The Xvive XV1-R Portable Stereo Recorder represents an affordable way of ensuring high-quality recordings thanks to its dual microphones, which are arranged at 90° to each other to enable X/Y stereo recording. The Xvive's 32-bit float recording technology means the signal being recorded requires no levelling; of course, it can still be adjusted and edited using the device's onboard functions, which include a low-cut filter, a limiter, a compressor, and a noise gate. An LC display provides a clear indication of all parameters, making it easy for the user to monitor their progress while recording. The XV1-R also has a selection of presets, so that a variety of sounds can be captured perfectly, and eliminating the need for editing recordings with an equaliser.
All the Xvive XV1-R's functions can be controlled quickly and easily via the recorder's intuitively designed user interface. The display shows the volume level of both microphones, the status of the micro-SD card, the battery charge level, and the file name. During a recording, markers can be created to quickly find specific passages during playback, while the overdub function makes it possible to layer additional tracks over an existing recording. In addition to the headphone jack, recordings can also be played back immediately using the built-in speaker – everyone involved can thus give their feedback on the take. Power comes either from two standard AA alkaline batteries, a 1.5V lithium or NiMH rechargeable battery pack, or via the USB-C socket: On battery power, the XV1-R can be used for up to 12 hours.
The Xvive XV1-R Portable Stereo Recorder can be used for a variety of applications, from concerts and rehearsals to work meetings and songwriting sessions. Thanks to its intuitive operation, no prior knowledge is required to make excellent recordings, and journalists and sound designers in particular will love the fact that the signal as recorded doesn't need levelling, making recording both fast and flexible. Another user-friendly feature is the pre-record function, which captures sound 2.5 seconds before the actual recording begins – no more missing the start of a spontaneous interview or found sound. What is more, the onboard presets can be used to optimise the sound before recording.
Xvive Audio officially entered the market in 2012 with its compact U2 wireless guitar system. Since then, the company has also been involved in the development of wireless microphone technology. Its catalogue also includes effects pedals, such as the Signature Series, which were developed in partnership with guitarist Thomas Blug. The products are designed by an American team, based in Pasadena, California, which is composed of musicians and engineers and draws on decades of professional experience. Its lead designer, Howard Davies, was previously employed at Electro Harmonix and Pigtronix, among others. Xvive Audio's goal is to create products that deliver exceptional sound and build quality, while remaining affordable for any musician.
The Xvive XV1-R will record .WAV files by default, but it can also be used to make AAC recordings in both the AAC-LC and HE-AAC formats, with the latter particularly suitable for recording film audio, as comparatively good playback results are achieved at low bit rates. Opting for the .WAV format makes it possible to save files with a size of up to 4GB, with a quality of up to 96kHz. There is a 1/4" thread on the underside of the recorder, which can be used to attach it to a tripod or a camera with a suitable hot shoe mount. The Slate Tone generator is another neat little feature for filmmakers, with an audible signal ensuring the recording can be easily synchronised with other sources, and a signal from an external source can also be recorded via the 3.5mm jack input.