Edirol R-4 Pro Portable Recorder Owners Manual

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Application guide
These basic settings are used for using the R-4 Pro to record audio while filming video. If recording 
outdoors, you can use the settings for “Recording birdsongs outdoors” (p. 90) in this case as well, but 
other settings specific to video are also necessary.
Panel settings
Recording Setup
System Setup
You can use the internal mics to record with the R-4 Pro only. However, the recording quality will be 
limited compared to using good quality external mics. The sound of the R-4 Pro button operations or 
internal mechanism may also be recorded.
Recording audio while filming video
Phantom power switchON if using a condenser mic that requires phantom power; otherwise OFF
Input SelectAnalog
The number of mics will depend on the filming con-
ditions. If simply recording the background sound, 
you can use two mics and record in stereo. If record-
ing a play or an instrumental performance, you 
should set up one mic for each actor or instrument. 
You can record up to four mics simultaneously.
Rec Freq.48 kHz
If you are filming with a video camera and will add 
the audio tracks recorded on the R-4 Pro later using a 
video editing system, you should record at 48 kHz.
Rec Bit16 bit
If using audio to add to a production focussing on the 
video element, 16-bit recording provides sufficient 
quality.
Rec Mode
Set this to match the mic(s) you’re using. Choose the MONO setting if each 
mic is assigned to a different actor or instrument. 
With the MONO setting, a separate WAV file will be created for each mic. In 
other cases you will generally use the STEREO setting.
Pre RecordingOFFTurn this OFF, since audio is synchronized to the vid-
eo device.
Project NameName
It is convenient to assign a unique name to the project 
so that each recorded project will be easily identifi-
able; e.g., SCENE001, SCENE002, ... etc.
TimecodeSet when recording the timecode.
See Setting timecode (p. 84).
Recording audio memos using just the R-4 Pro
Input SelectInt-Mic
Rec Freq.44.1 kHz
Rec Bit16 bit
Rec ModeSTEREOx1
Pre RecordingOFF
Project NameDate
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Application guide
You can take advantage of the R-4 Pro’s ability to record four channels simultaneously. You can use 
channels 1 and 2 to record a stage performance via digital inputs, and channels 3 and 4 to record the sounds 
of the room or audience via mics.
Panel settings
Recording Setup
These settings are useful when you cannot afford mistakes, such as when recording an event or other non-
repeatable occasion. Even if the input levels are set appropriately, there may be cases in which an 
unexpectedly loud sound causes clipping to occur, or conversely, in which the sound stays at an 
unexpectedly low level.
For these situations, use four mics and pair two for each channel. Set each input level to a different level, 
and record all four channels (two stereo pairs) simultaneously. After recording, select an appropriate 
project.
Panel settings
Recording Setup
Simultaneously recording environmental sounds (ambience)
Phantom power switchON if using a condenser mic that requires phantom power; otherwise OFF
Input SelectDig + AnaSet to Dig+Ana to use the XLR input connector and the digital 
input connector simultaneously.
Rec Freq.44.1 kHzIf using a computer to edit the waveforms after recording, 
you may wish to use a higher sampling frequency.
Rec Bit16 bit
Rec ModeSTEREOx2Set to STEREOx2 to record both the stage performance and 
the ambient sounds in stereo.
Pre RecordingOFF, 1–29 secSpecify the pre-recording time as desired.
Project NameDate, Name
Specify a name that will help you manage the projects when 
recording is finished. 
Date... Using the Date setting makes it easy to tell the date and 
time that the recording was made. 
Name... Assigning a unique project name, so that the projects 
have names such as SCENE001, SCENE002, and so forth, 
makes it easy to see which projects belong together.
Simultaneously recording at different input levels
Phantom power switchON if using a condenser mic that requires phantom power; otherwise OFF
Input level knobsSet channels 1 and 2 to appropriate levels. Set channels 3 and 4 to slightly low-
er input levels; for example, about -12 dB lower than channels 1 and 2.
Input SelectAnalog
Rec Freq.44.1 kHz
Rec Bit16 bit
Rec ModeSTEREOx2
Pre RecordingOFF
Project NameDate
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Application guide
You can use this feature to record four channels simultaneously. You can use channels 3 and 4 to record 
from the connected mics and channels 1 and 2 to record comments from the internal mics.
Panel settings
Recording Setup
Recording comments simultaneously
Phantom power switchON if using a condenser mic that requires phantom power; otherwise OFF
Input SelectInt+AnaSet to Int+Ana to use the XLR input connector and the inter-
nal mics simultaneously.
Rec Freq.44.1 kHzIf using a computer to edit the waveforms after recording, 
you may wish to use a higher sampling frequency.
Rec Bit16 bit
Rec ModeSTEREOx2Set to STEREOx2 to record the externally connected mics in 
stereo and to record the comments in stereo.
Pre RecordingOFF, 1–29 secSpecify the pre-recording time as desired.
Project NameDate, Name
Specify a name that will help you manage the projects when 
recording is finished. 
Date... Using the Date setting makes it easy to tell the date and 
time that the recording was made. 
Name... Assigning a unique project name, so that the projects 
have names such as SCENE001, SCENE002, and so forth, 
makes it easy to see which projects belong together.
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Messages
This section explains the most important messages that may appear in the R-4 Pro’s display
MessageStatus
Int-Batt Low!
The remaining charge for the internal battery is low. 
The internal battery must be replaced. If the battery charge is insufficient, the internal clock 
will become inaccurate. Please contact one of the service locations listed on the warranty 
card to have the battery replaced.
Battery Low!
The remaining charge for the batteries or the external power source is low. 
Install fresh batteries, change the external power source, or use the AC adapter.
HDD buffering
The recording buffer has almost reached capacity. Move the R-4 Pro to a location where there 
is no vibration or sound pressure. See p. 21 for details.
HDD Slow!The recording buffer has reached capacity. Recording does not stop, but some sound is not re-
corded. This message will not disappear until a button is pressed. Move the R-4 Pro to a location 
where there is no vibration or sound pressure. If this message is displayed again, it is possible 
that the hard disk processing capacity has decreased. Format the disk. See P. 20 for details.
HDD Unformatted
This message is displayed if the internal hard disk was formatted in a file format that the R-
4 Pro cannot read. Please format the internal hard disk.
Media Full!
There is insufficient free space on the hard disk or external memory device. 
Transfer project files to your computer to free up more space.
Over 2GB
The project is too large.
This message is displayed if the project newly created by appending an existing project ex-
ceeds 2 GB. The R-4 Pro can handle files up to 2 GB.
Over prj #999
This message is displayed if you press the record button when a project name with a number 
of 999 already exists. You cannot record in this state. You need to change the project name 
before you can record.
Project exists!
An identically named project already exists.
Create the project using a different name.
File-Sys Error!
A problem has occurred with the file system.
Name too long!
The project name is too long. 
This message is displayed if the project name newly created when you use Trim or Combine, 
or when you copy a project is too long. 
You’ll need to shorten the name of the source project.
Improper Proj.
The R-4 Pro cannot handle this project.
HOLD ON
The HOLD switch is on.
This message is displayed if you attempt to operate the R-4 Pro while the HOLD switch is on.
Now Recording
The R-4 Pro is recording now.
This message is displayed if you attempt to operate the R-4 Pro during recording. If you need 
to perform an operation, you must first stop recording.
Now Playing
The R-4 Pro is playing now.
This message is displayed if you attempt to operate the R-4 Pro during playback. If you need 
to perform an operation, you must first stop recording.
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Troubleshooting
If you experience difficulties, read this section first. It contains tips on how to resolve various problems.
Cannot close the connection with the R-4 Pro
When using Windows and if Explorer or any other software referencing the R-4 Pro’s hard disk is open 
when you attempt to close the USB connection between the R-4 Pro and your computer, the error message 
“An error occurred while removing USB mass storage device – Unable to close device ‘unspecified volume.’ 
Please execute Stop Device again later.” appears, and you will be unable to disconnect the R-4 Pro. 
Close all software or windows that are referencing the R-4 Pro’s hard disk. Then execute “Safely remove 
hard disk” once again.
External memory device connected in the R-4 Pro is not visible from 
the computer
The external memory device inserted in the R-4 Pro cannot be viewed from the computer. Consequently, 
you cannot manipulate projects on the external memory device.
Cannot record
You cannot record correctly if the input level specified with the input level knobs is too low. Please set the 
input level correctly.
Refer to: “Adjusting the input level” (p. 31)
When recording from connected mics, make sure that the mics are properly connected to the XLR input 
connectors.
Also check the setting of the phantom power switch.
Refer to: “Phantom power switches [PHANTOM POWER]” (p. 10)
You cannot record correctly if the Input Select system setting is wrong.
Refer to: “System setup” (p. 64)
Strange sounds are heard during the recording
If recording with the internal mics, you may hear metallic or mechanical clicks in the recording. These 
sounds are the operating noises of the R-4 Pro’s internal hard disk. Due to how the R-4 Pro is constructed, 
the hard disk operating sounds may affect the recording.
You can alleviate this somewhat by using the Graphic EQ effect on the REC side to lower the 2 kHz and 4 
kHz levels.
Recorded audio is distorted
The audio is distorted if the input level is too high. Refer to “Adjusting the input level” (p. 31), and use 
the input level knobs to adjust the level appropriately.
In some cases, the sound may be distorted because an effect has been applied while recording. You should 
adjust the input level with the effect applied. Adjust the effect parameters so that distortion does not 
appear.
Computer-related problems
Recording-related problems
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Troubleshooting
Pan (stereo image) is not stored correctly
If the limiter is turned on, it will respond to the levels of each channel, meaning that when the level of a 
sound located toward the right (or left) side increases, the limiter for that channel will limit the volume. If 
you’re recording in stereo, the result will be that the left and right volume difference will diminish, causing 
the pan (stereo image) to move toward the center.
• Panning can be correctly recorded by linking the limiters of the channels recording in stereo using the 
Limiter Link.
Refer to:“1 Recording Setup” (p. 72)
If using the Comp&DeEsser effect with channel linking (LINK) set separately for CH1, CH2, CH3, and 
CH4, and the compressor begins to operate on CH1 (left), this will eliminate the level difference with CH2 
(right), causing the pan (stereo image) to move toward the center.
• In this case, set the LINK setting to CH1+2 or CH3+4 so that whenever compression starts being 
applied to CH1 (left), it will be applied to CH2 (right) at the same time.
Refer to:“Effects settings” (p. 59)
Also, the stereo image will not be recorded correctly if the input level knob settings differ significantly 
between L and R, so that the levels are not balanced correctly.
Even though the recording levels are set, the sound is distorted 
when an effect is turned on
Since some effects work by emphasizing a portion of the sound, this may increase the volume of the overall 
song, thereby causing clipping (distortion). You may take either of the following two actions.
• Lower the level (LEV) values for each effect parameter
The overall volume will decrease, but the character of the effect will be maintained.
Refer to:“Effects settings” (p. 59)
• Lower the input level to decrease the volume before applying the effect
This adjustment is easy to make, but may change the resulting character of the effect.
The HDD Slow! message is shown
Writing access to the hard disk has slowed down.
As you repeatedly write and delete project files, the files on the hard disk become fragmented, and this 
slows down the processing speed.
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.
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Troubleshooting
No sound
If the monitor level knob is turned too far down, the volume may be too low for you to hear. Gradually raise 
the monitor level knob.
Refer to: “Monitor level knob [MONITOR]” (p. 13)
If the output assignments are not set appropriately, the sounds are not output.
Reference:Output assignments (p. 18)
Make sure that your headphones or speakers are connected correctly.
No sound from the internal speakers
In the system settings for Speaker, make sure that Speaker Switch is ON. No sound is output from the 
internal speakers if this setting is OFF.
No sound is output from the internal speakers if headphones are connected.
To prevent acoustic feedback, no sound is output from the internal speakers during recording or recording 
standby.
The external memory device contains a file, but the R-4 Pro will not 
play it
The R-4 Pro cannot directly play files from the external memory device.
In order to play a file located on the external memory device, use the Finder screen to copy the file onto the 
R-4 Pro hard disk, and then play it.
Refer to: “Copying a project (Copy)” (p. 47)
A skip of several seconds occurs in the project playback
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.
Playback-related problems
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Troubleshooting
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)
Problems with the R-4 Pro operation
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Main specifications
●Channels
4
●Signal ProcessingSignal ProcessingAD/DA Conversion: 24 bits
Sampling Frequency: 44.1/48/88.2/96/192 kHz
●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.
●Media
Internal Hard Disk Drive (80 GB)
●Recording Time (Stereo, in hours)
* 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.
●Analog Inputs
Channel 1–4: XLR type (accepts phantom powered)
Internal Microphones (Stereo)
●Analog Outputs
Channel 1–4: Line out (RCA phono type)
Headphones: Stereo 1/4 inch phone type
●Digital Input/Output
XLR type (AES/EBU, conforms to IEC 60958-4)
●Input Impedance
Analog Input: 4 k ohms
●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)
●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(SENS Knob: +4 dBu, Input Level Knob: Min)
●Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N)
0.01%
(SENS Knob: +4 dBu, Input Level Knob: Center)
●Recommended Load Impedance for 
Headphones
32 ohms
●Frequency Response
20 Hz–40 kHz (0 – -3 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
Recorder
44.1 
kHz48 kHz88.2 
kHz96 kHz192 
kHz
16 
bit116106585326
24 
bit7770383517
Audio Input and Output
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Main specifications
●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 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.
•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
●Display
128 x 64 dots Graphic LCD (backlit LCD)
●Power Supply
AC Adapter (PSB-1U)
Alkaline dry battery LR6 (AA) type x 8, or Nickel-metal 
hydride battery (HR15/51) x 8
External Power Supply: 4-pin XLR type (9–16 V)
●Installation Conditions
Temperature: 0 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius 
(according to internal test standards)
Humidity: 80% or less (no condensation)
●Power Consumption
2.0 A
●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
●Weight (with batteries)
1.7 kg
3 lbs 12 oz
●Accessories
Owner’s Manual
AC Adapter
AC Adapter 4pin XLR type connector converter cable
USB cable
Carrying Case 
962a
* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.
Other Input/Output Part
Effect Unit Part
Control
Others
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