Hi Folks,
I've been using a Centrance MixerFace R4D Recorder for over a year and have some thoughts.
So far, live use has been limited to two-track show recordings, which it does very well, through the combo XLR/1/4"TRS balanced or 1/8"TRS stereo un-balanced inputs.
I've been looking for a chance to use it live with the factory X/Y mics as a two-channel mics/mixer/audio system with balanced outputs.
The unit could add a couple mic inputs to a mixer with an open pair of line-level inputs.
) The preamps are very quiet - with low-noise mics you can get bird recordings with good S/N.
) The headphone amp easily drives my old, 70 ohm, Sennheiser HD25-1s.
) The two 1/8" TRS balanced line outputs nicely drive Equator D5 monitor speakers.
) The recorder and mics are sturdy but not sealed. I used it in a light mist when recording the overflow at a dam with no issues. One time I used the recorder under my coat in the rain, with dynamic mics with foam wind screens exposed.
) There are two mic XLRs. The rest of the connections are 1/8" TRS. The TRS connectors appear to be very good quality and I've had no issues with them.
) In the summer, it gets warm, but not hot.
) There's no indication of recording time remaining so I got higher-capacity micro-SD cards and
fairly frequently dump files to a laptop or other device. The card can be plugged into a phone to see the recorded files and their sizes. Simple math gives the approximate remaining recording time. (A 24 bit, 48KHz two-track recording uses a little over 1 gigabyte per hour.)
MultiTrack DAW from HarmonicDog.com will also show file sizes, and can edit and re-name files on an IOS phone or tablet. My Android tablet has a micro-SD slot so I can plug the card in directly.
) On the R4D the USB-micro-B connector is data only, a second one is for power only. I bought a USB splitter cable so I can do data and power from one USB connection.
) Internal battery life is several hours. I take a USB power supply for longer sessions.
) The factory mics appear to have a low noise floor, sound quite good, and can be used with regular
XLR cables/stands/boom poles as miniature mics that barely show up on-camera.
) The mic screens are more debris screens than windscreens - for windy areas
the optional muff is required. When the mics are off the recorder, foam windscreens can be used for close-vocals or wind instruments. WindTech makes foamies that fit well and are pretty effective.
) Reversing the mics on the recorder, with the Left mic in the right XLR, and the
Right mic in the left XLR, makes for a simple, useful two-person interview setup.
) This winter the unit has seen most use as an interface to monitor speakers in my micro recording/editing setup.
) With every design choice there are compromises. I was looking for a recorder with these design parameters: high quality audio, reliable/sturdy build, compact/light, low power draw, and a relatively simple, basic design with few failure points.
With minimal controls, no touchscreen or screen at all, the R4D meets my needs very well.
) As long as the recorder has the functionality needed, I would happily use it in any professional setting.
Anybody else using one of these?
https://centrance.com/mixerface/Thanks and good health, Weogo
