Before you start recording, have you set up the levels?

The set up can be a bit boring but here comes the fun bit!

Select a Channel
There is difference between a track and a channel. The channel is the route sound passes through from input to output. The track is where that sound is recorded.

There are 9 channels in the MRS-8. These are represented and controlled by the faders (the sliding controls) and the status keys (the buttons just above the faders)

• The first Channel is for the Rhythm section. Both the drum machine and the bass sequencer pass through this channel (Selecting each unit is covered later)
• The next 4 Channels are Standard mono Channels. The bread and butter of multitraking!
• The next 2 channels (named 5/6 and 7/8) are dedicated stereo channels with 2 tracks each (stereo recording always requires 2 tracks. Fortunately having stereo channels makes this process simple)
• The last Channel is the Master channel. This controls the overall volume that is outputted form the unit is also used for final mixdowns (covered in another article)

We are only covering mono recording for now so select one of the mono channels (Channel 1 is always a good place to start!)

1. Press the [STATUS KEY] that is above your chosen channel a few times. It will change colour. There are 3 options:
   • Off means the channels is muted. nothing will go in or out
   • Green means play. Recorded sound will play but will be unaffected by anything coming from the inputs
   • Red means record. This channel is now in standby to record from the inputs.
   • We want red for now.

Record

1. Press the [PLAY] button. The rhythm section will start playing and repeat. The MRS-8 default setting has rhythm pattern 001 set to play as standard. (By the way - the bass is playing an 'E' note)
2. Play your instrument again. Don't worry, you are not yet recording, but the sound you hear from your instrument now is exactly what will be recorded in a minute, so check it sound OK. This is the final chance for one last level check....
3. Adjust the fader for the channel you have selected so it is at a comfortable level. (you will get used to the constant level adjustments required, just remember that they are all for the greater good!)
   • Adjusting the fader will not affect the recorded level (this was set earlier). You could reduce it to nothing and the Track would still pick up any sound played - in other words, use the status keys to mute, not the faders
   • Around the '0' mark is a good place to be. If the the drums are drowning you out, slide their fader down a little. If everything is a bit to loud or quiet, adjust the Master Fader a little.
4. Press [STOP] then [ZERO]. The [zero] button (just above the [stop] button]) is very handy, it automatically rewinds everything (including the drums) back to the start.
5. Now press [RECORD]. get comfy. Then press [PLAY]
6. A 'click count' in will be heard. 1.2.3.4.
7. The rhythm pattern will start. Anything you play now will be recorded, so play! keep it short a simple for now....
8. When you are done, hit [STOP]
9. congratulations. Wanna hear what you just 'layed down'? (Thats sound recording techy slang for "recorded". If you have got this far you now have the right to start using the lingo!)
10. Press [ZERO]
11. Press the [STATUS KEY] until it is green
12. Press [PLAY]. Sit back and listen.
13. Give your self a pat on the back then press [STOP] then [ZERO].

If you are really not happy with what you have recorded then you can rerecord at any stage.

Right, now lets add another track....

next step: Recording another track