Yamaha
MD4 Digital Multitrack Recorder
July 12, 1996 Yamaha Corporation announces the availability
of the MD4 Digital Multitrack Recorder. Available this summer at authorized Yamaha
Professional Audio dealers, the MD4 is the first digital multitrack recorder to
use the Mini Disc format, and features superb audio quality, convenient portability,
removable recording disc, all at an unprecedented price of less than $1,200. The
MD4 becomes the least expensive digital multitrack recorder and it is expected
to capture the attention of customers who previously could not afford a digital
multitrack recorder. The MD4 is designed for musicians seeking professional
sonic performance at an affordable price. It combines complete mixing functions
and digital multitrack recording functions in an easy-to-operate unit. Utilizing
Mini Disc (MD) Data format removable discs, the MD4 boasts 20Hz-20kHz frequency
response, ultra low noise, and zero percent wow-and-flutter. MD Data discs offer
the ability to erase and record on the same disc one million times, and unlimited
track-bouncing with negligible degradation. The Yamaha MD4 incorporates powerful
capabilities which are not possible in linear tape-based recorders. Among the
most powerful features is the ability to edit and re-sequence program segments
and create new songs from segments. This means tunes can be rearranged, lengthened
or shortened. Strong parts can be repeated, and weak parts deleted. The user can
combine all four fully-recorded tracks to any of the same tracks without losing
any tracks. In this way, the MD4 4-track behaves like a recorder with more tracks.
It offers instant access to any point on the disc plus programmable auto-locate
and auto-punch-in with 12 ms accuracy. The MD4 outputs MIDI timecode with tempo-mapping
functions to allow MIDI systems to chase MD4 recordings with precision. Up
to 255 songs can be recorded on a single mini disc and easily titled using front
panel controls. The Yamaha MD4 has three recording modes offering total recording
times of 37 minutes per track in the four-track mode, 74 minutes for stereo recording,
and 148 minutes for mono recording. The MD4 digital multitrack recorder is
integrated into a comprehensive 4-bus mixer including 8 inputs, individual track
outputs, 3-band EQ and versatile monitoring features. The Yamaha MD4 digital
multitrack recorder includes all of the above features at the price of some analog
cassette multitrack recorders. "It was natural for Yamaha, the leader in digital
technology and a key player in the cassette multitrack market, to introduce the
first digital multitrack Mini Disc recorder priced for the working musician,"
states Peter Chaikin, product manager, recording products, Yamaha Corporation
of America. "Utilizing our experience and resources in the area of digital processing,
Yamaha is able to provide features never before available in a product at this
price," he adds. In early showings, response has been very positive. "At this
price, I would call everyone who has ever purchased a cassette multitrack and
say,'Look at this! You've got to come in (to the store). This is the new technology',"
commented one Yamaha Pro Audio dealer. For more information on the Yamaha MD4 Digital Multitrack Mini Disc Recorder,
write Yamaha Corporation of America, Audio, Guitar and Synthesizer Division, Professional
Audio Products Department, P.O BOX 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714)
522-9011; fax (714) 739-2680. Visit their web site at www.yamaha.com. |
