Fostex X-34 User Manual
Model
Owner’s Manual
Multitracker
Model X-34 Owner’s Manual
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
"WARNING"
"TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE."
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should
be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should
be followed.
5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near
water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and
the like.
6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a
cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care.
Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause
the appliance and cart combination to overturn.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to
a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location
or position dose not interfere with its proper ventilation. For
example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa,
rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings;
or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet
that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE
OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION:
POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES,
INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE
DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE
ET POUSSER JUSQU' AU FOND.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product's
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power
supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as
marked on the appliance.
11. Grounding or Polarization - The precautions that should be taken
so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not
defeated.
12. Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so
that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
appliance.
13. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended
by the manufacturer.
14. Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of
time.
15. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects do
not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through
openings.
16. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced by
qualified service personnel when:
A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance;
or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits
a marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
17. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance
beyond that described in the operating instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
2
Model X-34 Owner’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Fostex Model X-34 multitracker.
The X-34 is a four-track, four-channel cassette tape recorder that features four line inputs, plus two inputs that accept
a range of inputs from line level to mic level. Each channel module is equipped with a two-band EQ for superior sound
quality. The X-34 also provides flexible elements, such as the AUX send/return connectors for applying desired external
effects and the recording track-select switches that enable you to specify any track as the recording destination. A speed
of 9.5cm/s and Dolby B type noise reduction ensure high quality recording. In particular, the exclusive Fostex “Auto
Bounce function” makes ping-pong recording a breeze.
The X-34 contains a “Rehearsal” mode, which is convenient for punching in and out. You can practice until you are
ready to record.
Please read this owner’s manual thoroughly before using the X-34 to make the best use of its features and extend the
useful life of the unit.
Table of Contents
Precautions (please read before use) ......................3
Cautions for Using the X-34 .......................................4
Before Using the X-34 .................................................4
<Top Panel> .................................................................... 5
<Front panel> ................................................................. 7
<Rear Panel> .................................................................. 8
Basic Operation: “Let’s Record!” ..............................9
Initial mode after the X-34 is powered on: .....................9
Initial setup of the X-34 ................................................... 9
Remember the following before you start to record! .... 10
Basic Recording - 1 (Recording from the front
panel LINE IN/INSERT jack)...................................... 12
Basic Recording - 2 (Recording with the rear
panel MIC IN jack)......................................................14
Basic Playback Procedure.............................................15
Multitrack Recording.................................................16
Overdubbing...................................................................16
<Overdubbing Electric Bass in Track 2 While
Listening to the Drum Track> ....................................... 1 6
Mixdown (Track Down mode) .......................................18
Advanced Operation .................................................19
Punch In/Out Recording ................................................19
Ping-pong Recording
(Using the Auto Bounce Function)................................ 21
Tape Sync ....................................................................... 23
Recording a sync signal.................................................24
Applying Effects ............................................................. 25
Troubleshooting ............................................................. 2 7
Maintenance................................................................... 28
Block Diagram ............................................................... 2 8
Specifications ................................................................. 2 9
Declaration of EC Directive..........................................30
The Affect of Immunity on This Equipment................... 30
FOSTEX DISTRIBUTORS LIST IN EUROPE .............. 30
Precautions (please read before use)
Power supply
* When unplugging the AC adapter from an outlet, be
sure to grasp the adapter. Attempting to unplug it by
pulling on the AC cable may damage the wiring.
* It is dangerous to use any power cable that is cut or
frayed. If the power cable is damaged, immediately
stop using it and have the unit repaired.
* Do not plug in or unplug the AC adapter with wet
hands. Doing so may result in dangerous electrical
shock.
* Do not open the unit or touch any parts inside.
Doing so may result in a dangerous electrical shock,
and may damage the unit.
* Do not let water or other liquids, flammable
materials, or metal objects such as pins get inside
the unit.
These items may cause electrical shock or short
circuit the X-34 and damage it.
If the X-34 should become wet, unplug the AC adapter
from the AC outlet, and contact your authorized
service station.
* When turning the power on, turn the X-34 on first
before turning on any connected equipment. Doing
so will avoid damaging to the other equipment.
Also, when connecting or disconnecting cables to or
from the X-34’s input or output jacks, set all faders
to “0.”
* When the AC adapter is connected to an AC outlet, it
will continue to draw a small amount of power even
if the switch is set to off (STANDBY).
If you will not be using the X-34 for an extended
period of time, be sure to unplug the A C adapter from
the outlet.
Location
Avoid using the X-34 in the following locations:
* Locations of extreme low or high temperatures, or
subject to extreme changes in temperature.
* Locations with excessive moisture or dust.
* Locations subject to direct sunlight for an extended
period of time, or near a stove or other source of
heat.
* Locations subject to fluctuations in electrical voltage.
* Unstable locations or locations subject to heavy
vibration.
* Near strong magnetic fields (e .g., on top of a television
or speaker).
3
Model X-34 Owner’s Manual
Cautions for Using the X-34
* If a monitor speaker with an internal amplifier is
connected to the MONITOR OUT jacks, do not
advance the monitor speaker volume control or the
X-34 MON MIX/AUX knobs. Doing so could gener ate
a loud noise from the speaker or headphone and
damage your hearing.
* When plugging external equipment into the X-34 input
jack or headphone jack, always switch of f the power
to the X-34.
* When using an external mic, do not bring it close to
the monitor speaker while the INPUT faders, MON
MIX/AUX knobs, and MONITOR knob are raised and
the track is selected for recording.
Doing so will generate feedback.
Before Using the X-34
* Do not apply the LINE OUT jack signals to the mic
input or line input jacks (e.g., dir ectly connecting the
LINE OUT jack to the input jack).
The resulting oscillation could hurt your ears if you
are monitoring with headphones.
* Be sure to use the AC adapter included with the X-
34. Should an adapter with a different voltage or
wrong plug polarity be used, it could cause a fire or
severely damage the X-34.
<The difference between multitracker recor ding
and cassette deck recording>
A stereo cassette deck allows for stereo recording on
sides A and B of a cassette tape.
As shown in the figure below, a cassette tape is divided
into four tracks: two for side A, two for side B.
On the other hand, a multitracker, such as the X-34,
records to all four tr ac ks on the same side of the tape .
If you recor d something on the multitracker and play
the tape on a cassette deck, Tracks 1 and 2 will play
normally, but when you try to play the other side of
tape, Tracks 3 and 4 will play in reverse.
Stereo cassette deck.
Lch
B side
Rch
Rch
A side
Lch
X-34
Track 4
Track 3
Track 2
Track 1
A side
<Handling cassette tapes>
Cassette tape suitable for recording:
The X-34 performs best with a high-position cassette
tape (TYPE II, HIGH).
We recommend that you use these types or equivalent
tapes for multitrack recording.
C-120 tapes (60 minutes each side) are thin and not
suitable for repeated recording or playback.
Use C-90 or shorter tapes for good performance.
Using write-protection tabs:
On the edge of a cassette tape are write-protection
tabs that are used to pre vent r ecor ded data fr om being
accidentally erased. You may want to break off the
tab for side A and side B of a cassette tape that you
have already recorded, since the X-34 uses all four
tracks at the same time. If you later wish to record
data on a tape with broken tabs, apply a piece of
scotch tape to cover the tab hole.
Write-protection tab
<Rehearsal Mode>
The Fostex X-34 contains a “rehearsal mode” which
is convenient for Punch-in recording.
The rehearsal mode lets you practice the timing for
punching in and out, and adjust the recording level
by going through the punch in/out take operation
without entering recording mode. Connecting an
optional foot switch (Model 8051) to the PUNCH IN/
OUT jack, selecting a punch-in track, and pressing
the PLAY button puts the X-34 in Rehearsal mode.
Using this function, you can practice any number of
times before the actual take. For details, refer to
“Punch in/out” on page 19.
4
Model X-34 Owner’s Manual
0
Names and Functions
<Top Panel>
8
7
6
5
4
3
9
2/41/3
MIC IN
TRIM 2/4TRIM 1/3
EQ HI
0
+-
EQ LO
0
+-
MON MIX/
AUX
100
PAN
RL
1
4
REC TRK
3
2
1
1 2 3 4 MASTER
0
0
100
4
3
2
1
+-
+-
RL
LINE IN/INSERT
0
+-
0
+-
100
RL
4
3
2
1
11
AUX SEND
0
+-
0
+-
100
RL
432
4
REC TRKREC TRKREC TRK
3
2
1
1252 14
15
1. Input/playback level control faders
These faders have two functions:
One function controls the recording level. Input
levels applied to the INPUT jacks (fr ont or rear) are
controlled by this knob.
The other function controls the tape playback level
of each track. For more information on using these
faders, refer to the “Basic Recording” and “Basic
Playback Procedure” sections.
2. Master fader [MASTER]
This fader controls the output level from LINE OUT
L and R.
3. Record track select switch [REC TRK]
This switch is used to select recording tracks.
Press the switch repeatedly to select the desired
track. The track indicator (red) of the selected track
lights up to indicate that this track is REC READY.
To cancel the track selection, press the switch
repeatedly until none of the track indicators are lit.
<Note>
When the Track Down button is “ON,” the REC TRK switches
are disabled. Also, if the Auto Bounce button or Track Down
button is switched on and off while any one REC TRK switch
is set to REC READY state, the selected REC TRK switch
will be canceled. In this case, reselect the recording track
using the REC TRK switch.
4. Record track indicator
This indicator lights up in red to indicate that the
track is in the REC READY mode when you press
the REC TRK switch.
AUX RTN
MONITOR
10
AUX
MON MIX
Bounce
1213
AUX RTN
100
100
Track
Down
Auto
16
17 21
RL/MONO
MONITOR OUT
+
-
10
LINE OUT
WIDE PITCH
6
3
0
5
RL
+
6
3
–
+
0
NORMAL
FIX
5
-
10
4321
POWERRECNR
RESET
000
22
18, 19, 2
23
RL
RL
24
DOLBY B NR
multitracker
X-34
PAUSESTOPFFREC PLAY REW
5. Auto bounce indicator
This lights up in green when you press the Auto
Bounce button, indicating that the corresponding
track is selected as the auto bounce destination.
6. Pan pot knob [PAN]
When the AUX indicator is lit, use these knobs to
adjust the stereo imaging of channel signals routed
to the INPUT faders. When the MON MIX indicator
is lit, use these knobs to control the stereo imaging
of each track sound.
7. Monitor/AUX send level control knob [MON
MIX/AUX]
This knob enables you to adjust the level of the
channel signal for monitoring or to control the le vel
of the signal sent to the AUX bus.
8. Equaliz er control knobs [EQ HI, EQ LO]
The X-34 is equipped with a two-band, shelving-type
EQ. These knobs are used to adjust tonal quality of
the signals routed to the channel faders. The
following settings are available:
HI: Signals with a frequency of 10kHz will be boosted
and cut up to +/–12 dB.
LO: Signals with a frequency of 100Hz will be
boosted and cut up to +/–12 dB.
9. Trim knob
Use this knob to adjust the input level depending on
the sound source input to the r ear panel MIC IN jack
(1/4" or XLR).
This knob enables you to adjust from a signal that
ranges from line level to mic level.
5
Model X-34 Owner’s Manual
10. AUX return knob [AUX RTN]
This knob allows you to adjust the input level of
processed signals from a connected external effect
unit. The level of both signals input to AUX RTN
L/MONO and R are adjusted equally.
11. Monitor master knob [MONITOR]
This knob allows you to adjust the final level of
monitoring signals, i.e., the headphone volume and
the level of signals output from the MONIT OR OUT
L/R jacks.
12. [AUX] indicator
This red indicator lights up when the channel MON
MIX/AUX knob functions as an AUX control.
13. [MON MIX] indicator
This red indicator lights up when the channel MON
MIX/AUX knob functions as a MON MIX control.
14. Track down on/off button [Track Down]
Pressing this button switches Track Down mode on
and off. When Track Down mode is switched on, the
Track Down indicator lights up. When Track Down
mode is switched off, the Track Down indicator turns
off. To select a recording track or perform Auto
Bounce (ping-pong), you need to cancel T rac k Down
mode.
15. Track Down indicator
The green Track Down indicator lights up when
Trac k Down mode is on. When you turn on the power
to the X-34, Track Down mode is automatically
engaged.
16. Auto bounce select button [Auto Bounce]
When Track Down mode is off, press this button to
engage Auto Bounce mode and select a ping-pong
destination track. This b utton is disabled when Track
Down mode is on. Pressing this button repeatedly
selects a track in the following or der: [1]->[2]->[3]
->[4]->[OFF]->[1]
<Note>
You cannot cancel ping-pong recording by pressing the
Auto Bounce button once the process has started.
17. Level meters
These five-dot indicator meters indicate the
recording/playback level.
During recording , the optimum level is 0 ~ 3 on this
meter.
18. Dolby B noise reduction indicator [NR]
This indicator lights up in green when you turn on
the DOLBY NR switch on the rear panel.
19. Record indicator [REC]
This indicator lights up in red when the X-34 is
placed in record mode. It also flashes in Punch in/
out rehearsal mode.
20. Power indicator [POWER]
This indicator lights up when you turn on the power.
21. Pitch control knob [WIDE PITCH]
Tape speed can be adjusted within the range of
–50% ~ +12%. This is normally set to the center
position.
Use this knob during the playback of recor ded music
to practice your performance at a slower speed.
This is also useful when you wish to overdub a
musical instrument that has slightly offset pitch, or
a vocalist who can’t quite hit the highest note. Pitch
control is disabled when the NORMAL FIX indicator
is lit.
22. Tape speed control/indicator [NORMAL FIX]
Press this switch to change the tape speed from 9.5cm/s
to 4.75cm/s.
The NORMAL FIX indicator lights up in
green, and the pitch control and Dolby B noise
reduction are disabled. Pressing this switch again
will restor e the Dolby and pitch control settings, and
the tape speed (9.6cm/s) will be restor ed. This switc h
is disabled during recording.
23. Tape counter/reset button [RESET]
Tape transport is metered and indicated here.
Press the r eset b utton to return the counter to [000].
24. Cassette lid/Cassette tray
Insert a cassette tape here.
Load or unload cassettes only when the transport is
stopped.
25. Transport control buttons
Play button [PLAY]
Press this button to start playback.
Stop button [STOP]
Press the [STOP] b utton to stop tape transport. The
tape transport buttons PLA Y, REC, REW and FF will
cancel and the tape will stop.
Fast forward button [FF]
Press this button to fast forward the tape at high
speed.
Rewind button [REW]
Press this button to rewind the tape at hight speed.
Recording button [REC]
While a record track indicator or indicators are lit
(red), press this button and the PLAY button
simultaneously to start recording. If you press the
PAUSE button prior to these buttons, the X-34 will
enter recor d standby mode and the tape will remain
stopped.
6
<Note>
The REC button will be ineffective if the “cassette erase
prevention tab” is broken.
Pause button [PAUSE]
You press this button during playback or recording,
the tape will stop (the PLAY and RECORD buttons
will remain depr essed). If you press this b utton again,
stop mode will be canceled and playback or
recording will resume.
This button will not function during rewind or fast
forward operations.
<Front panel>
12
Model X-34 Owner’s Manual
1. Line in/insert jack [LINE IN/INSERT 1, 2, 3, 4]
Line level sound sources are input here.
Input signals are sent only to the tracks selected by
the REC TRK switches on the corresponding
channels.
If a sound source input from the rear panel MIC IN
jack is to be processed, use these jacks to insert a
TIP (Return)
RING (Send)
compressor/limiter or other effect.
<Note>
Priority is always given to the LINE IN/INSER T jacks . You
cannot record one sound source from the MIC IN 1/3
jack and one from the LINE/INSERT 1 and 3 jacks (or
one from the MIC IN 2/4 jack and one from the LINE/
INSERT 2 and 4 jacks) onto the same track at the same
time. Refer to page 10 and 11 for more information.
2. Headphone jack [PHONES]
Plug in monitor headphones here.
7
<Rear Panel>
Model X-34 Owner’s Manual
54321
1. Mic input jack [MIC IN 1/3, 2/4]
Plug in a microphone here.
You can input any signal, ranging from mic level to
line level devices, because the X-34 features a trim
knob for each input. Both XLR connectors (balanced)
and 1/4" jacks (unbalanced) are provided. Use the
one appropriate for your application.
The sound source input to MIC IN jack 1/3 is routed
to channels 1 and 3, and the inputs to MIC IN jack
2/4 are sent to channels 2 and 4.
<Note>
The XLR connector and 1/4" jack cannot be used
simultaneously to record onto the same track.
2. AUX Send jack [AUX SEND]
Connect this 1/4" jack to the input of an effects
processor. This jack outputs the signals selected and
adjusted by the MON MIX/AUX knobs.
3. AUX Return jacks [AUX RTN (L/MONO, R)]
Connect these 1/4" jacks to the output of an effects
processor. You can also use them as auxiliary inputs.
If a connected effects processor has a mono output,
connect the output to the L/MONO jack of the X-34.
(The right channel will receive the same signal.)
Adjust the level of processed signals using the AUX
RTN knobs on the top panel.
4. Monitor Out jacks [MONITOR OUT (L, R)]
Connect monitoring speakers and an amplifier (or
powered speakers) here to monitor the sound. These
1/4" jacks output the same signals as the PHONES
jack. Use the MONITOR knob on the top panel to
adjust the monitoring level.
5. Line out jacks [LINE OUT L, R]
These RCA pin jacks are connected to the master
recorder input connectors (L, R) for mixdown.
Adjust the output level using the MASTER fader.
PUNCH
IN/OUT
DOLBY NR
ON STANDBY
DC IN
ON
12V
OFF
10 9 8 7 6
6. Tape out jack [TAPE OUT 1, 2, 3, 4]
Signals from tracks 1-4 are output from these RCA
pin jacks.
These outputs can be sent to external mixers.
In addition, TAPE OUT 4 can also be used as the
SYNC OUT jack to send the sync signal from the
tape to an external MIDI sequencer.
7. Dolby B noise reduction on/off switch [DOLBY
NR ON/OFF]
This switch turns on Dolby B noise reduction.
For high quality recording and playback, we
recommended Dolby B.
If a tape recorded with Dolby B noise reduction is
played back, set this switch to ON. This switch is
disabled when the NORMAL FIX indicator is lit.
Dolby setting turns off automatically when the
NORMAL FIX indicator lights up.
8. Power switch [ON-STANDBY]
This switch turns on the power to the X-34. Even
when this is switched off (ST ANDBY), a small amount
of current continues to flow through the X-34.
Therefore, if the X-34 is not going to be used for a
long period of time, disconnect the AC adapter from
the wall socket.
9. DC IN connector [DC IN 12V]
Plug in the exclusive AC adapter packaged with X34 here.
10. Punch in/out jack [PUNCH IN/OUT]
Plug in the optional Foot Switch (Model 8051) for
punching in and out or rehearsal here.
TAPE OUT
1234
8
Model X-34 Owner’s Manual
1
100
.
Basic Operation: “Let’s Record!”
Initial mode after the X-34 is powered on:
When you connect the AC adapter and turn on the power to the X-34, it automatically engages “Track Down mode,”
and the Track Down indicator lights up as shown below.
Please refer to the following “Initial setup of the X-34” section to r eset the X-34 before you proceed to the next session.
* For information on Track Down mode, refer to page 18.
+-
0
+-
+-
0
+-
+-
MONITOR
0
+-
100
-
10
RL
NR
AUX
Thesetwoindicatorslightup.
100
RL
MON MIX
100
RL
100
Track
RL
Down
432
Thisindicatorturnsoff
Initial setup of the X-34
After you complete a recor ding session, reset all knobs and switc hes on the X-34 to their initial settings befor e pr oceeding .
This will help you avoid unexpected problems r elated to switc h and knob settings being unsuitable for the ne xt r ecording.
In this manual, this state will be called the “initial setting.” The control panel switches and knobs should be set as
shown below.
Always return to this “initial setting” before proceeding to the next recording session.
Set the AUX RTN and
+-
+-
100
RL
AUX SEND
REC TRKREC TRKREC TRK
AUX RTN
MONITOR
AUX
MON MIX
Track
Down
Bounce
AUX RTN
100
100
Auto
MONITOR knobs to
the “0” position.
RL
RL/MONO
MONITOR OUT
+
-
10
LINE OUT
6
3
0
5
RL
RL
WIDE PITCH
+
6
3
–
+
0
NORMAL
FIX
5
-
10
4321
POWERRECNR
RESET
000
This indicator
lights up.
Center the pich
control knob.
Turn off the NORMAL
FIX switch. (The NORMAL FIX indicator
turns off.)
Reset the counter to
[000].
Set the TRIM knobs to
the “ ” position.
Set all EQ knobs to
center (“0”).
Lower all MON MIX/AUX
knobs to “0”.
Set all PAN knobs to
center.
Deselect all recording
tracks.
EQ HI
EQ LO
MON MIX/
AUX
PAN
This indicator
lights up.
2/41/3
MIC IN
TRIM 2/4TRIM 1/3
0
0
0
0
+-
+-
+-
0
0
+-
+-
100
100
RL
RL
1
4
4
REC TRK
3
3
2
2
1
1
0
0
+-
100
RL
432
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1 2 3 4 MASTER
LINE IN/INSERT
Lower all faders
to the minimum.
Switch off Auto Bounce mode.
DOLBY B NR
multitracker
X-34
PAUSESTOPFFREC PLAY REW
Switch off Track Down mode.
(The Track Down indicator turns off.)
9
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