Yamaha MT-400 Owner's Manual

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

Owner’s Manual Mode d’emploi Bedienungsanleitung Manual de instrucciones

INSERT I/O

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

IC/LINE INPUT

M

INSERT I/O

2

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

2

TAPE MIC/

LINE

3

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

3

TAPE MIC/

LINE

4

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to R

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4

TAPE MIC/

LINE

5

LEVEL

010

LEVEL

MIN MAX

STEREO INPUT

L6R

L

LEVEL

PITCH

ON

OFF

SYNC

MONITOR/PHONES

STEREO ST+CUE

CUE

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

L–8R

7

010

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

–

ZERO STOP

ON

OFF

5L–6R

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

8R7

+

AUX SEND

1

2

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

REC

4.8/ 9.5

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM

REC PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

RL

2

1

OFF

R

L

+6

POWER

+3

0

–5

–10

4

321

METER SELECTREC SELECT

3

OFF

L

4TR4

STEREO

OFF

R

M

FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.)

1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by Yamaha may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product.

2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product use only high quality shielded cables. Cable/s supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions. Failure to follow instructions could void your FCC authorization to use this product in the USA.

3. NOTE: This product has been tested and found to comply with the requirements listed in FCC Regulations, Part 15 for Class “B” digital devices. Compliance with these requirements provides a reasonable level of assurance that your use of this product in a residential environment will not result in harmful interference with other electronic devices. This equipment generates/uses radio frequencies and, if not installed and used according to the instructions found in the users manual, may cause interference harmful to the operation of other electronic devices. Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee that interference will not occur in all installations. If this product is found to be the source of interference, which can be determined by turning the unit “OFF” and “ON”, please try to eliminate the problem by using one of the following measures: Relocate either this product or the device that is being affected by the interference. Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker or fuse) circuits or install AC line filter/s. In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change the lead-in to coaxial type cable. If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory results, please contact the local retailer authorized to distribute this type of product. If you can not locate the appropriate retailer, please contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Electronic Service Division, 6600 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620

The above statements apply ONLY to those products distributed by Yamaha Corporation of America or its subsidiaries.

1

Important

Read the Following Before Operating MT400

Warnings

• Do not locate MT400 in a place subject to excessive heat or in direct sunlight. This could be a ﬁre hazard.

• Do not place MT400 in a place subject to excessive humidity or dust. This could be a ﬁre and electrical shock hazard.

• Do not place heavy objects on the power cord. A damaged power cord is a potential ﬁre and electrical shock hazard.

• Do not place small metal objects on top of MT400. Metal objects inside MT400 are a ﬁre and electrical shock hazard.

• Do not try to modify MT400. This could be a ﬁre and electrical shock hazard.

Cautions

• Turn off all audio devices and speakers when connecting to MT400. Refer to the owner’s manual for each device. Use the correct cables and connect as speciﬁed.

• MT400 is a precision device. Handle it with care.

• If you notice any abnormality—such as smoke, odor, or noise—turn off MT400 immediately. Remove the AC adapter from the AC outlet. Conﬁrm that the abnormality is no longer present. Consult your dealer for repair. Using MT400 in this condition is a ﬁre and shock hazard.

• If a foreign object or water gets inside MT400, turn it off immediately. Remove the AC adapter from the AC outlet. Consult your dealer for repair. Using MT400 in this condition is a ﬁre and electrical shock hazard.

• If you plan not to use MT400 for a long period of time (such as when you are on vacation), remove the AC adapter from the AC outlet. Leaving MT400 connected is a ﬁre hazard.

• Do not use benzene, thinner, cleaning detergent, or a chemical cloth to clean MT400.

• Use only a soft, dry cloth to clean MT400.

Interference

MT400 uses high-frequency digital circuits that may cause interference on radios and televisions placed close to it. If interference does occur, relocate the affected equipment.

Copyright

any form or by any means without the prior written authorization of Yamaha Corporation.

Trademarks

The dbx noise reduction system is manufactured based on a patent license from THAT Corporation.

dbx is a trademark of Carillon Electronics Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Keep This Manual For Future Reference

—Owner’s Manual

2

Welcome to the MT400

MT400 Features

The MT400 consists of three major sections: a Mixer section that enables you to mix sounds (with eight inputs and one stereo output): a Recorder section that records and plays sound (with four tracks and four channels): and utility sections including meters, power switch, etc.

Mixer

• Continuously variable GAIN controls on Input Channels 1 through 4 allow the MT400 to handle any type of input source with ease, including microphone and line-level signals such as synthesizers.

• Musical three-band EQ on each input channel, and INSERT I/O jacks on Input Channels 1 and 2 for external processor patching enable high-quality recording.

• Two auxiliary sends for external reverb and other effects processor patching.

• Two stereo input jacks for connecting a synthesizer and other line-level instruments that have stereo outputs. These jacks can be also used to return processed signals from external signal processors.

• In-line conﬁguration that allows you to control input signals and tape playback signals simultaneously. You can monitor track signals adjusted by the CUE controls, while making a recording on all four input channels. During mixdown, you can play back four-track signals via the input channels, while mixing input signals via the CUE controls.

Recorder

• dbx™ noise reduction system provides a signal-to-noise ratio in excess of 80 dB.

• Punch in/out functions using a footswitch or the switch on the panel.

• SYNC OUT outputs a sync track (Track 4) signal, providing synchronous operation between the MT400 and a MIDI sequencer. In SYNC mode, the dbx noise reduction can be turned off for Track 4, ensuring reliable synchronization.

• Tape speed is switchable between 9.5 cm/second and 4.8 cm/second. The MT400 standard tape speed is 9.5 cm/second for greater sonic performance. A speed of 4.8 cm/second is the same speed as a normal cassette recorder, doubling the recording time relative to the MT400 standard speed. Pitch control enables you to ﬁne-adjust the pitch in the range between –10% and +10%.

—Owner’s Manual

4

Buying Cassette Tapes for the MT400

It is important that you buy the correct type of cassette tape for use with your MT400. You should buy high-quality Type II (High Bias, 70 such as TDK SA or MAXELL CDXL II.

At normal speed, a 60-minute cassette provides about 15 minutes of recording time. That is because the tape runs at twice the speed of a normal cassette recorder and you can use only one side of the tape.

The following table shows the available recording times with three standard tape sizes:

µ

s EQ) chrome cassettes of 90 minutes or less,

Cassette Tape

C90 Approx. 22.5 minutes C60 Approx. 15 minutes C46 Approx. 11.5 minutes

MT400 Recording Time

(with the standard speed)

Note: We recommend that you use a brand new cassette tape for important recording. If you

record on a used tape repeatedly, the recorded sound may skip or sound quality may deteriorate.

MT400 Recording Format

A normal cassette recorder uses only two tracks (i.e., left and right stereo channels) for each side (A and B). The transport direction of the A side is opposite that of the B side. The MT400 uses only one side of the cassette, and records and plays up to four tracks simultaneously or one at a time. Therefore, tapes with all four tracks recorded on the MT400 cannot be played on normal cassette players. If you try to play back a tape recorded with normal cassette recorders on the MT400, you will hear Tracks 3 and 4 play backwards.

Normal cassette recorder tracks

MT400 tracks

The tape speed of normal cassette recorders is 4.8 cm/second. On the other hand, the MT400 uses 9.5 cm/second as its standard speed to achieve high-quality sound.

—Owner’s Manual

Side B (left channel) Side B (right channel) Side A (right channel) Side A (left channel)

Track 1 Track 2 Track 3 Track 4

transport direction

5

About dbx Noise Reduction

The MT400 uses the dbx noise reduction system to reduce tape hiss and keep your recordings clean and crisp. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use the dbx noise reduction for all your recordings. You should always use the dbx noise reduction system to correctly play back tapes that were recorded with the dbx system on.

Glossary

This section describes basic terminology used in this manual.

■

Input channel

A path (channel) for audio signal between a mixer input jack and the bus (see below). Signal input at an input jack is adjusted for the volume level and tonal quality here before being sent to the bus.

■

Track

The MT400 can record four individual sound sources simultaneously on the four sections of a cassette tape. This does not mean that the tape is cut into four pieces. The tape forms four magnetic bands along the length of the tape. Each magnetic recording band is called a “track”. The MT400 can use up to four tracks (Tracks 1–4).

■

Bus

A path where multiple audio signals are mixed into one signal. The MT400 offers the following buses that can be used depending on the purpose.

Stereo L/R bus — This bus is used to create a stereo signal. Stereo bus signal is output

from the STEREO OUT L/R jacks. You can record stereo L bus signal to both Track 1 and 3 of the recorder section, and stereo R bus signal to both Track 2 and 4. To monitor stereo bus signals, use the MONITOR OUT L/R jacks. You can also monitor them via headphones.

Cue bus — This bus is used to create a monaural signal for monitoring, which is

output from the MONITOR OUT L/R jacks. You can also monitor the signal via headphones.

AUX 1 and 2 buses — These buses are used to send out signals to connected effects

processors from the AUX SEND 1 and 2 jacks in monaural. You can monitor the signals via headphones.

■

Overdubbing

Overdubbing is a technique used to record new sounds to empty tracks while listening to the sounds already recorded on other tracks.

■

Ping-pong recording

Ping-pong recording is a technique used to free up tracks by mixing one or two existing tracks to an unused track.

■

Mixdown

Mixdown is a technique used to mix the sounds into a balanced stereo mix and record it to a stereo master recorder. It is also called “tracking down”.

—Owner’s Manual

6

.

Touring the MT400

This section takes you on a tour of the MT400, identifying the various parts to familiarize you with your new recorder.

Input Channels

A

GAIN control

This rotary control adjusts the sensitivity of the MIC/LINE INPUT jack

so that both microphone and line-level (such

d

as a synthesizer) signals can be handled with ease.

B

EQ control

These rotary controls are used to adjust a tonal quality of the high, middle, and low frequency bands independently. They boost (amplify) and cut (attenuate) the corresponding basic frequency in the range of

±

12 dB. A ﬂat setting (i.e., no boost

or cut) can be set quickly using the control’s center detentes.

15

10

5

0

–5

Response (dB)

–10

–15

50

Frequency (Hz)

10k 20k1k10020

5k2k500200

HIGH: Basic frequency 12 kHz (shelving type) MID: Basic frequency 1 kHz (peaking type) LOW: Basic frequency 80 Hz (shelving type)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

PAN

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

TAPE

MIC/

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

LR

1

C

AUX controls

These rotary controls are used to send the input channel (1–4) signal to the AUX SEND 1 and 2 outputs. They are commonly used to adjust the level of signal sent to external effects processors.

Note: The AUX controls handle post-fader signals (signals that have passed through the

faders

CUE control

D

This control is used to adjust the level of Track (1–4) input signal and playback signal that will be sent to the cue bus. The CUE bus signals are output from the PHONES jack or the MONITOR OUT jack for monitoring.The CUE signal source depends on the [INPUT-FLIP] switch

—Owner’s Manual

7

). If the faders are lowered all the way, the AUX control settings will not be effective.

5

INPUT-FLIP

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

GAIN

HIGH

LINE MIC

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

MIX CUE

010

INPUT-FLIP

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

GAIN

HIGH

LINE MIC

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

MIX CUE

010

To CUE bus To ST bus

To ST bus

and tape

To ST bus

and tape

MT400 tape

signal

Musical instrument

signal input from

MIC/LINE INPUT jack

Musical instrument

signal input from

MIC/LINE INPUT jack

MT400 tape

signal

When INPUT-FLIP switch is MIC/LINE ( )

When INPUT-FLIP switch is TAPE ( )

E

INPUT-FLIP switch

This switch is used to select the destination of the signal input from the MIC/LINE INPUT jacks and the tape signal. With the switch in the MIC/LINE position ( ), the MIC/LINE input signal is fed to the ST bus via the input channel and the tape signal is fed to the CUE bus.

With the switch in the TAPE position ( ), the MIC/LINE input 1, 3 (2, 4) signal is fed to the ST L (ST R) bus and the tape signal is fed to the ST bus via the input channel.

7

F

PAN control

This rotary control is used to adjust the stereo position (left or right) of input channel signal that will be sent to the Stereo bus. For recording via the Stereo bus (See page 22), turn this control all the way to the left to assign the signal to odd tracks (1, 3), and all the way to the right to assign the signal to even tracks (2, 4). For mixdown you can use it to pan the playback signal in the stereo mix.

Fader

G

For recording ([INPUT-FLIP] switch: MIC/LINE), use the fader to adjust the level of the input channel signal that is recorded to a track. For mixdown ([INPUT-FLIP] switch: TAPE), use it to adjust the playback level of each track. Unity gain is obtained when the fader is positioned about the 7–8 mark.

Unity gain : The condition where the output signal and input signal are at the same level,

with signal-to-noise ratio and distortion set to optimum.

—Owner’s Manual

8

Stereo Inputs

LEVEL controls

H

These rotary controls are used to adjust the level of the stereo input signals that are input at the STEREO INPUT jacks 5 and 6 or 7 and 8. These signals are usually sent to the Stereo bus for mixing with Input Channel 1–4 signals and tape signals.

Monitor/Master Section

MONITOR LEVEL control

I

This rotary control adjusts the level of the monitor

h

m

and

.

signal that is sent to the MONITOR OUT PHONES

J

Monitor select switch

h

jacks.

This switch is used to select the signal source for the MONITOR OUT

STEREO

... This position selects the Stereo bus and

and PHONES

m

allows you to monitor the STEREO OUT signal.

ST+CUE

.... This position selects the Stereo bus and

the CUE bus as the monitor source.

CUE

........... This position selects the CUE bus as the

monitor source.

LEVEL

5L–6R

LEVEL

7L–8R

8

010

MONITOR/PHONES

STEREO

ST+CUE

CUE

9

010

LEVEL

MIN MAX

J

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

K

STEREO fader

Use this fader to adjust the level of the stereo signal that is sent to the STEREO OUT jacks. Unity gain is obtained when the fader is positioned about the 7–8 mark.

Unity gain : See

7

Fader.

—Owner’s Manual

Recorder Section

4TR4

STEREO

METER SELECTREC SELECT

ZERO STOP

PITCH

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

OFF

R

3

OFF

L

2

OFF

R

1

OFF

L

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

SYNC

4.8/ 9.5

– +

ONLM

QP

R

S

T

9

PITCH control

L

This rotary control adjusts the tape speed in the range of

M

Tape speed switch

±

10%.

This switch is used to select 4.8 cm/second or 9.5 cm/second for the tape speed. Set the switch to 9.5 ( ) for normal recording, and 4.8 ( ) for playback of a tape recorded with a normal cassette tape recorder.

N

REC SELECT switches

These switches are used to select recording sources for tracks.

– ...Input channel (1–4) signals are routed directly to the corresponding tracks for

1 4

recording (direct recording).

OFF

.............The corresponding tracks are disabled for recording.

L/R

..............The corresponding tracks are ready for recording and receive L channel (Tracks 1

and 3) or R channel (Tracks 2 and 4) signals.

O

METER SELECT switch

This switch selects the signal level to be displayed on the level meters

............The level meters display the track input signal levels during recording and the

4TR

track output signal levels during playback.

STEREO

....The level meters display the Stereo bus signal levels (signal output from the

a

.

STEREO OUT jacks).

dbx switch

P

Use this switch to turn on and off the dbx noise reduction system.

ON...............The dbx noise reduction system is turned on for all tracks.

OFF.............The dbx noise reduction system is turned off for all tracks.

SYNC .........The dbx noise reduction system is turned off only for Track 4.

Note: The SYNC setting is used for a special application in which Track 4 is used for synchronization. See page 41 for more information.

—Owner’s Manual

10

Q ZERO STOP switch

Use this switch to turn on and off the Zero Stop function. With this switch set to on (ON), the tape rewind automatically stops when the tape counter returns to just before “000”.

R Tape counter

This 3-digit tape counter indicates the tape position.

S Counter reset button

This button resets the tape counter value to “000”.

T Cassette compartment

Insert a cassette tape here.

Transport Section

REC PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

UVWXYZ

REC

U button (●)

Pressing this button turns the PLAY button V on and starts recording on the currently available tracks. When you press this button during playback, recording starts from the point you press the button. This button is disabled if a tape is not set or write-protect tubs on the tape are broken.

V PLAY button (®®

Use this button to start playback of the tracks.

®®

)

W REW button ( )

Use this button to rewind the tape.

X FF button ( )

Use this button to fast forward the tape.

Y STOP button (■)

Use this button to stop the tape transport.

Z PAUSE button ( )

Use this button to pause recording or playback. Pressing this button to stop recording or playback and pressing it again will resume recording or playback.

—Owner’s Manual

Meter Section

4

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

POWER

321

RL

REC

a

b

c

A

U

X

S

E

N

D

STEREO INPUT

M

IC

/L

IN

E

IN

P

U

T

IN

S

E

R

T

I/O

IN

S

E

R

T

I/O

1

2

1

2

3

4

5

L 6R 8R7L

ge

d

f

a Level meters

These meters show the signal levels from –10 dB to +6 dB. When the METER SELECT switch

O is set to “ ”, they show the track signal levels during recording and playback. When the

METER SELECT switch is set to “STEREO”, they show the STEREO OUT signal levels.

b REC SELECT indicator

These indicators show which tracks are selected for recording. They ﬂash when you select recording sources by the REC SELECT switches

REC

the button to start recording.

4TR

N, and light up continuously when you press

11

c POWER indicator

This indicator lights up when you turn on the power to the unit.

Input/Output Section

d MIC/LINE INPUTs 1–4

Use these 1/4" TRS phone jacks to connect microphones and electronic musical instruments such as a synthesizer to the MT400.

e INSERT I/O

Use these TRS phone jacks to output, then input channels 1 and 2 signals. Typically, signal processors, such as compressors, limiters, and noise gates are connected to these jacks. Signals output from the mixer section are processed on the effects processor and returned to the mixer via these jacks. (See page 28)

f STEREO INPUTs

Use these 1/4" phone jacks to connect line-level sound sources that have stereo outputs, such as a synthesizer and a CD player. They can also be used to return the processed stereo signals from external effects processors, such as a reverb unit. (See page 29)

g AUX SEND

Use these 1/4" phone jacks to output the channel signals adjusted by the AUX controls 3. You can use these as effect sends by connecting to the effects processors’ inputs. (See page 29)

—Owner’s Manual

12

Front Panel

h PHONES

A pair of stereo headphones can be connected here for monitoring. The headphone signal is the same as the MONITOR OUT signal.

hi

i PUNCH I/O

An optional footswitch, such as the Yamaha FC5, can be connected here for foot-controlled punch in/out.

Rear Panel

DC 12VPOWER

ON/ OFF

j POWER ON/OFF switch

Use this switch to turn on and off the MT400.

k DC 12V

Connect the AC adapter here.

PHONES PUNCH I/O

SYNC OUT MONITOR OUT STEREO OUT

lkj

RLRL

nm

l SYNC OUT

Use this phono jack to individually output FSK and SMPTE synchronization signals recorded on the sync track (Track 4).

m MONITOR OUTs

Use these phono jacks to send the monitor signals. Connect your hi-ﬁ system or powered speakers.

n STEREO OUTs

Use these phono jacks to output Stereo bus signal adjusted by the STEREO fader. Connect them to your master recorder’s stereo inputs for mixdown.

—Owner’s Manual

The First Session

4

4TR4

STEREO

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

POWER

A

U

X

S

E

N

D

STEREO INPUT

METER SELECTREC SELECT

MONITOR/PHONES

ZERO STOP

PITCH

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

321

RL

REC

REC PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

OFF

R

3

OFF

L

2

OFF

R

1

OFF

L

ON

OFFONOFF

SYNC

STEREO ST+CUE

CUE

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

M

IC

/L

IN

E

IN

P

U

T

IN

S

E

R

T

I/O

IN

S

E

R

T

I/O

1

2

1

2

3

4

5

L 6R 8R7L

4.8/ 9.5

– +

LEVEL

STEREO

7

L–8R

010

LEVEL

5L–6R

010

LEVEL

MIN MAX

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

GAIN

HIGH

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

LINE MIC

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

MIX CUE

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

PAN

INPUT-FLIP

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

MIC/LINE to L

LR

1

GAIN

HIGH

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

LINE MIC

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

PAN

INPUT-FLIP

TAPE

TAPE MIC/

LINE

MIC/LINE to R

LR

2

GAIN

HIGH

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

LINE MIC

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

PAN

INPUT-FLIP

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

MIC/LINE to L

LR

3

GAIN

HIGH

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

LINE MIC

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

PAN

INPUT-FLIP

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

MIC/LINE to R

LR

4

PHONES PUNCH I/O

SYNC OUT MONITOR OUT STEREO OUT

RLRL

DC 12VPOWER

ON/ OFF

YAMAHA YAMAHA

YAMAHA

AC adapter

Master recorder

Powered speakers /

Hi-fi stereo system

Headphones

Rhythm machine

Microphone

Guitar

Keyboard

Guitar effects processor

This chapter explains how to record four tracks individually and mix your ﬁrst MT400 session onto a master recorder.

Preparation

Quick-Start System

13

—Owner’s Manual

14

Turning On the MT400

1. Make sure that the plug of the supplied AC adapter is securely connected to the DC12V jack on the rear of the MT400.

2. Plug the other end of the AC adapter into a suitable AC outlet.

3. Press the POWER switch on the rear panel of the MT400. The POWER indicator in the meter section lights up.

Loading a Cassette Tape

Before loading a cassette tape, make sure the tape is not slack inside the cassette. Also, make sure the write-

Recording the First Track

The MT400 allows signals input at MIC/LINE INPUT 1–4 to be directly recorded on Tracks 1–4 respectively (this is called “direct recording”). Connecting a sound source to MIC/LINE INPUT 1 will automatically select Track 1 for recording, and connecting another sound source to MIC/LINE INPUT 3 will automatically select Track 3 for recording. This is convenient for recording one sound source at a time.

This section explains how to record the ﬁrst sound source in Track 1.

protect tabs are not broken. If they are broken, you cannot record on the tape.

1. Open the cassette compartment cover.

2. Load the cassette into the compartment with the A side facing up.

3. Close the cassette compartment cover.

If it is a new tape, fast forward and rewind it once to prevent binding, which may occur due to the tape being tightly wound during manufacturing.

4. Press the [PLAY] button to start playback, and stop after about 20 seconds.

It is best not to use the ﬁrst and last 20 seconds of a tape, as the splice between the leader and tape can cause distortion.

Preparation Before Recording

T

U

P

IN

E

IN

/L

IC

1

7

C

A 2

8

M

INSERT I/O

2

INSERT I/O

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIX CUE

PAN

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE

to L

to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

2

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4

3

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

4

5

LEVEL

MIN MAX

STEREO INPUT

L 6R 8R7L

7

5L–6R

LEVEL

010

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

PITCH

– +

SYNC

MONITOR/PHONES

STEREO ST+CUE

CUE

STEREO

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

L–8R

ZERO STOP

ON OFFONOFF

4.8/ 9.5

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM

A

U

X

S

E

N

D

1

2

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

REC

RL

L

REC

PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

+6

POWER

+3

0

–5

–10

4321

METER SELECTREC SELECT

431 4TR2

STEREO

OFFROFFLOFFROFF

9

3 4

—Owner’s Manual

B 0

6

5

15

Selecting a recording track

Connect a sound source to MIC/LINE INPUT

1

1.

It is best to record a rhythm instrument, such as a rhythm machine, drums, or a rhythm guitar, ﬁrst.

2 Set the [INPUT-FLIP] switch on Input Channel

1 to “MIC/LINE ( )”.

This switch setting sends the MIC/LINE INPUT signal to the corresponding input channel.

3 Set Track 1 [REC SELECT] switch to “ ”.

The [REC SELECT] switches enable you to select a recording source for each track. With Track 1 [REC SELECT] switch set to “ ”, Track 1 is ready for recording, and the signal on Input Channel 1 is sent to Track 1. Also, the Track 1 REC SELECT indicator ﬂashes.

1

Checking the recording level

It is essential to set an appropriate recording level to achieve the best sound quality. Be sure to adjust the recording level before each recording session.

4 Set the [METER SELECT] switch to “ ”.

The [METER SELECT] switch is used to select a signal monitored on the level meters. With the “ ” setting, you can monitor the input level of the recording source on the recording/recording-pause tracks, and the tape signal level on the playback tracks.

4TR

Monitoring a track recording signal

Set the monitor select switch to “CUE”.

0

The monitor select switch enables you to select a monitoring source. The “CUE” setting sends the CUE bus signal (monaural) to the connected audio system or headphones for monitoring via the PHONES and MONITOR OUT jacks.

A Set the CUE control on Input Channel 1

midway around noon.

The CUE controls on Input Channels 1–4 adjust the level of the signals (recording source signals on the recording/recording-pause tracks, and tape signals on the playback tracks) that are sent from Tracks 1–4 to the CUE bus.

B While monitoring the signal through the

headphones or the audio system, use the MONITOR LEVEL control to adjust the monitoring sound to the desired level.

C If necessary, use the EQ controls to adjust

tonal quality.

Adjusting the EQ controls will change the recording level as well. After you adjust the EQ controls, adjust the GAIN control for the recording level again, if necessary.

5 Press the [PAUSE] button. 6 Press the button.

The Track 1 REC SELECT indicator stops ﬂashing and lights up continuously, and the MT400 enters recording pause mode. Since you pressed the [PAUSE] button, recording does not start.

REC

7 Turn the GAIN control on Input Channel 1 all

the way to LINE.

8 Raise the fader on Input Channel 1 up to

between marks 7 and 8.

9 Play the sound source, and turn the GAIN

control while checking the level meter to adjust the recording level. Set the [dbx] switch and the [ZERO STOP] switch to “ON”.

Adjust the GAIN control so that the +3 segment of the level meter lights up momentarily on the loudest sounds if dbx has been turned off, and the +6 segment of the level meter lights up momentarily if dbx has been turned on.

If the recording level is very high even when the GAIN control is turned all the way to LINE, lower the output level on the sound source.

—Owner’s Manual

16

The First Take

IC

M

INSERT I/O

2

INSERT I/O

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIX CUE

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

PAN

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

IN

/L

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

IN

E

2

T

U

P

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

5

LEVEL

010

LEVEL

MIN MAX

STEREO INPUT

L 6R 8R7L

L–8R

5L–6R

7

LEVEL

010

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

PITCH

– +

ZERO STOP

ON

OFFONOFF

SYNC

MONITOR/PHONES

STEREO ST+CUE

CUE

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4

3

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4.8/ 9.5

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM

A

U

X

S

E

N

D

1

2

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

REC

RL

L

REC

PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

+6

POWER

+3

0

–5

–10

4321

METER SELECTREC SELECT

431 4TR2

STEREO

OFFROFFLOFFROFF

6

1

Starting recording

Press the counter reset button to set the tape

1

counter to “000”.

2 Press the [PAUSE] button to cancel pause

mode.

This starts recording. Play the sound source for recording.

3 Press the [STOP] button to stop recording.

The Track 1 REC SELECT indicator ﬂashes.

2

354

Listening to the ﬁrst track

Press the [REW] button to rewind the tape.

4

If the [ZERO STOP] switch is set to ON, the tape rewinds until the tape counter shows “000” and stops automatically.

5 Press the [PLAY] button to start playback.

If the [INPUT-FLIP] switch on Input Channel 1 is set to “MIC/LINE ( )”, you can monitor the Track 1 playback sound (sent via the CUE bus) through the PHONES or MONITOR OUT jack.

To record again, rewind the tape to the beginning and press the button. If you wish to re-record part

REC

of the recording, perform punch in/out recording. See page 34 for more information.

6 If you are satisﬁed with your ﬁrst take on

Track 1, set the [REC SELECT] switch on Track 1 to “OFF”.

The Track 1 REC SELECT indicator turns off.

—Owner’s Manual

17

Note: Be sure to turn the [REC SELECT] switch on Track 1 to “OFF”. Otherwise, recording on Track 1 will be erased when you record the next track.

MIC/LINE INPUT 1

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

CUE bus (monaural)

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

PHONES

MONITOR OUT

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Track 1

Track 2

Track 3

Track 4

Signal ﬂow during track recording

—Owner’s Manual

18

Overdubbing

You may record a different sound source to another track while listening to the sound recorded on Track 1. The basic procedure for overdubbing is the same as the ﬁrst take.

1

5

6 2

IC

M

INSERT I/O

2

INSERT I/O

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIX CUE

PAN

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE

to L

to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

/L

TAPE

LINE

IN

E

IN

2

MIC/

T

U

P

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

4

LEVEL

MIN MAX

STEREO INPUT

L 6R 8R7L

5

5L–6R

7

LEVEL

010

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

PITCH

– +

SYNC

MONITOR/PHONES

STEREO

ST+CUE

CUE

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

L–8R

ZERO STOP

ON

OFFONOFF

4

3

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4.8/ 9.5

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM

A

U

X

S

E

N

D

1

2

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

REC

RL

L

REC

PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

+6

POWER

+3

0

–5

–10

4321

METER SELECTREC SELECT

431 4TR2

STEREO

OFFROFFLOFFROFF

3,9

Selecting a recording track

Connect a sound source to MIC/LINE INPUT

1

2.

2 Set the [INPUT-FLIP] switch on Input Channel

2 to “MIC/LINE ( )”.

Leave the [INPUT-FLIP] switch on Input Channel 1 to “MIC/LINE ( )”.

3 Set Track 2 [REC SELECT] switch to “ ”.

2

The Track 2 REC SELECT indicator ﬂashes and Track 1 is ready for recording.

Note: Make sure that the [REC SELECT] switch on Track 1 is set to “OFF”.

4 Press the [PAUSE] button, then the

REC

button.

5 While checking the level meter, use the GAIN

control and fader on Input Channel 2 to set the optimum recording level.

784

Monitoring the recording source and tape playback sound simultaneously

While playing the recording source, turn up

6

the CUE control on Input Channel 2.

CUE control 2 adjusts the monitoring level of the signal recorded on Track 2. Adjust to a desired level while listening to the sound through headphones or monitor speakers. When you start recording, Track 1 playback sound and Track 2 recording source will be mixed into a monaural signal and sent to the CUE bus for monitoring.

—Owner’s Manual

19

Start recording

Press the [PAUSE] button to start recording.

7

Press the [STOP] button to stop recording.

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to L

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

MIC/LINE INPUT 1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Listening to the recording

Press the [REW] button to rewind the tape to

8

the beginning and press the [PLAY] button to start playback.

9 If you are satisﬁed with your recording, set

the [REC SELECT] switch on Track 2 to “OFF”.

Repeat this procedure until you have recorded all tracks.

2

PHONES

CUE bus (monaural)

Track 1

Track 2

Track 3

Track 4

MONITOR OUT

Signal ﬂow during overdubbing

—Owner’s Manual

20

Mixdown

After you have recorded all tracks, you are ready to mix them into a stereo mix, which you will record to a stereo master recorder.

0

7

2

ON/ OFF

/L

IC

M

INSERT I/O

2

INSERT I/O

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIX CUE

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

PAN

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

E

IN

2

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

DC 12VPOWER

U

P

IN

GAIN

HIGH

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

PAN

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

T

LINE MIC

–12 +12

3

010

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

INPUT-FLIP

LR

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to R

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

4

LEVEL

MIN MAX

STEREO INPUT

L 6R 8R7L

5

7

5L–6R

LEVEL

010

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

PITCH

– +

ON

OFF

SYNC

MONITOR/PHONES

STEREO ST+CUE

CUE

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

L–8R

ZERO STOP

ON OFF

4.8/ 9.5

SYNC OUT MONITOR OUT STEREO OUT

RLRL

A

U

X

S

E

N

D

1

2

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

REC

RL

L

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM

REC

PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

11

+6

POWER

+3

0

–5

–10

4321

METER SELECTREC SELECT

431 4TR2

STEREO

OFFROFFLOFFROFF

4

3

Connecting a master recorder

Connect the STEREO OUT jacks on the rear

1

panel of the MT400 to the input jacks of a master recorder, and connect the output jacks of the master recorder to the STEREO INPUT 5L/6R jacks on the top panel of the MT400.

Sending the tape playback sound to the input channels

Set the [INPUT-FLIP] switches on Input

2

Channels 1–4 to “TAPE ( )”.

When the [INPUT-FLIP] switches are set to “TAPE ( )”, the playback sound of the corresponding tracks

—Owner’s Manual

65

are sent to the input channels, where you can adjust tonal quality with the EQ controls and stereo position with the PAN control. The playback sound sent to Input Channels 1–4 are routed to the STEREO bus for stereo mix and output from the SETEREO OUT jacks.

3 Set the monitor select switch to “STEREO”.

The stereo bus is selected as a monitoring source, and you can listen to the STEREO OUT signals via headphones or an audio system connected to the PHONES or MONITOR OUT jacks.

4 Set the [METER SELECT] switch to “STEREO”.

The level meters L and R on the left indicate the level of the Stereo bus signal output from the STEREO OUT jacks.

21

5 Raise the STEREO fader to the 7–8 mark. 6 Press the [REW] button to rewind the tape,

and press the [PLAY] button to start playback.

7 While listening to the headphones or the

monitor speakers, adjust the faders, PAN controls, and EQ controls on Input Channel 1–4.

First use the faders to adjust level balance between tracks, so that the +3 segments of the level meters light up momentarily at the loudest peaks. Use the STEREO fader, if necessary, for ﬁne adjustments. Then use the PAN controls to set the stereo position. Finally, use the EQ controls to adjust the tonal quality to reﬁne your music, and re-adjust the volume level, if necessary.

GAIN

1

GAIN

2

GAIN

Recording to a master recorder

Record the ﬁnal mix to a stereo master recorder.

8 Start recording on the master recorder and

start playback from the top of the song on the MT400.

9 When you ﬁnish mixdown, stop the MT400

and the master recorder.

0 Play the master recorder from the beginning

and turn the LEVEL control 5–6 for STEREO INPUTs to listen to the mix.

To listen to the mix recorded on the master recorder, you need to connect the output jacks of the master recorder to STEREO INPUTs 5 and 6 of the MT400 to monitor via the Stereo bus. To adjust the monitoring level, use the LEVEL control 5–6 for STEREO INPUTs and the STEREO fader.

Track 1 Track 2 Track 3

3

GAIN

4

Track 4

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to L

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

010

MIC/LINE to R

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

TAPE

LINE

PHONES

MONITOR OUT

STEREO OUT

MIC/

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Stereo bus L, R

Signal ﬂow during mixdown

—Owner’s Manual

22

Advanced Recording Techniques

This chapter introduces you to various advanced recording techniques using the MT400.

Simultaneous Multi-Channel Recording

In addition to recording four tracks individually as explained earlier, you may sometimes wish to record multiple sound sources to a track or two. (For example, you may wish to record drum, bass, and rhythm guitar sounds to two tracks in stereo.) To do this, you can mix input channel signals into a stereo mix via the Stereo bus, and record the mix to two tracks. The following procedure explains how to mix four sound sources connected to MIC/LINE INPUTS 1–4 into stereo and record the mix to Tracks 1 and 2.

1

7

9

2

IC

M

ER

INS

2

INSERT I/O

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIX CUE

PAN

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE

to L

to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

/L

T I/O

TAPE

E

IN

2

MIC/

LINE

T

U

P

IN

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

3

010

TAPE

MIC/

LINE

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to R

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

4

LEVEL

MIN MAX

STEREO INPUT

L 6R 8R7L

5

7L–8R

5L–6R

LEVEL

010

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

PITCH

– +

SYNC

MONITOR/PHONES

STEREO

ST+CUE

CUE

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

ZERO STOP

ON

OFFONOFF

4.8/ 9.5

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM

A

U

X

S

E

N

D

1

2

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

REC

RL

L

REC

PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

+6

POWER

+3

0

–5

–10

4321

METER SELECTREC SELECT

431 4TR2

STEREO

OFFROFFLOFFROFF

3,B

4

8

6

1 Connect sound sources to MIC/LINE INPUTS

1–4.

You can also mix the sound of a line-level instrument, such as a synthesizer, connected to STEREO INPUTS 5L/6R or 7L/8R.

2 Set the [INPUT–FLIP] switches on Input

Channels 1–4 to “MIC/LINE ( )”.

3 Set the [REC SELECT] switches on Tracks 1–2

to “L” and “R” respectively.

—Owner’s Manual

05 A

Tracks 1 and 2 REC SELECT indicators ﬂash. With the [INPUT-FLIP] switches set to “MIC/LINE

( )”, Input Channels 1–4 signals are sent to the Stereo bus. Setting the [REC SELECT] switches to “L” and “R” selects the L channel and the R channel of the Stereo bus signal respectively as recording sources. In this example, the L channel signal is selected for Track 1, and the R channel signal is selected for Track 2.

4 Set the [METER SELECT] switch to “ ”.

4TR

5 Press the [PAUSE] button, then the

REC

button.

Tracks 1 and 2 REC SELECT indicators light up continuously and the MT400 enters recording pause mode.

6 Set the fader on each input channel and the

STEREO fader to the 7–8 mark.

7 While checking the level meters, adjust the

recording level using the GAIN controls and faders on Input Channels 1–4, and the STEREO fader. Also adjust the stereo position of the sound sources using the PAN controls on Input Channels 1–4.

It is best to ﬁrst play each source while adjusting the GAIN controls, then use the input channel faders and the STEREO fader to obtain a good balance between the sounds.

8 Set the monitor select switch to “CUE” and

use the CUE controls to adjust the monitoring level on Tracks 1 and 2.

You can monitor the recording sources for Tracks 1 and 2 (in this example, Input Channel 1–4 signals) via the CUE bus.

23

Note: The CUE bus monitoring signal is monaural. If you wish to monitor a stereo signal, set the monitor select switch to “STEREO” to select the Stereo bus instead of the CUE bus. (This is convenient if you wish to check the stereo position of each channel.)

9 Adjust the level and pan of each channel

signal while monitoring the sound through the headphones or the audio system. Adjust tonal quality, if necessary, with the EQ controls.

0 Press the [PAUSE] button to cancel pause

mode and start recording.

A Press the [STOP] button to stop recording.

Tracks 1 and 2 REC SELECT indicators ﬂash.

B Rewind the tape to the beginning and listen

to the recording.

If you are satisﬁed with the recording, set the [REC SELECT] switches on Tracks 1 and 2 to “OFF”.

MIC/LINE INPUT 1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to L

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

MIC/LINE INPUT 2 MIC/LINE INPUT 3 MIC/LINE INPUT 4

1

2

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

3

TAPE

MIC/

LINE

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to R

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4

TAPE MIC/

LINE

Stereo bus

PHONES

MONITOR OUT

STEREO OUT

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

L

Track 1

Track 2

R

Track 3

Track 4

Signal ﬂow during multi-channel mixing

—Owner’s Manual

24

Ping-Pong Recording

The ping-pong recording technique allows you to mix and record several tracks onto another empty track. This is often used to free up tracks for more recording, since those original tracks are then used for further recording. This technique is useful when you wish to record many different instruments or sound sources individually. The following illustration shows that the ping-pong technique and overdubbing allows you to record seven sound sources.

Track 1

Track 2

Track 3

Track 4

The first recording,

( + Overdubbing)

A B C

A+B+C

Ping-pong

recording

D

E

C

A+B+C

Overdubbing Overdubbing

D E

D+E

A+B+C

Ping-pong

recording

This section explains how to mix and record existing Tracks 1–3 data onto Track 4 as an example.

1 6

/L

IC

M

INSERT I/O

2

INSERT I/O

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIX CUE

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

PAN

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

E

IN

2

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

U

P

IN

GAIN

HIGH

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

PAN

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

T

LINE MIC

–12 +12

3

010

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

INPUT-FLIP

LR

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to R

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

5

LEVEL

010

LEVEL

MIN MAX

STEREO INPUT

L 6R 8R7L

7

L–8R

5L–6R

LEVEL

010

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

PITCH

– +

ON

OFF

SYNC

MONITOR/PHONES

STEREO ST+CUE

CUE

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

ZERO STOP

4.8/ 9.5

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM

A

U

X

S

E

N

D

1

2

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

REC

RL

L

REC

PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

+6

POWER

+3

0

–5

–10

4321

METER SELECTREC SELECT

431 4TR2

STEREO

OFFROFFLOFFROFF

8

F

G

D+E

A+B+C

2 4

B A

3

1 Set the [INPUT–FLIP] switches on Input

Channels 1–3 to “TAPE ( )”, and the [INPUT-FLIP] switch on Input Channel 4 to “MIC/LINE ( )”.

Playback sound on Tracks 1–3 is sent via Input Channels 1–3 to the Stereo bus.

—Owner’s Manual

5

09 7

2 Set the [REC SELECT] switch on Track 4 to

“R”.

The Track 4 REC SELECT indicator ﬂashes, and the R channel of the Stereo bus signal is selected as a recording source for Track 4. Set the [REC SELECT] switches on Tracks 1–3 to “OFF”.

25

3 Set the monitor select switch to “STEREO”.

The Stereo bus signal is selected as a monitoring source, which enables you to listen to the playback on Tracks 1–3 through the headphones or the audio system.

4 Set the [METER SELECT] switch to “STEREO”. 5 Set the STEREO fader to the 7–8 mark. 6 Turn the PAN controls on Input Channels 1–3

all the way to the right (R).

7 Press the [REW] button to rewind the tape,

and press the [PLAY] button to start playback.

8 While listening to the headphones or the

monitor speakers, adjust the faders on Input Channels 1–3 to set the track balance. Use the EQ controls, if necessary, to adjust tonal quality.

Note: Use caution when you set the ping-pong recording level. If the output level is too high, Track 4 may sometimes generate an oscillating noise.

9 After you set the optimum recording level,

press the button to start ping-pong recording.

REC

0 Press the [STOP] button to stop ping-pong

recording, and rewind the tape to the beginning.

A Set the monitor select switch to “CUE” and

set the CUE control on Input Channel 4 midway (around “noon”).

At this time, turn the CUE controls on Input Channels 1–3 all the way to 0.

B Play the tape from the beginning and listen

to the playback on Track 4 while adjusting the monitoring level with the MONITOR LEVEL control.

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Track 1 Track 2 Track 3

1

TAPE MIC/

LINE

2

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

3

TAPE MIC/

LINE

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to R

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

TAPE MIC/

LINE

4

Track 4

PHONES

MONITOR OUT

CUE bus

R

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Signal ﬂow during ping-pong recording

Stereo bus R

—Owner’s Manual

26

Multi-Source Mixing

The mixer section of the MT400 enables you to control input signals and tape playback signals simultaneously. For example, you can mix external sound sources with tape tracks. This technique is useful when you wish to add pad or decorative notes to the introductory part of a completed song. This section explains how to mix the sound sources connected to MIC/LINE INPUTs 1 and 2 in addition to the tape tracks.

1

5 2

7

/L

IC

M

INSERT I/O

2

T I/O

INSER

1

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIX CUE

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

PAN

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE to R

MIC/

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

E

IN

2

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

U

P

IN

GAIN

HIGH

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

PAN

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

T

LINE MIC

–12 +12

3

010

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

INPUT-FLIP

LR

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE to R

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

4

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

4

LEVEL

MIN MAX

STEREO INPUT

L 6R 8R7L

5

5L–6R

7

LEVEL

010

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

PITCH

– +

ON

OFF

SYNC

MONITOR/PHONES

STEREO ST+CUE

CUE

STEREO

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

L–8R

ZERO STOP

ON

OFF

4.8/ 9.5

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM

A

U

X

S

E

N

D

1

2

+6

+3

0

–5

–10

REC

RL

L

PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

REC

+6

POWER

+3

0

–5

–10

4321

METER SELECTREC SELECT

431 4TR2

STEREO

OFFROFFLOFFROFF

4

3

1 Connect the sound sources to MIC/LINE

INPUTs 1 and 2.

2 Set the [INPUT-FLIP] switches on Input

Channel 1–4 to “TAPE ( )”.

With the [INPUT-FLIP] switches set to “TAPE ( )”, the MIC/LINE INPUT signals are sent to the Stereo bus as follows.

MIC/LINE INPUTs 1 and 3

Sent to the L channel of the Stereo bus.

MIC/LINE INPUTs 2 and 4

Sent to the R channel of the Stereo bus.

6

Note: You can also mix the STEREO INPUT signals for mixdown. In this case, signals at STEREO INPUT 5L/7L are sent to the L channel, and signals at STEREO INPUT 6R/8R are sent to the R channel.

3 Set the monitor select switch to “STEREO”. 4 Set the [METER SELECT] switch to “STEREO”. 5 Play the sound sources connected to MIC/

LINE INPUTS 1 and 2, and adjust the input levels with the CUE controls on Input Channels 1 and 2.

When the [INPUT-FLIP] switch is set to “TAPE ( )”, use the corresponding CUE controls to adjust the level of the signals input at MIC/LINE INPUTs.

—Owner’s Manual

27

6 Press the [REW] button to rewind the tape,

and press the [PLAY] button to start playback.

7 While listening to the headphones or the

monitor speakers, adjust the faders, PAN controls, and EQ controls on Input Channel 1–4. Also, use the CUE controls on Input Channels 1 and 2 to adjust the level of signals from MIC/LINE INPUTs 1 and 2.

–12 +12

010

MIC/LINE INPUT 2

GAIN

LINE MIC

MIX CUE

2

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIC/LINE INPUT 1

GAIN

LINE MIC

MIX CUE

1

HIGH

MID

LOW

AUX 1

AUX 2

8 Start recording on the master recorder and

start playing from the top of the song on the MT400.

After recording, play the master recorder to listen to the mixdown.

You can add external signals during ping-pong recording using the same procedure. For example, if you mix and record Tracks 1–3 sounds onto Track 4 via the R channel of the Stereo bus, you can connect external sound sources to MIC/LINE INPUTs 2 and 4 or STEREO INPUTs 6R and 8R.

Track 1

Track 2

Track 3

Track 4

3

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

AUX 2

010

4

STEREO OUT

LR

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

010

MIC/ LINE

010

MIC/LINE to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

TAPE

MIC/ LINE

TAPE

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

INPUT-FLIP

010

MIC/ LINE

Signal ﬂow during multi-source mixing

010

MIC/LINE to R

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

TAPE

MIC/

LINE

Stereo bus

—Owner’s Manual

28

Using Effects

This section explains how to connect external effects processors and apply effects to MT400 signals during recording or mixdown. You may use either the INSERT I/O jacks or the AUX SEND jacks to apply effects to input channel signals and tape tracks.

Using INSERT I/O

Input Channels 1 and 2 of the MT400 feature INSERT I/O jacks to connect external effects processors. These make it easy to apply effects to certain channels and tracks during track recording and mixdown. Typically, you can use compressors, limiters, noise gates, equalizers, and other effect units that process dynamics and the tonal color of sound.

The INSERT I/O connections, which use TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) phone jacks are two-way connections, with the tip carrying the input channel signals from the MT400 to the external processor and the ring carrying the processed signal from the external processor back to the input channels of the MT400.

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX 1

010

SleeveRingTip

INSERT I/O

To processor’s input

Sleeve Tip

To processor’s output

To fader

Signal path through the TRS phone jack

You will need a special insert cable as shown above to connect external effects processors to the INSERT I/O jacks. Optional insert cables YIC025/050/070 are available from Yamaha. Refer to the following diagram of the effects processor connection.

—Owner’s Manual

Yamaha MT-400 Owner's Manual

Important

Read the Following Before Operating MT400

Contents

Welcome to the MT400

MT400 Features

Buying Cassette Tapes for the MT400

MT400 Recording Format

About dbx Noise Reduction

Glossary

Touring the MT400

The First Session

Preparation

Recording the First Track

Overdubbing

Mixdown

Advanced Recording Techniques

Simultaneous Multi-Channel Recording

Ping-Pong Recording

Multi-Source Mixing

Using Effects