Published 24/10/06
MR series: DSD recording in your pocket
Korg's new line of DSD recorders caused a stir when they were announced at the AES show in San Francisco. They use 1-bit encoding at up to a massive 5.6MHz. Because the signal is 1-bit, each sample can only be either 1 or 0, leaving no room for rounding errors (as opposed to 24-bit signals, where each sample could have one of over 16.7 million different values), and therefore (in theory) a more accurate sound.
With DSD, the sampling rate is so high that we don't hear the artifacts of the low bit-rate; in fact the MR1000 can accurately reproduce signals up to 100kHz. Both models have a built-in 20GB hard drive, which, at full sample rate (only the MR1000can record at 5.6MHz, the MR1 can only record at half that rate) can store just under 8 hours of mono audio, where one mono minute at 5.6MHz equates to around 42MB. Sensibly, the unit can also record to PCM (broadcast wave) format, at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The MR1 is the cheapest of the two. It features mic and line inputs on mini-jack connections, has a stereo line output and a headphone socket. Included is a corded stereo electret microphone that sources its power from the MR1, which, in turn, uses either a rechargeable lithium polymer battery or a DC power supply. Computer connection is facilitated by a mini-USB 2.0 socket, and a soft case is included, which protects the unit from damage but leaves the buttons accessible.
The MR1000 is a desktop unit that can be run on AA batteries or from a power supply. It also has mic and line inputs, but features combination XLR and quarter-inch jack sockets. It can supply full phantom power, has a built-in limiter, and features a full-size USB 2.0 port. There are balanced and unbalanced outputs (on XLR and phono connections respectively) and there's a headphone output with dedicated volume control on the front panel. It too comes with a soft case, which enables the user to use it in the field without exposing it to the elements.
Both products ship with PC- and Mac-compatible software called <i>Audiogate</i>. It converts 1-bit recordings into WAV and AIFF files in real-time (and vice-versa), performs DC-offset removal, gain control and fade ins and fade outs, and acts as an archiving tool for files of a variety of bit-rates.
It's early days for these recorders, so keep a keen eye on Korg's web site. Prices are still to be announced.
Korg UK Brochure Line +44 (0)1908 857150
www.korg.co.uk
With DSD, the sampling rate is so high that we don't hear the artifacts of the low bit-rate; in fact the MR1000 can accurately reproduce signals up to 100kHz. Both models have a built-in 20GB hard drive, which, at full sample rate (only the MR1000can record at 5.6MHz, the MR1 can only record at half that rate) can store just under 8 hours of mono audio, where one mono minute at 5.6MHz equates to around 42MB. Sensibly, the unit can also record to PCM (broadcast wave) format, at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The MR1 is the cheapest of the two. It features mic and line inputs on mini-jack connections, has a stereo line output and a headphone socket. Included is a corded stereo electret microphone that sources its power from the MR1, which, in turn, uses either a rechargeable lithium polymer battery or a DC power supply. Computer connection is facilitated by a mini-USB 2.0 socket, and a soft case is included, which protects the unit from damage but leaves the buttons accessible.
The MR1000 is a desktop unit that can be run on AA batteries or from a power supply. It also has mic and line inputs, but features combination XLR and quarter-inch jack sockets. It can supply full phantom power, has a built-in limiter, and features a full-size USB 2.0 port. There are balanced and unbalanced outputs (on XLR and phono connections respectively) and there's a headphone output with dedicated volume control on the front panel. It too comes with a soft case, which enables the user to use it in the field without exposing it to the elements.
Both products ship with PC- and Mac-compatible software called <i>Audiogate</i>. It converts 1-bit recordings into WAV and AIFF files in real-time (and vice-versa), performs DC-offset removal, gain control and fade ins and fade outs, and acts as an archiving tool for files of a variety of bit-rates.
It's early days for these recorders, so keep a keen eye on Korg's web site. Prices are still to be announced.
Korg UK Brochure Line +44 (0)1908 857150
www.korg.co.uk
