FAQ
R8
R8
Recorder
What are the differences between the R8 and the R24 and R16?
The major differences are shown in the table below.
| |
R24 |
R16 |
R8 |
| Simultaneous recording tracks |
8 |
8 |
2 |
| Simultaneous playback tracks |
24 |
16 |
8 |
| Input jacks |
8 |
8 |
2 |
| Phantom power (channels) |
6 |
2 |
2 |
| Highest recording format quality |
24bit/48kHz WAV |
24bit/44.1kHz WAV |
24bit/48kHz WAV |
| Rhythm machine |
10 kits/511 patterns |
No |
10 kits/511 patterns |
| Sampler |
24 voices |
No |
8 voices |
| Audio interface |
8 IN/2 OUT |
8 IN/2 OUT |
2 IN/2 OUT |
| Control surface |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| DSP effects |
150 |
135 |
146 |
| Amp modeling |
Equivalent to G2Nu |
Equivalent to G2 |
Equivalent to G2Nu |
| Built-in stereo microphone |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| LED level meters |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| LCD |
128 x 64 full-dot |
20-character, 2-line custom |
128 x 64 full-dot |
| USB host function |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| USB sync function |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
How long is the possible recording time with the R8?
The maximum recording time depends on the capacity of the SD/SDHC card used and the recording format. For details, see the following chart.
| Total recording times (in hours and minutes) |
| REC Format |
SD/SDHC Card Capacity |
| 1 GB |
2 GB |
4 GB |
8 GB |
16GB |
32GB |
| 16-bit/44.1 kHz |
3:07 |
6:14 |
12:28 |
24:56 |
49:53 |
99:46 |
| 16-bit/48 kHz |
2:51 |
5:43 |
11:27 |
22:55 |
45:50 |
91:40 |
| 24-bit/44.1 kHz |
2:04 |
4:09 |
8:18 |
16:37 |
33:15 |
66:30 |
| 24-bit/48 kHz |
1:54 |
3:49 |
7:38 |
15:16 |
30:33 |
61:06 |
NOTE: Recording times are approximations and are for a single track. Two tracks of recording reduce the total time in half, for example.
What is the maximum continuous recording time?
Regardless of the number of tracks being recorded, the maximum continuous recording time is about 6 hours when using 16-bit/44.1 kHz WAV format and about 4 hours when using 24-bit/44.1 kHz WAV format.
NOTE: When recording tracks using a stereo link, however, the maximum continuous recording time is halved.
I made a mistake during recording. How can I cancel my recording and return to the previous state?
Press the [UNDO/REDO] key to cancel the immediately preceding recording operation. For details, see page 25 of the Operation Manual.
NOTE: To redo only a portion of a track, use punch-in/punch-out recording. For details, see pages 31-32 of the Operation Manual.
Can I record multiple takes on the same track?
Yes, you can. Press the TRACK key and change the file selection of that track to “New Take” to keep the recorded data and record to a new file. Recorded files are saved with the project they are recorded in, so you can select the files to be played back on each track later. This is convenient for recording multiple takes of vocals and guitar solos so that you can compare them later and choose the best takes. For details, see page 26 of the Operation Manual.
The indication “Card Full” appears during recording and the recorder stops.
This happens when there is not enough free capacity on the SD card. Insert a new SD card or erase some data on the card to free up space.
The indication “Card Full” appears during playback and the recorder stops.
If playback is conducted while an audio track is set to REC status (armed to record), a temporary file will be created on the R8. If the SD card does not have enough space, the temporary file may fill the card, causing the recorder to stop. If this occurs, cancel the REC status of the audio track.
Is there a time stamp function that appends date and time information to recorded files?
Yes, the R8 has a built-in clock and can append date and time information to recorded files. The clock should be set to the correct date and time, as described on page 14 of the Operation Manual.
NOTE: The date/time of the clock will be reset if the R8 is without power for more than one minute.
I have recorded a band performance using the built-in mics and set the recording level properly, but the recording sounds distorted.
When using the built-in microphones, physical vibrations caused by very low-frequency sounds can be recorded as distortion. When setting up the R8, avoid locations that could be subject to vibrations from loudspeakers or a drum set, for example. Placing the unit on a soft cloth might also help reduce vibrations.
Does the R8 have a scene memory function for accessing multiple mixer settings?
No, the R8 does not have a scene memory function.
NOTE: The mixer settings for each project are stored automatically when the project is completed.
Can I control the metronome output so that it is sent only to the headphones and not to the main output?
Yes, this is possible by using the dedicated switch. The main output then will carry only the audio tracks without the metronome sound, and the headphone output will carry both the audio tracks and the metronome sound. For example, a backing track recorded on the R8 could be sent to the sound system of a concert venue, while the performers could monitor the metronome sound with headphones as a guide rhythm. The unit can also output a click track imported from a computer instead of the metronome sound. For details, see page 19 of the Operation Manual.
Can the metronome volume be adjusted?
Yes, it can. From the [TOOL] menu, access the [METRONOME] settings and select [LEVEL]. You can adjust the metronome volume in a range between 0 and 100. For details, see page 19 of the Operation Manual.
When locating a mark point specified using the bar/beat/tick indication, sometimes the position is off by several ticks.
The mark information is memorized by the recorder using hour/minute/second/millisecond information. The corresponding bar/beat/tick indication is calculated for every locate operation, based on the tempo and beat information from the rhythm section. This calculation may result in a slight error. To perform a more precise locate operation, specify the mark point using the hour/minute/second/millisecond indication.
Interface
I am using Cubase LE 5 with Mac OS X, but I cannot change the project sampling rate to 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz.
Can I use the tuner and metronome functions while using the audio interface functions of the unit?
The tuner function can be used, but the metronome function is not available while using the audio interface function of the unit.
Can I use the audio interface function and the control surface function at the same time?
Yes, this is possible. During playback or recording with DAW software, the fader controls as well as the transport functions can also be used. All basic DAW software operations can be carried out easily using only the R8.
Can I use the control surface function with DAW software other than Cubase LE?
Yes. The control surface function of the R8 is based on the Mackie Control emulation mode. Therefore, it can be used with any DAW software that supports Mackie Control. For information on settings for Logic, Sonar, Live and Digital Performer, see pages 29–32 of the Audio Interface Manual for the R8.
When I use the audio interface function and record audio in a DAW application, the sound seems to have a flanger-like quality.
If the DAW application has a throughput function (routing the input signal through to the output during recording), be sure to turn it off. If the function is enabled, the direct output from the R8 and the throughput signal from the DAW application are heard together, which causes the flanger-like sound.
Is it possible to record on the audio tracks of the R8 while using the audio interface function?
No, this is not supported. The audio interface function and the recorder function cannot be used simultaneously.
When using the audio interface function, no sound is output from the computer speakers.
When using the audio interface function to input audio using the R8, the computer is usually set to also output sound via the R8. In this case, the speakers should be connected to the outputs of the R8, rather than directly to the computer.
Are there template projects for Cubase LE 5?
Yes. The SD card supplied with the R8 contains template projects for Cubase LE 5 in the “CubaseLE5_template” folder. For details, see page 15 of the Audio Interface Manual for the R8.
How can I change the sampling rate for the audio interface function?
When used as an audio interface, the R8 uses the sampling rate setting of the DAW software. To change the sampling rate setting for Cubase LE, access the project menu and open the project settings window.
When I use the Control Surface function, MIDI sound sources sometimes produces unintended sounds in the DAW application.
The Control Surface function uses MIDI signals for controlling the DAW application. If “R8” or “All MIDI Inputs” is selected as the input device for MIDI tracks, change this setting to “Not Connected”.
Where should I copy the project templates for Cubase LE 6?
Please copy them to the following locations.
Windows 7
C:\Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Steinberg\Cubase LE AI Elements 6\Project Templates
Windows XP / Vista
C:\Program Files\Steinberg\Cubase LE AI Elements 6\Project Templates
Mac OS X 10.5 / 10.6
"username"/Library/Preferences/Cubase LE AI Elements 6/Project Templates
Mac OS X 10.7
Choose "Go to Folder" from the Finder's Go menu and type the following path.
~/Library/Preferences/Cubase LE AI Elements 6/Project Templates
Other Topics
Does the R8 have an audio editing function?
No, the R8 does not have an audio editing function. File operations such as copy, delete, and split are possible, but partial editing of audio content is not possible. To edit audio data, use the included Cubase LE software application or another DAW.
Can I synchronize operation of the R8 to an external sequencer or DAW software on a computer?
No, this is not supported.
Can the R8 operate on USB bus power?
The audio interface and control surface functions can be powered via a USB connection to a computer. The recorder function of the R8 cannot operate on USB bus power.
NOTE: With some computers, power supplied to the R8 by USB might be insufficient for using its phantom power capabilities. In such cases, operate the R8 using the AC adapter.
Can I leave the batteries in the unit while using the AC adapter or USB bus power?
Yes, this is not a problem. The batteries will not be used in these cases.
Can I use rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries in the R8?
Yes. However, please note that the R8 cannot charge such batteries. You should therefore use a commercially-available charger designed for the batteries you are using. In addition, to ensure that the remaining battery capacity is indicated correctly by the R8, set the “BATTERY TYPE” item in the “SYSTEM” menu to “Ni-MH”. For details, see page 111 of the Operation Manual.
I cannot play back 24-bit WAV files that I recorded with the R8 on a computer.
Some computer-based media player software does not support playback of 24-bit WAV files. Please verify which formats are supported by the media player software that you are using.
What is a combined XLR/phone input connector?
This is a special kind of connector that can accept two different kinds of plugs: XLR connectors for microphones and phone jacks (1/4”) for line-level sources. Both inputs have a PHANTOM switch that enable phantom power for professional quality condenser microphones, while channel 1 has a Hi-Z switch for direct connection of a guitar, bass or other instrument. Consequently, the R8 supports all kinds of input sources.
Can I use SDXC cards in the R8?
No, SDXC cards (a new higher capacity standard) are not supported. The R8 supports SD cards (16 MB–2 GB) and SDHC cards (4 GB–32 GB).
Which SD/SDHC cards can be used with the R8?
For information on SD/SDHC cards that have been verified to operate with the unit, please see
here.
