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Home: Video University Forums: Audio For Video:
Edirol R4 Users Information

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Mark Foley
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Jan 12, 2007, 4:58 AM

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Edirol R4 Users Information	Can't Post

For those who attended the Jax convention and either bought the Edirol R4 (not the pro version) or who maybe thinking of getting one, the one thing that bothered me was the short record time on internal AA batteries when recording at 24 bit 96Khz. Leave it to the audio nerds on the taperforum to have solved that concern.

You can get this battery: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...tlist&sku=375503
Reports of over six hours of record time at full record quality w/ phantom power of all four channels...very cool (and cheap)
NOTE
The Initial RB-270 li-ion battery is wired so the tip is (+) and the ring is (-). The R-4 is tip (-), ring (+). So to reverse polarity simply swap the two wires in the battery cable. For example, the cable may have a red wire (usually +) and a black wire (usually -). Simply cut the cable and splice the red wire to the black wire, and the black wire to the red wire. This will reverse the polarity. Please note: make sure you test with a multimeter to ensure you have the polarity correct before hooking up to the R-4.

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Mark

(This post was edited by Mark Foley on Jun 5, 2007, 7:56 AM)

Mark Foley
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Jan 13, 2007, 6:20 AM

Post #2 of 131 (3173 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] Edirol R4 Fix (for those fools like me who bought one at Jax) [In reply to]	Can't Post

As I'm always looking for bigger/better, I've found a better battery with more capacity and easily configured for the R4
http://www.tigerdirect.com/...p;Tab=0&NoMapp=0

_________________________
Mark

Laura K
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Jan 13, 2007, 10:35 AM

Post #3 of 131 (3157 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] Edirol R4 Fix (for those fools like me who bought one at Jax) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I can tell you this, it's higher on my wish list now. I got a chance to
handle both the units they were showing and learn some things.
The trade show had some very interesting exhibitors and I spent
quite a bit of time at the Lowell booth and Adobe booth too.
Those guys are an invaluable resource.
L
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"... it seems that if you're passionate about something, it freaks people out. You're considered bizarre or eccentric. To me, it just means you know who you are." - director Tim Burton

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

Mark Foley
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Jan 13, 2007, 11:23 AM

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Re: [Laura K] Edirol R4 Fix (for those fools like me who bought one at Jax) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm hoping it will get drop shipped from Edirol in time for my next music gig on the 27th...these gals are hot (on many dimensions) and I can't wait to capture audio at 24 bit 96kHz sampling Smile

I hope I remember to turn the recorder on.....
http://www.thelovellsisters.com/

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Mark

(This post was edited by Mark Foley on Jan 13, 2007, 11:25 AM)

Laura K
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Jan 14, 2007, 2:57 PM

Post #5 of 131 (3100 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] Edirol R4 Fix (for those fools like me who bought one at Jax) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Post some samples!!
I can't wait to hear it.
L
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Get affiliated!

"... it seems that if you're passionate about something, it freaks people out. You're considered bizarre or eccentric. To me, it just means you know who you are." - director Tim Burton

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

MLiebergot
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Jan 15, 2007, 1:07 PM

Post #6 of 131 (3075 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] Edirol R4 Fix (for those fools like me who bought one at Jax) [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

As I'm always looking for bigger/better, I've found a better battery with more capacity and easily configured for the R4
http://www.tigerdirect.com/...p;Tab=0&NoMapp=0

Hey Mark, I'd be curious to know what results you get using external battery power when you get a chance to field test them.

That was my only concern about the R-4 as well, although I know I could probably run a power cable to plug into an outlet somewhere by the DJ stand if needed.

Still debating the R-4 and R-4 Pro. I know you will probably kill me if I get the Pro eh? Wink

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Mark Foley
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Jan 15, 2007, 3:01 PM

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Re: [MLiebergot] Edirol R4 Fix (for those fools like me who bought one at Jax) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I came pretty close to getting the pro...as the auto power switch over was an item I really liked (worst case situation). I just couldn't justify the big leap of another $800. Doing some really rough number crunching, I figure the Tekkon battery should give me about 9-12+ hours of use...more than enough and one less power cord to hook up/trip over

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Mark

MLiebergot
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Jan 17, 2007, 5:45 PM

Post #8 of 131 (3021 views)
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In Reply To

As I'm always looking for bigger/better, I've found a better battery with more capacity and easily configured for the R4
http://www.tigerdirect.com/...p;Tab=0&NoMapp=0

Mark just so you know, there are 2 versions of this battery.
One is the MP3300, which is the link you provided, and looks great BTW.

The other is for the MP3400: (Just copy and paste the link. For some reason it won't let me hyperlink the address properly)
http://www.shop.com/op/~Tekkeon_myPower_MP3400_Universal_Rechargeable_Battery_-prod-31168613?xit_recnt=1

Which lasts 40% longer than the MP3300.
Here's the link to Tekkeon's website for product information.

BTW, one questions with these batteries. Would you have to reverse the +/- on these as well.
I read on the tapersforum that with the adaptaplug connectors, you could just reverse the plug and it would reverse the polarity.
I am pretty electronically savy, but I don't mess with cutting and splicing connections. Crazy

BTW, I'm waiting to hear your results before I go with the R-4 or still debating the R-4 Pro. Wink

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Mark Foley
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Jan 18, 2007, 5:40 AM

Post #9 of 131 (3000 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Edirol R4 Fix (for those fools like me who bought one at Jax) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Michael,
If you look on page 7 of this guide:
http://static.tigerdirect.com/..._mpALL_UserGuide.pdf
you'll see it is an easy step of reversing the connector (no cutting and splicing). I would suggest sealing the connection with a piece of heat shrink to keep everything in place and therby eliminating the chance of it coming apart in the field and one accidently hooking everything up in reverse Pirate

Quote

BTW, I'm waiting to hear your results before I go with the R-4 or still debating the R-4 Pro

The R4 is due to arrive Friday (and if the battery arrives also), I plan on running a simple test of setting the recorder to a 4 track 24 bit/96kHz record and see how long it will run...

_________________________
Mark

(This post was edited by Mark Foley on Jan 18, 2007, 5:43 AM)

MLiebergot
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Jan 18, 2007, 9:30 AM

Post #10 of 131 (2988 views)
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In Reply To

Quote

BTW, I'm waiting to hear your results before I go with the R-4 or still debating the R-4 Pro

The R4 is due to arrive Friday (and if the battery arrives also), I plan on running a simple test of setting the recorder to a 4 track 24 bit/96kHz record and see how long it will run...

Thanks Mark, that's what I was hoping for, as it seems to be the same as the adaptaplug connectors; turn one way for poisitive and the other for negative.
Just to be sure, the R-4 is wired negative and takes 9v's of power, correct?

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Mark Foley
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Jan 18, 2007, 10:39 AM

Post #11 of 131 (2984 views)
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Yes...it is a center negative device

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Mark

MLiebergot
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Jan 18, 2007, 10:44 AM

Post #12 of 131 (2983 views)
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Cool, thanx bro. Cool

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Mark Foley
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Jan 23, 2007, 4:29 AM

Post #13 of 131 (2925 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Edirol R4 Fix (for those fools like me who bought one at Jax) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Michael/All,
As promised, I received and tested the Tekkeon MP3300 external battery to power the R4. As mentioned earlier in post, being the R4 is a negative central device, you assemble the tip backwards to what is normal. The battery take about 4 hours to charge and has a series of LEDs showing remaining charge.

The first test I ran the R4 with four channels active with phantom power and recording at 24 bit 96 kHz...ran for about 6 hours.

Second test was 4 channels active, no phantom power, recording 24 bit 96kHz...ran for about 6.5 hours

Third test was 4 channels active, no phantom power, recording 24 bit 48 kHz...ran for about 7- 7.5 hours

The Tekkeon MP3400 has about 40% more capacity so based on a rough interpolation on my part, I would expect about an 1-1.5 hour extra run time

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Mark

MLiebergot
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Jan 23, 2007, 9:50 AM

Post #14 of 131 (2910 views)
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Thanks Mark, that's great to know.
BTW, how did the R-4 perform, any hiccups?

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Mark Foley
Veteran

Jan 23, 2007, 11:37 AM

Post #15 of 131 (2898 views)
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How did it perform? So far flawlessly...going to put it to the test this weekend during a concert recording gig we have.

As you and I discussed at Video 07, the one feature the R4 Pro has that the standard R4 doesn't is the ability to go from AC power to battery without interuption. Although I haven't fully tested the workaround, it appears you can fully charge the Tekkeon battery and then connect its power supply to AC. In effect, we maybe able to keep the ext battery charged and in a case of a power interuption, the Tekkeon simply takes over...more to follow....

edit....

Quote

In effect, we maybe able to keep the ext battery charged and in a case of a power interuption, the Tekkeon simply takes over

Got home a moment ago and found the R4 still running just fine...so unless you really need the extra hour or so to run soley on battery, you can run AC to the Tekkeon power supply and in case of a disconnect, the ext battery takes over....

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Mark

(This post was edited by Mark Foley on Jan 23, 2007, 4:59 PM)

jbvideo
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Jan 23, 2007, 3:13 PM

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I'm curious to hear how you like working with the R4 in the field. The specs look very nice. Spinning hard drives in field equipment seems a bit scary but I guess they've worked the issues out. The old HHB MDP-500 portadisc recorder has been a workhorse for me, but it would be great to have more hours of record time and faster than real-time data transfer. The external battery looks like a must-have, but I'd want to have the battery + recorder attached, maybe in a form-fitting tough nylon case... for fast setups, one integrated package is vastly superior to two boxes connected by a fragile power cord.

I was amused by this line on Edirol's website: "Simplify wedding shoots with a mic on the bride, groom, officiator and a mic for ambient sound."

"...mic on the bride..." !? How often have you done that?

MLiebergot
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Jan 23, 2007, 5:10 PM

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In Reply To

I was amused by this line on Edirol's website: "Simplify wedding shoots with a mic on the bride, groom, officiator and a mic for ambient sound."

"...mic on the bride..." !? How often have you done that?

Yeah that gets me chuckling myself.
The presenter for Edirol at the 4EVER conference mentioned this as well. Someone also posed the question of having to record live string musicians during a ceremony, which he replied just run your XLR to their position and plug it into the R4. I don't know about you, but I don't think that the officiant wouldn't take to kindly to running cables across the alter and taped down with gaffers tape.

I actually asked, why not just place a small recorder ("Edirol R09") on a mic stand with a stereo mic ("AT822") to record the musicians.
Then just place the R4 in lechtern and record readers (via mic), groom and officiant (via wireless). Easier setup, but he said you could but the R4 is better. You see the R4 is not part of the pro division of Edirol so they didn't have any to show anyone and couldn't comment on them.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Ron Priest
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Apr 14, 2007, 1:10 AM

Post #18 of 131 (2678 views)
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So Michael, did you get the R-4 yet? Now that I've finished my taxes, I'm about ready to order one. Did you get the Tekkeon MP3400 Battery or the MP3300 battery? I See they are both available at B&H. Well, you can order either one of them from B&H but they have to order them, they don't stock them.
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MLiebergot
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Apr 14, 2007, 10:29 AM

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No I haven't picked one up yet. Although I was real close to pulling the trigger last month.
Instead I held off and ordered a Zoom H2, which should be here in a week or so.

I figure if it performs well and is as small as it seems, then it would be worthy to use in the same manner (backup, backup for backup audio) as I used to use the IRivers. Then I would order 2 or 3 more of them and use them accordingly.

Since I already own a H4, which performs very well taking board feeds or running dual mics via XLX input. And already have the R09, which I truely love for all around usage. Then the R4 wouldn't be necessay right now for me.

If I start doing more recital work in the coming year, then I will drop the bones on a R4, as the R4 would be perfect for live stage situations where I have time to setup and run direct cable feeds.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Ron Priest
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Apr 14, 2007, 10:57 AM

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Zoom H2? I can't find it, is it like the Zoom H4?
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Ron Priest
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Apr 14, 2007, 11:04 AM

Post #21 of 131 (2631 views)
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Hey Mark, forgive me is I already asked this question, but do you have any issues with keepin the audio of say a wedding in sync once you initially sync the captured audio from the R-4 vith your video inside your NLE? Does it stay in sync throughout in other words? Is there any specific recording mode you should record with to insure you don't have to keep syncing your audio and video?
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MLiebergot
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Apr 14, 2007, 11:20 AM

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In Reply To

Zoom H2? I can't find it, is it like the Zoom H4?

Take a look at these posts. All of the info is there. It's going to be very small (3 built in mic elements), 1/8 line, 1/8 mic in, removable SD media (up to 2GB), runs on 2 AA batteries, and will go for $199.

http://www.videouniversity.com/...ng=zoom%20h2;#356242

http://www.videouniversity.com/...ng=zoom%20h2;#358685
(scroll down to my post mentioning it)

http://www.videouniversity.com/...ng=zoom%20h2;#356221

It's not out yet. But, according to my salesman (Art Hill) at Sweetwater, should be hitting retailers in the next week. I believe that their first shipment is already sold (Mark got in early and I got one of the last two). Looks very promissing, especially for the same pricepoint that the 1GB IRivers were. Looks like everyone who owns IRivers should pickup at least 2 of these bad boys. It probably won't be as good as the Edirol R09, Microtrack. But at $199 it will definitely be better than the IFP 7XX/8XX series recorders. That I guarantee.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Ron Priest
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Apr 14, 2007, 12:20 PM

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In Reply To

It probably won't be as good as the Edirol R09, Microtrack. But at $199 it will definitely be better than the IFP 7XX/8XX series recorders. That I guarantee.

I will be interested in hearing your comparison of the two units. I believe the R09 is only a hundred dollars more isn't it? Is it worth a hundred dollars more compared to the H2. I was actually thinking about purchasing the R-4 to capture the main audio (not backup audio) and purchasing the H4 to capture on-the-spot voiceovers from b&g and family members so I don't have to stick a camera in their face. If the H2 would be more practical, maybe I'll go that route.

Thanks for the heads up Michael, I'll keep a watch on those threads, and your report on the H2!
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MLiebergot
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Apr 14, 2007, 1:33 PM

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Re: [Ron Priest] Edirol R4 experience? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ron just for your referrence.

Edirol R09: $399
Microtrack: $399
Zoom H4: $299
Zoom H2: $199

I agree with you on the R4 using as main audio. As that was a typo on my part as I try to use my recorders for my main audio (placed in different spots and camera audio for backup sync audio.

The R4 would streamline things quite a bit being able to take 4 tracks right to hard drive. But I also like to thave teh piece of mind of having additional audio spread around, just in case of hard drive failure (heavy vibration can cause a HDD slow on the R4 and then you have no audio). Now that is extreme vibations mind you.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Ron Priest
Veteran

Apr 14, 2007, 1:53 PM

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Oh, my bad. Okay I got the prices right now. Thanks. I'll be looking forward to hearing about the H2!! What kind of Mics are you going to use with those, or are you just going to use the built in mics? That's what I wondering how you would use them (the H2's) as backup audio. If I purchase the R-4 and allready have a mic on the groom and minister connected to the R-4 how would I slip a H2 in the grooms pocket without having to put a 2nd mic on him for the H2?
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