Roland R-26 vs Zoom H4n
SOURCE ARTICLES
User reviews: Roland R-26
en.audiofanzine.com
The Roland R-26 pocket recorder is criticized for its lightweight and plastic build, as well as its underwhelming internal microphone performance. When tested with external microphones, the preamp volume had to be maxed out to achieve a safe level, resulting in excessive noise and breath. The handling noise was also deemed unbearable. Overall, the reviewer found the R-26 disappointing and plans to return it.
Hand‑held Recorders
www.soundonsound.com
- Roland R26: High-quality recorder with six discrete channels, built-in X-Y mics, and phantom power.
- Zoom H2N: Versatile recorder with five mic capsules, USB file transfer, and adjustable record level.
- Olympus LS3: LS range recorder with 24-bit/96kHz PCM recording, three built-in mics, and software features.
- Korg Sound On Sound: Recorder with one omni mic, stereo/line-level input, and unlimited layering capability.
- Marantz PMD661: Chunky recorder with two mic preamps, SDHC card recording, and up to 24-bit/96kHz.
- Zoom H4N: Award-winning recorder with two mics, two preamps, and computer audio interface capability.
- Tascam DR2D: Recorder with two omnidirectional mics, external mic/line input, overdub function, and dual-record feature.
- Alesis Palmtrack: Compact and affordable recorder with stereo mics, external mic/line input, and uncompressed 24-bit quality.
- Sony PCM M10B: Recorder with 4GB built-in memory, MicroSD card expansion, stereo mic array, and remote control.
- Korg MR2: Unusual handheld recorder with 1-bit DSD recording, X-Y mics, and compatibility with SD and SDHD cards.
initial review
taperssection.com
The reviewer is happy with the R26 recorder, especially for its XLR inputs and 4-channel capabilities. The size is larger than what they're used to, but still manageable. They had concerns about the power/hold switch and the level dials, but those concerns were alleviated after testing. The touch screen is easy to use, and all necessary settings can be adjusted before the show. The preamps have been tested and compared favorably to other recorders. The battery life is impressive, lasting over 9 hours with certain batteries. Overall, the R26 is praised for its number of channels, battery life, and preamp quality.
Roland R-26 Portable Recorder
The reviewer compared the Roland R-26 and R-44 recorders and found that the R-26 sounded quieter and less hissy. They conducted a test using a kitchen timer as the source and two Audio Technica BP4025 microphones. The gain settings were different for each recorder, with the R-26 at -56dBu and 60% gain, and the R-44 at max sensitivity and level. The recordings were adjusted for equal apparent level in the DAW. The reviewer believes that the R-26 has better preamps despite the R-44 being more expensive.
SOUND > VIDEO: Gear Review: Roland R-26 Portable Recorder
The Roland R-26 Portable Recorder outperforms the Zoom H4n with its true +4db line input handling and the ability to bypass built-in pre-amps. It has both XY and omni mics built-in, allowing for simultaneous recording from both. The device can record six channels simultaneously, which is uncommon for this type of recorder. The built-in mics are decent and can produce usable recordings. The pre-amps are clean and only get noisy at high levels. The large touch screen and well-organized menus make it easy to use. It can also function as a USB audio interface. The only downsides are handling noise with the internal mics and the appearance of the enclosure. Overall, the Roland R-26 is a worthy alternative to the Zoom H4n for budget-oriented film projects.
Roland Systems Group R-26 Portable Audio Recorder Review
The Roland R-26 portable audio recorder offers professional features and high-quality audio recording. It has six channels for recording and various input options. The device has an intuitive interface and comes with a 2GB SD card. The only weakness is the lack of a low-cut option below 100Hz. Overall, the Roland R-26 is a strong contender in the portable audio recorder market.
Roland R-26 Reviews
- Roland R-26 receives positive reviews from hobbyists, amateur musicians, sound engineers, producers, and recording engineers.
- The device is praised for its versatility and high-quality recordings.
- Users appreciate its ease of use and portability.
- The R-26 is recommended for both live sound and studio recording.
- The device is popular among professionals, including composers and sound designers.
Is the The Zoom H4n Pro Black Still Good?
The Zoom H4n Pro Black is a handheld recording device with two XLR/TRS inputs and a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input. It has a 6-hour battery life and a sturdy build. The device is portable and comes with a plastic case. It has a 1.9 inch backlit LCD display and can be used for voice overs. It does not have a safety track recording feature. The H4n Pro supports 16 and 24-bit rates and .WAV file types. It can be used as an audio interface. The sound quality is suitable for most uses, but there may be noticeable hiss in quiet recordings. The H4n Pro has built-in storage and can record directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB. It is less versatile than other models in the H-series. Wind protection accessories are available. Overall, the H4n Pro is a rugged and affordable option with great sound quality and dual XLR inputs.
Zoom H4n Review
The Zoom H4n is a portable digital audio recorder that is popular among musicians, DSLR video and filmmakers. It has direct XLR mic input connectors with phantom power and can record up to four channels at once. The recorder is easy to use and has features like auto record level control and the ability to record in WAV or MP3 formats. It has some shortcomings like unprotected microphones and no true stereo mode. The audio performance is not as good as some other recorders, but it is sufficient for audio-for-video purposes. The recorder has a variety of inputs and outputs, and it can be powered by batteries, USB or an AC adapter. Overall, the Zoom H4n is a versatile and reliable recorder for various audio recording needs.
Classical Guitar
The Zoom H4n is a popular personal digital recorder for recording classical guitar. When choosing a recorder, consider its intended use and the recording environment. The room you record in has a significant impact on the sound quality. The H4n and H2 are both good options, with the H4n offering four-track recording and the ability to load wav files. Both can be easily set up and used as audio interfaces. Consider how you will use the device rather than solely focusing on sound quality.
Zoom H4n Pro In-Depth Review
The Zoom H4n Pro is an updated version of the popular Zoom H4n portable audio recorder. It has three key upgrades: higher-quality preamps, locking XLR inputs, and an updated exterior. The improved preamps provide slightly better sound quality, and the locking XLR inputs are a convenient addition. The built-in microphones on the H4n Pro sound good, but they are sensitive to wind and plosive sounds. The H4n Pro can also be used as an audio interface and for making music, with built-in effects and the ability to plug in electric guitars and basses. Overall, the H4n Pro is a great device with some minor drawbacks.
Zoom H4n review: Zoom H4n
The Zoom H4n is a versatile and affordable portable audio recorder that offers professional features. It has a sturdy design with quality stereo microphones and XLR and 1/4-inch microphone jacks. The recorder can record four channels simultaneously and comes with a variety of recording formats. The design is a bit bulky and the minijack microphone input is awkwardly placed. However, the H4n offers excellent value for musicians and podcasters who want professional-sounding results.
Zoom H4N
The Zoom H4N is a versatile and popular portable recorder with improved features compared to its predecessor. It has a solid and professional feel, with a rubberized coating to reduce handling noise. The control layout is more intuitive, and the screen is clearer. The upgraded preamps provide good sound quality, and the onboard mics can be rotated for stereo recording. The H4N offers four-track recording and mixing capabilities, as well as various effects and amp emulations. It can also be used as a 24-bit, 96kHz audio interface. Overall, the H4N is a highly recommended handheld recorder with excellent sound quality and a wide range of features.
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AI COMPARISON
Comparison Table
| Feature | Roland R-26 | Zoom H4n |
|---|---|---|
| Mic Count | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 370 g | 280 g |
| Width | 82 mm | 70 mm |
| Thickness | 41 mm | 35 mm |
| Height | 180 mm | 156.3 mm |
| Stereo Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone In | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Background Noise Filter | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Prerecord Mode | Yes | Yes |
| External Memory Slot | Yes | Yes |
| Rechargeable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Record to SD Card | Yes | Yes |
| USB Ports | 1 | 1 |
| Headset Jack 3.5 | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 2 | 2 |
| Wifi | No | No |
| Edit Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Size | N/A | 1.9" |
| Volume | N/A | 382.935 cm³ |
| Automatic Recording | No | Yes |
| A/B Repeat | N/A | Yes |
| Included SD Card Size | N/A | 2GB |
| Pixel Density | N/A | 75 ppi |
Product Review Summary
Roland R-26:
- The Roland R-26 is described as a portable recorder with various recording capabilities including X-Y mics, two preamps, and inputs for external microphones.
- Reviewers noted that the internal mics produced excessive noise, and the handling noise was considered unbearable, which may be problematic for field recordings.
- However, it has good preamp quality compared to the Roland R-44 and is useful for simultaneous six-channel recordings.
- Despite its shortcomings in microphone sensitivity and handling noise, the R-26 is praised for specific features like its large touch screen and dual mic recording options (XY and omni).
Zoom H4n:
- The Zoom H4n is popular among musicians, videographers, and podcasters due to its portable design and reliable recording features.
- It is versatile with dual XLR inputs and a range of recording modes including stereo, four-channel, and multitrack.
- The H4n has built-in storage and can record directly to SD cards, a notable feature for field recordings.
- While it offers multiple features like automatic recording and a backlit LCD display, some reviews mention its mics are sensitive to wind, and it does not handle line-level inputs well.
Recommendations for Potential Buyers
For Musicians and Podcasters:
- The Zoom H4n is recommended due to its versatility in handling both music and spoken word recordings effectively. Its ability to record in multiple formats and support for phantom power makes it ideal for professional use.
For Filmmakers and Field Recorders:
- The Roland R-26 might be suitable for those needing extensive multi-channel recording capabilities and a user-friendly interface with its touch screen. However, its noise issues may require consideration of additional sound handling setups or environments where this is less of a concern.
For Budget-Conscious Buyers:
- The Zoom H4n offers a solid balance of features and affordability, making it a strong candidate for users who need a reliable, versatile recorder without a high expense.
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