Korg MR 2000S User Manual

Owners Manual  
E
Contents  
Home screen and  
Selecting parameters  
Project recording format  
Settings when  
2. Connecting  
Recording time for  
Synchronization  
Analog reference  
Searching for a desired  
Resetting the  
Using the MR-2000S  
7. Other  
Changing the counter mode  
3
Introduction  
Thank you for purchasing the Korg MR-2000S 1-bit studio recorder. In order to take full advantage of your  
new equipment, please read this manual carefully and use the product as directed. When you've read the  
manual, keep it safe for future reference.  
Features  
The MR-2000S is an ultra-high-quality recorder that can record and play back in DVD audio format (24-  
bit/192 kHz), SACD (Super Audio CD) quality format (1-bit/2.8 MHz), and in the even higher-quality 1-  
bit/5.6 MHz format. In addition, the recorder can also play back in MP3 format which is used in computers  
and many portable digital audio devices.  
To allow extended recording times, the MR-2000S contains a high-capacity hard disk.  
The recorded data can be copied to your computer via USB, and data files can be copied from your com-  
puter to the MR-2000S for listening.  
The MR-2000S includes Korg’s "AudioGate" format conversion software, so you can use a computer to con-  
vert audio files to different file formats.  
Connection example  
from mic pre-out  
or line input, etc  
Computer  
Mixer, Monitor, etc.  
WORD  
CLOCK  
S/P DIF  
LINE OUT  
LINE IN  
XLR  
RCA  
RCA  
XLR  
IN  
OUT  
USB  
IN  
OUT  
PHONES  
Power cable  
Power supply connection  
You must use the  
included power cable.  
Headphone  
to the AC outlet  
4
       
Parts of the MR-2000S  
Front panel  
17  
14 15 16  
18  
2
6 7  
19  
3
4
19  
1
8
9
10  
11 12 13  
5
1. Power button, power LED  
This turns the MR-2000S on or off (standby). The power LED will light-up green when on, and red  
when off (standby).  
If you disconnect the power cable, the power will be completely off and the power LED will go  
dark. When you re-connect the power cable, it will take approximately one second for the unit to  
return to off (standby) condition.  
When you turn this off, the shutdown process will occur automatically; do not disconnect the  
power cable until the display has gone dark.  
2. PHONES jack  
You can connect a set of headphones here.  
3. PHONES knob  
This adjusts the volume of the PHONES jack.  
4. Sampling frequency indicator  
One of these LEDs will light to indicate the sampling frequency of the currently playing project  
(p.10)/ file or the currently-recording project (p.28).  
However if the synchronization clock setting is external (S/P DIF, Word Clock), and the MR-2000S's  
sampling frequency does not match the external clock, the sampling frequency LED of the external  
device will blink (p.29). If synchronization is not achieved during recording, no indicator will light.  
5. Display  
The display shows the level meters and counter during recording and playback, and can also show  
information about the project (p.10) or file, and parameter settings.  
6. HDD access indicator  
This will light-up when the internal hard disk is being accessed during recording or playback.  
While this indicator is lit, do not power-off the MR-2000S, or subject it to impact or vibration.  
7. Clock source indicator  
This indicates the current synchronization clock (p.29). However, the indicator will blink if synchro-  
nization is not achieved. When the recording format is set to DSD, this will blink if 44.1 kHz is not  
detected, and it will be lit if 44.1 kHz is detected.  
8. Level meter  
This indicates the L/R audio levels during recording (or record-ready) and playback. Adjust the input  
level so that the PEAK segment of the meter does not light. You can clear the PEAK indication by hold-  
ing down the display button. The meter gradations also indicate the reference level; the specified value  
will remain lit.  
5
   
9. Display button  
When the home screen is shown in the display, pressing this button will switch the content shown in  
the counter display area (p.17).  
10. Dial  
Use this dial to select projects (p.10) or files, to select parameters in various screens, and to specify  
values. In record-ready mode, this dial adjusts the level.  
11. Stop button  
This button stops recording or playback  
12. Playback/Pause button, Play LED  
This button starts recording or playback. During recording or playback, you can press this button to  
pause (temporarily halt). This LED will light-up during playback, and will blink while paused. While  
you're selecting a project (p.10) or file, this LED will blink rapidly.  
13. Record button, Record LED  
This button puts the MR-2000S in record-ready mode; recording will begin when you then press the  
play/pause button (record LED lit).  
You can press this button during playback or recording to store a Mark (p.21).  
You can also stop recording by pressing this button in record-ready mode or record-pause mode.  
14. Menu button, Menu LED  
This button accesses the menu list screen, where you can choose the information and parameters  
shown in the display. At this time the Menu LED will light. The menu screen and home screen will  
alternate each time you press this button.  
When playing or stopped in the home screen, you can press and hold this button to access a project  
select screen or play list screen, depending on the playback mode (p.25).  
15. Enter button  
Use this button to select various parameters, to confirm a value, to execute various operations, and to  
enter the next screen in the menu list.  
From the home screen, you can press and hold this button to move from the home screen to an editing  
screen for the selected project/file. From the "LIBRARY LIST," "MARK LIST," or "PLAY LIST" screens  
of the menu, you can press and hold this button to move to an editing screen for the selected item.  
16. Exit button  
Use this button to cancel execution, or to return from an editing screen in the menu list back to the pre-  
vious screen.  
17. Rewind button  
Use this button to rewind, or to move between marks.  
18. Fast-forward button  
Use this button to fast-forward, or to move between marks.  
19. Rack attachment holes  
MR-2000S  
EIA  
standard rack  
As shown in the illustration, you can use the included screws,  
insulating washers, and insulating bushings to install the MR-  
2000S in an EIA standard rack.  
Front panel side  
Screw  
Insulating bushing  
Insulating washer  
When installing the MR-2000S in an EIA standard rack case,  
make sure to allow sufficient spacing and openings at the back  
to ensure adequate cooling.  
6
 
Rear panel  
2
3
4
8
9
10  
1
6
7
5
1. AC connector  
Connect the power supply cable (included) here.  
2. USB connector  
This lets you use a USB cable to connect the MR-2000S to your computer.  
3. WORD CLOCK OUT jack  
This jack outputs the same synchronization word clock as the project (p.10) or file.  
When operating in 1-bit format, this will output 44.1 kHz.  
4. WORD CLOCK IN jack  
This jack allows the input of an external synchronization word clock in a range of 44.1 kHz – 192 kHz.  
When operating in 1-bit format and using an external word clock for synchronization, 44.1 kHz  
must be input in order to operate correctly.  
5. S/P DIF OUT jack (COAXIAL)  
This is an S/P DIF digital signal (IEC60958) output jack.  
If the format of the project (p.10) or file is WAV, this will output the same audio as the LINE OUT  
jacks, at that sampling frequency and bit depth.  
For MP3, the bit depth is fixed at 16 bits; for 1-bit, no signal will be output.  
6. S/P DIF IN jack (COAXIAL)  
This is an S/P DIF digital signal (IEC60958) input jack.  
7. Balanced output jacks (XLR)  
These are balanced outputs that allow XLR connectors to be used. They output the same audio as the  
RCA jacks.  
8. Unbalanced output jacks (RCA)  
These are unbalanced outputs that allow RCA connectors to be used. They output the same audio as  
the XLR jacks.  
9. Balanced input jacks (XLR)  
These are balanced inputs that allow XLR connectors to be used.  
10. Unbalanced input jacks (RCA)  
These are unbalanced inputs that allow RCA connectors to be used.  
7
 
Screens and operations  
Home screen and menu list (MENU) screen  
When you power-on the MR-2000S, the display will show the level meter screen.  
While the display is showing the home screen, pressing the menu button will show the menu list (MENU)  
screen which lets you proceed to various screens related to settings as well as informational screens.  
You'll use the dial and enter button from this screen to select your choices.  
When the display shows the menu list (MENU) screen, pressing the menu button will take you back to the  
home screen. Using this method, pressing the menu button will alternate between the menu list (MENU)  
screen and the home screen.  
Various setting screens  
Menu list screen  
Home screen  
By pressing and holding the menu button during playback, you can access a library select screen or the  
play list screen, depending on the playback mode (p.25). When you've finished adjusting your set-  
tings, press the exit button to return to the previous screen.  
By pressing and holding the enter button from the home screen, you can access the editing screen for  
the selected program/file. If you're in a menu list such as "LIBRARY LIST," "MARK LIST," or "PLAY  
LIST," pressing and holding the enter button will take you to the list editing screen.  
Selecting parameters and setting values  
On the MR-2000S, you can select parameters and set values by turning the dial and pressing the enter but-  
ton. The item you've selected by turning the dial is indicated on the screen by the movement of the " " or  
" " selection icon.  
The " " selection icon indicates that an additional setting screen will appear when you press the enter but-  
ton.  
To select parameters and set values, you will turn the dial to move this selection icon or modify the value,  
and then press the enter button to confirm. When you need to perform this sequence of operations on the  
MR-2000S, we'll simply tell you to "select and confirm" the item you're setting.  
Depending on the parameter, selecting and confirming an item may cause an additional setting screen to  
appear, or it may cause a check mark to appear in a check box.  
If you've adjusted a setting in an additional setting screen, you can press the exit button to return to the  
previous screen.  
Selection icon  
Recording mode screen  
8
     
Basic operation  
1. Power and usage  
Plug the power cable into an AC outlet.  
Connect the power cable to the AC connector on the back of the MR-2000S.  
When you connect the power cable, the MR-2000S will enter the Off (Standby) status in approximately one  
second, and the power LED will light-up red.  
You must use only the included power cable. Using any other power cable may cause malfunctions.  
2. Connecting your monitor equipment  
Connect your monitor system to the output jacks. You can use either the XLR or RCA jacks.  
Connect stereo headphones to the headphone jack. Use the phones knob to adjust the volume.  
Connecting headphones will not cut the sound from the output jacks.  
3.Turning the power on/off  
The MR-2000S contains an internal hard drive, and should be considered a precision device comparable to  
a computer.  
You must observe the following procedure when turning the MR-2000S on or off.  
Turning the power on  
Press the power button.  
The power LED will turn green, the opening screen will appear, and then  
the home screen will appear.  
Turning the power off  
Hold down the power button for at least two seconds. The shutdown  
screen will appear, the power will automatically turn off several seconds  
later, and then the power LED will turn red.  
If you disconnect the power cable before the MR-2000S turns off, you  
may lose data or damage the internal circuitry.  
Before you disconnect the power cable, make sure that the power LED is lit red and the screen has gone  
blank (power off).  
When you disconnect the power cable, the power will be completely off and the power LED will go  
dark.  
9
           
4. Playing back the demo project  
The MR-2000S contains a high-quality demo project that was recorded in DFF (DSDIFF) format. Here's  
how to play back this project.  
When the MR-2000S is shipped from the factory, the clock source (p.29) is set to Internal.  
What is a project?  
When you record on the MR-2000S, two files are created; an audio file and a project file (containing  
protection data and markers, etc.). These two files are collectively called a "project," and they can be  
used on the MR-2000S as if they were a single audio file. (p.33 "Hard disk structure and files")  
Playing back  
Project Name  
When you've turned on the power, make sure that the demo project name  
is shown in the upper part of the level meter screen, and press the play/  
pause button.  
The demo project recorded on the MR-2000S will play back.  
Quick-Play Function  
After the Playback/Pause button is pressed, the MR-2000S restores the data and starts playback.  
Therefore, a time lag occurs from when the button is pressed until when the playback begins.  
To start the playback in exact timing with other devices, use the Quick-Play function.  
Pressing the Playback/Pause button with the Stop button pressed during stopping will temporarily  
stop the status indication of the recorder in the home screen and the Play LED will blink.  
After that, pressing the Playback/Pause button will immediately start playback from the beginning  
of the project/file.  
Paused indication  
Stopped indication  
While  
holding  
Pausing  
During playback, press the play/pause button to pause at that location (the Play LED will blink). Press the  
play/pause button once again to resume playback from that location.  
Stopping playback  
During playback, press the stop button.  
If you then press the play/pause button, playback will start from the beginning of the selected project/file.  
Searching for a desired location during playback  
If you hold down the rewind button during playback, the Playback Location Indicator will move toward  
the beginning of the project/file, and playback will resume from the location where you released the but-  
ton. If you hold down the fast-forward button, the Playback Location Indicator will move toward the end  
of the project/file, and playback will resume from that location when you release the button.  
If you hold down the rewind or fast-forward button while stopped or paused, the location will continue  
moving while you hold down the button, and will stop/pause at that location when you release the button.  
If you assign marks to a project, you'll be able to move quickly to a specified point (p.21).  
10  
                     
5.The home screen  
When you turn on the power, the home screen is shown in the display. When the menu list (MENU) screen  
is shown, you can also access the level meter screen by pressing the menu button.  
This screen shows information such as the MR-2000S's operating status and recording/playback format.  
All / Shuffle indicator  
Playback mode indicator  
Repeat indicator  
DSD filter indicator  
Calendar indicator  
Auto Pause indicator  
Input Source indicator  
REC Lock indicator  
Recorder status  
Project/file name (current project/file)  
Order / total number in folder  
Record/edit calendar indicator  
Project/file format  
Protect indicator  
Counter  
Project/file playback location indicator  
Calendar indicator  
This shows the current date and time (p.18).  
DSD filter indicator  
This will appear if the DSD filter is on (p.30).  
Playback mode indicator  
The current playback mode icon (p.25) will appear.  
All/Shuffle indicator  
This indicator is shown if you've selected Play All, Shuffle, or Shuffle All. Nothing is shown if these set-  
tings are not selected (p.25).  
Repeat indicator  
This indicator is shown if you've selected Repeat Play. Nothing is shown if this setting is not selected  
Auto Pause indicator  
This indicator is shown if you've selected Auto Pause. Nothing is shown if this setting is not selected  
Input Source indicator  
The icon shows the selected input source (p.13).  
Recorder status  
The current status of the recorder is shown using symbols such as record (), play (®), or stop ().  
REC Lock indicator  
This indicator is shown if the Record Lock function is on.  
Nothing is shown if this function is off (p.15).  
Project/file name (current project/file)  
This shows the name of the selected project/file, the artist, and title information.  
Artist and title information cannot be entered on the MR-2000S. This will show the information spec-  
ified by the included AudioGate software or other editing software, or the information entered on a  
recording device that allows such entry.  
11  
                         
Order / total number in folder  
This shows the order of the projects/files within the specified folder, as well as the total number of  
projects/files in that folder.  
Project/file format  
This shows the format of the selected project/file (p.28).  
Record/edit calendar indicator  
This shows the date and time at which the selected project/file was recorded or most recently edited  
Protect indicator  
A lock symbol is shown if the selected project is protected. Nothing is shown if the protect setting is off  
Counter  
The counter shows either the current location (as elapsed time since the beginning of the recording), or  
the remaining amount of time that can be recorded (p.17).  
Project/file playback location indicator  
This is a graphical indication of the approximate position of the current counter value compared to the  
overall length of the current project/file.  
6. Recording  
If you set the MR-2000S's date and time (p.17), the correct date and time will automatically be  
assigned to each project and date folder. However if you leave the power cable disconnected, the inter-  
nal clock will stop operating after approximately one week. If you've left the power cable disconnected  
for an extended period of time, you should set the date and time again after reconnecting the power  
cable.  
For convenient management of projects, the MR-2000S automatically creates a date folder for each day that  
you record. Each time you record, a folder called a "project" will be created, containing an audio file and  
another file containing the settings for that audio file. A name will be automatically assigned to the project  
folder (p.34).  
MR PROJECT (Folder)  
2008-07-25 (Folder)  
2008-08-19 (Folder)  
2008-08-20 (Folder)  
Automatically created  
each day you record  
WAV-0002 (Project folder)  
WAV-0001 (Project folder)  
DFF-0002 (Project folder)  
DFF-0001 (Project folder)  
You are free to edit this name after recording (p.19).  
On the MR-2000S, each of these project folders is handled in the same way as an audio file.  
12  
                   
Selecting the input source  
Here's how to select the input source that you want to use. The audio signal from the input jack that you  
specify here will be the audio that is input during record-ready mode or while recording.  
With the factory settings, the clock source (p.29) is set to Internal.  
An error will occur if you attempt to record in 1-bit format while S/P DIF is selected.  
1. Press the menu button, use the dial to select "SYSTEM" from the menu list, and press the enter but-  
ton to confirm.  
The SYSTEM setting screen will appear.  
2. In the SYSTEM setting screen, use the dial to select "Input Source" and then press the enter button  
to confirm.  
The Input Source setting screen will appear.  
Selection icon  
System setting screen  
3. Use the dial to select the desired input source, and press the enter button to confirm.  
There will be a check mark in the check box for the input jack you've selected and confirmed.  
XLR: Balanced analog input  
RCA: Unbalanced analog input  
S/P DIF: Digital input  
If you select S/P DIF, the clock source (p.29) will switch to S/P DIF in record-ready mode and  
during recording regardless of the setting that you specify here, and the clock source indicator will  
also switch to S/P DIF. However, the clock source that you specified will be preserved, and will  
return to that specified setting when the MR-2000S is stopped or playing.  
Input source screen  
4. When you've finished setting the recording mode, press the exit button to return to the menu list  
screen, and then press the menu button to return to the home screen.  
Selecting the recording format  
Here's how to select the recording format. Each time you record, a new project will be created in the record-  
ing format that you've selected.  
The default setting is DFF, 5.6 MHz.  
1. Press the menu button, use the dial to select "REC MODE" from the menu list, and press the enter  
button to confirm.  
Mode (REC MODE) setting screen will appear.  
Recording mode screen  
13  
       
2. Use the dial to select the Project Type, and press the enter button to confirm.  
A check mark will appear in the check box for the project type you selected and confirmed.  
You can choose from WAV (BWF), DFF, DSF, and WSD. For details on each type, please refer to "Project  
If you've selected DFF, WSD, DSF  
If you've selected WAV  
or  
3. If you checked WAV (BWF), use the dial to select the desired Wav Format: fs/bit setting (bit depth  
and sampling frequency), and press the enter button confirm.  
If you check DFF, DSF, or WSD, use the dial to select the sampling frequency in the 1-bit DSD Format:  
Fs setting, and press the enter button to confirm.  
4. When you've finished setting, press the exit button to return to the menu list screen, and then press  
the menu button once again to return to the home screen.  
Adjusting the input level  
Press the record button (the record LED will blink), and adjust the input level while in record-ready mode.  
When using digital input (input source: S/P DIF)  
There's no need to adjust the input level.  
When using analog input (input source: RCA, XLR)  
You can adjust the input level in steps of 0.25 dB. The range will depend on the input source and the ref-  
erence level.  
Input source  
Reference level  
Setting range (dB)  
RCA  
No setting  
– 60...21  
XLR  
– 16 dB  
– 60...23  
– 12 dB  
– 60...19  
– 14 dB  
– 60...21  
– 18 dB  
– 60...25  
– 20 dB  
– 60...27  
If you want to change the nominal level (reference level) of the balanced inputs and outputs, please  
1. Press the menu button, use the dial to select "INPUT LEVEL" from the menu list, and press the  
enter button to confirm.  
The Input Level screen will appear.  
Input level screen  
2. Use the dial to select the input level link setting, and press the enter button to confirm.  
LR Link: Turning the dial will increase or decrease both input levels simultaneously. Use the dial to  
select a gain value that does not make the level exceed the "0" marking in the level meter,  
and then press the enter button to confirm.  
Indivi.: The level can be adjusted independently for left and right. Proceed to step 3.  
3. Turn the dial to select InL Gain (or InR Gain), and press the enter button to confirm.  
The selection icon will change from " " to " ", and the gain value will be highlighted.  
14  
   
4. Use the dial to select the desired gain value, and press the enter button to confirm.  
The selection icon will change from " " to " ". Perform these steps for the left and right channels.  
Adjust the level so that the signal does not exceed the "0" marking.  
When you've finished setting the input volume, press the exit button to return to the menu list screen,  
and then press the menu button once again to return to the home screen.  
Starting and stopping recording  
Each time you record on the MR-2000S, a folder is created containing an audio file and a settings file, collec-  
tively called a "project." The folder is named automatically (p.34).  
You can edit this name after you've finished recording (p.19).  
Operations on the MR-2000S will handle the entire project folder just as if it were an audio file.  
1. To start recording from the record-ready mode, press the play/pause button (the play LED will light-  
up).  
The record LED will change from blinking to lit.  
2. To pause recording, press the play/pause button (the record LED will blink); to resume recording,  
press the play/pause button once again (the play LED will light-up).  
A new project is not created if you pause during recording; the recording will still be a single project.  
Stop and then  
resume recording  
Pause and then  
resume recording  
Stop recording  
Stop recording  
Start recording  
Start recording  
Project 1  
Project 2  
Project 1  
3. When you're finished recording, press the stop button.  
The record LED and play LED will both go dark.  
Record operation lock (REC Lock)  
When the display shows the home screen and the MR-2000S is in record-ready mode or during recording,  
you can hold down the enter button for approximately 2 seconds to lock the recording operations.  
When lock is enabled, the REC Lock icon (p.11) will be shown in the upper part of the home screen, and  
you will be unable to perform the operations "record-pause," "cancel record-ready mode," or "pause during  
recording."  
A message will appear in the screen if you attempt to perform one of these disabled operations.  
To defeat the record operation lock function, hold down the enter button once again until the REC Lock  
icon disappears.  
15  
     
7. Other playback/editing operations  
Selecting the project/file to play  
Use the dial to select (or choose from a list) the project/file that you want to play.  
When you turn on the power, the most recently selected project/file will be selected.  
The order of the project/files  
The order of the projects/files in the folder on the library select screen (LIBRARY) is listed according  
to the order in which they were created (FAT order), but the folders can be sorted in alphabetical  
order and displayed that way also.  
Each time you hold down the menu button for 2 seconds, the library will toggle between alphabeti-  
cal order and the order of creation.  
In alphabetical order  
In order of creation  
Hold  
down  
Selecting a project/file using the dial  
When the display shows the home screen while the MR-2000S is either playing or stopped, you can turn  
the dial to select a project/file within the selected folder or play list.  
When you turn the dial, the project/file name at that location will be displayed; then after approximately  
two seconds, the MR-2000S will load the displayed project/file that was selected. If you were playing a  
project/file, the loaded file will play automatically. If the unit was stopped, then the file will load ready to  
play.  
Selecting a project/file from a list  
1. Press the menu button, and in the menu list (MENU) screen, use the dial to select "LIBRARY" and  
then press the enter button to confirm.  
The library select (LIBRARY) screen will appear.  
MR Project: This library contains projects recorded on the MR-2000S.  
Audio: This folder contains audio files recorded on a device other than the MR-2000S.  
Play List: This is the play list (p.25).  
2. In the library select (LIBRARY) screen, use the dial to select "MR Project," and press the enter button  
to confirm.  
The date folder select screen will appear, listing the date folders.  
Step 3 is not necessary if you selected and confirmed "Audio" from the library select (LIBRARY)  
screen.  
3. In the date folder select screen, use the dial to select the folder that contains the project you want to  
select, and press the enter button to confirm.  
The project select screen will appear.  
16  
             
4. In the project select screen, use the dial to select a project, and press the enter button to confirm.  
The home screen showing the newly selected project name will appear.  
When the display shows the home screen, you can use a shortcut to access the selection screen for the  
selected project/file (step 4); simply hold down the menu button for about 2 seconds.  
Selecting a project/file to edit  
Editing the selected project/file  
When the display shows the home screen, hold down the enter button for about 2 seconds to access the  
project/file edit screen.  
Editing a different project/file  
2. In the project/file select screen, use the dial to select the project/file that you want to edit, and hold  
down the enter button for about 2 seconds.  
The edit screen for the selected project/file will appear.  
8. Other general operations  
Changing the counter mode in the home screen  
From the home screen, press the display button.  
Each time you press the button, the counter mode will change as follows.  
No indication REMAIN TOTAL TOTAL REMAIN REC REMAIN →  
No indication ...  
While playing or stopped  
No indication REC REMAIN  
While record-ready or recording  
No indication: The absolute time will be displayed, with the beginning of the current project/file as 0.  
REMAIN: The remaining playback time of the current project/file will be displayed.  
TOTAL: The elapsed time of all projects/files in the current folder or play list will be displayed.  
TOTAL REMAIN: The remaining playback time of the current folder or play list will be displayed.  
REC REMAIN: The remaining time that can be recorded in the format of the current project will be  
displayed.  
Changing the meter peak hold  
The peak value of the meter and the hold time for the PEAK indication can be set independently.  
You can specify a hold time of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 10 seconds, or (stay lit).  
1. Press the menu button; in the menu list (MENU) screen use the dial to select "PEAK HOLD" and  
press the enter button to confirm.  
The peak hold setting (PEAK HOLD) screen will appear.  
If the level meter's PEAK indication is lit, it will go dark at this time.  
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