The MR-2 from Korg offers incredibly high-quality 1-bit recording in an ultra-portable design that's great for reporters, musicians, field audio recordists, and more. The MR-2 supports DSDIFF, DSF, and WSD 1-bit formats to capture every detail of the sonic world around you at SACD quality. It can also record multi-bit PCM formats at rates up to 24-bit/192kHz. The MR-2 writes your files to widely-available SD/SDHC flash memory cards for convenient storage and sharing. The included AudioGate software allows you to convert your 1-bit files into today's most popular file formats, including AIFF, FLAC, and MP3.
The recorder has an integrated X/Y stereo electret condenser microphone, which can be rotated up to 210° for capturing anything in your environment. A USB 2.0 connector lets you transfer your files to a Mac or PC for conversion, editing, and sharing. The recorder also features an analog limiter, low-cut filter, and bass EQ to shape your audio as it's captured. You can choose from 40 different recording setups that call specific sensitivity, limiter, and other settings designed for a variety of recording situations. You can also create and store up to 10 custom settings.
The simple, elegant interface of the MR-2 has standard play/pause, record, stop, back, and forward buttons on the front panel. It also has standard 3.5mm mic and line inputs, plus a 3.5mm headphone output, letting you connect your favorite external microphone, instrument, and headphones. Input level and playback volume controls are built-in for making easy adjustments. Other features include an integrated chromatic tuner and screw mounts on 2 different surfaces for tripod mounting.
The large, backlit LCD on the front panel shows vital info so you can monitor settings and audio levels at a glance. The recorder operates on a pair of AA batteries, or via USB bus power for terrific flexibility and convenience. For pristine, "future-proof" digital audio recording that fits in your pocket, look no further than the MR-2.
| Type | Hand-Held Digital Recorder |
| Recording/Reading Methods | SD/SDHC Flash Memory Cards |
| Recording Bit Rate |
DSDIFF, DSF, WSD: 1-bit WAV, BWF: 16-bit, 24-bit MP2, MP3: 128-320kbps |
| Sampling Frequency |
DSDIFF, DSF, WSD: 2.8MHz WAV, BWF: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz MP2: 48kHz MP3: 44.1kHz |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Frequency Response |
20Hz - 20kHz ±1.5dB (MP2/MP3)
10Hz - 20kHz ±1.5dB (44.1/48kHz) 10Hz - 40kHz ±1.5dB (88.2/96/176.4/192kHz) 10Hz - 100kHz (1-bit) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 90dB (Typical) @ IHF-A |
| Dynamic Range | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.0018% (Typical, 20Hz - 20kHz) |
| Inputs |
1 x 3.5mm Mic Input 1 x 3.5mm Line Input |
| Output |
1 x 3.5mm Headphone Jack 1 x USB 2.0 Port |
| Power |
2 x AA Batteries USB Bus Power |
| Display | 128 x 128 Backlit LCD |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 2.5 x 4.7 x 0.9" (64 x 120 x 24mm) |
| Weight | 4.94 oz (140g) (Without Memory Card and Batteries) |
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Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Korg MR-2 1-Bit Hand-Held Digital Audio Recorder:
I bought this as an upgrade to my Olympus DS30. I also considered purchasing a Sony PCM-M10 or Olympus LS-11. Intended uses: Recording voice (spoken) and classical music performances. I'm a musician, so tuner is a plus. It seems to be very capable and well built with impressive specs for a hand-held unit. The case has a "rubberized" feel and the unit includes most features I want and--even more importantly--none I don't. I love the straightforward menus and easy operation. Screen is small, but fine. Included software works well. Korg customer service was truly outstanding the one time I needed it. Only two downsides so far: Wish it had a speaker in addition to 3mm headphone jack for output, and battery life is about average with alkaline cells.
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