User manual FOSTEX MR8-HD - MANUAL 2

8588062100 (428387) Owner's Manual Digital Multitracker MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Safety instructions/Contents) CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT. ATTENTION: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 21. Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. 22. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 23. An appliance with a protective earth terminal should be connected to a mains outlet with a protective earth connection. 24. An appliance should be placed in a position where an AC plug / inlet can be easily pulled out by hand. 2 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Safety instructions/Contents) Important Safety Instructions 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 12) 11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. 8) 14) 9) 10) 3 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Safety instructions/Contents) Table of contents Safety Instructions .................................................................................................................2 Read this chapter first! .............................................................................................................9 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................10 MR-8HD main features ........................................................................................................10 Precautions before using ...................................................................................................11 About power supply ...................................................................................................11 Precautions upon installing the MR-8HD ...............................................................11 Notes on repair ...........................................................................................................11 About copyrights ........................................................................................................11 About damages ...........................................................................................................11 Note on audio interruption .......................................................................................11 Notes on USB connection with Mac OS ....................................................................11 The basics of the MR-8HD ..................................................................................................12 Recording method ......................................................................................................12 About song ...................................................................................................................13 Remain (recordable space left on the disk) ............................................................13 Time base .....................................................................................................................14 Input and repro monitor ...........................................................................................14 TRIM control ................................................................................................................15 Names and functions .............................................................................................................17 Top panel 1 ............................................................................................................................18 Top panel 2 ............................................................................................................................20 Rear panel .............................................................................................................................22 LCD display ..........................................................................................................................23 Home screen ................................................................................................................23 Selecting a time base mode ......................................................................................24 Adjusting the display contrast .................................................................................24 MENU mode screen ....................................................................................................25 Warning message .......................................................................................................25 Basic operations .....................................................................................................................27 About power .........................................................................................................................28 Power connection .......................................................................................................28 About the standby mode ......................................................................28 Turning on the unit ....................................................................................................28 Listening the demo song ....................................................................................................29 Connecting headphones (or monitor speaker system) ........................................29 Playing back the demo song .....................................................................................30 Creating a song for recording ..........................................................................................31 4 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Safety instructions/Contents) Input connection ..................................................................................................................33 Input channel ..............................................................................................................33 INPUT A SEL switch .....................................................................................................33 Recording track combinations and available input channel(s) ..........................34 Recording onto a single track ............................................................................................35 Preparation for recording .........................................................................................35 Starting recording ......................................................................................................36 Playing back the recorded track ...............................................................................36 Undoing recording (undo/redo) .............................................................................36 Overdubbing basics ............................................................................................................37 Preparation for recording .........................................................................................37 Adjusting the recording levels while listening to track 1 .....................................38 Starting recording ......................................................................................................38 Playing back recorded track .....................................................................................38 Undoing recording (undo/redo) .............................................................................38 Recording onto four tracks simultaneously ....................................................................39 Preparation for recording .........................................................................................39 Starting recording ......................................................................................................40 Playing back recorded tracks ....................................................................................40 Undoing recording (undo/redo) .............................................................................40 Basic mixdown .....................................................................................................................41 Mixdown to an analog recorder ...............................................................................41 Mixdown to a digital recorder ..................................................................................42 Advanced playback and locates functions .........................................................................43 3 x cueing ..............................................................................................................................44 Playback between LOCATE A and B points .....................................................................44 Play mode ..............................................................................................................................45 Selecting a play mode ................................................................................................45 Auto play mode ...........................................................................................................46 Auto return mode .......................................................................................................46 Loop mode ...................................................................................................................46 Loop function in auto punch in/out mode ........................................47 Locate function ....................................................................................................................48 Time locate ..................................................................................................................48 Locating to the beginning (ABS ZERO) of a song ...............................48 Locating to the recording end point (REC END) of a song ...............48 Locating to the LOCATE A or LOCATE B point ........................................................49 Setting the LOCATE A or LOCATE B point ..........................................49 Locating ...................................................................................................50 Punch in/out .............................................................................................................................51 Punch in/out using the keys on the top panel ..................................................................52 Punch in/out using the footswitch .....................................................................................53 Auto punch in/out .................................................................................................................54 Setting the punch-in and punch-out points ...........................................................54 Rehearsal for auto punch in/out ..............................................................................55 Actual auto punch in/out ..........................................................................................56 5 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Safety instructions/Contents) Using effects ............................................................................................................................57 Using the insert effects .......................................................................................................58 Mic simulation effects ................................................................................................58 Amp simulation effects ..............................................................................................58 Applying external effects ....................................................................................................59 Using the reverb or delay ....................................................................................................60 Selecting an effect type ..............................................................................................60 Selecting a delay type ................................................................................................60 Adjusting the delay/reverb time .............................................................................61 Adjusting the effect send levels ................................................................................61 Using the mastering effects ...............................................................................................62 Selecting the desired effect type ..............................................................................62 Track bouncing .......................................................................................................................63 Preliminary knowledge .......................................................................................................64 Track bouncing example ...........................................................................................64 Signal flow of track bouncing ...................................................................................65 Bouncing tracks 1 through 4 to tracks 5/6 ........................................................................66 Rehearsal of track bouncing .....................................................................................66 Actual track bouncing ...............................................................................................67 Checking the bounced signals on tracks 5/6 .........................................................67 Bouncing tracks 1 through 6 to tracks 7/8 ........................................................................68 Rehearsal of track bouncing .....................................................................................68 Actual track bouncing ...............................................................................................69 Checking the bounced signals on tracks 7/8 .........................................................69 Bouncing tracks 1 through 8 to a new song .....................................................................70 Rehearsal of track bouncing .....................................................................................70 Actual track bouncing ...............................................................................................71 Mixing signals of inputs A through D ................................................................................72 Connecting sound sources to INPUT A through INPUT D ....................................72 [TO STEREO BUSS ON/OFF] key setting ...................................................................72 Panning setting for INPUT A through INPUT D ......................................................73 Bouncing the desired part of a song .................................................................................74 Rhythm guide function ..........................................................................................................75 Using the rhythm guide function .......................................................................................76 Setting the time signature and tempo .....................................................................76 Creating the conductor map ..............................................................................................78 Setting the signature map .........................................................................................78 Editing a time signature event .............................................................80 Deleting an unnecessary time signature event .................................80 Editing the bar offset ..................................................................................................81 Setting the tempo map ...............................................................................................82 Editing a tempo event ...........................................................................84 Deleting an unnecessary tempo event ...............................................84 6 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Safety instructions/Contents) MIDI synchronization .............................................................................................................85 Synchronization using MTC ...............................................................................................86 Connection ..................................................................................................................86 Settings of the MR-8HD and MIDI sequencer .........................................................86 MIDI sync/MTC frame rate settings .........................................................................86 Synchronization using MIDI clock .....................................................................................87 Connection ..................................................................................................................87 Settings of the MR-8HD and MIDI sequencer .........................................................87 Data export to a personal computer .....................................................................................89 WAV file conversion .............................................................................................................90 Enabling the file conversion .....................................................................................90 Procedure of file conversion .....................................................................................90 Exporting data to a personal computer ............................................................................92 Connection to a personal computer ........................................................................92 Notes on exporting a file ............................................................................................92 Exporting a WAV file to a personal computer ........................................................93 Protecting the hard disk ...................................................................................................... 4 9 Archiving a song ..................................................................................................................95 Song management .................................................................................................................97 Selecting the desired song .................................................................................................98 Editing a song name ............................................................................................................99 Deleting an unnecessary song ......................................................................................100 Protecting a song .............................................................................................................101 Track editing ..........................................................................................................................103 Erasing track data ..............................................................................................................104 Copying/pasting track data ..............................................................................................105 Moving track data ...............................................................................................................107 Exchanging whole track data ...........................................................................................108 Part editing .............................................................................................................................111 Playing back the "part" (Between LOCATE A and LOCATE B) to be edited......112 Changing an edit point during editing .................................................................112 Editing the part(s) ..............................................................................................................113 Copying/pasting the part(s)-1 ..........................................................................................114 Copying/pasting the part(s)-2 ..........................................................................................116 Copying to the clipboard ........................................................................................116 Pasting clipboard data .............................................................................................117 7 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Safety instructions/Contents) Moving the part(s) ............................................................................................................ .119 Exchange the parts ............................................................................................................120 Other functions .....................................................................................................................123 Hard disk formatting ..........................................................................................................124 Peak hold time setting .......................................................................................................125 Pre-roll/post-roll time setting ...........................................................................................126 Beat resolution mode on/off .............................................................................................127 Phantom power on/off .......................................................................................................128 Initializing the MR-8HD ......................................................................................................130 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................131 Trouble for recording .........................................................................................................132 Trouble for playback ..........................................................................................................133 Trouble for effect ................................................................................................................134 Trouble for USB connection .............................................................................................134 Other troubles .....................................................................................................................135 MR-8HD Specifications ........................................................................................................137 Specifications .....................................................................................................................138 Physical dimensions .........................................................................................................139 Block diagram ....................................................................................................................140 MIDI implementation chart ...............................................................................................142 Index ....................................................................................................................................143 Declaration of EC Directive ..............................................................................................144 8 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Read this chapter first!) Read this chapter first! This chapter describes precautions before using, as well as features and basic knowledge of the MR-8HD. To understand the MR-8HD features and basic functions, read this chapter before using. 9 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Read this chapter first!) Introduction Thank you very much for purchasing the Fostex MR-8HD digital multitracker. The MR-8HD is a digital multitracker which can record 8-track audio at 44.1 kHz/16 bits on the internal 3.5-inch hard disk. Up to four tracks can be recorded simultaneously. The MR-8HD 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 bouncing and mixdown within the digital domain, ensuring no loss of sound quality. MR-8HD main features · You can record high quality audio to the built-in high performance 3.5-inch hard disk drive (40MB). You can also edit recorded audio later without sound deterioration. Up to 99 songs can be recorded. · Provides four analog input channels and up to four tracks can be recorded simultaneously. Signals of four input channels ([INPUT A] through [INPUT D]) can be mixed to the stereo buss (Pre mastering effects). · You can bounce all eight tracks to a new song, which is automatically created in the bouncing process. · An ASP digital effect processor (delay/ reverb) with the algorithm newly developed by Fostex is built in, allowing effect processing to tracks 1 through 4 during track bouncing. In addition, the MR-8HD also provides insert effects for microphone and amplifier simulation for coloring sounds. · The dedicated mastering effects are built in for the stereo buss, allowing you to process sounds during track bouncing or final mixdown. · The adoption of self-illuminated keys allows intuitive operation. · Phantom power is built in, allowing direct connection of condenser microphones. · The rhythm guide function is provided. You can make global time signature/tempo setting for a simple song or create a conductor map for a more complicate song, and output the guide click. · Song data (on mono WAV files on tracks 7 and 8) mastered by the MR-8HD can be converted to a stereo WAV file easily. You can export the converted file to a personal computer and create an audio CD using the CD burn function of the PC. · The [DIGITAL OUT] port outputs S/PDIF format digital signals. You can make mixdown or digital copy to an external DAT or MD recorder. · The whole or a part of track data can be edited (i.e. copied, pasted, moved, exported, exchanged and erased). · The [MIDI OUT] port is provided. You can synchronize the MR-8HD with external MIDI devices (MIDI sequencer, etc.) using MTC or MIDI clock. 10 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Read this chapter first!) Precautions before using About power supply · Be sure to connect the MR-8HD 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-8HD 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-8HD in an area with a different power voltage, first consult your dealer or the nearest Fostex service station. · The [POWER] switch cannot turn off the power completely. When this switch is "up", the MR-8HD enters standby mode (i.e. the power does not completely turned off). Therefore, if you do not use the MR-8HD for a long time, we recommend unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet. · It is very dangerous to use a power cord that is frayed or damage. In such a case, stop using the MR-8HD immediately and ask your dealer to repair the cord. Notes on repair · The MR-8HD 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 original packing carton of the MR-8HD when you transport or send the MR-8HD to the dealer or Fostex service station for repair. If you have discarded the packing carton, pack the MR-8HD using shock absorbing materials. Fostex is not responsible for malfunction or damage due to incomplete packaging or caused during transportation. · Because the MR-8HD is a consumer product, Fostex does not offer on-site service or provide a loaner unit while your MR-8HD is under repair. 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. Model name, power requirement, serial number and other information for the MR-8HD are shown at the bottom of the unit. MODEL MR-8HD DIGITAL MULTITRACKER FOSTEX CO. 100 - 230V ~ SERIAL NO. MADE IN CHINA About damages · Fostex is not responsible for any "direct damage" or "indirect damage" caused by using the MR-8HD. 14W 60Hz Notes on 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 installing the MR-8HD · Do not install the MR-8HD 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). Note on USB connection with Mac OS · Before you connect the MR-8HD to a Macintosh computer, make sure that the OS is Mac OS X or higher. The MR-8HD supports only Mac OS X or higher. If you connect the MR-8HD to a Macintosh computer with Mac OS lower than "OS X", song data on the MR-8HD may be damaged. 11 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Read this chapter first!) The basics of the MR-8HD This section describes the basics of the MR-8HD you should know before using the MR8HD. Recording method The MR-8HD is fitted with a 3.5-inch hard disk drive. Songs are recorded on a hard disk along with the ABS time (from 00m00s000ms to 99m59s999ms). INPUT A SELECT D I G I TA L M U LT I T R A C K E R INPUT A BAL INPUT B BAL INPUT C BAL INPUT D BAL L STEREO OUT R UNBAL /GUITAR PHONES INSERT UNBAL UNBAL UNBAL 1 2 DISTORTION TRIM TRIM TRIM TRIM PHONES VOL MIN MAX LINE PEAK ON/ OFF MIC LINE PEAK MIC LINE PEAK MIC LINE PEAK MIC MIN MAX GUITAR ON/ OFF TO STEREO BUSS ON/ OFF ON/ OFF POWER DYNAMIC CONDENSER TUBE MIC SIMULATION EFFECT REVERB / DELAY TIME RHYTHM GUIDE TIME BASE SELECT CONTRAST INPUT A BRIT STACK US METAL 60'S COMBO AMP SIMULATION MIN ROOM MAX HALL 1-4 > 5/6 1-6 > 7/8 NEW 1-8 >SONG 7/8 >STEREO WAV FILE BOUNCE MENU / ENTER EFFECT SEND 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 PLATE DELAY ABC1 POWERFUL DEF2 NATURAL GHI3 BRIGHT MASTERING 3.5-inch hard disk drive PAN L R L R L R L R JKL4 MNO5 LOCATE AUTO PUNCH PLAY MODE A / IN B / OUT STORE UNDO/REDO REC SELECT 1 2 3 4 5/6 7/8 MASTER PQR6 MAX STU7 VWX8 YZ9 +-_0 DELETE MAX RECORD STOP PLAY REWIND F FWD MIN MIN LOCATE REC END LOCATE ABS ZERO A-B PLAY The ABS time shows the absolute time on a hard disk and you can start recording from any desired time within the range between 00m00s000ms and 99m59s999ms ABS time. The beginning of a song 0m00s000ms (ABS ZERO) 05m00s000ms 10m00s000ms 15m00s000ms (REC END) 99m59s999ms Recorded area Non-recorded area Recorded area Non-recorded area ...... You can start recording from any desired time within the range between 00m00s000ms and 99m59s999ms ABS time. As the MR-8HD does not consume the disk space when no audio is recorded, you can record audio effectively, while the recordable time for a tape recorder depends on the tape length. Non recorded area (shown in white) 0m00s000ms 5-minute recording 5-minute recording 99m59s999ms Non-recorded area (remain) ...... Recorded area (shown in gray) 12 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Read this chapter first!) About song To understand songs, imagine separated rooms as shown below. Each room can be regarded as a song. With the MR-8HD, you can create up to 99 rooms (songs) on the hard disk (although the available space may limit the number of songs). Song01 Song05 Recorded track data is stored in a song as mono WAV files, as shown below. Song02 Track 1 Track 2 Track 8 Song03 Song98 Song01 WAV files Song04 Song99 Each song is independent on a disk 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 99). Recorded track data is stored in a song as mono WAV files. The MR-8HD can convert the two WAV files recorded on tracks 7 and 8 (L and R) to a stereo WAV file (see page 90). You can export the converted stereo WAV file to your USB-connected personal computer, and use the file by a music software application or make an original audio CD using a CD burn software application (see page 92). Remain (recordable space left on the disk) "Remain" shows how much time you can further record audio data to the available space left on the internal hard disk. As described earlier, the MR-8HD stripes ABS time from 0m00s000ms to 99m59s999ms at maximum for each song. However, the remaining time (= available recording time left) depends on the available space on the hard disk in actual use. The remaining 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. Remain value A "mono" track means a single track. Therefore, you can calculate the remaining time for recording to more than one track by dividing the displayed time by the number of tracks. Note that the remaining time shown on the screen is an approximate time. 13 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Read this chapter first!) 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 two time base modes: ABS time and bar/beat mode. Each screen example below shows the recorder is located at the beginning of a song in each time base mode. ABS time mode: ABS time stands for Absolute time, which is "striped" on the disk when creating a song. It starts from 0m00s000ms (=ABS zero, the beginning of a song) and ends by 99m59s999ms at maximum. Bar/beat mode: The bar/beat/clock information is created according to the internal tempo map. The ABS zero position is set to "bar -2/beat 1/clk 000" by default (this is called "bar offset"). The MR-8HD determines the bar/beat/clock value in a song in referenced to the bar offset, as well as the time signature map and tempo map. You can set the bar offset between bar 1 to bar -8 via the menu mode (see page 81). The figure below shows the relation between two time base modes. The beginning of a song 0m00s000ms (ABS ZERO) 0m03s000ms 0m06s000ms ABS time mode -2bar 1 000clk 1bar 1 000clk 3bar 1 000clk Bar/beat mode Input monitor and repro monitor Each of the MR-8HD tracks has two output modes: repro monitor and input monitor. In the repro monitor mode, the track playback signal is output. So if you want to listen to the track playback sound, select the repro monitor mode. In the input monitor mode, the input signal fed to the track is output. So you can check the level of the input signal to be recorded. To enter a MR-8HD 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. Input signals for recorder tracks Output signals from recorder tracks Playback signal (repro monitor) Track 1 Playback signal (repro monitor) Track 2 Track 3 READY Track 4 READY Track 5 Track 6 Track 7 Track 8 Input signal (input monitor) Input signal (input monitor) Playback signal (repro monitor) Playback signal (repro monitor) Playback signal (repro monitor) Playback signal (repro monitor) 14 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Read this chapter first!) [TRIM] control You must pay great attention to the [TRIM] control adjustment when recording to the MR-8HD. INPUT A BAL INPUT B BAL INPUT C BAL INPUT D BAL UNBAL /GUITAR INSERT UNBAL UNBAL UNBAL DISTORTION TRIM TRIM TRIM TRIM [TRIM] control MIN MAX LINE GUITAR PEAK MIC LINE PEAK MIC LINE PEAK MIC LINE PEAK MIC ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF PEAK LED The analog signal received at each input ([INPUT A] through [INPUT D]) is sent to the TRIM control, by which the signal level fed to the A/D converter of the MR-8HD 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. Proper level Clipping level The level is too high. Clipping level 15 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Read this chapter first!) 16 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Names and functions) Names and functions This chapter describes the names and functions of the controls, keys, connectors, etc. on the MR-8HD top panel and rear panel, as well as details of the display. See this chapter whenever you want to know the function of a control, key, etc. 17 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Names and functions) Top panel 1 1 INPUT A SELECT 23 4 5 6 7 8 D I G I TA L M U LT I T R A C K E R INPUT A BAL INPUT B BAL INPUT C BAL INPUT D BAL STEREO OUT L R UNBAL /GUITAR PHONES INSERT UNBAL UNBAL UNBAL 1 2 21 DISTORTION TRIM TRIM TRIM TRIM PHONES VOL 20 MIN MAX LINE PEAK ON/ OFF MIC LINE PEAK MIC LINE PEAK MIC LINE PEAK MIC MIN MAX GUITAR 19 18 17 16 15 ON/ OFF TO STEREO BUSS ON/ OFF ON/ OFF POWER 9 EFFECT REVERB / DELAY TIME RHYTHM GUIDE TIME BASE SELECT CONTRAST 1-4 > 5/6 1-6 > 7/8 1-8 >NEW SONG STEREO 7/8 >WAV FILE BOUNCE DYNAMIC CONDENSER TUBE MIC SIMULATION INPUT A BRIT STACK US METAL 60'S COMBO AMP SIMULATION MIN ROOM MAX HALL 10 MENU / ENTER EFFECT SEND 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 PLATE DELAY ABC1 POWERFUL DEF2 NATURAL GHI3 BRIGHT MASTERING 11 STORE UNDO/REDO +-_0 DELETE PAN L R L R L R L R JKL4 MNO5 LOCATE AUTO PUNCH PLAY MODE A / IN B / OUT REC SELECT 1 2 3 4 5/6 7/8 MASTER PQR6 MAX STU7 VWX8 YZ9 14 MAX RECORD STOP PLAY REWIND F FWD MIN MIN LOCATE REC END LOCATE ABS ZERO A-B PLAY 13 12 1. [INPUT A] input connectors (XLR connector and phone jack) Both the [BAL] XLR connector and [UNBAL/ GUITAR] phone jack are provided. You can connect a guitar, microphone, keyboard, etc. If you connect sources to both the XLR connector and phone jack, the phone input takes priority. When using the [INPUT A] section, select the [INPUT A SEL] switch on the rear panel appropriately according to your usage (see page 33). 3. [INPUT B] input connectors (XLR connector and phone jack) You can connect a guitar, microphone, keyboard, etc. to the [INPUT B] input. Both the [BAL] XLR connector and [UNBAL] phone jack are provided so you can use the appropriate connector according to the sound source. If you connect sources to both the XLR connector and phone jack, the phone input takes priority (see page 33). 2. [INSERT] connector (TRS phone jack) Connects an external effect processor (typically, a compressor/limiter, etc.). For connection between the MR-8HD and the effect processor, use a Y-cable as shown below (see page 59). TIP: SEND GND 4. [INPUT C] input connectors (XLR connector and phone jack) You can connect a guitar, microphone, keyboard, etc. to the [INPUT C] input. Both the [BAL] XLR connector and [UNBAL] phone jack are provided so you can use the appropriate connector according to the sound source. If you connect sources to both the XLR connector and phone jack, the phone input takes priority (see page 33). To the effect input. RING: RETURN From the effect output. 18 MR-8HD Owner's Manual (Names and functions) 5. [INPUT D] input connectors (XLR connector and phone jack) You can connect a guitar, microphone, keyboard, etc. to the [INPUT D] input. Both the [BAL] XLR connector and [UNBAL] phone jack are provided so you can use the appropriate connector according to the sound source. If you connect sources to both the XLR connector and phone jack, the phone input takes priority (see page 33). 14. [REC SELECT] keys Used to select the recording track(s). You can record onto up to four tracks simultaneously. Pressing a key arms or unarms the corresponding track(s). Tracks 5/6 or 7/8 are armed or unarmed simultaneously (see pages 35 through 42). 15. 16. [PAN] controls Control panning for tracks 1 through 4. 6. [STEREO OUT] jacks (L, R) These jacks output the stereo (L and R) buss signals. Connect these jacks to the monitoring equipment or master recorder (see pages 29 and 41). [EFFECT SEND] controls Control the amount of signals from tracks 1 through 4 sent to the internal effect (reverb or delay) (see page 61). 7. [PHONES] jacks (1, 2) Two jacks (1 and 2) are provided. You can use two pairs of stereo headphones with the MR-8HD (see page 29). 17. Insert effect selection 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 "GTR/DIST", you can use the guitar amp simulation effect (see page 58). 8. [PHONES VOL] control Adjusts the headphone output level (see page 30). 9. [POWER] switch Switches between standby mode and power on (see page 28). To turn off the power when the power is on, press and hold down the [POWER] switch for a few seconds. 18. [TO STEREO BUSS ON/OFF] keys Each key selects whether or not sending the corresponding input signal to the stereo L/ R busses (see page 72). Each press of the key alternates ON and OFF. When ON, the key illuminates in green. When OFF, it is unlit. When the corresponding input is assigned to a recording track, the key flashes in green. A long press of the key enters the input menu of the MENU mode, in which you can set phantom power on/off, panning, etc. (see page 128). : This switch cannot turn off the power completely. When this switch is "up", the MR-8HD enters standby mode (i.e. the power does not completely turned off). Therefore, if you do not use the MR-8HD for a long time, we recommend unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet. 10. [REVERB/DELAY TIME] control This control adjusts the reverb time or delay time. When you select "ROOM", "HALL" or "PLATE" for the effect type, it adjusts the reverb time.When you select "DELAY", it adjusts the delay time. (See page 61.) 19. [PEAK] indicators Each indicator lights when the input signal is overloaded (see page 15). You should adjust the input gain using the [TRIM] control so that the [PEAK] indicator does not light. 11. [EFFECT] keys These keys are used to select the effect type. You can select from three reverb types (ROOM, HALL and PLATE) and a delay (DELAY). The selected key is lit (see page 60). 20.