Zoom MRS-8 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

•Pay close attention to the labelling of the battery to

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

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ignore this symbol and handle the device

the wrong way, serious injury or death could

result.

This symbol indicates explanations about

dangerous matters. If users ignore this

Caution

symbol and handle the device the wrong

way, bodily injury and damage to the

equipment could result.

Please observe the following safety tips and precautions to

ensure hazard-free use of the MRS-8.

• Power requirements

Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high,

we recommend the use of an AC adapter whenever

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possible. When powering the unit from batteries, use

only alkaline types.

[AC adapter operation]

• Be sure to use only an AC adapter which supplies

9 V DC, 300 mA and is equipped with a "center

minus" plug (Zoom AD-0006). The use of an

adapter other than the specified type may damage

the unit and pose a safety hazard.

• Connect the AC adapter only to an AC outlet that

supplies the rated voltage required by the adapter.

• When disconnecting the AC adapter from the AC

outlet, always grasp the adapter itself and do not

pull at the cable.

• During lightning or when not using the unit for an

extended period, disconnect the AC adapter from

the AC outlet.

[Battery operation]

• Use four conventional IEC R6 (size AA) batteries

(alkaline).

• The MRS-8 cannot be used for recharging.

make sure you choose the correct type.

• When not using the unit for an extended period,

remove the batteries from the unit.

• If battery leakage has occurred, wipe the battery

compartment and the battery terminals carefully to

remove all remnants of battery fluid.

• While using the unit, the battery compartment

cover should be closed.

• Environment

To prevent the risk of fire, electric shock or

malfunction, avoid using your MRS-8 in

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environments where it will be exposed to:

• Extreme temperatures

• Heat sources such as radiators or stoves

• High humidity or moisture

• Excessive dust or sand

• Excessive vibration or shock

• Handling

•Never place objects filled with liquids, such as

vases, on the MRS-8 since this can cause electric

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shock.

• Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted

candles, on the MRS-8 since this can cause fire.

The MRS-8 is a precision instrument. Do not exert

undue pressure on the keys and other controls. Also

Caution

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

shock or excessive pressure.

• Connecting cables and input and output jacks

You should always turn off the power to the MRS-8

and all other equipment before connecting or

Caution

disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to

disconnect all connection cables and the power cord

before moving the MRS-8.

• Alterations

Never open the case of the MRS-8 or attempt to

modify the product in any way since this can result in

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damage to the unit.

•Volume

Do not use the MRS-8 at a loud volume for a long

time since this can cause hearing impairment.

Caution

2

ZOOM MRS-8

Usage Precautions

USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

* MIDI is a registered trademark of Association of

Musical Electronics Industry(AMEI).

• Electrical interference

For safety considerations, the MRS-8 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-

8, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out

entirely.

With any type of digital control device, the MRS-8 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-8. 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.

• Backup

The data of MRS-8 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.

* SD Logo is a trademark.

* 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.

Please keep this manual in a convenient place for

future reference.

ZOOM MRS-8

3

Contents

USAGE AND SAFETY

PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

Introducing the MRS-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Rhythm section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Names of Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Rear panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Inserting SD Card and Batteries. . . . . . 13

Inserting an SD card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Inserting the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Power On/Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Power-on. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Power-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Let’s Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Quick Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Step 1: Preparations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

1.1 Creating a new project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

1.2 Selecting the rhythm pattern to use. . . . . 18

Step 2: Recording the first track . . . . . . . . . . 20

2.1 Adjusting input sensitivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2.2 Applying the insert effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

2.3 Selecting a track and recording . . . . . . . . 23

Step 3: Overdubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3.1 Making settings for input sensitivity and

insert effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3.2 Selecting a track and recording . . . . . . . . 25

Step 4: Mixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4.1 Adjusting volume, panning, and EQ. . . . . . 26

4.2 Applying the send/return effect . . . . . . . . . 27

4.3 Applying the insert effect to a track. . . . . . 28

Step 5: Mixdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.1 Using the mastering effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.2 Mixdown onto the master track . . . . . . . . . 30

Reference [Recorder] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

V-takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Switching V-takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Changing the V-take name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Moving to a desired point in the song

(locate function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Setting marks in a song (marker function)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Setting a mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Locating a mark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Deleting a mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Playing back the same passage repeatedly

(A-B repeat function). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Re-recording only a specified region

(punch-in/out function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Manual punch-in/out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Auto punch-in/out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Recording several tracks on a master track

(mixdown function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

About the master track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Master track mixdown steps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Playing the master track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Combining multiple tracks on one or two

tracks (bounce function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Making bounce settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Executing bounce recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Recording drum/bass sound on audio tracks

(rhythm recording) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Selecting the recording source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Rhythm recording procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Making settings for pre-count operation . . . 43

4

ZOOM MRS-8

Contents

Reference [Track Editing] . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Editing a range of data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Basic steps for range editing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Copying a specified range of data. . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Moving a specified range of data . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Erasing a specified range of data . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Trimming a specified range of data. . . . . . . . . . . 47

Fade-in/fade-out of specified data range . . . . . . 48

Reversing a specified range of audio data . . . . . 49

Editing using V-takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Basic steps for V-take editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Erasing a V-take . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Copying a V-take. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Moving a V-take. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Exchanging V-takes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Importing a V-take from another project . . . . . . . 52

Track capture and swap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Capturing a track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Swapping track data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Reference [Mixer] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

About the mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Assigning input signals to recording

tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Adjusting the signal for each track

(track parameters) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Linking two tracks (stereo link) . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Reference [Rhythm] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

About the rhythm section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Drum kits and bass programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Rhythm patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Rhythm pattern mode and rhythm song

mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Playing rhythm patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Selecting a rhythm pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Changing the tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Changing the drum kit / bass program . . . . . . . . 64

Using the pads to play drum/bass sounds . . . . . 64

Creating a rhythm pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Drum sequence real-time input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Bass sequence real-time input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Drum sequence step input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Bass sequence step input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Entering rhythm pattern chord information . . . . . 73

Changing the drum/bass sequence volume

level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Assigning a name to a rhythm pattern. . . . . . . . . 75

Editing rhythm patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Copying a rhythm pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Erasing a rhythm pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Creating a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Selecting a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Entering pattern information using step input. . . . 77

Using FAST for pattern information input . . . . . . . 79

Entering chord information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Entering other information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Playing a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Editing a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Copying a specified range of measures . . . . . . . 85

Transposing the entire rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . 85

Copying a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Erasing the rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Assigning a name to a rhythm song . . . . . . . . . . 87

Importing rhythm patterns and rhythm songs

from another project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Editing various settings of the rhythm

section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Basic procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Changing the length of the pre-count . . . . . . . . . 89

Changing the metronome volume. . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Adjusting the sensitivity of the pads . . . . . . . . . . 90

Checking the remaining amount of memory . . . . 90

Swapping the left/right pan position . . . . . . . . . . 90

Reference [Effects] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

About the effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Using the insert effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

About insert effect patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Changing the insert location of the insert

effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Selecting the patch for the insert effect . . . . . . . 93

Editing an insert effect patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Storing or swapping insert effect patches . . . . . 98

Assigning a name to an insert effect patch. . . . . 98

Applying the insert effect only to the monitor

signal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Using the send/return effect . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

About the send/return effect patches . . . . . . . . . 100

Selecting a send/return effect patch. . . . . . . . . . 100

Editing a send/return effect patch. . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Storing or swapping send/return effect

patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Assigning a name to a send/return effect

patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Importing patches from another project . . . . 102

ZOOM MRS-8

5

Contents

Reference [Projects]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

About projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Working with projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Basic procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Loading a project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Creating a new project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Copying a project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Erasing a project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Changing the project name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Protecting a project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Reference [MIDI]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

About MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

What you can do using MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Making MIDI-related settings . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Basic procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Setting the drum kit/bass program MIDI

channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Turning Timing Clock messages on or off. . . . . 109

Turning Song Position Pointer messages on or

off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Turning Start/Stop/Continue messages on or

off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Turning MIDI Time Code (MTC) messages on or

off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Reference [Other Functions] . . . . . . . 111

Playing several projects continuously

(sequence play) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Creating a playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Playing a playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Using the tuner function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Using the chromatic tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Using other tuning types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Switching the level meter display type . . . . 116

Adjusting the display contrast and

backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Changing the SD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Formatting an SD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Checking the available SD card capacity/

project size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Problems during playback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Problems during recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Problems with effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Problems with the rhythm section . . . . . . . 121

Problems with MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Other problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Effect Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Insert Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Send/return Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Effect Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Insert Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Send/return Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Rhythm Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Drum Kits/Bass Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Instrument/MIDI note number chart . . . . . . 142

Files on SD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

MIDI implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

MIDI implementation chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

6

ZOOM MRS-8

Introduction

Thank you for selecting the
The MRS-8 is a fascinating product with the following features.

• Four major functions in a compact unit

The MRS-8 combines an 8-track SD card recorder, effect device, digital mixer, and drum/bass machine in a single

unit of amazingly compact dimensions. Everything you need to create music is right there. Use it to pre-produce a

song at home or take it into the studio for some serious recording work. The MRS-8 is a great tool that will go

anywhere.

•Versatile input configuration handles a wide variety of sources

In addition to the standard phone type jack, the MRS-8 features a combo type connector that can handle XLR plug

leads (balanced) as well as phone plug leads (balanced and unbalanced). Guitar, bass, synthesizer and various other

sources as well as microphones and direct boxes can be connected easily. A high-performance microphone is also

built in, which is great for recording acoustic guitar or vocals.

• Recorder with 8 tracks x 10 virtual takes

The recorder section provides four mono tracks and two stereo tracks, resulting in a total of eight tracks. Each track

has ten virtual tracks (V-takes). A bounce function lets you play all tracks and record the result on an empty V-take.

• Dedicated master track for mixdown

The master track is separate from the regular recording tracks and is optimized for mixdown with a minimum of

fuss. A sequence play function lets you play the master tracks of multiple songs in succession, which is convenient

for moving mixed-down songs onto an external recorder in one go.

• Full-function mixer

The built-in digital mixer handles the audio tracks and drum/bass sounds and allows adjusting parameters such as

level, panning, EQ, and effect intensity. The result is a full-fledged stereo mix to which the input signal can also be

added.

•Two versatile effects

The MRS-8 provides an insert effect for processing the input signal and/or any track, and a send/return effect that

is used via the mixer send/return loop. The insert effect can be used as mastering effect for the stereo mix, for

adjusting the sound pressure and tonal quality during mixdown.

• Rhythm section can be used to provide guide rhythm or accompaniment

Realistic PCM sources produce drum and bass sounds that can be played in more than 500 rhythm patterns. By

programming a combination of patterns and setting a chord progression, you can build the rhythm accompaniment

to an entire song.

• Compatible with system-wide synchronization

The MIDI OUT connector can supply synchronization messages such as MIDI time code information and MIDI

clock information. In combination with a computer, MIDI sequencer or similar device, this lets you create a system

with professional-level synchronization.

• Built-in tuner with support for various tuning methods

Besides the standard chromatic type, the tuner function of the MRS-8 also caters for 7-string guitar, 5-string bass,

and other special tuning needs.

In order to take full advantage of the MRS-8’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-8 MultiTrak Recording Studio

(simply called the “

MRS-8

” in this manual).

ZOOM MRS-8

7

Introducing the MRS-8

The MRS-8 is internally divided into the following four 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.

●

Effects

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

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

Recorder

The recorder section of the MRS-8 has eight audio tracks.
(A “track” is a separate section for recording audio data.)
There are four mono tracks (track 1 – 4) and two stereo
tracks (tracks 5/6 and 7/8). Up to 2 tracks can be recorded
simultaneously and up to 8 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.

INPUT 1

Built-in

mic

INPUT 2

8

or

after [MASTER] fader

Insert
effect

From immediately

Recorder

Tra ck 1
Tra ck 2
Tra ck 3
Tra ck 4

Tracks 5/6

Tracks 7/8

Master Track

Rhythm section

Drum sound source

Bass sound source

Send/return effect

To immediately
before
[MASTER] fader

BASSDRUM

Mixer

MASTER OUTPUT

To
master
track

MASTER

7/85/64321

From master track

ZOOM MRS-8

Introducing the MRS-8

V

Currently selected V-take on tracks 1 – 8
and master track

Mixer

-take

1
2
3
4

5
6
7
8
9

10

1

234 5/6 7/8

Tra cks

Master track

The recorder section also provides a set of stereo tracks

The playback signals from the audio tracks and the drum/
bass sounds are sent to the built-in digital mixer to create
a stereo mix. For each track/sound, parameters such as
volume, panning, and 2-band EQ (Hi and Lo) can be
controlled independently.
The resulting stereo mix is sent to the output jacks and
can be sent to an empty V-take of the master track or any
other tracks, for mixdown and bounce operation.

Effects

which are separate from the normal audio tracks. This is
called the master track. The master track is reserved for
use in mixdown.

The MRS-8 provides two types of effects: insert effect
and send/return effect. These effects have the
characteristics described below.

Rhythm section

The MRS-8 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. You can use the
preprogrammed patterns, modify them in part, or create
entirely new patterns from scratch.

■

Insert effect

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

(1) Immediately after the input
(2) In the output of any audio track or drum

track/bass sound

(3) Immediately before the [MASTER] fader

In the default condition, position (1) (immediately after
input) is selected. When the setting is changed to (2), only
a selected track or drum/bass sound is processed by the

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3

Recorder

effect. When the setting is changed to (3), the final stereo

Rhythm section

Rhythm

pattern

Rhythm

pattern

Rhythm

pattern

Drum sound

Bass sound

To mixer

To mixer

HINT

The drum/bass sound sources can be also played with the
pads on the top panel.

You can arrange rhythm patterns in the desired order of

mix can be processed.

■

Send/return effect

This effect is internally connected to the send/return loop
of the mixer section. The effect includes reverb, chorus
and other processing types.
The level of the signal supplied to the send/return effect
(send level) for each track/sound adjusts the depth of the
effect. Raising the send level will produce a deeper effect
for that track or sound.

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.

ZOOM MRS-8

9

Front panel

Names of Parts

Effect

section

Rhythm
section

Input section

[INPUT] controls 1/2

[PEAK] indicators

Input section

Built-in mic

Display section

Fader section Transport section

Control section

Rhythm section

[SONG/PATTERN] key

[DRUM/BASS] key

[TEMPO] key

[MIC] key

INPUT [ON/OFF] keys 1/2

Effect section

[INSERT EFFECT] key [INPUT SRC] key

[SEND/RETURN] key

10

Pads 1 – 9

ZOOM MRS-8

Names of Parts

Display section

[SD CARD ACCESS] indicator

Display

[SYSTEM/UTILITY] key

[NEW PROJECT] key

[TRACK PARAMETER] key

Fader section

([RHYTHM], 1 – 4, 5/6, 7/8, [MASTER])

Faders ([RHYTHM], 1 – 4, 5/6, 7/8, [MASTER])

Status keys

Control section

MARKER [U] / [I] keys

[AUTO PUNCH I/O] key

[BOUNCE] key

[EDIT] key

Cursor keys

[ENTER] key

Transport section

REW [T] key

ZERO [U] key

STOP [P] key REC [O] key

[A-B REPEAT] key

[MARK/CLEAR] key

[FUNCTION] key
[EXIT] key

Dial

FF [Y] key

PLAY [R] key

Rear panel

DC 9V jack

[POWER ON/OFF]

ZOOM MRS-8

switch

MIDI OUT
connector

OUTPUT jacks

Card slot [PHONES]

MASTER

volume control

PHONES jack

INPUT 1/2

connectors

[INPUT 1 SELECT]

switch

11

MIDI sequencer (computer etc.)

MIDI interface

MIDI IN

Connections

The INPUT 1 connector accepts a standard phone
plug cable (unbalanced). The INPUT 2 connector
accepts an XLR plug cable (balanced) or a phone
plug cable (balanced or unbalanced).

When a passive electric guitar/bass or other
instrument with high output impedance is
connected to INPUT 1, set the [INPUT 1 SELECT]
switch to GUITAR/BASS.
When an active electric guitar/bass, a dynamic
microphone, synthesizer or other device with low
output impedance is connected to INPUT 1, set
the [INPUT 1 SELECT] switch to MIC/LINE.

Guitar

Bass

Rear panel

To power the MRS-8 from
an AC outlet, be sure to use
only the ZOOM AD-0006
(available separately). Using
another AC adapter can

AC adapter

Loop the cable of the AC adapter around
the hook as shown in the diagram 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.

lead to malfunction and
damage.

Monitor system (audio components or amplified speakers etc.)

Dynamic or condenser microphone

R

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 INPUT
1 and the R output to INPUT 2.

To monitor the sound with headphones,
connect a pair of headphones to the
PHONES jack. The listening volume can

Headphones

be adjusted with the PHONES control.

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

L

12

ZOOM MRS-8

Inserting SD Card and Batteries

Inserting an SD card

For operating the MRS-8, an SD card or a miniSD card
with adapter (capacity 16 MB or more) must be inserted
as storage media. Before inserting a card, verify that the
write protect feature is turned off. Make sure that power
to the MRS-8 is turned off, and then insert the card as
shown below.

SD card

When inserting the card, push it all the way into the slot.
To remove the card, turn power off and then pull the card
out.
To remove or insert a card with the power turned on, be
sure to follow the procedure described on page 117.
Otherwise data may be permanently destroyed.

NOTE

• If the card is inserted with wrong orientation, it will not go all
the way in. Never try to force the card, as this may damage it.

Inserting the batteries

The MRS-8 can be powered from batteries. Purchase the
correct batteries and insert them as described below.

1.

Turn the unit over and open the battery
compartment cover.

IEC R6 (size AA) battery x 4

MRS-8 bottom view

Battery compartment

2.

Insert four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries into
the compartment. (Use alkaline batteries.)

3.

Close the battery compartment cover.

NOTE

If you are operating the unit on battery power and the
indication [ ] appears in the bottom right of the
display, the batteries are almost exhausted. Replace all four
batteries with fresh ones as soon as possible.

ZOOM MRS-8

13

Power On/Off

PRJ 000
MRS-8 SD

To turn the MRS-8 on and off, follow the steps described below.

Power-on

1.

Make sure that the MRS-8 and peripheral
equipment is turned off.

Turn down the volume controls of connected equipment,
the MRS-8, and the monitor system.

2.

Insert an SD card into the card slot.

3.

Set the [POWER ON/OFF] switch of the
MRS-8 to ON.

Data loading for the inserted SD card starts. During this
interval, the [SD CARD ACCESS] indicator lights up.

After a while, the following screen appears.

complete, the main screen appears.

HINT

•You can also format an SD card after the MRS-8 has started
up, as described on page 118.

• Changing the SD card while the MRS-8 is operating is
possible by following the procedure described on page 117.

4.

Turn on the connected instrument and the
monitor system in that order.

Power-off

1.

Turn down the volume at the monitor
system.

2.

Turn off the monitor system and the
connected instrument in that order.

3.

Set the [POWER ON/OFF] switch of the
MRS-8 to OFF.

The indication “GoodBye See You!” appears on the
display and the unit is turned off. Any settings and other
information are stored automatically on the SD card.

This is called the main screen. From this screen, you can
access various recording and playback functions.

HINT

To return to the main screen from other screens, press the
[EXIT] key repeatedly.

If an SD card that is not ready for use in the MRS-8 is
inserted, the indication “FORMAT?” appears when you
turn the MRS-8 on. If you press the [ENTER] key at this
point, the SD card will be formatted. When formatting is

14

PRJ 000
MRS-8 SD

1-00 0 1-0

• Never turn power on or off by connecting or

disconnecting the AC adapter. Otherwise data
may be destroyed.

• In particular, if you disconnect the AC adapter

while the [SD CARD ACCESS] indicator is lit,
all data may be permanently destroyed.

ZOOM MRS-8

Let’s Record

INPUT
REC LVL

This section demonstrates the basics of recording and playback with the MRS-8. As an example, we explain how to record
an electric guitar connected to the INPUT 1 connector.

1.

Connect the guitar to the INPUT 1
connector and set the [INPUT 1 SELECT]
switch to GUITAR/BASS (for a passive
guitar) or MIC/LINE (for an active guitar).

2.

Press the [NEW PROJECT] key in the
display section. Verify that the indication
“PRJNOxxx (where xxx is the project
number) is shown on the first line of the
display. Then press the [ENTER] key.

A new project is created, and the unit goes into recording
standby mode. If necessary, you can edit the project name
in this condition (→ p. 105).

3.

Verify that the [MIC] key is flashing or out.
Then press the INPUT [ON/OFF] key 1 so
that the key is lit.

In this condition, the INPUT 1 connector is active.

5.

NOTE

If “INPUT” is not shown on the first line of the display, check
whether the INPUT [ON/OFF] key is lit.

6.

From this screen, you can adjust the input signal
recording level (the signal level sent to the track).

Flickers occasionally

Press the [TRACK PARAMETER] key in the
display section, and use the cursor left/
right keys to bring up the indication
“INPUT” on the first line of the display.

Use the cursor up/down keys to bring up
the following indication on the display.

HINT

If the [MIC] key is lit, the built-in microphone is active instead
of the INPUT 1 connector. In such a case, press the [MIC] key
once to switch the key to flashing status.

4.

While playing your guitar, use the [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.

ZOOM MRS-8

INPUT
REC LVL

Recording level setting

7.

Turn the dial to adjust the recording level.

The current signal level can be checked using the meter

100

15

Let’s Record

Lit in green Lit in red

in the lower part of the display. Adjust the recording level
so that the 0 (dB) segment for IN 1 flashes slightly when
the guitar is at maximum volume.

0 (dB) segment

Input 1 recording level

8.

Press the [EXIT] key repeatedly to return to
the main screen.

9.

Press status key 1 repeatedly until the key
is lit in red.

When a status key is lit in red, the respective audio track
(track 1 in this example) is selected as recording
destination.

Lit in red

your instrument along with the rhythm pattern.

HINT

• If you do not want a rhythm pattern, select an empty rhythm
pattern (→ p. 18) or mute the drum/bass sound (→ p. 19).

• In the default condition of a project, the insert effect
processes the input signal. You can bypass the effect
(→ p. 22) or select another effect patch (→ p. 21).

12.

When recording is complete, press the
STOP [P] key.

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

13.

To check the recorded contents, press the
ZERO [U] key and then press the PLAY [R]
key.

10.

Operate fader 1 and the [MASTER] fader to
adjust the input signal monitor level.

Faders 1 – 4, 5/6, and 7/8 adjust the volume for the
respective track. When the input signal is sent to a track,
the monitor level can be adjusted. The [MASTER] fader
can be used to adjust the final output level.

11.

To start recording, press the PLAY [R] key
while holding down the REC [O] key.

A four-beat pre-count is heard, and recording starts. In
the default condition of a project, an 8-beat rhythm
pattern is played during recording and playback. Play

16

By operating the [MASTER] fader you can adjust the
volume of the entire song (stereo mix signal level).

14.

To cancel the recording condition, press
the status key 1 so that the key is lit in
green.

Lit in green

ZOOM MRS-8

Quick Tour

PRJNo001
PRJ001

Now let’s use your MRS-8 to do some actual recording. This Quick Tour describes the five steps that cover the entire
process from preparation until the completion of a song.

• 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 on the input signal.

• Step 3: Overdubbing

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

• Step 4: Mixing

Shows how to adjust the level, panning, and EQ of each
track, apply the send/return effect, and mix the recorded
material 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-8, song data are managed in units called
“projects”. A project comprises recorded audio data as
well as various rhythm and effect settings. By loading a
project, the same condition as when the song was last
saved can be recreated.

To start recording with the MRS-8, you must first create
a project.

1.

Connect the instrument to record and the
monitor system to the MRS-8 (→ p. 12).

2.

Insert the SD card to use for recording
(→ p. 13).

3.

Turn power on in the order MRS-8 →
monitor system.

When the MRS-8 starts up, the last handled project is
automatically loaded.

4.

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

When you press the [NEW PROJECT] key from the main
screen, the display changes as follows.

ZOOM MRS-8

PRJNo001
PRJ001

In this condition, a new project can be created.

The top right of the display shows the cursor keys that can
be used on this screen.

Cursor keys that
be used

17

Quick Tour

PRJ 001
PRJ001

001#117
MTNs1Vb

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

p. 105).

menu (

→

5.

Press the [ENTER] key.

A new project is created, and the main screen for audio
track recording/playback appears.

PRJ 001
PRJ001

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 power-off procedure for the MRS-8

p. 14), the last project is automatically saved.

(

→

• When creating a new project, you can edit the project name

p. 105).

(

→

NOTE

While the MRS-8 is operating, do not remove the SD card.
Otherwise data may be destroyed and malfunction may
occur. If you want to remove the SD card while the MRS-8 is
on, be sure to follow the correct procedure (

1.2 Selecting the rhythm
pattern to use

The MRS-8 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).
This section explains how to select a rhythm pattern for
use as guide rhythm during recording.

1.

From the main screen, press the [SONG/
PATTERN] key repeatedly, until the key
goes out.

The rhythm pattern selection screen appears.

p. 117).

→

Rhythm pattern number

001#117
MTNs1Vb

Rhythm pattern name

1

HINT

To return to the main screen from other screens, press the
[EXIT] key repeatedly. The [EXIT] key always serves to return
to the previous screen.

2.

Turn the dial to select a pattern to use as
guide rhythm.

Up to 511 types of rhythm pattern can be used in a
project. (More than 450 of these are preprogrammed.)
You select a pattern by turning the dial.

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 4/4-beat
metronome sound is heard.

3.

Set the [MASTER] fader to 0 (dB) and press
the PLAY [R] key in the transport section.

0dB

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

18

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Quick Tour

TEMPO
BPM=

In the default condition of a project, the sound the bass
program (bass track) is muted. Therefore only the drum
kit (drum track) is heard when the rhythm pattern plays.

HINT

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

4.

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.

TEMPO
BPM=

The tempo value can be set in 0.1 BPM steps. When the
setting is complete, press the [EXIT] key to return to the
previous screen.

1200

Te mpo value

HINT

You can also set the tempo by hitting the [TEMPO] key
repeatedly.

5.

To adjust the volume of the drum/bass
track, use the [DRUM/BASS] key in the
rhythm section to select the sound (drum or
bass), and then operate the [RHYTHM]
fader.

The [RHYTHM] fader serves for controlling either the
drum track or the bass track. When the key is lit, the drum
track is selected. When the key is out, the bass track is
selected. The [RHYTHM] fader then controls the
respective level.

• When drum track is selected

Lit

• When bass track is selected

Out

The signal level of the respective channel can be checked
with the level meter in the lower part of the display.

Bass track signal level

Drum track signal level

In the same way, the [DRUM/BASS] key can be used to
select the sound (drum or bass), and then the [RHYTHM]
status key can be used to control muting on/off for the
drum track/bass track.

6.

To stop playback, press the STOP [P]key in
the transport section.

7.

To return to the main screen, press the
[EXIT] key.

ZOOM MRS-8

19

Quick Tour

Lit Flashing

or out

Out

Lit Flashing

or out

Out

Lit Lit Flashing

or out

Step 2: Recording the first
track

In this step, we explain how to select an audio track for
recording, how to record while listening to the guide
rhythm of the rhythm section, and how to use the insert
effect on the input signal.

is selected as input source.
To use two input sources simultaneously, hold down one
INPUT [ON/OFF] key while pressing the other one.

2.1 Adjusting input sensitivity

1.

Connect an instrument to the INPUT 1/2
connector.

The MRS-8 can handle up to two input sources at a time,
from INPUT 1, INPUT 2, and the built-in mic.
INPUT 1 and the built-in mic are mutually exclusive. A
switch selects one of these for use as input source.

2.

To use the built-in mic, press the [MIC] key
in the input section so that the key is lit.

When the unit is in a mode where the built-in mic can be
used, the [MIC] key in the input section flashes. If you
press the key so that it is lit, the built-in mic will be active
instead of INPUT 1.
Depending on the insert effect settings, the built-in mic
may not be available. In this case, the [MIC] key is out.

[MIC] key
[MIC] key

lit
lit

[MIC] key
[MIC] key

flashing
flashing

[MIC] key
[MIC] key

out
out

The INPUT [ON/OFF] keys 1/2 and [MIC] key lighting
status with various input selections is shown below.

• Input source = INPUT 1 connector

• Input source = INPUT 2 connector

• Input source = Built-in mic

Lit Lit Out

• Input source = INPUT 1 connector + INPUT 2
connector

Built-in mic is
Built-in mic is

active
active

(INPUT 1 is
(INPUT 1 is

inactive)
inactive)

3.

Use the INPUT [ON/OFF] keys 1/2 to select
the input source.

The INPUT [ON/OFF] keys 1/2 control the INPUT 1
connector (or built-in mic) and INPUT 2 connector
respectively. When a key is lit, the signal from that input

20

Built-in mic is
Built-in mic is

available
available

(INPUT 1 is
(INPUT 1 is

active)
active)

Built-in mic is
Built-in mic is

not available
not available

(INPUT 1 is
(INPUT 1 is

active)
active)

• Input source = Built-in mic + INPUT 2
connector

Lit Lit Lit

ZOOM MRS-8

4.

IN SRC
IN

CLEAN
Standard

While playing your instrument, adjust the
[INPUT] control for the input(s) selected in
step 2, to adjust the input sensitivity.

The sensitivity of INPUT 1 and the built-in mic is
adjusted with the [INPUT] 1 control. The sensitivity of
INPUT 2 is adjusted with the [INPUT] 2 control.
Make adjustments so that the [PEAK] indicator in the
input section flickers slightly when you play your
instrument at its loudest volume.

Flickers

occasionally

0 (dB) segment

Input 1 recording level

The input signal level can be checked with the level meter
IN 1/IN 2 bars in the display.

2.2 Applying the insert effect

The insert effect can be applied to a point immediately
after the input, to the output of 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.
When you apply the insert effect to the input signal, you
can record the processed signal on a track. The following
steps show how to apply an insert effect suitable for
guitar/bass.

1.

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

The indication “IN” (input) appears on the second line of
the display. In this condition, you can select the insert
effect position.
In the default condition of a patch, “IN” is selected. If

Quick Tour

another setting is currently displayed, turn the dial to
select “IN”.

IN SRC
IN

2.

Press the [INSERT EFFECT] key in the
effect section.

The display changes as follows. From this screen, you
can select the insert effect algorithm (combination of
effect modules used simultaneously) and patch (effect
program).

Algorithm name

CLEAN
Standard

Patch name Patch number

The MRS-8 has eight algorithms with multiple patch
selections for each algorithm. To use the insert effect,
select the algorithm first and then call up one of the
patches in that algorithm.

3.

Use the cursor up/down keys to select the
algorithm.

The following algorithms are available.

• CLEAN

• DIST

• ACO/BASS SIM (shown on the display as “Ac/
BsSIM”)

• BASS

These algorithms are suitable for recording guitar/bass.

• MIC

An algorithm suitable for vocals and other microphone
recordings.

0

ZOOM MRS-8

21

Quick Tour

INPUT
REC LVL

• LINE

An algorithm suitable mainly for recording line-level
output instruments such as synthesizer or electric piano.

• Dual MIC

An algorithm for two entirely separate mono input and
mono output channels, for use with two microphones.

• MASTERING (shown on the display as
“MASTRING”)

An algorithm suitable for processing the final stereo
mixdown signal.

HINT

In the default condition of a project, the CLEAN algorithm is
selected for the insert effect.

NOTE

When a patch of the CLEAN, DIST, ACO/BASS SIM, or BASS
algorithms is selected, the built-in mic cannot be used. But
when the insert effect is temporarily bypassed, when
“CABINET” is selected on the PRE AMP/DRIVE module, or
when the module is turned off, you can use the built-in mic.

4.

Set the [MASTER] fader to 0 (dB). While
playing your instrument to check the
sound, use the dial to select the patch.

0 dB

300 patches can be used with the insert effect. The effect
type and intensity for a patch can be adjusted as needed.
The patches available with the different algorithms are
listed below.

Algorithm

CLEAN
DIST
ACO/BASS SIM
BASS
MIC
LINE
DUAL MIC
MASTERING

Patch number

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

HINT

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

NOTE

Depending on the selected algorithm, the input/output signal
routing will change (

5.

To adjust the signal level recorded on a
track, press the [TRACK PARAMETER] key
in the control section and then press the
INPUT [ON/OFF] key.

The insert effect output level may change according to the
selected patch. When recording with the insert effect
applied, you will have to adjust the recording level
according to the selected patch.

6.

Press the cursor down key repeatedly to
bring up the indication “REC LVL” on the
second line of the display.

The display changes as follows. The REC LVL parameter
shown on this screen indicates the signal level after
passing the insert effect, which will be recorded on the
track.

7.

Turn the dial to adjust the recording level.

8.

To return to the main screen, press the
[EXIT] key.

p. 94).

→

INPUT
REC LVL

100

HINT

•To record without using the insert effect, press the [INSERT
EFFECT] key in the effect section repeatedly until the key goes
out. While the key is out, the insert effect is bypassed.

22

ZOOM MRS-8

Quick Tour

• When the insert effect is bypassed for recording, setting the
REC LVL parameter to 100 (default) results in unity gain (the
recording level same as the input level).

2.3 Selecting a track and
recording

Now we will select a track and record the input sound
(with the insert effect applied) on that track.

1.

From the main screen, repeatedly press the
status key of the recording track until the
key is lit in red.

Lit in red

The audio track 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 in green Out Lit in red

Mute off Mute on Selected as

When all status keys are green, the input signal will not
be sent to the tracks and will go directly to the
[MASTER] fader. (Panning and send/return effect depth
can be adjusted in this case.)

Recording track not selected

One Input source

Two Input sources

recording track

MASTER

Track 1

Track 2

MASTER

Track 1

Track 2

When a status key is red, the track is in the recording
standby condition and the input signal is assigned to that
track.
If a mono track (1 – 4) has been selected as recording
track, the signal routing will be as follows.

Mono track selected

One Input source

Two Input sources

Track 1

Track 2

Track 1

Track 2

MASTER

1

MASTER

1

If a stereo track has been selected as recording track, the
signal routing will change as shown below. Except for the
V-take selection, the parameters for left/right stereo
tracks are set to the same values. This is useful for
recording from a stereo source such as a synthesizer or
CD player.

Stereo track selected

MASTER

7/8

Tw o Input sources

Track 7／8

HINT

•You can select up to two tracks for recording, either one
stereo track or two mono tracks. 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.

• 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.

2.

Set the fader for the recording track and the
[MASTER] fader to 0 (dB). Then adjust the
volume of the monitor system while playing
your instrument.

3.

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

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23

Quick Tour

Both keys light up, and a pre-count of 4 beats is heard.
Then recording will begin. Record the first instrument
track while listening to the guide rhythm from the rhythm
section.

HINT

• The number and the sound of the pre-count clicks can be
changed (→ p. 43).

• If the input signal is distorted, refer to steps 2.1 and 2.2 to
readjust the input sensitivity and recording level.

4.

When you have finished recording, press
the STOP [P] key.

The REC [O] key and PLAY [R] key go out, and
recording will stop. The indication “wait...” is briefly
shown on the display, and then the main screen reappears.

HINT

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] key to return to the beginning of
the song (counter zero position), and then
press the PLAY [R] key.

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

HINT

•You can specify a position in minutes/seconds/milliseconds
or measures/beats/ticks and move directly to that point (

35).

• By setting marks at the desired points, you can quickly jump
to these points (

→

p. 35).

→

p.

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 the status key of the
recording track until it is lit in green.

The recording standby condition of the track is canceled.

HINT

•A recorded track can be copied, deleted, or edited (

• By switching the V-take for the track on which you have
recorded, you can record again on the track without erasing
the current recording.

→

p. 44).

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.

PLAY [R] key

Starts recorder playback
from the current position.

24

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.

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 (→p. 37).

ZOOM MRS-8

Step 3: Overdubbing

In this step, you will learn how to record another
instrument on another track, while listening to the content
you recorded in step 2. Adding parts in this way is called
“overdubbing”.

3.1 Making settings for input
sensitivity and insert
effect

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

1.

Connect the next instrument you want to
record, and adjust input sensitivity in the
same way as in step 2.1.

2.

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

3.

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

3.2 Selecting a track and
recording

Now you’re ready to record the second instrument on
another track, while listening to the content of the first
track and the guide rhythm.

1.

Repeatedly press the status key of the
track on which to record, until the key is lit
in red.

This track is now in the recording standby condition.
Verify that the status key of the recorded track and the
[RHYTHM] status key are lit in green.

2.

Set the [MASTER] fader to 0 (dB) and use
the fader of the recording track to adjust
the monitoring level.

If necessary, set the recorder to playback and operate the
faders to adjust the monitor level balance between the
recorded track and the track to record.

3.

To begin recording, press the ZERO [U]
key to return to the beginning of the song.

Quick Tour

Then hold down the REC [O] key and press
the PLAY [R] key.

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

4.

When you have finished recording, press
the STOP [P] key.

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

5.

To check the recorded content, press the
ZERO [U] key once more to return to the
beginning of the song, and press the PLAY
[R] key.

The guide rhythm of the rhythm section and the
previously recorded track will be played back along with
the newly recorded track. Use the faders as necessary to
adjust the level balance.

6.

To stop playback, press the STOP [P] key.

HINT

To r edo the recording, repeat steps 3 – 5. You can also start
rerecording from partly into the track and use the punch-in/
punch-out function (

7.

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

The recording condition for that track is turned off. You
can now record more tracks in the same way.

p. 37) to redo a limited passage only.

→

HINT

The maximum number of tracks that can be recorded is 8.
But even when all 8 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. 40).

→

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25

Quick Tour

TR2
EQ HI G

TR2
PAN

Step 4: Mixing

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 the stereo mix.

4.1 Adjusting volume,
panning, and EQ

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 the faders in the fader
section.

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

NOTE

In some cases, the current fader position may not match the
volume setting value for a track stored in a project (such as
when the fader was moved for another project and then the
previous project was called again). In such a case, the
volume may not change until the fader setting has been
changed to a certain extent.

2.

If an input signal is not required, press the
lit INPUT [ON/OFF] key so that the key goes
out.

While the INPUT [ON/OFF] key is lit, the signal from
that input will be added to the stereo mix. If the input
signal is not required, the key should be turned off.

3.

To adjust EQ and panning for each track,
press the [TRACK PARAMETER] key in the
display section.

You now can adjust various track parameters such as
equalization and panning for each track.

4.

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

The status key for the currently selected track is lit in
orange.

To add the drum/bass track to the mix, operate the
[RHYTHM] fader after switching the [DRUM/BASS]
key between lit (drum track selected) and out (bass track
selected). This will adjust the drum/bass track mixing
balance.
To control the mute/on status, select the drum or bass
track with the [DRUM/BASS] key and then press the
[RHYTHM] status key.
The signal level for each track can be checked with the
respective bars in the display.

Track 1 – 8 signal level

26

Lit in orange

TR2
EQ HI G

While a track parameter is shown, you can use the status
keys and cursor left/right keys to switch tracks. The
cursor left/right keys cycle through the following
selections: drum track → bass track → audio track 1 – 8.

5.

Use the cursor up/down keys to bring up
the parameter that you want to adjust.

TR2
PAN

0

0

ZOOM MRS-8

The parameters that can be selected for tracks 1 – 8 and
for drum/bass track are listed in the table below.

■

Track parameter list

Quick Tour

Parameter

EQ HI GAIN

EQ HI FREQUENCY

EQ LOW GAIN

EQ LOW FREQUENCY

EFX SEND LEVEL

PAN

V-TAKE
(tracks 1 – 8 only)

FADER
STEREO LINK

(tracks 1 – 4 only)

6.

Turn the dial to select the setting value.

Display Setting range Description

EQ HI G

EQ HI F

EQ LO G

EQ LO F

EFX SEND

PAN

TR x-y

FADER

ST LINK

-12 – +12dB

500 – 18000(Hz)

-12 – +12dB

40 – 1600(Hz)

0 – 100

L100 – 0 – R100

x=1 – 8, y=1 – 10

0 – 127

ON/OFF

HINT

By pressing the [ENTER] key while an EQ parameter or the
EFX SEND LEVEL parameter is displayed, you can switch
that parameter (EQ HI, EQ LO, effect send) on and off.

7.

Repeat steps 4 – 6 to adjust other
parameters.

By using the cursor left/right keys or the status keys to
select other tracks, you can adjust the parameters for
these tracks.

8.

To return to the main screen, press the
[EXIT] key.

HINT

Some track parameters (EQ, panning etc.) can also be used
for the drum/bass track and input signals.

Adjusts high frequency EQ boost/cut.

Selects turnover frequency for high frequency EQ.

Adjusts low frequency EQ boost/cut.

Selects turnover frequency for low frequency EQ.

Adjusts signal level sent to send/return effect.

Adjusts panning (left/right positioning) for the track. For tracks 5/6,
7/8, and the drum track, this adjusts the left/right balance.

Selects the V-take to use for the track (→p. 32). x is the track number
and y is the V-take number.

Adjusts the fader setting.

Links the parameters for tracks 1/2 or 3/4 (→p. 60).

4.2 Applying the send/return
effect

The track signals sent to the internal mixer can be
individually processed by an effect that is connected
internally to the send/return loop of the mixer. (This is
called the send/return effect.)

SEND LEVEL

Send/return

effect

The intensity of the send/return effect can be adjusted for
each track by using the send level parameter (which
controls the signal level that is sent to the effect).
Increasing this parameter will result in stronger effect
action.

This section describes how to adjust the send level for
each track.

Send

Return

BASSDRUM

7/821

MASTER

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27

Quick Tour

SEND
VoChorus

TR4
EFX SEND

IN SRC
IN

IN SRC
TR1

■

Selecting the send/return effect patch

1.

From the main screen, press the [SEND/
RETURN] key in the effect section.

The display changes as follows. From this screen, you
can select the send/return effect patch.

8.

To return to the main screen, press the
[EXIT] key.

HINT

If no recording track is selected, you can apply the insert
effect to the input signal.

SEND
VoChorus

Patch name Patch number

2.

Turn the dial to select the patch.

The send/return effect has 60 patches (of which 40 are
preprogrammed).

HINT

In the default condition of a project, the send level for the
send/return effect is set to zero for each track. Therefore you
need to raise the setting to verify the sound produced by the
effect.

3.

To return to the main screen, press the
[EXIT] key.

■

Adjusting the send/return effect intensity

4.

From the main screen, press the [TRACK
PARAMETER] key in the display section,
and then use the cursor left/right keys or
the status keys to select the track for which
you want to adjust the send level.

5.

Use the cursor up/down keys to bring up
the indication “EFX SEND” onto the second
line of the display.

In this condition, you can adjust the send level for the
track.

TR4
EFX SEND

6.

While playing the song, turn the dial to
adjust the send level value for the track.

7.

Adjust the send level for other tracks in the
same way.

0

Send level value

0

4.3 Applying the insert effect
to a track

You can apply the insert effect to the output of any track
(audio track or drum/bass track), so that it post-processes
the output signal of the track.

1.

From the main screen, press the [INPUT
SRC] key in the effect section.

The currently selected insert location appears on the
display.

IN SRC
IN

2.

Use the status keys or turn the dial to bring
up the track to which you want to apply the
insert effect on the second line of the
display.

The status key of the selected track lights up.

IN SRC
TR1

HINT

If required, you can use the effect on two mono tracks. To do
this, press the status keys for an odd-numbered and even­numbered track together, or turn the dial to select a mono
track x 2 as insert target (TR 1/2, TR 3/4).

3.

Press the [INSERT EFFECT] key in the
effect section.

The screen for selecting the insert effect algorithm/patch
appears.

28

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Quick Tour

CLEAN
Standard

CLEAN
Standard

Use the cursor up/down keys to select the

4.

algorithm, and turn the dial to select the
patch.

The currently selected algorithm/patch is shown on the
display.
If required, switch the patch while playing the song to
check the sound. When you finish checking it, stop the
song and press the [EXIT] key to return to the main
screen.

0

HINT

By using the bounce function (→ p. 40), you can record the
processed track on an empty V-take. This lets you retain the
processed sound and then apply the insert effect at another
position.

Step 5: Mixdown

When the mix is ready, you can transfer it onto two tracks
to create the finished song. This procedure is called
“mixdown”.
For mixdown, you can either use the MASTER OUTPUT
connectors and record the song on an external recorder, or
you can record the song on the internal master track of the
MRS-8.
The master track is a dedicated pair of stereo tracks that
is separate from the normal audio tracks. When you select
the master track as recording track, the signal
immediately after the [MASTER] fader is recorded.

To master

track

This section explains the mixdown procedure for
recording on the master track.

ZOOM MRS-8

5.1 Using the mastering
effect

By applying the insert effect immediately before the
[MASTER] fader, you can process the stereo mix signal
for mixdown. If you select a patch of the MASTERING
algorithm, you can adjust the sound pressure and tonal
quality of the final mix during mastering.

NOTE

While the insert effect is inserted immediately before the
[MASTER] fader, you cannot use the effect for processing the
input signal or for post-processing a recorded track.

1.

Press the [INPUT SRC] key.

29

Quick Tour

IN SRC
MASTER

MASTRING
PlusAlfa

y

The current insert effect position is shown on the display.

2.

Turn the dial to bring up the indication
“MASTER” on the second line of the
display.

IN SRC
MASTER

The insert effect is now inserted immediately before the
[MASTER] fader.

3.

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

4.

Press the [INSERT EFFECT] key and use
the cursor up/down keys to bring up the
indication “MASTRING” on the first line of
the display.

The insert effect algorithm is switched to MASTERING.
The second line of the display shows the currently
selected patch.

MASTRING
PlusAlfa

5.

While playing the song, turn the dial to
select the patch.

If desired, you can edit the patch to modify the effect
further (→ p. 95).
If the sound is distorted when you apply the mastering
effect, verify that the sound of each track is not distorted
and then lower the overall fader setting.

6.

When you have checked the sound, stop
the song and press the [EXIT] key.

The main screen returns.

0

5.2 Mixdown onto the master
track

After the mastering effect settings have been made,
record the final mix on the master track.

1.

From the main screen, press the ZERO [U]
key to return to the beginning of the song.

2.

Press the PLAY [R] key to play the song,
and operate the [MASTER] fader to adjust
the volume of the stereo mix.

The signal level after the [MASTER] fader can be
checked by observing the rightmost bars of the level
meter in the display. If the 0 dB segment lights up during
play, fine-tune the signal level by turning down the
[MASTER] fader.
After checking the level, press the STOP [P] key.

Left channel signal level Right channel signal

3.

Repeatedly press the [MASTER] status key
until the key lights up in red.

Lit in red

The master track is now selected for recording.

HINT

While the [MASTER] status key is lit in red, the other tracks
can be operated normally. This lets you fine-tune the mixing
balance also at this stage.

4.

Press the ZERO [U] key to return to the
beginning of the song. Then hold down the
REC [O] key and press the PLAY [R] key.

Recording on the master track starts.

level

Press repeatedl

30

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