NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Korg USA unveiled the portable D888 Recorder/Mixer. Functioning as both a rugged 8-channel mixer with built-in effects and as a digital recorder, the D888 enables users to record multi-channel live performances in a variety of venues and settings. Native WAV recording and high-speed USB 2.0 data transfer allows the recordings to be easily shared with computer-based systems for full editing and final mastering.

The D888 is as easy to operate as a traditional analog mixer. Every channel strip offers trim,3-band EQ, plus effect send and pan controls — each with its own dedicated real-time knobs. A 160 x 104 backlit LCD panel provides metering and other pertinent information. Balanced TRS and XLR inputs are tied to high-quality mic preamps equipped with professional 24-bit A/D and D/A converters. Switchable phantom power accommodates a variety of microphones. The mixer uses 40-bit, 44.1 kHz processing for a clean audio signal that surpasses CD quality. The versatile 8-output architecture makes the D888 suitable for a variety of audio applications. In Individual Mode, each output is directly tied to a particular mixer channel, allowing the D888 to sit transparently between the microphones and the house sound system. With the Individual Mode off, outputs 1 and 2 become the Monitor outputs, outputs 3 and 4 serve as the Master outputs, and outputs 5-8 retain their individuality. An optical format S/PDIF digital output is also provided, as well as two headphone jacks, which are each equipped with a dedicated level control.

The onboard Master effect is instantly selectable from the front panel. Each mixer channel has its own send knob, and a global return knob allows for just the right mix. There are 11 effect types, and parameters are editable in real time from a dedicated front-panel knob. The internal metronome can be sent from Master and Monitor outputs, or just the Monitor outs (for following a click-track during recording or performance).

The D888 records using industry-standard WAV format, so no conversion is required when transferring files to a computer using the high-speed USB 2.0 connection. The D888’s entire hard drive appears on the computer desktop, making transfers convenient and easy. Users can record and play up to eight simultaneous audio tracks with full 16-bit, 44.1 kHz resolution. Eight virtual tracks are available per audio track (for a total of 64 recording tracks), and tracks may be bounced digitally with no quality loss. The entire mix can be bounced to a stereo Master Track. Non-destructive editing functions include copy, paste, erase and more, with Undo and Redo commands. Punch-in and-out is supported for overdubs. The internal 40 GB hard drive provides up to 120 hours of total recording time, with 200 songs, four locate points and 100 markers per song.

The Korg D888 is available May 2006 with a U.S. MSRP TBA.

More information is available at the Korg site.