Roland R-05

^# 36

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$54.17 to $279.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

1 Critic Review

0 wishlisted

3 saved

Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 9, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.1 (241)

View Deal

$54.17 10 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $167

Standard/Professional

$149

$400+

Price Tier

In the Portable Recorders category, Roland R-05 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Roland R-05". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 22, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Capture sound with precision and style using the Roland R-05, a reliable companion for musicians, journalists, and audio enthusiasts. This portable recorder offers studio-quality sound in a compact, user-friendly design, making it ideal for on-the-go recording. With its advanced built-in stereo microphones, the R-05 delivers exceptional clarity, capturing every detail of your performance or interview with ease.

The Roland R-05 is designed for versatility, supporting both WAV and MP3 formats, allowing you to choose the best format for your project. Its long battery life ensures you won’t miss a beat, whether you’re recording a concert, a band practice, or an impromptu jam session. The device is equipped with a high-quality interface that simplifies operation, making it accessible for users of all experience levels.

Perfect for capturing live performances, the R-05 also features an onboard tuner and metronome, adding utility for musicians looking to refine their craft. With an intuitive interface and robust construction, this recorder is built to withstand the demands of the road, ensuring reliability wherever your musical journey takes you.

Key Features:

Built-in high-quality stereo microphones for clear, detailed recordings
Supports WAV (up to 24-bit/96kHz) and MP3 formats
Long battery life for extended recording sessions
Onboard tuner and metronome for added musical utility
Easy-to-use interface suitable for all users
Sturdy design for reliable performance on the go

Videos

Add video

KeysoundWebsite

Roland R-05 WAVE MP3 Recorder Demo Part 1

KeysoundWebsite

R-05 WAVE/MP3 Recorder

RolandChannel

Roland R-05 recorder review and demo

STRAY F.

R-05 WAVE/MP3 Recorder Introduction (Part 1)

RolandChannel

Roland R-05 Wave/Mp3 Digital Recorder Review | Full Compass

Full Compass

Roland R-05 Audio Recorder

PMTVUK

Roland R-05 field recorder 80:8 Gear Review

80:8 Reviews

Roland R05 Stereo Hand-Held Field Recorder

Andy's Music

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland R-05.

Features and functionality

0 0

The R-05 has minimal handling noise and excellent battery life, ideal for impromptu field recordings.
Source
0 0

When using external mics for quiet recordings, the R-05's preamp quality is crucial, as onboard mics might not suffice for detailed captures in silent settings.
Source
0 0

The R-05 records in stereo with two channels (Left and Right) but saves to a single file, not separate multi-track files.
Source
0 0

The R-05 lacks the "overdubbing" feature, which is common in devices with four tracks or more for recording new tracks while playing back existing ones.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The R-05 sound quality is ranked higher than the R-07 and is not outperformed by popular alternatives like the Zoom H1n.
Source
0 0

The MixPre3, while superior in sound quality, is larger and lacks the portability of the R-05, which is crucial for handheld recording needs.
Source
0 0

Users note that even high-end handheld recorders, like the PCM D100, might not match the R-05's convenience for quick field recordings.
Source
0 0

The R-05 is categorized as a "Field Recorder" rather than a "Portable Studio Recorder" or devices designed for "multitracking," which typically support more advanced recording capabilities.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Owners use the R-05 for field recordings, such as capturing subtle sounds like beetles walking on grass, demonstrating its sensitivity.
Source
0 0

External microphones like LOM mikroUši are recommended for capturing quiet natural sounds with the R-05, enhancing its functionality beyond urban environments.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

At 70 euros, the R-05 is a bargain given its sound quality and durability, especially when paired with EM272 clippy mics and windjammers.
Source

User experience

0 0

Many DJs prefer the R-05 for recording sets due to its straightforward operation and portability.
Source

Critic Reviews

Roland R-05 review | TechRadar

techradar.com

The Roland R-05 showcases a compact design and user-friendly controls, but it struggles to deliver sound quality that meets expectations. While the clear display and intuitive operation are commendable, the poor performance and awkward headphone jack placement detract from the overall experience. The audio quality, particularly in the upper midrange and treble, leaves much to be desired, with noticeable distortion and jitter in recordings. It seems to fall short of the higher standards set by previous models, making it a less appealing choice for discerning musicians.

negative

Full Review

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star