Yamaha PR7 Reference Manual

RECORDER

Reference Manual

Using the Reference Manual

The PPOCKETRAK PR7 Reference Manual (this book) enables you to use a terminology search function and a link function.

Searching for terminology

To search for terminology, use the search function built into the software application that displays this book.

If you are using Adobe Reader to display this book, type in a term in the search bar field, then press the <Enter> key on the computer keyboard. The application will search for the term inside the book.

Viewing the previous or next page

If you are using Adobe Reader to display this book, you can go back to the previous view, forward to the next view, or jump back and forth to a pre-link page. This feature is convenient if you want to return to a page after you jump to a different page via the page link.

Using the functional tree table

The functional tree table for the PR7 is illustrated on page 3. Use this diagram if you want to refer to a description of the screen or the various functions of the PR7.

Contents

Using the Reference Manual ............................................................................. 1

Features..................................................................................... 3

List of Functions........................................................................ 3

Controls and Functions ............................................................. 4

Understanding the Information on the LCD Screen................. 6

Preparing the PR7..................................................................... 7

Inserting a battery and a microSD card (sold separately) ................................... 7

Turning the power on or off ............................................................................. 7

Setting the calendar.......................................................................................... 7

HOME screen ............................................................................. 8

Basic Operation......................................................................... 9

Recording/stopping/playing back/setting the recording and playback levels ..... 9

Selecting the save destination for a recorded file ............................................. 10

Changing the recording format (sound quality) .............................................. 11

Adjusting the playback speed.......................................................................... 13

Fast forward and fast reverse........................................................................... 13

Pausing during playback or recording ............................................................. 13

Selecting the next or previous file ................................................................... 13

Reducing noise in the low range ..................................................................... 14

Preventing excessive input levels ..................................................................... 14

Recording with a tonal quality that suits the musical instrument

(Selecting a preset) ......................................................................................... 15

Switching the external device setting .............................................................. 15

Recording slightly earlier than the recording start time ................................... 16

Functions Useful for Musical Instrument Practice .................. 24

Using the tuner............................................................................................... 24

Using the metronome..................................................................................... 25

Adjusting the playback speed ......................................................................... 26

Handling Audio Files ............................................................... 27

Folder structure .............................................................................................. 27

About the limitations of files and folders ......................................................... 27

About the file naming rules............................................................................. 27

About the file format ...................................................................................... 27

Copying files................................................................................................... 28

Dividing a file ................................................................................................. 29

File names after division .................................................................................. 29

Deleting files................................................................................................... 30

File names after deleting ................................................................................. 30

Moving a file .................................................................................................. 31

File names after moving.................................................................................. 31

File naming rules for dividing, deleting or moving a file .................................. 32

Connecting a computer to the PR7 and transferring a file ............................... 32

Moving files from one folder to another inside the MUSIC folder .................... 34

Downloading software.................................................................................... 34

Other Functions....................................................................... 35

Using the system setting menu ....................................................................... 35

Accessing the system setting menu................................................................. 35

Setting the calendar........................................................................................ 35

Initializing all parameters to factory default settings ........................................ 36

Formatting (Initializing) the built-in memory and a microSD card ................... 36

Switching the REC LED on or off ..................................................................... 37

Switching the tuner’s pitch indication ............................................................. 38

Displaying the firmware version ...................................................................... 38

Error Messages ........................................................................ 38

Markers ................................................................................... 17

Marker mode screen ....................................................................................... 17

Adding a marker ............................................................................................. 17

Jumping to a marked position......................................................................... 18

Deleting a marker ........................................................................................... 18

Repeat playback between the markers ............................................................ 18

Overdubbing (Layered Recordings)........................................ 20

Overdubbing mode screen ............................................................................. 20

Overdubbing .................................................................................................. 20

Specifications .......................................................................... 39

Index........................................................................................ 40

* Illustrations and screens that appear in this manual are intended to help explain various

operations. Therefore, they may differ slightly from actual specifications.

Reference Manual

Features

HOME screen

Folder/File number indication 8

File date indication 8

Recording format (sound quality) indication

Available recording time indication 8

Main functions

Stop 9

Playback 9

Recording 9

Playback level adjustment 9

Fast forward/fast reverse 13

File selection 13

Overdubbing 20

Markers

Add 17

Move 18

Delete 18

REC LEVEL (Recording level)

Input level adjustment 9, 21

Playback level adjustment (Overdubbing)

TUN (Tuner) 24

MET (Metronome) 25

SPD (Playback speed adjustment) 26

FILE (Handling files)

COPY dIV (Dividing a file) trnS (Moving a file)

27 28 29 31

DEL (Deleting a file)

FILE (Deleting a selected file) FOLdEr (Deleting all files in the folder)

30 30 30

FOLDER (Switching a folder)

rEC (REC folder) 11 , 27

MSC (MUSIC folder) 27, 33

PRESET (Recording preset) 15

REC MENU (Recording settings)

MP3 PCM (Recording format [sound quality])

PCM (kHz/bit) MP3 (kbps)

11 11

SD (Selecting memory)

Int (Built-in memory) Sd (microSD card)

10 10 10

PRC (Pre-recording)

On OFF

16 16 16

HPF (High-pass filter)

On OFF

14 14 14

DYN (Dynamics control)

OFF LIM (Limiter) ALC HI (Auto Level Control: high) ALC LO (Auto Level Control: low)

14 14 14 14 14

EXT (Switching external input)

LInE (Line-in device) MIC (External condenser mic)

15 15 15

SYS (System settings)

CAL (Calendar)

YEAR Mo (Month) dAY (Day) hour (Hour) MIn (Minute)

7 7 8 8 8 8

LEd (REC LED)

On OFF

37 37 37

TUnEr (Tuner’s pitch indication)

SHrP (Sharp #) FLAt (Flat

)

38 38 38

rESET (Initializing menu settings) 36

ForMAt (Initializing the memory)

Int (Built-in memory) Sd (microSD card)

36 36 36

VEr (Version information) 38

Features

• High-performance crossed XY stereo microphones

The crossed XY stereo microphones resolve left and right phase difference, and enable high-quality, naturally-sounding stereo recording with a deep sound field.

• Overdubbing ➔ page 20

The PR7’s overdubbing feature enables you to record an additional layer of audio (such as voices or musical performances) on top of an already-recorded sound. This function is tremendously helpful for recording your song writing ideas or arrangements.

•Editing markers ➔ page 17

Markers are convenient for locating a playback position or for repeating playback, and can be edited as many times as you like during recording and/or playback.

•Peak limiter ➔ page 14

The limiter automatically adjusts excessive input levels for distortion-free recording.

• Tuner and metronome ➔ page 24

Tuner and metronome support practicing musical instruments or choir.

• Presets for musicians ➔ page 15

Presets for musicians provide optimal settings for recording different musical instruments.

List of Functions

Reference Manual

Controls and Functions

8 9

Controls and Functions

1 Built-in microphones

The PR7 features XY-type microphones.

2 REC LED

Lights up steadily or flashes during recording or operation.

3 LCD screen

Displays various information. Understanding the Information on the LCD

Screen ➔ page 6

4 (Power on/Standby)/[■] (Stop) button

If the power is off (standby mode), press this button once briefly to turn the power on. Press and hold down the button for about three seconds to turn the power off (standby).

To stop playback or recording, press this button.

While the LCD screen displays any mode screen other than the HOME screen, press this button to return to the HOME screen.

Press this button repeatedly while the HOME screen is displayed to switch to the following screen in the sequence.

Folder name and file number ➔ Date and time ➔ Recording format for the selected file (tonal quality) ➔ Available recording time ➔ Folder name and file number ➔ ...

About HOME screen ➔page 8

5 [●] (Record) button

Stands by, starts, or pauses recording.

6 [OVERDUB] button

Places the PR7 into overdubbing mode, which enables you to overdub an existing recorded file (page 20).

7 [REC LEVEL] button

Sets the recording level or playback level for overdubbing. Setting the recording level ➔ page 9 Overdubbing ➔ page 20

8 [MARK] button

Places the PR7 into marker mode, which enables you to insert markers into files (page 17).

9 [ ] (Play) button

If the HOME screen is displayed this button starts or pauses file playback, or starts recording.

If the menu or any setting screen is displayed, this button functions as an Enter (execute) button to confirm parameter settings and edits.

0 [REC SET] button

Enables you to change the recording format (sound quality), switch the save destination for recorded files between the built-in memory and a microSD card, and set other recording parameters.

A [MENU] button

Selects functions other than recording, such as the tuner or metronome. Using the tuner ➔ page 24 Using the metronome ➔ page 25 Adjusting the playback speed ➔ page 26

B [+]/[–] buttons

Adjust the PR7’s audio volume if the HOME screen is displayed. These buttons also enable you to edit parameter values or select a setting item if a

menu screen or mode screen is displayed. If the marker mode screen is displayed, this button enables you to add or delete

markers or turn the Repeat function on or off.

C [<]/[>] buttons

Enable you to select an audio file or navigate the screen. During playback, these buttons are used to fast reverse and fast forward respectively.

Reference Manual

1 Battery compartment

Insert an AAA battery here.

2 microSD card slot

Insert a commercially-available microSD/ microSDHC card here.

3 Threaded socket for a tripod

Use this socket to attach the PR7 to a tripod. The thread size is 1/4 inch (6.35mm).

4 Speaker

You can listen to a recording on the spot.

1 PHONES jack

This is a stereo mini jack to which you can connect your headphones or an external device.

While this jack is connected, the built-in speaker is automatically turned off.

2 MIC/LINE IN (external input) jack

This is a stereo mini jack to which you can connect an external condenser microphone or an external device, such as a CD player or electronic musical instrument.

While this jack is connected, the built-in microphones are automatically turned off.

3 [HOLD] switch

Disables all control buttons on the PR7 to avoid accidental operation during transport or recording.

If you turn on the Hold function while the unit is stopped, the unit will display the clock.

4 USB terminal

Connect your computer here to transfer audio files to and from the built-in memory or the installed microSD card.

Handling audio files ➔ page 27 Connecting the PR7 to a computer ➔ page 32

Controls and Functions

Reference Manual

Understanding the Information on the LCD Screen

6 7

Remaining battery power

High Low

Understanding the Information on the LCD Screen

NOTE

During operation, the PR7 does not display all of the following indicators and items at the same time.

1 Remaining battery power

The battery indicator on the LCD screen indicates the amount of remaining battery power, as shown on the right.

If the remaining battery power is getting low, the availability of certain functions, such as copying or dividing a file, will be limited. Replace the battery with a new one at your earliest convenience.

3 Recording/Playback/Repeat playback display area

This area indicates the status of the current recording, playback, or repeat playback.

4 Meter area

This area indicates the playback or recording level by using graphic meters. If you are using the tuner or metronome, this area will display the appropriate

information.

5 Time/Message display area

The HOME screen displays the playback/recording time or remaining time in the format of hours:minutes:seconds.

Other information or messages may be displayed depending on the selected mode.

6 File/Marker display area

On the HOME screen, this area indicates the folder and file numbers. In Marker mode, this area indicates the marker number.

Other information displayed here varies depending on the selected mode.

7 Recording setting area

Press the [REC SET] button on the PR7 to display this area. The indicator of the currently-selected menu will flash. Use the [+] or [–] button to

select a menu item, then press the [ ] (Play) button to display the corresponding menu screen. To return to the HOME screen, press the [REC SET] button again or the [■] (Stop) button.

8 Mode area

This area indicates the parameters of the currently-selected mode. The information displayed on the screen varies depending on the mode.

2 Menu area

Press the [MENU] button on the PR7 to display this area. The indicator of the currently-selected menu will flash. Use the [+] or [–] button to

select a menu item, then press the [ ] (Play) button to display the corresponding menu screen. To return to the HOME screen, press the [MENU] button again or the [■] (Stop) button.

Reference Manual

Preparing the PR7

microSD card

AAA-size alkaline battery

Preparing the PR7

Inserting a battery and a microSD card (sold separately)

1. Open the bat-

tery compartment cover.

WARNING

Use the battery at an ambient temperature of 5 to 35 degrees Celsius (41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not leave the unit or the battery in a car.

CAUTION

When you replace the battery, be sure to first turn the power off to the unit. Otherwise, malfunction or damage to the data may occur.

NOTE

• You can use an AAA rechargeable battery (NiMH battery) instead. NiMH battery life is estimated to be about 70% of that of an alkaline battery. Also, NiMH battery power voltage is different from that of an alkaline battery. Therefore, the remaining battery power may not be displayed correctly. Please note that you cannot recharge an NiMH battery using the PR7.

• The microSD card slot supports both microSD and microSDHC card formats. If you plan to use a microSD card, choose a 1GB–2GB microSD card, or a 4GB–32GB microSDHC card (these cards are compatible as of January 2013). However, some cards (depending on the manufacturer or type of card) may not work with the unit.

• For more information about microSD cards, please visit the following Yamaha Pro Audio website: http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/pr7/

2. Insert a

microSD card.

3. Insert an alka-

line dry-cell battery.

4. Close the bat-

tery compartment cover.

Turning the power on or off

Turning the power on

Press the [■] (Stop) button.

Turning the power off

Press and hold down the [■] (Stop) button for at least three seconds while the PR7 is stopped.

The power will also turn off automatically when no operation has been performed on the device for a certain length of time.

Setting the calendar

When you turn on the power to the PR7 for the first time, set the calendar. The calendar’s time stamp is used for the file information. We recommend that you set

the calendar correctly.

1. Press the [+] or [–] button to specify the year, then press the [ ] (Play)

button.

(Continued on the next page)

Reference Manual

HOME screen

Folder/File number

Current position in the file

File date

File recording start time

kbps

Recording format (sound quality) (If the file format is not supported for recording on the PR7, “– – – –” will appear here.)

Duration of the entire file

REMAIN

Available recording time

2. In the same way, specify the month, date, hour, and minute values.

To return to the previous parameter, press the [<] button.

HOME screen

The HOME screen features four sets of indicators. You can select one of these four possible HOME screens using the [■] (Stop) button.

NOTE

If a folder that contains no files is selected, HOME screen options 2 and 3 will be unavailable.

•Option 1

•Option 2

3. After you complete the settings, press the [■] (Stop) button.

The PR7 displays the HOME screen.

NOTE

You can also set the calendar by using the system setting menu. About the system setting menu ➔ page 35

•Option 3

•Option 4

Reference Manual

Basic Operation

3, 8

2, 4

6, 9

1, 5

If the level is too high:

Guideline for the maximum volume

Flash rapidly

Center of the sound

After you finish setting the recording level, press the [REC LEVEL] button again.

The PR7 displays the recording standby screen.

Basic Operation

Recording/stopping/playing back/setting the recording and playback levels

1. Press the [●] (Record) button.

The PR7 enters recording standby mode.

2. To set the recording level, press the

[REC LEVEL] button.

If you already set the recording level or if the ALC HI or ALC LO (Auto Level Control) (➔ page 14) was activated as the dynamics control, proceed to Step 5.

3. While observing the level meter, press

the [+] or [–] button to adjust the recording level.

Set the recording level so that the level meter does not deflect all the way to the right. The REC LED will flash rapidly if the meter deflects all the way.

5. Press the [●] (Record) button again.

The PR7 starts recording. You can also press the [REC LEVEL] button to adjust the recording level.

6. After recording is complete, press the [■] (Stop) button.

Recording is complete and an audio file is created. The playback position will automatically return to the beginning of the recorded

audio file.

7. Press the [ ] (Play) button.

The audio that was just recorded will play back.

8. While the audio file is playing, press the [+] or

[–] button to adjust the playback level.

The PR7 displays the screen shown on the right.

9. To stop playback, press the [■] (Stop) button.

The playback position will automatically return to the top of the original file.

Developer’s column: Tips for recording with the built-in microphones

NOTE

You can set different recording levels for the built-in microphones, external microphone, and external input. While you are setting these levels, the screen will indicate “MIC” or “LInE”, depending on the recording source.

You might wonder how to best orient and position the recorder when recording with the built-in microphones.

One rule of thumb is to point the device straight ahead (from the built-in microphones) to the center of the recorded sound stage.

Ideally, you should place the PR7 on a stable surface that will not be affected by noise from the floor. If you place the PR7 on top of a desk, place a soft cloth underneath it so that it will not pick up unnecessary noise. You should also take advantage of the PR7’s excellent ability to reduce noise (page 14) and prevent excessive level of input (page 14).

Reference Manual

Basic Operation

Selecting the save destination for a recorded file

Follow the steps below to select the save destination for a recorded file:

1 Selecting either the built-in memory or microSD card 2 Selecting a folder in memory

Selecting either the built-in memory or microSD card

You can select either the internal memory or microSD card (sold separately) as the save destination for recorded audio files.

The default setting is the internal memory.

NOTE

If you plan to use a microSD card, you must first insert a microSD card into the card slot on the unit. Preparing the PR7 ➔ page 7 Formatting (Initializing) a microSD card ➔ page 36

1. Press the [REC SET] button.

2. Press the [+] or [–] button to select the SD icon in the record setting area, then

press the [ ] (Play) button.

3. Press the [+] or [–] button to select “Int” (built-in memory) or “Sd” (microSD

card), then press the [ ] (Play) button.

NOTE

If a microSD card has not been installed in the unit, you can select only the built-in memory.

4. After the setting is complete, press the [■] (Stop) button.

The PR7 displays the HOME screen.

Reference Manual

Basic Operation

Press and hold down

Selecting a folder

A location in which a recorded file is saved is called a “folder.” You can select a folder in the selected memory as the save destination for recording. The default setting is the R0 folder in the built-in memory, so you can perform recording

without changing the save destination. The built-in memory provides folders R0 through R9. You can organize the files by folders according to their purpose. For example, you can store rehearsal files in folder R0 and live performance files in folder R1 so that it will be easier for you to find desired files later. However, if you would prefer to record audio into a different folder, follow the steps below:

1. Press and hold down the [MENU] button for at least

two seconds.

2. Make sure that the folder select screen indicates “rEC”, then press the [ ]

(Play) button.

3. Press the [+] or [–] button to select the desired REC folder from R0 through R9.

Changing the recording format (sound quality)

You can choose the recording format from thirteen options, ranging from high-quality PCM to the smallest-size MP3.

The default setting is PCM, 44.1kHz, 16-bit, which is the same as the sound quality of music CDs.

1. Press the [REC SET] button.

2. Press the [+] or [–] button to select the MP3/PCM icon, then press the [ ]

(Play) button.

3. Press the [+] or [–] button to select “PCM” or “MP3”, then press the [ ]

(Play) button.

4. Press the [ ] (Play) button to confirm the setting.

The PR7 displays the HOME screen.

NOTE

If you start recording while the MUSIC folder is selected, the PR7 will record automatically to the R0 folder. If the R0 folder is not available for recording for some reason, the PR7 will check other folders in sequence (R1, R2,...etc.) to find and record into the available folder.

(Continued on the next page)

Reference Manual

Basic Operation

4. Press the [+] or [–] button and then [ ] (Play) button to specify the sampling

frequency (kHz) and the bit rate (bit) (if you selected PCM), or specify the bit rate (kbps) (if you selected MP3).

The following formats are supported:

• PCM (File extension: wav)

Sampling frequency (kHz): 96, 88.2 (indicated as 88), 48, 44.1 (indicated as 44) Bit rate (bit): 24, 16

• MP3 (File extension: mp3)

Bit rate (kbps): 320, 192, 128, 64, 32

For both parameters, a higher value will result in better sound quality, but data size will increase.

5. After the setting process is complete, press the [■] (Stop) button.

The PR7 displays the HOME screen.

Estimated available recording time (with internal 2GB memory)

Recording mode

96kHz About 55 minutes

88.2kHz About 1 hour 192kbps About 21 hours

24bit

PCM

(WAV)

16bit

* If you record multiple files, the total available recording time will be shorter than those estimated above. * The largest available recording space (for continuous recording) in one file is 2GB. If the recording file

size reaches 2GB, the PR7 will automatically continue recording into a subsequent file in a few seconds (when using a microSDHC card). However, the unit will be unable to record continuously if the recording exhausts the battery. Battery life ➔ page 39

* To display the available recording time, press the [■] (Stop) button repeatedly while the HOME screen

is displayed. ➔ page 8

48kHz About 1 hour 45 minutes 128kbps About 32 hours

44.1kHz About 1 hour 55 minutes 64kbps About 64 hours

96kHz About 1 hour 20 minutes 32kbps About 127 hours

88.2kHz About 1 hour 25 minutes

48kHz About 2 hours 40 minutes

44.1kHz About 2 hours 55 minutes

Available recording

time (estimated)

Recording

mode

320kbps About 12 hours 45 minutes

MP3

Available recording time

(estimated)

Developer’s column: Tips for selecting a recording format

When you select a recording format, first consider which is more important: sound quality or data size. Then, think about how you will use the recording before finally deciding on the recording format.

For example, music CDs are recorded with rates of 44.1kHz/16-bit. If you are recording for a CD, you may want to select PCM “16/44.” Generally, in music production applications, projects use the format of 48kHz/24-bit. In the field recording industry, in which the sounds of nature are recorded, people often use 96kHz/24-bit format.

On the other hand, music data distributed on the Internet typically features lower resolution in the range of 320 through 128kbps. If you want to send music data via e-mail to share a rough sketch of a song idea with your band members, selecting 32 or 64kbps would be a good choice.

It is very important to record audio with a sound quality that suits the purpose. We recommend that you try out different formats first, and then pick the best one for your application.

Reference Manual

Basic Operation

Press and hold down

Next filePrevious file

File recording start time

File date

kbps

Recording format (sound quality) (If the file format is not supported for recording on the PR7, “– – – –” will appear here.)

Duration of the entire file

Adjusting the playback speed

You can adjust the playback speed. This function is useful if you practice fast phrases or listen to precisely how notes are playing.

Adjusting the playback speed ➔ page 26

Fast forward and fast reverse

While the PR7 is playing or while playback is paused, press and hold down the [>] button to engage fast forward, or press and hold down the [<] button to engage fast reverse.

Pausing during playback or recording

Press the [ ] (Play) button during playback or recording to pause playback or recording.

Press the [ ] (Play) button again to resume playback or recording.

Selecting the next or previous file

While operation is stopped or paused, press the [>] button to select the next file. Press the [<] button to select the previous file.

Press and hold down the [<] or [>] button to continue skipping to the previous or next file respectively.

NOTE

To search for a file using the information displayed on screen, first press the [■] (Stop) button repeatedly (while the HOME screen is displayed) to select the desired screen option. Then press the [<] or [>] button to find a file based on the displayed information.

Reference Manual

+ 28 hidden pages