When comparing Roland R-09HR [$239.00 USD+] vs Korg SOS [$158 USD+], the Slant community recommends Roland R-09HR [$239.00 USD+] for most people. In the question“What are the best portable field recorders?” Roland R-09HR [$239.00 USD+] is ranked 4th while Korg SOS [$158 USD+] is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Roland R-09HR [$239.00 USD+] is:
The recorder can automatically set the optimum recording level, and can split the songs for you automatically.
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Pros
Pro Rehearsal mode
The recorder can automatically set the optimum recording level, and can split the songs for you automatically.
Pro Auto record start, auto song split, auto level adjust
Pro Music-practice features
Change tempo without changing pitch, loop playback, etc.
Pro Wireless remote controller included
Pro Reduced handling noise
Because of rubberized body.
Pro Built-in reverb
Pro Onboard editing functions
You can trim, divide, and combine.
Pro Records to SD or SDHC memory cards
Pro Records wav and mp3
Up to 24-bit/96 kHz WAV and different MP3 formats.
Pro Simplified use
Korg have attempted to keep things simple for the user, so selecting inputs is something the recorder does automatically, by scanning for a connection. For similar reasons, inserting a headphone jack disconnects the on‑board speaker, and there's an automatic input‑gain facility and a limiter, so you can maximise input levels.
Pro Built-in effects
The effects and processors are very usable, and are a definite asset: when you're trying to build an idea quickly, having to mess around with settings just to get something half‑decent can be a huge distraction, so being able to dial up a good cab emulation or a reasonably convincing tremolo preset is great.
Pro Unlimited overdubbing
What it does is provide a timing grid, and anything recorded is saved relative to the rest of the song's audio tracks, enabling the user to layer idea upon idea (hence the name) ready for mixing in your DAW later. At the same time, a mixed version of all the tracks is saved separately, making it quite possible to complete a mix in the box itself.
Pro 4.5v DC input
For connecting an optional mains power supply
Pro Increase playback speed without affecting pitch
It's even possible to increase playback speed (without affecting pitch) to 150 percent and reduce it to just 25 — although overdubbing is only possible over slowed-down, rather than sped‑up, audio, presumably to avoid deterioration of quality when slowing it back down to normal speed.
Pro Touchscreen display
Means that many settings and levels can be adjusted using nothing more than a finger move.
Pro Omnidirectional microphone
Pro Pocket‑sized
Pro Ulimited tracks
Pro Ability to loop
There are several A/B looping settings, to help performers get things right before committing each part to the mix