Zoom MRS4B 4-Track Digital Recorder with 32MB SmartMedia Card
No longer available at zZounds
Spatial effects. Quick and hassle free operation. Metronome and Tuner.
Overview
Finally, a full-function, digital mini-studio at the price of a cassette recorder! The Zoom MRS-4 is a very professional 4 track digital recorder with instant access storage on SmartMedia Cards. Each track features a 2-band parametric EQ for sound shaping, a stereo pan control, and an effect send for accessing the internal digital multi-effect processor. Spatial effects such as Hall and Room Reverbs, Delays, Chorus, Mic Preamps, Compression, and Limiting are all loaded into the MRS-4 and a special mixdown effects section lets you tailor the final mix perfectly. The digital format allows for up to 8 virtual takes per track, both manual and Auto Punch I/O with 50 marker positions, auto repeat, track copy and paste, and bounce. Also, with the MRS-4 there is no learning curve. All functions are easily accessible and the backlit LCD displays all function parameters and input, track and output levels for super easy operation. The Card Manager software (free download) converts MRS-4 track files to/from WAV files and can be used with your computer DAW software for unlimited storage and editing. The MRS-4 features two input channels with unbalanced 1/4 in. jacks (mic/line) and L/R 1/4 in. Aux inputs, RCA L/R outputs, headphone out, MIDI out to control outboard gear, and a built in metronome/click track. Operates on 4 "AA" batteries or the optional AC adapter listed above. The MRS4 includes a 32MB SmartMedia card and is compatbile with 64MB and 128MB cards for extended storage capability.…
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With it's simple 4 track cassette-like interface, the new MRS-4 is truly digital recording made easy. Just turn on the power and start recording.
Quick and hassle free operation
When inspiration strikes, you'll be ready. Cumbersome preparation, like mixer routing, rhythm programming and effect setting is no longer a requirement to get started. Just like a cassette-based recorder, the MRS-4 is ready to record as soon as you turn on the power. The custom back-lit LCD screen always displays all functions along with 8 points x 8 level meters (input 1 & 2, track 1-4, master L/R), and location in Minutes/Seconds/m-Seconds plus optionally in Bars and Measures.
Full digital editing and transport positioning
With the MRS-4, extensive digital editing tools are at your fingertips. Copy & Paste makes it a snap to create loops, erase any unnecessary parts or exchange data between tracks. Up to 50 marker points can be inserted anywhere in a song, for immediate Fast Forward and Rewind. A-B repeat from any point or block is possible, and manual and auto punch in/out capabilities are included. The MRS-4 can bounce tracks without any sonic degradation, giving you a virtually unlimited number of great-sounding tracks.
4-tracks playback and 2-tracks recording simultaneously
Up to 2 tracks can be recorded simultaneously. With 8 virtual takes for each 4 physical tracks, you get up to 32 takes of recording. Save your work to the supplied 32MB Smart Media card, and get 17 track-minutes in Hi-Fi mode and 34 track-minutes in Long mode. With an optional 128MB card, you can record up to 135 track-minutes in Long mode. Stereo-Link function enables stereo sources (like synthesizer, sampler, drum machine) to maintain their surround-sound. Stereo bouncing is possible onto virtual takes even when the 4 playback tracks are full.
Three types of effects operation
Insert Effects like the Compressor/Limiter optimize the dynamic range of the input from your guitar, bass, or microphone. Cabinet simulators produce the sound of a natural guitar/bass amp cabinets. Mic-preamp enables adjustment for any sound source to be set at its optimal level. Send/Return Effects such as Hall, Room Doubling, Delay, and Chorus are adjustable using the track parameter function, and provide rich ambience to dry audio tracks. Mix-Down Effects can be used after adjustment of mix balance. Power, Boost and Vocal effects can be used simultaneously with the Send/Return effects for perfectly finished mixes.
Complete mixing functions in a mobile package
The long 45mm faders are perfect for critical mixing without any stress. Independent track parameters, Frequency and Gain for each EQ-high and EQ-low, Effect send level and Pan, allow incredible mixing flexibility. The MRS-4 is light-weight and compact, has a 2 way power supply as Battery and PSU, and will operate for over 5 hours with 4 AA batteries, allowing for flexible song writing anytime, anywhere.
Metronome and Tuner
Once you set the tempo, the metronome automatically starts as recording begins. Temporarily the metronome guides you in recording, and after creating a structure for your songs, you can replace the metronome with a synchronized drum program from a drum machine via MIDI, such as the Zoom MRT-3, and program it right into your mix. Your instruments will always be in tune, thanks to the on-board auto-chromatic tuner.
The Perfectly matched Drum Machine: MRT-3 Micro RhythmTrak
Designed as the perfect rhythm companion to the MRS-4, the MRT-3 RhythmTrak synchronizes seamlessly with the MRS-4 via MIDI. Just connect MRT-3's stereo out to MRS-4's auxiliary input, and they operate beautifully. The drum program won't take up any of the MRS-4's capacity, so the 4 audio tracks can be used just for music sources. The MRT-3 is an excellent stand-alone drum machine, with touch sensitive drum pads, so your original patterns/songs can be programmed right in. An extensive library of patterns and other features are also included.
Managing your Smart Media, data convert using the Card Manager
Once you download the free "MRS-4 Card Manager" software from our Web site www.zoom.co.jp , audio data for each track can be converted to/from WAV or AIFF files and can be used with your desktop DAW software. If you back up the data or set up a library on your computer, the running cost is basically zero. For data transmission, a Smart Media reader/writer with USB interface is a low cost, convenient option. read less
With it's simple 4 track cassette-like interface, the new MRS-4 is truly digital recording made easy. Just turn on the power and start recording.
Quick and hassle free operation
When inspiration strikes, you'll be ready. Cumbersome preparation, like mixer routing, rhythm programming and effect setting is no longer a requirement to get started. Just like a cassette-based recorder, the MRS-4 is ready to record as soon as you turn on the power. The custom back-lit LCD screen always displays all functions along with 8 points x 8 level meters (input 1 & 2, track 1-4, master L/R), and location in Minutes/Seconds/m-Seconds plus optionally in Bars and Measures.
Full digital editing and transport positioning
With the MRS-4, extensive digital editing tools are at your fingertips. Copy & Paste makes it a snap to create loops, erase any unnecessary parts or exchange data between tracks. Up to 50 marker points can be inserted anywhere in a song, for immediate Fast Forward and Rewind. A-B repeat from any point or block is possible, and manual and auto punch in/out capabilities are included. The MRS-4 can bounce tracks without any sonic degradation, giving you a virtually unlimited number of great-sounding tracks.
4-tracks playback and 2-tracks recording simultaneously
Up to 2 tracks can be recorded simultaneously. With 8 virtual takes for each 4 physical tracks, you get up to 32 takes of recording. Save your work to the supplied 32MB Smart Media card, and get 17 track-minutes in Hi-Fi mode and 34 track-minutes in Long mode. With an optional 128MB card, you can record up to 135 track-minutes in Long mode. Stereo-Link function enables stereo sources (like synthesizer, sampler, drum machine) to maintain their surround-sound. Stereo bouncing is possible onto virtual takes even when the 4 playback tracks are full.
Three types of effects operation
Insert Effects like the Compressor/Limiter optimize the dynamic range of the input from your guitar, bass, or microphone. Cabinet simulators produce the sound of a natural guitar/bass amp cabinets. Mic-preamp enables adjustment for any sound source to be set at its optimal level. Send/Return Effects such as Hall, Room Doubling, Delay, and Chorus are adjustable using the track parameter function, and provide rich ambience to dry audio tracks. Mix-Down Effects can be used after adjustment of mix balance. Power, Boost and Vocal effects can be used simultaneously with the Send/Return effects for perfectly finished mixes.
Complete mixing functions in a mobile package
The long 45mm faders are perfect for critical mixing without any stress. Independent track parameters, Frequency and Gain for each EQ-high and EQ-low, Effect send level and Pan, allow incredible mixing flexibility. The MRS-4 is light-weight and compact, has a 2 way power supply as Battery and PSU, and will operate for over 5 hours with 4 AA batteries, allowing for flexible song writing anytime, anywhere.
Metronome and Tuner
Once you set the tempo, the metronome automatically starts as recording begins. Temporarily the metronome guides you in recording, and after creating a structure for your songs, you can replace the metronome with a synchronized drum program from a drum machine via MIDI, such as the Zoom MRT-3, and program it right into your mix. Your instruments will always be in tune, thanks to the on-board auto-chromatic tuner.
The Perfectly matched Drum Machine: MRT-3 Micro RhythmTrak
Designed as the perfect rhythm companion to the MRS-4, the MRT-3 RhythmTrak synchronizes seamlessly with the MRS-4 via MIDI. Just connect MRT-3's stereo out to MRS-4's auxiliary input, and they operate beautifully. The drum program won't take up any of the MRS-4's capacity, so the 4 audio tracks can be used just for music sources. The MRT-3 is an excellent stand-alone drum machine, with touch sensitive drum pads, so your original patterns/songs can be programmed right in. An extensive library of patterns and other features are also included.
Managing your Smart Media, data convert using the Card Manager
Once you download the free "MRS-4 Card Manager" software from our Web site www.zoom.co.jp , audio data for each track can be converted to/from WAV or AIFF files and can be used with your desktop DAW software. If you back up the data or set up a library on your computer, the running cost is basically zero. For data transmission, a Smart Media reader/writer with USB interface is a low cost, convenient option. read less
Specs
Physical tracks: 4
Virtual takes: 32 (8Takes /1Track)
Simultaneous recording tracks: 2
Simultaneous playback tracks: 4
Maximum recording time (on to supplied 32MB Smart Media): 17 track-minutes in Hi-Fi, 34 track-minutes in LONG
Maximum songs: 15
Mark points: 50 points per song
A-B repeat: 1block section
Punch In/Out: Manual and Automatic
Location Display: Min/Sec/m-Sec, Measure/Beat
Track edit: Copy and Paste, Erase, Exchange, Bounce
Fader: 45mm stroke x 5 (Track 1 to 4, Master)
Level meter: 8 points x 8 channels (Input 1/2, Track 1 - 4, Master L/R), Post fader
Track parameter: Equalizer, Effect send, Pan
Equalizer:
High: f = 500 - 8000Hz, Gain = ±12dB
Low: f = 63 - 2000Hz, Gain = ±12dB
Stereo link: Track 1 & 2 or Track 3 & 4
Insert effects: Compressor, Limiter, Cabinet simulator, Microphone pre-amp
Send/Return effects: Hall, Room, Doubling, Delay, Chorus
Mix down effects: Power, Boost, Vocal
Tuner: Auto chromatic type
Metronomes tempo: 40.0 - 250.0
Metronomes beat: 0/4 - 8/4
Metronomes pre count: Off, 2 - 8
Display: Custom LCD with back light
A/D converter: 20-bit 64 times over-sampling
D/A converter: 20-bit 8 times over-sampling
Sampling rate: 32kHz (Hi-Fi), 16kHz (Long)
Compatible smart media: 16MB - 128MB, 3.3V
Inputs 1 & 2: 1/4 in. phone jack x 2, Unbalance
Input level: -50dBm < Variable < +4dBm
Input impedance: 1kOhms < Variable < 500kOhms
AUX input (L/MONO, R): 1/4 in. phone jack x2, Input Impedance 20kOhms
Master output L, R: RCA pin-jack x2
Rated output level: -10dBm (Load impedance 10kOhms or more)
Output impedance: 1kOhms or less
Head phone output: 1/4 in. stereo jack x1, 50mW (At load impedance 32Ohms)
MIDI out: 1
Power supply: 4xAA size battery or 9V 300mA AC adaptor/Center minus type (AD-0006 recommended)
Dimensions: 220(W) x 165(D) x 56.3(H)mm
Weight: 700g (Without Battery)
Supplied accessories: 32MB Smart Media
Optional accessories: AC Adaptor AD-0006, Batteries *0dBm = 0.775Vrms
Virtual takes: 32 (8Takes /1Track)
Simultaneous recording tracks: 2
Simultaneous playback tracks: 4
Maximum recording time (on to supplied 32MB Smart Media): 17 track-minutes in Hi-Fi, 34 track-minutes in LONG
Maximum songs: 15
Mark points: 50 points per song
A-B repeat: 1block section
Punch In/Out: Manual and Automatic
Location Display: Min/Sec/m-Sec, Measure/Beat
Track edit: Copy and Paste, Erase, Exchange, Bounce
Fader: 45mm stroke x 5 (Track 1 to 4, Master)
Level meter: 8 points x 8 channels (Input 1/2, Track 1 - 4, Master L/R), Post fader
Track parameter: Equalizer, Effect send, Pan
Equalizer:
High: f = 500 - 8000Hz, Gain = ±12dB
Low: f = 63 - 2000Hz, Gain = ±12dB
Stereo link: Track 1 & 2 or Track 3 & 4
Insert effects: Compressor, Limiter, Cabinet simulator, Microphone pre-amp
Send/Return effects: Hall, Room, Doubling, Delay, Chorus
Mix down effects: Power, Boost, Vocal
Tuner: Auto chromatic type
Metronomes tempo: 40.0 - 250.0
Metronomes beat: 0/4 - 8/4
Metronomes pre count: Off, 2 - 8
Display: Custom LCD with back light
A/D converter: 20-bit 64 times over-sampling
D/A converter: 20-bit 8 times over-sampling
Sampling rate: 32kHz (Hi-Fi), 16kHz (Long)
Compatible smart media: 16MB - 128MB, 3.3V
Inputs 1 & 2: 1/4 in. phone jack x 2, Unbalance
Input level: -50dBm < Variable < +4dBm
Input impedance: 1kOhms < Variable < 500kOhms
AUX input (L/MONO, R): 1/4 in. phone jack x2, Input Impedance 20kOhms
Master output L, R: RCA pin-jack x2
Rated output level: -10dBm (Load impedance 10kOhms or more)
Output impedance: 1kOhms or less
Head phone output: 1/4 in. stereo jack x1, 50mW (At load impedance 32Ohms)
MIDI out: 1
Power supply: 4xAA size battery or 9V 300mA AC adaptor/Center minus type (AD-0006 recommended)
Dimensions: 220(W) x 165(D) x 56.3(H)mm
Weight: 700g (Without Battery)
Supplied accessories: 32MB Smart Media
Optional accessories: AC Adaptor AD-0006, Batteries *0dBm = 0.775Vrms
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
(118 ratings)
Submitted April 12, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Great tool for the self-produced solo artist"
I'll probably use this until it dies. I may move up to something better (maybe 8 tracks, and certainly a higher sampling rate) in a couple of years. Then I'll use this for recording ideas when I'm away from home.
Sound
Not CD quality, but it's digital and that alone is a huge improvement over some of the analog recordings I made on tape years ago. CD quality requires a sample rate of 44100Hz, and the best this unit does is 32000Hz. Up-sampling is possible (I use the open-source Audacity software for that, and for most of my mixing, on a desktop PC), but the results of resampling are a little flaky sometimes. Quality is quite good overall, but more like MP3 quality than CD. If right now you simply want to put your stuff out on the web, you and your guitar with an overdubbed lead track and maybe a second vocal harmony, this may be the perfect tool for you.
Features
Shipped with a 32MB SmartMedia card. The 128MB card is a must for me, and cost me an additional $70. This is probably my biggest complaint. SmartMedia cards are expensive and seem very flimsy, and the manual for this unit says 128 MB is the limit (in fact, that may be a SmartMedia limitation). I would feel much better about using the cheapier and sturdier CompactFlash cards, especially if ZOOM could reconfigure this to accept up to a 1GB card. I sprang for another $20-25 for the AC adapter, but I've heard that this unit is not too hard on batteries and I hope… read more to put that to the test soon.
Ease of Use
To me the interface is a little clunky but it all works reasonably well, and you just have to commit a little time to figuring it all out (STUDY THE MANUAL). I've also used a much higher-end workstation, the Boss-Roland 1180CD, and found it much easier to master ... but at over $1,000, it should be! On the MRS-4, I use an adapter cable to take the left and right RCA outputs into a 1/4-inch mini plug to my soundcard. Software downloaded from ZOOM's website lets you convert your tracks to WAV or AIF format, whether you've already mixed them down or want to do so on the computer. This downloadable software is one of the funkiest-looking things I've ever seen (the manual, in HTML format, is even funkier), but it works quite well for me in Windows 2000. I think the controls make sense and work well, but the LCD readout is incredibly cryptic until you drill into your head the translations from the manual. Sometimes it's like translating Greek into English. Usability and learning are much affected by this limitation.
Quality
Well put-together. I've seen reviews that mention the plastic construction, but honestly I think this is made very well. It will not take a lot of abuse, but I think of it as a delicate electronic instrument rather than something you throw in the back of the truck on the way to a gig. Take care of it, and it will serve you well. Mine is surrounded by styrofoam in a fiberglass case when I travel with it.
Value
The price can't be beat, when you compare the quality and features with anything else on the market. Not fair to compare it with units twice as expensive, but if I had it to do all over again, I think FOR ME it might be better to save up a little longer and buy something that delivers 44100Hz.
Manufacturer Support
I had a ZOOM 505 effects pedal for guitar that turned out to be defective. ZOOM replaced it, and they were very cool about it. The replacement has delivered excellent results for about 4 years.
The Wow Factor
It looks like what it is. I like that.
Musical Background:
singer-songwriter for 30+ years
Musical Style:
folk, old-time read less
Sound
Not CD quality, but it's digital and that alone is a huge improvement over some of the analog recordings I made on tape years ago. CD quality requires a sample rate of 44100Hz, and the best this unit does is 32000Hz. Up-sampling is possible (I use the open-source Audacity software for that, and for most of my mixing, on a desktop PC), but the results of resampling are a little flaky sometimes. Quality is quite good overall, but more like MP3 quality than CD. If right now you simply want to put your stuff out on the web, you and your guitar with an overdubbed lead track and maybe a second vocal harmony, this may be the perfect tool for you.
Features
Shipped with a 32MB SmartMedia card. The 128MB card is a must for me, and cost me an additional $70. This is probably my biggest complaint. SmartMedia cards are expensive and seem very flimsy, and the manual for this unit says 128 MB is the limit (in fact, that may be a SmartMedia limitation). I would feel much better about using the cheapier and sturdier CompactFlash cards, especially if ZOOM could reconfigure this to accept up to a 1GB card. I sprang for another $20-25 for the AC adapter, but I've heard that this unit is not too hard on batteries and I hope… read more to put that to the test soon.
Ease of Use
To me the interface is a little clunky but it all works reasonably well, and you just have to commit a little time to figuring it all out (STUDY THE MANUAL). I've also used a much higher-end workstation, the Boss-Roland 1180CD, and found it much easier to master ... but at over $1,000, it should be! On the MRS-4, I use an adapter cable to take the left and right RCA outputs into a 1/4-inch mini plug to my soundcard. Software downloaded from ZOOM's website lets you convert your tracks to WAV or AIF format, whether you've already mixed them down or want to do so on the computer. This downloadable software is one of the funkiest-looking things I've ever seen (the manual, in HTML format, is even funkier), but it works quite well for me in Windows 2000. I think the controls make sense and work well, but the LCD readout is incredibly cryptic until you drill into your head the translations from the manual. Sometimes it's like translating Greek into English. Usability and learning are much affected by this limitation.
Quality
Well put-together. I've seen reviews that mention the plastic construction, but honestly I think this is made very well. It will not take a lot of abuse, but I think of it as a delicate electronic instrument rather than something you throw in the back of the truck on the way to a gig. Take care of it, and it will serve you well. Mine is surrounded by styrofoam in a fiberglass case when I travel with it.
Value
The price can't be beat, when you compare the quality and features with anything else on the market. Not fair to compare it with units twice as expensive, but if I had it to do all over again, I think FOR ME it might be better to save up a little longer and buy something that delivers 44100Hz.
Manufacturer Support
I had a ZOOM 505 effects pedal for guitar that turned out to be defective. ZOOM replaced it, and they were very cool about it. The replacement has delivered excellent results for about 4 years.
The Wow Factor
It looks like what it is. I like that.
Musical Background:
singer-songwriter for 30+ years
Musical Style:
folk, old-time read less
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