Roland Systems Group Introduces R-88 8-Channel Recorder and Mixer

For all audio pros who ever find themselves going mobile – producers, live sound engineers, sound designers, TV/film locations recordings, Webcasters, podcsasters, and more – Roland is about to seriously raise the game: Just announced at IBC, Roland has introduced their new flagship field recorder, the R-88.

The flagship field recorder is about to come sailing in: The R-88 from Roland.

The Roland R-88 is intended to “establish a new standard in professional portable recording” via a seamless integration of a recorder, mixer and a multi-channel audio interface.

With eight discrete channels of audio recording plus a stereo mix, the R-88 will be able to handle demanding multi-channel applications such as location sound design, event production, event videography, and live musical performance.

The R-88 will be available in early 2013 – pricing has not yet been specified. Meanwhile, here are more details directly from Roland:

“The Roland R-88 includes all the features required by location sound professionals including a full on-board mixer, various timecode modes and slate tone/mic for memos. The stereo mix output on the R-88 is perfect 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 you can also embed the audio tracks into a SDI video feed by using a multi-channel SDI audio embedder. It also features 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. You can lock the display and front controls to avoid any accidental operations.

Beyond field applications the R-88 is nicely suited for post-production environments featuring 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 is extremely portable weighing less than six pounds including eight AA batteries. Optional accessories include a custom carrying bag, and remote footswitch controllers for start, stop and record, marking function, etc.

The Roland R-88 Highlighted Features:
• 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 time 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 EQ and MS microphone decoder
• Built-in 10in/8out USB audio interface
• Touch Panel Display for intuitive navigation
• SMPTE time code In/out for video sync
• Supported power types – AA batteries, rechargeable Ni-MH battery, AC power, and 4-pin XLR external battery types.

Roland has established a strong position in the market with their popular R-44 4-channel and R-26 6-channel portable audio field recorders especially with DSLR cameras being used in film and video production The R-88 now offers a higher channel count, timecode and more professional features to the market.”

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