8588 018 100 (376785) Owner's Manual Digital Multitracker MR-8 Owner's Manual CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT. ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU' AU FOND. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. "WARNING" "TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE." SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. 2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed. 5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like. 6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn. 7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer. 8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location or position dose not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings. 9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance. 11. Grounding or Polarization - The precautions that should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated. 12. Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance. 13. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer. 14. Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time. 15. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings. 16. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged. 17. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. 18. The appliance should be situated away from drops of water or spray of water. 19. Objects containing liquid such as vase must not be put on the appliance. 20. The appliance is not completely isolated from the power supply even if the power switch is at off position. 2 MR-8 Owner's Manual Table of Contents Introduction ...........................................................5 MR-8 Main features ...............................................5 About power supply .............................................5 Precaution upon handling the MR-8 ................6 Notes on repair ......................................................6 About copyrights ..................................................6 About damages ......................................................6 Display ..................................................................27 Home screen ........................................................27 Selecting a time base ..........................................28 Adjusting the display contrast .........................28 MENU screen ........................................................28 Warning message ................................................28 MR-8 recording basics .....................................29 Relation between the input jacks and tracks ...........................29 [INPUT A SELECT] switch ...................................29 Input level setting ...............................................30 Distortion setting ................................................30 Insert effects .........................................................30 The basics of the MR-8........................................7 Recording method ................................................7 Song mode ..............................................................7 About song ..............................................................7 Time base ................................................................8 Remain display ......................................................9 Input monitor and repro monitor .....................9 TRIM control ..........................................................9 Recording onto a single track .........................31 Preparation for recording .................................31 Starting recording ..............................................32 Playback the recorded track .............................32 Undo/redo ...........................................................32 Names and Functions ......................................10 Top panel (left part) ...........................................10 Top panel (right part) ........................................12 Rear panel .............................................................14 Side panel .............................................................15 Bottom panel .......................................................15 Recording onto two tracks ..............................33 Preparation for recording .................................33 Starting recording ..............................................34 Playback the recorded tracks ...........................34 Undo/redo ...........................................................34 About recording medium.................................16 CompactFlashTM card .........................................16 Recording time ....................................................16 Inserting a CompactFlashTM card ....................16 How to remove a CompactFlashTM card ...16 How to insert a CompactFlashTM card ......16 Punch in/out ........................................................35 Punch in/out using the keys on the top panel ............................................35 Punch in/out using the footswitch .................35 Auto punch in/out .............................................36 Setting the punch-in and punch-out points ...........................36 Rehearsal ........................................................36 Actual auto punch in/out ...........................37 About the power .................................................17 Connecting the AC adaptor ..............................17 Inserting batteries ...............................................17 Turning on the unit ............................................17 Turning off the power ........................................18 Turning on the LCD display backlight ...........18 Low battery display ............................................18 Using effects .......................................................38 Using the insert effects for recording .............38 Mic simulation effects ..................................38 Amp simulation effects ...............................38 Using the reverb or delay ..................................39 Selecting an effect type ................................39 Selecting a delay type ..................................39 Adjusting the delay/reverb time ..............40 Adjusting the effect send levels .................40 Using the mastering effects ..............................41 Selecting the desired effect type ................41 Listening the demo song .................................19 Preparation of a CompactFlash card ............20 Preparation for recording onto the supplied card ................................20 Preparation for recording onto a new card .............................................22 Creating a song/selecting a song ..................23 Creating a song ....................................................23 Selecting a desired song ....................................24 Bouncing tracks .................................................42 Selecting the bounce mode ...............................43 Rehearsal of track bounce .................................44 Actual track bounce ...........................................45 Checking the bounced signals on track .........45 Formatting a card ...............................................25 Connections .......................................................26 3 MR-8 Owner's Manual Mixdown ..............................................................47 Analog mixdown .................................................47 Digital mixdown ..................................................48 Settings of the MR-8 and MIDI sequencer ........................77 MIDI sync/MTC frame rate settings .........77 Synchronization using MIDI clock ..................78 Playback functions ............................................49 Basic playback .....................................................49 3 x playback (cueing) .........................................49 Playback between LOCATE A and B points ...49 Play mode .............................................................50 Selecting a play mode ..................................50 Auto play mode ............................................50 Auto return mode ........................................50 Loop mode .....................................................50 Loop function in auto punch in/out mode ...51 Using the rhythm guide function ....................79 Creating the signature/tempo map ................79 Setting the signature map ...........................79 Changing the bar number or signature .......................................80 Deleting an unnecessary bar/signature setting ......................81 Changing the bar offset ...............................81 Creating the tempo map .............................82 Editing the tempo map ................................84 Deleting an unnecessary tempo setting ..84 Setting the click level ..........................................85 Locate functions ................................................52 ABS locate .............................................................52 LOCATE ABS ZERO function .......................52 LOCATE REC END function .........................52 Zero return ...........................................................52 Resetting the counter ...................................52 Locating to counter zero .............................53 Locating to the LOCATE A or B point ..............53 Storing a locate point ...................................53 Locating ..........................................................54 WAV file conversion ..........................................86 Enabling the file conversion .............................86 Procedure of file conversion ............................86 Exporting data to a personal computer ........88 Connection to a personal Computer ..............88 Notes on exporting a file ....................................88 Exporting a WAV file to a personal computer .............................89 Setting the pre-roll/post-roll .............................55 How to set the pre-roll/post-roll time .............55 Initializing the MR-8 ...........................................91 Troubleshooting .................................................92 MR-8 specifications ...........................................95 Physical dimensions ........................................96 Block diagram ....................................................96 MIDI Implementation Chart .............................98 Index .....................................................................99 Optional accessaries ......................................100 Declaration of EC Directive ...........................101 Setting the beat resolution ...............................56 How to set the beat resolution ..........................56 Editing a song .....................................................57 Creating a new song ...........................................57 Selecting a desired song ....................................57 Editing a song name ...........................................58 Selecting an unnecessary song ........................59 Protecting a song .................................................60 Deleting the unnecessary file in a song ..........61 Track editing ........................................................62 Erasing whole track data ...................................62 Copying/pasting whole track data .................63 Moving whole track data ...................................65 Exchange whole track data ...............................66 Part editing ..........................................................68 Erasing a desired part ........................................69 Copying/pasting (1) ..........................................70 Copying to the clipboard ............................70 Pasting clipboard data .................................71 Copying/pasting (2) ........................................72 Moving the desired part to the other track (s) ....................................73 Exchange parts between tracks .......................75 Synchronizing with MIDI ..................................77 Synchronization using MTC .............................77 4 MR-8 Owner's Manual Introduction Thank you very much for purchasing the Fostex MR-8 digital multitracker. The MR-8 is a digital multitracker which records and plays back 8-track audio on a CompactFlash TM card. You can record audio at 44.1 kHz/16 bits (in the normal mode) or 22.05 kHz/16 bits (in the extended mode). The MR-8 is also equipped with an 8-channel digital mixer, digital effects including the delay/reverb, mastering effects and insert effects (simulation effects). It allows you to carry out all the process for digital multitrack recording including overdubbing, track bounce and mixdown. Read this manual thoroughly for using all functions the MR-8 provides correctly. MR-8 Main features · Uses compact and reliable CompactFlashTM cards for recording high quality audio. You can also edit recorded audio later. · User-friendly LCD screen configuration allows you to make recording intuitively. · A large 128 x 64 dot graphic LCD display allows you to check the recorder status and various settings easily. · An ASP digital effect processor (delay/reverb) with newly developed algorithm for the MR-8 is built in. In addition, the MR-8 also provides insert effects for microphone and amplifier simulation for coloring sounds. · A dedicated mastering effect is built in for the stereo buss, allowing you to process a sound during track bouncing or final mixdown. · The metronome function generates guide clicks according to the tempo map. · Built-in compact and high quality microphone allows you to record microphone sound without an external microphone. · Two ways of receiving power. You can drive the MR-8 by batteries (AA-type) or from the supplied AC adaptor (AD-12A). · Provides a USB terminal. You can exchange WAV file data between your computer and the MR-8 via USB connection. You can not only back up song data recorded by the MR-8 to your computer, but also import data created by a computer music software to the MR-8, or burn CDs by the computer using the CD-RW drive. About power supply · Be sure to connect the MR-8 to the power supply specified in the Specifications section of this owner's manual. Do not use an AC outlet of any other voltage. · Do not connect the MR-8 to the same AC outlet to which devices that could generate noise (such as a large motor or dimmer), or the devices that consume a large amount of power (such as an air conditioning system or large electric heater) are connected. · If you use the MR-8 in an area with a different power voltage, first consult your dealer or the nearest Fostex service station. · It is very dangerous to use a power cord that is frayed or damage. In such a case, stop using the MR-8 immediately and ask your dealer to repair the cord. · To avoid possible electric shock and damage to the MR-8, avoid contact with water or other liquids, or do not handle the power plug while your hands are wet. · To prevent possible electric shock and damage to the MR-8, do not remove the main unit cover or reach the inside the MR-8. · Do not let water or other liquid, or metal objects such as pins, accidentally enter the inside of the MR-8 because this may lead to electric shock or damage. Should water enter the inside of the MR-8, remove the power plug from AC outlet, and consult your dealer or the nearest Fostex service station. 5 MR-8 Owner's Manual · To prevent damage to the MR-8, be sure to power on the connected devices first, then turn on the power to the MR-8. When you remove or connect the cables to the input/output connectors on the MR-8, make sure that the track and master faders and volume controls are set to "0". About copyrights · It is prohibited by law to use any part of a CD recording or video images or audio data for which copyright is possessed by a third party for commercial purposes such as contents, broadcasts, sales, or distribution-any purpose other than for your personal pleasure. Equipment name, electrical ratings, serial number and other information for the MR8, are written on bottom side. MODEL MR-8 DIGITAL MULTITRACKER FOSTEX 100V SERIAL NO. MADE IN CHINA 18W 50/60Hz About damages · Fostex is not responsible for any "direct damage" or "indirect damage" caused by using the MR-8. Note for audio interruption · If you make recording or editing to a song many times, audio may be occasionally interrupted when the song is played back, due to data fragmentation. Note that this is not a malfunction. Precautions upon handling the MR-8 · Do not install the MR-8 in locations subject to the following: * Extremely high or low temperature, or significant changes in temperature. * Excessive humidity or dust. * Excessive changes in power supply voltage. * Unstable or significantly vibrating or shaking surfaces. * Near a strong magnetic field (such as a TV or speaker). Notes on repair · The MR-8 does not use any parts that user can repair easily. Contact your dealer or the nearest FOSTEX service station to ask about repairs. · Use the packing carton designed for the MR-8 when you transport the MR-8 to the dealer for repair or return. If you have discarded the packing box, try to pack the MR-8 completely using shock absorbing materials. Fostex is not responsible for malfunction or damage due to incomplete packaging or caused during transport. 6 MR-8 Owner's Manual The basics of the MR-8 The chapter describes the basics of the MR-8 you should know before using the MR-8. Recording method The MR-8 records audio on a CompactFlashTM card. Songs are recorded on a card along with the ABS time (00m00.000s through 60m00.000s). The ABS time shows the absolute time on a card and you can start recording from any desired time within the range between 00m00.000s and 60m00.000s ABS time. Beginning of the song 0m00.000s 05m00.000s (ABS ZERO) recorded area 10m00.000s 15m00.000s (REC END) 60m00.000s About song To understand songs, imagine separated rooms as shown below. With the MR-8, you can create up to 99 songs on a card (although the available space may limit the number of songs). Song01 Song05 unrecorded area recorded area unrecorded area ...... Song02 You can record at any point within 60 minutes in ABS time. As the MR-8 does not consume the card space when no audio is recorded, you can record audio effectively, while the recordable time for a tape recorder depends on the CompactFlashTM card capacity. 0m00.000s recorded area 5 minute recording recorded area 5 minute recording 60m00.000s unrecorded area (remain) ...... Song03 Song98 Song04 Song99 Song mode The MR-8 provides two song modes: Normal and Extended modes. You can select an appropriate mode when creating a new song (see page 21). Each song is independent on a card and you can record, play back or edit a song without affecting other songs. You can give a desired song name for managing recorded songs (see page 57). Recorded track data is stored in a song as mono WAV files, as shown below. Normal mode: Audio quality takes precedence over the recording time. In this mode, you can record and play back 8-track audio at 44.1 kHz, 16 bit. The recorded audio can be output digitally from the [DIGITAL OUT] connector, allowing digital copy to an external digital device (such as an MD and DAT). Track 1 Track 2 Track 8 Song01 WAV file Extended mode: The recording time takes precedence. In this mode, you can record and play back 8-track audio at 22.05 kHz, 16 bit. You can get longer recording time than the normal mode (see page 16). Note that audio recorded in the extended mode cannot be output digitally from the [DIGITAL OUT] connector. The MR-8 can convert the two WAV files bounced to tracks 7 and 8 (L and R) to a stereo WAV file (see page 86). You can export the converted stereo WAV file to your USB-connected personal computer, and use the file by a computer music software or burn the file to a CD-R/CD-RW disc for making an original audio CD using a CD-RW drive connected to the computer (see page 88). 7 MR-8 Owner's Manual Time base The term, "time base", is used as the reference of recorder position information. Using the [TIME BASE SELECT] key, you can select from among three time base types: ABS, Bar/Beat/Clk and Time counter. Time counter: This is similar to the "time counter" mode used for tape recorders. It shows the recorder position within the range between "-60m00.000s" and "60m00.000s" and looks similar to the ABS time, however, you can reset the current position to "0m00.000s" whenever you want (see page 52). Therefore, you can reset a start position of the part which you work with to the zero point (to which you can return by simply pressing the [0 RETURN] key (see page 53). You can see no time base type indication at the right-top. ABS time: ABS time stands for Absolute time, which is "striped" on a card when creating a song. It starts from 0m00.000s (=ABS zero, the beginning of a song) and ends by 60m00.000s at maximum. The following screen shows that the recorder is located at 0m00.000s of ABS time, which is the beginning of the song. You can see "ABS" at the right-top. The figure below shows the relation between the three time base types. Beginning the song 0m00.000s (ABS ZERO) 0m03.000s 0m06.000s ABS Bar/Beat/Clk: The Bar/Beat/Clk information is created according to the internal tempo map. The following screen shows that the beginning position of the song is "bar -2/beat 1/clk 000". You can see "clk" at the right-top. -2bar 1 00clk 1bar 1 00clk 3bar 1 00clk Bar/Beat/Clk 0m00.000s 0m03.000s 0m06.000s Time counter If you reset the time counter at the position pointed by the arrow, the time counter values changes as below. Beginning the song 0m00.000s (ABS ZERO) 0m03.000s 0m06.000s The Bar/Beat/Clk information is initially offset by "-2 bars" at 0m00.000s ABS time (which is called "bar offset"). The MR-8 determines the Bar/Beat/Clk values in a song according to the offset, time signature and tempo. You can change the Bar offset (initially set to "-2") between 1 and -7 in the menu mode (see page 81). ABS -2bar 1 00clk 1bar 1 00clk 3bar 1 00clk Bar/Beat/Clk -0m03.000s 0m00.000s 0m03.000s Time counter 8 MR-8 Owner's Manual Remain display "Remain" shows how much time you can further record audio data to the available space left on the current CompactFlashTM card. As described earlier, the MR-8 stripes ABS time from 0m00.000s to 60m00.000s at maximum for each song, however, the remaining time (= available recording time left) depends on the available space on the CompactFlashTM card. The remain time is shown as in the screen example below during recording or record standby. Note that it shows the remaining time for recording onto a mono track. TRIM control Pay great attention to the TRIM control adjustment. The signal received at the [INPUT A] or [INPUT B] jack is routed to the appropriate TRIM control, by which the signal level fed to the A/D converter of the MR-8 is controlled. You can check this level by the PEAK indicator. If the level is too high, the PEAK indicator lights, while you may hear the sound distorted or noisy. This distortion (noise) generated at this stage cannot be eliminated, therefore, adjust the TRIM control properly so that the PEAK indicator does not light at the loudest part of the input signal. Appropriate gain Clip level Excessive gain A mono track means a single track. Therefore, to know the remaining time for recording to more than one track, divide the displayed time by the number of tracks. Note that the remaining time shown on the screen is an approximate time. Clip level Input monitor and repro monitor Each of the MR-8 tracks has two output modes: repro monitor and input monitor. In the repro monitor mode, the track playback signal is output. In the input monitor mode, the input signal fed to the track is output, therefore, you can check the level of the input signal to be recorded. To enter a MR-8 track to input monitor mode, press the appropriate [REC SELECT] key to arm the track (i.e. make the track record-ready), then press only the [RECORD] key to enter the "RECORD READY" mode or press both the [RECORD] and [PLAY] keys simultaneously to start recording. Signal input in the recorder Signal output from the recorder track 1 track 2 track 3 READY track 4 READY track 5 track 6 track 7 track 8 Playback sound (Playback monitor) Playback sound (Playback monitor) Input signal (Input monitor) Input signal (Input monitor) Playback sound (Playback monitor) Playback sound (Playback monitor) Playback sound (Playback monitor) Playback sound (Playback monitor) 9 MR-8 Owner's Manual Names and Functions Top panel (left part) 1 INPUT A SELECT INPUT A INPUT B L STEREO OUT R 2 3 4 5 6 7 DIGITAL MULTITRACKER 16 PHONES UNBAL /GUITAR BAL UNBAL BAL TRIM PEAK 1 2 15 14 13 0 MIC TRIM PEAK GUITAR DISTORTION PHONES VOL LINE MIC MIN DYNAMIC MAX LINE CONDENSER MIC TUBE MIN MAX MIC SIMULATION EFFECT REVERB / DELAY TIME INPUT A BRIT STACK US METAL 60's COMBO MIN ROOM MAX HALL AMP SIMULATION 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 EFFECT SEND 12 L R L R L R L R PLATE DELAY 1-4 > 5/6 1-6 > 7/8 STEREO 7/8 > WAV FILE NO -1 YES +1 PAN DELETE POWERFUL NATURAL BOUNCE 11 1 MAX 2 3 4 5/6 7/8 REC SELECT MASTER MAX +-_0 PLAY MODE BRIGHT MASTERING LOCATE A / IN B / OUT STORE CURSOR CONTRAST ENTER MENU 10 ABC1 AUTO PUNCH DEF2 GHI3 RESET JKL4 0 RETURN TIME BASE SELECT UNDO /REDO COUNTER MIN MIN MNO5 RECORD STOP PQR6 PLAY ST U 7 VW X 8 REWIND YZ9 F FWD LOCATE REC END LOCATE ABS ZERO A - B PLAY 9 8 1. [INPUT A] connectors Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connectors are provided. You can connect a guitar, microphone, keyboard, etc. According to the source connected, select the [INPUT A SELECT] switch appropriately. To record a mono source, use only the [INPUT A] section. To record a stereo source, use both the [INPUT A] and [INPUT B] sections (see page 29). 2. [INPUT B] connectors Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL] phone connectors are provided. You can connect a microphone, keyboard, etc. This section is used only when recording a stereo source. When recording a mono source, this section is not used (see page 29). On each input section, the [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connector takes priority to the [BAL] XLR connector. You cannot use both the [UNBAL/GUITAR] and [BAL] connectors on the same section simultaneously. On each input section, the [UNBAL] phone connector takes priority to the [BAL] XLR connector. You cannot use both the [UNBAL] and [BAL] connectors on the same section simultaneously. 3. [STEREO OUT] jacks (L, R) These jacks output the stereo (L and R) buss signals. Connect these jacks to a monitor equipment or master recorder (see page 26). 10 MR-8 Owner's Manual 4. [PHONES] jacks (1, 2) Two jacks (1 and 2) are provided. You can use two pairs of stereo headphones with the MR-8. 14. Insert effect select keys Used to select the insert effect (mic simulation or amp simulation) for the signal from the [INPUT A] jack. When setting the [INPUT A SELECT] switch on the rear panel to "MIC/LINE", you can use the mic simulation effect. When setting the switch to "GUITAR", you can use the amp simulation effect (see page 30 and 38). 5. [PHONES VOL] control Adjusts the headphone output level. 6. [REVERB/DELAY TIME] control Controls the reverb time or delay time (see page 40). 15. [DISTORTION] control 7. [EFFECT] keys Select the effect type from among ROOM, HALL, PLATE and DELAY (see page 39). Controls the amount of the distortion effect for a guitar connected to the phone jack on the [INPUT A] section. This control is effective only when the [INPUT A SELECT] switch is set to "GUITAR" (see page 30). 8. [MASTER] fader Adjusts the stereo (L and R) buss output level (see page 32 and 33). 16. [TRIM] controls Control the input gain of the [INPUT A] and [INPUT B] sections (see page 30). 9. Track faders Each fader adjusts the appropriate track playback level. Each of track faders 5/6 and 7/8 controls the appropriate stereo signal (see page 19, 32, and 33). 10. [REC SELECT] keys Used to select one or two recording tracks. You can record onto up to two tracks simultaneously. Pressing a key arms or unarm the corresponding track(s). Tracks 5/6 or 7/8 are armed or unarmed simultaneously (see page 29, 31, and 33). 11. [PAN] controls Control panning for tracks 1 through 4 (see page 45). 12. [EFFECT SEND] controls Control the amount of signals from tracks 1 through 4 sent to the internal effect (reverb/delay). (see page 40). 13. Internal microphone You can make recording using the internal microphone by setting the [INPUT A SELECT] switch on the rear panel to "INT MIC" (see page 29). 11 MR-8 Owner's Manual Top panel (right part) 17 INPUT A SELECT INPUT A INPUT B L STEREO OUT R 18 19 20 21 DIGITAL MULTITRACKER PHONES UNBAL /GUITAR BAL TRIM PEAK UNBAL BAL TRIM PEAK 1 2 GUITAR DISTORTION PHONES VOL LINE MIC MIC MIN DYNAMIC MAX LINE CONDENSER MIC TUBE MIN MAX MIC SIMULATION EFFECT REVERB / DELAY TIME INPUT A BRIT STACK US METAL 60's COMBO MIN ROOM MAX HALL AMP SIMULATION 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 EFFECT SEND PLATE DELAY 1-4 > 5/6 1-6 > 7/8 STEREO 7/8 > WAV FILE NO -1 YES +1 22 23 24 25 L R L R L R L R PAN DELETE POWERFUL NATURAL BOUNCE REC SELECT 1 MAX 2 3 4 5/6 7/8 MASTER MAX +-_0 PLAY MODE BRIGHT MASTERING LOCATE A / IN B / OUT STORE CURSOR CONTRAST ENTER MENU ABC1 AUTO PUNCH DEF2 GHI3 RESET JKL4 0 RETURN TIME BASE SELECT UNDO /REDO COUNTER MIN MIN MNO5 RECORD STOP PQR6 PLAY ST U 7 VW X 8 REWIND YZ9 F FWD LOCATE REC END LOCATE ABS ZERO A - B PLAY 26 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 17. [1-4 > 5/6, 1-6 > 7/8] / [DELETE] key Selects the bounce mode (see page 43). Each press of the key alternates "1-4 > 5/6" and "1-6 > 7/8". In the menu mode, this key is also used for deleting a character in a song name (see page 58). 21. [CURSOR / / / ] keys Used to move the cursor in the menu mode, execute/cancel settings, etc. 22. [STORE] / J K L 4 entry key Stores the current recorder position (time data) as the LOCATE A/IN or LOCATE B/OUT point (see page 36 and 53). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of J (j), K (k), L (l) and 4 (see page 21). 18. [7/8 > STEREO WAV FILE] key Converts a mono WAV file recorded on tracks 7/ 8 to a stereo WAV file (see page 86). You can export the stereo WAV file to your personal computer over the USB connection (see page 88). 23. [ENTER] / [CONTRAST] key Confirms the selection in the menu mode. While holding down this and the [MENU] key together, you can adjust the LCD display contrast by using the [CURSOR ] and [CURSOR ] key (see page 28). 19. [MASTERING] keys Used to select the mastering effect during track bounce or mixdown (see page 41). In the menu mode, the [POWERFUL] key is used for character entry of +, -, _, and 0 (see page 21). 24. [MENU] / [CONTRAST] key Enters the menu mode. While holding down this and the [ENTER] key together, you can adjust the LCD display contrast by using the [CURSOR ] and [CURSOR ] key (see page 28). 20. LCD display This 128 x 64 dot LCD display shows various information (see page 27). 12 MR-8 Owner's Manual 25. [UNDO/REDO] / Y Z 9 entry key Used to undo or redo recording or editing (see page 32 and 34). Each press of the key alternates "undo" and "redo". In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of Y (y), Z (z) and 9 (see page 21). 26. [TIME BASE SELECT] / V W X 8 entry key Selects the time base shown on the LCD display (see page 27). Pressing this key while holding down the [MENU] and [ENTER] keys together resets the LCD display contrast to the default value (see page 28). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of V (v), W (w), X (x) and 8 (see page 21). [F FWD] key Pressing this key fast forwards the recorder. During playback, pressing this key starts 3 x cueing. While holding down the [STOP] key, pressing this key locates to the recording end of the current song (REC END) (see page 52). While holding down the [ENTER] key, pressing this key selects a song (see page 24). [REWIND] key Pressing this key rewinds the recorder. During playback, pressing this key starts 3 x reverse cueing. While holding down the [ S T O P ] key, pressing this key locates to the beginning (ABS ZERO) of the current song (see page 52). While holding down the [ENTER] key, pressing this key selects a song (see page 24). 27. Transport keys [PLAY] key Starts playback of the recorder. Pressing this key while holding down the [RECORD] key starts recording of the armed (record-ready) track(s). Pressing this key during recording releases recording. [STOP] key Stops the recorder. By pressing the [PLAY], [REWIND] or [F FWD] key while holding down the [STOP] key, you can locate to a specific point or repeat playback as below. · [STOP] + [PLAY] (A-B PLAY) Repeats playback between the LOCATE A and LOCATE B points (see page 49). 28. [COUNTER 0 RETURN] / S T U 7 entry key Locates to the counter zero point (see page 53). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of S (s), T (t), U (u) and 7 (see page 21). 29. [COUNTER RESET] / P Q R 6 entry key Resets the counter to zero (see page 52). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of P (p), Q (q), R (r) and 6 (see page 21). 30. [AUTO PUNCH] / M N O 5 entry key Turns on or off the auto punch mode (see page 36). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of M (m), N (n), O (o) and 5 (see page 21). 31. [LOCATE B/OUT] / G H I 3 entry key Pressing the [STORE] key followed by this key stores the LOCATE B (or punch out) point (see page 36 and 53). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of G (g), H (h), I (i) and 3 (see page 21). · [STOP] + [REWIND] (LOCATE ABS ZERO) Locates to the beginning (ABS ZERO) of the current song (see page 52). · [STOP] + [F FWD] (LOCATE REC END) Locates to the recording end of the current song (REC END) (see page 52). 32. [LOCATE A/IN] / D E F 2 entry key Pressing the [STORE] key followed by this key stores the LOCATE A (or punch in) point (see page 36 and 53). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of D (d), E (e), F (f) and 2 (see page 21). [RECORD] key Pressing the [PLAY] key while holding down the [RECORD] key starts recording of the armed (record-ready) track(s) (see page 32 and 34). By pressing only the [RECORD] key when any track(s) is armed (in record-ready), the input signal(s) of the armed track(s) can be monitored (i.e. input monitor mode). 33. [PLAY MODE] / A B C 1 entry key Selects the play mode from among normal, auto play, auto return and loop (see page 50). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of A (a), B (b), C (c) and 1 (see page 21). 13 MR-8 Owner's Manual Rear panel POWER DC IN OFF ON LIGHT USB FOOT SW INT MIC MIC/LINE GUITAR 12V [NORMAL MODE] DIGITAL OUT INPUT A SELECT 1 2 3 4 5 6 When you open the MR-8 carton, the protection cap is inserted to the [DIGITAL OUT] connector. When using the connector, remove the cap. When no connection is made to the connector, keep the cap inserted. 1. [DC IN] jack Connect the supplied AC adaptor to this jack (see page 17). 2. [POWER] switch Used to turn on or off the power. By setting the switch to "LIGHT", the backlight of the LCD display lights up (see page 18). When driving the MR-8 by batteries, we recommend not to use the backlight, because the batteries are exhausted quickly. 3. [USB] port Used to connect with a personal computer using a standard USB cable (see page 88). 6. [INPUT A SELECT] switch This switch must be set appropriately according to the input source of the [INPUT A] section (see page 29). Set the switch to this position when the source is an external microphone or line level source. Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connectors can be used. Set the switch to this position when the source is a guitar connected to the phone connector. Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connectors can be used. Set the switch to this position when the source is the built-in microphone. Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connectors cannot be used. 4. [FOOT SW] jack Used to connect with the optional footswitch (Model 8051) or an unlatched-type footswitch (see page 35). MIC/LINE 5. [DIGITAL OUT] connector Used to connect with an external digital device (see page 48). GUITAR Only song data created by the normal mode (44.1 kHz, 16 bit) can be digitally output from this port. Song data created by the extended mode cannot be digitally output. INT MIC 14 MR-8 Owner's Manual Side panel COMPACT FLASH CARD MIDI OUT 1 2 1. Card slot A CompactFlashTM card is inserted to this slot (see page 16). 2. [MIDI OUT] jack Used to connect to a [MIDI IN] jack of an external MIDI device (such as a MIDI sequencer) (see page 77). Bottom panel 1 OPEN 1. Battery compartment To use the MR-8 with batteries, insert six standard alkaline AA-type batteries to this compartment (see page 17). 15