Tascam 414MKII User Manual

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» 3D0028100A

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OWNER'S MANUAL

Table Of Contents

Safety Instructions

3

The PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII is...

4

The Recording System

5

The Three Steps to Multitrack

5

Understanding the Mixer

6-7

Signal Flow in the 414 MKII Mixer

6

Tape Cue Monitor System

7

Multitrack Cassette Recorder

8

Track Format and Tape

 

Recommendations

8-9

Optional Accessories

10

PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII Brief Guide

11-14

Step-By-Step Operation Guide

15-23

Let's Try the 414 MKII Mixer

15

How to Record on Track 1

16

Track 1 Playback through TAPE CUE

17

How to Make an Overdub on Track 2

18

How to Record Tracks 3 and 4

20

How to Record Many Sources onto a

 

Single Track

20

How to Record a Mix onto Two Tracks

 

Simultaneously

21

Recording on More than Two Tracks

 

Simultaneously : Direct Recording

22

How to Mix Down

22

PUNCH-IN or INSERT Recording

24-25

Preliminary

24

Punch-in Procedure

25

Bouncing Tracks (Ping-Pong)

26

Ping-pong Procedure

26

Using Effects with the

 

PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII

27-28

Setting Effect Send Levels

27

Setting the Output Level of Effect

 

Devices

27

Setting the Mix/Balance Control

 

on Effect Devices

28

How to Connect Your Effects Devices

28

Syncing MIDI-Tape Using the

 

TASCAM MTS-30

29

Troubleshooting

30

Features and Controls

31-35

414 MKII MIXER

 

Input Section

32

Stereo Input Section

33

Monitor Section

33

Master Section

33

Output Section

33

414 MKII RECORDER

 

Cassette Loading and dbx System

34

Transport Controls

34

Track Controls

35

Displays

35

Care and Maintenance

35-36

How the dbx Works

36

Specifications

37-38

Block Diagram

39-40

Level Diagram

41

"© Copyright 1999, TEAC Corporation"

All rights reserved under international and Pan American copyright conventions.

This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by mimeograph or any other means, without permission.

"The following marking is located on the bottom of the unit."

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.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within 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 person.

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.

This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel. Please record the model number and serial number and retain them for your records.

Model number Serial number

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

2

Safety Instructions

CAUTION:

Read all of these Instructions.

Save these Instructions for later use.

Follow all Warnings and Instructions marked on the audio equipment.

1)Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.

2)Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3)Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4)Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5)Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

6)Attachments — Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

7)Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water _ for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.

8)Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

9)A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

10)Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

11)Power Sources — This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

12)Grounding or Polarization — This product may be equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

13)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 product.

14)Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and builtup static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.

"Note to CATV system installer:

This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

Example of Antenna Grounding as per

National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70

 

ANTENNA

 

LEAD IN

 

WIRE

 

GROUND

 

CLAMP

 

ANTENNA

 

DISCHARGE UNIT

 

(NEC SECTION 810-20)

ELECTRIC

 

SERVICE

GROUNDING CONDUCTOR

EQUIPMENT

 

(NEC SECTION 810-21)

 

GROUND CLAMPS

 

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING

 

ELECTRODE SYSTEM

NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

(NEC ART 250. PART H)

 

15)Lightning — For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

16)Power Lines — An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

17)Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in risk of fire or electric shock.

18)Object and Liquid Entry — Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

19)Servicing — Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

20)Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a)when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

b)if liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.

c)if the product has been exposed to rain or water.

d)if the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.

e)if the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.

f ) when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance _ this indicates a need for service.

21)Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

22)Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

23)Wall or Ceiling Mounting — The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

24)Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

3

The PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII is...

The PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII is a 4-track "Multitrack Master" cassette tape recorder and a fullfunction mixer with 8 inputs/stereo outputs including a balanced microphone input and a dedicated guitar input combined into a single workstation.

Its high audio quality and creative flexibility reflect the experience and innovation that have allowed TASCAM to earn its reputation in professional audio production fields, and its user-friendly design makes the 414 MKII suitable for anyone, from expert to novice.

Using this manual : To get the most out of your 414 MKII, please take the time to read through this manual. Some time spent now will keep you from overlooking some of the features that make the 414 MKII a more creative tool. You may discover some new tricks you haven't tried before.

Use of capital letters : In general, we use all upper case type to designate a particular switch, control, jack name or label (like PAN). Transport modes and some features are described with an upper case first letter (like Record mode).

CAUTION

To power the PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII, use only the provided PS-P414 AC adaptor. Using any other adaptor will cause damage to the 414 MKII, and such damage would not be covered by the limited warranty on the product.

About the weld line

There is a patterned stripe-like effect on the bottom surface of the 414 MKII unit. This effect is called a "weld line" and is a natural result of the resin molding process employed in the manufacture of the

414 MKII unit. It is not a crack or scratch, and will cause no problems with the operation of the 414 MKII unit.

NOTE FOR U.K. CUSTOMERS

DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer.

If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove the fuse and dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid a possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply.

If this product is not provided with a mains plug, or one has to be fitted, then follow the instructions given below:

IMPORTANT. DO NOT make any connection to the larger terminal which is marked with the letter E or by the safety earth symbol ç or coloured GREEN or GREEN-and-YELLOW.

The wires in the mains lead on this product are coloured in accordance with the following code:

BLUE: NEUTRAL

BROWN: LIVE

As these colours may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as follows:

The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.

The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.

When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type should be used and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover.

IF IN DOUBT — CONSULT A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN.

4

The Recording System

The PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII is a complete audio production facility in a single box. It is divided into two major sections: a full-function mixer and a 4- channel, multitrack cassette recorder.

To complete the recording system, you'll additionally need these: input devices (microphones, instruments), output devices (headphones), 2 track recorder, effects processors, etc.

The Three Steps to Multitrack

In TRACKING and OVERDUBBING, the mixer inputs are usually microphones or instruments, going to different tracks of the recorder.

In OVERDUBBING, the MONITOR section and TAPE CUE of the mixer must be used to listen to

previous tracks while you record new ones, so there is a two-way flow through the console.

In MIXDOWN, signal comes from the multitrack and is sent to an external 2-track recorder.

5

Understanding the Mixer

Signal Flow in the 414 MKII Mixer

The illustration below shows how input signals pass through the 414 MKII Mixer section. After the MASTER fader they go to the L/R LINE OUT jacks.

This is the most important signal route in the mixer and is called "Main Mix".

6

Tape Cue Monitor System

The TAPE CUE mix and MONITOR switches are also crucial for successful multitrack recording, because they control what you hear in the headphones. This CUE mix is totally independent from the Main Mix going to tape. If you don't use the CUE mix, you run the risk of accidentally "bouncing tracks" every time you record new material.

Understanding the Mixer

The 4 TAPE CUE controls act like a separate 4x1 mixer, dedicated solely so you can hear playback from the multitrack recorder in your headphones.

Settings of these controls don't affect the mix going to tape. When the "master" EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE select switch located to the right of the track 4 meter is set to the right/TAPE CUE position, the channels' TAPE CUE controls are turned to the right, the "MONITOR" EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE switch is pressed on, and the MONITOR level control is turned up, you can hear tape playback in the headphones. You can adjust the monitor level of each track by adjusting its TAPE CUE control. The channels of the Main Mix remain free to handle external inputs for recording.

If you can hear tape playback in your headphones when TAPE CUE is off, it means you're hearing tape through the Main Mix. This is correct for mixdown and bouncing tracks, but during overdubbing it can cause previous tracks to be mixed together with new tracks, instead of each part remaining separate. Use the TAPE CUE to avoid this.

The three MONITOR switches choose which mix(es) you can hear in the headphones/monitor speakers — the L-R mix, the TAPE CUE mix, and the EFFECT 1 and 2 send mixes. Press the L-R switch on to hear what you are recording.

7

Multitrack Cassette Recorder

The 414 MKII records on readily available standard (Philips) Compact Cassette tape, high bias Type II. The recorder has 4 tracks while the mixer has a stereo output; however, using the Direct Recording feature you can record on any or all of the 4 tracks at one time. For more details, see "Recording on More Than Two Tracks Simultaneously", page 22.

The 414 MKII's dbx Noise Reduction virtually eliminates unwanted tape noise. A special SYNC feature turns off the dbx on track 4 separately, making it possible to record and play back the MIDI sync tones or SMPTE/EBU time code without being affected by the dbx encode/decode. This ensures that the sync tones/code are recorded and played back without unnecessary processing. With proper operating techniques, it is not necessary to leave a guard band between music and sync tone tracks because of the low crosstalk of the TASCAM heads.

ZERO RETURN promptly brings you back to the beginning of a section of tape, selected by resetting the tape counter.

The tape speed can be increased or decreased with the PITCH CONTROL dial in both playback and record, to match pitch or for special effects.

Track Format and Tape Recommendations

Tape Speed and Track Format

The Portastudio 414 MKII records/plays at 9.5 cm/sec (3-3/4 ips) which is twice (2 X) the normal speed of a standard audio cassette.

It also employs a discrete 4-channel format head developed especially by TEAC for TASCAM multitrack cassette recorders. Here is a comparison of various cassette formats:

8

Track Format and Tape Recommendations

Tape Type

The Portastudio 414 MKII is internally adjusted for HIGH BIAS Type II tape. This means that for best results, you should only use tapes of this type. TDK SA, Maxell XL-II or equivalent formulations are recommended. We strongly suggest that you select one good quality brand and use it exclusively. The time you spend creating your multitrack master is much more valuable than the money you save by buying inferior tape. The cassette shell essentially becomes a part of the 414 MKII's transport. Poor quality shells can cause wrinkles, snarls and shredding of the edges of the tape with use. Even small scratches on the tape oxide can cause "dropouts" (temporary loss of signal) on one or more tracks. High quality tapes are less likely to cause problems in the long run.

Accidental Erase/Record Protection

To protect a finished master tape, it is necessary to punch out both record protect tabs. Even though you are recording in only one direction, the 414 MKII uses the entire width of the tape. If, for example, you remove only one of the tabs, you could accidentally insert the cassette into the 414 MKII backwards and erase all four tracks of the master.

Tape Length

Use the shortest possible tape for a given work. It is not unusual to play a tape 100 times before you are finished, so select a cassette length that is as close as possible to the length of the program you plan to record. Cassettes C-60 length and shorter are often made from thicker stock than longer cassettes.

The tape used in C-120 cassettes is extremely thin and can cause winding problems, crimping, wrinkling, and other damage to the oxide coating of the tape which will destroy your work. Don't use C-120s in the 414 MKII.

Remember that with twice the normal speed and the "one-side-only" 4-track single direction format, you have only one quarter of the normal play time:

Cassette

Play Time

 

 

C-46

11.5 min.

 

 

C-60

15 min.

 

 

C-90

22.5 min.

 

 

(approx.)

9

Optional Accessories

RC-30P Remote Footswitch

MIDI-Tape Synchronizer

PW-2Y/PW-4Y Insertion Cable

Head Demagnetizer

TZ-261 Cleaning Kit (Except U.S.)

HC-1 Head Cleaner & RC-1 Rubber Cleaner (U.S.only)

10

Tascam 414MKII User Manual

PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII Brief Guide

For detailed information on each feature, see

"Features and Controls", pp. 31-35.

 

 

Input Selection and Adjustment

Channels 1 through 4

EQ HIGH : Cuts or boosts treble frequencies. Shelving point is at 10 kHz.

EQ LOW : Cuts or boosts bass frequencies. Shelving point is at 100 Hz.

EFFECT 1 and 2 : These control how much signal will go to the correspond-

ing EFFECT send jacks. They get their signal from a point just after the channel fader.

TAPE CUE : The EFFECT 2 controls can be switched to act as the TAPE CUE level controls (by means of the correspondingly labeled switch) and adjust the playback level for the musicians in the studio.

PAN : Sets the pan position (left-right balance) of the channel. Note that the Left Mix can be recorded on tracks 1 and 3, and the Right Mix onto tracks 2 and 4.

INPUT : Determines where the channel signal comes from.

TAPE; Makes tape playback the channel source.

GUITAR; When this is selected, makes the GUITAR input the channel source. If no instrument is plugged into the GUITAR input, this is equivalent to OFF.

MIC/LINE; Brings the MIC/LINE input into the channel.

Channel fader : Sets the volume of the channel feeding the MASTER fader.

TRIM : Sets how much preamplification will be added to the MIC/LINE IN jack. Push up if the signal needs amplification, pull down if the signal is so loud it is distorting the mixer electronics.

MIC/LINE IN (on the front) : These are the input jacks for the mixer channels. Line-level, unbalanced signal sources (such as electronic instruments) may be connected here. You can also connect lower-level signals (down to –50 dBV) and use the TRIM control to amplify them.

INPUT L & R : These balanced XLR-type connectors are for balanced microphones. If a signal source is connected to the front MIC/LINE IN jack corresponding to the XLR-type connector where a microphone is connected (L=1 or 3, R=2 or 4), the microphone signal input here is ignored. In other words, if you want to use microphones with these connectors, make sure that nothing is plugged into the corresponding MIC/LINE IN jack at that time.

GUITAR IN jack and TRIM control : This 1/4" jack is specially designed for connection of an electric guitar (or bass guitar). This dedicated input is provided because these instruments have an impedance that is different to that of microphones or line level sources. A guitar played through this jack will be used as the signal to a channel, if the INPUT switch of the channel is set to the center GUITAR position. Use the TRIM control by this jack to match the level of your guitar.

Channels 5 through 8

STEREO INPUTS : Connect any line-level signal (such as an effect return, or electronic instrument) here.

Mono Feature : Plug a mono signal into the channel 5-6 (L/MONO) jack and leave the 7-8 (R) jack empty. The signal is then automatically taken into the two pairs of channels (5-6 and 7-8).

LEVEL : Controls the volume of both the left and right

inputs simultaneously on their way to the respective stereo mix sides.

Monitor Section

LEVEL : This sets the output level of the monitor mix feeding the MON OUT and PHONES jacks.

MONITOR switches : These select the source of the MON

OUT and PHONES jacks.

What you hear when the EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE switch is pressed on, depends on the setting of the master select switch below.

Master Section

EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE : When set to EFFECT 2, sends signals after the channel fader to effect devices, and when set to TAPE CUE, sends playback signals to the monitor.

MASTER fader : This sets the total output level of the stereo mix.

11

 

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