Up in the sky: it’s a Zoom! It’s a 4-track Portastudio! No, it’s a CompactFlash-based 4-track recorder from Korg.
Yes, the march of CF-based recorders continues. Hot on the heels of last week’s look at sub-$400 recorders, here’s another one — with a twist. The Korg D4 is a “complete portable studio,” not just a field recorder. Basically, it’s a four-track with built-in mic, metronome, drum patterns, effects, mic/amp models, MPEG-1 recording and USB out. Here are the full specs:
4 tracks simultaneous recording, 32 virtual tracks
1/4″ and XLR inputs for line, guitar, or mic
Low-quality (to save space) or high-quality MPEG-1 (audio layer -2) recording (sorry, no uncompressed recording)
93 guitar, bass, drums, amp and mic simulations
4-band EQ, chorus, phaser and flanger FX
Full editing with a push/turn knob; Punch-In/Out, Bounce, Copy/Paste, Delete and Time Compression/Expansion
Built-in mic; tuner; metronome
Audio rhythm patterns (32 metronome and 55 rhythm patterns) including 8 beat, 16 beat, Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz, 3/4, 6/8, 5/4, 7/4 and more (7/4 time? Excellent!)
Analog audio outs plus USB (sorry, no digital in/out)
So, in other words what you get is a lot of tricky extras; it’s mainly a songwriting/4-track and practice tool. That’s all fine and well, but I’d be much happier to lose all the extras and stick with digital ins and outs and lossless uncompressed audio recording, like on the other recorders we’ve looked at. But if these extras do appeal to you, it’s a great bargain. It’s either the world’s tiniest portable digital studio, or the world’s most tricked-out metronome. You be the judge.
Pricing/Availability: List US$399, available this month.
Korg D4 Product Page
I think you'll find that it's only 2 tracks simultaneous recording. Try the Fostex MR-8HD
What can i say, If i had this back in the 80s it would have been the top of its class in every way..
Its a far cry from the old 4 track tape units which where just 4 tracks an thats all you got.
with this baby you have 4 tracks and you can use them all up and then free up 3 tracks by bouncing all 4 tracks to 1 (try do that with a tape)
the built in metronome and beat section is great.
The editing is pretty much everything you need to use this.
the Sound quality is enough to get your ideas down and at a push make a final master with a bit of work.
Only had this less than a week and i have been impressed by its funtionality and ease of use.
I practicaly never read the manual.
Has an array of effects to suit any style of music.
This is about the most usefull portable studio i have seen so far.