Yamaha Announces MD4S Mini Disc Recorder
 January 28, 1999
Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio and Combo Division,announces
the MD4S four-track Mini Disc recorder. Building on the technology found
in Yamaha's industry-leading MD8 Multitrack Recorder, the MD4S sets a
new standard of price/performance for an entry-level digital four-track.
The MD4S is scheduled to ship in February, 1999.
"Multitrack digital recording has never been this easy," states John
Schauer, product manager, Pro Audio Group. "The interfacing features,
sonic quality and ease-of-use place the MD4S at the head of the home recording
pack."
Perfect for those just starting out in digital recording, the MD4S features
a comprehensive mixing section coupled with a high-quality recorder based
on ATRAC Generation 4.5 technology. This advanced digital encoding technique
delivers a frequency response of 20 Hz - 20 kHz, making the MD4S ideal
for recording situations in which sonic quality is of the utmost importance.
The MD4S's mixing section provides enough power and flexibility to handle
even the most demanding recording situations. Channels one and two of
the unit's eight-input mixer provide balanced XLR connectors in addition
to 1/4-inch jacks. This extensive connectivity allows the MD4S to accept
professional-level microphones as well as a wide assortment of musical
instruments and other sound sources. Channels one and two also feature
1/4-inch insert jacks allowing dynamics units and other audio processors
to be placed directly in the signal path.
Channels one through four feature three bands of high-quality equalization
providing the user with extensive control over tone and timbre. To make
the use of external signal processors as easy as possible, Yamaha has
provided the MD4S with two auxiliary sends on each of the first four channels.
Two stereo inputs are also provided. These can be used as effect returns
or called into service for the quick connection of stereo sources such
as drum machines, tone generators and synthesizer workstations.
The MD4S also features advanced synchronization capabilities, making
it a simple matter to integrate the unit with most electronic music production
equipment. MTC Slave Sync, MIDI Machine Control and MIDI Song Pointer
are among the many sync functions fully supported by the MD4S. This extensive
support for external synchronization also allows the MD4S to be linked
to other multitrack digital recorders, such as Yamaha's own MD8, so as
to increase the number of available tracks, or to easily integrate into
a MIDI studio where some acoustic recording is required.
A wide variety of editing functions are also provided, allowing users
to copy, cut and paste audio data, even between songs. In addition, Yamaha
has given the MD4S the ability to bounce tracks internally. This feature
allows users to take four full audio tracks and mix them down, freeing
up 3 tracks for further recording.
For more information,
visit Yamaha's web site at www.yamaha.com
or www.yamaha.co.jp/product/proaudio/homeenglish/. | 
