Roland Systems Group has announced a software update for its 8-channel field recorder, the Roland R-88. New version 1.10 software adds functionality that includes input delay function, support for polyphonic WAV, expanded low-cut filters, external MIDI controllers, sensitivity gain and headphone output boost functions, and expanded footswitch parameters.
These new features are added as a direct result of initial feedback from users worldwide. The new polyphonic WAV recording type enables the ability to save 2, 4, 6 or 8 channels in a single file.
Additional features include support for external MIDI controllers via the UM-ONE mk2, which allows the ability to control the R-88 from external devices such as a fader unit.
Further features include selectable input delay per channel to adjust the timing of each channel from 0.05 – 20 milliseconds, which is especially useful for surround recording with mics at various distances. You can also now set the cut-off frequency per channel in the range of 60-250 Hz.
The R-88 includes a full on-board mixer, various timecode modes and slate tone/mic for memos. The stereo mix output on the R-88 is designed in particular for location sound recording applications enabling a stereo mix back to the camera to record reference audio or provides a stereo monitor output while simultaneously recording individual tracks.
With 8 discrete outputs, audio tracks can also be embedded into a SDI video feed by using a multi-channel SDI audio embedder. The R-88 also offers professional AES/EBU digital I/O to digitally record from or send to a mixing console or other digital source.
The R-88’s built-in mixer is equipped with a 3-band EQ enabling a quality stereo mix to be monitored and/or recorded simultaneously along with each discrete audio track. The large touch screen display enables clear and intuitive device setup and control. The display and front controls can be locked to avoid any accidental operations.
Beyond field applications the R-88 is suited for post-production environments, with a built-in 10-input/8-output USB audio interface for multi-channel recording. The eight output ports are especially useful for surround projects. The interface function is also able to provide a backup record mechanism simultaneously recording all tracks to a DAW of choice.
The R-88 version 1.10 will be demonstrated at InfoComm (booth 1458) and will be available for download in the middle of June.
