Topic: Edirol R-09 - what is the real unity gain setting?

[vanark]

When recording live rock music I have found that since I  need to set the Mic Gain switch to LOW, I need to set the level closer to 24.

I use two AKG C1000S (each is a cardiod mic that provides it's own power via a 9v  battery) and plug into the MIC In port.  Though I assume this unity setting doesn't apply to Mic in taping...

If you really want to know or confirm, I suggest you contact Roland directly.  They picked up the phone within 30 secs when I called on Friday.  Or submit an email request.

Digital Recorders and Mixers: 323-890-3741

http://backstage.rolandus.com/email_support/

[lbgspam]

No, I actually don't care as for my usage, unity-shmootity, it still sounds great to my ears my recordings.   

I just want someone to confirm this with real test equipment before I add it to the R-09 FAQ as gospel -- I try to keep all the info there accurate. How many times have we all seen manufacturers lie/fib about things?  For example, people reported that the volts supplied from the r-09 to mics is different from the specs (see FAQ).

I think GuySonic will likely be able to weigh in effectively here.

[vanark]

Should the FAQ be updated to at least indicate that unity may not be 8?  Wasn't there already some issue about that?  You've even linked to a thread where you say it was disproved by someone.

As I said in my initial posts, "we can discuss if the answer is correct." 

As a new R-09 user, I've found the lack of clarity on this issue quite confusing.  Thus, why I contacted Roland.

[gmm6797]

IMHO, an * or some reference point needs to be in the FAQ until this is tested and proven

[it-goes-to-eleven]

IMHO, an * or some reference point needs to be in the FAQ until this is tested and proven

We should hold a vote - blast it into space or burn an asterisk on it?

[gmm6797]

IMHO, an * or some reference point needs to be in the FAQ until this is tested and proven

We should hold a vote - blast it into space or burn an asterisk on it?

was curious how that comment would fly 

[keyclick]

You can't argue with this 'Unity"!

[bgalizio]

I noticed this, looking through the R-09 specs:

Nominal Input Level (Variable) Mic Input: -36 dBu (Default input level), Line Input: 0 dBu (Default input level)

So what is the default input level? I'm assuming it is the input level set when you first power on the device. Anyone remember what that is, or could reset the R-09 to determine?

[Arni99]

I noticed this, looking through the R-09 specs:

Nominal Input Level (Variable) Mic Input: -36 dBu (Default input level), Line Input: 0 dBu (Default input level)

So what is the default input level? I'm assuming it is the input level set when you first power on the device. Anyone remember what that is, or could reset the R-09 to determine?

yes, "13" is default setting after powering on the device for the very 1st time.

[lbgspam]

I added a note in the FAQ as well as a link to this thread. 

[bgalizio]

I also asked Roland, and got the following answer:

Unity is approximately (it is not published) an input level of 8 in the Low Gain setting.

And

Unity gain on the line-in is an input level setting of 13 on the rear panel's low gain setting.

[bgalizio]

there is no switchable hi/lo for the line-in gain. wtf??

That's what I thought.

[bgalizio]

there is no switchable hi/lo for the line-in gain. wtf??

That's what I thought.

And when I asked them to clarify:

Benjamin,

It looks like you got answers from two different people. Both answers are speculations as we do not have an official specification from the Edirol engineers. There is however an independent website that has done testing of their own.

www.sonicstudios.com/r-09revw.htm

So now it is a total WTF as far as I'm concerned.

[vanark]

Yikes!  Next thing we know they'll be sending a link to this thread. 

How about they just go ask an engineer?  It is a pretty reasonable question and deserves more than "speculation".

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Yikes!  Next thing we know they'll be sending a link to this thread. 

How about they just go ask an engineer?  It is a pretty reasonable question and deserves more than "speculation".

But isn't it really about what sounds best - with your gear, not mine..  And not what someone (who doesn't even record!) tells you?