of the R-4s two. A further change sees a pair of XLRs for stereo AES-EBU I-O replacing the previous SPDIF I-O. All or any of the four channels can be mixed down to the stereo headphone output. Like its predecessor the R4 Pro has two internal mics for note taking, for example, and two internal speakers for monitoring. Transport keys are clear and internally illuminated. Editing remains basic, with Trim, Divide, Combine and Merge functions. Adequate for managing recordings, but too cumbersome for clever stuff. Scrub and shuttle are not great. Editing operations result in new audio les (projects) being written to disk and, even with the larger 80Gb internal drive, space may be at a premium. The built-in digital effects are unchanged i.e. they only work at 44.1kHz and 48kHz. Recording with effects is generally a bad idea and most users will transfer recordings for postproduction in any case. The headline new feature is timecode support. R-4 Pro can record and play back standard LTC at all the usual frame rates. A generator is built in and External, Internal and Rec-Run modes are possible, as is jam sync to external source. Last but not least, the R-4 Pro can Chase external code. The only limitation here is that the project playing back must have the same timecode as the external input, meaning it is not possible to set an offset. The R-4 Pro is a major advance over the R-4 whether you need the timecode or not. If you do, it is the only game in town at anything approaching this price point. It is now a thoroughly useable recorder for audio for video and anyone who needs to record more than two controlled channels on location.

PROS CONS

A lot better than R-4; easy to use; versatile. More gain needed on analogue inputs; no internal timecode offset possible when chasing; internal battery compartment feels fragile.

Contact

EDIROL, JAPAN: Website: www.edirol.com

resolution

January/February 2007

Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.

Additional Precautions

Placement
Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit; or move it farther away from the source of interference.
Use a reasonable amount of care when using the units buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.
Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.
When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the connector itselfnever pull on the cable. This way you will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cables internal elements.
Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating a call, or while conversing. Should you experience such problems, you should relocate such wireless devices so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch them off.
To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the units volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about those around you (especially when it is late at night).
When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box (including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.
Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes. Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level to be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.

Handling Hard Disks Important Performance and Image Data

Emergency Procedures

Once a hard disk fails to function normally, all data that has been stored on it could be destroyed. All hard disks eventually wear out. We recommend that you consider the hard disk not as a permanent storage site, but as a place to store data temporarily. We also recommend that you back up important performance and image data that cannot be recorded again onto the external media that is supported by your device. For instructions on how to make such backups, refer to the owners manual for your device. Note that Roland assumes no liability whatsoever, including monetary compensation, for the loss of any recorded content in the event of the malfunction of, or physical damage to the hard disk, or for any direct or incidental damages resulting from the loss of such data.
The following procedures are to be used as emergency measures only, and are not recommended for normal operation. If the device fails to respond to operational commands or does not complete operations, turn off the power. If the power does not shut off following normal shutdown procedures, disconnect the power plug. If the unit does not operate normally when the power is turned on again, it may mean that the hard disk has been damaged. In such instances, consult your dealer or the nearest Roland Service Center. Note, however, that it may not be possible to recover any data from the hard disk once it has been lost. If your device features drive check capabilities, use the drive check function to regularly confirm that there are no problems, even when the device is operating normally. For more detailed information on the shutdown and drive check procedures, refer to the Owners Manual.

Copyright

Precautions Regarding Setup and Use
Certain hard disk setup procedures and usage conditions may result in the corruption of recorded data, malfunctioning, or physical damage to the disk, so be sure to observe the following precautions. Do not subject the hard disk to vibration or shock, especially while the unit is in operation. Do not place in locations that experience vibrations, unstable locations, locations that are not level, or places with extremely large sound pressure (110 dB or more, see below). If recording is impossible due to vibration or sound pressure, a message is displayed in advance. (P.21) Do not set up the unit in any location where it may be affected by vibration from external sources, or on any surface that is not stable and level. If the device includes a cooling fan, ensure that the fan and the side panel air vents remain unobstructed. Do not leave the unit in any environment subject to temperature extremes; for example, in a closed automobile in summer or outdoors during winter. Do not use the unit in conditions of high temperature and humidity or in any location subject to rapid temperature changes. Do not unplug the power cord or switch off any circuit breakers in the circuit to which the unit is connected while the power is turned on. Do not move the unit while the power is turned on or immediately after turning off the power. When transporting the unit, first turn off the power and confirm that the display screen has gone off, disconnect the power plug, then wait at least two minutes before moving the device. Examples of places with extremely large sound pressure are under railroad bridges, within 2 meters of an automobile horn, or near a PA speaker.

Introducing the R-4 Pro

The R-4 Pros controls and connectors

Top panel

fig.panel-1.eps_50
Internal mics [MIC-L, MIC-R]
These are stereo mics built into the R-4 Pro. The audio entering MIC-L is recorded on the 1L channel, while audio picked up by MIC-R is recorded on the 1R channel. If youre recording via the internal mics, set the System Settings menu item Recording Setup to Int-Mic. For details, refer to Recording from the internal mics (p. 33). * Dont connect anything to input jacks youre not using.

Internal speakers

These are built-in speakers for monitoring. If you want sound to be heard from the internal speakers, set the System Settings menu item Speaker to ON. For details, refer to Playing back (p. 37). * No sound will be heard from the internal speakers if youve connected headphones to the Headphone jack ( 34 ). Nor will sound be heard from the internal speakers while recording or in recording-standby mode; this prevents acoustic feedback from occurring.R-4 Pro

Power switch [POWER]

This turns the power on/off. To turn the power on or off, press and hold the power switch for about five seconds. The power switch is lit blue when the power is on. Dont turn the power off during recording or playback. Before you turn off the power, you must make sure that recording or playback is stopped. * If you accidentally turn off the power during recording, the data that was being recorded will not be stored on the hard disk. * The hard disk may be damaged if you turn off the power of the R-4 Pro while data is being read from or written to the hard disk (such as during recording or playback). You must also be careful not to turn off the power while data is being transferred between the hard disk and an external memory device. * Never turn off the power while the R-4 Pros display indicates Now Connecting. or Now Processing! Doing so will cause the R-4 Pro to become unstable and may damage the internal hard disk. * During recording, pressing the power switch will not turn off the power. * The hard disk may be damaged if you turn off the power of the R-4 Pro while data on the hard disk is being written or read, such as during playback or waveform editing.

Hold switch [HOLD]

By selecting the HOLD ON position, you can disable the panel buttons so that unwanted operations will not occur if a button is pressed accidentally. However, even if this switch is set to HOLD ON, the phantom power switches 5 , limiter switch 6 , Input level knobs 25 , and Monitor level knob 26 will still be operable.

A-B Repeat button [A-B REPEAT]
This button lets you repeatedly play back the region between two points (A and B) in the project. Simply assign marker A and marker B while the project is playing, and playback will repeat between markers A and B.

fig.repeat-a

1. During playback, press the A-B Repeat button once.
That point becomes the beginning (marker A) of repeat playback.

fig.repeat-b

2. Press the A-B Repeat button once again. That point will be the end
(marker B) of repeat playback.

fig.repeat-ab

The region you specified in steps 1 and 2 will play repeatedly. To cancel repeat playback, press the A-B Repeat button once again.

Display button [DISPLAY]

This button switches the contents of the R-4 Pros display. For details, refer to Display (p. 18).
Cursor/Monitor Select buttons [CURSOR/MONITOR SELECT]
Use these buttons to select items shown in the display. When youre in the main screen, you can press the up/down buttons to select the channel that you want to monitor. For details, refer to Display (p. 18).

Exit button [EXIT]

Use this button to return to the previous screen or to cancel an operation.
Enter/Finder button [ENTER/FINDER]
Use this button to confirm a setting or set a value. You can also press this when you want to use the Finder function. For more about the Finder function, refer to Finder functions (p. 44).

Scrub dial [SCRUB/VALUE]

Use this dial to select a settings item or to modify a value. While stopped or when playback is paused, you can turn the scrub dial to move the current location forward or backward.

Shuttle dial [SHUTTLE]

While the project is playing, turn this dial clockwise to play rapidly forward, or counterclockwise to play rapidly backward. When the project is stopped, this dial advances the time counter.

Front panel

fig.panel-2.eps_50

Display

This shows information about the R-4 Pros status. For details, refer to Display (p. 18).

PREV button [PREV]

Pressing the PREV button while a project is playing or stopped will take you to the beginning of the project (00:00:00:00F). Pressing this button at the beginning of a project will take you to the preceding project. You can also press and hold down this button to rewind. This is available both while playing and while stopped. * If Play Mode is set to Single in the Player Setup system setting, you can't move to the previous or next project during playback.

3 Plug the AC adapter into an AC power outlet. 4
To turn the power on, press and hold the R-4 Pro [POWER] switch for about two seconds.
Wait until the Main screen appears. * This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will operate normally.

Turning off the power

5 From the Main screen, press and hold the R-4 Pro [POWER] switch for about five seconds to turn

the power off.

* If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation will continue should the line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power cord disconnection).
Installing batteries and turning on the power
Types of batteries you can use
AA alkaline batteries (LR6) AA nickel metal-hydride (HR15/51) (The R-4 Pro cannot recharge nickel metal-hydride batteries. You must use a separate charger.) * You must specify the type of batteries in the R-4 Pro System Settings menu item 5 System Setup (p. 75). The R-4 Pro will not operate correctly if the specified battery type that does not match the actual batteries.
Make sure that the R-4 Pro is turned off, and disconnect the power conversion cable from the power connector on the R-4 pro side panel (left).
2 Detach the battery cover from the bottom panel of the

R-4 Pro.

* When turning the unit upside-down, handle with care to avoid dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over.
* When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons and controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no buttons or controls get damaged.
Insert eight AA batteries into the battery compartment, making sure to observe the correct polarity (+ and - symbols).
4 Replace the battery cover. 5 6
Turn on the R-4 Pro. Press the [SYSTEM] button.
7 Use the [CURSOR] up/down buttons to select 5 System Setup. 8 9
Press the [ENTER] button. Using the [SCRUB/VALUE] dial, set the Battery Type to Alkaline if installing alkaline batteries or to Ni-MH if installing nickel metal-hydride batteries. The setting is activated as soon as you select it. When finished with the setting, press the [EXIT] button to return to the previous screen. When you have returned to the System Menu screen, press the [EXIT] button once again.
Although [ENTER] will be blinking in the display, if you do not need to make additional settings, press the [EXIT] button to return to the Main screen.

Use the [CURSOR] buttons to select the Ext-Power item.
Use the [SCRUB/VALUE] dial to set the final voltage. Final voltage values: 9.0/9.5/10.0/10.5/11.0/11.5/12.0 V
* The final voltage value will differ according to the external power source specifications. Check the specifications for the external power source being used for details.
Press the [EXIT] button twice to return to the Main screen.
This completes setting the final voltage.

Recording

Recording from a connected mic
The following describes how to record audio from a mic connected to a R-4 Pro XLR input connector.

fig.mic-1.eps

Turn this ON if you're using a condenser mic.
Adjust the input LEVEL and SENS

Connections

Connect your mic to a XLR input connector. Howling could be produced depending on the location of microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by: 1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s). 2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from speakers. 3. Lowering volume levels.

Phantom power switch

Turn this ON when connecting a phantom-powered condenser mic.

fig.input-analog.eps

System settings
Press the R-4 Pro [SYSTEM] button. In 1 Recording Setup, set Input Select to Analog. Set the other items in 1 Recording Setup as appropriate for the recording you want to make. * For more about system settings, refer to System setup (p. 64).

Limiter

Turn this ON if you want to prevent unexpectedly loud sounds or strong attacks from producing clipped noise. The limiter threshold is -10 dB relative to digital full scale. The limiter can group and link each channel. See Limiter link (p. 74).
sensitivity/Input level knobs
These knobs adjust sensitivity/input levels. When recording in stereo x2, these knobs control the following signals. Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel 4 STEREO 1 L-channel STEREO 1 R-channel STEREO 2 L-channel STEREO 2 R-channel SENS/INPUT LEVEL 1 knob SENS/INPUT LEVEL 2 knob SENS/INPUT LEVEL 3 knob SENS/INPUT LEVEL 4 knob
Adjusting the input level
1. Turn the input level knob [SENS] (outer) all the way left. 2. Turn the input level knobs [LEVEL] (inner) to the center position. This signal is 0 dB. 3. Hold down the [PAUSE] button and press the [REC] button.

4 LCD Setup

Parameter Contrast Value 1510 Function This adjusts the LCD contrast. Higher settings emphasize the white areas of the display. This adjusts the brightness of the LCD backlight. The OFF setting turns the backlight off. Higher settings make the backlight brighter and consume more power. If you are operating the R-4 Pro on battery power, pay attention to the remaining amount of battery capacity. Sets the amount of time until the display backlight turns off when no operations have been performed on the R-4 Pro. If you are operating the R-4 Pro on battery power, use this setting to conserve battery life.

BackLight

OFF, 110

BackLight Timer

OFF, 2 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec, 20 sec

5 System Setup

Parameter Value Function Sets the type of batteries you are using. Choose the Alkaline setting if you are using alkaline batteries, or Ni-MH if you are using nickel metal-hydride batteries. * If you choose a setting that does not match the type of batteries that are actually installed, the remaining battery power indication will be incorrect. Sets the final voltage when using an external power source. The "Battery Low!" message is displayed when the voltage of the external power source drops below the set voltage. Sets the sound output type. The sound from each channel from LINE OUT is output without modification. Sound is output according to the output assignments

Battery Time

Alkaline, Ni-MH

Ext-Power

Adapter, 9.0/9.5/ 10.0/10.5/ 11.0/11.5/ 12.0V 4-indiv monitor

Output Sel

6 Timecode
Menu item Parameter Value OFF INT Mode EXT REC-RUN Setup Frame Rate Out Select Chase RTC 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97D, 30, 30D ON, OFF ON, OFF H : 0023 M : 0059 S : 0059 F : 0023/24/29 (According to the Frame Rate setting) H : 0023 M : 0059 S : 0059 F : 0023/24/29 (According to the Frame Rate setting) H : 0023 M : 0059 S : 0059 F : 0023/24/29 (According to the Frame Rate setting) Function The timecode is not recorded. The R-4 Pro timecode is used. The timecode operates normally. Uses the timecode sent from the connected device. The R-4 Pro timecode is used. The timecode only runs during recording. The internal clock is used in place of the timecode. Selects the frame rate. Selects whether to output the timecode to the timecode connector. Plays the project in the R-4 Pro that matches the timecode input from the timecode connector. Sets the start time for the timecode when Mode is set to INT. * CURRENT is the current timecode.
MANUAL (H: M: S: F) Set Int TC JAM EXT (H: M: S: F)
When Mode is set to EXT, the start time for the timecode can be set to match the external device * CURRENT is the current timecode.

Set Rec-Run TC

TARGET
When Mode is set to REC-RUN, the start time for the timecode can be set.

7 Date & Time

fig.date-1a.eps
You can set the date and time. If Project Name is set to Date, the time you specify here is used to set the date in the project name. This setting is also used for the date and time shown in the Main screen.

Date (Weekday)

8 Project Name
You can use Name 18 to specify eight different name types. The project name will consist of this name plus a consecutive number of 001, 002, 003,. appended to it. For example, in the case of the default setting R4_Scene1, the project name will be R4_Scene1_001. In order to use a name you have specified here, you will need to set the Recording Setup parameter Project Name to Name 18.

9 HDD Utility

You can use utility commands on the R-4 Pro internal hard disk. You cannot execute HDD Utility commands during recording or playback. Command Explanation Formats the internal hard disk. All projects and folders in the internal hard disk are erased; afterwards, the hard disk is empty. * Be sure to back up your projects before you execute this command. Checks the internal hard disk, and after reorganization, frees up any hard disk space not used by R-4 Pro Projects. Check * There is no guarantee that this command will restore the internal hard disk to a normal operating state. Since this command directly manipulates the hard disk sectors, projects may be damaged. Be sure to back up your projects before executing this command. This checks all sectors of the internal hard disk to see whether they are readable. This check takes approximately 50 minutes to perform. If no problems are found, you are returned to the System Menu. If a problem is found, the indication HDD failure is shown. Please back up your data, then contact your dealer or a Roland Service Center for service. In such situations, please be aware that we cannot make any guarantees regarding recovery of any content that may be lost from the hard disk.

Format

10 USB Storage Utility
You can perform utility commands on a external memory device connected to the R-4 Pro. You can not execute USB Storage Utility commands during recording or playback. When not mounted Command Mount Explanation Mounts an external memory device after it is connected. * The external memory device is not recognized if it is not mounted, even if it is connected. Formats the external memory device. All projects and folders on the external memory device are erased; afterwards, the external memory device is empty. * Be sure to back up your projects before you execute this command. * The external memory device is automatically mounted after formatting completes.
When mounted Command Unmount Explanation Unmounts the external memory device so it can be disconnected. * If you disconnect an external memory device before unmounting it, the data may be damaged. Please exercise caution. Formats the external memory device. All projects and folders on the external memory device is erased; afterwards, the external memory device is empty. * Be sure to back up your projects before you execute this command. Checks the external memory device, and after reorganization, frees up any space on the external memory device not used by R-4 Pro Projects. Check * There is no guarantee that this command will restore the external memory device to a normal operating state. Since this command directly manipulates the sectors on the external memory device, projects may be damaged. Be sure to back up your projects before you execute this command.

3. Use the [CURSOR] button to select [Mount], and press the

[ENTER] button.

fig.usb-yes.eps
4. Are you sure? is displayed. Use the [CURSOR] button to
select Yes to execute or No to cancel. Once the selection is made, press the [ENTER] button.

fig.usb-Now.eps

The process is displayed as shown. Do not turn off power during execution. When the process completes, the display automatically returns to the System Menu screen. * Return to the main screen by pressing the [EXIT] button again.

Removal

Verify that the external memory device is not being written to or read from. Unmount the external memory device following the procedure below.
* When disconnecting the external memory device, be sure to unmount it. The data in the external memory device may be damaged. Please exercise caution.
The display shows the system settings screen.

fig.usb-unmo.eps

Utility, and press the [ENTER] button. The USB Storage Utility starts as shown in the figure to the right. * To cancel, press the [EXIT] button.
3. Use the [CURSOR] button to select [Unmount], and press
During the process, the display shows as follows. Do not turn off power during execution. When the process completes, the display automatically returns to the System Menu screen.
5. Return to the main screen by pressing the [EXIT] button

again.

Disconnect the external memory device.
Formatting an external memory device
You must format an external memory device before using it with the R-4 Pro. For the formatting procedure, refer to page 69 of Using the HDD Utility (p. 69). External memory devices formatted on a device other than the R-4 Pro may not work correctly on the R-4 Pro. As an exception, you should use your Macintosh (not the R-4 Pro) to format the external memory device if you will be using it with Mac OS 9. The external memory device must be formatted in FAT16 format.

Connecting to a computer

Connecting the R-4 Pro to your computer
You can move or copy project recorded on the R-4 Pro to your computer. Likewise, you can move or copy files from your computer to the R-4 Pro hard disk. Using battery power will not cause a malfunction, but we recommend that you always use the AC adapter to prevent damage to the contents of the hard disk, which could occur if the batteries fail while the R-4 Pro is connected to your computer.
1 Turn on the R-4 Pro power switch. 2 Use a USB cable to connect the R-4 Pro to your computer.
The computer will detect the R-4 Pro, and the screen shown at right is shown. It may take several seconds for detection to occur. * If you see the Windows can perform the same action each time you insert a disk or connect a device with this kind of file. dialog box, click [Cancel]. The computer will detect the R-4 Pro as follows. Windows Mac OS When viewed from My Computer or Explorer, the R-4 Pro appears as R-4Pro. The R-4 Pro appears as R-4Pro on the desktop.

Drop frame method The drop frame method is one of the SMPTE timecode formats. The 30 frames per second NTSC signal method used in the US and Japan is actually 29.97 frames/second. This method corrects for the discrepancy with the actual time (clock time) by dropping intermediary Timecodes. The first two frames of each minute are dropped (starts from frame 02 rather than frame 00) except for the 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, and 50th minutes. Broadcasters who require the timecode to match the broadcast time use this method.
Non-drop frame method The non-drop frame method is one of the SMPTE timecode formats. Although the 30 frames per second NTSC signal method used in the US and Japan is actually 29.97 frames/second, this method emphasizes the continuity of the timecode rather than the time difference that occurs with clock time and does not drop intermediary Timecodes. This method is used in general video or music creation. * Select the drop-frame or non-drop frame method to match the timecode of the video being synchronized.

Setting timecode

Press the [SYSTEM] button on the R-4 Pro.

fig.time-code-1.eps

Use the [CURSOR] button to select 6 Timecode, and press the [ENTER] button.
The Timecode screen is shown.

fig.time-code-2.eps

3 Use the [CURSOR] button to select 1 Setup, and press
the [ENTER] button. The Timecode Setup screen is shown.

fig.time-code-3.eps

4 Use the [SCRUB/VALUE] dial to select Mode.
The modes are as shown below.(The values in boldface are the default values.)
OFF INT EXT REC-RUN RTC The timecode is not recorded. The R-4 Pro timecode is used. The timecode operates normally. Uses the timecode sent from the connected device. The R-4 Pro timecode is used. The timecode runs only during recording. The internal clock is used in place of the timecode.
Use the [CURSOR] button to select Frame Rate.
6 Use the [SCRUB/VALUE] dial to select the Frame Rate value.
Frame Rate: 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97D, 30, 30D D is the drop-frame method; everything else is the non-drop frame method.

If the R-4 Pro is subjected to vibration or impact, writing to the hard disk may not occur in time, meaning that that portion of sound is not recorded. When you listen to the recorded project, the time count during playback does not skip, but there is a skip of several seconds in the sound of the project. During recording, please be careful that the R-4 Pro is not subjected to impact.
The sound skips when you play back through the internal speakers
Vibration produced by the internal speakers may cause reading from the hard disk to fail, and this may cause skips in the sound. Try turning the monitor level knob toward the left to lower the volume of the internal speakers. Alternatively, you can monitor through headphones.

Skips occur in the sound

As you repeatedly write and delete project files, the files on the hard disk become fragmented, and this slows down the processing speed. If you continue recording in this state, a message of HDD Slow! is shown, and skips may occur in the recorded project. If making important recordings, you should consistently delete all projects together when finished with them. Repeated deletion of smaller pieces of data causes the disk to become fragmented, possibly causing recording to fail.
Problems with the R-4 Pro operation

Power does not turn on

Make sure that the AC adapter is correctly connected. If using batteries, make sure that each battery is securely in place and in the correct orientation. It is also possible that the batteries have run down, so you should obtain a new set of batteries. Refer to: Connecting the AC adapter and turning the power on/off (p. 25) Installing batteries and turning on the power (p. 26) Make sure that the HOLD switch is turned off. If it is on, the panel buttons and the scrub and shuttle dials will be inoperable. Refer to: Hold switch [HOLD] (p. 10)
Finder operation is sluggish
If a folder contains a large number of files, operation are sluggish when you open the Finder, and the screen does not scroll easily. If there is a large number of files, operations in the Finder take more time. Try moving projects in the folder to a different folder so that the folder contains fewer projects.

Backlight turns off

The Backlight setting in LCD Setup may be set to turn off the backlight when the unit has not been operated for a while. Refer to: 4 LCD Setup (p. 75)
Settings that you made disappear
If effect settings or system settings you made have reverted to their original state, it is possible that you inadvertently reset the R-4 Pro to its factory default settings. Refer to: Executing Factory Reset (Restoring the factory default settings) (p. 71)
Effect parameters that you set have been initialized
Effect parameter values are remembered as long as the effect type is not changed; they will return to the default values if the effect type is changed. If precise settings, you should a note of those settings to use again. Refer to: Effects settings (p. 59)

Cannot operate the panel

Make sure that the HOLD switch is turned off. If this is on, the panel buttons and the scrub and shuttle dials will be inoperable. Refer to: Hold switch [HOLD] (p. 10)
Project names and folder names in the Main screen or Finder are garbled
The characters that are not "Available characters" are not displayed properly. In addition, there are cases when RENAME was not performed correctly. Refer to: Available characters (p. 77)

Main specifications

Recorder

Channels

Media
Internal Hard Disk Drive (80 GB)

Signal Processing

AD/DA Conversion: Sampling Frequency:

Signal Processing

Recording Time (Stereo, in hours)
24 bits 44.1/48/88.2/96/192 kHz 16 bit 24 bit 44.1 kHz 48 kHz 88.2 kHz 96 kHz 192 kHz 26 17
Data Types (both Recording and Playback)
Format: BWF, WAV Sample Size: 16/24 bits Sampling Frequency: 44.1/48/88.2/96/192 kHz * The sample size and sampling frequency can be combined in any way.
* These recording times are approximate. Your results may vary. * If more than one recorded file is created, the total recordable time will be less than these times.

Audio Input and Output

Analog Inputs
Channel 14: XLR type (accepts phantom powered) Internal Microphones (Stereo) (SENS Knob: +4 dBu, Input Level Knob: Min)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N)

0.01% (SENS Knob: +4 dBu, Input Level Knob: Center)

Analog Outputs

Channel 14: Line out (RCA phono type) Headphones: Stereo 1/4 inch phone type

Digital Input/Output

XLR type (AES/EBU, conforms to IEC 60958-4)
Recommended Load Impedance for Headphones

32 ohms

Input Impedance

Analog Input: 4 k ohms

Frequency Response

20 Hz40 kHz (0 -3 dB)

Nominal Input Level
Use the sensitivity knobs to select from the following (with the input level knobs in mid-position) -56, -50, -44, -38, -32, -26, -20, -14, -8, -2, +4 dBu (input level knobs: negative infinity to +8 dB)

Phantom Power

48+/-4 V / 8 mA (Available 4 Channels simultaneously) * Should be less than 25 mA in total * 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

Output Impedance

LINE Out: 950 ohms Headphones: 10 ohms

Output Level

LINE Out: -10 dBu (Fixed) Headphones 40 mW + 40 mW

Residual Noise Level

LINE Out: -90 dBu

Other Input/Output Part

USB Interface
A Type Connector (For USB Storage device) Supports USB 1.1 and 2.0 Mass Storage Device Class. B Type Connector (For Computer connection) Supports USB 1.1 and 2.0 Mass Storage Device Class.

SMPTE Timecode connector

BNC Coaxial type (Conforms SMPTE 12M-1999)

Effect Unit Part

Effect Type:
Select one of the types below. 3-BAND EQ 6-BAND GRAPHIC EQ NOISE GATE ENHANCER COMPRESSOR AND DE-ESSER MS MIC MIXING NO EFFECT * Available when either recording or playing * Not available for 88.2, 96, or 192 kHz sampling frequency.

Control

Power Switch Hold Switch Input SENS Knobs x 4 Input Level Knobs x 4 Monitor Level knob 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)

Dimensions

240 (W) x 217.4 (D) x 77.1 (H) mm 9-1/2 (W) x 8-9/16 (D) x 3-1/16 (H) inches * The height includes the rubber pads