Roland R26 Owner’s Manual

R-26 Specifications

Recorder Part

Tracks 6 (3 stereo)

Signal Processing

Data Type

Memory Card SD Card (SDHC format compatible)

Input/Output

Audio Inputs

Audio Output Phones (Stereo miniature phone type)

Nominal Input Level (Variable)

* Input Level Knob : Center

Input Impedance

Maximum Input

Output Level 35 mW + 35 mW (In case 16 ohms load)

Recommended Load Impedance

Frequency Response

Phantom Power

USB Interface

Other

Power Supply

Current Draw 500 mA

Dimensions

Weight 0.37 kg / 14 oz (excluding batteries)

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

AD/DA conversion: 24-bit

96.0, 88.2, 48.0, 44.1 (kHz)

WAV/BWF

MP3 (MPEG-1

For Recording

For Playback

Internal stereo microphone

Analog input 1/L, 2/R (XLR/TRS combo type)

Plug-in powered mic input Stereo miniature phone type

Analog input 1/L, 2/R

Plug-in powered mic input

Analog input 1/L, 2/R 5 k ohms

Plug-in powered mic input

Analog Input 1/L, 2/R +24 dBu (SENS = +4 dBu)

Plug-in powered mic input +4 dBu (SENS = LOW)

16 ohms or greater

20 Hz — 40 kHz

48 V ± 4 V 10 mA or less in all channels

Mini-B type connector USB mass storage device class USB audio (Hi-Speed USB)

AC adaptor Alkaline dry battery LR6 (AA) type x 4 Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) X 4

82.0 (W) x 180.1 (D) x 41.1 (H) mm 3-1/4 (W) x 7-1/8 (D) x 1-5/8 (H) inches

Audio Layer 3)

WAV + MP3

WAV/BWF

MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3)

Sampling Rate 96.0, 88.2, 48.0, 44.1 (kHz)

Bit Depth 24, 16 (bits)

Sampling Rate 48.0, 44.1 (kHz)

Bit Rates 320, 160, 128 (kbps)

Sampling Rate 48.0, 44.1 (kHz)

Bit Depth 16 bits

Bit Rates 128 kbps

Sampling Rate 96.0, 88.2, 48.0, 44.1 (kHz)

Bit Depth 24, 16 (bits)

Sampling Rate 48.0, 44.1 (kHz)

Bit Rates

32 - 320 kbps or VBR (Variable Bit Rate)

Omnidirectional (OMNI) mic

Directional (XY) mic

XLR type (phantom powered)

1/4-inch TRS phone type (balanced/ unbalanced)

+4, -2, -8, -14, -20, -26, -32, -38, -44,

-50, -56, -62 (dBu)

LOW -7.5 dBu

MID -21.0 dBu

HIGH -26.0 dBu

MID/HIGH 3 k ohms

LOW 2 k ohms

System Requirements

USB Mass Storage

Windows Mac

Computer

USB Audio U/F

Windows Mac

Computer

Microsoft

Windows® 7 / Windows

/ Windows® XP Home /

Vista

XP Professional

Windows

Windows compatible PC equipped with a USB2.0 or 1.1 port

Windows® 7 / Windows

Microsoft

SP1 or later / Windows® XP

Vista Home / Windows SP2 or later

Windows compatible PC equipped with a USB 2.0 port

XP Professional

OS Mac OS X 10.2 or later

Mac® series computer with

Computer

OS Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later

Computer

Apple onboard USB port

Mac® series computer with

Apple onboard USB 2.0

Recording Time (unit: hours)

Data Format

16-bit, 44.1 kHz STEREO 3.0 6.1 12.2 24.5 48.9

24-bit, 96.0 kHz STEREO 0.9 1. 9 3.7 7. 5 15.0

WAV/BWF

MP3

WAV/BWF + MP3

* Each recording time is approximate. The times may change depending on the card specifications. * When multiple WAV/BWF files are recorded at once, the recording time will be shorter than shown above.

16-bit, 44.1 kHz 4 CH 1. 5 3.1 6.1 12.2 24.5

24-bit, 96.0 kHz 4 CH 0.5 0.9 1. 9 3.7 7. 5

16-bit, 44.1 kHz 6 CH 1. 0 2.0 4.1 8.2 16.3

24-bit, 96.0 kHz 6 CH 0.3 0.6 1. 2 2.5 5.0

128 kbps 33.0 67.0 134.0 269.0 539.0

320 kbps 13.0 27.0 53.0 107.0 215.0

16-bit + 128 kbps 44.1 kHz 2.8 5.6 11. 2 22.4 44.9

16-bit + 128 kbps 48.0 kHz 2.5 5.2 10.4 20.7 41.5

Memory Size

2 GB 4 GB 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB

R-26 package contents

•R-26 •Owner’s manual •SD Card •AC Adaptor •USB Cable (mini-B type)

•Windscreen •Cakewalk SONAR LE DVD-ROM (for Windows)

Discover True

Multi-Dimensional

Sound

Superior detail, depth, and unparalleled flexibility— welcome to a new world of portable recording.

The R-26 captures audio with high-definition direct sound, as well as the rich natural ambience of the recording

environment. With dual stereo mics, six channels of simultaneous recording, and much more, this portable recorder

offers true professional quality and flexibility, opening the door to limitless creative possibilities.

Two types of built-in stereo mics—

omnidirectional and directional—

operate independently of each other.

The R-26’s dual stereo mics provide the ultimate

flexibility in different recording applications. In

addition to capturing recordings that leverage the

individual characteristics of OMNI (omnidirectional)

and XY (directional) mics, you can mix the mics

together to achieve the optimum balance.

Support for up to six channels of

simultaneous recording—a powerful

tool for professional applications.

In addition to the onboard mics, the R-26

provides XLR/TRS inputs for up to six channels

(three stereo) of simultaneous recording.

For example, you can capture an instrument

up close with the built-in mics, record room

ambience with external mics, and save them as

separate files for mixing together later.

Three-channel IARC circuitry

reduces interference between inputs

for high-quality sound.

The R-26 is equipped with Roland’s proprietary

IARC (Isolated Adaptive Recording Circuit) on

the inputs for the built-in mics and as well as the

external inputs. This analog circuit is completely

isolated from the digital circuitry and has its

own power supply, reducing digital noise and

achieving very clear sound.

Visit us online at www.Roland.com

All specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice. Company names and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners. Roland is either registered trademark or trademark of Roland Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Cakewalk and the Cakewalk logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Cakewalk, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Printed in Japan August 2011 RAM-4721 RUS-UPR-SS

Independent OMNI and XY

stereo mic pairs built in

Six channels of simultaneous recording

for flexibility in a variety of situations

Proprietary IARC analog circuitry is

the key to excellent sound quality

Directional (XY)

Omnidirectional (OMNI)

6ch Simultaneous Rec

2ch（XY

）

2ch（Analog IN

）

2ch（OMNI

IARC Conceptual Diagram

）

OMNI

PLUG IN

XLR/

TRS

INPUT LEVEL

A/D

XLR IN XLR IN

Achieve professional results in a diverse range of recording applications by using the built-in mics along with external mics in a variety of combinations.

With respect to sound quality, no stone was left unturned

in developing the R-26’s new mic system.

At the top of the R-26 are OMNI (omnidirectional) and XY (directional) stereo

mic pairs, which not only provide pro-level sound, but also contribute to the

unit’s impressive styling. To maximize their sound-collecting characteristics,

we thoroughly studied the optimum shapes, positions, and angles of the

mics. The OMNI mics are entirely enclosed in a mesh and optimized to

faithfully capture sounds down to super-low frequencies. The XY mics

have been given ample space at the back of the unit, maximizing their

performance. Additionally, the mics are laid out in a 90° configuration to

create a natural stereo image. This ensures that your recordings will be clear,

expansive, and true to the recording environment.

90°

Directional Mic

(XY)

Polar Pattern

〈Omnidirectional Mic〉

2dB

0dB

-2dB

-4dB

180°

30°330°

150°210°

〈Directional Mic〉

60°300°

90°270°

120°240°

LR ch

0°

Frequency Response

Relative Response (dB)

20 100 20000100001000

Directional MicOmnidirectional Mic

Frequency (Hz)

A variety of external inputs are available, including XLR

jacks and support for plug-in mics.

At the bottom of the unit, you’ll find two analog combo (XLR/TRS) jacks with

48 V phantom power. In addition, there’s a side-mounted plug-in mic (stereo

mini) input with support for plug-in power. By combining external mics with

the built-in mics, you can perform a variety of different types of recordings.

The R-26 inputs are equipped with

high-performance mic preamps

directly inherited from Roland’s

R-44 professional recorder for the

highest level of sound quality.

The R-26 supports 24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM recording, and

also simultaneous recording in WAV/BWF and MP3 formats.

High-resolution, 24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM recording is supported, and you

can choose between WAV and BWF file types, with the latter providing time-

stamping and other info. The R-26 also supports MP3, and you can record to

WAV/BWF and MP3 formats simultaneously.

Omnidirectional Mic (OMNI)

0°

30°330°

0dB

-10dB

60°300°

-20dB

90°270°

120°240°

150°210°

180°

LR ch

An onboard limiter and low-cut filter reduces distortion

and noise.

The back end of the mic preamp is fitted with a limiter and low-cut filter.

By activating the limiter, you can reduce distortion caused by excessive

input levels. Activate the low-cut filter to reduce unwanted low-frequency

content that often occurs with voice, wind noise, and various environmental

vibrations. Three cut-off frequencies are selectable: 100, 200, or 400 Hz.

With Pre-recording, you’ll never miss a recording

opportunity.

The R-26 is equipped with a multitude of convenient functions that help

you achieve your recording objectives with ease. One such function is Pre-

recording, where your recording actually begins two seconds before you

initiate it. This ensures you won’t miss the very beginning of a recording, even

when you’re late in pressing the Record button. This is a great feature for

capturing environmental sounds as they occur, such as chirping birds.

Pre-recording OFF

-2 -1 0

Push!!

Rec.

If you're late in pressing the Record button, Pre-recording starts your recording from a point in time two seconds earlier.

Pre-recording ON

-2 -1 0

2 sec.

Push!!

Rec.NG

AUTO-SENS analyzes and recommends the optimum

input level to help prevent recording errors.

Setting the optimum recording level is essential for making high-quality

recordings. To assist you, the R-26 is equipped with an AUTO-SENS function

that automatically determines the appropriate mic sensitivity for different

sources by analyzing the input level. This helps you quickly set the optimum

level and avoid recording errors such as distortion and insufficient levels.

1 3 42

Press the AUTO SENS button.

Input the sound you wish to record.

The R-26 analyzes the audio…

... and displays a recommended level.

Easy-to-use onboard editing allows you to split and

merge projects, as well as delete unneeded portions.

The R-26’s editing capabilities allow you to edit your sound recordings on the

spot. In addition to basic functions such as selecting, copying, moving, and

deleting projects, you can also split, merge, and delete (trim) sections. This

lets you to complete your editing work right on the R-26.

A large touch panel display for intuitive fingertip

operation.

A major feature of the R-26 is its large touch panel display, which allows for quick

and intuitive operation. The hi-res LCD shows small text and graphics clearly

and sharply, with a high-luminance backlight for

perfect visibility in any lighting. You can easily

check levels on a responsive graphic meter,

and use the waveform display for sound editing.

Dedicated, often-used hardware controls were designed

from scratch to ensure easy operation.

The R-26’s design prioritizes ease of use over all else. The two input knobs

are large and easy to operate, letting you make fine adjustments to your input

levels. Other controls that you’ll be using

often are provided as dedicated hardware

switches. It’s easy to know which switch

to use at a glance, enabling intuitive,

stress-free operation in any situation.

The R-26’s extensive set of useful functions support a

diverse range of applications.

The Marker function allows you to manually set markers to begin playback

of your recordings at any point in their timeline. You can also set markers

automatically during recording based on different conditions.

A Voice Memo function lets you to add up to 30 seconds of audio to an existing

recording, great for adding location notes and other identifying information.

Playback speed can be adjusted between 50% and 150%.

The Repair function aids in fixing audio files that have become damaged.

Equipped with a USB 2.0 connector that supports USB mass storage—a USB

Supports three different power modes: AC,

plus internal or external batteries.

Designed to run on four AA batteries, generic external batteries, or its included

AC adaptor, the R-26 gives you a wide range of power options to handle any

cable is all you need to send data at high speed to your PC.

A Preview Monitor on the side enables you to check your

recordings without connecting headphones.

A threaded hole on the rear panel allows you to mount the

R-26 onto a generic camera tripod or stand.

mobile recording environment.

Integrated audio interface function allows you

for Windows

to send the audio input directly to your PC.

The R-26 functions as a USB audio interface for your PC (Windows or Mac),

allowing you to send the sound you’ve captured on its built-in stereo mics or

external mics/devices directly to your favorite DAW program. This functionality

is also perfect for capturing high-quality audio for Internet streaming

applications, such as music performance videos.

Front panel Rear panel Left side panel Right side panel To p Bottom

Cover/Windscreen Set for R-26

OP-R26CW

Microphone Stand

ST-100MB

Microphone Stand Adaptor

OP-MSA1

Condenser Microphone

Comes bundled with SONAR X1 LE, a

streamlined version of Cakewalk’s SONAR

X1 DAW program. This is a handy tool not

only for editing and mixing audio recorded

on the R-26, but also a powerful platform

for any type of pro audio production.

Touch panel display

INPUT LEVEL knobs

Battery compartment

Tripod mounting socket

SD card slot

USB connector

POWER/HOLD switch

DC IN jack

* For more info, visit www.cakewalk.com

Binaural Microphones/Earphones

CS-10EM

DR-80C

This custom-designed accessory set

includes an easy-to-use cover, a strap,

and a windscreen for outdoor recording

with the R-26.

Stereo Microphone

CS-50

Stereo Microphone

CS-15S

The CS-10EM is an earphone-integrated stereo condenser

mic for making binaural recordings. Binaural recordings

create a realistic sound image that reproduces a sense

of the vertical and lateral expanse, as well as a sense of

distance, 360 degrees around the listener’s head.

PLUG IN MIC jack

Preview Monitor

PHONES jack

VOLUME dial

Omnidirectional (OMNI) mic

Directional (XY) mic

XLR/TRS jack

Artist’s conception of recording and auditory field.

Recording musical instruments and vocals

OMNI (omnidirectional) mics are

the basic mics to use for recording

solo instruments and vocals. This

type of mic allows you to not only

accurately capture the direct sound,

but the ambience as well.

Applied mics

Omnidirectional (OMNI) Directional (XY)

2ch Rec.

Recording concerts in performance halls

Combining the OMNI and XY

mics is the optimum way to record

concerts in music halls and theaters.

You can freely adjust the mics’ mix

and balance for the best sound

image and tone.

Applied mics Applied mics

Omnidirectional (OMNI) Directional (XY)

Recording in nightclubs

Use the R-26’s XY mics, and

simultaneously capture a feed from

the mixing board via the combo

inputs. In addition, you can connect

PLUG IN

a plug-in mic to record voice memos

at different points during the show.

Applied mics

Directional (XY): Ambience

XLR IN

6ch Rec.

Analog (XLR): Line Plug-In: Voice memo

USB audio interface for Mac/Windows

Internet

Video camera

XLR IN

The R-26 works as a stereo USB audio interface with a built-in mic,

making it perfect for PC music recording, web streaming, and multimedia

applications. Also, Loop Back lets you mix PC audio with live audio input.

* Audio interface functionality supports two-channel I/O only.

LOOP BACK

USB

PLAY BACK

Outdoor recordings

XY (directional) mics are ideal for

accurately capturing environmental

sounds such as passing trains

and cars, chirping birds, and water

flowing down a stream.

Applied mics

2ch Rec.

Recording acoustic bands

Use all six channels for recording jazz

bands and other ensembles. Connect

external mics to the XLR jacks and

aim them at solo instruments for a

great up-close sound.

Omnidirectional (OMNI): Ambience Directional (XY): Ambience

6ch Rec.4ch Rec.

Analog (XLR): Direct

Experiment with multiple mics of different types

Connect mics to the XLR jacks and

the Plug-In jack, then listen to each

of them along with the built-in mics

to choose the one you like the best

for your particular application.

PLUG IN

Applied mics

Analog (XLR, Omnidirectional Mic) Analog (XLR, Shotgun Mic)

XLR IN

R-26 Recording Modes

REC MODE REC SOURCE

1 CHANNEL ANALOG (MONO)

2 CHANNEL

(1 stereo)

4 CHANNEL

(2 stereo)

6 CHANNEL

(3 stereo)

* The INTERNAL rec source is an adjustable blend of the XY and OMNI mics.

INTERNAL*

ANALOG

ANALOG (MONO)

PLUG-IN

XY + OMNI

INTERNAL* + ANALOG

ANALOG + PLUG-IN

XY + PLUG-IN

XY + OMNI + INT*

XY + OMNI + ANALOG

XY + ANALOG + P-IN

Plug-In (Binaural Mic)

Recorded File

INT

XY OMNI

(XY +

OMNI)

ANALOG

1/L 2/R

PLUG-IN

(STEREO)

Roland R26 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual