Korg D888 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

E 1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

•Read these instructions.

•Keep these instructions.

•Heed all warnings.

•Follow all instructions.

•Do not use this apparatus near water.

•Mains powered apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

•Clean only with dry cloth.

•Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

•Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

•Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or groundingtype plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. (for U.S.A. and Canada)

•Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

•Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

•Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

•Turning off the power switch does not completely isolate this product from the power line so remove the plug from the socket if not using it for extended periods of time.

•Install this product near the wall socket and keep the power plug easily accessible.

•WARNING—This apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

•Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

•Do not install this equipment on the far position from wall outlet and/or convenience receptacle.

•Do not install this equipment in a confined space such as a box for the conveyance or similar unit.

•Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

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 product.

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

THE FCC REGULATION WARNING (for U.S.A.)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

CE mark for European Harmonized Standards

CE mark which is attached to our company’s products of AC mains operated apparatus until December 31, 1996 means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC). And, CE mark which is attached after January 1, 1997 means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC), CE mark Directive (93/ 68/EEC) and Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC).

Also, CE mark which is attached to our company’s products of Battery operated apparatus means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC).

Handling of the internal hard disk

Do not apply physical shock to this device. In particular, you must never move this device or apply physical shock while the power is turned on. This can cause part or all of the data on disk to be lost, or may damage the hard disk or interior components.

When this device is moved to a location where the temperature is radically different, water droplets may condense on the hard disk. If the device is used in this condition, it may malfunction, so please allow several hours to pass before operating the device.

Do not turn the power on and off repeatedly. This may damage the D888.

This device begins to access the hard disk immediately after the power is turned on.

Never turn off the power while the HDD access indicator is lit or blinking. Doing so can cause all or part of the data on hard disk to be lost, or may cause malfunctions such as hard disk damage.

If the hard disk has been damaged due to incorrect operation, power failure, or accidental interruption of the power supply, a fee may be charged for replacement even if this device is still within its warranty period.

Data handling

Incorrect operation or malfunction may cause the contents of memory to be lost, so we recommend that you save important data on a CD or other media. Please be aware that Korg will accept no responsibility for any damages which may result from loss of data.

Also, when digitally recording copyrighted audio material from a DAT or CD etc., you must obtain permission for use. Please be aware that Korg will accept no responsibility for any copyright violations which may occur through your use of this product.

COPYRIGHT WARNING

This professional device is intended only for use with works for which you yourself own the copyright, for which you have received permission from the copyright holder to publicly perform, record, broadcast, sell, and duplicate, or in connection with activities which constitute “fair use” under copyright law. If you are not the copyright holder, have not received permission from the copyright holder, or have not engaged in fair use of the works, you may be violating copyright law, and may be liable for damages and penalties. If you are unsure about your rights to a work, please consult a copyright attorney. KORG TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY

FOR ANY INFRINGEMENT COMMITTED THROUGH USE OF KORG PRODUCTS.

*Company names, product names, and names of formats etc. are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Printing conventions in this manual

Faders, knobs, and keys on the panel

In this manual, “faders,” “knobs,” and “buttons” refer to controls on the panel. The names shown on the panel are printed in boldface in the manual.

Examples: MASTER fader, TRIM knob, REC/PLAY button

Items in the LCD screen

This manual uses “bold” type to indicate parameters and values shown in the LCD screen.

Examples: “Repeat”, “T1”, “60”

Steps 1) 2) 3) ...

Steps in a procedure are indicated as 1) 2) 3) ...

(→p.■■)

This indicates a reference page within this manual.

,

These symbols respectively indicate points of caution or notes of advice.

LCD screens

The parameter values shown in the LCD screens printed in this manual are explanatory examples, and may not necessarily match the displays that appear on your D888.

iii

Table of Contents
Introduction....................................	6
Included items..................................................	6
Before using the D888 for the first time...........	6
Power on/standby/off .....................................	6
Connection example.........................................	7
Main features ................................................	8
Parts and their function ..................................	9
Top panel ........................................................	9
Rear panel.....................................................	12
Screens and operations................................	13
Basic operation ............................	14
1: Setup and listening to the demo song .......	14
1-1. Checking and connections ......................	14
Connecting your monitoring equipment.......	14
1-2. Turn the D888 on ...................................	14
1-3. Listen to the demo song ..........................	15
Listening to the demo song again from the
beginning............................................................	15
2: Recording................................................	15
2-1. Creating a new song ..............................	15
2-2. Connecting your input device..................	16
2-3. Start recording .......................................	16
3: Playback .................................................	16
3-1. Listening to the playback ........................	16
3-2. Adjusting the playback sound.................	16
4: Overdubbing ...........................................	17
4-1. Connecting your input device..................	17
4-2. Start recording .......................................	17
4-3. Listening to the song...............................	17
5: Mixdown and mastering ..........................	18
5-1. Adjusting the tone and volume
of each track..........................................	18
5-2. Start recording .......................................	18
5-3. Listen to your song .................................	18
5-4. Saving your song ...................................	19
6: Structure..................................................	19

Operation....................................	20
Level Meter screen.......................................	20
1. Display content and settings .......................	20
1-1. Peak Hold setting..............................	20
1-2. Level meter position ..........................	20
1-3. Switching the counter display ............	20
1-4. Other Indicators................................	20
Song and Location.......................................	21
1.Song ..........................................................	21
1-1. Creating a new song.........................	21
1-2. Selecting an existing song .................	21
1-3. Renaming a song..............................	21
1-4. Controlling a song ............................	21
2. Location ....................................................	22
2-1. Moving the location ..........................	22
Using the counter to move..........................	22
Using the FF and REW buttons to move ...	22
Moving to the beginning/end
of the song .....................................................	22
Using marks to move...................................	22
Mixer..........................................................	24
1. Mixer inputs ..............................................	24
1-1. Connecting audio sources..................	24
Keyboard or line output device .................	24
Guitar or bass................................................	24
Mic ..................................................................	24
1-2. Adjusting the input level ....................	24
1-3. Adjusting the monitor level ................	24
2. Mixer outputs ............................................	24
2-1. When MST/MON is selected..............	24
2-2. When INDIVIDUAL is selected ............	25
3. Adjusting the mixer ...................................	25
3-1. Adjusting the volume ........................	25
Adjusting the volume level
of each channel .............................................	25
Adjusting the overall volume level ...........	25
3-2. Adjusting the pan .............................	25
3-3. EQ (Equalizer)...................................	25
3-4. Muting a channel ..............................	25
4. Metronome................................................	25
Recording (basic).........................................	26
1. Virtual tracks.............................................	26
1-1. Selecting virtual tracks ......................	26
1-2. Track display ....................................	26

4

2.	Types of recording .....................................	26
	2-1. Recording channel tracks ...................	27
	2-2. Overdub recording............................	27
	2-3. Bounce recording ..............................	27
	2-4. Recording the master track ................	28
Recording (advanced)..................................		29
1.	Re-recording ..............................................	29
	1-1. Punch-in Recording
	(Re-recording a specific area).............	29
	Manual punch-in/out ..................................	29
	Auto punch-in/out.......................................	29
	1-2. Repeat recording...............................	30
2.	Recording-related functions ........................	31
	2-1. Rehearsal function.............................	31
	2-2. Auto input.........................................	31
	Automatically switching between
	recording and playback ...............................	31
	Turning auto input on/off ..........................	31
Playback ....................................................		32
1.	Types of playback ......................................	32
	1-1. Playing the channel tracks .................	32
	1-2. Playing a master track.......................	32
	1-3. Repeat playback ...............................	32
Effects.........................................................		33
1.	Using an effect...........................................	33
2.	Effect programs and parameters.................	33
3.	Saving effect settings..................................	34
Editing........................................................		35
1.	Song editing ..............................................	35
	1-1. Reloading a song ..............................	35
	1-2. Deleting a song .................................	35
	1-3. Copying a song.................................	35
	1-4. Saving a song ...................................	36
	1-5. Protecting a song ..............................	36
2.	Track editing..............................................	37
	2-1. Copy a track (Copy) ..........................	37
	2-2. Erase a track (Erase)..........................	38
	2-3. Exchanging tracks (Swap)..................	38
	2-4. Selecting a master track file
	(Master) ............................................	39
	2-5. Selecting a channel track file
	(VTrack) ............................................	39
	2-6. Deleting track data (Delete)................	40
Other .........................................................		40
1.	Adjusting the contrast.................................	40
2.	Using a foot switch.....................................	40
3.	Undo and Redo..........................................	41
4.	Formatting the drive...................................	41

5. Connecting to a computer ..........................	41
5-1. USB mode ........................................	42
5-2. Files you can use...............................	42
6. Synchronization via MIDI ...........................	43
6-1. MIDI connections...............................	43
6-2. MIDI messages used by the D888 ......	43
6-3. MIDI synchronization settings ............	43
7. Upgrading the system ................................	43
7-1. Downloading the operating system....	43
7-2. Updating the system .........................	43
Appendices ..................................	44
Troubleshooting...........................................	44
Power does not turn on..................................	44
Nothing appears in the display ......................	44
Vertical lines are visible in the display ............	44
No sound ......................................................	44
Can’t record ..................................................	44
The input or recorded sound is noisy
or distorted...............................................	44
Effects do not apply .......................................	44
Metronome....................................................	44
A button does not function when pressed........	45
MIDI..............................................................	45
Audio files.....................................................	45
USB...............................................................	45
Various messages........................................	45
Confirmation messages..........................................	46
Serious error messages...........................................	46
File details...................................................	47
The structure of the D888’s hard drive ............	47
WAV files that can be used on the D888 .............	47
Song file details .............................................	48
Settings common to all songs................................	48
Settings stored independently for each song......	48
Block diagram.............................................	48
Demo Song .................................................	48
Specifications ..............................................	49
Index ..........................................................	50
MIDI implementation chart ...........................	51

5

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Korg D888 Digital Recording Studio.

To take full advantage of the D888’s functions, and to enjoy trouble-free use, please read this manual carefully and use this product only as directed. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.

Included items

Make sure that the following included items are present.

• Owner’s Manual (this document)

• Power cable

Before using the D888 for the first time

Important

Please observe the following points when using the D888.

Power on/standby/off

The D888 is a precision instrument, similar to a personal computer, equipped with an internal hard disk drive. When turning the power on and off, follow the procedures shown below to protect your D888, your data, and your other equipment.

Before you turn on the power, make sure that the power cable is firmly plugged into the D888 and into an AC outlet.

● Power-on

1) Lower the D888’s monitor LEVEL knob to the

“0” position. Set the volume controls of your external equipment to their lowest position.

2) Turn on the power of external input devices such as keyboards that are sending audio to the D888.

3) If the main power switch (POWER ON) located on the rear panel of the D888 is off, turn it on.

The STANDBY LED will light. The D888 is now in the “standby” mode.

A certain amount of time will be required from when you turn on the main power until the STANDBY LED lights.

4)Press the power (ON) button located on the top panel to turn the D888 on.

The opening screen will appear in the display, and then the Level Meter screen will appear.

If the USB cable is connected to your computer when you turn on the power, the USB screen will appear and the D888 will enter USB mode (→p.42).

When you turn the power on, the selected song will be the same song that had been selected when the D888 was shut down.

5)Now you can turn on your monitoring system (or any other external device) that is receiving audio from the D888 .

If the power is turned off accidentally while the D888 is being used, the D888 itself or its internal hard disk drive may be damaged.

3)

1)

4)

The opening screen (D888)

6

● Shutdown

1)Lower the D888’s monitor LEVEL knob to the “0” position.

2)Turn off any devices connected to the D888’s outputs, such as your monitor system.

3)Hold down the D888’s power (ON) button (for 2–3 seconds) and the shutdown LCD screen appear.

If you press the ENTER/OK button, the current song will be saved automatically, and the D888 will return to the standby mode. This process is called “shutdown”.

If you press the EXIT/CANCEL button, you will return to the previous screen.

● Power -off

1)If you will not be using the D888 for an extended period of time, press the main power switch (POWER ON) located on the rear panel of the D888 to turn off the power.

2)Turn off any devices (such as keyboards) connected to the D888’s inputs.

When turning the power off, you must perform the shutdown process. Never turn off the main power switch or disconnect the power cable before shutdown has been completed.

If you turn off the main power switch or disconnect the power cable before shutdown has been completed, data or user settings will be lost, and the hard disk may be damaged.

The audio you record into the D888 and the mixer and effect settings you make are automatically saved when you select a song or perform the shutdown process.

Connection example

This diagram shows typical connections when using the D888. Connect your equipment as appropriate for your system.

Introduction

Main features Before using the D888 for the first time

Master recorder

Monitor speakers etc.

Computer

		DIGITAL IN	INPUT L/R
	MONITOR	(digital)	(analog)
		S/P DIF	MASTER
	OUT
		OUT	OUT

Mic	INPUT 1–8	USB	MIDI OUT

Guitar *1	Effector *1

INPUT 1–8

INPUT 1–8

MIDI device

MIDI IN (MTC)

Headphones

OUTPUT
PS-1	to the AC outlet
Pedal switch	Power supply connection
	You must use the included
Keyboard	AC power cable

Screens and operations Parts and their function

*1: You can directly input a guitar or bass that has active pickups, but if your instrument has passive pickups (i.e., without a built-in preamp), you won’t obtain satisfactory volume and tone quality because of the impedance mismatch. In this case, please route your instrument through a preamp or effect unit.

7

Main features

♦8-track digital multi-track recorder

The D888 features 40-bit internal processing and allows you to simultaneously record up to eight tracks of high-quality 16-bit 44.1 kHz uncompressed audio. Each track provides eight virtual tracks. Each track (and virtual track) is recorded as a WAV file, so it can easily be shared with DAW software and other recorders.

A master track file (stereo WAV) is created each time you record the master track, so you can master your song repeatedly until you are satisfied, and choose the best version later.

♦Eight analog input jacks offering your choice of TRS phone or +48V phantom-powered XLR connectors

All of the D888’s analog inputs use high-performance balanced pre amps to take full advantage of its high-quality full-digital audio processing.

The phone jack inputs are all TRS balanced types. Unbalanced input is also supported, allowing you to directly connect a variety of audio sources.

The eight XLR input jacks provide +48V phantom power, allowing the easy use of both condenser and dynamic mics.

♦Analog-like operation

The mixer section is laid out in the familiar style of an analog mixer, providing eight channel strips each offering input jacks, TRIM knob, EQ GAIN knobs, EFFECT knob, PAN knob, channel button, and channel fader so that operation is quick and intuitive.

♦Effects

The Effect section provides 40 -bit processing and 11 types of effects. The effect parameters can be edited, and these edits can be saved as part of your song.

♦Editing functions

Non-destructive digital editing allows you to perform various edits without impairing the highquality sound. In addition to punch-in/out recording, the D888 also provides Undo and Redo functions that let you listen to the “before” and “after” versions of any edit to assure you achieve the results you desire. Track editing functions such as Copy and Swap are also provided.

You can register one hundred mark points per song, making it easy to move quickly to desired locations in your song for editing.

♦Internal hard disk drive

A high-capacity hard disk drive is built-in, providing approximately three hours of recording time per GB (single track recording).

♦High-speed USB 2.0 connection

The high-speed USB 2.0 connector makes it easy to exchange track (WAV) data with a computer.

♦Rehearsal function

You can rehearse mixer operations and settings in exactly the same way as when recording but without occupying hard disk space (i.e., without actually recording your operations).

♦Flexible output switching

With the touch of a button, the individual outputs provided for each channel can be re-configured to provide stereo Master outputs, stereo Monitor outputs, and individual outputs for channels 5-8.

♦Metronome

The convenient metronome can be switched between the master + monitor outputs, or routed to just the monitor output.

8

Parts and their function

Top panel

15 16 17

1

2				18
				19
3				20
4				21
5
				22
6
7
8	9	10	11 12 13	14

1INPUT 1, INPUT 2...INPUT 8 jacks

Mic or line sources (such as keyboards) may be connected to these input jacks. Both XLR jacks and balanced 1/4" TRS phone jacks are provided.

You may also connect unbalanced phone plugs to the 1/4" jacks.

You can use either the TRS phone jack or the XLR jack for each INPUT 1–8, but the XLR jack of an input will be unavailable if a plug is also connected to the corresponding TRS phone jack.

If you need to supply phantom power to any condenser mics, connect them to the XLR connectors.

Each XLR jack can provide +48V phantom power for condenser mics. Use the PHANTOM (18) button (→p.11) to turn on the phantom power.

TRS phone plug		XLR connector
Balanced	Unbalanced	2: HOT
GND COLD HOT	GND HOT	1: GND
		3: COLD

Your equipment may be damaged if you connect or disconnect a condenser mic with PHANTOM button turned on. You must turn phantom power off before connecting or disconnecting condenser mics.

You must turn off the PHANTOM button if you’re not using phantom power. If this is on when you connect a device that does not use phantom power, you risk damaging that device.

2TRIM knob, PEAK LED

These knobs adjust the input level of each channel. Adjust the TRIM knob so that the PEAK LED does not light even during the loudest passages that you will be recording.

Hum or noise may occur if you leave the TRIM knob turned up on any input to which nothing is connected.

3EQ GAIN knobs (HIGH, MID, LOW)

These knobs adjust the EQ gain of each channel. The center frequencies are 10 kHz, 2.5 kHz, and 100 Hz, and the range of boost/cut is ±15 dB.

4EFFECT knob

These knobs adjust the amount of signal being sent to the Effect processor from each channel.

Introduction

Main features Before using the D888 for the first time

Screens and operations Parts and their function

9

5PAN knobs

These knobs adjust the pan (position in the stereo field) of each channel.

6CHANNEL buttons (1–8)

These buttons switch the status of each channel.

CH ON: Use these buttons to switch the channels between enabled and disabled (muted). The button will be lit (orange) for channels that are enabled.

BOUNCE: Use these buttons to switch the status of the channel when bounce recording. The bounce-destination (the channel to be recorded) will blink red, and the bounce-sources (the playback channels) will be lit green.

REC/PLAY: Use these buttons to switch between recording and playback for each channel. (Red for recording, green for playback.)

You can also use these buttons as the “1–8” buttons for numeric input (→p.21, 35).

7Channel faders (1–8)

These adjust the volume that is sent from each channel to the master bus.

8FOOT SWITCH jack

By connecting a foot switch (we recommend the separately sold KORG PS-1 pedal switch) you can use it to punch-in/out when performing manual punch recording (→p.29, 40).

9CH ON button

When this button is on (lit orange), you can use the channel buttons to switch each channel between enabled and disabled. You can also use this as a mute function.

10BOUNCE button (0)

When this button is on, you can use the channel buttons to specify each channel as a bounce destination (record) or bounce-source (playback).

You can also use this button as the “0” button for numeric input (→p.21, 35).

11 REC/PLAY button

When this button is on (lit), you can use the channel buttons to switch each channel of the track recorder between recording and playback. The track setting will alternate each time you press a channel button. If the master track’s channel button is in Play mode all other tracks will automatically be muted (silent), and if it is in Record mode all other tracks will automatically be in Play mode.

12 MASTER fader

This adjusts the overall volume. When you’re recording the master track, this sets the recording level.

When recording, you will normally leave the MASTER fader at 0 dB and adjust the channel faders so that the output does not distort.

13 MASTER button (9)

As you repeatedly press this button, the master track will cycle between Record (lit red), Play (lit green), and Off (dark).

You can also use this button as the “9” button for numeric input (→p.21, 35).

14 Transport buttons

Use the REC button, PLAY button, STOP button, REW button, and FF button to perform recorder operations such as playback and recording (→p.21).

15 Monitor LEVEL knob

If the OUTPUT ASSIGN (19) button is set to “MST/MON” this knob will adjust the output volume of the MONITOR L,R jacks; if the button is set to “INDIVIDUAL” this knob will adjust the volume of the OUTPUT jacks for mixer channels 1 and 2.

16 OUTPUT jacks

You can connect external devices to these jacks. The audio signals sent from these jacks will depend on the setting of the OUTPUT ASSIGN (19). These are unbalanced outputs that accommodate 1/4" phone jacks.

10

MST/MON

The audio output of the MASTER L,R, MONITOR L,R, and mixer channels 5, 6, 7, and 8 will be sent from the OUTPUT jacks.

INDIVIDUAL

The audio output of mixer channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 will be sent from the OUTPUT jacks.

17 PHONES jacks and level knobs

You can connect two sets of headphones here and use the respective knob to adjust the volume level. These are 1/4" stereo phone jacks that carry the same audio as the MONITOR jacks.

18 PHANTOM button

The XLR jacks for INPUT 1–8 provide a +48V phantom power supply for use with condenser mics. Pressing this button will toggle between the phantom power being on (button lit) or off (button dark). Always observe caution when using phantom power. In certain cases, you can mix condenser microphones and balanced dynamic microphones (usually those with a detachable cable and an XLR connector) when using phantom power. Unbalanced dynamic microphones must never be connected to the XLR inputs when phantom power is on. In most case, unbalanced dynamic microphones are connected to the 1/4” inputs, avoiding this issue.

Phantom power will not be supplied to INPUT jacks to which a TRS phone plug is connected.

If a condenser mic is connected or disconnected while the PHANTOM button is on, damage to your equipment may occur. For this reason, always turn the phantom power switch off before connecting or disconnecting a condenser mic.

If the PHANTOM button is on, you must never connect any device other than a condenser mic. Doing so may damage your equipment.

19 OUTPUT ASSIGN button

This selects the audio signals that will be sent from the OUTPUT (16) jacks. Each time you press this button, the setting will alternate between MST/MON (button lit) and INDIVIDUAL (button dark) (→p.24).

20 Display

This shows the song name, recording or playback volume (level meters), time information (locations), and parameters.

21 ON button, STANDBY LED

This button turns the D888’s power on/off. When the STANDBY LED is lit, you can press the ON button to turn on the power.

When the D888 is operating, you can hold down the ON button to display the shutdown screen.

22 HDD LED

This will light when the hard drive is being accessed during recording, playback, or editing, etc.

Never power-off the D888 or subject it to vibration or physical shock while the HDD LED is lit or blinking.

23 EFFECT selector

This is used to select the program that the effect processor will use.

	24	PARAMETER knob
		This is used to adjust the parameter values of the selected effect.	23	27	28
	25	EFFECT RTN knob	24
		This adjusts the depth of the effect.
			25
	26	EFFECT ON button		29
			26

	Each time you press this button, the effect will alternate between on		31
	(button lit) and off (button dark).	30
	27 ENTER/OK button, EXIT/CANCEL button	32	33
	Press the ENTER/OK button to confirm or execute an operation
	and proceed to the next screen. Press the EXIT/CANCEL button to
	halt or cancel an operation and return to the previous screen.
	These buttons are also used in response to messages that appear in the screen.

28 Cursor buttons

Use these buttons to perform operations in the screen, such as selecting parameters, moving between screens, or editing values.

Introduction

Main features Before using the D888 for the first time

Screens and operations Parts and their function

11

29 USB button

Press this button to enter USB mode.

30 MENU button, METRONOME, button, LEVEL METER button, SELECT SONG button

Press one of these mode buttons to enter the edit menu, metronome settings, level meters, or song select screen.

31 UNDO/REDO button, LED

When this LED is lit, you can press this button to undo or redo the previous operation.

32 STORE button, EDIT button, √ JUMP button, JUMP ® button

Press the STORE button to register a song location as a “mark,” and press the EDIT button to access the edit screen where you can view a list of marks and jump to a desired mark (or delete an unwanted mark). You can press the √ JUMP button or JUMP ® button to sequentially step through the stored marks before or after the current location.

33 REC/PLAY MODE button, AUTO PUNCH, REHEARSAL, REPEAT LEDs

Use this button to specify the recording or playback mode. The corresponding LED will light to indicate when auto punch recording is on, when rehearsal is on, or when repeat playback is on.

Rear panel

1 USB connector	1 2 3
You can use a USB cable to
connect the D888 to your
computer.
USB peripheral devices
such as external hard disks
and CD-R/RW drives can-
not be connected to the
D888.	4	5

If the USB cable is connected to your computer when you turn on the power, the USB screen will appear and the D888 will enter USB mode (→p.42).

2MIDI OUT connector

MIDI Time Code (MTC; 30 NDF) messages are transmitted from this connector. Use this when you wish to synchronize an external device to the D888 via MIDI (→p.43).

3S/P DIF OUT jack

This is an optical-type S/P DIF format (IEC60958, EIAJ CP-1201) digital output jack (stereo). Use an optical cable to connect this jack to the optical digital input of your CD-RW, MD or other equipment.

This output provides the same audio information as the MASTER L/R jacks, but in a digital format.

4Main power switch (POWER ON)

This turns the main power on/off.

When the Main power switch is turned on, the D888 will enter the standby mode.

In the standby mode, pressing the ON button will turn the D888 on. While the D888 is operating, hold the ON button down to access the Power Off dialog box and select Yes to shutdown the D888 and return to the standby mode. Then you can use the main power switch to turn the power off completely.

To turn off the power, you must first press the ON button to perform the shutdown operation. Never turn off the Main power switch or disconnect the power cable until shutdown has been completed.

If you turn off the Main power switch or disconnect the power cable before shutdown has been completed, data and user settings may be lost, and the hard disk may be damaged.

5AC connector

Connect the power supply cable (included) here.

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Screens and operations

1Selecting a mode screen

Press a mode button (MENU, METRONOME, LEVEL METER, etc.) to access the corresponding screen in the display.

Introduction

2Selecting a parameter and editing its value

In screens that allow editing, you will mainly use the cursor buttons, ENTER/OK button, and EXIT/CANCEL button to select a parameter and edit its value. However for some screens and

parameters, you can use the channel buttons and the BOUNCE and MASTER buttons to enter numeric values. An indication of in the screen means that you can use the up/down cursor but-

tons to select or make settings, and an indication of means that you can use the left/right cursor buttons. The indication means that you can press the ENTER/OK button to proceed to the next screen. To confirm the settings you edited, press the ENTER/OK button to return to the preceding screen. Alternatively, you can press the EXIT/CANCEL button to discard any changes you made, and return to the preceding screen with the existing settings unchanged.

Changing the Auto Input setting from “On” to “Off”

Main features Before using the D888 for the first time

or

channel key

If the screen indicates

Finalizing the change (ENTER/OK) or discarding the change (EXIT/CANCEL)

Screens and operations Parts and their function

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Basic operation

1:Setup and demo songs

Connect your monitor speakers or headphones, and turn on the power. Before you start recording your own songs, take a minute to listen to the demo song provided with the D888.

2:Recording

Connect your keyboard, mic, guitar, or other instrument, and record your performance on a channel track.

3:Playback

Play back your recorded performance, and apply EQ and effects.

4:Overdubbing

While listening to the performance you recorded in step 2, record additional performances on other channel tracks.

5:Mixdown and mastering

Apply effects and EQ to the performances of all tracks to create the overall balance you want.

Adjust the overall level and pan, and record your mix onto the master track.

6:Structure

Take a look at a simple block diagram that shows the audio signal flow of the D888’s recorder.

1: Setup and listening to the demo song

1-1. Checking and connections

Connecting your monitoring equipment

Monitor speaker etc.

1)Either connect your monitor system to the MONITOR L,R jacks, or connect your headphones to the PHONES jack.

2)Turn the monitor LEVEL knob to “0”. If you connected headphones, turn the PHONE level knob all the way toward the left.

If the OUTPUT ASSIGN button is dark (INDIVIDUAL), press the button to make it light (MST/MON).

1-2. Turn the D888 on

Connect the AC power cable (included), and turn on the power.

Be sure to use the procedure described in p.6 “● Power-on”.

Headphones

OUTPUT ASSIGN button

Use an independent AC outlet whenever possible. If a circuit breaker

should trip for some reason, any unsaved data will be lost and the internal hard drive may be damaged.

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1-3. Listen to the demo song

When shipped from the factory, the D888 contains a pre-recorded demo song.

1)Make sure that the display shows the demo song.

If something other than the demo song is shown, select the demo song as described in p.21 “1-2. Selecting an existing song”.

2)Set the channel faders and the Master fader to “0”.

3) Press the PLAY button to begin playing the demo song.

4) Slowly turn the monitor LEVEL knob toward the right to adjust the playback volume.

If you connected headphones, turn the PHONES level knob slowly toward the right to adjust the volume.

5)When the demo song ends, press the STOP button to stop playback.

Listening to the demo song again from the beginning

1)Hold down the STOP button and press the REW button to return to the beginning of the demo song.

2)Press the PLAY button to begin playing the demo song from the beginning.

2: Recording

Now let’s connect a two-channel (stereo) audio source such as a keyboard, and record it.

2-1. Creating a new song

Here’s how to create a new song for recording.

1)Press the SELECT SONG button to access the Select Song screen.

2)Use the cursor left/right buttons to select New, and press the ENTER/OK button.

The screen will ask “New Song: Are you sure?”

3)Press the ENTER/OK button to begin creating the new song.

4)When the song has been created, a song named “Song****” will be added (**** will be a consecutive number starting with 1).

2, 3

2

5

1

5)Press the LEVEL METER button to return to the previous screen (Level Meter).

	1: Setup and	listening to the demo song
	2: Recording
Basic operation
	3: Playback
	4: Overdubbing
	Mixdown and	mastering
	5:
	6: Structure

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2-2. Connecting your input device

Next, we’ll connect the L and R outputs of your keyboard to channels 1 and 2.

	1)	Connect output L of your keyboard	OUTPUT L
			OUTPUT R
		to INPUT 1, and output R to INPUT
		2.
	2)	Turn the TRIM knob to adjust the
		level so that the PEAK LEDs light
		when you play most strongly.	Peak LEDs

In the Level Meter screen, press the EXIT/CANCEL button several times to switch the level meters so that they show the inputs (IN), and check the input level.

Input indication

2-3. Start recording

	1) Press the REC/PLAY button (it will		1
	light).
		2	2

2)Press the channel buttons of tracks 1 and 2 several times to put these tracks in record mode (lit red).

7

	3) Gradually raise the faders of tracks 1	3	3	5	4
	and 2, and check the volume of your

monitor speakers (or headphones).

4)Press the REC button to enter record-ready mode (the button will light).

5)Press the PLAY button to start recording. (The REC and PLAY buttons will light.)

6)Begin performing.

7)When you’re finished performing, press the STOP button to stop recording (the button will go dark).

The D888’s recording level is set “pre-fader”; meaning the record levels are adjusted only by the TRIM knobs. The channel faders only adjust the audio level to the master and monitor outputs.

After recording, the screen will indicate “Working...” while the Undo data is being created. This process will require a correspondingly longer time for completion as the length of the song is longer.

3: Playback

3-1. Listening to the playback

1)Rewind back to where you started recording.

You can return to the beginning of the song by holding down the STOP button and pressing the REW button (→p.22 “2. Location”).

1

1, 3

2

2)Press the PLAY button to begin playback (the button will light).

Since automatic switching between record/play is turned on (the factory setting), the tracks will automatically be in Play mode even if you don’t change the track settings after recording (→p.31 “2-2. Auto input”).

3)Press the STOP button to stop playback (the PLAY button will go dark).

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