The Edirol R-44 has solved my need for a compact portable digital recorder that offers a bit more than the current range of 2-channel stereo models. It offers 4 channels of 16 or 24 bit recording at sampling rates from 44lHz to 192kHz. Beyond 96kHz, only two channels can be used. Recording is stored to a card, but this is not included in the package. These are cheap these days and a 2GB card will give 2 hours stereo at 48kHz.
The 4 channels of audio can be configured in a variety of ways. In its simplest set-up, you can select two channels of audio and record via the twin built-in condenser microphones. These offer excellent quality and are very convenient for ultimate portability.
Four XLR/mono sockets on the side panel provide for 4 x audio inputs and these can be recorded either as two stereo channels or four mono channels. What is more, each channel has its own phantom power switch. The internal menu system offers a variety of settings and I found it particularly interesting that you can opt for using the two internal microphones together with 2 external microphones. This gives the option of using the internal microphones as a stereo pair and using two other microphones for close in pickup of individual voices or instruments. A limiter and bass cut switch offer extra protection where needed.
The front panel has four separate concentric level controls. One part of the control operates as a sensitivity switch calibrated from 0 to -55dB and the other is a variable level control. This enables the input sockets to cater for anything from line input to dynamic microphones. Excellent level and overload indicators are included for each channel. There are internal EQ settings, but I guess most people will choose to do this inside their PC. Recordings are stored as WAV files and these are ideal for importing into a DAW via the USB socket or quicker still by plugging the card into a suitable reader.
Battery life from 4 x AA cells is quite good, but I would opt for Ni-MH cells which will give a good 4 hours of operation. An AC mains adaptor is also included. The front panel display offers very comprehensive information and is very easy to read, via the backlight that can be switched off if necessary.
The recorded audio quality is excellent and 48kHz at 24 bits is very useable. 88kHz or 96kHz offers that little bit more, but then you would need to consider a 4GB or even 8GB card if a full length concert was to be tackeld. All in all, a great little machine at a very attractive price. And if 4 channels is not enough, you can buy another and sync them together!