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This review is narrowly focused ONLY on deck operational features, ease of use, consistent .wav file recording ability/quality, and design fault issues related to stereo-surround field recordists with direct connected external mics/Preamp; issues not usually discussed in commercial magazine / Internet reviews.

In other words, how suitable is the EDIROL/ROLAND R-09HR as an 'all-in-one' 2-channel audio recording solution for both amateur / professional field recordist? And if connected to a full featured external preamplifier, how well does it handle the LINE input levels?

Introduction:

The R-09HR is third in Edirol's line of palm size flash decks with additional capabilities, cosmetic improvements, lower preamplifier noise, and solid PCB through-hole mounted input jacks.

This latest deck is slightly taller, a tad bit thinner than previous R-09 version, and with excellent non-slip quieter handling rubberized outer case, gives an immediate good feeling of quality. The same OLED type display is still a washout in daylight (see VIEWCASE solution below), but otherwise now far easier to view being about a third larger in size.

Both analog MIC/LINE input jacks reside on the lower end of the deck's right edge along with up/down REC level adjust buttons making holding the deck with out of the way trailing external input cords easier. This deck seems a natural for easy one-handed operation using thumb and two middle fingers.

One of the most compact devices having both 88.2/96K recording modes!

Previous R-09 limited recording bandwidth to 48K rate, or about 22,000 Hz frequency. Most other handheld size decks sporting higher bandwidth feature only 96K sample rate mode. While the Microtrack II features 88.2K mode, it's analog bandwidth tested only to 22,000 Hz, that's not the expected 42,000 Hz bandwidth for this recording mode.

R-09HR tested fully analog/digital bandwidth capable for both 88.2K and 96K modes, so no liability for those wanting clean whole-integer 44.1K conversions from high definition/extended bandwidth master 88.2K recordings!

Summary: In my opinion, an excellent all around recorder at an excellent price with no found flaws. As opposed to the R-09, the R-09HR's 10 dB quieter internal MIC preamplifier should make most acoustic/natural sound recordists happy using at least self-powered low-to-high sensitivity mics for most recording purposes.

SHOWN AT LEFT IS (LOG VIEW) GRAPH comparison of previous R-09 version deck having exactly same MIC input noise regardless of PIP being turned ON/OFF compared to R-09HR with lower noise, BUT HAS higher PIP ON noise level compared to PIP OFF mode

BELOW is LINEAR VIEW showing more high frequency details of noise comparison

LOG VIEW comparing MIC input with/without PIP turned on, and LINE input connected to PA-3SX preamplifier with always ON PIP feature.

Notice excessive below <1000 Hz low frequency noise present when R-09HR's PIP is ON verses OFF mode.

Also note total RMS dB noise figures in (-dB ) are all within 1 dB of each other, but audible noise and effects on the character of the audio is very different matter as indicated by the frequency and type of noise shown of each input mode's spectrum. This is exactly why dB marketing/specification numbers to often DO NOT tell much of anything about what might be heard or effect recorded audio quality.

GRAPH at left same comparison test as above, but LINEAR VIEW showing high frequency details of noise.

Notice HR's MIC input noise has spikes at EXACTLY 1000 cycle intervals, starting ~ at 6000 Hz continuing all the way up beyond 40K Hz. These troubling noise spikes are NOT present with LINE + Ext. Preamp input mode.

NOISE SPECTRUM of just R-09HR's MIC input PIP on/off modes (no LINE mode) for easier comparison and viewing clarity.

LOG VIEW NOISE SPECTRUM of just R-09HR's MIC input (PIP=ON, no PIP = OFF mode) compared to LINE input PA-3SX PIP=ON preamp mode for easier viewing.

Also notice HR's mic input noise floor is lower than LINE ext. preamp mode between 1000-to-10K Hz frequencies. When audibly compared, the LINE input mode's noise actually sounds quite a bit louder to the ears, but easy to assume the LINE + external preamp mode allows the cleanest possible audio quality without all that low/high frequency noise present in the MIC input modes.

ACCESSORY attachment to the deck's back has advantages of keeping carrying size minimized and connections secured.

Outboard mic powering modules and external mic preamp are available in smaller-than-deck size allowing easy temporary attachment using adhesive backed Velcro patches cut and placed so not to disrupt normal deck functions, controls, and battery replacement maintenance.

Image of deck's back at left shows suggested patch size and placement.

Compact accessories (like the preamplifier shown at right) still allow clear access to backside R-09HR slide switches, and the Velcro patches themselves are just sized enough to securely hold the preamp, and so minimum effort is required removing the preamplifier for quick battery changes requiring clear battery hatch access.

SanDisk ULTRA II SDHC

Most everyone using this type for audio recording has good experiences.

Kingston Elite Pro SDHC

Most everyone using this type for audio recording has good experiences.

Kingston 8 GIG SDHC (type 6)

Used this type for R-09HR/LS-10 deck reviewing and bench testing so far with good experience.

Transcend SDHC

NOT everyone using this type for audio recording has good experiences.

ADVISORY: As with most memory products, most consistent performance is with purchasing name brand showing suitable specifications for your application, AND verified reports from satisfied users of same deck model/firmware who are ALSO recording at the exact same file rates you intend to use.

Also be aware that manufacturers of flash memory sometimes change internal controller IC that may not work as previously made same model cards.

This has most recently happened with Transcend made flash with many buyers disappointed using same model cards working flawlessly for most with same model deck/firmware, but using previous Transcend production runs of same model card.

CAUTION: AVOID SURPRISES!!! ALWAYS TEST newly purchased flash BEFORE USING FOR IMPORTANT PROJECTS, and DO SO AGAIN after every firmware upgrade as deck may fault previously working OK cards not tested by Edirol/Roland technical staff!

Might be BEST TO NOT USE ACCELERATED super speed flash memory technology for audio recording purposes.

Advanced flash with acceleration write/read modes using data burst techniques might be speedier for writing/reading non-continuous written camera files. Non-continuous burst protocol modes sometimes disrupt reliable continuous mode audio recording on some decks/firmware versions, and certainly offer NO advantages for continuous written audio recording.

Memory with best chance of satisfaction for audio purposes have published continuous write speeds in excess of 2 Mbytes/sec. Best to avoid buying memory cards showing only (number) X BURST write/read ratings.

TIP: Freshly format the flash card INSIDE the deck after all needed recordings have been successfully transferred leaving no wanted files for best card performance with each new use. ALWAYS format new cards, format after deck firmware upgrades, and whenever cards are removed from the deck for purpose of transferring files with a separate card reader. NEVER computer format flash as in-deck format sometimes adds specific required file folders.