Fostex MR-8 User Manual (2023)

"WARNING"

"TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE."

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1.Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.

2.Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3.Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4.Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5.Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.

6.Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.

An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.

7.Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

8.Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location or position dose not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.

9.Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

ATTENTION:

POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU' AU FOND.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

10.Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.

11.Grounding or Polarization - The precautions that should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.

12.Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.

13.Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.

14.Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

15.Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.

16.Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:

A.The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or

B.Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or

C.The appliance has been exposed to rain; or

D.The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or

E.The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

17.Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

18.The appliance should be situated away from drops of water or spray of water.

19.Objects containing liquid such as vase must not be put on the appliance.

20.The appliance is not completely isolated from the power supply even if the power switch is at off position.

•Uses compact and reliable CompactFlashTM cards for recording high quality audio. You can also edit recorded audio later.

•User-friendly LCD screen configuration allows you to make recording intuitively.

•A large 128 x 64 dot graphic LCD display allows you to check the recorder status and various settings easily.

•An ASP digital effect processor (delay/reverb) with newly developed algorithm for the MR-8 is built in. In addition, the MR-8 also provides insert effects for microphone and amplifier simulation for coloring sounds.

•A dedicated mastering effect is built in for the stereo buss, allowing you to process a sound during track bouncing or final mixdown.

•The metronome function generates guide clicks according to the tempo map.

•Built-in compact and high quality microphone allows you to record microphone sound without an external microphone.

•Two ways of receiving power. You can drive the MR-8 by batteries (AA-type) or from the supplied AC adaptor (AD-12A).

•Provides a USB terminal. You can exchange WAV file data between your computer and the MR-8 via USB connection. You can not only back up song data recorded by the MR-8 to your computer, but also import data created by a computer music software to the MR-8, or burn CDs by the computer using the CD-RW drive.

•Be sure to connect the MR-8 to the power supply specified in the Specifications section of this owner’s manual. Do not use an AC outlet of any other voltage.

•Do not connect the MR-8 to the same AC outlet to which devices that could generate noise (such as a large motor or dimmer), or the devices that consume a large amount of power (such as an air conditioning system or large electric heater) are connected.

•If you use the MR-8 in an area with a different power voltage, first consult your dealer or the nearest Fostex service station.

•It is very dangerous to use a power cord that is frayed or damage. In such a case, stop using the MR-8 immediately and ask your dealer to repair the cord.

•To avoid possible electric shock and damage to the MR-8, avoid contact with water or other liquids, or do not handle the power plug while your hands are wet.

•To prevent possible electric shock and damage to the MR-8, do not remove the main unit cover or reach the inside the MR-8.

•Do not let water or other liquid, or metal objects such as pins, accidentally enter the inside of the MR-8 because this may lead to electric shock or damage. Should water enter the inside of the MR-8, remove the power plug from AC outlet, and consult your dealer or the nearest Fostex service station.

•To prevent damage to the MR-8, be sure to power on the connected devices first, then turn on the power to the MR-8. When you remove or connect the cables to the input/output connectors on the MR-8, make sure that the track and master faders and volume controls are set to “0”.

<Important!>

Equipment name, electrical ratings, serial number and other information for the MR- 8, are written on bottom side.

MODEL MR-8

DIGITAL MULTITRACKER

FOSTEX

SERIAL NO.

MADE IN CHINA

Precautions upon handling the MR-8

•Do not install the MR-8 in locations subject to the following:

*Extremely high or low temperature, or significant changes in temperature.

*Excessive humidity or dust.

*Excessive changes in power supply voltage. *Unstable or significantly vibrating or

shaking surfaces.

*Near a strong magnetic field (such as a TV or speaker).

Notes on repair

•The MR-8 does not use any parts that user can repair easily. Contact your dealer or the nearest FOSTEX service station to ask about repairs.

•Use the packing carton designed for the MR-8 when you transport the MR-8 to the dealer for repair or return.

If you have discarded the packing box, try to pack the MR-8 completely using shock absorbing materials.

Fostex is not responsible for malfunction or damage due to incomplete packaging or caused during transport.

About copyrights

•It is prohibited by law to use any part of a CD recording or video images or audio data for which copyright is possessed by a third party for commercial purposes such as contents, broadcasts, sales, or distribution-any purpose other than for your personal pleasure.

About damages

•Fostex is not responsible for any “direct damage” or “indirect damage” caused by using the MR-8.

Note for audio interruption

•If you make recording or editing to a song many times, audio may be occasionally interrupted when the song is played back, due to data fragmentation.

Note that this is not a malfunction.

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.

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.

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).

Song02

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).

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.

Song01

WAV file

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).

Time base

The term, "time base", is used as the reference of recorder position information.

Using the [TIME BASE SELECT] key, you can select from among three time base types: ABS, Bar/Beat/Clk and Time counter.

ABS time:

ABS time stands for Absolute time, which is "striped" on a card when creating a song. It starts from 0m00.000s (=ABS zero, the beginning of a song) and ends by 60m00.000s at maximum.

The following screen shows that the recorder is located at 0m00.000s of ABS time, which is the beginning of the song.

You can see "ABS" at the right-top.

Bar/Beat/Clk:

The Bar/Beat/Clk information is created according to the internal tempo map.

The following screen shows that the beginning position of the song is "bar -2/beat 1/clk 000". You can see "clk" at the right-top.

The Bar/Beat/Clk information is initially offset by "-2 bars" at 0m00.000s ABS time (which is called "bar offset"). The MR-8 determines the Bar/Beat/Clk values in a song according to the offset, time signature and tempo.

You can change the Bar offset (initially set to "-2") between 1 and -7 in the menu mode (see page 81).

Time counter:

This is similar to the "time counter" mode used for tape recorders. It shows the recorder position within the range between "-60m00.000s" and "60m00.000s" and looks similar to the ABS time, however, you can reset the current position to "0m00.000s" whenever you want (see page 52). Therefore, you can reset a start position of the part which you work with to the zero point (to which you can return by simply pressing the [0 RETURN] key (see page 53).

You can see no time base type indication at the right-top.

The figure below shows the relation between the three time base types.

If you reset the time counter at the position pointed by the arrow, the time counter values changes as below.

Bar/Beat/Clk

Time counter

Remain display

"Remain" shows how much time you can further record audio data to the available space left on the current CompactFlashTM card. As described earlier, the MR-8 stripes ABS time from 0m00.000s to 60m00.000s at maximum for each song, however, the remaining time (= available recording time left) depends on the available space on the CompactFlashTM card. The remain time is shown as in the screen example below during recording or record standby. Note that it shows the remaining time for recording onto a mono track.

A mono track means a single track. Therefore, to know the remaining time for recording to more than one track, divide the displayed time by the number of tracks. Note that the remaining time shown on the screen is an approximate time.

Input monitor and repro monitor

Each of the MR-8 tracks has two output modes: repro monitor and input monitor.

In the repro monitor mode, the track playback signal is output.

In the input monitor mode, the input signal fed to the track is output, therefore, you can check the level of the input signal to be recorded.

To enter a MR-8 track to input monitor mode, press the appropriate [REC SELECT] key to arm the track (i.e. make the track record-ready), then press only the [RECORD] key to enter the "RECORD READY" mode or press both the [RECORD] and [PLAY] keys simultaneously to start recording.

TRIM control

Pay great attention to the TRIM control adjustment.

The signal received at the [INPUT A] or [INPUT B] jack is routed to the appropriate TRIM control, by which the signal level fed to the A/D converter of the MR-8 is controlled.

You can check this level by the PEAK indicator. If the level is too high, the PEAK indicator lights, while you may hear the sound distorted or noisy. This distortion (noise) generated at this stage cannot be eliminated, therefore, adjust the TRIM control properly so that the PEAK indicator does not light at the loudest part of the input signal.

Clip level

Clip level

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

LOCATE REC END

LOCATE ABS ZERO

A - B PLAY

9

1. [INPUT A] connectors

Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connectors are provided. You can connect a guitar, microphone, keyboard, etc. According to the source connected, select the [INPUT A SELECT] switch appropriately.

To record a mono source, use only the [INPUT A] section. To record a stereo source, use both the [INPUT A] and [INPUT B] sections (see page 29).

<NOTE>

On each input section, the [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connector takes priority to the [BAL] XLR connector. You cannot use both the [UNBAL/GUITAR] and [BAL] connectors on the same section simultaneously.

8

2. [INPUT B] connectors

Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL] phone connectors are provided. You can connect a microphone, keyboard, etc.

This section is used only when recording a stereo source. When recording a mono source, this section is not used (see page 29).

<NOTE>

On each input section, the [UNBAL] phone connector takes priority to the [BAL] XLR connector. You cannot use both the [UNBAL] and [BAL] connectors on the same section simultaneously.

3. [STEREO OUT] jacks (L, R)

These jacks output the stereo (L and R) buss signals. Connect these jacks to a monitor equipment or master recorder (see page 26).

4. [PHONES] jacks (1, 2)

Two jacks (1 and 2) are provided. You can use two pairs of stereo headphones with the MR-8.

5. [PHONES VOL] control

Adjusts the headphone output level.

6. [REVERB/DELAY TIME] control

Controls the reverb time or delay time (see page 40).

7. [EFFECT] keys

Select the effect type from among ROOM, HALL, PLATE and DELAY (see page 39).

8. [MASTER] fader

Adjusts the stereo (L and R) buss output level (see page 32 and 33).

9. Track faders

Each fader adjusts the appropriate track playback level. Each of track faders 5/6 and 7/8 controls the appropriate stereo signal (see page 19, 32, and 33).

10. [REC SELECT] keys

Used to select one or two recording tracks. You can record onto up to two tracks simultaneously. Pressing a key arms or unarm the corresponding track(s). Tracks 5/6 or 7/8 are armed or unarmed simultaneously (see page 29, 31, and 33).

11. [PAN] controls

Control panning for tracks 1 through 4 (see page 45).

12. [EFFECT SEND] controls

Control the amount of signals from tracks 1 through 4 sent to the internal effect (reverb/delay). (see page 40).

13. Internal microphone

You can make recording using the internal microphone by setting the [INPUT A SELECT] switch on the rear panel to "INT MIC" (see page 29).

14. Insert effect select keys

Used to select the insert effect (mic simulation or amp simulation) for the signal from the [INPUT A] jack.

When setting the [INPUT A SELECT] switch on the rear panel to "MIC/LINE", you can use the mic simulation effect. When setting the switch to "GUITAR", you can use the amp simulation effect (see page 30 and 38).

15. [DISTORTION] control

Controls the amount of the distortion effect for a guitar connected to the phone jack on the [INPUT A] section.

This control is effective only when the [INPUT A SELECT] switch is set to "GUITAR" (see page 30).

16. [TRIM] controls

Control the input gain of the [INPUT A] and [INPUT B] sections (see page 30).

33 32 31 30 29 28

17. [1-4 > 5/6, 1-6 > 7/8] / [DELETE] key

DIGITAL MULTITRACKER

26

LOCATE REC END

LOCATE ABS ZERO A - B PLAY

27

21. [CURSOR ///] keys

Selects the bounce mode (see page 43).

Each press of the key alternates "1-4 > 5/6" and "1-6 > 7/8". In the menu mode, this key is also used for deleting a character in a song name (see page 58).

18. [7/8 > STEREO WAV FILE] key

Converts a mono WAV file recorded on tracks 7/ 8 to a stereo WAV file (see page 86).

You can export the stereo WAV file to your personal computer over the USB connection (see page 88).

19. [MASTERING] keys

Used to select the mastering effect during track bounce or mixdown (see page 41).

In the menu mode, the [POWERFUL] key is used for character entry of +, -, _, and 0 (see page 21).

20. LCD display

This 128 x 64 dot LCD display shows various information (see page 27).

Used to move the cursor in the menu mode, execute/cancel settings, etc.

22. [STORE] / J K L 4 entry key

Stores the current recorder position (timedata) as the LOCATE A/IN or LOCATE B/OUT point (see page 36 and 53). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of J (j), K (k), L (l) and 4 (see page 21).

23. [ENTER] / [CONTRAST] key

Confirms the selection in the menu mode. While holding down this and the [MENU] key together, you can adjust the LCD display contrast by using the [CURSOR ] and [CURSOR ] key (see page 28).

24. [MENU] / [CONTRAST] key

Enters the menu mode.

While holding down this and the [ENTER] key together, you can adjust the LCD display contrast by using the [CURSOR ] and [CURSOR ] key (see page 28).

25. [UNDO/REDO] /Y Z 9 entry key

Used to undo or redo recording or editing (see page 32 and 34). Each press of the key alternates "undo" and "redo". In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of Y (y), Z (z) and 9 (see page 21).

26.[TIME BASE SELECT] / V W X 8 entry key

Selects the time base shown on the LCD display (see page 27). Pressing this key while holding down the [MENU] and [ENTER] keys together resets the LCD display contrast to the default value (see page 28). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of V (v), W (w), X (x) and 8 (see page 21).

27.Transport keys

[PLAY] key

Starts playback of the recorder.

Pressing this key while holding down the [RECORD] key starts recording of the armed (record-ready) track(s). Pressing this key during recording releases recording.

[STOP] key

Stops the recorder.

By pressing the [PLAY], [REWIND] or [F FWD] key while holding down the [STOP] key, you can locate to a specific point or repeat playback as below.

• [STOP] + [PLAY] (A-B PLAY)

Repeats playback between the LOCATE A and LOCATE B points (see page 49).

•[STOP] + [REWIND] (LOCATE ABS ZERO)

Locates to the beginning (ABS ZERO) of the current song (see page 52).

•[STOP] + [F FWD] (LOCATE REC END)

Locates to the recording end of the current song (REC END) (see page 52).

[RECORD] key

Pressing the [PLAY] key while holding down the [RECORD] key starts recording of the armed (record-ready) track(s) (see page 32 and 34).

By pressing only the [RECORD] key when any track(s) is armed (in record-ready), the input signal(s) of the armed track(s) can be monitored (i.e. input monitor mode).

[F FWD] key

Pressing this key fast forwards the recorder. During playback, pressing this key starts 3 x cueing. While holding down the [STOP] key, pressing this key locates to the recording end of the current song (REC END) (see page 52).

While holding down the [ENTER] key, pressing this key selects a song (see page 24).

[REWIND] key

Pressing this key rewinds the recorder.

During playback, pressing this key starts 3 x reverse cueing. While holding down the [STOP] key, pressing this key locates to the beginning (ABS ZERO) of the current song (see page 52). While holding down the [ENTER] key, pressing this key selects a song (see page 24).

28.[COUNTER 0 RETURN] / ST U 7 entry key

Locates to the counter zero point (see page 53). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of S (s), T (t), U (u) and 7 (see page 21).

29.[COUNTER RESET] / P Q R 6 entry key

Resets the counter to zero (see page 52). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of P (p), Q (q), R (r) and 6 (see page 21).

30.[AUTO PUNCH] / M N O 5 entry key

Turns on or off the auto punch mode (see page 36). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of M (m), N (n), O (o) and 5 (see page 21).

31.[LOCATE B/OUT] / G H I 3 entry key

Pressing the [STORE] key followed by this key stores the LOCATE B (or punch out) point (see page 36 and 53). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of G (g), H (h), I (i) and

3(see page 21).

32.[LOCATE A/IN] / D E F 2 entry key

Pressing the [STORE] key followed by this key stores the LOCATE A (or punch in) point (see page 36 and 53). In the menu mode, this key is used for character entry of D (d), E (e), F (f) and 2 (see page 21).

33. [PLAY MODE] / A B C 1 entry key

Selects the play mode from among normal, auto play, auto return and loop (see page 50).

In the menu mode, this key is used forcharacter entry of A (a), B (b), C (c) and 1 (see page 21).

1. [DC IN] jack

Connect the supplied AC adaptor to this jack (see page 17).

2. [POWER] switch

Used to turn on or off the power.

By setting the switch to "LIGHT", the backlight of the LCD display lights up (see page 18).

<Note>

When driving the MR-8 by batteries, we recommend not to use the backlight, because the batteries are exhausted quickly.

3. [USB] port

Used to connect with a personal computer using a standard USB cable (see page 88).

4. [FOOT SW] jack

Used to connect with the optional footswitch (Model 8051) or an unlatched-type footswitch (see page 35).

5. [DIGITAL OUT] connector

Used to connect with an external digital device (see page 48).

<Note>

Only song data created by the normal mode (44.1 kHz, 16 bit) can be digitally output from this port.

Song data created by the extended mode cannot be digitally output.

6

<Note>

When you open the MR-8 carton, the protection cap is inserted to the [DIGITAL OUT] connector. When using the connector, remove the cap. When no connection is made to the connector, keep the cap inserted.

6. [INPUT A SELECT] switch

This switch must be set appropriately according to the input source of the [INPUT A] section (see page 29).

Set the switch to this position when the source

MIC/LINE is an external microphone or line level source. Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL/GUITAR]

phone connectors can be used.

Set the switch to this position when the source

GUITAR

is a guitar connected to the phone connector. Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connectors can be used.

Set the switch to this position when the source INT MIC is the built-in microphone.

Both the [BAL] XLR and [UNBAL/GUITAR] phone connectors cannot be used.

CompactFlashTM card

The MR-8 uses a CompactFlashTM card (see the illustration below) as a recording medium.

On the CompactFlashTM card supplied with the unit, a demo song is recorded. See "Playing back the demo song" on page 19 for details about how to play back the demo song.

Inserting a CompactFlashTM card

Insert a CompactFlashTM card to the slot on the right side panel. (When shipped, the supplied card is inserted.)

<Image>

<Note>

When using a CompactFlashTM card other than the supplied one, make sure that the card is tested and confirmed by Fostex. If you use a card which is not tested and confirmed by Fostex, the MR-8 may not work correctly. About cards confirmed by Fostex, see the Fostex web site or contact your nearest Fostex dealer or service station. Also note that, before using a new card, you must format the card by the MR-8 (see page 22).

Slot

<Important!> When inserting or removing a card, make sure that the power of the MR-8 is off. If you insert or remove a card when the power is on, the card may be damaged or the recorded data may be lost.

How to remove a CompactFlashTM card

Place your fingertip in the groove under the card and pull it forward.

Recording time

The available recording time depends on the memory size of the card used. The following table shows the approximate recording time when recording in the normal mode (at 44.1-kHz, 16bit), as well as in the extended mode (at 22.05kHz, 16-bit). Refer to this table when purchasing a CompactFlashTM card. We recommend to use a CompactFlashTM card whose memory size is more than 128 MB.

Approx. Minutes

* Minutes in parenthesis: extended mode

<Important!> Do not leave a CompactFlash TM card in a dusty place, a place where static electricity is easily generated, or a place where is affected by magnetic fields. Also, do not give a strong impact or excessive power.

How to insert a CompactFlashTM card

With the surface side up, insert a card until it cannot go further.

<Important!>

•Do not insert a card in the wrong direction.

•Do not push a card with excessive force.

Connecting the AC adaptor

See the illustration below.

Connect the plug of the supplied AC adaptor to the [DC IN] jack firmly, then connect the AC adaptor to the AC main outlet. Make sure that the voltage of your AC outlet matches the supplied AC adaptor's specification.

Model AD-12A

[DC IN] connector

When the AC adaptor is connected while batteries are installed, the power is supplied to the MR- 8 from the AC adaptor. If the AC adaptor is unplugged, the batteries supply the power to the MR-8.

3.Insert six batteries in the right direction as shown below.

4.Place the compartment cover to the original position.

<Notes for changing batteries>

•Do not leave the exhausted batteries in the battery compartment.

•When batteries are exhausted, remove them from the battery compartment. If you leave them, chemical liquid in the batteries may leak out and damage the unit. If you do not use the unit with batteries for a long time, remove the batteries even though they are new.

•Never mix old and new batteries.

Inserting batteries

The battery compartment is located at the bottom of the MR-8.

To insert batteries, follow the procedure below.

<Important!> No battery is supplied with the unit. Purchase AA-type alkaline batteries. Do not use manganese batteries.

1.Put the MR-8 with the bottom panel up on soft material such as cloth.

2.Push the tab on the battery compartment cover to the direction shown by arrow in the illustration below, and remove the cover.

Turning on the unit

The first time you turn on the power, the LCD display shows the startup screen, followed by the screen below showing that the demo song is loaded. See page 27 for details about screens.

DIGITAL

If the LCD display does not show the startup screen when turning on the power, check the following.

•The power is supplied to the unit. (i.e. the AC adaptor is correctly connected, or batteries are not exhausted and correctly set.)

•The card is correctly set to the slot.

Note that the demo song is protected and the "" icon is shown at the top right of the screen. You can play back a protected song but cannot make recording or edit data. See page 20 for the details.

<Important!>

Note when external devices are connected.

If external devices are connected to the MR-8, follow the procedure below when turning on the power.

1.Turn down the MR-8 [MASTER] fader.

2.Turn on the power of source devices.

3.Turn on the power of the MR-8.

4.Turn on the power of monitor devices (such as an amplifier, speakers with built-in amplifiers, etc.).

Turning on the LCD display backlight

If you hardly see the screen on the LCD display in the dark place, turn the LCD display backlight by setting the [POWER] switch to the "LIGHT" position.

ON

OFF LIGHT

LIGHT position

POWER

<Note>

When using the MR-8 with batteries, we recommend not to turn on the backlight except when it is needed. Turning on the backlight consumes the battery power, therefore, the operation time becomes shorter.

Low battery display

When using the MR-8 with batteries and the battery power becomes low, "Low Battery!" flashes on the display.

If you see this, interrupt the current work and replace batteries.

Note that when "Low Battery!" flashes on the display, you cannot turn on the backlight.

flashing

Turning off the power

When turning off the power, make sure that the MR-8 is stopped. If external devices are connected, reverse the procedure shown above (i.e. monitor devices -> MR-8 -> source devices).

<Important!>

If you turn off the MR-8 power while the card is accessed, the recorded songs or card itself may be damaged.

You do not have to shut down the MR-8 before turning it off. All data recorded before turning off the power are memorized.

<Important!>

If you continue your work after "Low Battery!" starts flashing, the batteries finally become empty. In such a condition, the warning message as shown below appears on the display and the MR-8 does not accept any key operation.

We recommend to replace batteries as soon as "Low Battery!" starts flashing.

1)Connect headphones or a monitor system to the MR-8.

2)Set the [POWER] switch to ON.

The MR-8 turns on the power. After the LCD display shows the startup screen, the demo song (Song 01: FOSTEX_FEVER) is loaded.

3)Raise the [MASTER] fader to the "" position. Do not raise the track faders at this stage.

4)Press the [PLAY] key to start playback.

5)Raise the track faders gradually to adjust the play back level.

If you are using headphones for monitoring, also raise the [PHONES] control gradually to adjust the headphones level. (If you are using a monitor amplifier/speaker system for monitoring, adjust the level control of the amplifier.)

6)When the demo song ends, press the [STOP] key to stop the recorder.

Tips: Listening to the demo song again

When the recorder is stopped after listening to the demo song, press the [REWIND] key while holding down the [STOP] key. The recorder instantly moves back to the beginning of the demo song.

Then pressing the [PLAY] key starts playback from the beginning of the demo song.

<Note>

To record a new material onto the supplied card, you have to delete the demo song.

If you wish to keep the demo song, you cannot record a material onto the supplied card, therefore, you must record a material onto a new CompactFlashTM card.

Before recording a material onto a new card, you must make preparations for a card. See "Preparations of a CompactFlashTM card" on the next page.