Buy a large-capacity SmartMedia card. The card that comes with the unit has a capacity of 32 MB, but you can find cards with up to 256 MB online at eBay or other auction websites. Since these cards are no longer made, it may be more difficult to find one that suits your needs.
Use the included SmartMedia card to record up to 17 minutes of audio across four tracks. You can get a three-plus minute song recorded with the four separate tracks. Mix the project down to a single stereo track and reuse the card for more songs.
Bounce multiple tracks into one track. You can record many different tracks and put them together on a single track to clear room for more instrument takes. Bouncing, as it is called, is a great option when there are limited tracks available, as is the case with the MRS4. So, for example, you can record bass and guitar on separate tracks after the drum beat is recorded and bounce all three tracks onto one, opening three more tracks for vocals, keyboard or other guitar accompaniments.
Use the built-in effects on the tracks you have recorded. Although the effects on the MRS4 are limited, they include reverb and delay. You can use these effects to spice up a quick rehearsal recording of your band during your practice sessions.
Use a modeling amp in conjunction with the MRS4 to get professional-sounding guitar tracks for your recording. The MRS4 uses a line level input for all of its four tracks, so you can plug your guitar into a cabinet and amp simulator and record studio-quality sounds. Because the MRS4 is a digital recorder, you will experience no loss in sound quality, as in cassette four-tracks of the past.
Use the Zoom MRS4 as a portable device to write songs for the studio. Since the MRS4 is portable and has a small footprint, it is perfect for helping songwriters capture melodies and riffs for songs that will later be recorded in studios. The MRS4 has impressive battery life, as well as enough built-in processing power for the burgeoning songwriter on the quest for his first hit song.