Edirol R-4 Pro Portable Recorder Owners Manual

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Introducing the R-4 Pro
When the [DISPLAY] button is pressed twice while the Main screen is showing, the display changes to 
show the recording buffer capacity (BUF: buffer gauge).
The recording buffer is memory that temporarily stores the input sound before it is written to the hard disk. 
The buffer gauge indicates how much of the recording buffer has been used. Normally, the recording buffer 
never reaches capacity because input sound is immediately written to the hard disk. However, if data 
cannot be written to the hard disk or if the hard disk processing capacity decreases and writing data to the 
hard disk is delayed due to the R-4 Pro use environment (vibrations or sound pressure), then the data may 
accumulate to an excess and the buffer may overflow. (The hard disk processing capacity may be affected 
if file arrangement on the disk becomes irregular due to project files being repeatedly written and deleted.)
* When the recording buffer is close to capacity, the “HDD buffering” message is displayed. If vibration or sound 
pressure may be the cause, take the R-4 Pro to a location where there is no vibration or sound pressure and check if 
the recording buffer capacity is restored. 
* When the recording buffer reaches capacity, the buffer gauge moves all the way to the right edge and the “HDD 
Slow!” message is shown. Recording does not stop even if the “HDD Slow!” message is displayed, but some sound 
is not recorded. This message will not disappear until a button is pressed. 
* The same message is displayed if the hard disk processing capacity is diminished and writing to the hard disk is 
delayed even in a location where there is no vibration or sound pressure. For important recordings, we recommend 
formatting the hard disk before use.
Remaining buffuer capacity
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Introducing the R-4 Pro
O n th e R-4  Pr o,  th e d at a t ha t you r ecord  a n d play b a ck is  ha n dled as  a project. On the hard disk, each project 
actually consists of a folder with one or more files, as shown below.
If you connect the R-4 Pro to your computer, you’ll be able to see how these folders and files are organized. 
However, if you change, delete, or rename the files within a project, the R-4 Pro may be unable to play back 
that project. Please use caution.
In the system settings, the Recording Setup parameter Rec Mode (p. 73) lets you specify the type of 
project you want to record.
Monaural projects
fig.project-M1.eps
What is a project?
TypeStructure
MONOx1If there is only one channel, a monaural WAV file will be created with a name consist-
ing of the project name and a.wav extension.
MONOx2
MONOx3
MONOx4If there are 2–4 channels, a folder will be created with a name consisting of the project 
name plus an extension of.pjt. In that folder, monaural WAV files will be created with 
names consisting of the channel number and a.wav extension.
MONOx1
ABC-1.
wav
(MONO)
ABC-1.wav
MONOx2
1.wav(MONO)2.wav(MONO)
ABC-2.pjt
MONOx3
1.wav(MONO)2.wav(MONO)3.wav(MONO)
ABC-3.pjt
MONOx4
1.wav(MONO)2.wav(MONO)3.wav(MONO)4.wav(MONO)
ABC-4.pjt
Project Name
Project Name
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Introducing the R-4 Pro
Stereo projects
fig.project-S1.eps
Four-channel projects
*  If you want to load these files onto your computer, make sure 
that your waveform editing software supports four-channel 
files.
TypeStructure
STEREOx1If there is only one stereo channel pair, a stereo WAV file will be created with a name 
consisting of the project name and a.wav extension.
STEREOx2If there are two stereo channel pairs, a folder will be created with a name consisting of 
the project name plus an extension of.pjt. In that folder, stereo WAV files will be cre-
ated with names consisting of the channel number and a.wav extension.
TypeStructure
4CHA four-channel WAV file will be created with a name consisting of the project name 
and a.wav extension.
ABC-2.pjt
Project Name
STEREOx1
ABC-5
.wav
(STEREO)
ABC-5.wav
STEREOx2
ABC-6.pjt
1.wav(STEREO)2.wav(STEREO)
4CH
ABC-7.wav(4CH)
ABC-7.wavProject Name
Limitations on file size
The R-4 Pro can handle files up to 2 GB in size. If the file size reaches 2 GB during recording, the file is 
closed. Then, a new file is created and recording continues. When you finish recording, these files appear 
as separate projects.
About BWF
Files created during recording and editing are in BWF (Broadcast Wave Format). BWF files contain 
information about the recording time and recording device (EDIROL R-4 Pro) in addition to the data of a 
conventional WAV file. Of course, BWF files can be loaded by playback devices or audio editing software 
as conventional WAV files.
When the Setup-Mode for “6 Timecode” (p. 66) in the system settings is “OFF,” files are created in WAV 
format.
Caution when copying files from your computer
Be aware of the following when copying files from your computer into the R-4 Pro’s internal hard disk.
• The R-4 Pro can only record linear PCM WAV files at sampling frequencies of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, or 192 kHz 
and bit depths of 16 or 24 bits. It cannot play back any other type of file.
• File and folder names containing double-byte characters (e.g., Japanese) will not be displayed correctly.
• Any files other than WAV files cannot be recognized by the R-4 Pro, and will be ignored.
• Files beginning with “.” (dot) will be ignored.
• You must not copy files larger than 2 GB into the R-4 Pro’s internal hard disk. Doing so will make the R-4 
Pro’s operation unstable, and in the worst case might even damage the files in the internal hard disk.
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Getting ready to use the R-4 Pro
921To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume and 
turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
fig.basic.eps
For more about connections, refer to both “Recording” (p. 30) and “Playing back” (p. 37).
926aWhen connection cables with resistors are used, the volume level of equipment connected to the inputs XLR 
input connector 1 – 4 may be low. If this happens, use connection cables that do not contain resistors.
Basic connection examples
USB
USB
DIGITAL OUT
LINE IN
DIGITAL INLINE OUT
DIGITAL IN
USB Storage
Time Code IN/OUTDC IN
DIGITAL OUT
USB Memmory
PHONES
Equipment that has a digital input connector
(XLR)
CD player for playbackAmplified speakers/Mixers
Headphones AC adaptor
AC outlet
Timecode connectionVideo camera with a Timecode 
connector
USB connectionPersonal computer with a USB 
connector
Digital connection
Equipment that has a digital output Analog connection
Equipment that has a line input 
Digital connections
Amplified speakers/Mixers, etc.
Mic connection
Dynamic mic/Condenser mic
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Getting ready to use the R-4 Pro
* Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning 
on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
* Reduce the volume before turning on power. Even when the volume is turned down, sound may be produced when 
turning on the power. This is not a defect.
* If you connect the AC adapter when batteries are installed, the power will be supplied from the AC adapter.
fig.adapter.eps
Turning on the power
1 Connect the power conversion cable and AC adapter.
* Use only the included AC adapter.
2Plug the power conversion cable connector into the power connector on the R-4 Pro side panel (left).
3Plug the AC adapter into an AC power outlet.
4To turn the power on, press and hold the R-4 Pro [POWER] switch for about two seconds.
Wait until the Main screen appears.942
* 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
5From the Main screen, press and hold the R-4 Pro [POWER] switch for about five seconds to turn 
the power off.
*923
* 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).
Connecting the AC adapter and turning the power on/off
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Getting ready to use the R-4 Pro
■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.
1Make 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).
2Detach the battery cover from the bottom panel of the 
R-4 Pro.
929
* When turning the unit upside-down, handle with care to avoid 
dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over.
928
* 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.
3Insert eight AA batteries into the battery compartment, making sure to 
observe the correct polarity (+ and - symbols).
4Replace the battery cover.
5Turn on the R-4 Pro.
6Press the [SYSTEM] button.
7Use the [CURSOR] up/down buttons to select 5 System Setup. 
8Press the [ENTER] button.
9Using 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.
10When finished with the setting, press the [EXIT] button to return to the 
previous screen.
11When 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.
Installing batteries and turning on the power
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Getting ready to use the R-4 Pro
■Caution when using battery power on the R-4 Pro
• If you operate on battery power for an extended time, the batteries will become hot. Be careful not to 
burn yourself.
• Please use alkaline batteries, which have a longer life.
• Do not mix new batteries with used batteries nor mix batteries of differing types.
• If you will not be using the R-4 Pro for an extended time, we recommend that you remove the batteries 
to prevent leakage or other accidents.
• When using a USB cable to connect the R-4 Pro to your computer, use the AC adapter to prevent the 
loss of power while the connection is active.
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Getting ready to use the R-4 Pro
When using the R-4 Pro on battery power, a battery icon is shown in the lower right of the display. As the 
battery runs down, the battery icon will change as follows.
fig.bat-caution.epsWhen the battery reaches Level 0, the message in the figure is 
shown. Replace the batteries as soon as possible.
If you continue using the R-4 Pro when the batteries are low, the 
screen is the figure is shown, and then the power automatically 
turns off shortly thereafter.
■Battery life
(When using alkaline batteries, 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, stereo, with phantom power off)
* The values for battery life shown above are only approximate; they will vary depending on your system and 
conditions of use.
* Battery life is shortened if the display backlighting is left on or if you make heavy use of effects. You can specify how 
long the backlight is to remain on with the System settings. For details, refer to “4 LCD Setup” (p. 75).
Battery status
Remaining chargeDisplay
Level 4 (sufficient)
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Level 0 (little remaining)
Continuous playbackapproximately 3.5 hours
Continuous recordingapproximately 2 hours
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Getting ready to use the R-4 Pro
Using external power sources
When using an external power supply, be sure to set the final voltage.
The final voltage refers to the voltage when voltage can no longer be supplied because the capacity of the 
external power source is reduced and voltage decreases as electricity is consumed.
If the final voltage is not properly set for the external power source, the remaining power display is not 
shown. See the user's manual for the external power source for the final voltage value.
Furthermore, when the “Battery Low” message is displayed, the recording automatically stops, but the 
power does not automatically turn off. Turn the R-4 Pro power off and change the external power source.
* If the final voltage is not set, the “Battery Low” message is not displayed and the power may cut off. Read the 
following to set the final voltage for the R-4 Pro.
■Setting final voltage
ion.eps
1Press the R-4 Pro [SYSTEM] button.
The display shows the System menu.
ion.eps
2Use the [CURSOR] buttons to select 5 System Set Up, 
and press the [ENTER] button.
The System Setup screen is shown.
ion.eps
3Use the [CURSOR] buttons to select the Ext-Power item.
ion.eps
4Use 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.
5Press the [EXIT] button twice to return to the Main screen.
This completes setting the final voltage.
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Recording
The following describes how to record audio from a mic connected to a R-4 Pro XLR input connector.fig.mic-1.eps
● 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).
Recording from a connected mic
Turn this ON 
if youre using a 
condenser mic.
Adjust the input LEVEL 
and SENS
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