Zoom MRS8 Multitrack Digital Recorder

The Zoom MRS-8 is a full-featured compact eight-track digital recorder with an incredible array of recording features including dozens of onboard effects, and a fully programmable Drum/Bass Machine with touch-sensitive pads.

Beyond the drums, the MRS-8 has a huge array of instrument, vocal and mastering effects and extensive digital editing capabilities. With 8 physical tracks, each with 10 Virtual-takes, you have up to 80 recording tracks to play with. The MRS-8 has 2-track simultaneous recording at an optional non-compressed, 16 bit linear, 44.1 sampling rate with 24-bit AD/DA resolution. It records to SD memory cards, currently compatible up to 1 GB. The MRS-8 comes with a 128MB SD card included (50 minutes of record time), to get you on your creative way right out of the box.

The MRS-8 offers simultaneous playback of 8 audio tracks plus the drum and bass tracks. A Sequence Play function allows a number of songs to be played back continuously. A Dedicated Master Track is built-in, for mix-down, so there is no need for an external master recorder. Connection-wise, the MRS-8 has everything you need including a 1/4-inch Hi-Z input for Guitar, an XLR combo jack for an external microphone or line level signal, stereo RCA master outputs, headphone out, and MIDI out so MIDI Time Code or MIDI clock can be sent for synchronizing with external devices. Also, the MRS-8 comes with an amazing-sounding front panel mini-condenser microphone.

The MRS-8 is a complete compact recording studio, great for laying down ideas or complete multi-track CD quality music.

Zoom MRS-8 Features

• Portable, all-in-one Multi-track recorder with Multi-effects and Drum/Bass machine with Touch sensitive pads
• 8 physical tracks each with 10 V-takes, totaling 80 virtual tracks 2-Track simultaneous recording with non-compressed, 16 bit linear, 44.1 sampling
• Hi-Z input for Guitar/Bass and XLR input for external dynamic microphone
• Built-in mini Condenser microphone
• High quality PCM Drum/Bass sounds with over 500 pre-programmed rhythm patterns
• Records to SD media cards, compatible to 1 GB or more
• Operates on 4 "AA" batteries or optional AC Adapter (AMS item #RLL PS91ZM).

Recording Time*
• 128MB: 50 minutes
• 256MB: 101 min.
• 512MB: 202 min.
• 1025MB: 403 min.
  *16 bit Compressed 44.1khz sampling

The ultimate in portable recording is here. The MRS-8 is a compact, fully-digital 8-track with a huge array of guitar, bass, vocal and mixdown effects. It has a fully programmable Drum & Bass Machine with touch-sensitive pads. It's also incredibly small-about the size of a laptop computer. Plug in and make a professional quality demo anywhere. There is even a mic built-in for recording on the road. Records to SD Media Cards, compatible to 1GB or more. AC/DC operation for ultra-portability.

8-Track Recorder

Simultaneously record on 2 tracks with 44.1 kHz sampling
Each of the 8 audio tracks has 10 virtual tracks, giving you the equivalent of 80 tracks to play with for each song. You can record guitar solos or vocal parts as often as you like, and then simply pick the best takes later. A 128MB SD card gives a total recording time of 50 minutes. A 1GB card will provide an amazing 6 hours and 42 minutes of recording time.

Track Editing Capability
Copy a good phrase or repeat a part, Move audio data to shift the timing, Erase unneeded sections in a song -the MRS-8 has a complete array of digital editing capabilities. It even has a Reverse effect that runs your sound backwards. The fade-in/out function offers three selectable level curves. Trimming a track to obtain just the right length is a snap. For even more flexibility you can copy, move, delete, or swap entire V-takes and import them from other projects. Because you can bounce in stereo to any track, overdubbing of more than eight tracks is simple.

Marker, A-B Repeat, Auto Punch-in/out
Place up to 100 markers in a song and use the dedicated locate keys to access them. Markers allow you to jump quickly to important points in your song, such as melody parts or the bridge. Dedicated keys are also available for A-B repeat and auto punch-in/out. Easily repeat a passage or re-record a specified section.

Master Track for Creating Final Mix
A dedicated stereo master track is built-in, eliminating the need for an external master recorder during mixdown. Because the master track also has ten V-takes, you can build a number of different mixes for a song. The sequence play function links the master tracks of multiple projects. This is great for having the MRS-8 play along in sync during a live performance.

24 Bit Digital Mixer

The integrated digital mixer features 24-bit processing and can handle 11 tracks including the drum/bass track, plus 2 input channels, for a total of 13 channels. Adjustment parameters for each track include level, 2-band semi-parametric equalizer, effect send level and panning. Stereo sources such as a synthesizer or sampler can be recorded via stereo tracks (5/6 and 7/8) or two mono tracks using the stereo link function. Mixer settings are automatically saved when a project is closed, allowing you to reuse the settings at any time.

Drum & Bass Machine

8 Drum Kits and 5 Bass Guitar Sounds
The drum section includes 68 real sampled drum sounds. Eight drum kits ranging from standard drums with dry voicing to lively rock drums are included, as well as settings like "vintage rhythm machine" for that retro Hip-Hop sound. The incredibly realistic bass sounds include finger, pick, and slap electric bass, acoustic bass and synth-bass.

Touch Sensitive Pads for Creating Original Patterns
The built-in drum pads are touch-sensitive, so you can enter finely nuanced dynamics and control the timing when creating your own patterns. Up to 511 patterns can be stored. The pads are self-lit for useful visual feedback. 475 preset patterns are included, representing various music styles from pop, jazz, and blues to dance and world music. Also built-in are a selection of intros, fills and ending patterns.

Program Rhythm Tracks FAST
In addition to conventional step input, the MRS-8 also supports the innovative FAST (Formula Assisted Song Translator) method. Using the drum pad as a numeric keypad, you can quickly build a rhythm track using formula-style input. For example, to build a pattern that plays pattern number 010 eight times and then repeats pattern 020 sixteen times, simply enter "10 x 8 + 20 x 16" and you're done.

Arrange Rhythm Parts As You Create
The internal rhythm sequencer can be synchronized to the recorder, for interactive creation of rhythm and audio tracks. You might use a single rhythm pattern as a guide when sketching a recording. Once the song takes shape, you can enter a preliminary rhythm pattern with FAST input. Finally use step input to swap patterns, copy measures, or delete unwanted parts. This way, the rhythm track is built up gradually, with a high degree of flexibility. The final rhythm song also contains information about drum and bass level, drum kit and bass program selection, and tempo changes. Entering chord information to automatically transpose a bass line is another possibility.

Multi Effects

Dozens of Guitar, Vocal and Line Insert Effects
The MRS-8 incorporates 94 types of insert effects that are designed for serious recording. Eight different algorithms using six modules are available, grouped by input source such as guitar, mic and line. This allows optimized effect processing for each type of source. The characteristics of 20 famous guitar and bass amps can be duplicated. The compressor/limiter is useful to handle the dynamic range of a live performance, and a microphone preamplifier with five different sound character settings provides the flexibility for studio-quality work. The BPM sync effect links delay time and modulation speed to the tempo of a song, and ARRM (Auto-Repeat Real-time Modulation) controls parameters with an internal waveform generator. 196 effect patches reflecting the expertise of recording pros are preprogrammed.

Send/return Effects
Separately from the insert effects, the MRS-8 has send/return effects for adjusting the depth and spread of each track during mixing. Four types of reverb effects (Hall, Room, Spring, Plate) as well as chorus and delay can be selected. Useful preset patches simulate various acoustic environments such as a concert hall or a live club. Chorus is ideal for vocals and guitar, and the analog-style delay is another intriguing choice among the 40 settings.

Mastering Effects
When you have produced a stereo mix, the mastering effects are great for making those final tweaks in sound quality and sonic intensity. A multi-band compressor allows individual compressor settings for low, mid, and high frequency. This is useful for getting just the right sound pressure balance throughout the entire frequency range. Precisely match the final mix to the requirements of the material, be it dynamic live rock, punchy club music, or warm, mellow acoustic music. Emphasize stereo spread with the "Dimension", choose "Lo-Fi" for punk rock, or use the resonance filter to create remixed versions. Choose from a library of 21 presets that reflect the know-how of seasoned mastering engineers, and you can create CD-quality sound with minimal effort.

Highly Versatile Instrument Tuner
In effect bypass mode, the tuner function is active, allowing easy tuning of instruments without having to unplug. In addition to the integrated auto-chromatic tuner which detects notes in semitone steps, there is a versatile guitar/bass tuner that lets you specify the string for precise tuning. 7-string guitar, open chord, and other unusual tunings are also possible. You can even use the built-in mic to tune acoustic instruments.

Interface & Other Features

Hi-Z Input for Guitar and Balanced XLR Input for Microphone
The input complement includes a combined XLR/phone connector as well as a Hi-Z compatible phone jack. Separate input level controls serve to optimize gain. A mic/line input for two mono or one stereo signal is also provided. An impedance selector accommodates passive guitars as well as high-output active bass and keyboard instruments. In addition to the RCA type master output connectors, a headphone jack is provided.

Compact Integrated Condenser Mic
The built-in electret condenser microphone produces amazingly clear sound from acoustic instruments or vocals. Its high sensitivity makes it a great room mic, for capturing rehearsals or live performances. Record ideas where ever you are, without setting up a mic.

Four Hour Battery Operation
The highly efficient circuit design of the MRS-8 prolongs battery life, allowing four hours of continuous operation on four AA (IEC R6) batteries. For longer sessions an AC adapter (AD-0006) is available, sold separately.

Attractively Simple Design
While being highly compact and portable, the MRS-8 still offers eight physical faders, allowing simultaneous control of rhythm + 8 audio tracks. The backlit LCD is easy to read and shows a wealth of status information at a glance. Menu selections and parameter settings can be made easily, and the cursor keys and value dial assure logical and intuitive operation.

MIDI Compatible
The MIDI OUT connector can be used to supply synchronization messages including MIDI time code and MIDI clock. In combination with a computer or MIDI sequencer, this lets you build a full-fledged MIDI system. Playing information for the built-in drum and bass track can also be supplied, to play external rhythm sources.

WAV/AIFF file Import/Export Capability
If you have a personal computer and an SD card reader/writer, the free "Card Manager" software can be used to import or export audio track data as WAV/AIFF files. Compatibility with popular DAW software and other MRS series devices enables flexible use of audio files. If your computer has a CD burner, you can create audio CDs from material you have recorded. When the SD card you use with your MRS-8 has become full, simply copy the data to a computer and reuse the card.