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.
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.
Technical Info
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
