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Acoustic & Electronic Instruments, Musicians, News, Tutorials, Videos & Interesting Finds

Roland intros R-26 portable digital recorder

Joining the likes of the BOSS Micro BR BR-80 portable digital recorder comes Roland’s latest compact offering.

Roland claims that its R-26 comes packed with a host of professional features “the likes of which the industry has not seen before”.

There are two types of stereo microphones built into the R-26, plus a pair of XLR/TRS combo inputs for external mics, and an input for a stereo plug-in powered mic. Choose simultaneous combinations of the built-in mics (directional and omnidirectional), as well as the external inputs.

This should make it easy to capture high-quality audio in range of environments, including live performances, speeches, urban and rural settings and beyond.

Features include:

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

New-Tech Advantage

The R-26 features Roland’s latest DSP engine, which allows simultaneous recording of up to six channels (three stereo channels). A large LCD touchscreen display lets you directly navigate menus for customising the microphone settings, editing waveforms, and so on. It also features large input-level knobs for making precise adjustments.

Built-In Stereo Mics

Directional and omnidirectional stereo microphones are built into the R-26, and can be used simultaneously. This unique multi-stereo mic recording system lets you capture a wide stereo soundfield without spoiling the vibrant low frequencies and ambience of the venue.

External Inputs

Two XLR/TRS combo mic inputs are built into the R-26, plus an input for a stereo plug-in powered mic, which can be combined simultaneously with the internal mics. At a live concert, for example, the R-26 can capture a stereo mix from the FOH mixer via its XLR inputs, as well as the ambient audience noise via its built-in stereo mics.

Six-Channel Simultaneous Recording

The R-26 allows up to six channels of simultaneous recording (three stereo pairs). Capture the same sound source with three different types of microphones, both internal and external. This provides a new level of flexibility after the fact, as you can choose from the individual tracks or composite mixes.

USB Connectivity

You can connect the R-26 to your computer for use as an audio interface or for external storage. Use the R-26 in combination with the bundled SONAR LE software app to perform recording and detailed editing on your PC.

OP-R26CW: Cover/Windscreen Set for R-26

This special accessory set is custom-designed for the R-26 recorder, featuring a protective cover and a windscreen made of high-density fibre.