Zoom Launches New Digital Recorder

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Expanding on the MRS Series of multi-track recording DAWs, Zoom introduces the new MRS-1266.

The MRS-1266 has extensive features including 10 recordable audio tracks, plus two independent drum and bass tracks, and a stereo master channel for mixdown. The 1266 features all-new possibilities for live recording, thanks to six simultaneous inputs. It also features an expanded programmable drum & bass rhythm section.

Each audio track, including the stereo master, offers 10 virtual takes each. This allows the user to record each part ten times, and pick the best one during mixing.

Like its predecessors, the MRS-1266 is a hard disk recorder and a fully integrated digital workstation. Its input and output stages feature 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, while the recording section samples at 44.1kHz (with no compression). Songs can be stored on the 20GB hard drive, or burned to CD-R/RW using the optional CD-R/RW drive.

The expanded rhythm section now has 12 touch sensitive pads (a full chromatic scale) as well as hundreds of pre-programmed patterns. The 1266 features the best of Zoom's drum sounds, widely considered to be the most realistic electronic drum sounds in the industry.

The drum section features 127 different sounding drum kits. Its 26 bass sounds range from slap to synth and every style in-between. 500 user programmable patterns are available per song.

With the optional CD-R/RW drive, pre-recorded drum beats and samples phrases can be imported. Up to 100 samples can be stored per project, and by cutting and pasting, loops can be created and dropped in and out or songs quickly and easily.

Like the other MRS Series recorders, the 1266 has customizable digital effects for mics and instruments, as well as Zoom's VAMS (Variable Architecture Modeling System) guitar amp modeling.

The 1266 has adjustable EQ and pan controls for each channel, as well as a complete array of adjustable 24-bit mastering effects such as Reverb, Chorus, Modulation, Delay and Compression.

The comprehensive workstation allows storage of up to 999 songs with 100 marker points per song and 100 sequence and manual scenes per song. Editing is made easy with a large back-lit LCD screen. Auto and manual punch in and out, easy bounce mode, A/B repeat function and a scrub/preview function make the MRS-1266 a powerful recording tool.

Connectivity is accomplished via two XLR inputs with switchable phantom power, eight 1/4" unbalanced inputs (two instrument / six line), stereo RCA outputs, S/PDIF Optical Digital output and MIDI IN/OUT as well as a SCSI and USB interface for use with an optional plug-in card.

The new MRS-1266 has an MSRP of $1329.99 and the MRS-1266CD lists for $1899.99.