Yamaha MT44D User Manual [en, de, fr]

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YAMAHA
MULTITRACK RECORDER ENREGISTREUR MULTIPISTES MEHRSPUR-REKORDER
MT44D
OPERATING MANUAL
MANUEL D’OPERATIONS BEDIE NUNGSANLEITUNG
YAMAHA
MT44D MULTITRACK RECORDER
PLAY PAUSE
- RECORDING LEVEL
TRK 2 THK 3 TRK 4
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1 PITCH PHONES
Thank you for choosing the Yamaha MT44D Multitrack Cassette
Recorder. The MT44D is a tremendous creative too! for musicians, com
posers, arrangers, recording enthusiasts, or people involved with audio-visual production, it offers 4-channe! multitrack recording
capacility on standard compact cassettes, rnaking it easy to produce
professional-sOunding multitrack master tapes. Built in Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction systems mean dean, high-quality recordings, while a logic-controlled transport with
forward and reverse cueing and useful auto locator functions let
you concentrate on creating, not on controlling the deck.
We urge you to read this manual thoroughly in order to get the
best possible performance from your MT44D.
Explanation of Graphical Symbolt

CA UT IO N

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
A
CAUTION; TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK), NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALI FIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
DO NOT OPEN
A
A A
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

CONTENTS

PRECAUTIONS,.......................................................................................... 3 THE CONTROLSAND THEIR FUNCTIONS
MULTITRACK TECHNIQUES..................................................................... 7 SENSOR SEALS/HANDLING CASSETTE TAPES
SPECIFICATIONS
•ÉMiiillii
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4
9
10

PRECAUTIONS

The MT44D functions as a standard stereo cassette deck when loaded with any standard stereo cassette tape. For four-channel multitrack record
ing a special sensor foil (supplied) must be affixed
to the cassette housing window.
• The MT44D is designed exclusively for use with high-quality chrome-formulation cassette tape (High
Bias, 70 jU=sec EQ). Avoid C120 tape lengths because the extreme thinness of the tape can result in degraded sound quality and damage to the transport system.
• To ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio and mini mum distortion, the MT44D has a high-quality permalloy reproduction head. Oxide flakes from old tape and dust or dirt can impair the perform ance of this head, so it should be cleaned regularly with cotton buds and a tape head cleaning fluid, or a head cleaning tape. The pinch roller should also be cleaned at the same time.
Locate the MT44D out of the direct rays of the sun, also avoiding locations subject to vibration, excessive dust, heat, cold or moisture.
Irreparable damage may result from opening the I\/1T44D cabinet or attempting to alter the
internal circuitry.
Avoid dropping your MT44D or subjecting it to any kind of shock, as impaired performance may result.
• Do not attempt to clean any part of the MT44D with chemical solvents (such as alcohol or benzine). Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.
• The 50/60, Hz line frequency selector on the rear of the MT44D must be set according to the fre quency in your area in order for the tape counter to read correct time.

CAUTION (PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH UL STANDARD 1270)

1 Read Instructions — All the safety and operating
instructions shouid be read before the appliance is operated.
2 Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instruc
tions should be retained for future reference.
3 Head Warnings — All warnings on the appliance and in
the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4 Follow Instructions — All operating and other instruc
tions should be followed.
5 Water and Moisture — The appliance should not be used
near water — for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, etc.
6 Carts and Stands — The appliance should be used only
with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufac turer.
7 Wall or Ceilling Mounting — The appliance should be
mounted to a wall or ceilling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
8 Ventilation — The appliance should be situated so that
its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in
installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
9 Heat — The appliance should be situated away from head sources such as radiators, stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.
10 Power Sources — The appliance should be connected
to a power supply only of the type described in the operat ing instructions or as marked on the appliance.
11 Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
12 Cleaning — The appliance should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
13 Nonuse Periods — The power cord of the appliance
should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
14 Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so
that objects do not fall into and liquids not spilled into the inside of the appliance.
15 Damage Requiring Service — The appliance should be
serviced by qualified service personnel when: A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged,
or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the
appliance; or C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance; or E. The appliance has been dropped, or the cabinet damag
ed.
16 Servicing — The user should not attempt to service the
appliance beyond those means described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.

THE CONTROLS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

FRONT PANEL
©POWER SWITCH
This switch turns AC power to the MT44D ON or OFF. The LED tape counter will light to indicate that the power has been turned ON.
©EJECT BUTTON
Pressing this button opens the cassette compartment for ioading or unloading cassettes. Close the com partment gently by hand after loading or unloading a cassette. * Never leave the cassette compartment open when
the IVIT44D is not in use. This prevents airborne dust and dirt from entering the compa'^tment and possibly affecting performance.
©DUAL MODE 4-DIGIT TAPE COUNTER
This large easy-to-read tape counter has two operat ing modes', count and time. In the count mode it functions like a conventional tape counter, indicat ing tape position by a four-digit number. In the count mode the counter "follows" tape motion in the fast wind and cue modes as well as the play and record modes.
In the time mode the counter indicates the amount of time the tape has been running in the play or record modes. The time function will not follow tape motion in the fast wind or cue modes. * The 50/60 FIz line frequency seiector on the rear
of the MT44D must be set according to the frequency in your area in order for the tape counter to read correct time.
©TAPE COUNTER RESET BUTTON
Pressing this button resets the tape counter to
"0000". The count and time functions are reset
separately: pressing reset while the counter is in either mode resets only that mode.
©TAPE COUNTER COUNT/TIME MODE SELEC
TOR
This button selects the counter mode. The currently engaged counter mode is indicated immediately
below the counter.
©TAPE COUNTER ZERO SET BUTTON
The Zero Set button must be turned ON to activate the Zero-Start and Zero-Stop functions, described below.
©TAPE COUNTER ZERO-START/ZERO-STOP
SELECTOR
When the Zero-Stop function is selected—the STOP/START button is out—the tape will auto
matically stop when the counter "0000" point is
reached during rewind or rewind cue. When the Zero-Start function is selected—the
STOP/START button is in—the tape will auto matically stop and then begin playback when the counter "0000" point is reached during rewind or rewind cue.
The tape counter accidentally overruns beyond the
"0000" point. * The Zero-Stop and Zero-Start functions are
based on the counter reading rather than the time reading. The Zero-Stop and Zero-Start functions will operate, however, whichever counter mode is selected (counter or time),
© PEAK LEVEL INDICATORS
These fast-response LED level indicators display the record and playback levels of each of the IVlT44D's four channels. For the best recording quality record levels should be set to the highest
level possible before distortion sets in—between
0 and +3 dB.
In the 2-channel mode the left most 2 meters
indicate left and right channel levels.
©RECORD MODE SELECTORS
These buttons select the playback and record channels for recording, overdubbing, ping-pong or punch-in/punch-out record operations when the deck is in the 4-track mode. The "REC" indicator associated with each channel's selector glows red when that channel's record mode is engaged.
* These buttons function only in the 4-track
record mode (See section on SENSOR/SEALS).
® DOLBY NR SELECTORS (DOLBY B/C NR)
Dolby noise reduction is an extremely effective method of reducing background hiss on tapes. The MT44D incorporates both Dolby B NR and the more recent and more effective Dolby C NR system. Turn Dolby noise reduction ON with the DOLBY NR button, then select either B or C type Dolby NR
with the B/C button. The indicators above the
Dolby NR selector buttons will light to show which
type has been selected. Tapes recorded with Dolby B NR must also be
played back with Dolby B NR ON. Tapes recorded with Dolby C NR must be played back with Dolby CNR ON. Tapes that have been recorded with no Dolby noise reduction should be played back with the Dolby NR system OFF. * Dolby and the double—D mark are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. The Dolby noise reduction level may show a
diffrence between regular recording unit and 4-channel unit, as they have different mechanism for recording head.
Dolby noise reduction system manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corp.
®TAPE TRANSPORT CONTROLS REWIND; Press the " " button to rewind the
tape.
FAST FORWARD: Press the " " button to fast
forward the tape.
FORWARD CUE: Press the " ^^"CUE" button to
rewind the tape while monitor ing the recorded signal.
REVERSE CUE: Press the CUE" button to
fast forward the tape while monitoring the recorded signal.
PLAY: Press the " ► PLAY" button to begin
playback. The indicator will light to indicate that the playback mode is activated.
It also necessary to use this control to activate the record mode—to begin recording the "► PLAY" button must be pressed while in the REC standby mode (see REC/PAUSE button).
STOP; Press this button to disengage any mode
and stop the tape.
* The transport will stop automatically when the
tape reaches the end of a side during playback, record, or either fast wind mode.
Ф REC/PAUSE BUTTON
This button sets the deck to the record standby
mode. In this mode the REC indicators light.
Adjust record levels in this mode, then press " ►
PLAY" to begin actual recording. The REC/PAUSE button can be pressed at any time during recording to return to the record standby mode.
* The record mode selectors of the channels to be
recorded must be ON to record in the 4-track mode.
Set the appropriate record mode selectors to
REC to set record levels.
фмиТЕ BUTTON
Press this button during recording to leave a blank segment on the tape corresponding to the period for which the button is pressed. The MUTE .button is ideal for inserting spaces between recording;
©RECORD LEVEL CONTROLS
Each control adjusts the record level of the corres ponding channel. Best results are achieved with the
levels set so that the highest peaks appear between 0 and -t3 dB,
©PITCH CONTROL
This control permits adjustment of tape speed over a ±10% range. The pitch control makes it possible to match the pitch of recorded tracks with that of a
live instrument to be recorded.
* The pitch control will function for 2-channel
playback and 4-track record/playback, but not for 2-channel recording.
©PHONES JACK
Any standard pair of stereo headphones can be
connected here for monitoring purposes. When the
deck is in the 4-track mode tracks 1 and 3 are sent to the left channel and tracks 2 and 4 are sent to
the right channel of the stereo headphone signal.
REAR PANEL

1. LINE IN

These are input terminals for rec»rding. For use of this unit as a 2-channel deck, connect the
terminal 1 to the L-ch terminal and terminal 2 to the R-ch terminal.

2. LINE OUT

These are output terminals for playback. For use of this unit as a 2-channel deck, connect the terminal 1 to the L-ch terminal and terminal 2 to the R-ch terminal.

3. Power source frequency set switch for TIMER

Set this switch to correct frequency according to your local mains frequency. The switch is set to 60 Flz when shipping from factory. .

4. REMOTE CONTROL terminal

The use of a RC 10B remote control unit (op tion) enables you to control the remote tape driving process.

5. REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT

The use of a remote control unit FS1 (option) enables you to control the remote punch'in and out process.

6. Voltage selector (General Model Only)

Set this to your local AC mains voltage. Failure
to do so will result in seriously impaired
performance or even severe damage.

MULTITRACK TECHNIQUES

BASIC RECORDING
Don't worry about the balance between channels when initially recording the tracks. Instead, pay attention to setting record level for the best sound quality—minimum distortion and maximum signal-to-noise ratio.
Optimum record level is normally when the program peaks read between 0 and +3 dB on the LED level
indicators. You can set up the ideal overall balance when mixing your 4-track master tape down to stereo
on a standard stereo deck.
INPUT
Mixer
LEVEL
o o o o
MT44D
CH-1 CH-2 CH-3 CH-4
Mixer
LEVEL PAN
o O o A
o O
o O
L K
L R
Stereo Tape
' • ■
■ • '
OVERDUBBING
With the MT44D it is possible to build up an entire musical arrangement, part by part, playing each instrument by yourself. This is possible because the MT44D lets you monitor already-recorded tracks while recording new tracks —in perfect synchronization.

Example:

Record the drums on channel 1, guitar on channel 2, and synthesizer on channel 3.
Synchro-Track Recording
PING-PONG RECORDING
If you want to record more than 4 parts, one at a time, you'll need to know about "ping-pong" recording. With this technique you record on tracks 1,2 and 3, and then record these three tracks onto track 4 so tracks 1, 2 and 3 are opened up for further recording. With some resourceful ping-ponging, you should be able to record up to 10 independent tracks as shown in the accompanying example. A RM602 6iN/20UT mixer and RB 35B RACK and PATCHBAY can make ping-pong recording and other advanced multitrack techniques easy.
Example:
Recording tracks "A" through "J" using the ping-pong process.
©Record parts A, B and C.
CHI A CH2 CH3
CH4 ——.
................
) Record H.
©Ping-Pong A, B and C to
track 4 while adding part D.
I::;;; a'b'c'+d:::;::
) Move H to track
2 while adding I.
We.f
• A!è'‘ó'+ii);:;:::
xa?b!c‘Td^
) Record parts E and F.
A,B,c -t-.P;;;:::
@ Record J, the last part.
•:-:e.f -i-g:v
:i a,b',c+'d::
©Ping-Pong E and F to track
3 while adding G.
;:;E,F -i-g;:
A,B,c -hd:;
PUNCH-IN/PUNCH-OUT RECORDING
This handy technique makes it possible to redo a section of a track without having to re-record the entire track. Start playback from a point on the track somewhat before the section to be redone, then, at an appropriate "break" in the sound, engage the REC mode for that track and start playing. This is the
PUNCH-IN operation. Disengage REC at the end of the required section—PUNCH-OUT—and the job
is done.
This technique requires precision timing on the part of the player and recording engineer—often the same
person-—but the ability to correct mistakes like this can save lots of time and effort.
Modification •
The use of a remote control foot switch FS-1 (option) enables MT44D to control the punch in and out
process by footwork without operating the REC button; the REC button must previouly be pressed in
for a track to be modified before using this function. The techniques presented in this manual are by no means the only way to record with the MT44D, so use
your imagination and develop your own techniques. With a little resourcefulness and creativity the MT44D will enable you to create high-quality multitrack master tapes to test out musical ideas, show off your talents or simply hone your recording skills.

SENSOR SEALS/HANDLING CASSETTE TAPES

USING THE SUPPLIED SENSOR SEALS
The MT44D automatically switches to the 2-channel
mode (regular stereo cassette) or 4-track mode
according to whether a sensor seal is detected on the
loaded cassette. Note that only one side of the tape
can be used in the 4-track mode.
For regular 2-channel operation load a cassette with
out the sensor seal.
For 4-track operation affix one of the three types
of seals provided to the cassette window. Match the size of the seal to the cassette window. The seal
must fit the cassette window properly or the MT44D
may "misread" the seal and switch to the wrong
mode. If one of the provided seal sizes does not fit,
use a seal that is larger than the cassette window and trim it to size.
PROTECTING YOUR RECORDINGS
All cassettes have record protection tabs along the top edge of the cassette shell. If this tape is broken out using a screwdriver or any other appropriate
implement, recording will be inhibited on the cor
responding side of the tape, thereby protecting your recordings from accidental erasure. To record on a tape that has already had its tab removed, simply fix a piece of adhesive tape over the hole left by the tab. Break out both the side "A" and "B"tabs to protect 4-track tapes.
Break off the tab
CORRECTING EXCESSIVE TAPE SLACK
If the cassette tape is slack or is extending from the cassette housing, there is a risk that it may become tangled around the capstan or pinch roller—causing irreparable damage to the tape, and possibly damaging the transport mechanism. In order to take up this slack, insert a pencil or bail-point pen into the center of the reel and rotate to wind the excess tape back onto the reel.
CASSETTE STORAGE
To prevent slackening of tape, fit a stopper or keep cassettes in a case (normally supplied with the cassette). Do not store cassettes in locations with direct sunlight, high humidity, high temperatures or magnetic fields (e.g. near television sets, speakers, etc).
Sensor Seals
*The seal should be afl-
fixed to the "B" side of the cassette for 4-track recording on side "A".
Cassette Half

NOTE:

The MT44D has been specifically designed to provide optimum sound quality with chrome (Cr02> formu lation tape (High Bias, 70/isec. EQ). Do not use ferrichrome type tapes.

CONNECTION DIAGRAM

Monitor speakers
Remote control
(RC10)
Foot switch (FS-1)
ш
I—
о
о
7s
а
>
Q
и
>
MULTITRACK RECORDING SYSTEM ■ BLOCK DIAGRAM
11

SPECIFICATIONS

Track Configuration
Motor............................................................................................DC motor x 2 Head System
4 channel rec/play ..................................................................Hard Permalloy
4 channel erase......................................................................Ferrite
F. Fwd/Rew Time
Wow and Flutter (WRMS) ...........................................................0.06%
Pitch Control . .■..........................................................................+/—10%
Tape Speed.................................................................................4.75 cm/sec.
Cassette Requirements .........................................
Ree System.................................................................................AC Bias System
Erase System
Frequency Response Input Sensitivity/Impedance
Output Level/Impedance..............................................................— 10 dB/2.5k-ohms Sighal-to-Noise Ratio (EIAJ)
(Dolby OFF)............................................................................55 dB (Dolby BON)
(Dolby CON)
Total Distortion.............................................................................less than 1.0%
Channel Separation.....................................................................better than 50 dB (1kHz) Power Supply
US & Canadian Model
General model .
Dimensions..................................................................................340 x 322 x 112 mm
Weight........................................................................................4.2 kg (9.3 lb)
Accessories
Options ........................................................................................FS-1 (Foot switch)
*Specifications subject to change without notice.
**TM Dolby laboratories Licensing Corp.
***0dB = 0.775V
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..................................................................110/120/220/240V 50/60Hz
................................... . . . ■
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4 track, 2 channel 1/4 channel
100 sec.
C-30 to C-90; high bias 70/is EQ
(Type II tape)
(Bias Frequency 85 kHz) AC System 40 Hz to 14 kHt (+0, —3 dB) —10 dB/50k-ohms
63 dB 67 dB
120V 60Hz
(13.4 X 12.7 X 4.4 inch)
Connection cord x 2
RC-10 (Remote control)
12
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