Soon Roland will have a new handheld recorder to offer musicians, recording engineers, sound designers, field recordists, and more. Roland announced the R26, a portable recorder featuring two types of built-in stereo microphones, a pair of XLR / TRS combo inputs for external mics, and an input for a stereo plug-in powered mic.

The R-26 features Roland’s latest DSP engine, which allows simultaneous recording of up to six channels (three stereo channels). A large LCD touchscreen display lets you directly navigate menus for customizing the microphone settings, editing waveforms, and so forth. It also features large input-level knobs for making precise adjustments.

Directional and omnidirectional stereo microphones are built into the R-26, and they can be used simultaneously. This unique multi-stereo mic recording system lets you capture a wide stereo soundfield without spoiling the vibrant low frequencies and ambience of the venue.

Two XLR / TRS combo mic inputs are built into the R-26, plus an input for a stereo plug-in powered mic, which can be combined simultaneously with the internal mics. At a live concert, for example, the R-26 can capture a stereo mix from the FOH mixer via its XLR inputs, as well as the ambient audience noise via its built-in stereo mics.

The R-26 allows up to six channels of simultaneous recording (three stereo pairs). Capture the same sound source with three different types of microphones, both internal and external. This provides a new level of flexibility after the fact, as you can choose from the individual tracks or composite mixes.

As for connectivity options, you can connect the R-26 to your computer for use as an audio interface or for external storage. Use the R-26 in combination with the bundled Sonar LE software app to perform recording and detailed editing on your PC.

Roland R-26 features:

• Two types of built-in stereo microphones (omnidirectional and directional) that can be used in various combinations
• Two XLR / TRS combo inputs with 48 V phantom power, plus an input for a stereo plugin powered mic
• Supports up to six channels (three stereo channels) of simultaneous recording
• Large LCD touchscreen display for intuitive navigation
• Large input-level knobs for fine adjustment
• Built-in high-speed USB interface for use as an audio interface or external storage
• Loop-Back function; combine this with the built-in or external mics for the optimum live video streaming setup (only with Audio Interface function)
• Bundled with Sonar LE software (PC)

With the R26, you can capture live performances with simultaneous line and ambient signal paths, record important speeches, lectures, and presentations, or take the R-26 into the inner city or deep forest for pristine field capture. The sky’s the limit with this powerful, portable, and incredibly flexible recorder, Roland says.

For more information on the Roland R26, visit rolandconnect.com.