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Interesting new announcement !




Korg’s new, super-portable MR Professional Mobile Recorders break new ground by providing high fidelity 1-bit recording technology at unheard of low prices.
The hand-held MR-1 provides high quality 1-bit/2.8 MHz recording and playback, while the mobile/tabletop MR-1000 delivers an astonishing 1-bit/5.6 MHz, doubling industry DSD recording quality standards.

Powerful new software bundled with each MR recorder enables the conversion of your 1-bit recordings and mixes into all of today’s audio formats without degradation. Best of all, by archiving your data in 1-bit format you’re ready for the future, as playback systems and standards change.

The MR Professional Mobile Recorders are ideal for source recording, podcasting, broadcast journalism including ENG/EFP, as well as archiving final mixes and master recordings.


Go to http://www.korg.com/mr/ for full details

Daz.

Ooohhh I’m very interest in the MR1 for sampling purposes outdoors.
Wonder what the price tag is ?.

Looks very expensive.

Kind Regards.
Sharp.

I would guess that the MR-1 will be in roughly the same price range as the Edirol R-09 and the M-Audio MicroTrack. Sound about right ?

Daz.

Press Release

Korg Launches World's First 1-Bit Professional Mobile Recorder
- New, affordable 1-bit recorders deliver superb sound, support a wide range of formats and provide future-proof archiving and mixing capabilities -

Preliminary Product Information

121st AES CONVENTION, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 6, 2006 — Korg is unveiling the world’s first 1-bit professional mobile recorders. The MR Professional Mobile Recorders are an ideal, affordable solution for source recording, podcasting, broadcast journalism including ENG/EFP, as well as archiving final mixes and master recordings.

The hand-held MR-1 is capable of high quality 1-bit / 2.8 MHz recording and playback, while the tabletop MR-1000 delivers up to 1-bit / 5.6 MHz, doubling industry DSD recording quality standards. Both MR recorders support multiple recording formats including DSDIFF, DSF and WSD 1-bit formats, as well as multi-bit PCM format (BWF) with resolutions up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.

1-bit recording is the latest advancement in audio and has been adopted for use in the SACD recording format. Its uncompromising fidelity, low noise floor, extended dynamic range, lifelike imaging and analog quality depth have been praised by top experts. Another benefit of the 1-bit format is that it can be converted to any other bit depth and sample rate without error or degradation.

Korg’s included AudioGate™ software (Mac® and PC) can convert 1-bit recordings into WAV and AIFF formats at various bit-rates (and vice versa) and offers real-time conversion/playback of 1-bit files. The software can also perform essential functions like removing DC offset, gain control, and fade in/out. Users can easily transfer data from the internal hard drive to a computer via high speed USB 2.0 connection.

Korg USA’s Senior Technology Product Manager Jerry Kovarsky explains, “When you have only one chance to capture a great performance, Foley effect or interview, you need a recording device that will reliably yield the highest quality audio possible. Our MR recorders’ 1-bit technology provides just that, and combined with our AudioGate software deliver the perfect future-proof solution. Now, with 1-bit recording available at affordable price points, we see a continued growth of this format in various market sectors.”

The MR-1000 features studio quality, ultra low-impedance mic preamps with balanced XLR / 1/4" inputs with phantom power and built-in limiting, plus XLR and RCA outputs. The MR-1 offers dual mini balanced inputs, an included stereo electret condenser mic and a stereo headphone jack.

The portable MR-1 and MR-1000 both feature lightweight yet rugged metal housings with sleek, streamlined designs. A large backlit LCD offers optimum visibility under all lighting conditions. For added durability and location recording, each MR-recorder comes in a stylish and functional soft case that allows the recorder to be used without having to remove it from the case. Both recorders can be powered by batteries (MR-1 – rechargeable lithium polymer; MR-1000 – AA) or via the included AC adaptor.

Daz.

The white paper makes for some interesting reading ... explaining the 1-bit technology :

http://www.korg.com/mr/Future_Proof_Rec ... lained.pdf

Daz.

Been pouring over all the details here and I have to say that I’m hugely impressed.

ME WANT !!!!!.

Regards.
Sharp.

What a superb pdf document that is Daz. I agree with Sharp, it's fantastic reading. Ta for posting.

We're glad you like them!

And thanks for the kind words about the pdf document - a group of us worked very hard to get the info together in what we hope is a clear and informative fashion. Lot's of emails flying back and forth between the various continents!

Regarding pricing, we don't have final costing, but we expect the MR-1 to street price for between $700-800. The MR-1000 between $1,000 and $1,200.

Remember, when comparing the MR-1 to the other products you mentioned, we offer 1-bit recording, 20 GB internal HD (they use Compact Flash media), and the superb AudioGate software. So we're not really in the same league.

I did a bunch of recording sessions earlier this week for the internal demos and the fidelity and imaging we got was just stunning.

Regards,

Jerry

Hi Jerry.

Any idea when the demo’s and online manuals will be available ?
Also has there been a release date set yet ?.

I’m VERY interested in an MR1.

Kind Regards.
Sharp.

jerrythek wrote:Regarding pricing, we don't have final costing, but we expect the MR-1 to street price for between $700-800. The MR-1000 between $1,000 and $1,200.

Remember, when comparing the MR-1 to the other products you mentioned, we offer 1-bit recording, 20 GB internal HD (they use Compact Flash media), and the superb AudioGate software. So we're not really in the same league.

That makes a lot of sense ... looking forward to checking this kit out, I had been looking at the Edirol unit, but the MR1 looks a little funky.

Daz.

Have you seen a screen shot of AudioGate?


Basically, this is the highest quality audio file format converter. You can convet from/to any formats you use.

And also you can preview any format audio source including 1bit audio on your Mac/PC using your audio cards/interfaces or built-in audio devices. In the offline exporting, it uses highest quality converter algorithm. In the preview playing, it uses fast better quality algorithm.

CoreAudio system is used to play audio on Mac, ASIO2 or DirectSound is used on PC.


Masa

Besides the doc put together by Korg, there is another interesting read here:

http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes.cfm/ap ... umber/1870

Hi Sharp:

The products will be in the market march, 2007.

Manuals aren't quite finished yet.

But, regarding demos. There's a strange concept - providing mp3 examples of high-resolution audio. What are we actually showing?



Regards,

Jerry

Sharp wrote:Hi Jerry.

Any idea when the demo’s and online manuals will be available ?
Also has there been a release date set yet ?.

I’m VERY interested in an MR1.

Kind Regards.
Sharp.

Thanks Jerry.

But, regarding demos. There's a strange concept - providing mp3 examples of high-resolution audio. What are we actually showing?

I should have explained that one Makes me look like an idiot asking you to post mp3 files of a 1BIT recording

I would like to hear a demo of the MR1 because I’m curious as to what sort of frequencies the mic will pick up.

Like if I record a live gig off the mic, will I get great bass, or will it sound like a Dictaphone recording without the hiss. A extreme comparison, but I hope you get the idea.

Just need to know how juicy the bass is from such a tiny mic.

Kind Regards.
Sharp.