Yamaha MT 400 User Manual

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

Owner’s Manual

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

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

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

R

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

010

TAPE SPEED CONTROL

–

ZERO STOP

ON

OFF

5L–6

MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER

+

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

OFF

R

L

+6

POWER

+3

0

–5

–10

4

321

METER SELECTREC SELECT

3

OFF

L

4TR4

STEREO

OFF

R

E

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

© 1998 Yamaha Corporation. All rights reserved.
No part of the MT400 software or this Owner’s Manual may be reproduced or distributed in

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

Contents

Welcome to the MT400.......................... 3

MT400 Features.............................................. 3

Mixer.................................................................3

Recorder ...........................................................3

Buying Cassette Tapes for the MT400 ..........4

MT400 Recording Format.............................4

About dbx Noise Reduction .......................... 5

Glossary...........................................................5

Touring the MT400........................................ 6

Input Channels.................................................6

Stereo Inputs ....................................................8

Monitor/Master Section ..................................8

Recorder Section ..............................................9

Transport Section...........................................10

Meter Section .................................................11

Input/Output Section ....................................11

Front Panel .....................................................12

Rear Panel.......................................................12

The First Session ................................... 13

Preparation...................................................13

Quick-Start System ........................................13

Turning On the MT400 .................................14

Loading a Cassette Tape ................................14

Recording the First Track ............................14

Preparation Before Recording.......................14

The First Take.................................................16

Overdubbing.................................................18

Mixdown....................................................... 20

Advanced Recording Techniques......... 22

Simultaneous Multi-Channel Recording ....22

Ping-Pong Recording ...................................24

Multi-Source Mixing....................................26

Using Effects .................................................28

Using INSERT I/O......................................... 28

Using AUX SENDs ........................................29

Applying Effects to Multiple Channels

When Recording............................................ 30

Applying Effects to Only a Monitor Signal .. 32

Applying Effects at Mixdown........................ 33

Punch In/Out Recording..............................34

Using the REC SELECT switch..................... 34

Using a Footswitch ........................................ 35

MIDI Synchronization .................................37

Synchronizing the MT400 with a MIDI Se-

quencer........................................................... 37

Connecting the MT400 to a MIDI System... 38

Recording a SYNC Signal on the Tape......... 40

Synchronized Recording ............................... 41

Synchronized Mixdown ................................ 43

Appendix............................................... 44

Troubleshooting ...........................................44

Maintaining the MT400 ...............................45

Cleaning the Record-Play Head, Erase Head,

Capstan, and Pinch Roller............................. 45

Demagnetizing the Record-Play Head ......... 45

Specifications ................................................46

Dimensions ...................................................47

—Owner’s Manual

Block Diagram ..............................................48

3

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

transport
direction

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

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.
Use a 12 V AC adapter of at least 650 mA.

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

010

PAN

INPUT-FLIP

TAPE

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

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

010

PAN

INPUT-FLIP

TAPE

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

010

PAN

INPUT-FLIP

TAPE

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

1

GAIN

GAIN

LINE MIC

LINE MIC

HIGH

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

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

–12 +12

AUX
1

010

010

AUX
2

010

010

MIX CUE MIX CUE MIX CUE

010

010

TAPE

MIC/LINE

MIC/LINE

to L

to R

MIC/

TAPE

TAPE

LINE

INPUT-FLIP

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

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

010

MIC/LINE
to L

TAPE

INPUT-FLIP

PAN

LR

10

9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

4

3

3

GAIN

LINE MIC

HIGH

–12 +12

MID

–12 +12

LOW

–12 +12

AUX
1

010

AUX
2

010

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

LEVEL

MIN MAX

STEREO INPUT

L 6R 8R7L

7

5L–6R

LEVEL

010

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