Topic: Roland R-88

[sonidista]

http://www.roland.com/products/en/R-88/

    - Simultaneous recording of 8 channels + stereo mix (up to 96kHz)
    - Up to 24bit/192kHz uncompressed linear PCM recording (up to 4 channels)
    - 3 hours of recording using 32GB SDHC card (24bit/96kHz, 10ch)
    - 8 XLR inputs, 8 XLR outputs, AES/EBU input/output
    - Built-in 8 channel mixer with 3-band equalizer and MS microphone decoder
    - Built-in 10in/8out USB audio interface
    - Touch Panel Display for intuitive navigation
    - SMPTE timecode In/Out for video sync
    - Four different types of power - Alkaline battery (AA), Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA), AC Adaptor, External battery (4-pin XLR 9 to 16 V)


I miss the glory days of my old R-44...

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Looks nice. I like the layout of it.

A quick search says it will be $2500, but that was from a message board post.

[jbell]

Looks nice!!  A lot of new all in one options being released. 

[Gutbucket]

Wha? they didn't ask for our input during the design phase?

Lots to like, but plenty of things missing which could have made it great at little to no more cost.  All they had to do was ask!

grumble.

[H₂O]

Other then the Computer Audio interface and USB Storage - it looks like a lesser copy of the Tascam HS-P82 - but at $2500 new it would be hard to pass on

[Gutbucket]

There are some things I really like about the R-44 which the DR-680 lacks or doesn't do well, others I like about the 680 which the R-44 lacks, and then things both are missing.  Just last night i was messing around trying to get the 680 to do what I wanted and it got me thinking about the possibility of an R-88.  Lo and behold it appears here today.. but lacks essential elements of the dream.

Still.. should be a nice machine for what it does have.

[justink]

being so used to the R-44 setup, the vertical levels are weird to me. 

but this looks pretty sweet.  might be something to keep in mind a couple years from now, and check out the used market. 

[Ozpeter]

I'm glad to see the mixer, which is seriously missing from the R44 (much as I otherwise love it).

Just thinking of all the money I'll save now that I'm basically retired from the game!

[Gutbucket]

I immediatley thought of you when I saw the mixer.  That's a very welcome addition.  The computer interface is also cool.

Unfortunately it appears it eliminates all the functionality the R44 has with individual channel outputs.  I can see no way of adjusting channel output level or EQ, except when mixing down through the 2-channel buss.  The DR-680 is the same way- pan and level to the stereo buss (no eq) but no control at all over direct outputs, even level.

[OOK]

This looks surpringly similar to the tascam HS-P82.  Not identical but similar.  OOK

[H₂O]

This looks surpringly similar to the tascam HS-P82.  Not identical but similar.  OOK

A lesser copy - no color display - only 1 digital input/output - plastic - etc but to meet that price those are the items to be dropped

I will be interested to hear how well the pre's compare - the ones on the hs-p82 are great

[acidjack]

Had to happen eventually.  Count me as IN.

[cashandkerouac]

well there it is!  i remember seeing some discussions on this forum speculating about a R-88, but had no idea that Roland was actually working on one.  i absolutely love my R-44, so the R-88 is quite intriguing.  i certainly don't NEED 8 channels, but there may be other features on the R-88 that grab me.  need to do some homework.

[cashandkerouac]

looking at the pics i thought i saw a firewire port next to the USB port, but its just another type of USB.  would have been nice if they added a firewire port for much faster data transfer rates, but oh well. 

i wonder what Oade Bros. will be charging for the Concert Mod on this new model?

[kcmule]

looking at the pics i thought i saw a firewire port next to the USB port, but its just another type of USB.  would have been nice if they added a firewire port for much faster data transfer rates, but oh well. 

USB 2.0 = 480, so unless they were going to use FW800, it would not be faster.

Surprised they didn't go USB 3.0.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

According to the preliminary brochure, it appears that the display is also a touch panel to adjust the settings; could be seen as both a pro or a con depending on your preferences.  Also noticed that the XLR inputs aren't the TRS combo ones like on the R-44.  Not necessarily a deal-breaker but would have been nice to have it.  Regardless, really looking forward to seeing how these perform in the field when they're finally available.

[cashandkerouac]

According to the preliminary brochure, it appears that the display is also a touch panel to adjust the settings; could be seen as both a pro or a con depending on your preferences.  Also noticed that the XLR inputs aren't the TRS combo ones like on the R-44.  Not necessarily a deal-breaker but would have been nice to have it.  Regardless, really looking forward to seeing how these perform in the field when they're finally available.

agreed.  i won't be 1st kid on the block to go out and buy this new toy.  i'll keep using my trusty R-44 until i know all the kinks on the new R-88 are worked out.

i like that they have added a toggle switch for "ac adapter" and "ext battery".  in theory this should be a good thing.

[RichT]

I've had a poke around with one of these, but haven't heard it.  Build seems pretty solid.  Differences between this and the HS-P82 are that it's got 6 XLR outputs on the back and it'll work as a computer interface.

Mixing's done on the touchscreen, so it's probably ok for you guys if you're going to set it and leave it/make minor tweaks

[H₂O]

You may want to point put other differences as well:
- hs-p82 has color screen
- hs-p82 has 8 channels of AES input and 8 channels AES output
- hs-p82 has 5 sec pre record buffer ( I don't what the r-88 has)
- r-88 can record to USB storage
- hs-p82 has selectable sample rate converters on the digital inputs (I.e. you can use mode 1 AES-42 mics with the unit w/ external phantom supply)
- hs-p82 records to CF (card limits max capacity); r88 to sd where the standard limits capacity (I.e. sdhc has limit of 32gb - sdxc has limit of 2tb (I hope they choose sdxc))

[RichT]

You may want to point put other differences as well:
- hs-p82 has color screen
- hs-p82 has 8 channels of AES input and 8 channels AES output
- hs-p82 has 5 sec pre record buffer ( I don't what the r-88 has)
- r-88 can record to USB storage
- hs-p82 has selectable sample rate converters on the digital inputs (I.e. you can use mode 1 AES-42 mics with the unit w/ external phantom supply)
- hs-p82 records to CF (card limits max capacity); r88 to sd where the standard limits capacity (I.e. sdhc has limit of 32gb - sdxc has limit of 2tb (I hope they choose sdxc))

those too
and it's got a rather nice external control surface

[hi and lo]

For me, the HS-P82 is WAY too big, measuring 270x260x99mm. The R-88 is a bit smaller, but still fairly large at 260x235x93mm.

I'd like to see more 8-track recorders roughly the size of the 680 or the 788.

[page]

For me, the HS-P82 is WAY too big, measuring 270x260x99mm. The R-88 is a bit smaller, but still fairly large at 260x235x93mm.

I'd like to see more 8-track recorders roughly the size of the 680 or the 788.

even at the cost of using breakout cables,  I agree.

a P82 (and the R-88) would be relegated to special assignments in my adventures.

[H₂O]

After running nt222>ad1000>da-p1 back in the day - the hs-p82 is no bother - I love mine and have no regrets with my purchase

[hi and lo]

After running nt222>ad1000>da-p1 back in the day - the hs-p82 is no bother - I love mine and have no regrets with my purchase

 

First world problems.

[page]

yeah, but I'm coming from either:
mics > 722
mics > usbpre2 > d50

both are generally run-n-gun style setups, especially that first one. A 788 is the only option where I'm not adding significant bulk and would consider it a daily driver with more than 4 channels. Everything else would get relegated to special assignment usage as a lot of my stuff anymore is in tight quarters.

[tgakidis]

Markertek has it listed (not available yet) for $2495 with free shipping.

http://www.markertek.com/Audio-Equipment/Flash-Memory-Recorders-Players/Roland-Corporation-U-S/R-88.xhtml

[Napo]

Roland R-88 or Marantz PMD661?

Please help me decide. My priority are best pre-amp and A/D converter.
 
I should say that the ROland R-88 should be compared to the OADE modified PMD661 ( as I would get that, if I pull the trigger).

Cheers, Mauro

[achalsey]

Roland R-88 or Marantz PMD661?

Please help me decide. My priority are best pre-amp and A/D converter.
 
I should say that the ROland R-88 should be compared to the OADE modified PMD661 ( as I would get that, if I pull the trigger).

Cheers, Mauro

   Pretty sure you didn't read the thread correctly.  Don't have an answer but I'm going to assume you're looking for info on the R-26.

Here's the thread about that: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=155475.0

[Napo]

SORRY, my mistake!

achalsey, thanks for redirecting me to the right thread

[vegeta_ban]

i'm drooling now, gonna have my old r-44 fixed (external power is shot as well as the first channel ) and use it with my 722 until I get some more mics and possibly pick up one of these

[Gutbucket]

3 channel stereo rocks!

[cashandkerouac]

3 channel stereo rocks!

   ^^^   

[cashandkerouac]

the more i think about the R-88 the more i think i don't need it.      

i am almost never in situations where i need more than a stereo pair of mics.  i love my R-44, but i usually use it to run two stereo pairs.  i'm either comparing how two sets of mics perform in the same conditions or am running two pair because i can't decide which mics to use.  i really don't see myself running 6 or 8 mics unless i start doing the kind of stuff that Gutbucket does on a regular basis.  the R-44 is plenty of machine for doing the type of stuff that i do. 

[BayTaynt3d]

the more i think about the R-88 the more i think i don't need it.      

i am almost never in situations where i need more than a stereo pair of mics.  i love my R-44, but i usually use it to run two stereo pairs.  i'm either comparing how two sets of mics perform in the same conditions or am running two pair because i can't decide which mics to use.  i really don't see myself running 6 or 8 mics unless i start doing the kind of stuff that Gutbucket does on a regular basis.  the R-44 is plenty of machine for doing the type of stuff that i do. 

Yeah, but if you're running mics and patching SBDs, now you have two choices you didn't used to have. You can run stereo pair of mics and patch the stereo out of the SBD like you did with your R44, but now you can also run your mics while (1) patching the stereo outs of SBD plus nab 4 direct outs of SBD too, or (2) run your stereo pair plus patch six direct outs from the SBD. Hardly any more additional work, and only requires a few more cables, so for folks finding themselves in those situations with friendly FOH, that could be very useful.

[rastasean]

The price on audio recorders is something very peculiar IMO. I know there are different manufacturer and different R&D groups with different marketing strategies, but how is it the R-44 is now over a grand and the R-88 is $2500. Compare this to the Marantz PMD-661 which goes for $500-600, which as been in that same range as long as I have known about this recorder. The fostex FR-2LE can't sell for $275 here in the yard sale but it's $600 at B&H.

[bryonsos]

Looks like this may be available now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roland-R-88-8-Channel-Portable-Field-Recorder-and-Mixer-Brand-New-R88-R-88-/170983982966?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Multi_Track_Recorders&hash=item27cf708776&ssPageName=RSS:B:STORE:US:101

At the least, some vendors are taking preorders:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=892317&Q=&is=REG&A=details

[NOLAfishwater]

The price on audio recorders is something very peculiar IMO. I know there are different manufacturer and different R&D groups with different marketing strategies, but how is it the R-44 is now over a grand and the R-88 is $2500. Compare this to the Marantz PMD-661 which goes for $500-600, which as been in that same range as long as I have known about this recorder. The fostex FR-2LE can't sell for $275 here in the yard sale but it's $600 at B&H.

10 channels (every 2 channels is $500)
Mixing interface for 2 channel output
SMPTE timecode In/Out for video sync

[H₂O]

The price on audio recorders is something very peculiar IMO. I know there are different manufacturer and different R&D groups with different marketing strategies, but how is it the R-44 is now over a grand and the R-88 is $2500. Compare this to the Marantz PMD-661 which goes for $500-600, which as been in that same range as long as I have known about this recorder. The fostex FR-2LE can't sell for $275 here in the yard sale but it's $600 at B&H.

Price is based on features, quailty, brand, etc

I don't know why Roland increased the price of the r-44
I don't know why Sound Devices increased their prices either

But with it's feature set the R-88 has it's a great deal - but IMO the tascam hs-p82 is a better buy at $1k more

This product is angled at film/production mid range

[acidjack]

[quote author=H₂O link=topic=158021.msg2022820#msg2022820 date=1361199484

But with it's feature set the R-88 has it's a great deal - but IMO the tascam hs-p82 is a better buy at $1k more

This product is angled at film/production mid range
[/quote]

Why do you say the Tascam is a better buy for $1k more?  Just curious.

[H₂O]

Why do you say the Tascam is a better buy for $1k more?  Just curious.

• 8 digi-in(with selectable realtime sample rate conversion) - you can run AES42 mics into this unit with an external phantom supply
• 8 digi-out
• large adjustable color touch screen display (the R-88 is fixed and black and white)
• Dual CF Card with mirroring and rollover support
• very high quality pre amps with Gain in the Analog domain - don't know about the R-88 but if they are the same as the stock R-44 then they probably aren't as good
• idiot proof interface - much better then the Sonosax, SD7xx series, etc (I have used all of these)
• 5 seconds of pre-record buffer at all sampling rates and channels (no idea on the R-88)
• I own one

[bryonsos]

I know these will eventually come down in price, but right now as an R44 owner it makes economic sense to buy a second R44 and a cable to slave them together.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

I know these will eventually come down in price, but right now as an R44 owner it makes economic sense to buy a second R44 and a cable to slave them together.

Unless you connect them via SPDIF they will not be clock-synced, and when you do that directly between two R-44s you will only have 6 unique channels as opposed to 8.  In order to clock-sync all 8 channels you need to use another device like a USBPre.

[capnhook]

I know these will eventually come down in price, but right now as an R44 owner it makes economic sense to buy a second R44 and a cable to slave them together.

Unless you connect them via SPDIF they will not be clock-synced, and when you do that directly between two R-44s you will only have 6 unique channels as opposed to 8.  In order to clock-sync all 8 channels you need to use another device like a USBPre.

walstib62 and I have synched up our R-44's many times, and can report that the clocks surely DO synch, only the machines start up at different times so you will have to shift the slave machine's starting point in post.

We have matrixed 8 channels many times.  I really see a second R-44 in my future.


As per the R-88, what the use is mixing on the machine when you can't adjust delay?

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Unless you connect them via SPDIF they will not be clock-synced, and when you do that directly between two R-44s you will only have 6 unique channels as opposed to 8.  In order to clock-sync all 8 channels you need to use another device like a USBPre.

walstib62 and I have synched up our R-44's many times, and can report that the clocks surely DO synch, only the machines start up at different times so you will have to shift the slave machine's starting point in post.

We have matrixed 8 channels many times.  I really see a second R-44 in my future.

This is where your field experience and mine will diverge.  I have also synced my R-44 many times with acidjack's as well as running tests with just a 1/8" TRS cable to master>slave them and they have NEVER clock-synced 8 (or 6) tracks unless we have connected the SPDIF either directly or through another device running as a master clock (a USBPre); I'm not talking about an analog patch, mind you.  I suppose this is one of those "YMMV" situations.  Pretty sure this may have also been addressed in the R-44 thread without any solid confirmation either way from Roland but I can't recall.

[capnhook]

Unless you connect them via SPDIF they will not be clock-synced, and when you do that directly between two R-44s you will only have 6 unique channels as opposed to 8.  In order to clock-sync all 8 channels you need to use another device like a USBPre.

walstib62 and I have synched up our R-44's many times, and can report that the clocks surely DO synch, only the machines start up at different times so you will have to shift the slave machine's starting point in post.

We have matrixed 8 channels many times.  I really see a second R-44 in my future.

This is where your field experience and mine will diverge.  I have also synced my R-44 many times with acidjack's as well as running tests with just a 1/8" TRS cable to master>slave them and they have NEVER clock-synced 8 (or 6) tracks unless we have connected the SPDIF either directly or through another device running as a master clock (a USBPre); I'm not talking about an analog patch, mind you.  I suppose this is one of those "YMMV" situations.  Pretty sure this may have also been addressed in the R-44 thread without any solid confirmation either way from Roland but I can't recall.

Damn, that sure is strange.

Tells me I better buy walstib62's machine, and get him another...!

[tgakidis]

My guess is you got lucky having two seperate machines with the same clock.  I had two ua5's > h120 rigs that matched up perfectly every time!

[justink]

thoughts on the R-88?

i have an Oade CM R-44, LOVE IT.  thinking about going for a R-88.

anyone actually used one?

[Gutbucket]

I'm playing around with an R-88.  Anyone else currently using one?

[Gutbucket]

This is where your field experience and mine will diverge.  I have also synced my R-44 many times with acidjack's as well as running tests with just a 1/8" TRS cable to master>slave them and they have NEVER clock-synced 8 (or 6) tracks unless we have connected the SPDIF either directly or through another device running as a master clock (a USBPre); I'm not talking about an analog patch, mind you.  I suppose this is one of those "YMMV" situations.  Pretty sure this may have also been addressed in the R-44 thread without any solid confirmation either way from Roland but I can't recall.

Old thread, old news- but it's been reported that the key to keeping clock sync with master>slave linked R-44s is to turn off pre-record on both machines.

[Gutbucket]

As per the R-88, what the use is mixing on the machine when you can't adjust delay?

Delay is adjustable per input channel when recording.

It was my hope that delay could also be adjusted per output channel upon playback, but that does not appear to be the case.

[capnhook]

This is where your field experience and mine will diverge.  I have also synced my R-44 many times with acidjack's as well as running tests with just a 1/8" TRS cable to master>slave them and they have NEVER clock-synced 8 (or 6) tracks unless we have connected the SPDIF either directly or through another device running as a master clock (a USBPre); I'm not talking about an analog patch, mind you.  I suppose this is one of those "YMMV" situations.  Pretty sure this may have also been addressed in the R-44 thread without any solid confirmation either way from Roland but I can't recall.

Old thread, old news- but it's been reported that the key to keeping clock sync with master>slave linked R-44s is to turn off pre-record on both machines.

Affirmative.