KORG KR-11 Drum Machine Owner’s Manual

September 25, 2024
KORG

KR-11 Drum Machine

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Specifications:

  • Model: KR-11 Compact Rhythm Box
  • Power Source: DC 9V (batteries or adapter)
  • Features: Metronome, Drum Kits, Reference Tone, Rhythm Pattern
    Creation, Demo Performances

Product Usage Instructions:

1. Getting Ready

Before using the KR-11, make sure to install the batteries and
make necessary connections.

Installing the Batteries:

1. Locate the battery compartment on the device.

2. Insert the required number of batteries following the
polarity markings.

Making Connections:

1. Connect the DC 9V adapter to the DC 9V jack on the
device.

2. Power On/Off

Press the Power button to turn the device on or off.

3. Using the Metronome

To activate the metronome:

1. Press the Power button to turn on the device.

2. Turn on the metronome using the dedicated function.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: How can I change the tempo on the KR-11?

A: You can adjust the tempo by rotating the Tempo knob located
on the device.

Q: Can I use headphones with the KR-11?

A: Yes, you can connect headphones to the device for private
listening.

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Owner’s Manual
*Before using the KR-11, please read the Precautions (PDF) carefully to ensure proper use.
Supplementary contents
Quick Start Guide (Precautions), Owner’s Manual Frequently asked questions Product website
Published 6/2024 ©2024 KORG INC.

KR-11 – Table of contents
Table of contents
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………4
Part names……………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
Getting ready………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 Installing the batteries …………………………………………………………………………. 6 Making connections ……………………………………………………………………………… 7
Turning the power on/off ………………………………………………………………………………..8 Turning the power on/off……………………………………………………………………… 8
Playing back a rhythm pattern ……………………………………………………………………….9 Selecting and playing back a pattern …………………………………………………… 9 Setting the tempo ………………………………………………………………………………… 9 Switching between patterns and genres during playback …………………… 9 Adding a fill-in ………………………………………………………………………………………10 Adding a pre-count (a count-in before the rhythm plays) …………………..10 Adding a swing feel to the pattern……………………………………………………….. 11
Using the metronome …………………………………………………………………………………… 12 Turn on the metronome ……………………………………………………………………….12
Playing with the buttons (pads)……………………………………………………………………. 13 Selecting and playing the drum kits (pad play mode) …………………………. 13 List of drum kits……………………………………………………………………………………14
Play a reference tone …………………………………………………………………………………… 15
Creating a rhythm pattern……………………………………………………………………………. 16 Creating a new rhythm pattern based on an existing pattern …………….16 Creating a new pattern…………………………………………………………………………18 Configuring the settings for recording ………………………………………………..18
Listening to the demo performances……………………………………………………………. 20 Playing back the demo performances…………………………………………………20
2

KR-11 – Table of contents Global settings …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
Global settings: overview of operations ………………………………………………21 Adjusting the pad velocity sensitivity………………………………………………….21 Adjusting the metronome volume for recording…………………………………22 Setting the auto power-off feature……………………………………………………..22 Using the pedal switches …………………………………………………………………………….. 23 Playing this unit by operating the pedal switches………………………………23 Assigning functions to the pedal switches………………………………………….24 Restoring the factory default settings ………………………………………………………… 25 Troubleshooting…………………………………………………………………………………………… 26 Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 27
3

KR-11 – Introduction

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Korg KR-11 Compact Rhythm Box. To ensure years of trouble-free operation, please read this Owner’s Manual carefully before use.
Conventions in this manual
· Specifications and appearance of this product are subject to change without notice. · The shape and displays illustrated in this manual may differ in some ways from the actual prod-
uct. · The parameter values shown in the example screens of this manual are only for explanatory
purposes, and may not necessarily match the values shown in the display of your instrument. · Symbols used in this manual:
Indicates an explanation that you should heed to ensure that you can correctly utilize the performance or functionality of this unit.
Note Indicates an explanation that requires your attention.
Tip Indicates supplementary information that is useful to know.

4

KR-11 – Part names

Part names

1 Genre selector

2 Display

3 TAP button

4 Tempo knob

5 DC 9V jack

6 Speaker

7 Power button

8 PATTERN LED

9 PAD LED

10 MODE button

11

(playback and stop) button

12 FILL 1 button, FILL 2 button (pads)

13 1­14 buttons (pads)

14 Volume dial

15 Headphones/line out jack

16 FOOT SW 1, FOOT SW 2 jacks

5

KR-11 – Getting ready

Getting ready

| Installing the batteries
Note: Batteries are not included, and must be purchased separately.

Make sure that the unit is off when you replace the batteries.

Depleted batteries should be removed from the unit.

You should also remove the batteries if you won’t be using the KR-11 for an extended period of

time.

When the batteries run low,

blinks on the display. When this occurs, it’s time to replace the

batteries.

1 Open the battery cover on the bottom of this unit. 2 Install four AA alkaline batteries, while making sure to observe the correct polarity (+, -). 3 Close the battery cover.

6

KR-11 – Getting ready
| Making connections
Connecting the AC adapter (sold separately) 1 Connect the dedicated Korg AC adapter (sold separately) to the DC 9V jack.
Make sure to only use the specified AC adapter. Using any AC adapter other than the specified model could cause a malfunction.
Connecting headphones or monitor speakers
This unit can output sound to a pair of headphones or monitor speakers. Be sure to connect a stereo mini phone plug to the headphones/line out jack.
1 Turn the volume dial of the KR-11 all the way down. 2 Connect the 3.5 mm stereo mini phone plug of your headphones or similar device to the
headphone/line out jack.
3 Turn on the power of the KR-11. 4 Gradually raise the volume of the KR-11 and your monitor speakers to adjust the levels.
Do not use a four-conductor (TRRS) stereo mini phone plug, as this can cause a malfunction. Be sure that your monitor speakers are turned off before you connect them to the KR-11. Note: No sound is heard from the built-in speaker while a plug is connected to the headphones/line out jack.
Connecting pedal switches (sold separately)
You can connect a pedal switch (Korg PS-1 or PS-3, sold separately) to this unit to play back or stop patterns, insert a fill-in, control the tempo or trigger a pad sound.
1 Connect the pedal switches (sold separately) to the FOOT SW 1 and 2 jacks.
Assign a function for one of the buttons on the panel to a pedal switch for operating the KR-11. You can connect up to two pedal switches. Using the pedal switches
7

KR-11 – Turning the power on/off
Turning the power on/off
| Turning the power on/off
Turning the power on 1 Turn the volume dial all the way down to minimize the volume. 2 Long-press the power button to turn the unit on. 3 Turn the volume dial clockwise to raise the volume to an appropriate level.
If equipment such as monitor speakers are connected, turn them off before you turn on the KR-11. If a pedal switch is connected, do not press it down while you’re turning on the power.
Turning the power off 1 Keep holding down the power button until the display goes dark.
appears on the display, and the power turns off. Never turn off the power of the KR-11 while data is being written, such as when patterns you’ve created are being saved, or while the unit is initializing.
Auto power-off
This unit automatically turns off if the buttons and knobs are not used for a certain length of time (the auto power-off function). This is set to 20 minutes by factory default. You can disable the auto power-off feature or change how long it takes before the feature is activated. Setting the auto power-off feature
8

KR-11 – Playing back a rhythm pattern
Playing back a rhythm pattern | Selecting and playing back a pattern

1 Press the MODE button to select pattern play mode (the PATTERN LED lights up).
Press the MODE button to toggle between pattern play mode and pad play mode.

2 Turn the genre selector to select the genre for the pattern.
Select from the presets (8 BEAT­3/5/7).

3 Press the 1­14 buttons to select the pattern (the respective button lights up).

4 Set the tempo by turning the tempo knob or by pressing the TAP button a number of times.
The BPM (beats per minute) value appears on the display. Setting the tempo

The TAP button blinks in time with the beat.

5 Press the

button to play back the pattern (the

button lights up green).

6 Press the other buttons (1­14) to switch the pattern.
To switch to patterns in other genres, use the genre selector to select the genre, and press one of the 1­14 buttons.

7 Press the

button to stop (the

button goes dark).

The pattern returns to the top after playback stops.

| Setting the tempo
There are two ways to set the tempo, as shown below. The display indicates the tempo value (BPM) in either case.
· Turn the tempo knob. · Press the TAP button several times, in time with the beat you want to set.

| Switching between patterns and genres during playback
· Press one of the 1­14 buttons to switch the pattern. The button you press blinks before the pattern actually changes, and remains lit up after the pattern changes.
· Turn the genre selector to switch to a different genre. The genre changes once the next measure begins.

9

KR-11 – Playing back a rhythm pattern
| Adding a fill-in
A fill-in is a phrase used to accentuate the breaks in the rhythm, the start of a measure and so on.
1 When you press the FILL 1 or FILL 2 button during playback, a fill-in is added at the appropriate
timing. The button you press blinks before the fill-in is played, lights up while the fill-in is playing, and goes dark after the fill-in is finished.
| Adding a pre-count (a count-in before the rhythm
plays)

The pre-count is a count-in that starts before the pattern begins playing.

1 In pattern play mode, stop the playback.

2 Use the FILL 1 and FILL 2 buttons to select the pre-count sound (the respective button blinks).
FILL 1: side-stick

FILL 2: closed hi-hat

3 Long-press either the FILL 1 or FILL 2 button to show the number of pre- count beats in the
display.

4 Turn the tempo knob while holding down the button for the selected sound to set the number of
beats for the pre-count. You can set the pre-count to a value from 2 to 8 beats.

5 Press

to begin playback.

The pattern begins playback after the number of beats specified for the pre- count.

The FILL 1 and FILL 2 buttons go dark once the pre-count ends.

10

KR-11 – Playing back a rhythm pattern
| Adding a swing feel to the pattern
You can change the rhythm’s nuance by adding swing for a syncopated, energetic feel.
1 Long-press the TAP button to show the swing value in the display. 2 Turn the tempo knob while holding down the TAP button to adjust the swing depth.
The setting range is from S-0 to S-6. The swing depths are shown in the table below.
11

KR-11 – Using the metronome
Using the metronome | Turn on the metronome

1 Press the MODE button to select pattern play mode (the PATTERN LED lights up).
2 Use the genre selector to select METRONOME.
3 Use the 1­14 buttons and the FILL 1/2 buttons to select the beat, rhythm and metronome sound.
Buttons 1­8 are used to select the beat, buttons 9­14 are used to select the rhythm, and the FILL 1 and FILL 2 buttons are used to select the metronome sound.

4 Set the tempo by turning the tempo knob or by pressing the TAP button. Setting the tempo
The TAP button blinks in time with the beat.

5 Press the

button to play the metronome.

6 Press the

button to stop.

12

KR-11 – Playing with the buttons (pads)
Playing with the buttons (pads)
You can use the 1­14 buttons and the FILL 1/2 buttons as pads for finger drumming. Percussion sounds including drums are preregistered to these 16 buttons.
| Selecting and playing the drum kits (pad play mode)
1 Press the MODE button to select pad mode (the PAD LED lights up).
Press the MODE button to toggle between PATTERN mode and PAD mode.
2 Turn the genre selector to select a drum kit.
A drum kit that’s appropriate to the genre is selected.
3 Tap the 1­14 buttons and the FILL 1/2 buttons with your fingers to play in real time.
Tip: You can also make a pedal switch trigger each instrument sound. Connecting pedal switches (sold separately)
13

KR-11 – Playing with the buttons (pads)
| List of drum kits
The drum kits that correspond to the genre selector are shown below.
Note: The default setting is “8 BEAT”. Some sounds differ depending on the drum kit. Tip: The reference tone (sine wave) is used for the metronome.
14

KR-11 – Play a reference tone
Play a reference tone
1 Press the MODE button to select pad play mode (the PAD LED lights up). 2 Use the genre selector to select METRONOME.
The reference pitch’s frequency appears on the display.
3 Use the tempo knob to set the reference pitch.
The setting range for A4 is 430­450 Hz.
4 Press the 1­14 buttons and the FILL 1/2 buttons to play the reference pitches (the respective
button lights up). The reference pitches played are sine waves through the C4­C5 range. The reference pitches stop playing when you press the pad again.
15

KR-11 – Creating a rhythm pattern
Creating a rhythm pattern
You can create your own rhythm patterns based on existing patterns and fill- ins, and you can also create a blank rhythm pattern from scratch. Here are some of the things you can do.
· Add percussion to an existing rhythm pattern · Replace just the snare drum on an existing rhythm pattern · Create a new rhythm pattern
| Creating a new rhythm pattern based on an existing
pattern

Recording

1 Press the MODE button to select pattern play mode (the PATTERN LED lights up).

2 Turn the genre selector to select the genre, and press the 1­14 buttons to select the pattern on
which you want to base your new pattern.

3 To record the pattern, press the

button while holding down the MODE button.

To record a fill-in, press the FILL 1 or FILL 2 button while holding down the MODE button.

The unit enters pattern edit mode, and the recording status changes to Rec Pause (the

but-

ton blinks red).

Tip: When the unit is in Rec Pause, you can play the pads in the same way as with pad play mode. This lets you check the sounds that are assigned to each button (pad) or practice the pattern before you record.

4 Set the tempo, quantize, swing and other recording settings as necessary.
Configuring the settings for recording

5 Press the

button to start recording (the

button lights up red).

Recording begins after the pre-count (during which the beat shows as a negative value).

6 Tap the 1­14 buttons and the FILL 1/2 buttons with your fingers to record what you play.
The pattern plays back repeatedly, and what you play is overdubbed as you record.

Note: If there are too many simultaneous sounds or if the tempo is too fast, some sounds may not be produced.

Note: You can record around 64 notes per pattern, and 32 notes per fill-in.

If the number of notes you record exceeds 80%, the ratio is shown in the display.

If the number of recordable notes reaches zero,

is shown in the display, and no more notes

can be added.

Once you erase some notes and the number of recorded notes decreases, the

indication

disappears, and you can resume recording.

16

KR-11 – Creating a rhythm pattern

7 Press the

button to put the unit in record standby mode (the

The pattern returns to the top after recording stops.

button blinks red).

Note: The pattern you recorded is deleted if you select a different pattern without saving your recorded data, or if you switch to a different mode.

Erasing notes during recording
8 While recording, hold down the MODE button and press the button (1­14, FILL 1/2) corresponding
to the sound of the notes you want to erase. The note data for the sounds that play while you hold down the buttons is erased.
Tip: By deleting the notes for certain sounds in an existing pattern and rerecording with other sounds, you can perform editing tasks such as replacing the bass drum with the snare drum and so on.

Saving a pattern

Note: Confirm that the button and LEDs are lit up as follows.

·

button blinks red

· When creating from an existing pattern: PATTERN LED lights up

· When creating a new pattern: PAD LED lights up

9 Turn the genre selector to select USER.

10 Press the

button while holding down one of the 1­14 buttons corresponding to the save

destination.

The save destination button blinks and then goes dark when saving is finished.

Note: Each pattern is treated as a set that includes FILL 1 and FILL 2. When you save a pattern, the fill-ins included with the pattern are also saved (which also applies when you’ve edited the fill-ins).

11 Press the MODE button to exit pattern edit mode.
The unit returns to pattern play mode, and the PATTERN LED lights up.

17

KR-11 – Creating a rhythm pattern
| Creating a new pattern

1 Press the MODE button to select pad play mode (the PAD LED lights up).

2 Turn the genre selector to select the drum kit to use.

3 To record the pattern, press the

button while holding down the MODE button.

The unit enters pattern edit mode, and the recording status changes to Rec Pause (the

but-

ton blinks red).

4 For the next operations, see step 4 in “Creating a new rhythm pattern based on an existing
pattern”.

| Configuring the settings for recording
You can configure the tempo, number of beats and quantize settings for recording while the unit is in Rec Pause and in pattern edit mode (step 3 of “Creating a new rhythm pattern based on an existing pattern”).

Tempo 1 Set the tempo by turning the tempo knob or by pressing the TAP button a number of times.
Tip: You can set the tempo to make playing and recording easier. Note: The tempo is not saved in the pattern data.
Specifying the beat (number of beats) 1 Turn the tempo knob while holding down the FILL 2 button to set the number of beats from 1 to 8
(the button lights up). Note: You can’t set the number of beats in a pattern to a value less than the number of beats in a fill. Note: You can’t set the number of beats in a fill to a value greater than the number of beats in the pattern.
18

KR-11 – Creating a rhythm pattern Quantize
This feature lets you smooth out inconsistencies in the timing of what you play.
1 Turn the tempo knob while holding down the 9 button to set the quantization.
The available setting values are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 96. Each beat is subdivided into 1­96 steps, and the notes are aligned to the timing of those steps. For instance, when you set the value to “2”, the notes are aligned to eighth notes.
Swing
This sets the amount (depth) of swing for the pattern.
1 Turn the tempo knob while holding down the TAP button to set the swing depth.
Settings of 0­6 are available for eighth notes and for sixteenth notes.
19

KR-11 – Listening to the demo performances
Listening to the demo performances
| Playing back the demo performances
The rhythm patterns for each genre play back in order.

1 Press the power button while holding down the MODE button to enter demo mode.

scrolls in the display, and the

button blinks green.

2 Press the

button to play back the demo (the

button lights up green).

Note: The metronome does not play during the demo performances.

3 Press the

button to stop the demo (the

button blinks green).

4 Press the MODE button to exit demo mode.
The unit returns to pattern play mode, and the PATTERN LED lights up.

20

KR-11 – Global settings

Global settings

In the global settings, you can configure the pad velocity sensitivity, the volume of the metronome during recording and the auto power-off time.
| Global settings: overview of operations

1 Press the MODE button to select pattern play mode (the PATTERN LED lights up). 2 Long-press the TAP and MODE buttons.
The 1­3 buttons blink, and the unit enters global settings mode.
3 Use the 1­3 buttons (pads) to select the settings you want to change.
The button you press lights up, and the setting’s value appears in the display. Button 1: pad velocity sensitivity Adjusting the pad velocity sensitivity Button 2: metronome volume for recording Adjusting the metronome volume for recording Button 3: auto power-off time Setting the auto power-off feature
4 Use the tempo knob to set the value. 5 Long-press the TAP and MODE buttons to save all three settings together.
The unit returns to pattern play mode. If you turn the power off without saving the settings, the settings are not saved.
| Adjusting the pad velocity sensitivity
You can adjust how much the volume changes according to how hard you tap the 1­14 buttons and the FILL 1, 2 buttons in pad play mode and pattern edit mode.
· A value of 0 makes the pads play at maximum volume, regardless of how hard or soft you play the keys.
· A value of 1­15 makes the pads play at lower volumes when you tap softer, and at higher volumes when you tap harder. Larger values allow for more intricate changes in volume. Factory default value: 0 (velocity disabled)
21

KR-11 – Global settings
| Adjusting the metronome volume for recording
This sets the volume that the digital metronome plays while recording from a value of 0 to 15. During recording, only the digital metronome plays, without following a specific number of beats per measure.
· A setting of 0 mutes the sound, and a setting of 15 plays the sound at full volume. Factory default setting: 15
| Setting the auto power-off feature
This specifies the time required before the auto power-off operates. · Auto power-off is disabled when this is set to “off”, and the 20­240 settings indicate the number of minutes. Factory default setting: 20 minutes
22

KR-11 – Using the pedal switches
Using the pedal switches

You can connect a pedal switch (sold separately) to the FOOT SW 1 and 2 jacks to play back or stop patterns, insert a fill-in or trigger an instrument sound.

| Playing this unit by operating the pedal switches

1 Turn off the power, and connect a pedal switch (sold separately) to either or both the FOOT SW 1
or 2 jacks.
2 Turn on the power.
3 Press the MODE button to select the mode (pattern play or pad play) that’s controlled to the pedal
switch. The LED for the selected mode (PATTERN or PAD) lights up.
4 Turn the genre selector to select a genre.
5 When you press a pedal switch, the button operation that’s registered to the pedal switch is
performed. The default settings are shown below.

Pattern play mode

8 BEAT 16 BEAT COUNTRY ISLAND
ROCK BLUES/R&B JAZZ/LATIN
EDM 3/5/ 7 METRONOME USER

FOOT SW 1 FOOT SW 2
FILL 1 TAP FILL 1

Pad play mode

8 BEAT 16 BEAT COUNTRY ISLAND
ROCK BLUES/R&B JAZZ/LATIN
EDM 3/5/ 7 METRONOME USER

FOOT SW 1
Pad 8 (C. HH)
Pad 14 (A4) Pad 8 (C. HH)

FOOT SW 2
Pad 9 (B.D.)
Pad 10 (B.D.) Pad 9 (B.D.) Pad (Bb4) Pad 9 (B.D)

23

KR-11 – Using the pedal switches
| Assigning functions to the pedal switches

1 Turn off the power, and connect a pedal switch (sold separately) to either or both the FOOT SW 1
or 2 jacks. Connecting pedal switches (sold separately)

2 Turn on the power.

3 Press the MODE button to select the mode (pattern play or pad play) that’s assigned to the pedal
switch. The LED for the selected mode (PATTERN or PAD) lights up.

4 Turn the genre selector to select the genre that you want to control with the pedal switch.
You can save different settings for each genre.

5 Long-press the MODE button.
blinks in the display.

(To exit the mode, long-press the MODE button. The existing settings are saved, and the unit exits the mode.)

6 Press pedal switch 1 or 2 that you wish to set.

or

blinks in the display. Also, the currently assigned button blinks. (If the MODE but-

ton has been assigned, the PATTERN LED and PAD LED blink.)

7 Press the button you want to assign (the button blinks).
If the MODE button has been selected, the function to switch to the next pattern is assigned. If the genre is set to metronome, the function to switch to the next rhythm is assigned.

Note: Only one mode can be registered per genre.

8 Long-press the MODE button to save the settings.
The unit returns to the previous mode.

24

KR-11 – Restoring the factory default settings
Restoring the factory default settings
This operation restores all of the KR-11’s settings to their factory defaults, including erasing the user patterns, restoring the pedal switch and global settings and so forth.
Never turn off the power while initialization is in progress.

1 Press the power button while holding down the FILL 1 and FILL 2 buttons to turn on the power.

After

and

alternately appear in the display,

and

alternately appear in the

display.

2 Press the TAP button to initialize the settings.
Once the 1­8 buttons light up, initialization is finished, and the unit starts up in pattern play mode.

If you want to cancel the initialization, press the FILL 2 button. The unit starts up in pattern play mode.

25

KR-11 – Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

The unit does not turn on
· Are the batteries facing the correct way? · Have you inserted the specified type of batteries, or are you using the specified AC adapter?

No sound
· The volume dial might have been set to minimum. · Are there any devices plugged into the headphones/line out jack? If a device is connected to
these jacks, no sound is output from the internal speaker. · The unit may malfunction if you’ve connected a device to the headphones/line out jack with a
four-conductor (TRRS) plug. Use a three-conductor (TRS) stereo plug instead.

Noise
· As the batteries run low, the volume may become insufficient, or the sound may distort. Replace the batteries with new ones if this happens.

MODE button does not respond (cannot switch modes)

· When playing back or recording, press the

button to stop, and then switch the mode.

Connected pedal switch does not respond
· The pedal switches may not work correctly if you are pressing the pedal switch while turning on the unit. Try turning off the power and then turning it on again.

26

KR-11 – Specifications

Specifications

Patterns Preset: 126 patterns (9 genres × 14) User: 14 patterns

Fill-ins

2 types of fill-ins per pattern

Metronome

Beats: 0, 2­8 Rhythm: quarter notes, eighth notes/triplets/triplet swing, sixteenth notes/sixteenth-note swing

Tempo

30­252 bpm

Jacks

Headphones/line out jack, FOOT SW 1 jack, FOOT SW 2 jack, DC 9V jack

Power supply Four AA-size alkaline batteries (sold separately) or AC adapter (DC 9 V,

, sold separately)

Battery life Approx. 18 hours (varies depending on the batteries used and on the conditions of use)

Current consumption

1300 mA (peak value)

Speaker

3 W × 1

Dimensions (W × D × H) 160 × 115 × 44 mm/6.30″ × 4.53″ × 1.73″

Weight

279 g/0.62 lb (not including batteries)

Included items

Quick Start Guide

Accessories (sold separately)

AC adapter (DC 9V,

), pedal switch (PS-1, PS-3)

  • Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

27

?4

2024

www.korg.com

28

Published 6/2024

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