Video Mixer Review:
Edirol V-4 (page 2)

How well does it operate as a live switcher, for television-style broadcast work or live-to-tape shooting of events? For this type of work, the V-4 is adequate, but some of its VJ-centric features might be hard to get used to. The fader, for example, will fade to white or black, operated manually by a small dial. This is actually a good feature in live performance, since if one video sources goes haywire (most commonly a computer), the operator can panic black the screen instantly. This is not how a traditional video mixer works.

The BPM Sync button acts as a sort of "Take" control, which performs a live switching effect without manually using the T-bar. Once you push the button, however, the unit continually switches back and forth between A and B in time to the music until you push the button again. This doesn't mean you can't use the V-4 in more traditional video-switching situations, it just means you may end up using the manual T-bar controller for all fades. While the T-bar is fun to use for a while, it is much more convenient to just punch a switch in practice, which is how traditional mixers work.

The V-4 is ready for nightclub duty, sitting alongside a large bank of audio equipment, easily triggered by people who are busy playing music or spinning records. In this role, it's bound to be very successful. It's not uncommon to see an old MXPRO or even an MX-1 sitting alongside the mixing board at a nightclub or live music event. The V-4 has features that will make those old mixers obsolete in this role. As a tool for modern visuals and video performance artists, we couldn't be more enthusiastic about the V-4.

TBC Video Channels: 2
Inputs: 4 composite video, 2 S-Video
Outputs: 2 composite video, S-video, 1 composite preview
Effects: 216 wipes, 4 keyed transitions, 27 slide transitions, still, strobe, shake, 4 negative effects, 9 colorize effects, 9 monochrome filters, 5 posterize effects, 8 color pass filters, 4 luma keys, 2 chroma keys, 9 multiscreen effects, 9 mirroring effects, 8 picture-in-picture effects
Control Protocols: MIDI, V-Link
Other Features: BPM (beats-per-minute) control, BPM Tap, Black/White fader, 8 presets
Dimensions: 9" (W) x 10 2/3" (D) x 4 1/4" (H)
Weight: 5 lbs. (2.3 kg)
Power Requirements: AC

• BPM music syncing
• Lots of quality effects
• MIDI, V-Link control
• TBC switching

• Only 2 S-video inputs

A great choice for modern live musical performances, less so for traditional live-broadcast switching.

$1,195
Edirol Corp.
425 Sequoia Drive, Suite 114
Bellingham, WA 98226
(800) 380-2580
www.edirol.com

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