Korg TMR-50 Tuner Metronome Recorder User Manual

Introduction

The Korg TMR-50 is a versatile device designed to assist musicians in improving their pitch and rhythm. It integrates a tuner, metronome, and recorder into a single compact unit. These three functions can be used independently or simultaneously, offering comprehensive support for practice and performance. The TMR-50 also features high-quality linear PCM recording, allowing up to 100 tracks to be stored, and a USB port for easy data transfer to a computer. With its built-in microphone, speaker, and various rhythm variations, the TMR-50 is an essential tool for any musician.

Safety Precautions

• Do not expose the unit to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, high humidity, or dusty environments.
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the unit to strong impacts.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the unit. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Use only the specified battery type (AAA) and ensure correct polarity during installation.
• Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
• Keep the unit away from sources of strong electromagnetic interference.

Package Contents

Please ensure all the following items are present in your package:

• Korg TMR-50 Tuner Metronome Recorder unit
• 2 x AAA batteries (for initial use)
• User Manual (this document)

Part Names and Functions

Figure 1: Front panel overview of the Korg TMR-50, showing all controls and the display.

Tuner Controls

• TUNER ON Button: Activates or deactivates the tuner function.
• CALIB Button: Adjusts the calibration frequency (standard is 440Hz, often adjustable to 442Hz as shown).
• NOTE Buttons (Up/Down Arrows): Selects the target note for tuning.
• SOUND Button: Activates the Sound Out function, which outputs a reference tone from the internal speaker.
• SOUND BACK Button: Engages the Sound Back function, allowing the unit to detect the input pitch and output the closest correct pitch for comparison.

Metronome Controls

• METRONOME ON Button: Activates or deactivates the metronome function.
• VOL (Volume) Slider: Adjusts the output volume of the metronome and other audio.
• BEAT Buttons (Up/Down Arrows): Adjusts the number of beats per measure.
• TEMPO Buttons (Up/Down Arrows): Adjusts the metronome tempo in beats per minute (BPM).
• TAP TEMPO Button: Allows you to set the tempo by tapping the button in time with the desired beat.

Recorder Controls

• RECORDER ON Button: Activates the recorder function.
• REC Button (Red Dot): Initiates recording when the recorder is active.
• OK Button: Confirms selections or actions.
• Rewind/Fast Forward Buttons (Double Arrows): Navigates through recorded tracks or within a track.
• Play/Pause Button (Triangle/Two Vertical Bars): Starts or pauses playback of a recorded track.
• Stop Button (Square): Stops playback or recording.
• A<->B Button: Sets a loop playback region within a recorded track.
• DELETE Button: Deletes selected recorded tracks.
• START/STOP Button: A general control for starting and stopping various functions, including recording and metronome.

Display and Indicators

• LCD Display: Shows tuning information (note, cent deviation, calibration), metronome tempo and beat, and recorder track number and status.
• Flat (b) / Sharp (#) Indicators: Lights up to indicate if the detected pitch is flat or sharp.
• Green Indicator Light: Illuminates when the detected pitch is in tune.

Input/Output and Other Features

• MIC (Microphone): Built-in microphone for recording and tuning.
• PHONES (Headphone Jack): Output for connecting headphones.
• INPUT Jack: Input for connecting an external microphone or instrument pickup.
• USB Port: For connecting to a computer to transfer recorded data.
• Speaker: Built-in speaker for metronome clicks, reference tones, and playback.

Setup

Battery Installation

1. Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the unit.
2. Insert two (2) AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
3. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

Power On/Off

• To power on, press and hold the TUNER ON or METRONOME ON button for approximately one second.
• To power off, press and hold the TUNER ON or METRONOME ON button again for approximately one second. The unit will also automatically power off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery life.

Operating the Tuner

1. Press the TUNER ON button to activate the tuner. The display will show tuning information.
2. Adjust the calibration frequency using the CALIB button if needed. The default is typically 440Hz, but can be set to 442Hz or other values.
3. Play a single note on your instrument. The TMR-50 will detect the pitch via its built-in microphone or an external input.
4. Observe the display:
   • The note name will be displayed.
   • The meter indicates pitch deviation. Adjust your instrument until the meter is centered and the green indicator light illuminates.
   • The 'b' (flat) or '#' (sharp) indicators will light up if the pitch is significantly off.
5. Use the SOUND button to output a reference pitch for ear training.
6. Engage the SOUND BACK function to hear the closest correct pitch while you play, aiding in intonation practice.

Operating the Metronome

1. Press the METRONOME ON button to activate the metronome.
2. Adjust the tempo using the TEMPO Up/Down arrow buttons. The tempo range is typically from 30 to 252 BPM.
3. Set the desired beat pattern using the BEAT Up/Down arrow buttons. This controls the number of beats per measure and rhythm variations.
4. Alternatively, use the TAP TEMPO button to set the tempo by tapping it at your desired speed.
5. Press the START/STOP button to begin or end the metronome click.
6. Adjust the metronome volume using the VOL slider.

Operating the Recorder

1. Press the RECORDER ON button to enable the recording function.
2. To start recording, press the REC button (red dot). The display will show "REC" and the track number.
3. Play your instrument or sing into the built-in microphone.
4. To stop recording, press the STOP button.
5. To play back a recorded track:
   • Use the Rewind/Fast Forward buttons to select the desired track.
   • Press the Play/Pause button to start playback.
   • Press the STOP button to end playback.
6. To use the Loop Play function:
   • During playback, press the A<->B button at the desired start point (A).
   • Press the A<->B button again at the desired end point (B). The section between A and B will loop continuously.
   • Press A<->B a third time to cancel the loop.
7. To delete a track:
   • Select the track you wish to delete using the Rewind/Fast Forward buttons.
   • Press the DELETE button.
   • Confirm the deletion if prompted (usually by pressing OK).

Connecting to a Computer

The TMR-50 features a USB port for transferring recorded audio files to your computer. Connect the unit to your computer using a standard USB cable (not included). The device should appear as a removable storage device, allowing you to copy files. Refer to your computer's operating system instructions for managing external storage devices.

Maintenance

• Clean the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• If the unit will not be used for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage and corrosion.
• Store the unit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Korg website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself, as this may void your warranty.

Official Korg Website: www.korg.com