How to Make a Song on MR 8 MK2 Multitrack Recorder

For decades musicians have made bedroom recordings: the 4-track and reel-to-reel. With the dawn of the digital age this idea has been updated. Where once a home recording was put on a cassette or reel, the MK2 records to a compact storage card and can even be connected to a PC to make more accurate production edits. Despite this jump in technology, the designers of the MK2 have made its interface and controls close to that of early basic recorders. It is capable of recording eight mixable tracks and even has on board reverb/delay and an internal microphone if needed.

Things You'll Need

• MK2 Multitrack Recorder
• CompactFlash card
• Microphone and/or instrument
• XLR or 1/4-inch cable
• Headphones

Instructions

1. Plug in MK2's AC adapter. Power on the MK2 by switching the power switch on the back panel to the "on" position. The LCD screen will turn on. Insert the CompactFlash card with connectors toward the MK2 in the slot on the right side of the device. The small lip on the card should face upward. Do not put the card upside down, as this may damage the card. Plug headphones into the "PHONES" jack.

2. Press the "Menu/Enter" key. Use the circular "Jog Dial" to highlight "Song" in the menu. Click the "Menu/Enter" key to select. Use the dial to highlight "Select Song." Click "Menu/Enter." Select "New Song." Use the dial to highlight "Enter." Click "Menu/Enter."

3. Plug your XLR or 1/4-inch cable into "INPUT A." Plug the other end of cable into the microphone or guitar. If your microphone or guitar has a power switch, check whether it is functioning and powered on before continuing. On the back panel of the MK2, check that the "INPUT A SELECT" is set to "MIC/LINE" if using a microphone, "GUITAR" if you are using a guitar, or "INT MIC" if you wish to record using the internal microphone of the MK2.

4. In the "REC SELECT" portion of the MK2 console, select the "1" button. It will begin to flash, which means it is armed and ready to record. Press the "Record" button once, which will put the track into monitor mode ("INPUT MONI" will appear in the LCD screen). If using a microphone, speak, sing or play into it as loud as you will when you record. Watch the "PEAK" indicator light while testing the microphone or instrument and turn up the "Trim" control until just short of causing the indicator to light. A signal that causes the indicator to light up will have distortion that cannot be edited out later.

5. Press the "RECORD" and "PLAY" buttons simultaneously to begin recording. Record your performance. Press "STOP" to end recording. If you wish to delete the performance and try again, press the "UNDO/REDO" button, which will take you back to where you were immediately before recording began.

6. To record a second track, repeat steps 3-4. Select the "2" button in the "REC SELECT" portion of the console instead of "1."

References

• MR 8 MK2 manual
• MK2 information