Recording method

The MR-8 records audio on a CompactFlashTM card. Songs are recorded on a card along with the ABS time (00m00.000s through 60m00.000s). The ABS time shows the absolute time on a card and you can start recording from any desired time within the range between 00m00.000s and 60m00.000s ABS time.
Beginning of the song 0m00.000s 05m00.000s (ABS ZERO) recorded area 10m00.000s 15m00.000s (REC END) 60m00.000s

About song

To understand songs, imagine separated rooms as shown below. With the MR-8, you can create up to 99 songs on a card (although the available space may limit the number of songs).

Song01

Song05

unrecorded area

recorded area

unrecorded area.

Song02
You can record at any point within 60 minutes in ABS time.
As the MR-8 does not consume the card space when no audio is recorded, you can record audio effectively, while the recordable time for a tape recorder depends on the CompactFlashTM card capacity.
0m00.000s recorded area 5 minute recording recorded area 5 minute recording 60m00.000s unrecorded area (remain).

Song03

Song98

Song04

Song99

Song mode

The MR-8 provides two song modes: Normal and Extended modes. You can select an appropriate mode when creating a new song (see page 21).
Each song is independent on a card 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 57). Recorded track data is stored in a song as mono WAV files, as shown below.

Normal mode:

Audio quality takes precedence over the recording time. In this mode, you can record and play back 8-track audio at 44.1 kHz, 16 bit. The recorded audio can be output digitally from the [DIGITAL OUT] connector, allowing digital copy to an external digital device (such as an MD and DAT).

Track 1

Track 2

Track 8

WAV file

Extended mode:

The recording time takes precedence. In this mode, you can record and play back 8-track audio at 22.05 kHz, 16 bit. You can get longer recording time than the normal mode (see page 16). Note that audio recorded in the extended mode cannot be output digitally from the [DIGITAL OUT] connector.
The MR-8 can convert the two WAV files bounced to tracks 7 and 8 (L and R) to a stereo WAV file (see page 86). You can export the converted stereo WAV file to your USB-connected personal computer, and use the file by a computer music software or burn the file to a CD-R/CD-RW disc for making an original audio CD using a CD-RW drive connected to the computer (see page 88).

Preparation for recording onto a new card
Before recording a material onto a new card (which is operation-confirmed by Fostex), carry out the following procedure for preparation.
<Correction and deletion>
To correct a character entered, use the [CURSOR / ] keys to move the cursor to the character you want to correct, and reenter the desired character. By moving the cursor to the last character and pressing the [1-4>5/6, 1-6>7/8] key repeatedly, you can delete all characters.
You have to enter a song name. If you go to the next operation without entering a song name, the warning message appears and the display shows the song name entry screen. If you enter a song name which is already used in the card, the same warning message appears. You can change a song name whenever you like in the menu mode (see page 58).
<Note> You can use a card which has been used with a digital camera or personal computer if the card is operation-confirmed. However, depending on the use of the card, the remaining space for recording with the MR-8 may be small. Therefore, we recommend to format the card by your digital camera or personal computer before using it with the MR-8. If you cannot format such a card with another device, you can format the card with the MR8 using the "Card Format" menu after creating a new song by the following procedure. See page 25 for formatting a card with the MR-8.
1) While the MR-8 power is off, remove the supplied card from the slot and insert a new card to the slot. 2) Turn on the MR-8 power. After showing the startup screen, the display automatically shows the "Select Song" screen of the Song menu, on which you can create song 01.
12) Highlight [ENTER] at the bottom of the screen using the [CURSOR ] key, and press the [ENTER] key. The screen changes to show the Song menu screen. To cancel creating a song, highlight [CANCEL] and press the [ENTER] key in the step above.
As described earlier, set the song mode (Normal or Extended) and song name to create song 01. After creating a song, you can make recording onto the card.
13) Press the [MENU] key to quit the menu mode. To create another song, follow the same procedure above. You can also delete an unnecessary song (see page 59).
Creating a song/selecting a song
This section describes how to create a new song on a card and how to select a desired song among more than one song created.

Creating a song

In the following procedure, we assume that song 1 (S01) is already created on the card and we are going to created a new song. 4) Highlight "---:New Song" using the [CURSOR ] key, then press the [ENTER] key. The display now shows the screen on which you can select the song mode of the new song you are going to create.

Select a recording track by pressing any one of the [REC SELECT] keys. When selecting a mono recording track, only the [INPUT A] section can be used. Note that you cannot use the [INPUT B] section.

REC SEL

An internal microphone is built in the [INPUT A] section. You can select a sound source of the [INPUT A] section between this built-in microphone or an external source (a guitar or mic/line source) using the [INPUT A SELECT] switch.

[INPUT A SELECT] switch

MIC/LINE:
TRACK 1 TRACK 2 TRACK 3 TRACK 4

BALANCE

UNBALANCE
Recording onto stereo track
Select a pair of recording tracks (1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5/6, or 7/8) by pressing the appropriate [REC SELECT] key(s). Note that you can select tracks 5/6 or 7/8 by pressing a single key, while you have to select tracks "1 and 2" or "3 and 4" by pressing appropriate two keys. When selecting stereo recording tracks, both the [INPUT A] and [INPUT B] sections can be used. The signals from the [INPUT A] and [INPUT B] sections are recorded onto the odd and even tracks, respectively.
Set the switch to this position when connecting an external microphone or line-level source such as a keyboard. Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connectors can be used. Use the [TRIM] control to adjust the input level. When setting the switch to the MIC/LINE position, the microphone simulation effect can be inserted.

GUITAR:

INT MIC MIC/LINE GUITAR

TRACK 1 TRACK 2

Set the switch to this position when connecting a guitar. Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connectors can be used. Use the [TRIM] control to adjust the input level and use the [DISTORTION] control to control the distortion applied to the source. When setting the switch to the GUITAR position, the guitar amplifier simulation effect can be inserted.

TRACK 3 TRACK 4

INT MIC:

TRACK 5

INPUT B

TRACK 6

TRACK 7

TRACK 8

Set the switch to this position when using the built-in microphone. Use the [TRIM] control to adjust the input level. When setting the switch to this position, you cannot use the [INPUT A] input connectors, as well as the insert effect.

6) While playing the keyboard, adjust the recording level using the [TRIM] controls on the [INPUT A] and [INPUT B] sections.
The screen shows the input levels of tracks 5 and 6, as well as the output levels of the stereo outputs (L and R). Turning the [PHONES VOL] control clockwise raises the headphone monitor level.
Playing back the recorded tracks
9) While holding down the [STOP] key, press the [REWIND] key.
10) Press the [PLAY] key to start playback.
You can adjust the monitor level using the fader for tracks 5/6, [MASTER] fader or [PHONES VOL] control. If you are not satisfied with the result, use the undo/ redo function to cancel the recording and try again. If you are satisfied with the result, make recording onto the other track(s) by following the same procedure.
Adjust each of the [TRIM] control properly so that the PEAK indicator does not light at the loudest part of the keyboard sound. If the input level is too high, the PEAK indicator lights and the sound may be distorted or noisy.

NO YES

7) While holding down the [RECORD] key, press the [PLAY] key to start recording.
<Note> When the recorder starts running, the meter for track 1 (onto which you recorded the guitar) shows the playback level. By raising the fader for track 1, you can record the keyboard onto tracks 5-6 while listening to the guitar on track 1 (i.e. overdubbing). <Notes>
8) When finishing recording, press the [STOP] key to stop the recorder. <Tips>
After completing recording, press the [REC SELECT] key for tracks 5/6 to unarm tracks 5/6.

Punch in/out

Using the punch in/out function of the MR-8, you can overwrite a desired part of the recorded track. "Punch in" means switching from playback to record, while "punch out" means switching form record to playback. The following description is assumed that the song you are going to make punch in/out recording to is loaded and the preparations for recording is completed. Punch in/out using the keys on the top panel
<Note> The punch in/out operation by yourself using the keys on the top panel sometimes disturbs you to concentrate on playing. In such a case, ask someone to operate the MR-8, or use the other two ways described later.
1) Press the [REC SELECT] key for the track you are going to make punch in/out recording.

The track is armed.

Punch in/out using the footswitch
You can make hands-free punch in/out recording using the Fostex Model 8051 optional footswitch or an unlatched-type footswitch. 1) Connect the footswitch to the [FOOT SW] jack on the MR-8 rear panel.
2) Locate the recorder to the point before the punchin point and then press the [PLAY] key to start play back.
It may be a good idea to play the instrument along with the playback sound, so that you can get the tempo and feel.

You can use mic simulation effects when the [INPUT A SELECT] switch on the rear panel is set to "GUITAR". (Note that, when the switch is set to "GUITAR", only the [UNBAL/GUITAR] connector can be used.
"GUITAR" position

Mic simulation effects

You can use mic simulation effects when the [INPUT A SELECT] switch on the rear panel is set to "MIC/LINE".
You can choose from three guitar amp simulation effects by pressing any of BRIT STACK, US METAL and 60's COMBO keys. The selected key is lit.
"MIC/LINE" position
You can choose from three mic simulation effects by pressing any of DYNAMIC, CONDENSER and TUBE keys. The selected key is lit.
Details of each amp simulation effect

BRIT STACK

Simulates a popular British stuck-type guitar amplifier. Simulates a popular US high gain metal guitar amplifier. Simulates a popular tube combo guitar amplifier.

US METAL

In addition, when the [INPUT A SELECT] switch is set to "GUITAR", you can also apply distortion to the guitar sound by raising the [DISTORTION] control to the appropriate position.

Selecting a delay type

When pressing the [DELAY] key to select the delay effect, you can select a delay type.
1) While the recorder is stopped, press the [MENU] key to enter the menu mode.
The MENU screen is shown in which "System" is highlighted.

[DISTORTION] control

Using the reverb or delay
The MR-8 incorporates the original reverb/delay effects featuring the newly-developed algorithm. You can apply the reverb or delay to playback signals of tracks 1 through 4 during mixdown and track bounce. 2) While "System" is highlighted, press the [ENTER] key.
The display now shows the system menu screen.

Selecting an effect type

You can select an effect type from among three reverb options (ROOM, HALL and PLATE) and a delay (DELAY) by using the [EFFECT] keys shown below. The selected key is lit.
3) Use the [CURSOR ] key to highlight "Delay Type" and then press the [ENTER] key.
The current delay type starts flashing and now you can select a desired type from among three options shown below ("L-R" is initially selected).

MIN ROOM

MAX HALL

PLATE DELAY

DELAY L-R
L-R delay (default) Mono delay Diffusion delay
Details of each effect type

ROOM HALL PLATE

Simulates the reverb in a medium-sized room. Simulates the reverb in a typical hall with moderate early reflection. Simulates a plate reverb with a wide frequency range. You can select from among three delay types; Mono,

In the following description, it is assumed that a CompactFlashTM card with recorded data is set in the slot. 1) Load a desired song to be played back.
See page 23 for details about how to select a song.
Playback between LOCATE A and B points
When the LOCATE A and LOCATE B points are set, you can playback between these points once. This function is always available regardless of the play mode setting (see "Play mode" on page 50). This function allows you to check the editing part (between LOCATE A and B points) for copy/paste, erase, etc. See "Part editing" on page 68.
2) Press the [PLAY] key to start playback.
The meters on the screen shows playback levels of tracks.
3) Use track faders to control track playback levels, as well as use the [MASTER] fader to control the total level.
If you monitor the sound via headphones, you can use the [PHONES VOL] control to adjust the monitor level.
Note that you have to set the LOCATE A and B points to use this function. See page 53 for details about how to set the LOCATE A and B points.
4) Set the [PAN] control for each track (1~4) to the desired position.
1) While the recorder is stopped, press the [PLAY] key while holding down the [STOP] key.
The MR-8 plays back audio data between the LOCATE A and LOCATE B points once, then stops. During playback, you can monitor playback audio of the desired track(s) by raising the appropriate track fader(s), as well as the [MASTER] fader and [PHONES VOL] control.

3 x playback (cueing)

By pressing the [F FWD] or [REWIND] key during playback, you can monitor playback at 3 x speed. It may be useful for searching a specific position. * Press the [F FWD] key during playback.
The recorder plays back in normal direction at 3 x speed.

LOCATE A point

LOCATE B point
* Press the [REWIND] key during playback.
The recorder plays back in reverse direction at 3 x speed.
If you carry out the operation above when the LOCATE A point is set ahead of the LOCATE B point (i.e. LOCATE A > LOCATE B), the MR-8 plays back audio data between the LOCATE A and REC END points once, then stops.

Play mode

The MR-8 offers special play modes including Auto play, Auto return and Loop playback.

Auto play mode

In the Auto play mode, when executing the locate function, the recorder automatically starts playback from the locate point.

ABS ZERO 0m00.000s REC END 3m 03.000s

LOCATE ABS ZERO

LOCATE REC END function
* While the recorder is stopped, press the [F FWD] key while holding down the [STOP] key.
The MR-8 immediately locates to the recording end of the song (REC END).

ABS ZERO - 3m03.000s

REC END 0m 00.000s
* While the recorder is stopped with the time base set to "time counter", press the [COUNTER RESET] key.
The time counter is reset to "0m00.000s".
Locating to the LOCATE A or LOCATE B point
You can store desired points (time data) of a song as the LOCATE A and LOCATE B points. These time data can be used not only for locating, but also for auto punch in/out, play modes and part editing.

Storing a locate point

You can store the LOCATE A or LOCATE B point while the recorder is running or stops at the desired point, regardless of time base setting.

Locating to counter zero

You can locate to the zero position of the time counter regardless of the current time base setting (even if the time base is set to ABS or Bar/ beat). * While the recorder is stopped, press the [0 RETURN] key.
The recorder locates to "0m00.000s" in time counter base.
If a song is record-protected, you cannot store the LOCATE A and LOCATE B points. If you want to store these points, you must release the protection in advance (see page 20 and 60).
The LOCATE A point must be earlier than the LOCATE B point. If not, you cannot carry out the auto punch in/out or loop function correctly.
While the time base is set to "Bar/Beat", setting "beat resolution" in the menu to "On" allows you to store the LOCATE A or B point in beat resolution. In other words, the clock digit of the value is automatically rounded down or up, so that the clock digit is always "00". See page 56 for details about how to make the beat resolution active or inactive.

[0 RETURN] key

ABS ZERO -3m03.000s

0m 00.000s

zero return
<Note> Regardless of the "00m00.000s" position in time counter base, executing the LOCATE ABS ZERO function always locates the beginning of the song.
ABS ZERO -3m03.000s 0m 00.000s the current position

Storing a LOCATE A point

* To store the LOCATE A point, while the recorder is playing back (or stopped), press the [LOCATE A/ IN] key while holding down the [STORE] key.
The time value of the recorder position at which you operate above is stored to the LOCATE A point, while Store LOCATE A is shown on the display.

Storing a LOCATE B point

* To store the LOCATE B point, while the recorder is playing back (or stopped), press the [LOCATE B/ OUT] key while holding down the [STORE] key.

3) Use the [CURSOR ] key to highlight "Track", then press the [ENTER] key.
The display now shows the track edit menu selection screen, in which "Erase Track" is highlighted initially.

Silent

<Note> You cannot erase track data of a song protected. Release the protection before erasing track data.
4) While "Erase Track" is highlighted, press the [ENTER] key.
The display now shows the screen for selecting the track(s) to be erased. Initially, "1" flashes. The current position information is shown at the top of the screen (shown in Bar/Beat base in the screen example below).
1) Load the song you want to edit. 2) While the recorder is stopped, press the [MENU] key to enter the menu mode.
5) Use the [CURSOR / ] keys to select a mono track or a pair of stereo tracks to be erased.
You can select from among mono tracks (1 through 8) and stereo pair tracks (1/2, 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8).
Copying/pasting whole track data
You can copy whole data (from ABS ZERO to REC END) of the desired mono or stereo track(s) of the song currently loaded and paste it to the other desired track(s). The data on the source (copied) track still remains after the copy/paste operation.
6) Use the [CURSOR ] key to move the cursor to "ENTER" on the screen, then press the [ENTER] key.
The display shows "Please Wait!", immediately followed by "Completed!" when the MR-8 completes erasing.
<Note> If you want to cancel the erase operation, move the cursor to "CANCEL" on the screen, then press the [ENTER] key.
<Note> You cannot copy/paste track data of a song protected. Release the protection before copying/pasting track data.
7) Press the [ENTER] key.
The display returns show to the screen in which "Erase Track" is highlighted.
8) Press the [MENU] key to exit the menu mode.
<Note> If you are not satisfied with the result, press the [UNDO/REDO] key to undo the operation (see page 62).
4) Use the [CURSOR ] key to highlight "Copy-Paste Trk", then press the [ENTER] key.
The display now shows the screen for selecting the source track(s) and destination track(s) of copy/ paste. "Source Track" selects the copy source track(s), while "Dest. Track" selects the paste destination track(s). The current position information is shown at the top of the screen (shown in Bar/Beat base in the screen example below).

<Playing back the part to be edited> You can listen to audio of the part before carrying out the edit operation. After storing the LOCATE A and LOCATE B points, follow the procedure below for checking. 1. Press the [PLAY] key while holding down the [STOP] key.
The MR-8 starts playback between the LOCATE A and LOCATE B points (see also page 49).
The time (or Bar/beat) value changes in realtime when the recorder moves (i.e. plays, fastforwards, rewinds, locates, etc.). The LOCATE A or LOCATE B point can be changed while this screen is shown. For example, if you move the recorder to the desired position before selecting a track to be deleted, then press the [STORE] key followed by the [LOCATE A/IN] or [LOCATE B/OUT] key, the new editing point is stored. When you carry out the locate operation to the LOCATE A or LOCATE B point and the current position matches the locate point, "LocA=" (or "LocB=") is shown on the left of the time (or Bar/Beat) information, as shown below. "LocA=" (or "LocB=") is also shown when you store the new editing point.
2. During playback, raise the appropriate track fader(s) and the [MASTER] fader.
You can monitor only the part of the editing track(s).
You can change the LOCATE A or LOCATE B point whenever you want (even during the edit operation). See the following for details.
<Undo/redo of editing (except the copy to the clipboard> By pressing the [UNDO/REDO] key after executing the edit operation, you can undo the editing. By pressing the [UNDO/REDO] key after the undo operation, you can return the track(s) to the condition after being edited.
<Notes> If there is not enough space on the CompactFlash card for executing the undo operation, the display shows "Warning Card Full! Can't Undo!" when you are going to make editing. If you carry out any of the following, you cannot undo the editing anymore.
1. Making new recording 2. Making new editing 3. Turning off the power 4. Loading another song

Erasing a desired part

You can erase a desired part on the selected mono or stereo track(s).
LOCATE A point ABS ZERO LOCATE B point REC END
The display now shows the screen for selecting the target track(s) which the desired part to be erased belongs to. The current position information (in ABS, Bar/Beat or time counter base) is shown at the top of the screen.
TRK 1 TRK 2 TRK 3 TRK 4 TRK 5 TRK 6 TRK 7 TRK 8
6) Use the [CURSOR / ] keys to select a mono track or a pair of stereo tracks.
<Note> You cannot erase a part of a song protected. Release the protection before erasing the part.
1) Load the song you want to edit. 2) Store the LOCATE A and LOCATE B points (see page 53).
You can check the part by playing back between the LOCATE A and LOCATE B points (see page 68).
7) Use the [CURSOR ] key to move the cursor to "[ENTER]" at the lower right on the screen, then press the [ENTER] key.
The display shows "Please Wait!", immediately followed by "Completed!" when the MR-8 completes erasing. If you want to cancel the erase operation, move the cursor to "[CANCEL]" on the screen, then press the [ENTER] key.
3) While the recorder is stopped, press the [MENU] key to enter the menu mode.
4) Use the [CURSOR ] key to highlight "Part", then press the [ENTER] key.
The display now shows the part edit menu selection screen, in which "Erase Part" is highlighted initially.
8) Press the [ENTER] key.
The display returns show to the screen in which "Erase Part" is highlighted.
9) Press the [MENU] key to exit the menu mode.
5) While "Erase Part" is highlighted, press the [ENTER] key.
<Note> If you are not satisfied with the result, press the [UNDO/REDO] key to undo the operation (see page 68).

Copying/pasting (1)

You can copy a part of the mono or stereo track(s) and paste it to the desired position of the other track(s). The source part is copied to the (virtual) clipboard first, then pasted to the desired position of the other track(s).

Copying to the clipboard

Clip Board (Virtual)
<Note> If you want to copy a part and paste it to the same position of the other track(s), we recommend to use the other copy/paste method described later in "Copying/pasting (2)" (though, of course, you can make such a copy/paste operation with the method described here). <Note> You cannot copy/paste track data of a song protected. Release the protection before making the copy/paste operation. <Note> If you turn off the power after copying data to the clipboard, the data on the clipboard disappears. Also note that you cannot undo copying data to the clipboard.

[7/8 > STEREO WAV FILE] key
Each press of the [7/8 > STEREO WAV FILE] key enables or disables the conversion function. The key lights when the conversion function is enabled.
If you cancel the conversion after the conversion has started, no file is converted.
If you convert data with the same name as previously converted data, the following screen appears on the display. This screen warns you that the WAV file with the same name already exists and asks you to carry out the conversion by overwriting the existing file or cancel the conversion.
When completing the conversion, the screen shows "Completed!".
3) Press the [ENTER] key.
The MR-8 quits the conversion function and the display returns to the home screen.
<Editing a file name>
You can edit a file name by the following procedure. 1. After selecting the range of track data to be converted, press the [CURSOR ] key to move the cursor to the leftmost position of the file name.
If you carry out the conversion by overwriting the existing file, use the [CURSOR ] key to move the cursor to "[YES]", then press the [ENTER] key. If you do not want to overwrite the existing file, use the [CURSOR ] key to move the cursor to "[NO]", then press the [ENTER] key. The display returns to show the screen for editing the file name, so you can enter a different file name and then carry out the conversion. If you want to cancel the conversion when the screen above is shown, use the [CURSOR ] key to move the cursor to "[NO]" and press the [ENTER] key to show the screen for editing the file name, and then press the [7-8>STEREO WAV FILE] key to quit the conversion function.
2. Use the [CURSOR / ] keys to move the edit position and enter a new name with the character entry keys. While the leftmost position is flashing, pressing the [1-4>5-6, 1-6>7-8]/ [DELETE] key repeatedly deletes the current file name. 3. After entering a new name, use the [CURSOR ] key to move the cursor to "[ENTER]" at the lower right of the screen, then press the [ENTER] key.
The conversion is immediately carried out and then "Completed!" is shown on the display.
Exporting data to a personal computer
The MR-8 is equipped with the USB port for direct connection to a personal computer using a USB cable. This allows you to export stereo WAV file data, which is converted from a pair of mono WAV files for tracks 7/8, to your computer. The exported data can be played back or edited using a computer's music software, or used as a source when burning an original audio CD using a CD-RW drive. You can also export whole song data to a personal computer for backup only when the remaining space of a CompactFlash card becomes small.

Frequency response : 20 Hz to 20 kHz Dynamic range : 88 dB or more (TYPICAL) * Normal mode
Total harmonic distortion : 0.05% or more (TYPICAL)/Normal mode

[General]

Weight (net) Dimensions : MR-8/approx. 1.6kg : AD-12A/approx. 500g : 283 (W) x 215 (D) x 65 (H) mm
Power requirements : DC 12 V : Using the AC adaptor or six AAtype alkaline batteries Supplied accessories : AC adaptor : Owners manual * * Changes in specifications and features may be made without notice or obligation. CompactFlashTM is the trademark of SanDisk Corporation in U. S. A. and licensed to CFA (CompactFlashTM Association). The polarity of the supplied AC adaptor is center plus/outer minus.

[Record/playback]

Recording medium Sampling frequencies : 44.1 kHz (Normal mode) : 22.05 kHz (Extended mode) Quantization : 16 bits, linear (non expanded) : CompactFlashTM card
[Pin assignment of XLR connectors]

GND HOT COLD

Physical dimensions

Block diagram

When using the normal mode
BAL INPUT A UNBAL TRK 1 FADER INPUT FX INT MIC A/D IN 1 OUT 1 TRK 1 EFF TRIM DISTORTION BAL INPUT B UNBAL TRIM TRK 3 FADER IN 3 OUT 3 TRK 3 EFF REVERB/DELAY TIME TRK 4 FADER IN 4 OUT 4 ENCODE DIGITAL OUT PHONES 2 TRK 3 PAN A/D MONO/ST IN 2 OUT 2 TRK 2 EFF REVERB/DELAY TRK 2 FADER TRK 2 PAN PHONES VOL TRK 1 PAN MASTER FADER MASTERING FX DA/C ST OUT L ST OUT R

RECORDER

ST L R EFF

PHONES 1

MONO/ST

TRK 4 PAN

TRK 4 EFF
TRK 5/6 FADER IN 5 IN 6 OUT 5 OUT 6
TRK 7/8 FADER IN 7 IN 8 OUT 7 OUT 8
When using the bounce mode (1-4 > 5/6 mode)

ST L R

TRK 1 FADER IN 1 OUT 1 TRK 1 EFF TRK 1 PAN
MASTER FADER MASTERING FX

TRK 2 FADER IN 2 OUT 2

TRK 2 PAN TRK 2 EFF

REVERB/DELAY

TRK 3 FADER IN 3 OUT 3
TRK 3 PAN TRK 3 EFF REVERB/DELAY TIME

TRK 4 FADER IN 4 OUT 4

TRK 5/6 FADER IN 5 IN 6 OUT 5 OUT 6 DA/C ST OUT L ST OUT R

PHONES 2

ENCODE
When using the bounce mode (1-6 > 7/8 mode)
MIDI Implementation Chart

* Including non-EU countries (as of January, 2003).

<AUSTRIA>

NAME: ATEC Audio-u. Videogeraete VertriebsgesmbH. ADD: Im Winkel 5, A-2325 Velm, Austria TEL: (+43) 2234-74004, FAX: (+43) 2234-74074

<ITALY>

NAME: Proel S.p.A. ADD: Zona Via Alla Ruenia 37/43 64027-Sant Omero (Teramo), Italy TEL: (+39) 0861-81241, FAX: (+39) 0861-887862

<BELGIUM>

NAME: EML Sound Industries NV ADD: Bijvennestraat 1A, B3500 Hasselt, Belgium TEL: (+32) 11-232355, FAX: (+32) 11-232172

<THE NETHERLANDS>

NAME: IEMKE ROOS AUDIO B. V. ADD: Kuiperbergweg 20, 1101 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands TEL: (+31) 20-697-2121, FAX: (+31) 20-697-4201

<DENMARK>

NAME: SC Sound ApS ADD: Malervej 2, DK-2630 Taastrup, Denmark TEL: (+45) 4399-8877, FAX: (+45) 4399-8077

<NORWAY>

NAME: Siv. Ing. Benum A/S ADD: P. O. Box 145 Vinderen, 0319 Oslo 3, Norway TEL: (+47) 22-139900, FAX: (+47) 22-148259

<FINLAND>

NAME: Noretron Oy Audio ADD: P. O. Box 22, FIN-02631 Espoo, Finland TEL: (+358) 9-5259330, FAX: (+358) 9-52593352

<PORTUGAL>

NAME: Caius - Tecnologias Audio e Musica, Lda. ADD: Praca do Bom Sucesso, No 61 Bom Sucesso Trade Center, Escritorio 701/702, 4150-146 Porto, Portugal TEL: (+351) 22-608-06-10, FAX: (+351) 22-608-06-29

<FRANCE>

NAME: Guillard Musiques ADD: ZAC de Folliouses, B. P. 609, Les Echets, 01706 Miribel, France TEL: (+33) 27 00, FAX: (+33) 27 01

<SPAIN>

NAME: Multitracker, S. A. ADD: C/Laguna, No.10, Poligono Industrial Urtinsa, 28923 Alcorcon (Madrid), Spain TEL: (+34) 91-4470700, 91-4470898 FAX: (+34) 91-5930716

<GERMANY>

NAME: Mega Audio GmbH ADD: Stromberger Str. 32, D-55411 Bingen, Germany TEL: (+49) 6721-94330, FAX: (+49) 6721-32046

<GREECE>

NAME: Bon Studio S. A. ADD: 6 Zaimi Street, Exarchia, 106.83 Athens, Greece TEL: (+30) 210-3809-605, 606, 607, 608 FAX: (+30) 210-3845-755, 210-3827-868

<SWEDEN>

NAME: TTS Scandinavia AB ADD: Kavallerivagen 24, Sundbyberg, Sweden TEL: (+46) 8-59798000, FAX: (+46) 8-59798001

<SWITZERLAND>

NAME: Audio Bauer Pro AG ADD: Bernerstrasse-Nord 182, CH-8064 Zurich, Switzerland TEL: (+41) 1-4323230, FAX: (+41) 1-4326558

<ICELAND>

NAME: I. D. elrf. electronic Ltd. ADD: ARMULA REYKJAVIK, ICELAND TEL: (+354) 588 5010, FAX: (+354) 588 5011

<UK>

NAME: SCV London ADD: 40 Chigwell Lane, Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate, Loughton, Essex IG10 3NY U.K. TEL: (+44) 20-8418-0778, FAX: (+44) 20-8418-0624

TO ORDER CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED FOSTEX DEALER

KEY FEATURES

8 tracks recording & playback 128MB CF Included! Records to CompactFlash (CF) Simple & Easy Interface No menus to navigate Knob/Button for each function On-Board Effects Reverbs Delays Guitar FX Amp Simulator Mic Simulator Mastering USB Port.WAV import/export Archiving CD Burning 2 XLR Mic Inputs 2 Guitar Inputs S/PDIF Digital Output Built-In Microphone Portable - Battery Operated 2 Headphone Jacks
8-Track Digital Multitracker

AT A GLANCE

The Fostex MR-8 is the first solid-state memory recorder in the industry that offers 8tracks of recording on the very popular CompactFlash card media. The MR-8 comes with a very competitive price point, especially compared to the current digital 4-track memory recorders already on the market. Fostexs design goal for the MR-8 was to create a digital multitrack recorder with unprecedented ease of operation for musicians who want digital recording and superb sound quality, but also offers the simplicity of their favorite old analog machine. Nearly all the functions of the MR-8 are on the physical knobs and buttons of the top panel. User frustration caused by having to flip through pages and pages of LCD menus, is not an issue with the MR-8.
8 tracks recording & playback 128MB CF Included! Records to CompactFlash (CF) Simple & Easy Interface No menus to navigate Knob/Button for each function

DETAILS & FACTS

Marketing Context: On-Board Effects Reverbs Delays Guitar FX Amp Simulator Mic Simulator Mastering USB Port.WAV import/export Archiving CD Burning 2 XLR Mic Inputs 2 Guitar Inputs S/PDIF Digital Output Built-In Microphone Portable - Battery Operated 2 Headphone Jacks - 8 tracks of recording instead of 4 - Uncompressed recording offers better quality - On-board XLR mic inputs - USB port insures PC/MAC compatibility for archiving, mixdown, CD-burning - Truly Portable - Extremely easy to learn/use direct interface Competition: Boss BR-532 $395 street, only 4-tracks, most difficult to learn, more expensive Korg PXR4 $399 street, only 4-tracks, least amout of features in category, no XLR mic inputs Zoom MRS4 $249 street, no microphone input, no built-in mic, limited EQ Tascam Pocket Studio $499 street, No MIDI sync capability, expensive, no.wav capability When it comes to getting everything you could want in a recorder at this price-level, the Fostex MR-8 truly offers anything and everything a customer could wantall in a compact, portable package. Main applications include: songwriters, traveling musicians, entry-level recording enthusiasts, and project studios. With just over 2 hours of battery time (6 AA), the MR8 offers an affordable portable field recorder solutiuon where timecode is not needed.
Customer Profile: Entry-level customers who would have considered a 4-track cassette/4-track memory solution. Customers who need a low-cost portable recording solution, any singer/songwriter, and any person who wants to record audio away from their studio. Hot Buttons:
8 tracks recording & playback 128MB CF Included! Records to CompactFlash (CF) Simple & Easy Interface No menus to navigate Knob/Button for each function On-Board Effects Reverbs Delays Guitar FX Amp Simulator Mic Simulator Mastering USB Port.WAV import/export Archiving CD Burning 2 XLR Mic Inputs 2 Guitar Inputs S/PDIF Digital Output Built-In Microphone

FULL FEATURE LIST

The world first 8-track recording into solid state memory (Compact Flash Card). High quality sound recording and playback with uncompressed linear 16-bit/44.1 kHz digital audio (normal mode). 2-track simultaneous recording and 8 tracks playback.
Recording time is about 25 track-minutes with 128MB Compact Flash Card. Extend Mode (16-bit/22.05 kHz) doubles the recording time. Unlike other digital recorders, it offers quite intuitive operation, which is ideal for the users who have no experience in digital multitrack recording. Most of the functions appear on the top panel physically instead of page surfing on LCD. 128 x 64 dot-matrix LCD and self illuminating keys to show current status visually. Digital effects (delay/reverb) with newly developed algorithm for MR-8, as well as Guitar Amp simulation (input A at Guitar position) and Microphone simulation (input A at Line/Mic position) as insert effect. Analog type guitar distortion is available on input A (at Guitar position). Mastering effect for stereo buss: songs after bounce or mix down on track 7/8 can be processed with the Mastering Effects. Digital data (S/PDIF) can be output in stereo from optical output. Built-in USB port for WAV file data transfer between MR-8 and Windows PC for data editing, CD burning (normal mode) and backup. AC and Battery (6 AA alkaline cells) operation.
Portable - Battery Operated Built-in microphone for quick recording of ideas or events 2 Headphone Jacks
Recording/Reproduction Recording Medium Recording Format Sampling Frequency Quantization A/D Converter D/A Converter No. of Recording Track

SPECIFICATIONS

Compact Flash Card VFAT (FAT16) 44.1 kHz / 22.05 kHz 16-bit linear 16-bit Delta-Sigma 16-bit Delta-Sigma 8 tracks (maximum 2 tracks simultaneous recording) Recording/Reproduction Frequency Hz 20 kHz (Normal Mode) 20
Input/Output Analog In (2ch) Connector Input Level Input Impedance Stereo Out (L, R) Connector Load Impedance Output Level MIDI Out Connector Foot Switch Connector Level USB Connector

XLR-3-31 type and f 6mm TRS phone -40dBV (MIC) - +10dBV (LINE) 1.5k ohm or more (XLR)
f 6mm stereo phone more than 16 ohm 20mW or more (at 32 ohm)

DIN 5 pin

f 6mm phone TTL level
B type (data save/load controlled from PC)

S/P DIF Connector Format

Optical IEC 60958 (S/P DIF) 44.1kHz only (Normal Mode)
General Dimensions Weight Power Supply
65 (H) x 215 (D) x 283 (W) mm approximately 1.9 kgs. (1.6 kgs. without AC adaptor) AC Adaptor AD12A (supplied accessory) or 6 x AA alkaline battery
Q: How much record time do I get on a 128MB CF? A: Recording time is about 25 track-minutes with 128MB Compact Flash Card. Extend Mode (16-bit/22.05 kHz) doubles the recording time. Q: How much time do I get of 6 AA battreries A: Just over 2 hours (normal use) Q: Does the MR-8 have phantom power? A: No it does not Q: How can I archive my 8-track data? A: The MR-8 can archive recorded data usinbg either the USB port directly to a PC or Macintosh computer OR it can archive directly out the S/PDIF output Q: What is the maximum CompactFlash (CF) card the MR-8 will accept? A: Currently there is no limitation to the maximum size CF the MR-8 will recognize. At the moment the limitation is dependednt upon current technology of the media Q: How many tracks can the MR-8 record at one time? A: 2 tracks can be recorded simultaneously. Q: Does the optical output support the ADAT lightpipe format? A: No. The optical digital output only supports the S/PDIF stereo format. Q: Can I import/export audio tracks to and from my computer? A: Yes. This is done in the.WAV format using the USB port on the MR-8. To import or export multiple mono files before stereo mixing, a free application MR8 WAV MANAGER is required on the PC, which will be downloadable from the Fostex web site free of charge. Data transfer with Mac requires a third-party CF card reader/writer unit. Q: How do I burn a CD from the MR-8? A: You simply export the stereo mix file via USB to your computer. From there you simply burn the CD as you normally do on your computer Q: What kind of Amp simulation effects are on-board the MR-8? A: BRIT STACK, US METAL, and 60S COMBO. There are various presets within each of these amps Q: What type of Microphone simulators does the MR-8 have? A: There are 3 category types: DYNAMIC, CONDENSER, TUBE Each type contains various microphone models that fit that category type. Q: What type of converters does the MR-8 use? A: 16-bit Delta Sigma Q: What type of MIDI implementation does the MR-8 have? A: MIDI syncronization. Can be a MASTER using MTC or MIDI Clock