Messe: Korg D4 Compact Digital Recorder

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Welcome a new member to Korg's lineup of D-series recorders. About the same size as a VHS video tape, the D4 Digital Recorder contains built-in effects, rhythms, and a tuner, everything needed to plug in a guitar or mic and start recording right away.

Five real-time knobs provide immediate control over numerous functions, including a full array of Korg's proprietary "REMS" modeling effects. These same knobs perform double duty as Pan knobs and Record Select buttons; a backlit LCD screen keeps it all together. There's even a USB connector that makes it easy to transfer song data to a computer.

The D4 is a complete four-track recording studio, providing multi-effects based on Korg's proprietary "REMS" modeling technology, and a variety of rhythm and metronome patterns to compliment any musical style. Just plug a guitar or microphone into the D4 and you can begin creating your own song a track at a time. Eight virtual tracks are provided for each track, so you can choose the best take as you build your song. The D4 records directly to CompactFlash using one of three modes -- High Quality, Standard or Economy -- providing extended recording time with great audio quality. CompactFlash cards of up to 2 GB may be used and each one can store up to 99 songs, recorded and saved in MP2 (MPEG-1 Layer-2) format. A built-in mic lets you make quick musical memos as inspiration comes to you. There's also a built-in tuner, ensuring that you'll be in tune whenever you record.

A single knob takes you from mode to mode. Five dedicated knobs provide real-time editing of the onboard REMS effects. By pushing down on these same knobs you can select recording status of each track and turn effects on and off. There's also a "favorites knob" that lets you instantly recall eleven of your favorite effects. The Value Dial provides a quick way to change settings and select various options. With trim knobs on both inputs (XLR and 1/4" are provided for Input 2, 1/4" only on Input 1), you'll be able to get the optimum level in any recording situation.

Korg's proprietary "REMS" (Resonant structure and Electronic circuit Modeling System) modeling technology simulates the audio characteristics of many classic guitar amps, legendary recording microphones and numerous effects. The AMP effect recreates a range of amps; from classics such as the VOX AC30TB through today's latest guitar amps. The CABINET effect simulates a wide variety of speaker cabinets that match the various AMP types. The 4-BAND EQ allows you to make detailed adjustments to the tonal character and you can also apply chorus, phaser, and flanger type MODULATION effects. For recording bass parts, the BASS DRIVE and BASS CABINET effects provide a spectrum of bass sounds. When it comes time to add vocals -- or another acoustic instrument -- the mic simulator recreates the tonality for various recording applications.

The D4 digital recorder provides four types of effect chains, in which up to five effects can be connected in a specified order. This makes it easy to create multi-effects that are suitable for the material you're recording. These effect chains are stored as programs, with 100 user and 100 preset locations for easy access. The presets contain programs created by professional musicians and studio engineers and are ready to use. You can edit the effects in a program and store it in the user program area. Four chain types are provided. is used when applying effects to a mono input, such as guitar or vocal; is for use with a stereo input, or when applying separate effects to a vocal track and a guitar track that are being recorded simultaneously; makes the overall sound more consistent; and , which applies overall adjustments to the final output stage. A dedicated switch is provided to select each chain type.

Inside the D4 is a PCM sound generator that can produce 87 different rhythm patterns (32 metronome patterns and 55 rhythm patterns). The rich array of patterns include 8 beat, 16 beat, Rock, Funk, Big Beat, House, Reggae, Hip-Hop, R&B, Disco, Dance, Jazz, 3/4, 6/8, 5/4, and 7/4, covering a broad range from simple beats to highly distinctive styles.

CompactFlash capacities of 16 MB to 2 GB are supported for data storage (CF TYPE I cards only), and one 64MB CompactFlash card with demo songs is included. The data is written automatically when you've finished recording or editing. The D4 also provides a USB connector, so it's easy to transfer song data and user effect data to your computer for backup (requires Windows 2000/Me or later, or Mac OS 9.0.4 or later). Completed songs created within the D4 as stereo MPEG-1 Layer-2 format song files, can be played back as stereo MPEG files on your computer.

D4 Specifications

• Number of Tracks: 4 tracks x 8 virtual tracks; 4 tracks simultaneous playback /2 tracks simultaneous recording
• Recording Format: 16 bit MPEG 1 Layer 2 compression, 32 kHz
• Recording Time: Hi Quality = approx. 44 minutes /1 track, Standard = approx. 64 minutes /1 tracks, Economy = approx. 132 minutes /1 track (when using 64 MB CompactFlash), maximum of approx. 4200 minutes /1 track (Economy, when using 2 GB CompactFlash)
• Number of Songs: 99 songs per card
• A/D, D/A Conversion: 20 bit
• Sampling Frequency: 32 kHz
• Tempo: 40 ~ 240
• Metronome Patterns: 32
• Rhythm Patterns: 55
• Track Editing: Copy, Insert, Erase, Delete, Time Expansion/Compression
• Song Editing: Rename, Copy, Delete
• Counter: Min/Sec/Msec, Meas/Beat/Tick
• Power Supply: Included AC adapter
• Dimensions: 191 (W) x 145 (D) x 41 (H) mm / 7.52" (W) x 5.71" (D) x 1.61" (H)
• Weight: 415 g / 0.91 lbs.

Specifications and features are subject to change