Recorder Instructions

photo: Burnt Pixel

The Edirol R-09 is a pretty simple little machine to use. Below are a few notes to get you started.

To start using the machine, turn on the 'power' button on the right side. Before you begin your walk you should ensure that the recorder is set correctly to ensure you don't waste your time and record the walk in an incorrect file format or at the wrong sample rate. To do this click on the "Menu" button, click on "Recorder Setup", and ensure that "Sample Rate" is set to 44.1kHz and the "Rec Mode" is MP3-320Kbps – if you need to change these settings use the direction pad.

To check your levels/begin recording: Press the red record button once. No recording is being done yet – but this will give you an indication of the recording levels. You don't want the levels to max out (i.e. the bar to fill completely) as this will distort the sound you are attempting to capture. You can change the levels but editing the input level on the left side. Increasing the input is better suited for quieter noises as this permits a wider spectrum of sound capture at that decibel level. Now press the red record button again. The clock has started counting, meaning the recording process has begun. When you want to stop recording, simply press the stop button below the record button. The file has immediately been archived under the file name listed above the clock (i.e. 1228_073342.mp3). You can find old files either by using the rwd or fwd buttons on the left and right on the main screen, or by using the finder button (These files) can be renamed on your computer – i.e. beach_walk12 – and sorted that way as well). You cannot be recording while searching for old files, though you can change input levels.

The sounds are stored in a 2mb removable flash card at the bottom of the machine. To transfer files, you can remove this and put them onto your computer individually. You can also use a mini-usb cable (also at the bottom). Don't forget to transfer your files before passing the machine on. The main component of the tool is of course, the digital recording device, though they are a few little considerations which can improve functionality. Besides the Low Cut, and Mic Gain – which should be turned on or off depending on the desired frequency level (Low Cut'on' to edit out deep low noises like subway rumbles; Mic Gain 'on' to better capture higher frequencies like birdsong) — the position in which the recorder is held contributes greatly to the end result. Hold it like it's an extendable ear – close to the sounds you like and away from those you don't.

While walking down a busy street, for example, it's a good idea to keep the recorder high and away from the road. Passing cars can easily overwhelm the recording and will increase markedly in db level as they approach. Pointing the recorder in the direction of the interesting sound emission is always a good idea, but be mindful of factors such as wind and rain as well. Unless you have a wind blocker of some sort, be aware that any attempt to record a sound during high winds will result in a fair deal of audio information loss. To avoid the overwhelming effects of specific sounds emanating from closed areas (i.e. construction work behind a closed a door) you can gently rotate the recorder around your body as you walk (i.e. using it as a shield). The edirol handles slow to medium speed-changes quite well in fact, so don't be shy about moving it around to suit your recording interests.

Next Step - Best practice for soundwalking