Connect the AD-12A power adapter or turn the MR-8mkII upside down to insert 6 AA alkaline batteries.
Insert the CompactFlash card into the slot on the side of the MR-8mkII. Use a 128, 256, or 512 megabyte card. Apply power to the MR-8mkII by sliding the switch on the rear of the unit to the "ON" position. If the CompactFlash card is formated, "Song01" will appear in the display. If the CompactFlash card is unformatted, "Illegal Format E01" will appear in the display, and the MR-8mkII automatically enters System mode. Press the MENU/ENTER key while holding down the RECORD key to format the card.
Create a new song from the Song Select screen which appears automatically at the end of the formatting process. Select normal or LP mode by rotating the jog dial and pressing the MENU/ENTER key.
Connect any instrument or microphone cables to INPUT A on the MR-8mkII or use the built in microphone. Set the INPUT A SELECT switch to INT MIC if using the built-in microphone, MIC/LINE if using an external microphone, synthesizer or other line-level instrument, or GUITAR if you wish to plug a guitar directly into the quarter-inch input jack. Connect headphones or powered monitors to listen to playback.
Press the REC SELECT key for Track 1. The key will begin flashing. Press the RECORD key once, which will cause the indicator to begin flashing. Adjust the TRIM control so the PEAK indicator does not light during the loudest passages of the music or material to be recorded. Set the Track 1 and MASTER fader from six to eight, till a comfortable listening level is achieved.
Press RECORD, while holding down PLAY at the same time. Recoding begins. Press STOP when finished. Press REWIND to return to the beginning and listen to the playback. Repeat the process as needed till a satisfactory result is obtained.