Yamaha MT-1X User Manual
®
YAMAHA
AUTHORIZED
PRODUCT MANUAL
YAMAHA
MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER
OPERATING MANUAL
Congratulations on your choice of the New Yamaha MT1X Multitrack
Cassette Recorder. The MT1X is a compact multitrack recorder with a
recording mixer, and is equipped with numerous versatile functions. Using
conventional cassette tapes, the MT1X makes it easy for you to produce
high quality multitrack recordings. Besides use as a multitrack recorder,
the MT1X can also be used as a PA mixer for small performances, as well
as for editing soundtracks for videos.
To take full advantage of the outstanding array of features, and for years
of trouble-free operation, we urge you to thoroughly read this operating
manual. After reading, keep it in a handy place for reference.
CONTENTS
BEFORE OPERATION
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRACKS AND CHANNELS
WHAT IS A MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER?
THE CONTROLS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
MIXER SECTlON
RECORDER SECTION
METER AND MONITOR SECTION
CONNECTOR SECTION
CONNECTION EXAMPLE
ABOUT CASSETTE TAPES
ATTACHING THE STRAP
WHEN USING THE BATTERY PACK
MULTITRACK
ONE EXAMPLE OF A MULTITRACK RECORDING PROCESS . . . . . . .
BEFORE RECORDING
MULTITRACK RECORDING
SYNC-RECORDING
EDITING VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS
MAINTENANCE
BLOCK DIAGRAM .............................................
SPECIFICATIONS35...................................................
INTRODUCTION TO THE ACCESSORIES
SERVICE
RECORDING TECHNIQUES
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1
BEFORE OPERATION
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:
• ABOUT CASSETTE TAPE
This unit is designed to be used only with Chromeposition tape, and will not work properly with Ferrichrome tape formulations. CrO tape (Bias: HIGH; EQ:
70µs) should be used. Also, the use of C-120 tapes
is not recommended because they exhibit poorer performance, and can be the cause of equipment failure.
• ABOUT dbx
In order to get proper sound reproduction, set the dbx
switch ON when playing back tapes recorded with
dbx on, and keep it OFF when playing back tapes
recorded without dbx.
*dbx and the dbx mark are trademarks of dbx in-
corporated.
*The dbx system has been manufactured under
license of dbx Incorporated.
• USING THE AC ADAPTOR
Please use the AC adaptor supplied with this unit.
Other AC adaptors may vary in plug dimensions,
polarity, or output voltage, and their use with this unit
could cause damage.
• CAUTIONS FOR THE AC ADAPTOR
Do not plug or unplug the AC adaptor with wet hands
–-
you could receive a very dangerous shock.
To avoid shorts or cord breakage, do not pull the plug
out of the AC outlet by pulling on the cord. Be sure
to grasp the plug itself and pull it out. When leaving
home for an extended period of time, or when the unit
will not be used for a long time, unplug the AC
adaptor.
NOTE: The AC adaptor has been designed for use
with 120V or 220-240V AC, and must not
be used in areas with different voltage.
• PRECAUTION AGAINST LIGHTNING
In the event of lightning or electrical storms, unplug
the AC adaptor as soon as possible to avoid potential damage.
• DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET
To avoid electrical shock or damage to the unit, do
not open the cabinet and tamper with the parts or
circuits inside.
• CONNECTING OTHER EQUIPMENT
Make sure the power switch is OFF and the input
fader is all the way down when connecting other
equipment.
• M0VING THE UNIT
To prevent shorts or breakage, make sure all connection cords have been removed from the unit before
moving it.
• CLEANING THE CABINET
Do not clean the unit with benzene or other powerful solvents, and avoid the use of aerosol insecticides
near the unit. Clean the unit only with a soft, dry
cloth.
FCC CERTIFICATION (USA)
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that
is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio and
television reception. It has been type tested and computer and receiver are on different branch cirfound to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications
in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are
designed to provide reasonable protection against
such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient the receiving antenna.
Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.
Move the computer away from the receiver.
Plug the computer into a different outlet so that
cuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer
or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications
Commission helpful:
“How to identify. and Resolve Radio-TV interference problems”.
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No.
004-000-00345-4.
2
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRACKS AND CHANNELS
The words “track” and “channel” are often confused. In order to properly operate this unit, it is necessary to understand the meanings of these terms.
TRACK:
The “band” on the tape itself where a certain signal is
recorded. The tape inside a cassette has four different
tracks, enabling the recording of four distinct signals. For
conventional recordings, there are two tracks (stereo left
CHANNEL:
The route of a signal input or output. In the input side,
this unit has four INPUT channels and two AUX chan-
nels. The output side consists of one stereo channel
(made up of two mono channels) and an AUX channel.
and right) on each side of the tape.
WHAT IS A MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER?
The difference between the MT1X multitrack cassette recorder and a conventional stereo cassette deck is shown
below.
CONVENTIONAL STEREO CASSETTE DECK
The diagram shows how a conventional stereo cassette
deck records and plays back music. The four tracks on
a cassette tape represent the left and right (for stereo)
sound for each side of the tape. The MT1X uses these
four tracks for single-direction recording and playback
on only one side of a cassette tape.
Conventional stereo cassette recorders always record
and play back in the same mode, with the tape side
(direction) determining which two tracks will be used.
These recorders do not allow separate selection of tracks
for recording and playback.
MT1X MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER
Multitrack recorders, however, allow you to record or
playback tracks separately as you choose. This enables
a greater degree of recording and playback freedom not
possible with conventional cassette recorders.
3
THE CONTROLS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
This section explains the names and functions of all the knobs, sliders, and switches for the mixer, recorder, meter/
monitor, and connector sections. Familiarize yourself with them in order to take full
functions.
MIXER SECTION
advantage of the MT1X’s versatile
INPUT SELECTOR SWITCHES
These three-position switches are provided for each
channel. Position them according to the operation to be
performed.
MIC/LINE: Set this switch to the proper position when
the output of a microphone, keyboard instru-
ment, or electric guitar is connected to the
input jack on the front panel.
OFF:
Be sure to set the switch to this position
when the channel is not being used, or when
you don’t want to playback material already
recorded on the track. Although sliding the
input fader to the “O” position will stop
the signal, it’s a good idea to also set the
switch to OFF.
TAPE:
Set the switch to this position to playback
material which has already been recorded on
this channel. Channels 1—4 correspond to
tracks 1—4 on the tape.
4
GAIN CONTROLS
The controls adjust the input level of the channel to
match the output level of a microphone or instrument
connected to input jack Control from -10dB to
-50db is possible. Adjust the output level of the
microphone or instrument as outlined in its instruction
booklet.
INPUT FADERS
These controls adjust the volume of the signal input, and
send it to the equalizer. Each control is used for setting the sound level of its channel when mixing it with
the signals of other channels. Position “7” on the scale
is considered ideal for the lowest noise and distortion
characteristics.
SOUND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EQUALIZER AND
VARIOUS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Be sure to set the control to “O” for channels not being
used.
EQUALIZER CONTROLS
These controls are used to adjust the tonal character-
istics of the input signal, or the channel output during
playback of previously recorded material. The LO (low)
controls adjust the frequencies centering around 100Hz,
while the HI (high) controls adjust the frequencies center-
ing around 10KHz, with a 10dB boost or cut range for
both controls. Use of these equalizer controls will help
you to get the type of sound you desire, and allow you
”,
to bring the sound“forward
“clean up” unclear sounds,
and “push down” sounds at annoying frequencies.
In order to properly use these equalizers, it’s important
to understand the frequency response characteristics
of various musical instruments. This is particularly true
when trying to “change” the sound of a certain in-
strument, because you should know that instrument’s
harmonic sound components as well. For example, the
normal frequency range of a bass drum is between 50Hz
and 150Hz. To bring out this sound so you can feel it
better, the LO (low) control (which centers on the 100Hz
frequency band) can be moved up a little. But the har-
monic sound components are around 10KHz, so the HI
(high) control should also be moved up a little to achieve
the proper sound profile of the bass drum.
5
-----Normal frequency
----- Harmonic sound
components
If accurate and comprehensive sound equalization is
required, connect a graphic equalizer or a parameteric
equalizer between the sound source and the input jack.
When recording material that you will intend to “pingpong” (see “Ping-ponging” on page 25), later, give the
input somewhat of a high boost with the Hi control to
help preserve the high frequency response when the
track is re-recorded.
PAN (PAN POT) CONTROLS
After volume level and equalizing, the input signal is sent
to these controls. During mixdown (see “Mixdown” on
page 31), each control helps determine the acoustsic
“position” of the signal in regards to the stereo field.
Turning the control all the way to the left puts the signal
all the way over to the left side of the stereo soundspace;
turning the control to the right sends the signal towards
the right. At dead center, the signal comes out equally
from the left and right channels.
These controls are also useful in ping-ponging (see “Ping-
ponging” on page 25).
AUX CONTROLS
The MT1X is equipped with an AUX SEND jack and two (left and right) AUX RETURN jacks When special
acoustic effects are desired on a certain channel, reverbs or delay effects can be connected between these jacks to
provide only the desired effect to the desired channel. Amplified monitor speakers can also be connected to the AUX
SEND jack. Each AUX control adjusts the sources connected to the AUX SEND jack in the following manner.
•CONNECTING MONITOR SPEAKERS
Performers or sound mixers can control the level balance of the four channels (instruments) with the AUX controls
, with the total output
level adjusted by the AUX MASTER SEND control
MASTER FADER
This controls the level of all the input faders, as well as the final level of the effected signal of the AUX RTN control
and the sound mixed through the stereo mix buss. The output level of the ST OUT jack
(the recording level
at mixdown) and the recording level during ping-ponging are also adjusted with this control.
Set the control input faders at “7” for best results.
6
AUX MASTER SEND CONTROL
This control adjusts the level of the effect-mixed signals
from each channel (adjusted by each AUX control
as well as the AUX signal for monitoring use. The final
output is through the AUX SEND jack
SYNC SWITCH
Normally left in the “OFF” position, this switch should
be turned “ON” if this unit is to be used for synchronized operation with MIDI products like synthesizers and
rhythm machines. Synchro operation is explained in the
section on Sync jack or in the Sync-Recording sec-
AUX RETURN CONTROL
tion on page 33.
This control adjusts the input level of effects or submixers connected to the AUX RTN jack
effect in relation to the sound can be set with this
control.
. The level of
Power Indicator
This indicator lights when the power switch
rear panel is turned on.
on the
7
RECORD SELECT SWITCHES
These switches are used to choose the signal to be
recorded. The upper left switch is for track 1, the upper
right switch is for track 2, the lower left switch is for
track 3, and the lower right switch is for track 4.
When the track is not to be recording, set the corresponding switch to the OFF position. Switch ON only
FF SWITCH (FAST FORWARD)
Use this switch to quickly advance the tape forward.
Pressing it when the MT1X is in the PLAY mode enables
you to hear the sound of the tape while it is moved forward. This feature is useful for cueing up the start of
a subsequent song or other recorded material on the
tape.
those switches corresponding to the tracks which are
to record. The panel indications for “L” and “R” corres-
pond to the stereo left and right signals, whereas “1”,
STOP SWITCH
Press this to stop tape run.
“2”,“3”and “4” correspond to the signal from the 1,
2, 3, and 4 input channels. Those signals are recorded
on their respective track when the switches are in
position.
PAUSE SWITCH
Press this switch to momentarily stop playback or
recording in progress. Press it again to restart.
NOTE: Tracks 1 and 3 cannot be recorded on the right
stereo signal, and tracks 2 and 4 cannot be
recorded on the left stereo signal.
dbx SWITCH
Ordinary cassette tapes don’t have sufficient dynamic
range (the level difference between the softest sounds
REC INDICATOR
Recording status is indicated in the following three ways:
and the loudest peaks) to adequately record highly
dynamic music. If the dbx switch is put “ON” during
recording, highly dynamic music signals can be ade-
No indication:
All tracks 1—4 are not recording.
Flashing:
All tracks 1—4 are in recording standby mode. By
pushing only the REC switch
the tape is put into
the recording standby mode.
Indication ON:
All tracks 1—4 are recording, or in the REC pause
mode. To resume recording during REC pause, press
the PAUSE switch
quately handled, while the hiss noise inherent to cassette
tapes is kept down below the range of human hearing.
If the dbx switch is kept “ON” during recording, it must
also be kept “ON” during playback.
PITCH CONTROL
During recording or playback, this control can be used
to vary the tape running speed from +10% to -10%.
The pitch of voices or musical instruments also varies
in proportion to tape speed.
Under normal conditions, the control should be in the
REC SWITCH
When this switch is pressed, the PLAY switch
also
moves, and the unit goes into the recording mode.
However, if the RECORD SELECT switches for all tracks
1—4 are switched OFF, nothing will be recorded.
NOTE: When the REC switch is pressed down, noise
center position. When overdubbing (playing back a
recorded passage while recording new material on a dif-
ferent track) the pitch of the previously recorded material
can be altered to match the new material if necessary.
This feature can also be used to obtain certain special
effects during recording.
occurs which is recorded on the tape. In order
to prevent this, we recommended the use of the
PAUSE switch
Press the PAUSE switch first,
TAPE COUNTER
This displays the amount of tape run.
then press the REC switch. To start recording,
press the PAUSE switch again to shift out of the
REC pause mode and into the recording mode.
RESET SWITCH
Press this switch to reset the tape counter to “000”.
Pressing this switch at the start of recording, or at the
PLAY SWITCH
Press this switch for playback. However, if the input
beginning of a song, makes it easy to cue up the selec-
tion from the start.
selector switch (1) of a track is not in the TAPE position,
the sound will not be heard on the stereo buss.
ZERO STOP SWITCH
If this switch is set “ON” during rewinding, the tape
REW SWlTCH (REWIND)
Use this switch to rewind the tape. Pressing it when
the MT1X is in the PLAY mode enables you to hear the
will stop when the tape counter reaches “999”. During
multitrack recording, this feature is convenient for
repeated playback or recording operations after rewind.
sound of the tape while it rewinds. This feature is useful for finding the beginning of a song or other recorded
material.
8
METER AND MONITOR SECTION
METER SELECT SWITCH
This switch is used to select the signal for level indication by the Peak Level Meters
STEREO Position:
The level of the signal output through the ST OUT
jacks
is indicated. The meter on the far left shows
the level of the Left channel of the stereo signal, while
the second meter from the left shows the level of the
Right channel. Setting to this position during pingponging or mixdown operations enables easy reading
of the recording level.
4 TRK Position:
PEAK LEVEL METERS
There are 14 LED indicators in each meter which show
a range from - 20dB to + 5dB. During recording, setting
levels high (but below the point where the recording
becomes distorted) will ensure the greatest dynamic
range with the lowest possible noise. An ideal point is
when the LED indicators for 0dB and above flash occasionally.
During stereo signal level indication, the actual
specified output from the ST OUT jacks
(at a 50K ohm load) when the LED
flash at 0dB.
Set the switch in this position to display the level of
each track. Starting from the far left, each meter cor-
responds to tracks 1—4. During playback, the playback level is displayed; during recording, the recording level is displayed. Setting the switch to this position during overdubbing enables easy reading of the
recording level.
9
is
indicators start to
PHONES SELECT SWITCH
You can plug a set of headphones into the PHONES jack
on the front panel to monitor the sound. This switch
is used to select the signal to be monitored. Control the volume level with the PHONES volume control
STEREO Position:
Put the switch in this position to monitor the signal output through the ST OUT jacks
The Left and Right channels of the stereo signal will be heard through the headphones.
When setting to this position during ping-ponging or mixdown operations, the mixed signal of all the instruments
can be monitored.
MONITOR Position:
This position is for monitoring the signal of each track. You can freely monitor while mixing the sound of each track
during recording or playback. Using the MONITOR LEVEL Controls and the MONITOR PAN Controls
, set the
desired level and position for each track.
Track
MIX Position:
This position allows you to simultaneously monitor
both the sound heard in the STEREO position and the
sound heard in the MONITOR position. Setting to this
position during punch-in/punch-out operations will
enable the type of monitoring shown below. (Refer to
“Punch-in/Punch-out” on page 27).
10
MONITOR LEVEL CONTROLS
When setting the PHONES SELECT Switch
to the
MONITOR position, these level controls are used for each
track to achieve a level balance for easy monitoring. Use
these controls freely and independently to maintain a
desired level balance during overdubbing operations,
when the addition of a new signal changes the volume.
MONITOR PAN CONTROLS
When setting the PHONES SELECT Switch
MONITOR position, use these pan controls for each track
to achieve the desired stereo positioning for each track.
Use these controls freely and independently to maintain
the desired stereo position balance during overdubbing
operations, when the addition of a new signal changes
the stereo image.
PHONES CONTROL
This control adjusts the volume of the headphones (See
page 9).
CONNECTOR SECTION
FRONT PANEL
to the
INPUT JACKS
These four jacks are for the connection of microphones
or electric and electronic instruments. With a high input
impedance of 10K ohms, and a specified input level range
PHONES JACK
Plug a set of headphones into this jack for monitoring.
Please use headphones rated from 8-—0 ohms for best
results.
of -10dB to -50dB, a wide variety of instruments and
microphones can be used.
When directly connecting an electric guitar, the use of
an special electric guitar preamp to increase the input
PUNCH IN/OUT JACK
By connecting the optional FS-1 footswitch to this jack,
you can control punch-in/punch-out operations. by foot.
level will assure recordings of better sound quality.
REAR PANEL
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