ZOOM MR-1608 User Manual

Operation Manual

© ZOOM Corporation

Reproduction of this manual, in whole or in part, by any means, is prohibited.

USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

In this manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and

cautions for you to read so that accidents can be prevented.

The meanings of these symbols are as follows:

This symbol indicates explanations about

extremely dangerous matters. If users

arning

ignore this symbol and handle the device

the wrong way, serious injury or death could

result.

This symbol indicates explanations about

Caution

Please observe the following safety tips and precautions to

ensure hazard-free use of the MRS-1608.

• Power requirements

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• About grounding

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dangerous matters. If users ignore this

symbol and handle the device the wrong

way, bodily injury and damage to the

equipment could result.

The MRS-1608 is powered by the supplied AC

adapter. To prevent malfunction and safety hazards,

do not use any other kind of AC adapter.

When using the MRS-1608 in an area with a

different line voltage, please consult your local

ZOOM distributor about acquiring a proper AC

adapter.

Depending on installation conditions, a slight

electrical charge may be felt when touching a metal

part of the MRS-1608. If you wish to avoid this,

ground the unit by connecting the ground screw on

the rear panel to a good external ground.

To prevent the risk of accidents, never use one of the

following for grounding:

• Water pipe (risk of electric shock)

• Gas pipe (risk of explosion)

• Telephone wiring ground or lightning arrestor

(risk of lightning stroke)

• Environment

Avoid using your MRS-1608 in environments where

it will be exposed to:

Caution

• Extreme temperature

• High humidity, moisture, or splashing water

• Excessive dust or sand

• Excessive vibration or shock

• Handling

Never place objects filled with liquids, such as vases,

on the MRS-1608 since this can cause electric shock.

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The MRS-1608 is a precision instrument. Do not

Caution

exert undue pressure on the keys and other controls.

Also take care not to drop the unit, and do not subject

it to shock or excessive pressure.

• Alterations

Never open the case of the MRS-1608 or attempt to

modify the product in any way since this can result in

Caution

damage to the unit.

• Connecting cables and input and output jacks

You should always turn off the power to the MRS-

Caution

1608 and all other equipment before connecting or

disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to

disconnect all cables and the AC adapter before

moving the MRS-1608.

• Volume

Do not use the MRS-1608 at a loud volume for a long

time since this can cause hearing impairment.

Caution

• CD-R/RW Drive

Never look directly in the laser beam projected from

the optical pickup of the CD-R/RW drive since your

Caution

sight can be damaged.

ZOOM MRS-1608

2

USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Usage Precautions

• Electrical interference

For safety considerations, the MRS-1608 has been designed

to provide maximum protection against the emission of

electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and

protection from external interference. However, equipment

that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful

electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the MRS-

1608, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out

entirely.

With any type of digital control device, the MRS-1608

included, electromagnetic interference can cause

malfunctioning and can corrupt or destroy data. Care should

be taken to minimize the risk of damage.

• Cleaning

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the MRS-1608. If necessary,

slightly moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleanser, wax,

or solvents (such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since

these may dull the finish or damage the surface.

MIDI is a registered trademark of Association of Musical

Electronics Industry(AMEI).

All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the

property of their respective owners.

All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned in

this manual are for identification purposes only and are

not intended to infringe on the copyrighted properties of

their respective owners.

• Backup

The data of MRS-1608 can be lost because of malfunction

or incorrect operation. Backup your data.

• Copyrights

Except for personal use, unauthorized recording from

copyrighted sources(CDs, records, tapes, video clips,

broadcast material and so on) is prohibited.

ZOOM Corporation does not bear any liability for

injunctions regarding the copyright law infringement.

Please keep this manual in a convenient place for future

reference.

ZOOM MRS-1608

3

Contents

USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . 2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Introducing the MRS-1608 . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Rhythm section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Parts of the MRS-1608 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Top panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Installing the CD-R/RW Drive . . . . . . . . . . 17

Power On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Turning power on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Turning power off (shutdown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Listening to a Demo Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Selecting the demo song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Playing the demo song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Let’s Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Quick Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Step 1: Preparations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

1.1 Creating a new project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

1.2 Selecting the rhythm pattern to use . . . . . . . . . . 23

Step 2: Recording the first track . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

2.1 Adjusting input sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

2.2 Applying the insert effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

2.3 Selecting a track and recording . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Step 3: Overdubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

3.1 Making settings for input sensitivity and

insert effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

3.2 Selecting a track and recording . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Step 4: Mixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

4.1 Turning off the input and rhythm section . . . . . .29

4.2 Adjusting volume, panning, and EQ . . . . . . . . . .29

4.3 Applying the send/return effect . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

4.4 Applying the insert effect to a track . . . . . . . . . .32

Step 5: Mixdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

5.1 Using the mastering insert effect . . . . . . . . . . . .33

5.2 Mixdown on the master track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Reference [Recorder] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

V-takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

About V-takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Switching V-takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Assigning V-take names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Moving to a desired point in the song

(locate function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Playing back the same passage repeatedly

(A-B repeat function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Finding a desired location (scrub/preview

function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Using scrub/preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Changing the scrub direction and duration . . . . . . . 38

Re-recording only a specified region

(punch-in/out function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Using manual punch-in/out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Using auto punch-in/out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Recording several tracks on a master track

(mixdown function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

About the master track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Master track mixdown steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Playing the master track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Combining multiple tracks on one or two tracks

(bounce function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

How bounce works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Making bounce settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Executing bounce recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Recording the drum/bass sound

(rhythm recording) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Selecting drum/bass track as recording source . . . 44

Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Recording on 8 tracks simultaneously

(8-track recording mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

About 8-track recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Assigning an input signal to a track . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Marker function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Setting a mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Locating a mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Deleting a mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Making settings for pre-count operation . . . . . .48

Reference [Track Editing] . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Editing a range of data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Basic steps for range editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Copying a specified range of data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Moving a specified range of data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Erasing a specified range of data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Trimming a specified range of data . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Fade-in/fade-out of a specified data range . . . . . . . 53

Reversing a specified range of audio data . . . . . . . . 54

Changing the duration of a specified range

of data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Compensating the pitch of a specified range . . . . . 55

Generating a 3-part harmony from a specified

range of audio data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Generating a 1-part harmony from a specified

range of audio data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Editing using V-takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Basic steps for V-take editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Erasing a V-take . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Copying a V-take . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Moving a V-take . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Exchanging V-takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Importing a V-take from another project . . . . . . . . . 64

Track capture and swap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Capturing a track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Swapping track data and captured data . . . . . . . . . 66

ZOOM MRS-1608

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Contents

Reference [Phrase Looping] . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Which kind of phrases can be used? . . . . . . . . 67

Loading a phrase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Basic phrase loading steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Importing a phrase from the current project . . . . . .69

Importing a WAV/AIFF file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Importing a phrase from a different project . . . . . . . 71

Adjusting phrase parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Copying a phrase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Deleting a phrase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Writing a phrase loop to a track . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Using FAST input for the phrase loop . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Writing a phrase loop to a track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Reference [Mixer] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

About the mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Assigning input signals to recording tracks . . . 78
Adjusting the signal for each track

(track parameters) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Linking two tracks (stereo link) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Assigning an input/track signal to the SUB-OUT

jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Using the solo function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Saving/recalling mixer settings

(scene function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Saving a scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Recalling a scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Switching scenes automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Deleting certain parameters from a scene . . . . . . . .86

Reference [Rhythm] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

About the rhythm section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Drum kits and bass programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Rhythm patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Rhythm pattern mode and rhythm song mode . . . . 88

Synchronizing the recorder section and rhythm

section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Playing rhythm patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Selecting a rhythm pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Changing the tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Changing the drum kit / bass program . . . . . . . . . . 90

Selecting the sound or scale to play with

the pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Creating an original rhythm pattern . . . . . . . . . 93

Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Drum sequence real-time input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Bass sequence real-time input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Drum sequence step input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Bass sequence step input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Entering rhythm pattern chord information . . . . . .100

Changing the drum/bass sequence volume

level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Assigning a name to a rhythm pattern . . . . . . . . . .101

Editing rhythm patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Copying a rhythm pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Deleting a rhythm pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Creating a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Selecting a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Entering pattern information using step input . . . .104

Using FAST for pattern information input . . . . . . . . 106

Entering chord information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Entering other information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Playing a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Editing a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Copying a specified range of measures . . . . . . . . . 111

Transposing the entire rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Copying a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Deleting the rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Assigning a name to a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Creating your own drum kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Changing the sound and settings for each pad . . . 114

Assigning a name to a drum kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Copying a drum kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Adjusting the volume of each pad with the

faders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Importing rhythm patterns and rhythm songs

from another project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Editing various settings of the rhythm

section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Basic procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Changing the length of the pre-count . . . . . . . . . . 119

Changing the metronome volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Adjusting the sensitivity of the pads . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Checking the remaining amount of memory . . . . . 120

Swapping the left/right pan position . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Reference [Pad Sampler] . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

How the pad sampler works . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Material that can be imported into the sample

pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Importing a sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Basic steps for sample importing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Importing part of a track/V-take . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Importing a WAV/AIFF file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Setting various sample parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Editing a sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Copying a sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Deleting a sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Editing a specified range of a sample . . . . . . . . . . 127

Creating sampler programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Creating a new sampler program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Assigning samples to pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Editing a sampler program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Assigning a name to a sampler program . . . . . . . . 131

Copying a sampler program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Deleting a sampler program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Using the pads to play the pad sampler . . . . .133

Playing the pad sampler sounds in a rhythm

pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Recording pad sampler play on an audio

track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Importing a sampler program from another

project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Reference [Effects] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

About the effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Insert effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Send/return effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Using the insert effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

About insert effect patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

ZOOM MRS-1608

5

Contents

Changing the insert location of the insert effect . . .140

Selecting the patch for the insert effect . . . . . . . . .141

Editing the insert effect patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Storing/swapping insert effect patches . . . . . . . . . 145

Editing the name of an insert effect patch . . . . . . .145

Applying the insert effect only to the monitor

signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Using the send/return effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

About the send/return effect patches . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Selecting a send/return effect patch . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Editing a send/return effect patch . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Storing/swapping send/return effect patches . . . .148

Editing the name of a send/return effect patch . . .149

Importing patches from another project . . . . 149

Reference [Creating a CD] . . . . . . . . . . .151

About creating an audio CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

About CD-R/RW discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Creating an audio CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Creating an audio CD by project . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Creating an audio CD by album . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Using the marker function to separate tracks . . . . 155

Including a playlist in an album . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

Playing an audio CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Finalizing a CD-R/RW Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Erasing a CD-RW disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Loading an audio CD into a project . . . . . . . . 160

Backup and restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Saving a single project to CD-R/RW disc . . . . . . . .161

Saving all projects to CD-R/RW disc . . . . . . . . . . .162

Loading a project from CD-R/RW disc . . . . . . . . . . 163

Reference [Projects] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

About projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Project operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Basic procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Loading a project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Creating a new project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

Checking the project size/available hard disk

capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Duplicating a project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Erasing a project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Changing the project name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Protecting a project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Reference [MIDI] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

About MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

What you can do using MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Making MIDI-related settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Basic procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Setting the drum kit/bass program MIDI

channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Turning Timing Clock messages on or off . . . . . . . 172

Turning Song Position Pointer messages on or

off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Turning Start/Stop/Continue messages on or

off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Turning Program Change messages on or

off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

Turning MIDI Time Code (MTC) messages on or

off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

Using the SMF player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Reading an SMF into a project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Selecting the SMF output destination . . . . . . . . . . 175

SMF playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Reference [Other Functions] . . . . . . . . .177

Playing several projects continuously

(sequence play) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Creating a playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Playlist playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Using the tuner function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Using the chromatic tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Using other tuner types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Changing the function of the foot switch . . . .181

Preventing digital copying of a master disc or

master tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Switching the level meter display type . . . . . .182

Using an option card to connect to a

computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183

Hard disk maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184

Basic maintenance procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Test/restore integrity of data on internal hard disk

(ScanDisk) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Returning system file data to factory default

(Factory Initialize) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

Returning the entire hard disk to the factory default

(All Initialize) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

Hard disk maintenance using the supplied

CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

Problems during playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188

Problems during recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188

Problems with effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Problems with the rhythm section . . . . . . . . . .189

Problems with MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Problems with CD-R/RW drive . . . . . . . . . . . . .190

Other problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Effect Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191

Insert Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Send/return Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Effect Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202

Insert Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

Send/return Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Rhythm Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209

Drum Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211

Bass Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211

Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212

MIDI note number chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214

Phrases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215

MRS-1608 Hard Disk Contents . . . . . . . . . . . .217

Compatibility with MRS Series . . . . . . . . . . . . .217

MIDI implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218

MIDI implementation chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219

INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

ZOOM MRS-1608

6

Introduction

Thank you for selecting the
manual). The MRS-1608 is a fascinating product with the following features.

■

Brings together everything you need for complete music production

The MRS-1608 provides all the functionality you need for professional music production:
hard disk recorder, drum/bass machine, sampler, digital mixer, effects, CD-R/RW drive and
more. From creating the rhythm tracks to multitrack recording, mixdown, and burning an
audio CD, the MRS-1608 lets you do it all.

■

Recorder with 16 tracks x 10 virtual takes

The recorder section provides 16 audio tracks (mono x 8, stereo x 4), plus a stereo master
track for mixdown. Because each track has ten virtual tracks (V-takes), you can record
multiple takes for important parts such as vocals or guitar solos and select the best take later.
A full range of editing functions is provided, allowing you to copy or move audio data.
Special functions including time stretch/compression and pitch compensation are also
available.

■

Versatile input/output configuration allows simultaneous recording

ZOOM MRS-1608 MultiTrak Recording Studio

in 8 channels

The MRS-1608 features 3 inputs on the front and rear panels feeding a total of 8 channels.
The unit can accommodate a wide range of sources, including high-impedance instruments
such as guitar and bass, dynamic or condenser mics, as well as synthesizers and other line­level devices.
Normally, any two input signals will be selected for recording, but an 8-track recording mode
for simultaneous recording of up to 8 signals is also available. This is great for multi-miking
of drum sets or for capturing the performance of an entire band.
On the output side, there are analog and digital (optical) stereo outputs as well as a STEREO
SUB-OUT connector that can carry a separate mix. Possible applications include monitoring
during recording and use as a send output for an external effect.

(simply called the “

MRS-1608

” in this

■

Bounce function allows ping-pong recording of 16 tracks
simultaneously

The bounce function makes it easy to consolidate multiple tracks into one or two tracks with
just a few keystrokes. Play all 16 tracks, add the drum + bass sound, and bounce the result
onto two empty V-takes.
If you select the master track as bounce target, internal mixdown is possible without using up
any of the regular audio tracks.

ZOOM MRS-1608

7

Introduction

■

Rhythm section can be used to provide guide rhythm or
accompaniment

The rhythm section provides more than 400 types of accompaniment patterns from the
internal drum sound generator. What’s more, you can create your own original patterns using
real-time or step input. Patterns can be used as a guide rhythm during recording, or
programmed together with chords to create an entire rhythm song. In addition to conventional
step input, the MRS-1608 features an innovative concept called FAST developed by ZOOM
which lets you quickly build songs with various repetition patterns.

■

Phrase loop function for pasting audio material

Using recorded audio data or audio files picked up from a CD-ROM disc, you can create
“phrase loops” for example of drum licks and guitar riffs. The playback order and repetition
count of loop material can be programmed with the FAST method and written to any V-take
as audio data.

■

Pad sampler lets you play audio material with the pads

Parts of an audio track or an audio file imported from CD-ROM can be assigned to the pads
and played like a percussion set. This is useful to add sound effects to a song or play a rhythm
pattern with unique character.

■

Mixer section supporting automated operation

The internal digital mixer can handle the playback signal from the audio tracks plus the drum
and bass sound. The level, panning, and EQ settings of each channel can be saved as separate
“scenes”. A saved scene can be switched automatically at a desired point in a song.

■

Versatile effects

In terms of internal effects, the MRS-1608 provides an “insert effect” that can be inserted into
a specified signal route, and a “send/return effect” that is used via the mixer send/return loop.
The effects can be used in a variety of ways, either modifying the tone in real time while
recording a track or during track playback.

■

CD-R/RW drive lets you create audio CDs or backups

The MRS-1608 CD model with integrated CD-R/RW drive lets you write audio data saved on
the master track onto a CD-R/RW disc, to produce an audio CD. This is convenient to back
up data that you have recorded.
The version of the MRS-1608 without internal CD-R/RW drive lets you install the optional
drive CD-02 later, giving you the same functionality as the integrated model.

In order to take full advantage of the MRS-1608’s versatile functions and to ensure
trouble-free enjoyment, please read this manual carefully.

Keep this manual in a safe place together with the warranty card.

ZOOM MRS-1608

8

Introducing the MRS-1608

The MRS-1608 is internally divided into the following five sections.

●

Recorder

Records and plays back audio signals.

●

Rhythm section

Uses the internal drum/bass sound source to play
rhythms.

●

Mixer

Mixes the signals from the recorder and the drum/bass
sound source into a stereo signal, for output via the output
jacks and for mixdown on dedicated master tracks.

●

Process input signals, recorder playback signals, or drum/
bass sound source signals in various ways, to achieve
various sound characteristics.

●

Allows creating an audio CD or backing up recorded
contents. Also serves for importing audio material from a
CD or CD-ROM inserted in the drive.

The following diagram shows the relationship and signal
flow between each section.

Effects

CD-R/RW drive

INPUT

Insert

effect

CD-R/RW drive

From immediately

after [MASTER]

To immediately

before [MASTER]

fader

fader

Recorder

Tra ck 1
Tra ck 2
Tra ck 3
Tra ck 4
Tra ck 5
Tra ck 6
Tra ck 7
Tra ck 8

Tracks 9/10

Tracks 11/12

Tracks 13/14

Tracks 15/16

Master track

Bass sound source

Drum sound source

Pad sampler

Rhythm section

DRUM

12345678

BASS

MASTER OUTPUT

9/10

11/12 13/14 15/16

To
master
track

MASTER

ZOOM MRS-1608

Chorus delay

Reverb

Mixer

From master track

9

Introducing the MRS-1608

V

r

r

Recorder

The recorder section of the MRS-1608 has 16 audio
tracks: eight mono tracks (tracks 1 – 8) and four stereo
tracks (tracks 9/10 – 15/16). (A “track” is a separate
section for recording audio data.) Up to 8 tracks can be
recorded simultaneously and up to 16 tracks can be
played back simultaneously.
Each of the tracks has ten switchable virtual tracks (called
“V-takes”). For each track, one V-take can be selected for
recording/playback.

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3

Rhythm

pattern

Recorder

Rhythm section

Rhythm

pattern

Rhythm

pattern

Bass sound

Drum sound

To BASS
fader of mixe

To DRUM
fader of mixe

Currently selected V-take

-take

1
2

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

1

2345678

9/10 11/12 13/14 15/16

Tracks Master track

The recorder section also provides a set of stereo tracks
which are separate from the normal record/play tracks
1 – 16. This is called the master track. The master track is
dedicated for mixdown and for holding the material used
to create an audio CD.

Rhythm section

You can arrange rhythm patterns in the desired order of
playback, and program chords and tempo to create the
rhythm accompaniment for an entire song. (This is called
a “rhythm song”) Up to 10 rhythm songs can be created,
among which one is selected for editing/playback.

The rhythm section can also be played using the “pad
sampler” instead of the drum/bass sound sources. The
pad sampler uses parts of an audio track or an audio file
imported from CD-ROM and lets you play these with the
pads or in a rhythm pattern/rhythm song.
This makes it possible to incorporate special sounds in a
rhythm pattern/rhythm song and to create your own
original sounds.

Rhythm section

Rhythm

pattern

Pads

Rhythm

pattern

Pad sampler

To DRUM
fader of
mixer

The MRS-1608 contains a rhythm section that operates in
sync with the recorder. It offers 511 accompaniment
patterns (called “rhythm patterns”) that use the internal
drum/bass sound generator. (Over 400 patterns are
preprogrammed at the factory.) You can use these patterns

HINT

You can process the drum/bass sound and pad sampler
output sound with the insert effect and record it on a recorder
track.

as they are, modify them in part, or create entirely new
patterns from scratch.

HINT

The drum/bass sound sources can be played with the pads
on the top panel or with a MIDI keyboard or similar.

ZOOM MRS-1608

10

Mixer

The signals from audio tracks 1 – 16, and the drum and
bass sounds (drum track/bass track) are sent to separate
mixer channels for individual adjustment of volume and
tone and to create a stereo mix.
For each track, parameters such as volume, panning, and
3-band EQ can be controlled independently.

Effects

The MRS-1608 provides two types of effects: insert
effect and send/return effect. These effects which can be
used simultaneously have the characteristics described
below.

Introducing the MRS-1608

◆

Insert effect

This effect can be inserted at one of the following three
points in the signal path.

(1) Immediately after the INPUT jack

(2) A desired channel of the mixer

(3) Immediately before the [MASTER] fader

In the default condition, position (1) (immediately after
INPUT jack) is selected.
When the setting is changed to (2), only a selected track
or drum/bass sound is processed by the effect.
When the setting is changed to (3), the final stereo mix
can be processed. This setting is suitable for processing
the signal of the entire song during mixdown.

◆

Send/return effect

This effect is internally connected to the send/return loop
of the mixer section. There are two types of send/return
effect, reverb and chorus/delay, which can be used
simultaneously.
The send level of each mixer channel adjusts the depth of
the send/return effect. Raising the send level will produce
a deeper reverb or chorus/delay effect for that channel.

ZOOM MRS-1608

11

Top panel

Parts of the MRS-1608

Effect

section

Input section

Display section Track parameter section Control section

Rhythm section Fader section Transport section

Input section

Effect section

[BYPASS] key

[CHORUS/DELAY]/

[REVERB] keys

[TUNER] key

[INPUT] controls 1 - 8

[PEAK] indicators 1 - 8

[ON/OFF] keys

PATCH SELECT

[W]/[Q] keys

[INPUT SOURCE] key

[ALGORITHM] keys

[CLIP] indicator

[REC LEVEL] control

[8TRACK RECORDING] key

[DIST] key

[CLEAN] key

[MIC] key [MASTERING] key

[DUAL MIC] key [8X COMP EQ] key

[LINE] key

[ACO/BASS SIM] key
[BASS] key

12

ZOOM MRS-1608

Parts of the MRS-1608

Rhythm section

[SONG] key

[PATTERN] key

[DELETE/ERASE] key

[INSERT/COPY] key

[KIT/PROG] key

[DRUM MIXER] key

[BANK/OCTAVE] key

([( ] key)

Pads

[BASS] key

[DRUM] key

[STEP] key
([ )] key)

[TEMPO] key

Track parameter section

[EQ HIGH] key

[EQ MID] key

[EQ LOW] key

[CHORUS/DELAY SEND] key

[REVERB SEND] key

[SUB-OUT SEND] key

[PAN] key

[V-TAKE] key

[DRUM]/[BASS]
status keys

[DRUM]/[BASS]
faders

Control section

[LCD CONTRAST] control

[NEW PROJECT] key

HDD ACCESS indicator

[BOUNCE] key

[SCENE] key
[CLEAR] key

MARKER [U] key

[EXIT] key

[ENTER] key

[SOLO] key

Display section

Display

[UTILITY/TRACK
EDIT] key

[RECORDER] key

[RHYTHM] key

[EFFECT] key

[PROJECT] key

[CD-R/RW] key
[USB] key
[AUTO PUNCH IN/OUT] key
[A-B REPEAT] key
[MARK] key
MARKER [I] key
[STORE] key
[EDIT] key

Cursor keys

Dial

Fader section

Status keys (1 – 8, 9/10 – 15/16, [MASTER])

Faders (1 – 8, 9/10 – 15/16, [MASTER])

ZOOM MRS-1608

Transport section

ZERO [U] key

REW [T] key

FF [Y] key

REC [O] key

STOP [P] key

PLAY [R] key

13

Parts of the MRS-1608

Rear panel

[POWER] switch

DC 12V jack

Front panel

INPUT jacks 1 – 8

MIDI OUT connector

Expansion board slot

PHANTOM ON/OFF switches

DIGITAL
OUTPUT jack

MIDI IN connector

MASTER OUTPUT jacks

LINE INPUT 7/8 jacks

14

Input/output section

Input/output section

[GUITAR/BASS INPUT] controls 1/2

GUITAR/BASS INPUT jacks 1/2

FOOT SW jack

CD-R/RW drive bay

[MASTER PHONES] level control

[STEREO SUB-OUT] level control

STEREO SUB-OUT jack

MASTER PHONES jack

EXP PEDAL jack

ZOOM MRS-1608

Connections

Connect your instrument, microphone, audio devices, and MIDI devices as shown in the following diagram.

Synthesizer or sampler etc.

When connecting stereo output devices such as a
synthesizer or CD player, connect the L output of the
external device to the odd-numbered INPUT jack
and the R output to the even-numbered INPUT jack.

RL

To supply +48V phantom power to
a condenser mic, connect the mic
to the INPUT 3/4 or 5/6 jacks and
set the corresponding [PHANTOM
ON/OFF] switch to ON.

The INPUT 1 – 8 jacks accept either XLR plugs or
mono phone plugs (balanced/unbalanced).

Rear panel

Dynamic or condenser
microphones

AC adapter

Loop the cable of the AC adaptor
around the hook as shown below
before connecting it to the [DC
12V] jack.
This will prevent the plug from
being pulled out if the AC adaptor
cable is accidentally pulled.

MIDI sequencer
(computer etc.)

(MD recorder, DAT recorder, etc.)

To prevent damage to the
speakers of your monitor
system, turn off the power
of the system connected
to the MASTER OUTPUT
jacks (or turn the volume
all the way down) before
you make connections.

MIDI

IN

MIDI interface

OPTICAL IN

MIDI
OUT

Digital recorder

Monitor system
(audio components or amplified
speakers etc.)

CD Player etc.

The signal from the LINE
INPUT jacks 7/8 is mixed
to that of the INPUT 7/8
jacks. For example, you
could connect a CD
player or similar here, or
use the input for the ef­fect return of an external
effect. Adjust the output
level of the source so
that it causes no distor­tion when used as an in­put signal.

ZOOM MRS-1608

15

Connections

You can use either GUITAR/BASS INPUT jack
1 or INPUT jack 1, and either GUITAR/BASS
INPUT jack 2 or INPUT jack 2. If both jacks are
connected, the GUITAR/BASS INPUT jacks
1/2 are given priority.

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Guitar

Bass

Headphones

Headphones

Headphone amplifier

Front panel

The STEREO SUB-OUT jack normally carries the same
signal as the MASTER OUTPUT connectors. (You can
therefore also use it as a second headphone jack.) By
changing an internal setting, the jack can be made to carry a
mix that is separate from the MASTER OUTPUT, with
level/pan adjustments for each track/input, allowing use as a
monitor send or effect send. The output level can be
adjusted with the knob at top right.

The MASTER PHONES jack is intended as a stereo
headphone jack. It carries the same signal as the
MASTER OUTPUT connectors. The output level can
be adjusted with the knob at top right.

Foot switch

(ZOOM FS-01)

16

Yo u can connect the separately available

Expression pedal

(ZOOM FP-01/FP-02)

You can connect the separately available foot
switch ZOOM FS-01 to this jack, for playback
start/stop control or for punch-in/punch-out
control.

foot pedal ZOOM FP-01/FP-02 to this jack,
for adjusting the effect parameter value.

ZOOM MRS-1608

Installing the CD-R/RW Drive

To install the separately available CD-R/RW drive into the MRS-1608 model without preinstalled CD-R/RW drive,
proceed as follows.

Before installing the drive, make sure that all cables and the AC adapter are disconnected.

1.

Turn the MRS-1608 over and remove the blank panel
from the drive mounting section of the front panel.

To remove the blank panel, pull out the groove in the center.

Blank panel

Front Panel

Remove the fastening screws of the bottom plate,

2.

and remove the bottom plate.

Slide the bottom plate towards the rear to remove. Take care not to
lose the screws, as these will be needed again for reassembly.

3.

Turn the CD-R/RW drive over and insert it into the
drive mount bay.

ZOOM MRS-1608

17

Installing the CD-R/RW Drive

Plug the power cable and flat cable

4.

from the main unit into the respective
connectors on the CD-R/RW drive.

Rear Panel

Power cable

Flat cable

Front Panel

5.

Push the CD-R/RW drive all the way into the bay,
so that the screw holes on the bottom of the
MRS-1608 and the screw holes of the CD-R/RW
drive are aligned.

6.

Fasten the CD-R/RW drive with the four supplied
panhead screws. Then reattach the bottom plate
with the screws removed in step 2.

NOTE

• Use only the dedicated CD-R/RW drive CD-01 or CD-02 made by
ZOOM Corporation.

• ZOOM Corporation will not accept any responsibility for damage or
third-party claims arising from using any other drive.

18

ZOOM MRS-1608

Power On/Off

PRJ 000
DontLkBk

0

This section explains the procedure for turning the MRS-1608 on and off.

Turning power on

Make sure that the MRS-1608 and

1.

peripheral equipment is turned off.

2.

Make sure that AC adapter, instrument, and
monitor system (or headphones) are
correctly connected to the MRS-1608. (For
information on connections, refer to page

15.)

At this time, the volume setting of the connected
instrument and monitor system should be minimum.
When a synthesizer or other electronic instrument is
connected, turn power to that device on before the MRS-

1608.

3.

Press the [POWER] switch on the rear
panel.

Power to the MRS-1608 comes on, the unit performs a
self-test, and system settings are read. Wait until the
following indication appears on the display. This is called
the “main screen”.

PRJ 000
DontLkBk

0 0 0 0 0 0

Turn on the connected monitor system.

4.

Turning power off
(shutdown)

Turn power to the monitor system off.

1.

2.

Press the [POWER] switch on the rear
panel of the MRS-1608.

The indication “GOODBYE SEE YOU!” appears on the
display, and the unit is turned off.
When a synthesizer or other electronic instrument is
connected, turn power to that device off after the MRS-

1608.

•You must use this method to turn off
the power of the MRS-1608. Never turn
off the power by disconnecting the AC
adaptor plug from the [DC 12V] jack or
by unplugging the AC adaptor from the
AC power outlet.

• In particular, you must never turn the
power off by unplugging the AC
adaptor while the HDD ACCESS
indicator is lit. Doing so may damage
the internal hard disk, causing all data
to be lost permanently.

ZOOM MRS-1608

19

Listening to a Demo Song

PRJ SEL
DontLkBk

PRJ 000

When shipped from the factory, the internal hard disk of the MRS-1608 contains two demo songs. To listen to them,
proceed as follows.

Selecting the demo song

On the MRS-1608, song data are managed in units called
“projects”. A project encompasses recorded audio data,
rhythm and effect settings, and other information. When
you load a project, the complete state in which that song
was saved will be reproduced.
To load a demo song project from the hard disk, proceed
as follows.

1.

From the main screen, press the
[PROJECT] key in the display section.

The indication “PROJECT SELECT” appears on the
display.

2.

Press the [ENTER] key.

Projects stored on the hard disk are shown in the lower
part of the display.

PRJ SEL
DontLkBk

Project name Project number

PRJ 000

Playing the demo song

After loading, play the demo song as follows.

1.

Turn down the volume of the monitor
system.

When headphones are connected, turn down the
[MASTER PHONES] level control.

2.

Press the PLAY [R
section.

Playback of the demo song starts.

3.

Adjust the monitor system volume setting
(or the [MASTER PHONES] level control) to
a comfortable volume.

] key in the transport

Turn the dial to select the demo song.

3.

Project numbers 000 – 002 are the demo songs.

HINT

Project number 1 contains a demo song that uses the phrase

→

loop function (
from that demo song while working on another project.

Press the [ENTER] key.

4.

The HDD ACCESS indicator lights up and the selected
project is loaded. When the respective project display
appears on the main screen, the demo song has been
loaded.

p. 67). If desired, you can load elements

4.

To adjust the volume of the individual
tracks, use the respective faders.

The volume of the rhythm section can be adjusted with
the [DRUM]/[BASS] faders. To adjust the volume of the
entire song, use the [MASTER] fader.

To switch individual tracks on or off, press

5.

the respective status key.

When the status key is out, the track is muted. When the
key is lit in green, the muting is canceled.

6.

To stop the demo song, press the STOP [P
key.

NOTE

The demo song is write-protected. Even if you change the
mix by adjusting fader or pan settings, the changes will not
be stored. To retain any changes you have made, cancel the

→

write-protect setting first (

p. 169).

]

20

ZOOM MRS-1608

Let’s Record

This section demonstrates the basic recording procedure of the MRS-1608. As an example, it explains how to record a
guitar connected to the GUITAR/BASS INPUT jack 1 on track 1.

1.

Press the [NEW PROJECT] key and then
press the [ENTER] key.

A new project is created, and the recording standby
condition is activated.

Press the [ON/OFF] key for input 1 so that

2.

the key lights up.

The jack to which the guitar is connected is now active.

While playing your guitar, adjust the

3.

[GUITAR/BASS INPUT] control 1 to adjust
the input sensitivity.

Make the adjustment so that the [PEAK] indicator
flickers slightly when you play your instrument at its
loudest volume.

5.

Repeatedly press status key 1 until the key
is lit in red.

A track for which the status key is lit in red is in recording
standby mode.

lit

6.

Operate the fader for track 1 to adjust the
input signal monitor level.

HINT

When you press the PLAY [R
pattern will start to play in sync with the audio track. If the
rhythm accompaniment is not desired, lower the [DRUM]/
[BASS] faders or repeatedly press the respective status key
until it goes out.

To start recording, press the PLAY [R] key

7.

while holding down the REC [O] key.

A four-beat pre-count is heard, and recording starts. Play
your instrument to record.

] key in a new project, a rhythm

lit

4.

While playing your guitar, adjust the
recording level by turning the [REC LEVEL]
control.

If the [CLIP] indicator lights up at high playing levels,
you should turn down the recording level. The lower part
of the display shows the current signal level.

Current signal level

ZOOM MRS-1608

When recording is complete, press the

8.

STOP [P] key.

The REC [O] key and PLAY [R] key go out, and
recording stops.

To check the recorded contents, press the

9.

ZERO [U] key and then press the PLAY [R]
key.

To cancel the recording condition, press

10.

the status key 1 so that the key is lit in
green.

21

Quick Tour

PRJNo002
PRJ002

OK?

PRJ 002
PRJ002

Now let’s use your MRS-1608 to do some serious recording. This Quick Tour describes the five steps that cover the entire process
of recording tracks and completing a song.

3.

■

Step 1: Preparations

Shows how to create a new project, select a guide rhythm,
and perform other steps necessary for recording.

■

Step 2: Recording the first track

Shows how to record the first track while using the insert
effect.

■

Step 3: Overdubbing

Shows how to record further tracks while listening to a track
already recorded (overdubbing).

Press the [NEW PROJECT] key in the control
section.

When you press the [NEW PROJECT] key at the main
screen, the display indication changes as follows, and a new
project can be created.

PRJNo002
PRJ002

OK?

■

Step 4: Mixing

Shows how to adjust the level, panning, and EQ of each
track, apply the send/return effect, and mix the recorded
tracks down to a pair of stereo tracks.

■

Step 5: Mixdown

Finally the completed stereo mix is recorded on the master
track to create the finished song.

Step 1: Preparations

1.1 Creating a new project

On the MRS-1608, song data are managed in units called
“projects”. To start recording with the MRS-1608, you must
first create a project.

1.

Connect the instrument to record and the
monitoring system to the MRS-1608 (

2.

Turn power on in the order MRS-1608

→

monitoring system.

When the MRS-1608 starts up, the last handled project is
automatically loaded.

→

p. 15).

You can create a new project. You can also assign a name to
the project.

HINT

• When creating a new project, the lowest free project number
is automatically selected.

• It is also possible to create a new project from the project
menu (→ p. 166).

4.

Press the [ENTER] key.

A new project is created, and the main screen appears. While
this screen is displayed, you can perform various recorder
actions such as recording and playback.

PRJ 002
PRJ002

HINT

• When selecting a different project or creating a new project,
the project you were working on up to that point is
automatically saved.

• When performing the shutdown procedure for the MRS-1608
(→ p.19), the last project is automatically saved.

22

ZOOM MRS-1608

1.2 Selecting the rhythm pattern

004#000
08Beat01

BANK:1

001#510
METRO44

BANK:1

to use

Quick Tour

rhythm section is being set up.

While the [RHYTHM] key is flashing or out, the recorder
and the rhythm section are always synchronized (

→

p. 87).

The MRS-1608 has a built-in rhythm function that operates
in sync with the recorder. This lets you use drum sounds
(drum kits) and bass sounds (bass programs) to create
repeated rhythm patterns of several measures. By combining
various patterns, you can create the rhythm accompaniment
for an entire song (rhythm song).

1.

Verify that the [DRUM]/[BASS] status keys
are lit in green. Then set the [DRUM]/[BASS]
faders and the [MASTER] fader to 0 (dB).

Lit in green

0dB 0dB

The output signal of the drum kit/bass program (drum track/
bass track) is sent to the respective fader of the mixer
section. Like the regular tracks, these tracks also have status
keys and faders for switching between playback and mute
and for adjusting the signal level.

3.

Turn the dial or use the cursor up/down keys
to select a pattern to use as guide rhythm.

001#510
METRO44

Up to 511 rhythm patterns can be used in a project. 475 of
these are preprogrammed. (For the other patterns,
“EMPTY” is shown.)
When you turn the dial to select another rhythm pattern
while a pattern is playing, the new pattern will start after the
current pattern has finished. When you select a new pattern
with the cursor up/down keys, the new pattern begins
playing immediately.
In this example, we will select a simple rhythm pattern as
guide rhythm for use during recording. If you select for
example the rhythm pattern number 510, a quarter-note
metronome sound is heard.

4.

Press the PLAY [R
section.

] key in the transport

BANK:1

2.

The [PATTERN] key lights up and the currently selected
rhythm pattern is shown on the display.

While this screen is shown, the [RHYTHM] key in the
display section is flashing. This indicates that currently the

ZOOM MRS-1608

Press the [PATTERN] key in the rhythm
section.

Rhythm pattern number

004#000
08Beat01

Rhythm pattern name

BANK:1

The selected rhythm pattern is played repeatedly, in sync
with the recorder operation. The [TEMPO] key flashes
according to the current tempo setting.

HINT

• If you press and light the [RHYTHM] key while the recorder is
stopped, you can play the rhythm pattern by itself.

• During play, the pads corresponding to the currently produced
sound of the drum kit/pitch of the bass program are flashing.
You can also tap the pads to play the drum sounds/bass
notes.

23

Quick Tour

TEMPO
BPM:

136.0

5.

To change the tempo, press the [TEMPO] key
in the rhythm section and then turn the dial to
change the tempo value shown on the
display.

The tempo value can be set in 0.1 BPM steps.

TEMPO
BPM:

When the setting is complete, press the [EXIT] key to return
to the previous screen.

136.0

Step 2: Recording the first track

In this step, you record the first track while listening to the
guide rhythm of the rhythm section. As an example we
describe how to record an electric guitar on track 1 with the
insert effect.

2.1 Adjusting input sensitivity

1.

Connect an instrument to the GUITAR/BASS
INPUT jack 1 (

To connect a guitar or bass, use the front panel GUITAR/
BASS INPUT jacks 1/2. To connect a synthesizer or other
component with line-level stereo output, use the rear panel
INPUT 1 – 8 jacks.

→

p. 15).

HINT

You can also set the tempo by tapping the [TEMPO] key
repeatedly (→ p.89).

6.

Use the [DRUM]/[BASS] faders to adjust the
volume of the drum/bass track.

If bass sound is not desired, turn the [BASS] fader all the
way down.

7.

To stop playback, press the STOP [P

8.

To r eturn to the main screen, press the [EXIT]
key several times.

] key.

HINT

You can use either GUITAR/BASS INPUT jack 1 or INPUT jack 1,
and either GUITAR/BASS INPUT jack 2 or INPUT jack 2. If both
jacks are connected, the GUITAR/BASS INPUT jacks 1/2 are
given priority.

2.

From the main screen, press the input 1
[ON/OFF] key so that the key lights up in red.

The [ON/OFF] keys 1 – 8 in the input section control the
status of inputs 1 – 8. When a key is lit, the corresponding
input is turned on.

HINT

To r ecord the output of a synthesizer or other stereo component
in stereo, connect the L and R output to a pair of odd/even­numbered INPUT jacks, and press the corresponding [ON/OFF]
keys so that both keys are lit.

24

3.

While playing the instrument, use the
[GUITAR/BASS INPUT] control 1 to adjust
sensitivity.

When the instrument is connected to GUITAR/BASS

INPUT 1/2, use the [GUITAR/BASS INPUT] control 1/2.

When the instrument is connected to INPUT 1 – 8, use the

[INPUT] control 1 – 8 to adjust the input sensitivity.

Adjust the control so that the [PEAK] indicator in the input

ZOOaM MRS-1608

Quick Tour

section lights up occasionally when you play the instrument
at the loudest level.

●

When using the GUITAR/BASS INPUT jack

May briefly flash

Front panel

●

When using the INPUT jack

May flash briefly

apply the insert effect to the guitar signal connected to the

GUITAR/BASS INPUT jack.

1.

Press the [INPUT SOURCE] key in the effect
section.

The insert position of the insert effect is indicated on the

second line of the display. The default is “IN” (INPUT). If

another setting is currently selected, turn the dial to select

“IN”.

2.

Use the [ALGORITHM] keys in the effect
section to select the desired algorithm.

A combination of effect modules that can be used

simultaneously is called an “algorithm”. The MRS-1608 has

9 algorithms which are controlled by the [ALGORITHM]

keys in the effect section.

4.

While playing the instrument, use the [REC
LEVEL] control to adjust the recording level.

The [REC LEVEL] control modifies the signal level going
to the recorder (after passing the insert effect). Watch the
IN1 level meter in the lower left of the display and set the
level as high as possible, but avoid settings that cause the 0
dB indicator segment to light during play peaks.

[CLIP] indicator

INPUT 1 – 8 level

If the recording level setting is too high, the [CLIP] indicator
of the [REC LEVEL] control lights up.

2.2 Applying the insert effect

The signal supplied to the MRS-1608 can be modified with
the insert effect. This effect can be applied to the input, to
any track, or immediately before the [MASTER] fader. The
insert effect actually is a multi-effect unit that contains a
number of single effects (effect modules) such as
compressor, distortion, and delay, connected in series.
The following steps show how to select an algorithm and

The following selections are available.

●

CLEAN

●

DIST

●

ACO/BASS SIM

●

BASS

These algorithms are suitable for recording guitar/bass.

●

MIC

An algorithm suitable for vocals and other microphone

recordings.

●

DUAL MIC

An algorithm with two entirely separate mono input and

mono output channels.

●

8x COMP EQ

An algorithm with 8 separate input/output channels.

Different high-pass filter, compressor, and EQ settings are

possible for each channel.

●

LINE

An algorithm suitable mainly for recording line-level output

ZOOM MRS-1608

25

Quick Tour

INSERT
Standard

No.0

instruments such as synthesizer or electric piano.

●

MASTERING

An algorithm suitable for processing the final stereo
mixdown signal.

When you select an algorithm, the respective key lights up
and a patch (effect program) using the selected algorithm is
shown on the display.

INSERT
Standard

NOTE

The 8x COMP EQ algorithm can only be inserted in the input if
the 8-track recording function (→p. 45) is active.

3.

Turn the dial to select the patch.

A total of 320 patches are available for the insert effect. You
can edit these patches if desired to alter the sound or the
effect depth.
The patches available for each algorithm are listed below.

Algorithm

CLEAN
DIST
ACO/BASS SIM
BASS
MIC
DUAL MIC
8x COMP EQ
LINE
MASTERING

HINT

When “EMPTY” is shown as the patch name, the patch is empty.
Selecting such a patch will have no effect.

4.

While playing your instrument at the
maximum level, readjust the recording level
and make sure that the [REC LEVEL] indicator
does not light.

The recording level may change according to the selected
patch. To prevent clipping, readjusting the [REC LEVEL]
control may be necessary.

Patch number range

No.0

Patch numberPatch name

0 – 29
0 – 49
0 – 19
0 – 19
0 – 49
0 – 49
0 – 19
0 – 49
0 – 29

HINT

To record without using the insert effect, press the [BYPASS] key

in the effect section. The key lights up and the insert effect is

bypassed.

2.3 Selecting a track and
recording

Now we will record the guitar sound (with the insert effect
applied) on track 1.

1.

From the main screen, repeatedly press the
status key 1 until the key is lit in red.

Red

The status keys are used to select the recording track and to
switch muting for each track on and off. Each time you press
a status key, the key will cycle through the following states.

Status key

Lit green

Mute off Mute on Selected as recording track

When status key 1 is red, track 1 is in the recording standby
condition, and the input signal is assigned to track 1. The
signal routing will change as follows.

When a recording track has not been selected

When a recording track (track 1) has been selected

Out Lit red

Track 1

Track 2

Track 1

Track 2

MASTER

1

MASTER

5.

To r eturn to the main screen, press the [EXIT]
key several times.

26

When you press status keys 9/10 – 15/16, a pair of stereo
tracks is selected as recording target. Except for the
recording target V-take selection and phase setting, the

ZOOaM MRS-1608

Quick Tour

parameters for left/right stereo tracks are set to the same
values. This is useful for recording from stereo sources such
as synthesizers or CD players.

HINT

• Normally, you can select up to two tracks simultaneously. To
select two mono tracks, press the first status key of an odd/
even-numbered pair so that it is lit in red, and then hold down
that key and press the other key so that it also is lit in red.

• Even if the input signal is mono, selecting a pair of stereo
tracks as target will ensure that the left/right spread added by
certain insert effect settings is preserved in recording.

•You can also record 8 tracks simultaneously (→ p. 45).

2.

Set fader 1 and the [MASTER] fader to 0 dB.
Then adjust the volume of the monitoring
system while playing your instrument.

3.

To begin recording, press the ZERO [U
to return to the beginning of the song. Then
hold down the REC [O
PLAY [R

] key.

] key and press the

] key

recording will stop. The indication “wait...” is briefly shown
on the display, and then the main screen reappears.

NOTE

The duration of the “wait...” period may differ. Never turn power
to the unit off while “wait...” is being shown on the display.
Otherwise recorded data may be lost and damage to the unit
may occur.

5.

To listen to the recorded content, press the
ZERO [U
the song, and then press the PLAY [R

] key to return to the beginning of

] key.

The track will be played back together with the selected
guide rhythm from the rhythm section.

HINT

•You can specify a position in hours/minutes/seconds/
milliseconds and move directly to that point (→ p. 37).

• By setting marks at the desired points, you can quickly jump
to these points (→ p. 46).

The REC [O

] key and PLAY [R

] key light up, and a pre­count of 4 beats is heard. Then recording will begin. Record
your instrument playing while listening to the guide rhythm
from the rhythm section.

HINT

• The number and the style of the pre-count clicks can be

changed (→ p. 48).

• If the input signal is distorted, refer to step 2.1 to adjust the

input sensitivity and recording level.

4.

When you have finished recording, press the
STOP [P

The REC [O

Basic operation of transport keys

REW [T] key: Moves the current position back in 1-second

steps. Movement speed can be increased by holding down
the REW [T] key and pressing the FF [Y] key.

ZERO [U] key: Returns the

recorder to the start position
(counter zero position).

STOP [P] key: Stops the

recorder.

] key.

] key and PLAY [R

] key will go out, and

6.

To stop playback, press the STOP [P

] key.

To redo the recording, repeat steps 3 – 5.

7.

When you are satisfied with the recorded
content, press status key 1 until it is lit in
green.

The recording standby condition of track 1 is canceled.

HINT

• Recorded content can be copied, deleted, or edited (→ p. 49).

• By switching to another V-take for the track, you can record
again on the track without erasing the current recording
(→ p. 35).

FF [Y] key: Moves the current position forward in 1-second

steps. Movement speed can be increased by holding down
the FF [Y] key and pressing the REW [T] key.

PLAY [R] key: Starts recorder playback

from the current position.

REC [O] key: If you press the PLAY [R] key while

holding down this key, recording starts. Pressing the
key during playback causes punch-in and pressing
the key during recording causes punch-out.

ZOOM MRS-1608

27

Quick Tour

Step 3: Overdubbing

In this step, you will learn how to record another instrument
on track 2, while listening to the content you recorded in step

2. Adding parts in this way is called “overdubbing”.

3.

To begin recording, press the ZERO [U
to return to the beginning of the song. Then
hold down the REC [O
PLAY [R

After the pre-count, recording on track 2 will begin. Record
your instrument playing while listening to the guide rhythm
and track 1.

] key.

] key and press the

] key

3.1 Making settings for input
sensitivity and insert effect

As in step 2, adjust input sensitivity and recording level, and
make settings for the insert effect.

1.

Connect the next instrument you want to
record, and press the [ON/OFF] key so that it
is lit in red.

2.

Adjust input sensitivity and recording level in
the same way as in step 2.1.

3.

Select the algorithm and patch for the insert
effect in the same way as in step 2.2.

4.

When the setting is complete, press the
[EXIT] key to return to the main screen.

3.2 Selecting a track and
recording

4.

When you have finished recording track 2,
press the STOP [P

The indication “wait...” is briefly shown on the display, and
then the main screen reappears.

5.

To listen to the recorded content, press the
ZERO [U
the song, and press the PLAY [R

The guide rhythm of the rhythm section and tracks 1/2 will
be played back. Adjust faders 1/2 as necessary to adjust the
level balance.

6.

To stop playback, press the STOP [P

] key to return to the beginning of

] key.

] key.

] key.

HINT

To redo the recording, repeat steps 3 – 5. You can also start
rerecording from partly into the track and use the punch-in/
punch-out function to redo a limited passage only (→ p. 39).

7.

When you are satisfied with the recorded
content, press status key 2 until it is lit in
green.

You can now record more tracks in the same way.

Now you’re ready to record the second instrument on track
2, while playing the content of track 1 and the guide rhythm.

1.

Repeatedly press status key 2 until the key is
lit in red.

Track 2 is now in the recording standby condition. Verify
that the status key 1 and the [DRUM]/[BASS] status keys are
lit in green.

2.

Set the [MASTER] fader to 0 dB and use fader
2 to adjust the monitoring level.

If necessary, set the recorder to playback and operate faders
1/2 and the [DRUM]/[BASS] faders to adjust the monitor
level balance between tracks.

28

HINT

The maximum number of tracks that can be recorded is 16. But
even when all 16 tracks have been filled, you can still use the
bounce function (also called ping-pong recording) to move the
contents from multiple tracks onto 1 or 2 tracks. Then you can
select another V-take for the bounce source tracks and record
more (→ p. 35).

ZOOaM MRS-1608

Step 4: Mixing

TR3
EQ HI G

0dB

TR3
EQ HI G

+6dB

When you have finished recording all tracks, you can use the
built-in mixer to adjust parameters such as volume level, EQ
(equalizer), and panning (stereo left/right positioning) to
create a pair of stereo tracks.

4.1 Turning off the input and
rhythm section

In order to keep unwanted signals from being included in the
mix, you should turn off the input and the guide rhythm from
the rhythm section.

1.

To mute the rhythm section, press the
[DRUM]/[BASS] status keys so that the keys
go out.

2.

To mute the input, press the [ON/OFF] key for
the input where the instrument is connected,
so that the key goes out.

HINT

If desired, you can add the drum kit/bass program sound and/or
sound from input signals to the mix.

4.2 Adjusting volume, panning,
and EQ

Quick Tour

3.

Use the cursor left/right keys or the status
keys to select the track for which you want to
make a setting.

While the track parameter display is shown, the status keys
and cursor left/right keys can be used to select a track. The
status key for the currently selected track is lit in orange.

Orange

TR3
EQ HI G

4.

Turn the dial to select the setting value.

0dB

TR3
EQ HI G

5.

Use the cursor up/down keys or the keys in
the track parameter section to select a track
parameter, and adjust other parameters in
the same way.

When a parameter is displayed, pressing the corresponding
key in the track parameter section toggles the parameter
between on and off.

The parameters that can be selected for tracks 1 – 8 and
tracks 9/10 – 15/16 are listed in the table on the next page.

+6dB

Adjust the volume, panning, and equalization for each track
by controlling the track parameters of the built-in mixer.

1.

To adjust the volume balance between tracks,
operate faders 1 – 8, and faders 9/10 – 15/16.

By operating faders of a pair of stereo tracks, you can adjust
the left/right balance.

2.

To adjust the EQ and panning for each track,
press the respective key in the track
parameter section.

ZOOM MRS-1608

HINT

• In the default condition of a project, the SUB-OUT SEND LVL
and SUB-OUT SEND PAN parameters are turned off. For
information on how to control these parameters, see page 82.

• Some track parameters (level, EQ, panning/balance, send/
return effect intensity etc.) can also be used for the drum/bass
track and input signals.

29

Quick Tour

Track parameter list

Parameter

EQ HI GAIN

EQ HI FREQUENCY

EQ MID GAIN

EQ MID
FREQUENCY

EQ MID
Q-FACTOR

EQ LOW GAIN

EQ LOW
FREQUENCY

CHORUS/DELAY
SEND LEVEL

REVERB SEND
LEVEL

SUB-OUT SEND
ON/OFF

SUB-OUT SEND
LEVEL

SUB-OUT SEND
PAN

PAN

V-TAKE

FADER

STEREO LINK

INVERT

Corresponding

key

[EQ HIGH] key

[EQ MID] key

[EQ LOW] key

[CHORUS/DELAY
SEND] key

[REVERB SEND]
key

[SUB-OUT SEND]
key

[PAN] key

[V-TAKE] key

None

Display Setting range Description

EQ HI G

EQ HI F

EQ MID G

EQ MID F

EQ MID Q

EQ LO G

EQ LO F

CHO SEND

REV SEND

SUB SEND

SUB SEND LVL

SUB SEND Pan

PAN

TR

x-y

FADER

ST LINK

INVERT

-12 – +12dB

500 – 18000(Hz)

-12 – +12dB

40 – 18000(Hz)

0.1 – 1.0

-12 – +12dB

40 – 1600(Hz)

0 – 100

0 – 100

ON/OFF

0 – 127

L100 – 0 – R100

L100 – 0 – R100

x=1 – 16
y=1 – 10

0 – 127

ON/OFF

ON/OFF

Adjusts high frequency range boost/
cut.

Adjusts center frequency for high
frequency range boost/cut.

Adjusts mid frequency range boost/
cut.

Adjusts center frequency for mid
frequency range boost/cut.

Adjusts the Q value (bandwidth) for
mid-frequency EQ.

Adjusts low frequency range boost/
cut.

Adjusts center frequency for low
frequency range boost/cut.

Adjusts signal volume sent to chorus/
delay effect.

Adjusts signal level sent to reverb
effect.

Selects whether the STEREO SUB­OUT jack carries the same signal as
the MASTER OUTPUT jacks. This
parameter can be selected only for
the master track.

Adjusts the level of the signal sent
from tracks 1 – 16, drum/bass track,
and input to the STEREO SUB-OUT
jack. This parameter is not shown
when the SUB-OUT SEND ON/OFF
parameter for the master track is ON.

Adjusts the panning value of the
signal sent from tracks 1 – 16, drum/
bass track, and input to the STEREO
SUB-OUT jack. This parameter is
not shown when the SUB-OUT
SEND ON/OFF parameter for the
master track is ON.

Adjusts panning for the track. For
stereo tracks, this adjusts the left/
right balance.

Selects V-take to use for the track. x
is the track number and y is the V­take number.

Adjusts the current volume.

Links the parameters for two mono
tracks (→p. 82).

Selects whether the output signal
phase is inverted. OFF means normal
phase and ON means inverted phase.

30

ZOOaM MRS-1608