Introduction

This section shows the various sections of the unit and explains some important concepts of the MRS-4.

Track

1

2

3

4

V-take

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

■Track mixer

Serves to mix the playback signal of the recorder before sending it to the stereo output jacks. The signal from each of tracks 1 – 4 is sent to the mixer channels 1 – 4 for

Introduction

Internal configuration

The MRS-4 is divided internally into the following three sections.

■Recorder section

The MRS-4 is a 4-track recorder that uses SmartMedia cards for storing data. This allows audio recording/playback on four tracks.

■Effect section

The audio signal can be processed in various ways by the effect section. The MRS-4 offers an insert effect for the input signal as well as a send/return effect and mixdown effect for use on the recorderd signal.

■Mixer section

This section is used for mixing the various signals and supplying them to the other sections. There is an input mixer for

assigning the input signal to various tracks, and a track mixer that adjusts level and sound quality for each track before sending the result to the left and right MASTER jacks.

The illustration below shows the signal flow and how the sections fit together.

Now let's take a closer look at each section.

Recorder section

The recorder section of the MRS-4 has four tracks (separate segments for recording audio data). Up to two tracks can be recorded simultaneously, and up to four tracks can be played back simultaneously. Each of the tracks 1 – 4 has eight virtual tracks (called "V-takes"). In each track, one V-take can be selected for recording/playback. For example, you can record guitar solos onto multiple V-takes, and then compare them later to select the best take.

3

 

4

Currently

5

selected

6

V-takes

7

 

8

 

Effect section

The MRS-4 provides three types of effects: insert effect, mixdown effect, and send/return effect. These effects have different characteristics, as described below.

■Insert effect

This effect operates directly after the input mixer. It is used to modify the input signal before it is recorded.

■Mixdown effect

This effect operates directly before the MASTER faders of the track mixer. It is used to modify the signal mixed from tracks 1 – 4.

■Send/return effect

individual adjustment of EQ, effect send level, panning (left/right playback position), etc. These items are called track parameters.

SmartMedia

To use the MRS-4, a SmartMedia card is required. Before turning the MRS-4 on, insert the card into the front panel slot, as shown in the illustration below.

SmartMedia

CorrectWrong

Introduction

INPUT

MASTER [L]/[R]

Track 1

 

Input

Insert

Track 2

 

mixer

effect

Track 3

AUX IN

 

 

Track 4

 

 

 

Recorder

 

 

 

1 2 3 4

MASTER

Send/return effect

Mixdown effect

Internal configuration

Track mixer

This effect is internally connected to the send/return loop of the mixer section. The effect can be adjusted individually for each track by using the send level control. The higher the setting, the stronger the effect.

Mixer section

The MRS-4 has two types of mixers.

■Input mixer

Serves to adjust the instrument or mic signal input to the MRS-4 and to assign the signal to the desired track.

◆ Caution ◆

●If the card is inserted upside down or with wrong orientation, it does not go all the way in. Do not try to force the card in, because this will damage the card.

●Never insert or remove the SmartMedia card while power to the unit is turned on. Otherwise data may be lost.

●Standard SmartMedia cards (designed for 3.3V) with a capacity from 16 – 128 MB can be used.

●When wishing to use a SmartMedia card that has been formatted in other equipment such as a computer or digital camera, you must format the card again in the MRS-4, as described on page 53.

4

ZOOM MRS-4

ZOOM MRS-4

5