Korg D-1600

At the start it depends on if you ever had some experience in recording environment.

If "YES", you have some experience then it will take not so much time to figure out, how to do add effects and get a final mix and master.

If "NO", then you will have to spend some time on the unit.

Deadline is, it is much more easier than PC software.

You get what you pay for. Much better than anything but never as good as professional recordings.

I am using the unit straight with my Kenwood Music system K-88. And it sounds good.

But anytime the project is bounced on to two tracks, some sonic details disappear, I think.

Yes you can carry it with care, and it goes anywhere. Use it sometimes when I gig.

I am playing soft rock. My instruments are:
- Ernie Ball Music Man Electro Guitar
- W.burn Acc. Guitar
- Korg Keyboard
- SM-57
- SM-58
I love it because anytime I want to record only have to play on one button and I can start,immediately

I hate that it has no USB port. What a freak.

It really helps me to make music.

It took me a few weeks to get the thing working to what it's capable of. I record mostly acoustic music and the dedicated guitar input is fairly good. The manual would only rank three-four out of ten. Reverbs are mostly below average. And fixing parameters on these is a big pain in the elbow.Good mic sims though. I spent a forthnight getting to know the machine mostly through trial and error. I have a notebook of best settings for the various effects. The insert effects are mostly unusable on vocals and acoustic guitars but having said all that I find that now I know the machine fairly well, it's a fantastic songwriting and arranging tool. As well as a great demo machine.

I have an acoustic guitar and good vocal mic. I record acoustic music with little or no keyboards. I found it good for direct inputing a martin guitar not so great for a Fender Telecaster. It is a little noisy for vocals but that may be my set up (bedroom with a couple of duvets for baffling! I can't say I'm overjoyed at the effects and I tend to use the same two or three reverbs as editing the others can be a bit of a pain. It's a great demo tool But as to producing a finished product that you could sell over the counter well maybe not.

Yes I have never in the two years that I have owned one had a problem with the hard disc. I would never bring it outside my house although I still have the box and packaging under my bed.

I play acoustic pop and folk music. I have no ambition to be a great pop star but like to record and write songs for fun and this machine is fine for my needs. I've been playing guitar for thirty years I own a Martin DCME acoustic, a fender Telecaster, a Fender Precision a couple of Tannoy reveals, a couple of Shure 57s and an AKG C1000S mic. I have an entry level Roland keyboard which I never use and an upright piano which is a fucking bitch to record! If my KORG 1600 was lost or stolen I probably would go a couple of steps up and get an Apple iMac with a reasonable (ie price)set of software. Possibly a Logic Workstation running Emagic. But the one thing I love about the Korg 1600 is the fact that the music I do wouldn't ever run to 16 tracks and it's all I really need. The thing I hate about it is that I haven't found a way of cutting the opening Un-needed seconds off tracks. Which is a pain when I master to CD as there is always 10 or 11 seconds of nothing before the music starts (HELP ANYBODY?) I chose this Korg because the Shop I bought it from did a recording deal with the monitors and the mics.I wish it had a built in SR16! the drum machine in the KORG is a waste of space.

As with any new electronic unit one buys, you have to sit down with the manual and review it for a while. This unit comes with a video, so it helps to introduce the machine in a beginers fashion.
I must say that once I got the hang of the way the thing was laid out and how to go through the menus, which is really not too difficult... This machine is really nice to work with.
Over the past two years (!!) I have had no problems with the unit, knock on wood. A built in CD recorder on the unit is a MUST.

I use an Alesis 8 synth alot and some guitars. They work great with the Korg. If compression and effects are cranked up high, of course you will get noise, but overall, this unit is remarkably quite. The flange is pretty versatile. I'm still trying to get some Mouse on Mars type sounds, which is taking a while, cause I guess they use computers with more detailed controls, but the Korg really can get some nice effects, such as echos, pan echos, flange, various verbs (all are tweakable, too).

I have depended on this thing and it has not let me down. I treat it carefully, don't move it much. I do not gig with it.

The only problem I had with the thing was the initial set up of the cd recorder into the machine. They came separate and with some really lame instructions. I called Korg and they helped out. It was a matter of placing a really small wire thing to cross over a couple of connections on the cd recorder unit and it was really frustrating until I got the CORRECT instructions from Korg. Hopefully they have solved that problem by now, two years later.

I play in the viens of electronic/ambient/world/progressive. This unit works well for me. If I lost this machine, I would definately get another Korg. I'd be happy with the same machine, even if they have made upgrades and improvements. It would be nice to have a more programable drum machine, but hey, that is only for my laziness, instead of having to program my synth, which would ultimately be better anyway...

Really easy to use once you have read the manual.

Only 2 remarks :
- The way to enter a name (song name, scene name, ...) is very complicated and tedious whereas all the necessary buttons and rotary dials are here to make it simple. I don't understand how KORG ended up with such a complex procedure.
- The touch screen is really useful. However, some actions can only be done with the touch screen, while other actions can only be done with the buttons. And you never know where to start. It is not always intuitive.

However, these are small remarks compared to the huge number of possibilities offered in this single box. Based on all the very negative comments I read about the Roland VS gears, I guess that KORG D-1600 is really easy to use.

Sound is excellent. Close to reality. No noise.

However, the effects are not always good. Effect parameters are not always straightforward to understand. Delays are complex but do not sound like other equipments.

I've been using the D-1600 for more than one year now.
When I received it, the Phantom Power did not work on 2 of the 4 XLR inputs.

Except this manufacture imperfection, nothing failed so far.

Never tried.

My setup :

I synchronize my Cakewalk sequencer with the D-1600 (D-1600 as master and Cakewalk as slave). Then Cakewalk sends MIDI info to my Yamaha Synth whose audio output is connected to D-1600 input. This setup enables me to record drums and keyboard sounds as a basis for my songs. Then I can simply add guitars, bass, voices.

For the mix part, note that the automation is static (not dynamic). I have made basic experiment to automate the D-1600 from Cakewalk (using MIDI) and it worked well so far. Note also that we have 16 tracks and 1 fader per track. It is simple (as opposed to many other multi-track recorders where we have more tracks than faders). Mixing is simple with this gear.

Conclusion:

The purpose of such equipment is to record your music in your home studio. It does the job perfectly well and it really gives you a lot of fun. I love this tool.

Well I was looking for a HD recorder that had at least 16 tracks and you can record 8 tracks at once. The yamaha aw16g does that for less but I once owned a yamaha rm1-x and the interface is horrible. I have Korgs ER-1, EA-1, EM-1 and loved the simplicity of the interface, and the Korg was marked down from $1,700. to $1,300. to try to compete with the Yamahas. It comes with the new OS operating system, 40gb hard drive and a cdr/rw drive at 32x,Video Manual included, and a touchscreen on the Tritons, Come On!!!! what would you buy. My decision took a couple of hours at Guitar Center but it was well worth it. Within three hours of watching the video and reading the manual I cut a song using my guitar-synth for the bass, I used the built in rythm patterns for the drums, guitar and lead, completely flawless machine. The manual is well written and by the way the Roland recorders come with three manuals, good old roland thet really know how to get you involved in the product. Some of the guitar patches sound better than my gt-6 I was really surprised, I am not a distortion freak, I like a smooth, thick, and creamy distortion and this can produce the sound effortlesly.

My set up is more for guitar playing, so I need a good set of monitors, but for now I am using my guitar amps as monitors, not a great idea but its just for now, or I can out put the sound thru my stereo. I think the effects are great, I really dont need much for guitar I own the gt-6 and the gr-33 and run together they sound awsome, much better the vg-88 and flexible. I havent done any final mixing yet, I am basically laying down ideas, and then going back to add effects, stretch or shortening the song, I am basically using the unit as a notepad so when my friend and I jamm, we can plug everything in and record our jams, and then burn to cd. The first song I created sounds great, and im sure once i get more involved with the unit, the recordings will sound flawless.

I have heard of many d-1600 crashing, but her is the problem. The unit is basically a small computer, just like an x-box. What people dont understand is you need to use a good surge protector or line conditioner. Also this machine needs to be moved around with care, since the hardrive and cd/rw are located at the bottom of the unit. If you are constantly plugging your unit in different outlets your unit is getting different current surges and the power chips will blow. Its happened to my tv before. These are powerful little units so treat them with love and they will love you back. The hard drive is huge, but I have heard of other people installing 60gb hardrives in this unit.Also this is the only machine you can access the hardrive and cd/rw from the front, and remove it with ease. The other units you have to send them back to the factory to get the work done, or open the unit which voids your warranty, thet dont tell you that at roland or yamaha.

What i find funny is they say in the manual do not move this unit around much, it could cause damage to the unit or the hardrive. So I called Korg and I asked them if the have a carrying case for the D-1600 and they said no, which i find weird since roland makes cases even for every dam thing they produce. Korg makes cases for the electribes, which they dont need cases but not there expensive equipment, funny.. Anyway I needed to get some advice on loading wav files they helped me and the info was right on. I also asked them if there is any software available and they said no. I asked them if they are making a new recorder to take the place of the d-1600 and they said no, so I quess the unit is popular.

I play mainly funk space rock, and mix in the electribes because they are so tweak a licous. I was going to have my friend build me a computer system for $1,700. and then buy the programs, but by the time I purchase the monitors, the software, the pre-amps, Im already up to about $3,000. so this unit fit the bill perfectly and on top of it all it was marked down $350.00 bucks, hey theres the money for monitors. The interface is sweet and smooth, the buttons are logically laid out, and the effects are many and pretty good quality.The only thing I wish it had is software and a usb port like the D-1200. Im sorry anything digital should have a usb port on it period and computer interface for backing up data, well it has the cd/rw so you can save everything as a wave and then import it to any software program like logic. all in all a great machine at a great price, not as sturdy as yamaha, but more important logical features yamaha wouldnt understand.

I owned the D16 prior to buying the D1600 so I knew what to do right out of the gate. But still either of these machines is easy to use, all buttons do what they are supposed to, etc. Creating scenes, punching, virtal tracks and the like is what has a slight learning curve but if you have the patience it shouldn't be a problem. For those who do pull hair out there is a vhs tape.

Enthusiasts who spend thousands and thousands on outboard gear will complain about almost any moderately priced piece of gear but in my opinion this machine rocks, it is clear, what you put in is what you get out. Effects are decent, there are quite a bit to choose from. One gripe I do have is the compressors...they don't sound very good. Wanna fix the problem? Choose the limiter which does sound good. (limiting is compression with a 10:1 ratio or higher so simply back off the ratio to taste) As an experienced user I can say learn this machine..every nook and cranny. My friends with Pro Tools are amazed and wonder how my recordings sound as good or better than theirs.

My D16 is a workhorse. It can sit in a cold garage for months on end and never fail. So I was a bit surprised when the first day I bought the D1600 it crashed and never recovered after installing the burner. So I took it back to the store, gave Korg the benefit of the doubt knowing the stamina of my D16 and my replacement has worked ever since.

I believe most digital recorders of decent quality will reproduce what you put into them quite nicely, so don't expect a recorder to make your sound for you just as a mastering engineer will tell you not to depend on him to make your recording great. If you play tightly, take the time to really learn this machine, and pay attention on your mixes, you can make recordings that sound like they were made in a very expensive studio. I play metal/hard rock and do all my mixing in the Korg and leave the mastering to a professional...and this has worked perfectly for my band for over 2 years now.

If this is your first multitrack recorder, a learning curve should be expected as would be the case with any recorder. I had used cassette 4 tracks, ADAT, and PC recording before getting my D1600 and think it is extremely intuitive for everything it does.

The transports are simple and reliable, each button is clearly labeled as to what it does, and the touch-screen is tremendously valuable - adding even more simplicity and speed to my recording/mixing processes. I played with several hardisk workstations before choosing the D1600, and it was by far the easiest to understand and navigate.

I could fill up page after page with praise about the D1600, but will say that it is the best home recording purchase/decision I have ever made, and will leave it at that.

Since the cons are far fewer, I'll list them...

Only 1 aux send, which can really be frustrating at times since I like to do a lot of post-production fiddling with outboard gear. There are workaround (use master outs), but at least 2 dedicated aux outs would be nice.

All 8 inserts have preamps built into them. While a lot of people might love this, I would prefer to have at least 2 inputs free of a preamp so I can come from an outboard pre cleanly. Sure, they can be turned all the way down, but the signal still must pass through them.

The casing is plastic. A nice solid frame around this thing would be wonderful.

There are probably a couple others, but they're too small for me to remember right now. Bottom line is it rocks. I'm considering another one eventually to sync up with the one I have now.

The D1600 preamps aren't terrible, but they're a bit on the thin and touchy side just as all pres bundled with workstations are.

The effects aren't the best in the world, but many of them are very useable (especially the Master and Final effects). Even though they're not world class effects, it's very nice having so many at my disposal if needed. It's like having a whole rack of effects units.

It records 16 tracks in 16 bit mode -or- 8 tracks at 24 bit. I use 16 bit mode 90% of the time. Even though these all-in-one stations don't use the highest quality A/D converters, I'm more than satisfied with the sound quality of the D1600.

I don't take it anywhere so can't say whether it's road-worthy or not, but I've never had a problem.

I've never had to contact them.

Like I said, the best recording purchase/decision I've ever made. I've had it for well over a year now and am still amazed by how happy I am with it.

The manual can be a pain at first. the touch screen is cool as hell. Compared to a cassette four track there is a much higher learning curve.

I've only recorded drum machine tracks and a bit of direct guitar via a dg-stomp, and like they say you get back exactly what you put in. It sounds great so far, but I haven't had much time to use it. Some of the effects are a bit "digital", but like I said I haven't had much time to use it. Regardless, it beats the hell out of my old tascam 442.

The first d1600 I recieved from AMS had a defective cd-r, AMS told me Korg had shipped out a large quantity of defective units. The new one seems to be working, though I haven't tried to burn a disc yet. Knock on wood.

I've been building a very modest recording studio, very modest, for the last couple of years, starting with the Tascam. Made a couple of recordings, but was really frustrated with the sound quality and limited tracks. I always wanted a raw, lo-fi-ish sound to my recordings, but found the tascam way too limiting. I like making everything as trippy as possible, if not a bit experimental/progressive. I not getting any younger, and frankly don't have time for "analog"/"lo-fi" snobs. Personally, this machine is a god-send. I'm willing to sacrifice a little "analog warmth" in order to get my ideas across the way I'd like to, with clarity and a megadose of trip factor! It's certainly stretching the finances, but this machine is incredible!

new d-1600-v40.This is the easiest unit to use of the 16 track digital recorders.The manual is very easy to understand.version 2 software

I was only able to hear the demo unit-the drum machine sounded great but was extremely limited in the beats and styles available.Due to the situation listed below I was never able to use the unit I ordered.

When we powered up the d-1600 at the store it wouldnt recognize the hard drive at all.The unit was defective;the guys at the store told me they have had a lot of problems with the d1600 and its predessor the d16.I called a korg repair center and when they told me about design problems in the circuitboard which blew fuses I was very glad I got a refund.This was the recorder that I really wanted -more features for less money.What a let down.

I learned a valuable lesson with this recorder-You get what you pay for.As the salesman said -what is the value of a unit that has many great features but then doesnt work at all.If you can afford to take a chance with your money then maybe you will get a good one;but just remember I told you so

Scary at first but gradually gets friendly. It actualy does everything they say it will do, I am very pleased. great for live instruments and electronic music. Four xlrs is nice

This thing sounds great, fender rhodes sounded juicy. It records exactly what you put into it. The effects make it a really nice machine.

Just got it

just got it

I do electronic music bla bla bla and record live band type situations Bla bla. I got an amazing recording of a drum set using one EV dynamic instrument mic and the mic simulators. The effects are the poop. If it were lost ect. I would probably get another one. You can't really go wrong with this thing. I think it is way nicer than the roland v series and it sounds fantastic. Whatever you hear on the monitors is what you will hear when you burn a cd. Awsome value, looks good, and it does it all.

I am an acoustic Singer Songwriter.. Performing Mississippi Delta Blues and Finger style guitar folk songs. The Korg D1600 is a very good box. The touch screen enables you to fly around very quickly. It offers a great selection of features all of which are easy to use. Like anything else, you have to learn how the machine thinks. It is much more intuitive then other manufacturer's comprable machines.

The Korg D 1600 sounds like a live show. I am a solo act and record as I perform live. It is easy to use, very flexible and has a superior sonics. I did study the Yamaha workstaions with the autp faders and am very glad I chose the Korg D 1600. It records 16 and 24 bit using no compression. Sounds great!

To new to determine. Thus far, very much so.

To new

Tour performing at festivals and acoustic blues and singer songwriter venues. Been playing for over 35 years.
I highly recommend the KORG D 1600 speaking as a solo musician. If you really need fader automation, have a look at the Yamaha. I think Korg has better sonics and is much easier to use. It thinks like a musician, not like a recording engineer. In addition to various acoustic guitars, I also have a pair of Rode NT 3's and an AT 3035.

Very easy to get good sound, not easy for me to be creative with it. I don't know about competitors units, but this thing does have a learning curve to it that I'm still in.

Dont get me wrong, this thing is EONS ahead of Cubase/Gina type Computer based systems in terms of ease of use.

16 bit is good enough for me. The effects issue addressed in the previous review is true. There is no effects loop, so you have to learn how to use the built in ones, or do a silly bouncing trick where you output just the track you want thru the mains, run it through outboard gear, then back into a different channel. Ok, until you run out of tracks.

My first cd burning episode left me with lower levels than I expected on the cd. You also have to bounce everything to tracks 1&2 prior to burning. You can't mix on the fly into the burner.

Pretty amazing for home use. Takes some time to learn. I think you can get PRO quality out of it if you don't mind spending the time to tweak, and can do your project on 16 tracks.

Pretty good for demo recording. The way it's all set up, your hands are tied when it comes to really getting good effects. Only 8 insert effects can be used when there are 16 tracks in all! Aux effects are used with one effect on your external unit allowing you to dial that one effect into each channel.
No assigning different effects to seperate channels.
Not that great for recording rock music. You have to find ways around it's initial setup and thats not easy!!!!!
OK effects if you want to spend an eternity creating scenes.
Ok for home use--not for small studio!!!