NAMM: Korg Upgrades D1600 and D1200

D1600mkII (Click for a close-up)

D1600mkII Rear Panel (Click for a close-up)

Korg has updated its D Series digital recorders with the release of the D1600mkII and D1200mkII Digital Recording Studios. Both units come with a factory-installed 40GB hard drive and a CD-RW drive for producing a final CD master (plus backup/restore, import/export WAV files). In addition, both have a USB port for improved computer connectivity, making it easy to copy, backup or import/export audio files between systems. A metallic blue finish completes the package.

D1600mkII Digital Recording Studio

The D1600mkII is a 16-track digital recorder featuring a 24-bit/44.1kHz uncompressed recording system complemented by Korg's TouchView Graphic Interface (240 x 64 pixel backlit display).

Additional D1600mkII features include:

• 128 Tracks (including virtual tracks), 16 tracks simultaneous playback, 8 tracks simultaneous recording at 16 bits (8 playback/4 recording at 24 bits)
• Mix Automation/Editing: 24 channel, 8 buss digital mixing; Fader, EQ, pan, and effects can be stored in one of 100 scene memories for auto or manual recall during playback
• Built-in Multi-Effect section with up to 11 simultaneous effects (192 preset/192 user effect programs)
• Separate 3-band EQ with sweepable mids on each analog input and mixer channel
• Inputs: four XLR jacks (with individual phantom power, balanced mic preamps); balanced 1/4" TRS jacks; plus dedicated front panel guitar jack
• Outputs: 1/4" TRS jacks; 24-bit optical S/PDIF digital IN/OUT; MIDI IN/OUT; USB
• High-quality PCM drum machine with 96 metronome patterns and 215 rhythm patterns

D1200mkII Digital Recording Studio

Designed for guitarists, songwriters, and home recordists, the D1200mkII Digital Recording Studio is a 12-track hard disk recorder offering 16 and 24-bit uncompressed recording and mixing in a compact, affordable package. It offers a wealth of effects, including the REMS (Resonant Electronic Modeling System) effects found in Korg's ToneWorks products.

The D1200mkII has been designed to make the recording process as easy and intuitive as possible. Its front panel has been arranged starting with controls for recording tracks, to mixing and mastering, to final CD production, guiding the user through the complete song-making process. After plugging in a guitar, bass, or microphone, the user can press a button to bring up Korg's REMS modeling effects and use an icon-based interface and three dedicated knobs to achieve the desired sound.

Additional D1200mkII features include:

• 96 Tracks (including virtual tracks), 12 tracks simultaneous playback, 4 tracks simultaneous recording at 16 bits (6 playback/4 recording at 24 bits)
• Recording format: 24-bit/16-bit uncompressed, 44.1kHz
• 240 x 64 pixel "tiltable" backlit LCD display
• REMS Modeling: includes classic guitar amps, cabinets, vacuum tube emulation and stomp-box effects, dynamics/spatial modulation effects for bass, various microphone types, room simulation, plus more
• Mix Automation/Editing: Fader, EQ, pan and effects can be stored in one of 100 scene memories for automatic or manual recall during playback
• Built-in Auto Chromatic tuner
• Built-in programmable Multi-Effect section eight insert, two master, and one final effect available simultaneously
• Mixer Section: 16-channel, 4 buss mixer with separate 3-band EQ with sweepable mid-range on each analog input and each playback channel
• Inputs: Two XLR inputs with balanced mic preamps and individual 48V phantom power; four 1/4" inputs; dedicated guitar input; S/PDIF digital input with built-in sample-rate converter
• Outputs: S/PDIF; RCA; MIDI IN/OUT; USB
• High-quality PCM drum machine with 96 metronome patterns and 215 rhythm patterns

The D1600mkII and D1200mkII Digital Recording Studios will be available in September 2003 with U.S. MSRPs of $2,000 and $1,250, respectively.