swissonic MDR-2 User manual

DEL
/
User’s Guide

1. Introduction
……………………………………………………………………………………4
2.Notice
……………………………………………………………………………………5
3. Parts description (Switches, Connectors, and Buttons)
……………………………………………………………………………………5
4. Power on
………………………….………….………….………….………….…………...8
5. Operate MENU setup
…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….……...8
6.Recording
………………………………………………………………………………........9
7.Playback
…………………………....…………………………....………………………..12
8. Delete tracks
…………………………………………………………………………………..13
9. Transfer to and from your computer
…………………………………………………………………………..............13
10.Specification
…………………………..…………………………..…………………………..15
3
MDR-2

1. Introduction
Two Storage Folders
Thank you for purchasing the Swissonic MDR-2 Portable Digital Audio
Recorder. This machine is equipped with leading edge digital recording
technology, excellent sound quality and easy operation, is suitable for acoustic
instruments, electric guitars, microphones, keyboards, MP3 players, interviews,
education, band rehearsal, ecological records…and more.
Features of MDR-2
9 Groups and 99 Recording Tracks
The MDR-2 provides 1-9 groups, numbered 1-9, and 99 recording tracks for
each group, for either the internal flash memory or SD card. You may select
any blank track number you prefer to record on before you record, or the
MDR-2 will select a blank track for you automatically. Whenever a track is
recorded, the track number will be fixed and you will not able to change it even
if the previous track is deleted or added. There is no limit in recording time for
each individual recording track.
The MDR-1 provides two folders for storage files: in FOLDER 1, you can
record music either from the built-in microphone, from an external
microphone, from an electric guitar and from Line-in sources and play it back.
In FOLDER 2, you can download MP3 music from your PC or MAC and play
it. The two flexible operation folders allow flexibility to organize your music for
both your recording and leisure time.
The Swissonic MDR-2 is equipped with built-in microphones, and two audio
inputs. When you connect audio inputs to record, the sound will automatically
be mixed with the built-in microphone with a balance level. Our leading and
unique sound mixing technology is perfect for occasions with multiple
instruments playing, combinations with background music or for the creation
of any creative music made by you!
The MDR-2 is equipped with two Audio-in jacks for Left & Right channel
recording. You can select to plug in external microphone, electric guitar, or
Line-in as recording sources, by changing the switch position of the Audio-in
selector. The multiple audio input selection adds more convenience to your
recording experience!
Leading and Unique Sound Mixer Technology
Multiple Audio Inputs Selection
4
MDR-2

2. Notice
1. Please read this guide carefully before you use the device.
2. Please notice the position to put batteries inside the MDR-2
3. Please use the DC power adaptor of USB type in correct 5V DC specification.
4. Please do not take apart or repair the MDR-2 by yourself. Please bring the
MDR-2 back to your retailer or to a local service vendor for repair and
assistance.
5. In order to keep stable data transmission, please do not twist the USB cable
when you plug it into the computer.
6. The built-in LCD display is a fragile electronic part, please do not press on it
heavily and do not touch it with sharp objects. We suggest you use only special
cloth to clean the LCD display. Please make sure that the LCD display does
not get exposed to water.
7. The SD card is a very precise electronic device, please use it according to the
following notice: Prevent taking the SD card out of the machine during data
transmission. Do not bend, strike, dropor take apart the SD card. Prevent to
place the SD card in a place with high temperature, high humidity or dust.Do
not expose the SD card to static electricity. In addition:
- Please make sure the SD card you are using has been formatted (the format
type of the MDR-2 is FAT32).
- Please release the write protection switch of SD card before you record.
- The MDR-2 processes large amount of data during recording and playback,
as result, we strongly suggest you to use high speed SD cards as extension
memory only, to prevent noise, data lost or any transmission problem.
We do not guarantee the function, operation or life of any SD card that is used in
the device. We do not also take any responsibility of indemnity for the damage of
SD cards. Like any digitally stored data, data shall be backed up regularly. In no
event, we will be liable to any indirect incidental, special or consequential
damages to any person caused by, or for any lost profits, lost savings, loss of use,
loss revenues or lost data arising from or relating to this device.
Please read the following notice before you use the MDR-2.
5
MDR-2

3. Parts Description (Switches, Connectors, and Buttons).
Switches and connectors on the MDR-2
6
1. Built-in microphone “L “channel: an omni condenser microphone is
installed into the device as “L” channel.
2. Built-in microphone “R” channel: an omni condenser microphone is
installed into the device as “R” channel.
3. Recording indicator LED: the LED will light up during recording.
4. Built-in speaker: a monitor speaker is installed, it will stop working when
earphone is plug in.
5. Battery cover: open the cover and install two AA batteries to work.
6. Battery select switch: when using primary batteries (or Alkaline batteries),
switch to “1.5V”; or switch to “1.2V” when using Ni-MH rechargeable
batteries.
7. Volume controller of Audio-in “L” channel.
8. Volume controller of Audio-in “R” channel
9. Audio-in “L” channel: it allows audio input of M(ext. microphone), G(E.
guitar) or L(Line-in). It provides 1.5V power supply.
10. Audio-in “R” channel: it allows audio inputs of M(ext. microphone), G(E.
guitar) or L(Line-in). It provides 1.5V power supply.
11. Audio-in selector: to select three kinds of audio input types, M(ext.
microphone) / G(E. guitar) / L(line-in)
MDR-2

7
12. Built-in microphone sensitivity selector: H(high) / L(low) / OFF: to select
the sensitivity level of built-in microphones, H(high) or L(low). Or switch
off the built-in microphone (OFF).
13. Key hold switch ON / OFF: switch “ON” to hold (stop running) the key
control, or switch “OFF” to release key control.
14. Earphone jack (stereo): when an earphone is connected to this jack, the
built-in speaker will be switched off.
15. Line out port: connect to amplifier.
16. SD card socket: allow to use install SD memory cards.
17. USB socket / DC Power in: Use a USB cable to connecting with a
computer. You may use USB type DC adaptor (DC 5V) to work from this
port (DC power adaptor is not include).
Button control
Record button: press the button to start recording
A-B loop button: press the button during playback to define a loop start
point (A point), then press the button again to indicate the loop end
point (B point). The music will then play from A to B again and again
loop until you press the button again to stop.
Stop button: press the button to stop or cancel operations (recording,
playback, delete…)
MENU button: press the key to enter MENU, press the button again to
leave MENU.
/
Power/Play button: press still for 2 seconds to switch ON or OFF the
machine; Press the button to PLAYBACK; press it during playback will
pause playback, push it again to continue playback.
Track down/Rewind button: Press the button once to select previous
track, hold down the button to change the track number quickly; Hold
down the key during playing to rewind playback, release the button to go
back to normal playback.
Track up/Forward key: Press the button once to select next track, hold
down the button to change the track number quickly; Hold down the key
during playing to fast forward playback, release the button to go back to
normal playback.
MDR-2

Vol. up/ Manual selector button: Press the button during playback to
increase the volume level of earphone or speaker; Press this button for
item selection when in MENU mode.
Vol. down/ Manual selector key: Press the key while playing to decrease
the volume level of earphone or speaker; Press the key for item selection
in MENU mode.
The MODE button is used to provide additional functions. To operate a
MODE function, press the MODE button first (the LCD will show MODE)
and then press the desired function button immediately to operate the MODE
function. Here is a description of the mode functions:
MODE button control
Memory selection: use this function to select the internal flash
memory or the SD card memory as record target and playback
source.
Delete tracks function
Folder 1 or Folder 2 select mode function
Group number: decrease the selection function
Group number: increase the selection function
4. Power on
1. Open the battery cover and install two new AA batteries into the MDR-2.
2. The MDR-2 works on both primary batteries (and Alkaline batteries) and
Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. To use primary batteries, select to “1.5V”
position; to use Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, select to “1.2V” position of
the battery select switch.
3. Hold the button still for two seconds, the device will switch on
and enter the operating mode.
4. Press the button still for two seconds to switch off the device.
5. The device will switch off automatically if there is not any other button
control after 5 minutes.
6. The LCD will show “ ” when the batteries are at low power
level, please change new batteries at this point.
/
8
MDR-2

When press key, the LCD will show up all main items of MENU setup,
press or keys to move to previous or next main items, press or
keys to interchange to secondary items. Press key again to leave
MENU mode.
5. Operate MENU setup
1 2 3 4
1. Recording format : There are two formats available for recording, WAV and
MP3.
2. Sample rate: For WAV format, there are 6 sample rates to select: 8KHz,
11KHz, 16KHz, 22KHz, 32KHz, 44KHz.
For MP3 format, there is only one sample rate: 44KHz
3. REP(repeat): there are two repeat functions, REPEAT (the track will be
repeated always) or REP All (the device will repeat all the
tracks). The LCD will show nothing if user does not select
REP function.
4. BL(back light time): There are four back light time for selection
ON (back light always on)
10s (turn the back light off if there is not any other button
control after 10 sec)
20s (turn the back light off if there is not any other
button control after 20 seconds)
OFF (no back light)
9
MDR-2

6. Recording
How to record
7
1
2
546
3
1. The device allows you to record ONLY in FOLDER 1. To change to
FOLDER 1, press + , when the LCD display shows FOLDER
1, you are in FOLDER 1 mode.( )
1
3. Press + or + to select the group number in the range
from range 1 to 9. ( )
3
2. The device allows you to record into the internal flash memory or into an
installed SD card memory ( ). The MDR-2 will change to the SD card
memory automatically when SD card is installed. Or you can press +
to interchange between the memory of the internal flash memory (F)
and the SD card. (C)
2
4. Press or to select the recording track in the range from 01 to 99 to
record ( ). You may select any of a blank track number you want to record
to, then press button to record; Or just press button directly, the
device will select a blank track follows the last recorded track number to
record (for example, if the last recorded track number is 05, the automatically
selected track number will be 06).
4
6. The volume indicator will show on the LCD during recording ( ), you can
adjust input volume by the Volume controller of Audio-in( or ). Please
do not set to the highest volume level on recording, otherwise, the recording
sound quality will be distorted.
6
98
10
5. Press button to start recording, the Recording indicator LED will light
up still, the LCD display will show” ” and the time clock will start running(
), which means that the recording is in progress. Press to pause
record during recording, the Recording indicator LED will start flash, press
the same button again to continue recording. Press button to finish
recording.
5
/
MDR-2

8. For long time recording, you can switch Key hold switch ( )to ON position
to hold (stop running) the key control. And switch to OFF position to
release key control.
14
7
7. When you finish recording, the recording format and sample rate of this
track will show up on the LCD. ( )
Record from microphones
1. The MDR-2 is equipped with two built-in microphones (omni directional
condenser type).You may adjust high/low sensitivity level of built-in
microphones for recording from the Built-in microphone sensitivity selector
( ). The high sensitivity level of built-in microphone is at -45dB(at 1KHz),
while the low sensitivity level is at -35dB(at 1KHz). You may also adjust
the Volume controller of Audio-in to make slight volume adjustment.
( or ).
13
8 9
2. There are two extension Audio-in jacks of MDR-2 ( & ). They allow
you to plug two extension microphones into the jacks for recording, please
select to “M” position of the Audio-in selector ( ) The two Audio-in jacks
both provide DC 1.5V power, you may use either condenser microphones
or dynamic microphones as recording sources. The extension microphone
record level is adjustable via the knob of Volume controller of Audio-in
jack ( or ) for proper recording sound level.
10 11
12
89
3. The recording source of the built-in microphones and the extension
microphones will be mixed into two separate tracks (Left and Right
channels) with balance level.
4. You may turn off the built-in microphones while recording from other
sources. Switch to OFF position from the Built-in microphone sensitivity
selector. ( )
13
11
MDR-2

12
Record from electric guitar or line-in
1. The MDR-2 allows you to plug in an electric guitar as recording source.
Please select to “G” of the Audio-in selector ( ). The electric guitar
record level is adjustable via the knob of Volume controller of Audio-in
jack ( or ) for proper recording sound level.
89
2. The MDR-2 allows you to plug line-in as recording source, such as CD
players, tape decks, radios, etc. Please select to “L” of the Audio-in
selector ( ). The line-in record level is adjustable via the knob of
volume controller of Audio-in jack ( or ) for proper recording sound
level.
12
12
89
3. The recording source of the built-in microphones and the electric guitar or
line-in recording source will be mixed into two separate tracks (Left and
Right channels) with balance level.
4. You may turn off the built-in microphones while recording from other
sources. Switch to OFF position from the Built-in microphone sensitivity
selector ( )
13
Suitable position to record
1. Polar pattern of the built-in microphones The built-in microphone of
MDR-2 is of omni-directional condenser microphone type. The sound
collecting area is wide as below diagram.
L R
MDR-2
MDR-2

13
2. To produce best recording result, we suggest that you put the MDR-2 at a
distance of around 60cm from the sound source, at table height.
3. Please adjust the input volume level to a proper condition. Do not set to
the highest volume level on recording, otherwise, the recording sound
quality will be distorted.
4. In situations where multiple instruments are played simultaneously, the
MDR-2 should be positioned near to instruments with smaller sound levels
– or you need to use extension microphones for the different instruments.
5. If you want to record speech (e.g. from a teacher) together with the playing
of instruments, it is best if the speaker uses the extensional lapel
microphone to improve the results.
6. For better recording quality, the extensional lapel microphone could also
be clipped on score stands or the body of a player, depending on the
situation.
7. Playback
7
5
3
4
2
1
6
7
1. FOLDER 1 or FOLDER 2: You need to enter the FOLDER 1 to play the
files/tracks previously recorded with the MDR-2. Enter the FOLDER 2
instead to play files downloaded/transferred from a computer. To change
between the two folders, you need to press + to interchange
FOLDER 1 and FOLDER 2. ( )
1
2. Playback from flash memory or SD card memory: Select the files you want to
playback form internal flash memory or SD card memory (further explained
in the previous chapter Recording) ( )
2
MDR-2

14
The device can be connected with computer, to copy and store your recording
files on your computer (to backup your data), or download music to play at this
unit.
3. Select the Group and track you want to playback: By pressing +
or to select group number in the range from range 1 to 9. ( )
And select the track to playback by press or button in the range
from 1-99( ). The recording format and sample rate of the track you select
will show up on the LCD display. ( )
3
4
5
4. Press to start to playback, the LCD display will show “ “ . Press
the button during playing to pause, the LCD display will show “ “ and
flash. Press the same button again to continue playing.
/
5. Forward and rewind during playback: Hold on during playback
to rewind the playing. Hold down to forward the playing. The time
display will move quickly according to the position. Release the button
to go back to normal playback.
6. Repeat and Repeat All: Enter the MENU mode, and set up repeat mode.
When select REP, the track will be repeated always. If you select REP
All, the device will repeat all the tracks. Please note that the REP All
function only works in FOLDER 2 mode. The LCD will show REP mode
on the LCD display. ( )
6
8. The device allows you to adjust the volume level of earphone or built-in
speaker by press or during playback. The adjusting level range
is from 00 to 20.
7. A-B loop : press button during playback to define a loop start point
(A point), then press the button again to indicate the loop end point (B
point). The music will then play from A to B again and again loop until
you press the button again to stop. ( )
7
8. Delete tracks
You can delete the recording files via computer or by the device itself. The
following progress is the way to delete the files with the device: Select the track
you want to delete, press + , the LCD will show “dEL”, then you
need to press again, the machine will start to delete the track. When the
LCD finish showing “DELETE” and the clock return to 00:00:00, means the
track is empty and are available for a new recording.
9. Transfer to and from your computer
MDR-2

15
When you connect USB port with your computer, the computer will detect the
MDR-2 as two removable disks (the first disk represents the build-in flash
memory; the second disk represents the SD card memory), and you will find
folders of Group 1 – 9 in each removable disks. The music you have
downloaded from the computer to the device will be accessible in FOLDER 2,
and the track number depends on the sequence in which the files are
transferred. This means that the track number in FOLDER 2 is not fixed and
can be changed at any time if a track is deleted or added. If you want the files
get a fixed track number, you can store the music in FOLDER 1. To do this,
you simply need to change the filenames according to the following sequence:
a) If you want to download files to FOLDER 1 to be with
fixed track number, and store to the built-in flash memory,
change the file name to M_INT_xx (where xx is the track
number you want it to be.)
b) If you want to download files to FOLDER 1 to be with
fixed track number, and store to the SD memory card,
change the file name to M_EXT_xx (where xx is the track
number you want it to be.)
The device can work with USB adaptor, when connecting with computer, press
once, the machine will enter the operating mode, then you can operate
the device with the power of computer. You will leave the operating mode
when you press over 2 seconds.
MDR-2

16
10. Spcifications
Recording media: Internal flash memory 128MB, SD memory card
(16MB - 2GB), SDHC memory card (4GB)
SD card format type: FAT 32
Recording format: WAV(16bit), sample rate:8/11/16/22/32/44.1KHz;
MP3(128Kbps), sample rate: 44.1KHz.
Playback format: WAV: PCM WAV with sampling rate of 8KHz, 16KHz,
32KHz and 44.1KHz,
MP3: MPEG1,MPEG2,MPEG2.5Layer3,from 32K~320Kbps
S/N ratio at 1KHz: 55dB
Frequency response: 20 – 20KHz
Built-in microphone: omni-directional condenser microphone type
Input: two 1/4” mono for selection of extension microphone,
Line-in, and E. Guitar (plug-in power 1.5V)
Built-in stereo microphones(L & R).
Output: 1/8” stereo heanphone
1/8”stereo Line out
Built-in speaker: 0.2Watt, 8 Ohm
USB interface: Mini-B type (USB 2.0 Full-Speed compatible)
Power requirements: AA battery x 2, or USB DC adaptor 5V (not
included).
Battery life
(Alkaline batteries): 5 hours for recording, or 6 hours for playback (by
earphone)
Dimensions: 15.5(L) x 8.5(W) x 3(D) cm
Weight: 200g (not include batteries)
Accessories: Two lapel microphones, USB cable, two AA batteries,
and a headphone.
MDR-2

SWISSONIC - Copyright 2006
C