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The R-26’s design prioritizes ease of use over all else. The two input knobs 
are large and easy to operate, letting you make fine adjustments to your input 
levels. Other controls that you’ll be using 
often are provided as dedicated hardware 
switches. It’s easy to know which switch 
to use at a glance, enabling intuitive, 
stress-free operation in any situation.

The R-26 functions as a USB audio interface for your PC (Windows or Mac), 
allowing you to send the sound you’ve captured on its built-in stereo mics or 
external mics/devices directly to your favorite DAW program. This functionality 
is also perfect for capturing high-quality audio for Internet streaming 
applications, such as music performance videos.

With respect to sound quality, no stone was left unturned 
in developing the R-26’s new mic system.

Dedicated, often-used hardware controls were designed 
from scratch to ensure easy operation.

The R-26’s extensive set of useful functions support a 
diverse range of applications.

Integrated audio interface function allows you 
to send the audio input directly to your PC.

Designed to run on four AA batteries, generic external batteries, or its included 
AC adaptor, the R-26 gives you a wide range of power options to handle any 
mobile recording environment.

Supports three different power modes: AC,
plus internal or external batteries.

The back end of the mic preamp is fitted with a limiter and low-cut filter. 
By activating the limiter, you can reduce distortion caused by excessive 
input levels. Activate the low-cut filter to reduce unwanted low-frequency 
content that often occurs with voice, wind noise, and various environmental 
vibrations. Three cut-off frequencies are selectable: 100, 200, or 400 Hz.

An onboard limiter and low-cut filter reduces distortion 
and noise.

The R-26’s editing capabilities allow you to edit your sound recordings on the 
spot. In addition to basic functions such as selecting, copying, moving, and 
deleting projects, you can also split, merge, and delete (trim) sections. This 
lets you to complete your editing work right on the R-26.

Easy-to-use onboard editing allows you to split and 
merge projects, as well as delete unneeded portions.

A major feature of the R-26 is its large touch panel display, which allows for quick 
and intuitive operation. The hi-res LCD shows small text and graphics clearly 
and sharply, with a high-luminance backlight for 
perfect visibility in any lighting. You can easily 
check levels on a responsive graphic meter, 
and use the waveform display for sound editing.

A large touch panel display for intuitive fingertip 
operation.

High-resolution, 24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM recording is supported, and you 
can choose between WAV and BWF file types, with the latter providing time-
stamping and other info. The R-26 also supports MP3, and you can record to 
WAV/BWF and MP3 formats simultaneously.

The R-26 supports 24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM recording, and 
also simultaneous recording in WAV/BWF and MP3 formats.

With Pre-recording, you’ll never miss a recording 
opportunity.

Rec.

-2

-1

0

Push!!

Rec.

NG

-2

-1

0

Push!!

2

 sec.

Pre-recording OFF

If you're late in pressing the Record button, Pre-recording starts your recording from a point 
in time two seconds earlier. 

AUTO-SENS analyzes and recommends the optimum 
input level to help prevent recording errors.

Press the AUTO 
SENS button.

Input the sound 
you wish to record.

The R-26 analyzes 
the audio…

... and displays a 
recommended level.

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Comes bundled with SONAR X1 LE, a 
streamlined version of Cakewalk’s SONAR 
X1 DAW program. This is a handy tool not 
only for editing and mixing audio recorded 
on the R-26, but also a powerful platform 
for any type of pro audio production.

This custom-designed accessory set 
includes an easy-to-use cover, a strap, 
and a windscreen for outdoor recording 
with the R-26. 

Cover/Windscreen Set for R-26

OP-R26CW

Microphone Stand

ST-100MB

Condenser Microphone

DR-80C

Microphone Stand Adaptor

OP-MSA1

Stereo Microphone

CS-50

Binaural Microphones/Earphones

CS-10EM

Stereo Microphone

CS-15S

Omnidirectional Mic

L

ch

ch 

180°

30°

330°

60°

300°

90°

270°

120°

240°

150°

210°

2dB

0dB

-2dB

-4dB

Directional Mic

L

ch

ch 

180°

30°

330°

60°

300°

90°

270°

120°

240°

150°

210°

0dB

-10dB

-20dB

+20

+10

0

-10

-20
-30
-40

20

100

20000

10000

1000

R

elativ

e R

esponse (dB)

Frequency (Hz)

Directional Mic

Omnidirectional Mic

90°

Omnidirectional Mic
(OMNI)

Directional Mic

(XY)

At the bottom of the unit, you’ll find two analog combo (XLR/TRS) jacks with 
48 V phantom power. In addition, there’s a side-mounted plug-in mic (stereo 
mini) input with support for plug-in power. By combining external mics with 
the built-in mics, you can perform a variety of different types of recordings. 
The R-26 inputs are equipped with 
high-performance mic preamps 
directly inherited from Roland’s 
R-44 professional recorder for the 
highest level of sound quality.

A variety of external inputs are available, including XLR 
jacks and support for plug-in mics.

Outdoor recordings

OMNI (omnidirectional) mics are 
the basic mics to use for recording 
solo instruments and vocals. This 
type of mic allows you to not only 
accurately capture the direct sound, 
but the ambience as well.

XY (directional) mics are ideal for 
accurately capturing environmental 
sounds such as passing trains 
and cars, chirping birds, and water 
flowing down a stream.

Omnidirectional (OMNI)

Directional (XY)

2ch Rec.

Applied mics

Applied mics

Use all six channels for recording jazz 
bands and other ensembles. Connect 
external mics to the XLR jacks and 
aim them at solo instruments for a 
great up-close sound.

Omnidirectional (OMNI)
Directional (XY)

Omnidirectional (OMNI): Ambience
Directional (XY): Ambience
Analog (XLR): Direct

Applied mics

Applied mics

Recording acoustic 
bands

XLR IN

XLR IN

6ch Rec.

4ch Rec.

Recording concerts in 
performance halls

Connect mics to the XLR jacks and 
the Plug-In jack, then listen to each 
of them along with the built-in mics 
to choose the one you like the best 
for your particular application.

Directional (XY): Ambience
Analog (XLR): Line
Plug-In: Voice memo 

Analog (XLR, Omnidirectional Mic)
Analog (XLR, Shotgun Mic)
Plug-In (Binaural Mic)

Applied mics

Applied mics

Experiment with multiple 
mics of different types

Recording in nightclubs

USB audio interface for 
Mac/Windows

XLR IN

XLR IN

PLUG IN

XLR IN

PLUG IN

XLR IN

The R-26 works as a stereo USB audio interface with a built-in mic, 
making it perfect for PC music recording, web streaming, and multimedia 
applications. Also, Loop Back lets you mix PC audio with live audio input.

REC MODE

REC SOURCE

Recorded File

XY

OMNI

INT

(XY + 

OMNI)

ANALOG

PLUG-IN

(STEREO)

1/L

2/R

1 CHANNEL

ANALOG (MONO)

2 CHANNEL

(1 stereo)

INTERNAL* 
ANALOG
ANALOG (MONO)
PLUG-IN

4 CHANNEL

(2 stereo)

XY + OMNI
INTERNAL* + ANALOG
PLUG-IN
XY + PLUG-IN

6 CHANNEL

(3 stereo)

XY + OMNI + INT*
XY + OMNI + ANALOG
XY +  P-IN

* The INTERNAL rec source is an adjustable blend of the XY and OMNI mics.

* Audio interface functionality supports two-channel I/O only.

* For more info, visit www.cakewalk.com

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Touch panel display
INPUT LEVEL knobs
Battery compartment
Tripod mounting socket
SD card slot
USB connector
POWER/HOLD switch
DC IN jack

9

10
11
12
13
14
15

PLUG IN MIC jack
Preview Monitor
PHONES jack
VOLUME dial
Omnidirectional (OMNI) mic
Directional (XY) mic
XLR/TRS jack

Front panel

Rear panel

Left side panel

Right side panel

Top

Bottom

6ch Rec.

Recording musical 
instruments and vocals

2ch Rec.

XLR IN

LOOP BACK

PLAY BACK

Video

camera

PC

USB

Internet

Pre-recording ON

Frequency Response

Polar Pattern

Artist’s conception of 
recording and auditory field.

R-26 Recording Modes

At the top of the R-26 are OMNI (omnidirectional) and XY (directional) stereo 
mic pairs, which not only provide pro-level sound, but also contribute to the 
unit’s impressive styling. To maximize their sound-collecting characteristics, 
we thoroughly studied the optimum shapes, positions, and angles of the 
mics. The OMNI mics are entirely enclosed in a mesh and optimized to 
faithfully capture sounds down to super-low frequencies. The XY mics 
have been given ample space at the back of the unit, maximizing their 
performance. Additionally, the mics are laid out in a 90° configuration to 
create a natural stereo image. This ensures that your recordings will be clear, 
expansive, and true to the recording environment.

The Marker function allows you to manually set markers to begin playback 
of your recordings at any point in their timeline. You can also set markers 
automatically during recording based on different conditions.
A Voice Memo function lets you to add up to 30 seconds of audio to an existing 
recording, great for adding location notes and other identifying information.
Playback speed can be adjusted between 50% and 150%.
The Repair function aids in fixing audio files that have become damaged.
Equipped with a USB 2.0 connector that supports USB mass storage—a USB 
cable is all you need to send data at high speed to your PC.
A Preview Monitor on the side enables you to check your 
recordings without connecting headphones.
A threaded hole on the rear panel allows you to mount the 
R-26 onto a generic camera tripod or stand.

The R-26 is equipped with a multitude of convenient functions that help 
you achieve your recording objectives with ease. One such function is Pre-
recording, where your recording actually begins two seconds before you 
initiate it. This ensures you won’t miss the very beginning of a recording, even 
when you’re late in pressing the Record button. This is a great feature for 
capturing environmental sounds as they occur, such as chirping birds.

Setting the optimum recording level is essential for making high-quality 
recordings. To assist you, the R-26 is equipped with an AUTO-SENS function 
that automatically determines the appropriate mic sensitivity for different 
sources by analyzing the input level. This helps you quickly set the optimum 
level and avoid recording errors such as distortion and insufficient levels.

Combining the OMNI and XY 
mics is the optimum way to record 
concerts in music halls and theaters. 
You can freely adjust the mics’ mix 
and balance for the best sound 
image and tone.

Use the R-26’s XY mics, and 
simultaneously capture a feed from 
the mixing board via the combo 
inputs. In addition, you can connect 
a plug-in mic to record voice memos 
at different points during the show.

Achieve professional results in a diverse range of recording applications by 
using the built-in mics along with external mics in a variety of combinations.

The CS-10EM is an earphone-integrated stereo condenser 
mic for making binaural recordings. Binaural recordings 
create a realistic sound image that reproduces a sense 
of the vertical and lateral expanse, as well as a sense of 
distance, 360 degrees around the listener’s head.

 for Windows

®

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