Korg is now shipping the MR-2 mobile recorder ($899 MSRP), the latest model in its MR Series of DSD digital recorders. The MR-2 records in high fidelity DSD format using a 2.8MHz sampling rate to capture sonic details while preserving the ambience of the original recording location.
According to Korg, using the included AudioGate audio format conversion software, this original data stream recording can be re-purposed into nearly any audio format with minimal fidelity loss. For job-specific recording, the MR-2 can also record in any of the popular multi-bit formats, from MP2 and MP3 up to 24-bit/192kHz files. It offers two types of dithering, including Korg’s Noise Shaped Dither (Korg Aqua).
The MR-2 has a built-in electret stereo condenser microphone. The mic housing can be rotated toward the front, top or rear of the MR-2 in eight 30-degree steps. Two screw mounts allow the MR-2 to be attached to a general-purpose camera tripod for flexible miking and positioning. An additional jack enables connection to an external mic.
The MR-2 also has an onboard analog limiter, low-cut filter and bass EQ, and includes 40 selectable recording setups. Each setup contains its own settings for mic sensitivity, input level, analog limiter, low-cut-filter and bass EQ. These setups offer optimized settings for a range of recording tasks and environments, such as ensemble performances, solo vocal or piano performance, as well as settings suitable for field recording or documenting meetings. The unit can store 10 custom user settings.
Data is stored directly to an SD/SDHC card. With a 32GB card, more than 11 hours of DSD recording is possible. The MR-2 also includes a USB 2 (Mini-B) connector, 128×128-pixel liquid crystal display and built-in multi-mode chromatic tuner. It operates on two AA batteries or USB.
