Korg D12 User manual

Digital Recording Studio D12 Guided Tour
Getting Started:
Audio connections, Recording sources for this guide 3
Power-up, Select and Play the Demo Song 4
Demo song Track Layout 4
Quick Tour of D12 modes 5
D12 Additional Features 12
Working with the D12:
Select and work with the demo song 14
Using the FF and REW keys in a song 14
Copy the demo song to a new song location for editing 14
Un-protect and rename the demo song 14
Disable Scene Memory and work with the MixView display 15
View the Post Fader levels as you mix 15
Mute/un-mute tracks with the TRACK STATUS keys 15
Work with the EQ function 16
View the Insert effect assignments for the demo song 16
Overview of Insert effect configurations 16
Work with the lead vocal track in “I Can’t Wait” 17
Set a new Locate point in the song 17
Work with the lead vocal Insert effect 17
Work with the Counter 18
Work with the synth bass track 18
Scrub the audio to find and set a new Locate point 18
Assign and work with a new Insert effect for track 4 19
Store IN and OUT points, and use the Loop Playback function 20
Work with the Master and Final effects 20
Work with the Master effect and set new send levels 21
Work with the Final effect 21
Store the new Final effect in a user location 22
Playback the song and make any final mix changes 22
Store a new initial Scene for the song 22
Additional tips when working with Scenes 23
Work with the Solo function 23
Work with the Monitor Cue function 24
Work with the Metronome and Rhythm patterns 24

KORG D12 Guided Tour
2
Recording and Editing Basics:
Create and rename a new song 25
Assign the built-in mic and set the input level 26
Check the Pre Fader Level and adjust the input signal 26
Recording new tracks 26
Working with the Virtual tracks 28
Create a “12-2” Virtual Mixdown 29
Work with the Clipboard, Fade and Undo functions 30
Guitar and Insert effect / Rhythm Pattern Demo:
Create a new song and connect a guitar 33
Assign an Insert effect chain on input, for recording 34
Audition the Metronome and Rhythm patterns 34
Create a Tempo Map 35
Record the new Tempo Map to stereo tracks 35
Record a guitar track as the rhythm track plays back 36
Creating an Audio CD on the D12:
Overview 36
Create a blank region of audio at the start of the new song 37
Write and finalize a CD 37
Playback the new song from CD 37
D12 QuickSteps:
Basic Operations 38
Song and Track Editing 40
Owner’s Manual References 41

KORG D12 Guided Tour
3
D12 Guided Tour
Getting Started:
Audio connections: Connect the rear panel MONITOR L / R outputs to a stereo monitoring system for playback/recording, and
connect headphones to the front panel PHONES jack. Note: Use the rear panel MASTER L/R outputs when mastering to external
DAT, MD, etc.
Recording sources for this guide: We’ll make it easy for you to get quickly familiar with the D12 recording procedures: You ‘ll be
using the built-in microphone for the basic recording exercises, so there’s no need to connect an external microphone. In addition to
the basic recording section, there’s a “Guitar/Insert effect/Rhythm Pattern Demo”, and (of course) an electric guitar is necessary for
the exercises in this section.
Objects referred to in this guide: D12 top panel objects that you'll work with are: Keys, Dial, Faders and Pan/Balance knobs.
D12 Display objects that you'll work with are: Tabs, Popup and Radio buttons, Dialog boxes and Icons. All top panel keys are
indicated in brackets: [SONG/CD], etc.
Navigating the D12: To select the tabs in each mode, repeatedly press a mode key: [INPUT/TUNER],[EQ/PHASE] etc.
To move to different locations in the display, press the [CURSOR] key (u). To confirm a highlighted selection in the display,
press ENTER, To change a highlighted value, rotate the [DIAL].
About the CURSOR key: Throughout this guide, the use of the CURSOR key will be indicated by the usymbol. This key is a four-
position key, allowing you to move left, right, up or down in the display.

KORG D12 Guided Tour
4
Power up:
1. With the MASTER fader in the minimum position, connect the AC adaptor to the AC9V input on the rear panel, then to a power
source. Note that the STANDBY LED indicator lights on the top panel.
2. Press the [POWER] key on the top panel to power up the D12. Note: The current software version will be indicated in the
display on power-up.
Many of the examples and exercises in this guide refer to the internal demo song “I CAN’T WAIT”. If the demo
song has been deleted from memory and is no longer available, you can still follow this Guided Tour, and gain a
basic understanding of the D12 features and operation modes.
Note: The CURSOR key is indicated by
Select and Play the Demo Song:
3. Press [SONG/CD] until you select the “SelSong” tab in the display.
4. Rotate the [DIAL] to the left, until the first demo song “I001: I CAN’T WAIT” loads.
5. The [TRACK STATUS] LED's should all be lit green. If not, press any of the [TRACK STATUS] keys that are not green (Play
status).
6. Raise your external monitoring system levels, and then press [PLAY] on the D12.
7. Slowly raise the D12 MASTER fader to the “0” position, and rotate the D12 MONITOR LEVEL knob (on the rear panel) to a
comfortable listening level (or raise the PHONES LEVEL knob if you’re only using headphones).
8. When the demo song has finished playing, press [STOP].
D12 Demo Song “I CAN’T WAIT” Track Layout:

KORG D12 Guided Tour
5
Effects used in the demo song:
Insert effects (4 used)
1) Track 1 Vocal: I105 MM33: Mic/Sm57/414
2) Track 5 Kick: I086 MM18: Limitr-P4EQ
3) Track 7 Snare: I101: MM33: MicSim-Lmtr
4) Track 8 Drums, Percussion: I101: MM33: MicSim-Lmtr
Master effects
1) M002 RV2: Smooth Hall
2) M004 RV4: Dry Plate
Final effect
F019 LS2: TwoMix 80’s
Important! To power-off the D12 and auto-save any recording/editing you’ve done, press and hold the POWER key. When the
display indicates “Power Off?”, press ENTER and the D12 will automatically save your work and power-off (the STANDBY LED will
continue to be lit after power-off).
A Quick Tour of the D12 Modes
Note: Throughout this guide, the CURSOR key is indicated by
Refer to the Demo Song “I CAN’T WAIT” Track Layout on page 4 for the following tours:
METER / TRACK VIEW mode:
1. Reset the song to the beginning, by pressing [IN/LOC1], or press and hold [STOP] and then press [REW] once.
2. Press [PLAY]. As the song plays, press [METER/TRACK VIEW] to select the meter display, and work with the Channel
Faders - the display will indicate all track level changes and Send, Monitor and Master levels. Note that the top line in the
display indicates “CLP” (clipping). As you mix, watch the display and avoid clipping on any of the tracks! Note: Each time you
press [METER/TRACK VIEW] it will “toggle” between the meter and previously selected mode displays.
Note: Make sure that the display mode is set to “PostFdr” in the upper-left of the display - if not, to the > >button in the upper-
left, press ENTER, to highlight “PostFaderLevel”, press ENTER, then to the “OK” button and press ENTER.
The METER/TRACK VIEW page features five ways to see overall mix and track data: PreFader and PostFader, for accurate
metering of all signal levels, plus TrackView1-6, TrackView7-12 and Track View 1-12, to check whether tracks contain audio events.

KORG D12 Guided Tour
6
PAN/BALANCE controls:
1. As the song continues to play, adjust the PAN knobs for Channels 1-6.The BALANCE knobs for tracks 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 should
all be set to the center position.(Refer to the Track Layout on page 4)
Note: When you reset the demo song to the beginning, the original settings for fader, pan, EQ, effect settings, and effect and aux
send levels will be reset to the values stored in the initial Scene (SCENE key is lit when “SceneRead:On” is set).
The D12 features a Channel Pairing function to group adjacent channels for controlling Track Status, Pan, EQ, Effect and Aux send
settings as well as fader position. See the Owner’s Manual page 102, for more information on channel pairing.
SCENE MEMORY mode:
The D12 features 100 -Scene Memory for "snapshot" automation of channel faders, pan, EQ and Effect settings and effect and aux
send levels. The Demo Song “I CAN’T WAIT” has an initial Scene stored. When the song is selected, the [SCENE] key will light
and the original mix settings will be recalled.
Note: More “hands-on” work with the SCENE function later in this guide.
SCENE MEMORY “MixView” tab:
The “MixView” tab is helpful when selecting and viewing the stored Scenes in a song.
1. Press [SCENE] (lit) until you select the “MixView” tab (in the display. As you mix, the display will indicate the changes you
make to the channel faders and pan/balance controls.
EQ mode:
1. Press [EQ/PHASE] until you select the “Eq1-4” tab (in the display. Here you'll see EQ settings for tracks 1-4.
2. uto any EQ "knob" icon in the display, and rotate the [DIAL] to make changes to the track EQ. The upper-left of the display
will indicate the track and EQ parameter that is highlighted.
3. As the song continues to play, press [EQ/PHASE] to select another “Eq” tab, and work with the track EQ settings. The upper-
left of the display will indicate the EQ parameter and track you are working with. Note: Use the Track Layout on page 4 of this
guide to reference tracks that you are working with in the demo song.
Lo, Mid and Hi EQ plus Mid frequency control for every track, available as you record, or during track playback!
The D12 features 3- band EQ for all tracks!

KORG D12 Guided Tour
7
INSERT EFFECT mode:
1. Press [INSERT EFFECT] until you select the “InsAss” tab (: In this mode you can set Insert effect assignments for each track
and assign the effect type.
2. By selecting one of the Insert effect tabs (“InsEff1”, etc.) you can apply an Insert effect. Once selected with the [DIAL], you can
uto the effect number button, and press ENTER to view, then u/ENTER to edit parameters for the effect icon you've selected.
There are 128 preset insert effect programs to choose from, including 98 chains of up to 5 effects at once. The D12 features
Korg's famous REMS modeling effects - accurate amp, cabinet and microphone simulations. You can edit any of the preset effect
programs, then store your edits to 128 user effect programs. Plus, some of the effects like wah can be controlled in realtime using
the D12's exclusive Expression Pedal input!
MASTER EFFECT mode:
1. Press [MASTER EFFECT/AUX] until you select the MstEff1 tab (in the display. For both Master effect 1 and Master effect 2,
you can select one of 32 available effects, set return levels and balance, and easily-edit the effect parameters. The “Eff1” and
“Eff2” tabs let you set individual send levels for all tracks.
The highest-quality effect algorithms are onboard, and if you need more external processing or audio sends, there's an AUX send
for every track. The Master and Final effect programs let you polish your mix for CD-ready mastering. You can choose from 32
preset effects, and store edited effects to one of 32 user locations.
Note: The demo song “I CAN’T WAIT” includes Master and Final effects. You can view the effects by pressing [MASTER
EFFECT/AUX] until you select the ”MstEff1”, “MstEff2” or “FinalEff” tabs. The effects used for the demo song are
referenced on page 5.
Send your mix through Master and Final effects - for ultimate processing!
8 Insert, 2 Master and 1 Final mastering effect: 11 simultaneous per song!

KORG D12 Guided Tour
8
SOLO mode:
1. Press [SOLO/MONITOR]. To listen to one or more sources: uto a button in the display and press ENTER. The solo audio can
be routed to the MONITOR L/R outputs or MASTER L/R and HEADPHONE outputs. You can solo effect send 1 and 2 levels,
aux level, as well as return levels for Master effects.
2. uto the “ClearAll” button, then press ENTER to disable solo for all tracks.
Tip:You can also press the [TRACK STATUS] keys during playback, to mute/un-mute desired tracks.
Note: More "hands-on" work with the SOLO function later in this guide.
MONITOR mode:
1. Press [SOLO/MONITOR] until you select the “Monitor” tab, then uto the “Level” button and press ENTER to view the
display.
2. Press ENTER again, to return to the previous page.
The D12 features Monitor Cue level and pan settings, to dial in your own separate mix, without affecting the mix routed to the Master
outputs. See the Owner’s Manual, page 39 for more information.
The SOLO function lets you isolate and listen to specific tracks, as well as
effect and send / return levels.
The MONITOR function gives you an independent cue mix for all tracks!

KORG D12 Guided Tour
9
SCRUB mode:
1. STOP playback, then press [SCRUB]. To select track waveform data: uto the > >popup button next to “1Tr”, then press
ENTER. uto select the track, press ENTER, then uto “OK” and press ENTER. Once you’ve selected a track, uto “Loc”
and use the [DIAL] to scrub the audio. The “zoom” buttons in the display let you resize the waveform.
2. uto “Loc”, then press [SCRUB] to return to the previous page.
Tip: Pressing [FF] while the SCRUB function is ON sets the audio data to play back at half-speed - an octave lower than the original
pitch. This is a great way to rehearse and learn intricate solo lines!
Note: More “hands-on” work with the SCRUB function later in this guide.
TUNER mode:
The D12 features a built-in auto-chromatic tuner!
1. [STOP] playback, then press [INPUT] until you select the “Tuner” tab. Here, you can tune an instrument connected to the
GUITAR IN or INPUT1 jack.
When you select the “Input 1” radio button, you can precisely tune connected instruments. If you select the “Track” radio button you
can check the tuning of any previously recorded track.
The Scrub function gives you precise control when working with your tracks!

KORG D12 Guided Tour
10
TEMPO / RHYTHM modes:
1. Press [TEMPO/RHYTHM] until you select the “SetUp” tab. On this page you can set tempo, time signature and rhythm settings
for a song.
The D12 provides you with the "ultimate metronome" - the sampled drum patterns in memory provide a great tempo "guide" for
many music genres. The drum patterns can be recorded to tracks, and you can create up to 200 tempo map events per song,
allowing tempo, time signature and rhythm patterns to change during recording and playback!
Note: More "hands-on” work with the Tempo, Metronome and Rhythm functions later in this guide.
INPUTS, ASSIGNMENTS and INPUT EQ:
The D12 features 4 TRS-balanced audio inputs, including 2 XLR / 1/4 (3-31) type connectors. In addition, a dedicated 1/4
unbalanced Guitar input is included. All inputs have TRIM control, and can be instantly routed to any channel.
1. Press [INPUT/TUNER]. Here, you can quickly route inputs to specific channels, and apply EQ on input for tracks 1-12.
The S/PDIF (DigiIn) input allows stereo digital sources to be routed to channels 1-6, and the SUB inputs can be used to input
synchronized sequenced audio and returns from external processors via the AUX send.
The D12 features a built-in METRONOME with 96 metronome patterns and 215
PCM-based drum patterns!

KORG D12 Guided Tour
11
VIRTUAL TRACKS / BOUNCE modes:
1. Press [TRACK]. The Vtr1-6 and Vtr7-12 tabs (and tabs) let you select the Virtual tracks for recording.
You can record solo parts etc. on the virtual tracks and then select your favorite take!
Bouncing tracks has never been easier! In addition to basic track bouncing functions, the D12 features an exclusive "12 to 2"
function. This lets you bounce 12 tracks of audio to 2 Virtual tracks to create virtual mixdowns internally, and then select your favorite
mix for mastering to CD!
PUNCH IN / OUT mode:
1. Press [AUTO PUNCH]: In the display you'll see "In" and "Out" time locations, to set for punch in / out recording with the
[STORE] and [IN/LOC1] / [OUT/LOC2] keys.
You can also set In / Out times by selecting the "Wave" button in the Auto Punch page - a great feature that lets you set precise
punch in / out times while viewing a waveform display. And you can easily set Pre and Post-roll times to specify playback time before
and after recording.
The D12 has 12 tracks, each with 8 Virtual tracks, providing 96 onboard tracks!
The Manual and Auto Punch In/Out functions let you re-record specific sections
seamlessly! Manual Punch In/Out on a selected track can be set by pressing the
REC key or a footswitch during playback, to instantly enter record mode.

KORG D12 Guided Tour
12
D12 Additional Features:
Uncompressed recording and playback at 44.1kHz:
The D12 provides the utmost in sound quality, with no data compression in recording and playback! Select 4 track simultaneous
recording / 12 track playback @16 bit, or 4 track simultaneous recording / 6 track playback @24 bit. Your projects will sound
amazing, from initial recording to final mastering!
Internal 6 GB hard disk:
The internal 6 Gigabyte hard disk gives you plenty of recording space for you projects – over 18 hours recording time (based on
single track/ 16 bit format).
Produce and burn an audio CD, or backup your audio data to CDR/RW media- directly on the D12:
Install the optional Korg CDRW-1 internal CD-R/RW drive, and create audio CDs with the D12. Or use the CDRW-1 to economically-
backup your valuable data. You can also playback and record audio from the CDRW-1 to D12 mixer channels!
Included SCSI-2 50 pin connector:
For recording and backing up your projects to external hard disk and removable media such as Jaz, Orb, etc. Also for connection to
compatible CDR/RW drives, if you don’t have the optional CDRW-1 drive installed. A listing of compatible external drives can be
found by visiting the korg.com website.
100 Scenes, 100 Mark points and 4 Locate points per song:
Store "snapshot" Scene automation of fader, pan, EQ and effect send levels, and name your scenes for easy recall! Create specific
Mark points in the song structure, name them for convenient access to "Verse", "Chorus", "Solo" etc., and immediately jump to these
registered locations. Store four Locate points for instant access to specific areas in your song with top panel keys.
Selectable levels of UNDO:
Use the UNDO / REDO function to step back through the previous recording or editing operations, so that you have plenty of
opportunity to fix any mistakes that happen. Select 99, 8 or 1 as UNDO levels.
Time Stretching:
Match tempo between recordings of different tempo, or fit recording into a specific time length.
Reverse playback:
Reverse specific regions of audio data using single or multiple tracks, then copy the results to new audio regions or tracks.
Optimizing Track Data:
After editing your tracks, this feature lets you create one piece of audio data from several "fragmented" regions, resulting in perfect
track playback and better conservation of hard disk space!
Auto-Save Feature:
It's good to know that your valuable song data will be saved automatically, when selecting new songs and on power-down!

KORG D12 Guided Tour
13
Loop recording and playback:
Set specific in / out points in your song and loop the audio - then rehearse intricate parts to be recorded, or use the punch-in function
while looping, and add new data as the loop plays. Use the loop playback feature to audition specific regions of recorded audio.
Trigger Recording:
Set recording to begin automatically in response to an audio input!
Record Tap Tempo:
This function lets you record the tempo after you've recorded a song that has no tempo settings - a great feature! This way you can
then edit your tracks in units of measures or synchronize the D12 to external MIDI devices.
Use MIDI to automate D12 functions:
Besides using MIDI to synchronize the D12 to other devices (including another D-series recorder!), you can automate your mixes:
fader, pan, EQ, etc., parameters with an external sequencer, control the effects in real time, and change scenes via MIDI program
change messages!
Program Play function:
Playback multiple songs in any order, from the internal drive and external drives! This function is also great when mixing down to
DAT, MD, etc.
Normalize function:
Boosts the level of track data that was recorded at lower than optimal level, to the maximum volume without clipping.
Use the SUB INPUTS to send external signals directly to the Master bus:
Assign any of analog inputs 1-6 as Sub Inputs, and input the audio from an external sequencer in sync, direct to the D12's Master
bus, or record any external audio final pass, along with the internal tracks, direct to your mastering deck. You can also use the Sub
Inputs to return audio from an external processor connected to the AUX OUT.
Import and export WAV data:
Audio data in WAV format can be imported or exported via FAT16 DOS formatted SCSI external drives, and imported from ISO9600
Level1 format CD’s. WAV files can be copied to the D12’s clipboard for pasting into new song locations. For more information, see
the Owner’s Manual page 86.

KORG D12 Guided Tour
14
Working with the D12
Select and work with the demo song:
1. If the demo song “I CAN’T WAIT” isn’t already selected, press [SONG/CD] until you select the “SelSong” tab.
2. Rotate the [DIAL] to select and load the demo song number “I001 I CAN’T WAIT”.
3. Press [PLAY] to begin playback.
Note: This demo song is protected, as indicated by the “lock” icon to the right of the song name. Following the next section, you’ll
learn how to copy this song to a new location so that you can freely-edit it.
4. As the song plays, work with the FF and REW keys as follows:
Using the FF and REW keys in a song:
To move towards the beginning of the song from a point in the song, while stopped:
Press [REW] repeatedly to move in increments, or hold down [REW] to “rewind” continuously, then release the key to
stop at the new location.
To move towards the beginning of the song during playback:
Press [REW] once to begin rewinding, then press [PLAY] to continue from the new location, or press [STOP] to stop playback.
To move towards the end of the song while stopped:
Press [FF] repeatedly to move in increments, or hold down [FF] to “fast-forward” continuously, then release the key to
stop at the new location.
To move towards the end of the song during playback:
Press [FF] once to begin fast-forwarding, then press [PLAY] to continue from the new location, or press [STOP] to stop playback.
To move to the beginning of the song while stopped:
When you are at a point in the song, Hold down [STOP] and press [REW].
To move to the end of the song while stopped:
When you are at a point in the song, Hold down [STOP] and press [FF].
Copy the demo song to a new song location for editing:
5. [STOP] song playback, then press [SONG/CD] until you select the “EditSong” tab.
6. Rotate the [DIAL] to the left, to select “CopySong”. The next available empty song location is indicated above the “CDR/RW”
tab.
7. uto the “Exec.” button and press ENTER, then uto the “Yes” button and press ENTER to copy the song.
8. Press ENTER again, to return to the “CopySong” page.
Un-protect and rename the copied song:
9. uto highlight “CopySong”, then rotate the [DIAL] to the right, until you select “ProtectSong”.
10. uto the “Exec.” button, then press ENTER, so that the “lock” icon disappears in the display.
11. Press [SONG/CD] until you select the “SelSong” tab, then uto the “Rename” button and press ENTER.

KORG D12 Guided Tour
15
12. Repeatedly press ENTER, until the space just to the right of “WAIT_” is highlighted, then uto the “0..9” button.
13. Press ENTER, then rotate the [DIAL] until the highlighted space indicates “2”, and then uto the “OK” button.
14. Press ENTER to rename the copied song “I CAN’T WAIT2” and return to the “SelSong” page.
15. The [TRACK STATUS] LED's below the display should all be lit green. If not, press any of the [TRACK STATUS] keys so that
they all light green (Play status).
Disable Scene Memory and work with the MixView display:
1. Press [SCENE] (lit) until you select the “ReadDel” tab, then uto the “SceneRead:On” button and press ENTER, so that the
stored scene for this demo song is disabled. It’s important that “SceneRead:Off” is indicated in the display for the following
steps!
2. Press [SCENE] until you select the “MixView” tab, then press [PLAY] to begin playback.
3. Raise the CHANNEL faders and MASTER fader to create an initial mix of the demo song:
Note: Use the Track Layout on page 4 of this guide as your mix reference.
You can accurately set the faders and pan/balance knobs to the same settings as the stored scene by referencing the “MixView”
display. Move each of the faders and pan/balance knobs, and as you do this, watch the upper-left of the display. The original values
of level and pan placement for each channel will be indicated when two arrows appear to the right of the fader or pan parameter:
View the Post Fader levels as you mix:
4. As the song plays, press [METER/TRACK VIEW], and make sure that the upper-left popup button is set to “PostFdr”, so that
you can view the track levels as you mix. If it is not, press ENTER and uto “PostFaderLev”, press ENTER again, then uto
“OK” and press ENTER. Be careful not to set Channel and Master fader levels so that the meters reach the “CLP” line in the
display.
Mute / Un-mute tracks with the TRACK STATUS keys:
5. While the song continues, try muting and un-muting tracks, by pressing the [TRACK STATUS] keys (unlit: mute / green: play).
6. Mute all tracks except tracks 4, 5, 6, and 7/8 (Bass, Kick, Snare, Drums and Percussion L/R).
Note: Use the Track Layout on page 4 of this guide as your mix reference
Tip: To reset the demo song to the beginning when stopped or during playback, press [IN/LOC1].

KORG D12 Guided Tour
16
Work with the EQ function:
1. As the song plays, press [EQ/PHASE] until you select the “Eq1-4” tab.
2. uto highlight different EQ "knob” icons in the display, and the upper-left corner of the display will indicate the EQ parameter
and track you are working with.
3. uto the “HiEq” knob for track 1 - the display will indicate “HiEq1”.
4. Rotate the [DIAL] to apply new High EQ settings to the lead vocal track.
5. uto the “MidEq1” knob icon, and use the [DIAL] to apply Mid EQ settings.
6. uto the “MidFc1” knob, and use the [DIAL] to set a new Mid frequency for the lead vocal track, and then work with the
“LoEQ1” values to finish working with the track.
View the Insert effect Assignments for the demo song:
1. Press [STOP], and then press [IN/LOC1] to reset the song to the beginning.
2. Press [INSERT EFFECT] until you select the “InsAss” tab. The diagram below indicates the settings for this song:
3. uto the > >popup button to the right of “Assign:” in the upper-left of the display, then press ENTER.
4. Make sure that the “PlayTrack” radio button is selected (you'll be applying an insert effect to a playback track). Press ENTER
to return to the previous page.
5. In the display, note the Insert effect track locations for playback: Track 1>Insert effect [1], Track 5> Insert effect [2], Track 7>
Insert effect [3], Track 8> Insert effect [4]. The effect configuration is set to use four insert effects on playback.
Overview of D12 Insert effect Configurations:
There are four configurations available in the Select Effect Type menu:
1in2outx2:
Primarily Guitar and Bass Chains of 3-5 effects each, Use for recording / on input only. This configuration is good for mono-in,
stereo-out sources.
2in2outx2:
Great selection of effects for keyboards and stereo output instruments.

KORG D12 Guided Tour
17
1in1outx4:
The default setting for new songs. Good to use for fixed panning sources like rhythm guitar - selecting this configuration lets you
select from four mono Insert effects to be used in the song.
1in1outx8:
The largest configuration of multiple effect choices - use this one when you need up to eight mono effects in a song. Ideal for fixed
pan sources that need effect isolation, like drums.
Note: For more information on setting assignments, configurations and locations of insert effects see the D12 Owner’s
Manual, pages 43 and 105.
Work with the lead vocal track in “I CAN’T WAIT”:
1. Press the Channel 1 [TRACK STATUS] key so that it lights green (un-muted). Tracks 4, 5, 6, 7/8 should also be un-muted
([TRACK STATUS] keys lit green).
Set a new Locate Point in the song:
2. Press [IN/LOC1] to reset the song to the beginning. The display should still be on the INSERT EFFECT page.
3. uto highlight the “000:00.000”position in the “Counter”, and use the [DIAL] to set it to “000:13.000”(13 seconds).
4. Press [STORE] and then press [OUT/LOC2], to set an “on-the-fly” locate point for you to use as you go through the following
steps and audition new insert effects for the lead vocal track.
5. Press [PLAY] to resume playback from this point.
Note: The default setting for all four locate keys is at the beginning of each new song.
Also Note: Waveform viewed Locate points can be stored by using the SCRUB function, for setting even more precise locations.
More on this in the following exercises:
Work with the lead vocal (Track 1) Insert effect:
6. As the song continues, press [OUT/LOC2], and then press [INSERT EFFECT] until you select the “InsEff1” tab (. As you
audition effects while the song plays, press [OUT/LOC2] whenever you like, to reset to the stored locate point and continue
playback.
7. Make sure that the effect number “I105”, to the left of the effect name button is highlighted. This is a microphone
modeling/limiter chain, assigned to the lead vocal track.
8. Slowly rotate the [DIAL] left or right, to select and listen to new insert effects. Note that you’ll find additional mic modeling
effects in locations “I101-108”.
9. Rotate the [DIAL] until you recall effect “I105”, then uto highlight the “MM33:MicSM57/414” button, followed by pressing
ENTER.
10. uto each of the “MicSim” and “Limiter” effect “icons”, then press ENTER to view, select and adjust a few parameters for
these effects.

KORG D12 Guided Tour
18
Tip: Once you’ve edited an effect, the display will indicate “EDIT” to the left of the effect name. You can then to the “Store”
button in the display, press ENTER, to “U001”, rotate the [DIAL] and select one of 128 user effect locations: to
“Exec.” and then press ENTER to save to a new user location. Note that the factory user effects are identical to the preset
effects. For more information, see the D12 Owner’s Manual, page 46.
Work with the Counter:
1. Press [STOP] to stop playback, and press [IN/LOC1] to reset the song to the beginning.
2. Press to highlight “000:00: 000 on the “Counter”, then rotate the [DIAL] until the “Counter” reads “001:03:147”(you’ll need to
set the “Counter” position to “001:03:000” and then use the [DIAL] to set to “147”).
The Counter display type can be set to read in four formats: to the “Clock” icon to the left of the “Counter”, press ENTER,
to the desired display type, to “OK”, and then press ENTER:
Note: In addition to the Counter display, the display can be set to read in Tempo, Mark, or Scene formats, by selecting from the
popup menu below the song name edit cell.
Note: If you’ve just made changes to the “Counter” settings, reset the counter to read in Minutes, Seconds, 1/1000 of second
(realtime) as originally set. Also note that the Counter time location display defaults to Measures, Beats, Ticks when a new
song is created.
Work with the synth bass track (Track 4):
1. Press the Channel 4 (synth bass track) [TRACK STATUS] key so that it lights green (un-muted). Tracks 1, 5, 6, 7/8 should
also be un-muted (TRACK STATUS keys lit green).
Scrub the audio to find and set a precise locate point:
2. Press [SCRUB], then uto the > >popup button in the upper-left of the display. Press ENTER, then uto “Trk4”, press ENTER
and uto “OK”, then press ENTER.
3. Rotate the [DIAL] left or right to see (and hear) just the synth bass track’s waveform. You can uto the “ZOOM” buttons to the
left of the waveform display, and repeatedly press the ENTER key to resize the waveform view, then uto the “Loc:” position
(upper-left) and rotate the [DIAL] to the right or left to continue scrubbing the audio.
4. Rotate the [DIAL] until the “crosshair” is at approximately “001:03:147”).
5. Press [STORE], then press [TO/LOC3]. You can use this new locate point whenever you like, to reset to the stored locate point
for this track.

KORG D12 Guided Tour
19
6. Press [SCRUB] once again, to return to the SCRUB page, then try the following functions available in SCRUB mode:
Try the “Play From” function:
7. Press [PLAY]. The audio data will begin playback at the currently stopped position, and play for two seconds, before
automatically returning to the stored locate point.
Try the “Play To” function:
8. Hold [STOP] and press [PLAY]. Watch the display, as playback begins two seconds before the currently stopped position and
stops at the stored locate point.
Try the “Slow Play” function:
9. The Slow Play function lets you playback audio at half-speed, one octave below the normal pitch. This feature is good for
learning and practicing difficult phrases. To do this: While playback is stopped, press [FF]. The track will playback at half-
speed.
10. Press [STOP], and you’ll return to the stored locate point.
11. Press [SCRUB] to exit SCRUB mode.
Note: When selecting SCRUB mode, all tracks are set to green (Play status).
Assign and work with a new Insert effect for Track 4:
1. Make sure playback is STOPPED, then press [INSERT EFFECT] until you select the “InsAss” tab (.
2. Refer to the diagram below, and uto the “InsertTo” popup button in the display, then press ENTER:
3. uto highlight the Insert effect 2 "5" track parameter, then rotate the [DIAL] to select “4”:
4. uto the “OK” button in the display, then press ENTER. You’ve just assigned Insert effect 2to Track 4.

KORG D12 Guided Tour
20
Store IN and OUT points, and use the Loop Playback function as you audition new
insert effects for Track 4 (synth bass):
1. Press [SONG/CD], then uto highlight each time position on the “Counter”, and rotate the [DIAL] so that the “Counter” reads:
“001:15:694”.
2. Press [STORE], then press [IN/LOC1], to set this new IN point.
3. uto highlight the “Counter” time positions again, and set to read “001:27:893”.
4. Press [STORE], then press [OUT/LOC2], to set this new OUT point.
Set Loop Playback:
5. Press [LOOP], and note that your new IN/OUT points are indicated in the display.
6. Press ENTER, so that the “Loop:Off” button in the display reads “Loop:On”.
Play-enable all tracks, and assign a new insert effect to Track 4:
7. Press [PLAY], and make sure that the remaining [TRACK STATUS] keys are lit green (Play status).
8. Press [INSERT EFFECT] until you select the “InsEff2” tab. Loop Playback will continue as you work with the track:
9. Make sure that “I086” is highlighted, then slowly rotate the [DIAL] to select and audition new Insert effects for Track 4. You can
press [TRACK STATUS] keys other than track 4, to mute (unlit) other tracks, making it easier to hear your effect edits.
10. Once you’ve selected an effect you like, try working with the effect parameters: uto the “Effect” button to the right of the effect
“number” selected, then press ENTER,
11. uto the desired effect “icons” in the display, press ENTER and uto select and make edits to the selected effect parameters
with the [DIAL].
12. When you’re satisfied with the edits, uto the “OK” button, then press ENTER 2x to return to the main Insert effect page. Here,
you can uto the “Bypass” button, press ENTER repeatedly, to “toggle” / “mute” the newly-assigned effect from the original
audio track.
13. Press [STOP], then press [LOOP]. Press ENTER, so that the “Loop:On” button reads “Loop:Off”.
Tip: You can use the Loop playback/record function in conjunction with the Auto-punch recording mode. This method lets
you record repeated takes over the same section, and then use the Undo function to select the best take! For more
information, see the D12 Owner’s Manual, page 31.
Work with the Master and Final effects:
Two Master effect processors can be used simultaneously, with individual send levels for each channel. The Master effects are used
for overall processing of the mix, and there are 32 Preset programs, plus 32 user programs available. Note: The Master and Final
effects are not “printed” to the hard disk when used in a song, unlike Insert effects that have been assigned on input. The only time
they are actually recording is in mastering to an external recorder via the master outputs, or when using the bounce recording
functions, covered later in this guide.