Recorder and recording method

A recorder having the ability to record multichannel audio signals by switching one of multiple types of microphones to another,

• the multiple types of microphones including a first type of microphones for a first number of channels and a second type of microphones for a second number of channels, either the first or second type of microphones being removable from and attachable to the recorder,
• wherein the recorder comprises:
• a signal processing section that receives the multichannel audio signals and records the signals on a storage medium;
• and
• a switching control section for controlling a signal path such that on sensing the removable/attachable microphones be removed from or attached to the recorder while audio signals that have been picked up by the first type of microphones are being recorded, audio signals in the same number of channels as the first number, including at least one audio signal that has been picked up by the second type of microphones, are sent to the signal processing section, and
• wherein the signal processing section receives the audio signals in the same number of channels as the first number through the signal path and records the audio signals on the storage medium, and
• wherein if the first number of channels is smaller than the second number of channels,
• then the switching control section controls the signal path such that audio signals in the same number of channels as the first number, which have been selected from the audio signals that have been picked up by the second type of microphones, are sent to the signal processing section.

A recording method to be carried out with a recorder having the ability to record multichannel audio signals by switching one of multiple types of microphones to another,

• the multiple types of microphones including a first type of microphones for a first number of channels and a second type of microphones for a second number of channels, one of the first and second types of microphones being removable from and attachable to the recorder,
• wherein the method comprises the steps of:
• receiving the multichannel audio signals and recording the signals on a storage medium;
• sensing the removable and attachable microphones be removed from, or attached to, the recorder while audio signals that have been picked up by the first type of microphones are being recorded;
• controlling a signal path on sensing the microphones be removed or attached to output audio signals in the same number of channels as the first number including at least one audio signal that has been picked up by the second type of microphones;
• and
• recording the audio signals in the same number of channels as the first number on the storage medium, and
• wherein if the first number of channels is greater than the second number of channels,
• then the step of controlling a signal path includes controlling the signal path such that audio signals in the same number of channels as the first number, including the audio signals that have been picked up by the second type of microphones and a mute audio signal, are output.