Topic: Edirol R-09 -vs- Korg MR-1

[Josephine]

I've got the R-09 and I like it, but . . . .
I'd like to hear your opinion about how these two units stack up against one another.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

I haven't used an mr1...

We have yet to hear a comp.   In terms of function, I can't find much on the r09 that I don't like. I've read the mr1 buries the level controls in a menu, so that is far from ideal.

The r09 sounds very good and has beat the v3's a/d in a few comp polls here.  I think the MR1 lost to the v3 a/d in the one comp poll.  Odd but true.

Major r09 advantage: mr1 has an internal battery that will wear out and is not designed to be replaced by mere mortals.

[H₂O]

For the MR-1 based on tech specs:
- The MR-1 has a built in 20GB HDD where as the R-09 uses flash media.

- The MR-1 has balanced inputs as well (although they cannot handle hot input well and using attenuators is recomended by many on this board - either this or going through the menu's to set the input levels very low on the recorder) - The balanced inputs will allow more compatable use with Pre-Amps without consumer outs (i.e. V3).

- The R-09 has a maximum recording setting of 24bit 48KHz where as the MR-1 can record upto 24bit 192KHz in PCM or 1bit 2.8MHz DSD.

- MR-1 has a much bigger display than the R-09 (Good for those who have a hard time seeing like myself )

The MR-1 is pretty new and I think is Korg's first attempt in the miniture recorder market so hopefully some of the issues (such as how deep setting the levels is in the menu) can be fixed over time with firmware updates. 


Update: KORG has now added a shortcut to set the recording levels in the new v 1.5.1/1.5.0 firmware for the MR-1:
From the MR-1 Firmware 1.5.1 Release Notes PDF:
"Shortcut in the recording level setting screen
   While recording or in record-ready mode, you can now press the P-dial to jump to the recording
   level setting screen. This lets you instantly adjust the recording level."


Jerry whom works for Korg has been providing updates and answering quesitions on the forums on this site where as Roland/Edirol doen't seem to care as much. (i.e. from what I have read Edirol seemed to blow off the issue with the input jacks breaking on the R-09 - when a lot of people here complained directly to them)

FWIW - From what I have read the MR-1  has the same Burr-Brown/TI (PCM1804)  AD chip used in the V3.  Again the front end put in front of the AD will influence performance (and I am sure the Grace Front end smokes the MR-1's).  Where is the link to the tests?


Honestly I haven't used either but I do have a MR-1 on the way.

[Nick's Picks]

having used both....
I'd say the $200 odd difference is price is well paid for in sound quality w/the MR1.

neither will dissapoint though.  the r9 is pretty slick Val.
if you want, you can borrow it in August and I'll use your Edirol.

[edtyre]

I have both and really like them both. The Korg is baby simple to
use just like the R-09, with a fantastic big screen. I have yet to
do a comp with both, but will soon, the next open taping show i go to.

I have to give the sound quality edge to the Korg MR-1, not a giant difference
but better imho.

You have to use an external battery pack to run the MR-1 longer than 2 hours
but there are lots of choices for this. I have a very small 2 hour pack and a larger
10 hour pack. Additional time involved with additional software (Audiogate)
is really a breeze its that simple and since i only export DSD > redbook, my workflow
time is about the same when i made 16 & 24 flacs.

Recordings made with more than +12 db gain on the MR-1 will have hiss and noise.

[waltmon]

How do you send stereo signal into the MR-1? I thought there was a setting that you could use 1 of the 3.5 mini's...instead of 2- 3.5mm mono's

[Nick's Picks]

I have not seen that setting....
otherwise, you need a splitter cable to go 3.5mm stereo female > 2x 3.5mm mono male

[waltmon]

Ok...well that blows. I should have asked a few more questions.


The manual says to use 2-3.5mm's to come in balanced. So I guess that means I need 2 XLR's > 2-3.5mm's.

[Nick's Picks]

http://www.hydra-audio.com/images/mr1.jpg that is correct.

[Nick's Picks]

FWIW - From what I have read the MR-1  has the same Burr-Brown/TI (PCM1804)  AD chip used in the V3.  Again the front end put in front of the AD will influence performance (and I am sure the Grace Front end smokes the MR-1's).  Where is the link to the tests?

http://www.nickspicks.com/images/MR1/rear.JPG

[Josephine]

Thanks for the discussion, guys.  I'm really liking my R9, but the Korg has caught my attention.
I have a little trouble with the screen on th R9 (damn these old eyes) and was thinking the MR-1 would be easier to read.
The one thing that might keep me from buying the Korg is the internal battery.

I'm glad I'll get a good look at one in August.
(Looking forward to lunch, Nick !!)

Oh, feel free to keep talking about these two machines. 
It's going to be you guys that talk me into or out of buying a Korg.

[gmm6797]

http://www.hydra-audio.com/images/mr1.jpg that is correct.

correct url: http://www.hydra-audio.com/images/mr1.JPG

[boyacrobat]

korg marketing should give you a mr1 with your talents j.
they would have more on board.
i know you will have one once you tickle one.
it is your destiny master j.

g

[Aaron41]

You have to use an external battery pack to run the MR-1 longer than 2 hours...

Recordings made with more than +12 db gain on the MR-1 will have hiss and noise.

Yikes and yikes. That sucks about having to keep an external battery pack on you for most shows. I love taping openers and the less stuff I need to get into the venue, the better.