YAMAHA Multitrack Cassette Recorder User's Guide
Precautions 1 Precautions to an area with a different AC mains voltage, be sure to check with your nearest YAMAHA dealer before using the unit. 8 1 Avoid excessive heat, humidity, dust, and vibration. Keep the MT4X away from locations where it is likely to be exposed to high temperatures or humidity, such as direct sunlight, near radiators, stoves, etc. Also avoid locations which are subject to excessive dust accumulation or vibration which could cause mechanical damage.
Introduction 2 Introduction Your MT4X Multitrack Cassette recorder is a powerful recording tool that will allow you to capture your music at a very high level of sound quality. It is an advanced technology, easy-to-use four-track cassette tape recorder with a comprehensive four-channel mixer. In order to make use of the many features of the MT4X and to obtain the best performance, please read this manual thoroughly — and keep it in a safe place for future reference.
3 Introduction Structure of the MT4X User's Guide
Introduction 4 Structure of the MT4X The MT4X can be divided into three basic sections - the mixer, the recorder, and the bus lines which connect them: Mixer The mixer has four input channels. It adjusts the input signals at each respective channel and sends them to the bus lines. The signals input to each channel of the mixer can be switched to either input signals (MIC/LINE) or playback signals (TAPE). When TAPE is selected, the playback signal from each track is input to the corresponding channel.
5 Controls and Connections 1 Controls and Connections Power Connections Rear Panel Connections Channel Modules Master Module Front Panel Connections Recorder Controls Transport Controls User's Guide
Controls and Connections 6 Channel Modules GAIN control This rotary control adjusts the level of the signal from a microphone or instrument plugged into the MIC/LINE INPUT connector Equalizer controls These rotary controls are used to adjust the high, middle and low band frequency levels. To help you select the "flat" setting easily, each control has a centre-detent at the "0" position.
7 Controls and Connections ODD/L: Rotated fully counter-clockwise sends the signal to the odd (1 or 3) numbered track of the selected track group (ASSIGN keys and to the left channel of the STEREO bus. EVEN/R: Rotated fully clockwise sends the signal to the even (2 or 4) numbered track of the selected track group (ASSIGN keys) and to the right channel of the STEREO bus. Input select (TAPE - MIC/LINE) key This key selects the input source for the channel.
Controls and Connections MONITOR/PHONES level control This rotary control adjusts the volume level of the stereo PHONES and the MONITOR OUT connectors. 8 connector Master fader This linear control is used to set the level of the master stereo bus. For optimal performance and signal balance, the fader should be positioned between 7 and 8. Recorder Controls Cassette tape compartment Multifunction display This FLD (Fluorescent Light Display) shows the operating modes and signal levels of the MT4X.
9 Controls and Connections REC SELECT keys These keys are used to arm the tracks for recording. When you press a REC SELECT for the corresponding track flashes on the key/ the record select indicator multi-function display REPEAT key This key is used to start and cancel the repeat function. When the repeat function is active, the MT4X will repeatedly playback a selection between two memory points set with the MEMO keys . See "Repeat Function" on page 42.
Controls and Connections 10 LOCATE (1, 2) keys These keys locate to the stored memory points. When you press one of these keys, the MT4X will fast forward or rewind to the corresponding memory point. Note: The locate interval must be more than three counts on the tape counter COUNTER RESET key This key resets the tape counter to "0000". Transport Controls REHE key and indicator This key is used to perform a recording rehearsal.
11 Controls and Connections Multi-function Display This section details the indicators of the FLD (Fluorescent Light Display) multi-function display TAPE indicator This indicator illuminates when a cassette tape is inserted in the cassette tape compartment. If you press any of the transport keys before you have inserted a tape, the indicator will flash. Tape counter This indicator displays tape position. Level meters These indicators display the signal level within a range of -20 dB to +9 dB.
Controls and Connections 12 REPEAT indicator This indicator illuminates while the repeat function is active.
13 Controls and Connections AUX RETURN (1, 2) connections Input impedance: 10 Nominal input level: -10 dB (AUX RETURN - LEVEL control nominal) These 1/4" phone connectors are used to input the signals from external effects devices and other signal processors. If the external device is monaural, plug it into one of the L/MONO connectors.
Example System 2 Example System User's Guide 14
15 Recording Functions 3 Recording Functions The basic functions of multitrack recording are as follows: Monitoring the recording or playback to listen for Monitoring mistakes or unwanted distortion. Recording the first instrument or part. Initial recording Recording additional instruments or parts while Overdub recording monitoring the previously recorded tracks. Punch-in/out recording Correct mistakes or add short segments to an existing track. Bounce several existing tracks onto another track.
Recording Functions 16 Initial recording The first step in multitrack recording is to record the initial tracks. Usually these are your rhythm tracks: bassguitar, rhythm guitar, and drums. Note: Before you record anything, you must connect the MT4X to both an input source and a monitoring system. See "Example System" on page 14.
Recording Functions 17 5) Using the ASSIGN keys and the PAN control select the group bus you want the input signal to go to. Press the and rotate the The input signal is sent to the first ASSIGN key: PAN control: (odd) group. Press the ASSIGN key: and rotate the PAN control: The input signal is sent to the second (even) group. Press the ASSIGN key: and rotate the PAN control: The input signal is sent to the third (odd) group.
Recording Functions 18 The MT4X is equipped with sensitive peak-hold level meters You can monitor the level of the individual tracks and the stereo bus. Use the level meters in conjunction with the monitoring modes (see "Monitoring" on page 15) to set your recording levels. Note: The meters display a range of-20 dB to +9 dB. If the meters exceed the normal limit momentarily, this is usually perfectly acceptable.
19 Recording Functions Overdubbing Overdub recording is the basis of all multi-track recording. It enables you to record additional instruments or parts track-by-track while listening to the previously recorded tracks. Track to be overdubbed Drum track Preparations for recording 1) Connect the input source for each channel to the corresponding MIC/LINE INPUT connector.
Recording Functions 20 The indicator above the key lights and any flashing REC SELECT - TRACK indicators will be illuminated. 10) Set the channel fader to the nominal level between "7" and "8" and adjust the GAIN controls. Rehearsal After you have set the recording levels, you should rehearse the overdub to verify and adjust the settings and cue levels. 11) Press the PLAY key to start the rehearsal. The indicator above the key lights and the MT4X starts the tape. Start playing.
21 Recording Functions To overdub another part, simply repeat steps 1 to 17. Bassguitar track Track to be overdubbed Drum track Punch-in/out recording This technique is used to re-record short sections, correct mistakes, or add new sections to silent passages. You play your part while punching in and out to start and stop the recorder. For the greatest precision, you should use the advanced automatic punch-in/out features of the MT4X. However, it is reasonably easy to punch-in manually.
Recording Functions 22 The REC SELECT - TRACK indicator on the display will flash. Note: You can skip step 2 at this point. However, you must select a track before you perform the actual recording. Set the working points: Post-roll is 10 counts on the tape counter at 9.5 cm/sec (5 counts at 4.8 cm/sec). Note: When you perform a punch-in/out recording, you need to find a blank section of about 1 second for your punch-in and punch-out locations.
23 Recording Functions The AUTO PUNCH and START indicators above the REHE key will begin flashing. on the display and the indicator Note: The AUTO PUNCH indicator will either be flashing or illuminated while the automatic punch-in/out function is active. 4) Press the PLAY key (or step on the footswitch) to play the tape. The START indicator will light and the IN indicator will begin flashing. The indicator above the REC/PAUSE key will flash rapidly. Note: You can reverse the order of steps 3 and 4.
Recording Functions 24 Rehearsal The MT4X automatically enters rehearsal mode after you have assigned the punch-in and punch-out points. This mode allows you to practice the punch-in/out operation before you actually commit anything to tape. Note: In this mode, you can press the REPEAT key to start Repeat Rehearsal. The MT4X will automatically perform rehearsal playback between the pre-roll point and the post-roll point. For more detail, see "Repeat Function" on page 42.
25 Recording Functions 10) Press the PLAY key (or step on the footswitch) to play the tape. Get ready to play the punch-in part. At the punch-in location, the START indicator will switch off, the IN indicator will light, and the indicator above the REC/PAUSE key and the REC SELECT - TRACK indicator will light. Play the punch-in part.
Recording Functions Status indicators During the operation of the automatic punch-in/out function, you can determine the status by checking the indicators shown in the following table: Function Mark the pre-roll point (see step 3). Start the tape playing (see step 4). If you press the AUTO PUNCH I/O key while the tape is playing, the operation starts here. Mark the punch-in point (see step 5). Mark the punch-out point (see step 6). The tape is rewound, waiting for rehearsal (also see step 6).
27 Recording Functions Using the REC/PAUSE key and the PLAY key Blank space Blank space Track to be re-recorded Punch-in point Segment to be re-recorded Punch-out point Note: When you perform a punch-in/out recording, you need to find a blank section of about 1 second for your punch-in and punch-out locations. This is because of the gap between the erase head and record/playback head. Otherwise you may find that you have accidentally erased material that was before or after the re-recorded segment.
Recording Functions 28 Using the optional footswitch Blank space Blank space Track to be re-recorded Punch-in point Play Record Segment to be re-recorded Punch-out point Play Stop Note: When you perform a punch-in/out recording, you need to find a blank section of about 1 second for your punch-in and punch-out locations. This is because of the gap between the erase head and record/playback head.
29 Recording Functions Ping-pong recording Ping-pong recording allows you to bounce several previously-recorded tracks onto an unrecorded track. Using this technique, you can create a recording with effectively more than four tracks. There are two basic techniques you can employ when making a bounce-down recording: • Mixing three previously-recorded tracks onto a destination track. • Overdubbing a new sound source during a ping-pong recording.
Recording Functions 30 If required, add effects using the AUX SEND and AUX RETURN controls and connectors. Adjust the effects for each channel. Note: You cannot apply effects to the individual tracks nor can you adjust the sound balance once you have mixed them onto a single track. You must apply any effects, and adjust the equalization and balance, during the bounce-down recording. 9) Press the RETURN TO ZERO key to stop and rewind the tape. Recording 10) Press the REC/PAUSE key.
31 Recording Functions This technique is a combination of overdubbing (see "Overdub recording" on page 15) and ping-pong recording. 1) Connect the input source for the overdubbing channel to its corresponding MIC/ LINE INPUT connector. 2) Set the input select key to the MIC/LINE position. 3) Rotate the GAIN control to adjust the level of the input signal. 4) Use the ASSIGN keys and the PAN control to select the group bus for the destination track.
Recording Functions 32 Mixdown Mixdown is the process of combining the four individual tracks into a final stereo mix. You blend and polish the sounds before you record them onto a stereo cassette recorder or DAT recorder. The mix is created using the various mixer controls. You adjust the track levels with the channel faders, change the equalizations, and modify the stereo image with the pan controls.
33 Recording Functions Rehearsal 5) Press the PLAY key to start playback. 6) Adjust the channel levels with the channel faders. Set the equalization with the HIGH, MID, and LOW equalizer controls Use the Pan control to adjust the pan position. Set the aux send level with the AUX SEND controls Adjust the auxiliary return levels with the LEVEL controls Set the levels and other parameters of any connected signal processing equipment. Adjust the record levels on the master recorder.
Synchronization 34 4 Synchronization The MT4X has the ability to synchronize MIDI sequencers, rhythm programmers, and other devices to the existing tracks on your tape. The following section describes some of the advanced techniques you can employ. When you create an overdub recording, you play along with the previously recorded tracks - matching the tempo. This is easy for a guitarist, vocalist, or keyboard player, but not so easy for a MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine.
35 Synchronization FSK recording Record FSK signals on track 4 The MT4X is equipped with a dbx™ noise reduction system. For recording normal audio signals, the noise reduction system is beneficial. However, dbx™ interferes with the recording of FSK signals. This sometimes results in an unusable sync track. Therefore, the MT4X is also equipped with a SYNC key.
Synchronization 36 Run the song program on the MIDI instrument from beginning to end. The Song Start, Tempo (and tempo changes), and Song End are recorded onto the FSK track. 17) When the MIDI program has completed, stop the MIDI instrument and press the RETURN TO ZERO key to stop and rewind the tape. Synchronized playback Overdubbing with a synchronized performance If your MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine cannot accept FSK signals, you may need a MIDI/FSK converter such as the Yamaha YMC10.
37 Synchronization Set the connected MIDI instrument to FSK sync mode, to receive the FSK signals from the MT4X. Set any other connected MIDI instruments to MIDI clock mode to slave to the MIDI device receiving the FSK signals. Perform any other required setup on your MIDI instruments to ensure they perform correctly once the MT4X starts playing the FSK signals. Please refer to the instruction manual supplied with your MIDI instrument for further setup details.
Synchronization 38 Play the overdub part along with the MIDI instrument(s) and the previously recorded tracks. 7) 8) Adjust the recording and monitoring levels while watching the level meters. When you are satisfied with the levels, press the RETURN TO ZERO key to stop the rehearsal and rewind the tape. Recording 9) Press the REC/PAUSE and PLAY keys to start recording. The MIDI instrument(s) will play automatically. Play the overdub part again.
39 Synchronization Synchronized mixdown You can use the FSK signal to synchronize MIDI instruments to the previously recorded tracks on the MT4X while you are creating a mixdown recording (see "Mixdown" on page 32). One of the advantages of this technique is that you can add multiple instruments to your mix without having to bounce-down tracks. To take full advantage of this technique, you may have to use an external mixer. Tip: A special feature of the MT4X is its TAPE OUT connectors.
Synchronization 3) 40 Plug compatible cables from the other TAPE OUT connectors (1, 2, and 3) into the inputs of your mixer. Tip: An alternative approach is to create a stereo mixdown with the built-in mixer and send that to the external mixer from the STEREO OUT connectors. 4) Connect the audio outputs from the MIDI instruments to the mixer inputs. 5) Connect the stereo inputs of the master recorder to the stereo outputs of the mixer.
41 Memory Functions 5 Memory Functions Memo Function Store a memory location You can mark two memory locations which can be used to quickly return to a specific point on your tape. 1) Fast-wind or rewind the tape to the location you want stored. For example, you can locate the end of a track just by stopping the tape. 2) Press the MEMO-1 or MEMO-2 key The corresponding MEMO indicator will flash three times and then light.
Memory Functions 42 Repeat Function The MT4X will repeatedly play a section of the tape between two memory locations. 1) Press the REPEAT key The MT4X will fast-wind or rewind the tape to the first memory location. While the tape transport is in fast-wind or rewind mode, the REPEAT indicator will flash on the display. 2) As soon as the MT4X has reached the first memory location, playback is started. The REPEAT indicator is illuminated.
43 Memory Functions Confirm the tape position 1) Press and hold the CHECK key. 2) Press the REC SELECT key corresponding to the track you want to check. The maximum level segment of the selected track will light and the tape counter will display the corresponding location value for as long as the two keys are pressed. If the level is beyond the recommended level, the segment will flash. The following display shows Track 2 being checked.
Appendix 44 Appendix Troubleshooting If you experience difficulty operating the MT4X, or it does not seem to be working as it should, look up the problem in the following table. You may find it is just a simple error, easy to correct. Symptom Possible Cause Solution The MT4X cannot be powered ON. The power cable is not correctly connected. Make sure the power cable is connected to a suitable AC outlet and plugged into the AC IN connector on the MT4X's rear panel.
45 Appendix Maintenance The MT4X requires regular maintenance to remain in top operating condition. If you observe the following problems, you should clean and possibly demagnetize the unit: • • • • A drop in level at high frequencies. An increase in wow and flutter. Fluctuating sound or signal dropout. Excessive noise. Cleaning the recording head and components The record/playback head is in constant contact with the recording tape.
Appendix 46 Specifications Model 4-track/4-channel one direction recording and playback cassette recorder with mixer Tape Transport Tape Type Track Configuration Heads Motor Tape Speed Pitch Control Wow & Flutter C-46 ~ 90 cassette tapes CrO2 - TypeII (Bias: HIGH; EQ 70 µs) 4-track/4-channel one direction recording and playback 4-track Hard Permalloy record/play head x 1 4-track ferrite erase head x 1 DC servo motor x 1 9.5 cm/sec, 4.8 cm/sec Approximately ±10% 0.1% WRMS (9.
47 Appendix Specifications (continued) Signal-to-Noise ratio (at nominal input and output) 68 dB / IHF-A MIC IN - STEREO OUT (GAIN control MAX) 75 dB/IHF-A Distortion (1 kHz at nominal input and output) 0.1%/30kHz LPF 0.
Appendix Block Diagram Dimensions User's Guide 48
49 Appendix Tracking Sheet There is a tracking sheet template on the back cover of this manual. You should make a number of photocopies and use them to keep a log of your recording sessions.
Appendix 50 Recording the vocals: Mixdown Add equalization and effects and record to the master recorder: Glossary Auxiliary Bus The MT4X has two auxiliary buses. These buses are generally used to send signals to external signal processing units. Auxiliary Send — Each channel module includes an AUX control, which selects an auxiliary bus and determines the amount of signal fed to corresponding the AUX SEND output connector.
51 Appendix Capstan A slender metal pillar adjacent to the pinchroller. The capstan is driven by the DC servo motor and controls the tape speed. The tape pulled across the erase and record/playback heads by the pressure between the capstan and pinchroller. CUE monitor This bus is used to listen to previously recorded tracks. It is mostly used to assist the musicians recording a new part. You can also process effects through the monitor bus without recording them to tape. The CUE bus is monaural.
Appendix 52 Master recorder A second tape recorder used during the mixdown process. The master recorder can be any two-track stereo recorder, such as a stereo cassette, reel-to-reel, or DAT recorder. MIC/LINE input Each channel module includes a MIC/LINE input to connect a microphone, musical instrument, or electronic device for recording.
53 Appendix Pre-fader A signal that is sourced before the fader, therefore, the fader has no control on the signal. Punch-In/Out recording A recording technique used primarily to correct mistakes by re-recording over a short section of a track. Stereo mix A two-track mix with left and right stereo channels. The finished product of a mixdown session. Striping the tape Applying a timecode to the tape for synchronization purposes. On the MT4X, you apply the timecode to Track 4.
YAMAHA CORPORATION
MT4X OM 5/20/99 19E0112
