Topic: Roland R-26 vs. Roland R-07

[reyesryder]

Fairly descent price difference, what about recording quality-how do they compare if they do at all.  I am looking at getting into live recording (I have a background in live sound and a bit of studio experience) and am trying to better understand my options, and in this case the more stealth options.  Are there other companies/devices to consider in this category.  Thanks all, I realize it is a broad question/post.

[one8ung]

The Roland R-26 is a 6 track recorder with XLR inputs, The Roland R-07 is a 2 track recorder with TRS input.

[u2_fly_2]

The Roland R-26 is quite a big recorder but the on-board mics are pretty good for a start.

[healthyperformance]

I also think The Roland R-26 is a perfect choice for you.

[Gutbucket]

[snip..] in this case the more stealth options. [/snip]

R-07 fits the stealth option requirement better as it is considerably smaller, but is restricted to an unbalanced stereo-mini-jack input.  It's typically used by tapers along with an external battery box or small preamp to power small low-voltage PIP (plug in power) microphones.  Some mics may be able to be powered directly, but a battery box will generally provide better powering and higher SPL handling.  A rig such as that can fit in a pocket.  It's a less high quality option in general, but excellent recordings can be made with good miniature microphones.  High end very small stealth setups substitute top quality "active" phantom powered mics along with a special dedicated powering box with a mini-jack output to a small recorder such as this.

R-26 can accommodate standard mics with balanced XLR connections and phantom power.  It's use will be more familiar to your live sound and studio experience. But the recorder and connections are larger.  Its usually used with standard (larger) mics but can also accommodate mini mics and "active" setups.

[adrianb]

The Roland R-07 is still my go to recorder for stealth.

The PIP is 3.1v which is just enough to power my DPA-4061 and Church Audio mics. This might not be sufficient voltage for higher SPL handling, but I have pulled excellent recordings with the mics directly into the recorder at recent loud shows with bands like The Stranglers, The Damned and The Psychedelic Furs.

Other small recorders I have supply 2.5v, and whilst it might not seem much difference they are unable to power my mics directly, so there seems to be a cutoff between 2.5v and 3.1v.

[Niels]

Are there other companies/devices to consider in this category.  Thanks all, I realize it is a broad question/post.

The two recorders are not really in the same category, but if stealth is a consideration you may take a look at:
Small XLR only: Zoom F3
Small XLR/TRS and 3.5mm: Tascam AV-FR2

[Gutbucket]

Are there other companies/devices to consider in this category.  Thanks all, I realize it is a broad question/post.

The two recorders are not really in the same category, but if stealth is a consideration you may take a look at:
Small XLR only: Zoom F3
Small XLR/TRS and 3.5mm: Tascam AV-FR2

Also..
Very small 3.5mm only: Deity PR-2

If stealth is the primary constraint and XLR input with phantom power is not needed, PR-2 is the smallest and stealthiest recorder currently available.  Both the Tascam and Diety provide 5V PIP over their 3.5mm stereo minijack inputs, eliminating the need to carry an external battery box to power most 2-wire low voltage microphones.