Korg unveils Sound on Sound recorder with unlimited tracks
(Dave Molter | Posted 2010-02-10)
Even 10-years ago, thoughts of a palm-sized minirecorder with unlimited tracks capability were mostly wishful thinking. But Korg has released the new SOUND on SOUND (SOS) Unlimited Track Recorder, battery-powered and completely self-contained with a high-quality stereo microphone and a built-in speaker for all-in-one recording and monitoring.
Main features
* Pocket-sized, portable, and battery powered, the SOUND on SOUND multitrack recorder provides on-board rhythms, effects, and an infinite number of overdubs for truly creative recordings
* With the built-in speaker and an internal high-quality stereo mic, you can capture and review your recordings instantly, without the need for any additional equipment
* Advanced recording features include unlimited undo/redo, loop recording, and Sound Stretch adjust the playback speed without changing the pitch
* 100 on-board effects powered by Korg's proprietary REMS technology to enhance your recordings using a wide range of instruments
* Record along to 50 preset rhythm patterns, covering a broad variety of styles
* Record and save up to 200 songs in WAV format
* High-performance guitar, bass, and chromatic tuners are built in
* Records up to ten hours on a pair of AA batteries
* Wedge-shaped design is easy to use as a hand-held recorder or on a desktop
* KORG AUDIO UTILITY software provides format conversion and audio CD creation. Downloadable free from Korg.com
Each overdub is saved individually
SOS saves each of your overdubs separately. These track files are saved as individual WAV files. This allows each overdub to be loaded directly into nearly any DAW software program as an individual track. The individual files are BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) compliant, meaning they contain timing information. So if you had overdubbed a track in the middle of the song, it will automatically align correctly in a BWF-supported DAW. You can also use the Finalize operation to automatically time-align each overdub track. SOUND on SOUND records at 44.1 kHz/16-bit resolution, and recordings are saved onto a convenient and reliable microSD or microSDHC card.
Advanced recording functions
* Unlimited undo/redo*
SOUND on SOUND allows an unlimited number of undo/redo operations. This is great when you are recording alternate takes of a guitar solo, for example. You can set the SOS to keep all of the "undone" recordings. This allows you to move all of your recorded tracks even undone tracks to a computer-based DAW system, and then choose the best take.
*Limited by the capacity of the installed microSD/SDHC card.
* Loop recording
The A/B Loop function can repeatedly play back a specified section of the song a great way to practice your instrument or build up your song. In addition, you can even record while looping, creating results similar to a looper effect.
* Sound Stretch
This powerful feature allows you to change the playback speed without affecting the pitch. Sound Stretch can be used during playback or during recording. You can record a difficult passage at a slow speed and then return playback to normal speed. Likewise, you can slow down the entire sound during playback. The playback speed can be set anywhere from 25% to 150% of the original speed.
100 powerful effects
Powered by Korg's proprietary "REMS" modeling technology, the SOS provides 100 effect choices, including effects for electric guitar (such as amp modeling), acoustic guitar, vocals, or any instrument. The effect can be applied as you record, or added to a previously recorded track. In the Master position, the effect can be applied to the entire song. The effects are divided into Guitar, Mic, Master and Touch. This last category allows effects to be controlled in real time, using the touchscreen display.
[GTR] 36 types of modeled guitar & bass effects
[MIC] 25 effects designed for acoustic sources using a microphone vocals, acoustic guitar, etc.
[MST] 32 Master Effects, suitable for adding to a recorded song, or when recording a line input source (such as an external MP3 player)
[TCH] 7 Touch Effects, controllable in real-time using the display
On-board rhythms
The rhythm function is convenient when recording your phrases and ideas. It can be used as a tempo guide or to create a rhythm backing. Fifty rhythms (each with four variations) cover a broad range of styles. Simply choose a pattern and set the tempo. The touch screen allows you to select one of four variations to change the complexity of the pattern
Korg tuner technology
Now you can always be in tune when you record. Guitar, Bass, and Chromatic digital tuners are built in to the SOUND on SOUND. The calibration range is adjustable from 435 Hz to 445 Hz.
Additional features include:
Built-in Guitar, Bass and Chromatic tuners
Fifty internal rhythm patterns (with four variations each), providing a solid, steady beat
Sound Stretch function that can alter the playback speed without affecting the pitch, for practice and study applications
Backlit touchscreen display that offers extreme ease of use
Unlimited Undo function
Free software provides basic audio editing and easy CD burning
Compact design that allows tabletop or handheld operation
In addition to the internal microphone, the SOS provides a 1/4" balanced instrument input, an 1/8" mic input and an 1/8" stereo line input to accommodate nearly any source recording. A stereo headphone output is also provided.
SOS owners can download the free compatible Korg Audio Utility software from www.korg.com
The SOUND on SOUND (SOS) recorder will be available in April 2010 with an MSRP of $400.
