Yamaha Audio MD4S User Manual
MULTITRACK MD RECORDER
Owner’s Manual
1
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
MIC
PB
GAIN
CUE
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
HIGH
MID
LOW
AUX
PAN
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
IN THRUOUT
INSERT
I/O
2
LINE
MIC
MIC/
LINE
PB
FLIP
LR
010
–15 +15
–15 +15
–15 +15
12
LR
2
MIDI
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
TRACK
DIRECT OUT
MIC/LINE INPUT
INSERT
3214 5678
I/O
3
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4
GAIN
MIC
LINE
MIC
MIC/
LINE
PB
CUE
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
HIGH
MID
LOW
AUX
PAN
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
PB
FLIP
LR
010
–15 +15
–15 +15
–15 +15
12
LR
4
FLIP
3
STEREO
2TR IN MONITOR
LINE INPUT
5 / 6 7 / 8
010
CUE MIX TO STEREO
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
MONITOR SELECT
MONITOR LEVEL
MIN MAX
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
STEREO
OUT
2TR IN
STEREO
CUE
12
AUX SEND
OUT
010
10
AB
9
8
7
6
AUTO
PUNCH I/O
5
4
3
2
REHE REC PLAY STOP
1
0
MULTITRACK MD RECORDER
MARK SEARCHREPEAT
LAST REC SEARCH
IN OUT
SONG SEARCH
BUS
MARK
SET
PAUSE
TOC WRITE
REC SELECT
CH1
CH2
CH3 CH4
1234
LRLR
EJECT
PEAK HOLD DISPLAY
PITCH
ADJUST EDIT UTILITY
EXIT
ENTER
DATA CURSOR
PHONES PUNCH I/O
E
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.
Laser Diode Properties
* Material : GaAlAs
* Wavelength : 780–790 nm
* Emission Duration : Continuous
* Laser Output Power : Less than 44.6 µW
(Note)
Laser output is measured at a
distance of 20cm from the object
lens on the optical pick-up head.
This unit is classified as a
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE
KLASS 1 LASERAPPARAT
CAUTION
: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN.
AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
VARNING
: OSYNLIG LASERSTRÅLNING NÄR DENNA DEL ÄR
ÖPPEND. STRÅLEN ÄR FARLIG.
VARO !
: NÄKYMÄTÖNTÄ AVATTAESSA OLET ALTTIINA
LESERSÄTEILYLLE. ÄLÄ KATSO SÄTEESEEN.
VARNING
: OSYNLIG LASERSTRÅLNING NÄR DENNA DEL ÄR
ÖPPNAD. BETRAKTA EJ STRÅLEN.
VORSICHT!
: UNSICHTBARE LESERSTRAHLUNG WENN ABDECKUNG
GEÖFFNET. NICHT DEM STRAHL AUSSETZEN.
Class 1 laser product.
This label is located on the
exterior.
Klassmärkning för Finland.
• On USA or Canadian
models do not have this
label.
• This label is located on
the interior.
• Varningsanvisning för
laserstrålning. Placerad
i apparaten.
IMPORTANT
Please record the serial number of this unit in the space below.
Serial No.:
The serial number is located on the bottom or rear of the unit.
Retain this Owner's Manual in a safe place for future reference.
IMPORTANT
THE WIRES IN MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE:
BLUE : NEUTRAL
BROWN : LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus
may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the
terminals in your plug proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
Making sure that neither core is connected to the earth terminal of
the three pin plug.
CAUTION
USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR
PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER
THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT
IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
ADVARSEL
Usynlig laserstråling ved åbning. Undgå udsaettelse
for stråling.
VAROITUS
Laitteen käyttäminen muulla kuin tässä käyttöohjeesa
mainitulla tavalla saattaa altistaa käyttäjän
turvallisuusluokan 1 ylittävälle näkymättömälle
lasersäteilylle.
VARNING
Om apparaten används på annat sätt än i denna
bruksanvisning specificerats, kan användaren utsättas
för osynlig laserstrålning, som överskrider gränsen för
laserklass 1.
* This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA KEMBLE
MUSIC (U.K.) LTD.
• Explanation of Graphical Symbols
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The above warning is located on the
bottom or rear of the unit
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions
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, and
the like.
6. Carts and Stands — The appliance
should be used only with a cart or stand
that is recommended by the manufacturer.
6A An appliance and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and uneven
surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to
overturn.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting — The appliance should be mounted
to a wall or ceiling 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 heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol
within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
10. Power Sources — The appliance should be connected to a
power supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the appliance.
11. Grounding or Polarization — The precautions that should be
taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an
appliance is not defeated.
12. 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.
13. Cleaning — The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
14. Nonuse Periods — The power cord of the appliance should be
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period
of time.
15. Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that
objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure
through openings.
16. 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 enclosure dam-
aged.
17. Servicing — The user should not attempt service the appliance
beyond that described in the operating instructions.
Important
4
Important
Read the Following Before Operating the MD4S
Warnings
• Do not place a container with liquid or small metal objects on top of this unit. Liquid or metal
objects inside this unit are a fire and electrical shock hazard.
• Do not allow water to enter this unit or allow the unit to become wet. Fire or electrical shock
may result.
• Connect this unit is power cord only to an AC outlet of the type stated in this Owner’s Manual
or as marked on the unit. Failure to do so is a fire and electrical shock hazard.
• Do not scratch, bend, twist, pull, or heat the power cord. A damaged power cord is a fire and
electrical shock hazard.
• Do not place heavy objects, including this unit, on top of the power cord. A damaged power
cord is a fire and electrical shock hazard. In particular, be careful not to place heavy objects on
a power cord covered by a carpet.
• If you notice any abnormality, such as smoke, odor, or noise, or if a foreign object or liquid
gets inside the unit, turn it off immediately. Remove the power cord from the AC outlet.
Consult your dealer for repair. Using the unit in this condition is a fire and electrical shock
hazard.
• Should this unit be dropped or the cabinet be damaged, turn the power switch off, remove the
power plug from the AC outlet, and contact your dealer. If you continue using the unit
without heeding this instruction, fire or electrical shock may result.
• If the power cord is damaged (i.e., cut or a bare wire is exposed), ask your dealer for a
replacement. Using the unit with a damaged power cord is a fire and electrical shock hazard.
• Do not remove the unit’s cover. You could receive an electrical shock. If you think internal
inspection, maintenance, or repair is necessary, contact your dealer.
• Do not modify the unit. Doing so is a fire and electrical shock hazard.
• Do not insert or drop metal or flammable objects into the disc loading slot of this unit. Fire or
electrical shock may result.
Cautions
• Allow enough free space around the unit for normal ventilation. This should be: 10 cm at the
sides, and 10 cm behind.
These distances should also be adopted when rack-mounting the unit. For normal ventilation
during use, remove the rear of the rack or open a ventilation hole.
If the airflow is not adequate, the unit will heat up inside and may cause a fire.
• Keep this unit away from the following locations:
— Locations exposed to oil splashes or steam, such as near cooking stoves, humidifiers, etc.
— Unstable surfaces, such as a wobbly table or slope.
— Locations exposed to excessive heat, such as inside a car with all the windows closed, or
places that receive direct sunlight.
— Locations subject to excessive humidity or dust accumulation.
• This unit has ventilation holes at the top, and bottom to prevent the internal temperature
rising too high. Do not block them. Blocked ventilation holes are a fire hazard.
—Owner’s Manual
Important
• Turn off all musical instruments, audio equipment, and speakers when connecting to this
unit. Use the correct connecting cables and connect as specified.
• Always lower the volume control to minimum before turning on the power to this unit. A
sudden blast of sound may damage your hearing.
• Hold the power cord plug when disconnecting it from an AC outlet. Never pull the cord. A
damaged power cord is a potential fire and electrical shock hazard.
• Do not touch the power plug with wet hands. Doing so is a potential electrical shock hazard.
• Do not raise the volume of headphones or speakers to a level that makes you feel
uncomfortable. Listening to loud music for long periods can damage your hearing.
• Do not look at the laser beam. You may damage your vision.
Operating Notes
• The digital circuits of this unit may induce a slight noise into nearby radios and TVs. If noise
occurs, relocate the affected equipment.
• XLR-type connectors are wired as follows:
pin 1: ground, pin 2: hot (+), and pin 3: cold (–).
5
• Insert TRS phone jacks are wired as follows:
sleeve: ground, tip: send, and ring: return.
• The performance of components with moving contacts, such as switches, rotary controls,
faders, and connectors, deteriorates over time. The rate of deterioration depends on the
operating environment and is unavoidable. Consult your dealer about replacing defective
components.
• This unit must not be operated in a tilted position. Doing so can cause malfunctions.
Copyright
© 1998 Yamaha Corporation. All rights reserved.
No part of the MD4S software or this
any form or by any means without the prior written authorization of Yamaha Corporation.
Trademarks:
MD DATA and MiniDisc are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Owner’s Manual
may be reproduced or distributed in
Keep This Manual For Future Reference
—Owner’s Manual
Contents
6
Contents
Welcome to the MD4S ......................................... 9
MD4S Features ............................................................................................9
Buying discs for the MD4S......................................................................... 10
MD4S TOC .................................................................................................11
Recording modes and recording times......................................................11
Mixer............................................................................................................ 9
Recorder ...................................................................................................... 9
MD DATA and MiniDisc .......................................................................... 10
To update the TOC.................................................................................... 11
MD4S songs and blank areas .....................................................................12
Front and rear panel................................................................................... 13
Mono Inputs............................................................................................... 13
Stereo Inputs .............................................................................................. 15
Monitor/Master section............................................................................. 15
Disc transport section ................................................................................ 16
Display ........................................................................................................ 19
Top panel connectors ................................................................................ 22
Rear panel................................................................................................... 23
Front panel ................................................................................................. 24
Basic operation.................................................... 25
Before you begin......................................................................................... 25
Example connections................................................................................. 25
Turning on the MD4S................................................................................ 26
Inserting a disc ........................................................................................... 26
Recording the first track (Direct Recording) ............................................26
Preparations for recording ........................................................................ 26
Start recording............................................................................................ 28
Overdubbing...............................................................................................30
Mixdown..................................................................................................... 32
After completing the Basic Operation section .......................................... 34
Advanced recording techniques ......................... 35
Advanced techniques on the MD4S ..........................................................35
Mixing multiple channels as you record ................................................... 36
Ping-pong recording ..................................................................................39
Adding sounds during mixdown............................................................... 42
—Owner’s Manual
Applying effects...........................................................................................44
Using the INSERT I/O jacks.......................................................................44
Using the AUX SEND jacks .......................................................................46
Applying effects during mixdown .............................................................47
Applying an effect during ping-pong recording .......................................48
Applying an effect only to the monitor signal...........................................50
Punch-in/out...............................................................................................52
Manual punch-in/out.................................................................................52
Auto punch-in/out .....................................................................................55
Quick search functions...............................................................................61
Searching for songs.....................................................................................61
Locating to a specified time........................................................................61
Locating to the Last Record In/Out Point.................................................62
Searching for Markers ................................................................................62
Adjusting the location of a marker or auto punch-in/out point .............63
Erasing a marker or auto punch-in/out point ..........................................65
Various playback functions........................................................................66
Play forward/backward at various speeds (Cue/Review) .........................66
Playback at half speed (x1/2 Play)..............................................................67
Playing a song repeatedly (One Song Repeat/All Song Repeat)...............67
Repeating a specific portion of a song (A-B Repeat)................................68
Cue List playback........................................................................................68
Programming the song playback order (Program Play) ..........................71
Contents
7
Editing functions ........................................................................................73
Copying a portion of a track (Part Copy) .................................................73
Erasing a section of a track (Part Erase) .................................................... 74
Copying an entire track to another track (Track Copy)...........................75
Erasing an entire track (Track Erase) ........................................................76
Copying/converting a song (Song Copy) ..................................................76
Erasing a song (Song Erase) .......................................................................78
Splitting a song into two (Song Divide) ....................................................79
Joining divided songs together (Song Combine)......................................80
Moving a song (Song Move)......................................................................81
Exchanging the order of songs (Song Renumber)....................................82
Other functions...........................................................................................84
Adjusting the record/playback pitch (Pitch function) .............................84
Titling discs and songs................................................................................85
Erasing a disc (Disc Erase) .........................................................................86
Viewing disc contents.................................................................................86
Changing the recording mode ...................................................................87
Adjusting the display brightness ................................................................ 88
Selecting the type of Frame display............................................................88
Using a Foot switch ....................................................................................89
MIDI functions...........................................................................................90
Synchronizing the MD4S with a MIDI sequencer....................................90
About MTC and MIDI Clock ....................................................................91
Synchronization using MTC......................................................................91
Synchronization using MIDI Clock...........................................................92
Synchronizing two MD4S recorders..........................................................94
Synchronizing to MTC with a specified offset (time difference).............97
Controlling the MD4S by MMC................................................................98
—Owner’s Manual
8
Contents
Appendix ............................................................ 100
Q&A Section .............................................................................................. 100
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 101
Display Messages
Modes of the MD4S transport ..................................................................104
Specifications ............................................................................................. 105
Recorder .................................................................................................... 105
Mixer.......................................................................................................... 105
General....................................................................................................... 106
Dimensions................................................................................................ 106
Block Diagram ........................................................................................... 107
Glossary...................................................................................................... 108
Tempo Map Chart.....................................................................................111
...................................................................................103
MIDI Implementation Chart .............................. 112
Index................................................................... 113
—Owner’s Manual
Welcome to the MD4S
MD4S Features
Mixer
The mixer section is an analog mixer with four MIC/LINE and four LINE inputs.
• Continuously variable GAIN controls are provided on input channels 1–4, accepting signals
ranging from mic input to line level.
• Of the four MIC/LINE inputs, two are balanced, allowing the use of either TRS phone plugs
or XLR plugs.
• Input channels 1 and 2 provide INSERT I/O jacks that allow external effects such as a
compressor to be connected.
• Input channels 1–4 provide three-band EQ (HIGH/MID/LOW) that has been specially
engineered for musical applications.
Welcome to the MD4S
9
• Two AUX SEND jacks allow external effects such as reverb to be connected.
• Signals sent from input channels 1–4 to the CUE bus (a signal route for monitoring) can be
monitored in stereo.
• The mixer features an in-line design that allows the input signal and the track playback sound
to be controlled simultaneously. While using the CUE bus to monitor each track, you can
make full use of input channels 1–4 as you record. During mixdown, a total of eight sources
(including track playback signals) can be mixed.
• TRACK DIRECT OUT jacks are provided for direct output of the playback from each track.
Recorder
The recorder features a 4-track recorder based on the MD DATA audio format. This provides
many advantages over tape-based multitrack recorders.
• You can choose from three recording modes: 4 track, 2 track, monaural.
• Negligible decrease in audio quality even after repeated ping-pong operations.
• Ping-pong is possible even if all four tracks have been recorded.
• A variety of locate functions allow you to move instantly to any location in the song.
• Accurate auto punch-in/out can be performed with 11.6-millisecond accuracy.
• A variety of editing functions allow you to copy or erase songs and tracks.
• A variety of repeat functions allow songs or portions of a song to be repeated seamlessly.
• The multi-take auto punch-in/out function lets you repeat auto punch-in/out several times,
and select the best take afterward.
• Shuttle playback allows rapid playback / reverse-playback at speeds of 1/2, 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, or
32x normal speed. (Forward playback only for 1/2 speed.)
• Program Play function lets you program the playback order of songs. In addition, Cue List
Playback lets you freely program the playback order between markers.
—Owner’s Manual
10
Welcome to the MD4S
• The recording/playback pitch can be adjusted up to a maximum of
±
10%. In addition, you
can use the x1/2 play function to playback at half-speed with a pitch that is one octave lower.
• MIDI Time Code (MTC) / MIDI Clock data can be transmitted from the MIDI OUT
connector. This allows synchronization with a MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine without
using up a recording track. In addition, MTC from an external device can be received at the
MIDI IN connector, allowing the MD4S to be synchronized to external video/audio devices.
• MIDI Machine Control (MMC) can be received, allowing the transport of the MD4S to be
controlled from a MIDI sequencer or other external device.
Buying discs for the MD4S
The MD4S can use two types of disc: MD DATA and MiniDisc. MD DATA discs can be used
for 4-track recording/playback, and MiniDiscs can be used for recording/playback of up to
two tracks. (They cannot be used for 4-track recording/playback.)
MD DATA and MiniDisc
MD DATA are widely used for computer data storage, and the MD4S uses the audio format of
this type of disc.
MiniDiscs (also known as MD) are used only for music.
Type MD DATA MiniDisc
Logo
4-track recording/
playback
2-track recording/
playback
Monaural recording/
playback
Notes
Yes (37 minutes per track) No
Yes (74 minutes) Yes (74 minutes)
Yes (148 minutes) Yes (148 minutes)
• These discs are for computer storage applications, and can be purchased at computer shops. Two
types are available: playback-only
and rewritable. Use the rewritable
type with the MD4S.
• MD DATA discs recorded on the
MD4S cannot be played back on a
conventional MD player.
• MD DATA discs that have been
used to store computer data cannot be used as is by the MD4S.
Such discs must first be formatted
for audio use. See “Erasing a disc
(Disc Erase)” on page 86 for more
information.
• Songs that were recorded in 8track mode on a recorder such as
the MD8 cannot be played back
on the MD4S.
• These discs are for music. Two
types are available: playback-only
and rewritable. If you use the
rewritable type, you can record up
to two tracks.
• MiniDiscs recorded on the MD4S
can be played back on a conventional MD player.
• MiniDiscs recorded on a conventional MD recorder can be edited
on the MD4S, but if the music
includes a song that was digitally
copied from a copy-protected
music CD, editing will not be possible.
—Owner’s Manual
MD4S TOC
MD4S TOC
TOC refers to the Table of Contents area on the disc. The TOC contains information about
what is recorded on the disc, the disc title, song titles, and so on.
When you record a new song or edit the song title, the TOC EDIT indicator of the MD4S will
light to indicate that the TOC needs to be updated.
TOC EDIT
If the TOC EDIT indicator is lit, you must update the TOC before turning off the power of the
MD4S. If the power is turned off when the TOC EDIT indicator is lit, the data you recorded or
edited will be lost.
To update the TOC
Press the STOP button, and with the MD4S stopped, press the TOC WRITE button. (The
STOP button and the TOC WRITE button are the same button.)
11
STOP
TOC WRITE
The display will show “Writing TOC,” indicating that the TOC is being written to disc. When
the TOC has been updated, the “Writing TOC” display and the TOC EDIT indicator will go
dark.
Note: If you press the EJECT button while the TOC EDIT indicator is lit, the TOC will
automatically be updated before the disc is ejected.
Recording modes and recording times
The MD4S offers three recording modes: 4-track (4TR), 2-track (2TR), and monaural
(MONO). The times available for recording on a single disc will depend on the recording
mode. Available recording/playback times will be 37 minutes in 4TR mode, 74 minutes in 2TR
mode, and 148 minutes in MONO mode. You can use a different recording mode for each
song, which allows you to make the most efficient use of each disc.
37 minutes
4TR mode
2TR mode
MONO mode
74 minutes
148 minutes
—Owner’s Manual
12 Welcome to the MD4S
MD4S songs and blank areas
On the MD4S, recordings are made in units called “songs.” Each song is assigned a number
indicating the order in which it was recorded. For example if you have recorded two songs on
a disc, song 2 will be recorded immediately after song 1, as shown in the following diagram.
Song 1 Song 2
Blank area 1
When you record a new song or record additional material onto a previously-recorded song to
lengthen it, the new recording is done only on the unrecorded portion of the disc; the “blank
area.” In the diagram above, it is possible to record a new song (song 3) in the blank area, or to
record additional material onto song 2 to lengthen it. However since there is no blank area
immediately after song 1, it is not immediately possible to record additional material to song 1
to lengthen it.
Tip: If you wish to lengthen song 1, you will need to use a song editing function to move
song 1 to the blank area.
If three songs (songs 1, 2, and 3) are recorded consecutively on disc as shown in the following
diagram, and the middle song is erased, there will be a blank area corresponding to the length
of that song.
Song 1 Song 3Song 2
Blank area 1
Erase song 2
Song 1 Song 3Blank area 2
Blank area 1
* Blank areas are also assigned a “blank area number” in the order in which they are created.
If you then record a song in the situation shown above, you will be able to select either blank
area 1 or blank area 2 in which to record. However if you select blank area 2, the time available
for recording will be limited to the length of the song that was erased.
—Owner’s Manual
Front and rear panel
This section explains the names and functions of each part of the MD4S.
Mono Inputs
Front and rear panel 13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
A GAIN control
This adjusts the input sensitivity of the MIC/LINE input jack (jacks 1 and 2 on the top
MIC
PB
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
panel). Input channels 1–4 can accommodate signals of any level from mic input to the
line level signals produced by devices such as synthesizers.
B FLIP switch
This switch selects the signal source for the input channel and the signal source that is
sent to the CUE bus for monitoring.
When this switch is in the MIC/LINE position ( ), the signal from the MIC/LINE jack
will be sent to the input channel, and the track signal (the signal currently being recorded
or played back) will be sent to the CUE bus.
When this switch is in the PB position ( ), the signal from the track will be sent to the
input channel, and the signal from the MIC/LINE jack will be sent to the CUE bus.
Signal input to the
MIC/LINE INPUT jack
from an instrument etc.
When the FLIP
switch is in
the MIC/LINE
GAIN
LINE MIC
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
position ( )
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
track signal
PB
MD4S
CUE
LR
010
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
Signal input to the
MIC/LINE INPUT jack
from an instrument etc.
When the FLIP
switch is in the
GAIN
HIGH
MID
LOW
LINE MIC
–15 +15
–15 +15
–15 +15
PB position ( )
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
track signal
PB
MD4S
CUE
LR
010
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
To the ST bus,
tracks etc.
To the CUE bus To the CUE bus
To the ST bus,
tracks etc.
—Owner’s Manual
14 Welcome to the MD4S
C CUE PAN/CUE LEVEL controls
These two controls adjust the pan and signal level of the signal that is sent to the CUE bus. The
signal that is sent to the CUE bus will depend on the setting of the FLIP switch 2.
D EQ controls
These controls are used to adjust the high, middle, and low frequency bands. Each can boost
(amplify) or cut (attenuate) the frequency bands shown below over a range of ±15 dB. Each
knob is detented at the 12 o’clock position, which produces a flat response (no boost or cut).
+15
+10
+5
0
–5
Response [dB]
–10
–15
Frequency [Hz]
HIGH (high range): 10 kHz (shelving)
MID (mid range): 2.5 kHz (peaking)
LOW (low range): 100 Hz (shelving)
10k1k100 20k20
E AUX control
This control sends the signal from the input channel to the AUX SEND jacks. Rotating the
knob toward the “1” position will sent the signal from the input channel to the AUX SEND 1
jack, and rotating the knob toward the “2” position will send the signal to the AUX SEND 2
jack. The knob is detented at the 12 o’clock position, and at this position no signal will be sent
to either AUX SEND jack 1 or 2. The AUX controls are normally used to adjust the signal level
that is sent to external effect devices.
Note: The AUX control is “post-fader”; i.e., it adjusts the level of the signal that has passed
through the fader 7. This means that if the fader has been lowered, the AUX control will
have no effect.
F PAN control
This control adjusts the pan (left/right position) of the input channel signal that is sent to the
ST bus. If you are recording via the ST bus, rotating this control to the L position will assign
the input signal to odd-numbered tracks (tracks 1 and 3), and rotating it to the R position will
assign the input signal to even-numbered tracks (tracks 2 and 4). During mixdown, use this
control to adjust the stereo position of the playback for each track.
G Fader
During recording (when the FLIP switch is at MIC/LINE), use the fader to adjust the input
level of the signal being recorded on the track. During mixdown (when the FLIP switch is at
PB), use the fader to adjust playback level of each track. The fader will be at unity gain when
located between 7 and 8.
Unity gain: This refers to a condition where the output signal and input signal levels are the
same, which will produce the least distortion and the optimal S/N ratio.
—Owner’s Manual
Stereo Inputs
H Level (5/6), (7/8) controls
These controls adjust the level of the signals input from STEREO
INPUT jacks 5/6 or 7/8. These input signals are always sent to the
ST bus, and are mixed with the signals from input channels 1–4
and the playback signals of the tracks.
Monitor/Master section
I CUE MIX TO STEREO switch
This switch turns the cue mix function on/off. When the switch is
pressed in ( ), the CUE MIX indicator in the display will light,
and the signal from the CUE bus will be mixed into the ST bus.
The cue mix function can be used only during playback, and is
normally used when adding sounds during mixdown (page 42).
J MONITOR SELECT switches
These switches select the signal that will be monitored from the
MONITOR OUT jacks (rear panel 4) and the PHONES jack
(front panel 1). When the switch is pressed in, the
corresponding source is selected (on). When the switch is up, the
signal will not be selected (off). The three switches can be turned
on/off independently.
2TR IN................... Monitor the signal that is input from the 2TR
IN jacks (rear panel 6).
STEREO ............... Monitor the ST bus signal that is output from
the STEREO OUT jacks (rear panel 5).
CUE....................... Monitor the CUE bus signal.
K MONITOR LEVEL control
This control adjusts the output level of the monitor signal that is
sent to the MONITOR OUT jacks (rear panel 4) and the
PHONES jack (front panel 1).
Front and rear panel 15
5 / 6 7 / 8
8
010010
CUE MIX TO STEREO
9
MONITOR SELECT
2TR IN
STEREO
J
CUE
MONITOR LEVEL
K
MIN MAX
L
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
L STEREO fader
This adjusts the output level of the ST bus that is output from the
STEREO OUT jacks (rear panel 5). The fader will be at unity
gain when located between 7 and 8.
Unity gain: Refer to the explanation of 7 Fader.
STEREO
—Owner’s Manual
16 Welcome to the MD4S
Disc transport section
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
MULTITRACK MD RECORDER
MARK SEARCHREPEAT
AB
AUTO
PUNCH I/O
REHE REC PLAY STOP
LAST REC SEARCH
IN OUT
SONG SEARCH
9
BUS
MARK
SET
PAUSE
TOC WRITE
CH1
EJECT
PITCH
REC SELECT
CH2
CH3 CH4
1234
LRLR
PEAK HOLD DISPLAY
ADJUST EDIT UTILITY
EXIT
ENTER
DATA CURSOR
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
PHONES PUNCH I/O
* Please remove the protective film from the panel.
If the film is left on, the adhesive may break down and soil the unit.
A Disc transport buttons
REHE button ......This button is used to rehearse punch-in/out. During rehearsal the REHE
indicator located above the button will light, and while rehearsal is paused
the indicator will blink.
REC button......... This button is used to record. When you press the REC button during
playback, recording will begin from that location on any recordable
track(s). (See “Manual punch-in/out” on page 52 for more information.)
The REC indicator located above the button will light during recording,
and will blink to indicate record pause.
PLAY button .......This button is used to begin normal playback, recording, and rehearsal.
After pressing the REHE button, pressing the PLAY button will enter
rehearsal mode. After pressing the REC button, pressing the PLAPY button
will begin recording. If you press the PLAY button without pressing the
REHE or REC button, normal playback will begin. During playback/
recording/rehearsal, the PLAY indicator located above the button will light.
When playback/recording/rehearsal is paused, the PLAY indicator will blink.
PAUSE button....This button temporarily halts (pauses) playback/recording/rehearsal. After
operation has been paused, pressing the PAUSE button once again will
resume playback/recording/rehearsal from that location. If you do not
operate any buttons for about 10 minutes while the unit is in Pause or Rec
Pause mode, the mode will be canceled automatically.
—Owner’s Manual
Front and rear panel 17
STOP/TOC WRITE button........... This button stops playback/recording/rehearsal. When
stopped, this button functions as the TOC WRITE button
to update the TOC (page 11).
B AUTO PUNCH I/O button
This button turns the auto punch-in/out function on/off. When auto punch-in/out is on, the
auto punch indicator in the display (display
K) will light.
C SONG SEARCH [ ]/[ ] buttons
These buttons search for the starting locations of songs or blank areas. They are used to search
for and move to the beginning of songs.
D A B repeat button
This button sets the A and B points of the A-B repeat function (page 68).
E LAST REC SEARCH [IN]/[OUT], SET buttons
The LAST REC SEARCH [IN]/[OUT] buttons locate to the points at which recording or
rehearsal were last started (last record IN point) or last ended (last record OUT point). In
conjunction with the SET button, these buttons can be used to specify any desired location in
a song as the last record in/out point (punch-in/out point).
F REPEAT button
This button is used to select functions such as “one song repeat” which repeatedly plays back a
single song, or “all song repeat” which repeatedly plays back all songs on the disc, and is also
used to switch the repeat function on/off. The repeat indicator (display O) will light to
indicate the repeat function that is selected.
G MARK SEARCH [ ]/[ ], MARK buttons
The MARK SEARCH buttons are used to locate to the Start marker (beginning of the song),
End marker (end of the song), or to markers that you can set at desired locations in the song.
The MARK button is used to insert a marker into the desired location of a song.
H Disc compartment
An MD DATA or MiniDisc can be inserted here.
I BUS button
This button is used in conjunction with the REC SELECT buttons J to specify the tracks on
which the ST bus signal will be recorded.
J REC SELECT buttons
These buttons select/defeat recording tracks. Tracks selected for recording will be indicated by
the track record indicators (display J) in the display.
When you press only a REC SELECT button
Recording will be enabled for the corresponding track, and the signal from input channels 1–
4 will be sent directly to the track (direct recording).
When you hold down the BUS button and press a REC SELECT button
Recording will be enabled for the corresponding track. The L channel of the ST bus will be
sent to tracks 1 and 3, and the R channel of the ST bus signal will be sent to tracks 2 and 4.
K EJECT button
This button ejects the disc from the MD4S. If you press the EJECT button while the TOC
EDIT indicator (display 1) is lit, the TOC will be updated before the disc is ejected.
—Owner’s Manual
18 Welcome to the MD4S
L PEAK HOLD button
This button turns the peak hold function on/off. When the peak hold function is on, a
segment of the track/stereo level meters will remain lit to indicate the maximum level that was
reached. When the peak hold function is on, pressing the PEAK HOLD button once again will
turn off the peak hold function, and the segment that had remained lit will be reset.
M DISPLAY button
This button selects the time counter mode (ELAPSE TIME / TOTAL TIME / REMAIN TIME).
The selected time counter mode will be shown in the display (display
been programmed for the MD4S, this button will switch the time counter between measure/
beat/clock displays.
N Function buttons
These buttons are used to access a variety of functions. When a button is pressed to access the
corresponding function, the indicator located above the button will light.
PITCH button......Selects functions to adjust the pitch for playback and recording (page 84).
ADJUST button..Allows you to make fine adjustments to the markers or last recording in/
EDIT button ........ Accesses a variety of editing functions, and allows you to specify a disc title
UTILITY button... Allows you to use MIDI functions, adjust the display contrast, and change
5). If a tempo map has
According to the setting, the pitch indicator in the display will indicate
“FIX” (fixed) or “VARI” (variable).
out points that you have set within a song (page 63).
or song title.
the recording mode etc.
O EXIT button
Use this button to cancel a function or mode.
P ENTER button
Use this button to set functions.
Q DATA dial (DATA+ –)
When the MD4S is stopped or paused, rotating the DATA dial will move through the song in
frame steps. When editing various functions (when one of the function buttons has been
pressed), the DATA dial is used to modify parameter values.
R CURSOR shuttle
When the MD4S is stopped or paused, rotating the CURSOR shuttle allows you to rapidly
rewind or fast-forward through the song. During playback, the CURSOR shuttle allows you to
review (play backward) or cue (play forward) at a variety of speeds (Shuttle playback
functions: page 66). While editing various functions, the CURSOR shuttle is used to select
parameters.
—Owner’s Manual
Front and rear panel 19
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 OUTINE10S
REPEAT A1ALL B
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
L R L R
AUTO PUNCH
SINGLE MULTI
MTC FRAMESBEAT SECMEASURE MIN
REMAIN TIMETOT AL TIMEELAPSE TIME
MTC SYNCPITCH
REHE
REC
TOC EDIT
HALF FIX V ARI
MASTER SLAVE
MMCMIDI CLK
TRK
DIR
BUS
CLIP
–3
–6
–9
–12
–15
–18
–27
–39
+12
+9
+6
+3
0
–3
–6
–12
–20
STEREO
CUE MIX
dB
L R
SONG NO.
REC MODE
STEP NO.
` 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
3
2
1
4 5678
9JLNMO K
Display
A TOC EDIT indicator
This indicator will light when the TOC (table of contents) needs to be updated, such as after a
new recording or edit. If the power of the MD4S is turned off while the TOC EDIT indicator is
lit, the recorded or edited content may be lost. When you update the TOC, the indicator will
go dark.
B Status indicators
These indicators show the current operating mode.
Indicator Meaning
Normal playback
Cue or Review
Playback is paused
REHE
REHE
REC
REC
Rehearsal Pause mode
Rehearsal in progress
Record Pause mode
Recording in progress
C Pitch indicator
This indicator shows the current pitch mode. The status of the x1/2 Play function is also
shown here.
HALF..................... Lights when the x1/2 Play function is on.
FIX......................... Lights when the Pitch function is off.
VARI...................... Lights when the Pitch function is on.
D Title and function display
Song numbers, song/disc titles, the currently selected function, or other messages will appear
here.
—Owner’s Manual
20 Welcome to the MD4S
E Time counter mode
This indicates the time counter mode that was selected by the DISPLAY button (disc transport
M). However if a tempo map has been programmed and the time counter is showing
measure/beat/clock, all of these indicators will be dark.
ELAPSE TIME...... The time counter will show the current elapsed time within the song.
TOTAL TIME.........The time counter will show the time position within the entire disc.
REMAIN TIME...... The time counter will show the remaining time within the son
F MIDI indicators
The status of various MIDI functions is shown here.
MTC SYNC MASTER .......... This will light when you enable MTC transmission. In this case,
MTC SYNC SLAVE.............. This will light when you enable MTC reception. In this case, the
MIDI CLK .............. This will light when you enable MIDI Clock transmission. In this case, the
MMC...................... This will light when you enable MMC (MIDI Machine Control) reception.
the MD4S will transmit MTC and will function as the master of
a synchronized MIDI system.
MD4S will receive MTC and will function as a slave in a
synchronized MIDI system.
MD4S will transmit MIDI Clock and will function as the master of a
synchronized MIDI system.
In this case, the MD4S can be controlled from an external device such as a
MIDI sequencer.
G Track level meters
These indicate the recording/playback level of each track. The range from –39 dB to CLIP is
shown in nine steps. The CLIP indicator will light to indicate that digital clipping has
occurred in the signal. If no disc is inserted, these meters will indicate the input levels of input
channels 1–4.
H Stereo level meter
This meter indicates the output level of the STEREO OUT jacks. The range from –20 dB to
+12 dB is shown in nine steps.
I CUE MIX indicator
This indicates the on/off status of the cue mix function. If you record while the cue mix
function is on, this indicator will blink, indicating that the cue mix function has been
temporarily turned off.
J Track recording indicators
These indicate the recording status of each track. When a indicator is blinking, the
corresponding track is ready to record. When recording begins, the blinking indicator will
light solidly.
DIR/1–4 .................These indicate tracks that have been selected for direct recording (in which
the signal from the input channel is recorded directly).
BUS/L, R............... These indicate tracks that have been selected for recording the signal from
the ST bus (L or R channel).
—Owner’s Manual
Front and rear panel 21
K Auto punch indicator
This indicator shows the status of the auto punch-in/out function.
AUTO PUNCH SINGLE....... This will light when you select Single Take Auto Punch-in/out
(in which auto punch-in/out will occur only once).
AUTO PUNCH MULTI......... This will light when you select Multi Take Auto Punch-in/out (in
which you can perform auto punch-in/out repeatedly, and then
select the best take).
L IN, OUT indicators
These show the status of the last record in (IN)/out (OUT) points.
IN........................... This will light if the Last Record In Point (auto punch-in point) has been
set. During auto punch-in/out, this indicator will go dark when the song
reaches or passes the specified IN point.
OUT....................... This will light if the Last Record Out Point (auto punch-out point) has
been set. During auto punch-in/out, this indicator will go dark when the
song reaches or passes the specified OUT point.
M Time counter
This indicates time locations on the disc in minutes/seconds/frames. When transmitting
MIDI Clock data, the minutes/seconds/frames display can be changed to measures/beats/
clocks. (In this case, the MEASURE and BEAT indicators will light.)
N Marker indicators
These indicate the status of the various markers that have been set within the song. When a
marker is set, the corresponding indicator will light. When a song passes a marker point that
has been set, the corresponding indicators will blink.
S ............................ Start marker (beginning of the song)
1–10 ...................... Marker numbers 1–10 that were set at desired locations in the song using
the MARK button.
E ............................ End marker (end of the song)
O Repeat indicator
This indicates the repeat function that has been selected by the REPEAT button (disk
transport 6, or the A B button (disk transport 4).
REPEAT 1 ............ One Song Repeat
REPEAT ALL....... All Song Repeat
REPEAT A B........ A-B repeat
REPEAT + auto punch indicator K ........... Auto punch-in/out is rehearsed repeatedly
—Owner’s Manual
22 Welcome to the MD4S
Top panel connectors
134
INSERT
I/O
MIC/LINE INPUT
INSERT
3214 5678
I/O
LINE INPUT
2
A MIC/LINE INPUT 1,2 jacks
Balanced dynamic mics or line-level devices with balanced output can be connected to these
inputs. Unbalanced outputs such as on synthesizers can also be connected here. These jacks
will accommodate either XLR plugs or TRS phone plugs.
B INSERT I/O jacks
These are TRS phone jacks for connecting external effect devices. By connecting an external
effect such as a compressor or noise gate to these jacks, you can process the signal of input
channels 1 and 2.
External effect unit (compressor, noise gate etc.)
INPUT OUTPUT
C MIC/LINE INPUT 3, 4 jacks
These are 1/4" phone jacks used to connect electronic instruments such as a synthesizer or an
unbalanced mic.
D LINE INPUT 5–8 jacks
These are 1/4" phone jacks used to connect line-level devices such as synthesizers or CD
players. They can also be used as effect return jacks to input the effect sound from external
effect units such as reverb.
—Owner’s Manual
INSERT
I/O
INSERT
I/O
MIC/LINE INPUT
3214
Rear panel
RRR 4 2
LLL
2TR INAUX SENDAC IN
31
MIDI
OUT
STEREO
OUT
MONITOR
OUTPOWER
ON/ OFF
TRACK
DIRECT OUT
THRU IN
12
7
8
4 56
321
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK,
MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO
WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
Front and rear panel 23
A POWER switch
This switch is used to turn the MD4S on and off.
B AC IN
Connect the included power cable here.
C AUX SEND 1, 2 jacks
These are 1/4" phone jacks that output the signals from the input channels as adjusted by the
AUX controls (input channel 5). Normally they are used as effect send jacks to send signals
to external effect processors (page 45).
D MONITOR OUT jacks
These are RCA phono jacks that output the monitor signal selected by the MONITOR
SELECT switch (monitor/master J). Connect them to your hi-fi system or to amplified
monitor speakers.
E STEREO OUT jacks
These are RCA phono jacks that output the signal of the ST bus that has passed through the
STEREO fader (monitor/master L). During mixdown, connect these jacks to the inputs of
your master recorder.
F 2TR IN jacks
These are RCA phono jacks for connecting a line-level stereo device. Normally they are
connected to the output jacks of your DAT or other master recorder.
G TRACK DIRECT OUT 1–4 jacks
These are RCA phono jacks which individually output the signals from tracks 1–4 (the signals
currently being recorded/played). Normally they are used to connect the MD4S to the input
jacks of a large mixer when you wish to use an external mixer to mix the playback of the MD4S
recorder tracks.
—Owner’s Manual
24 Welcome to the MD4S
H MIDI IN, OUT, THRU connectors
These connectors are used to exchange MIDI messages with external MIDI devices.
MIDI OUT connector.......... MIDI Clock and MIDI Time Code (MTC) is output from this
MIDI IN connector..............MTC or MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is received at this
MIDI THRU connector ....... MIDI messages received at the MIDI IN connector are
Front panel
A PHONES jack
A pair of stereo headphones can be connected here for
monitoring. This jack will output the same signal as the
MONITOR OUT jacks.
connector. This is used when synchronizing the MD4S with a
MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine.
connector. This is used when controlling the transport of the
MD4S from an external MIDI sequencer.
retransmitted without change from this connector to another
external MIDI device.
B PUNCH I/O jack
A Yamaha FC5 (sold separately) can be connected here,
allowing you to use a foot switch to start/pause playback,
start/pause rehearsal, or punch-in/out. (See “Using a Foot
switch” on page 89 for more information.)
1 2
—Owner’s Manual
Basic operation
This chapter explains the process of recording instruments separately on each of the four
tracks, and finally mixing down to a master recorder.
Before you begin
Example connections
Guitar
Synthesizer
Basic operation 25
Master recorder
AC outlet
Guitar effects
processor
Microphone
1
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
LR
YAMAHA
STEREO
OUT
LINE INPUT
MONITOR SELECT
2TR IN
STEREO
CUE
MONITOR LEVEL
MIN MAX
STEREO
OUT
010
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
12
AUX SEND
PUNCH I/O
MULTITRACK MD RECORDER
MARK SEARCHREPEAT
AB
LAST REC SEARCH
IN OUT
AUTO
SONG SEARCH
REHE REC PLAY STOP
BUS
MARK
SET
PAUSE
TOC WRITE
MIC
PB
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
IN THRUOUT
INSERT
I/O
2
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2
MIC
PB
MIDI
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
INSERT
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
I/O
3
3
MIC/LINE INPUT
MIC
PB
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
TRACK
2TR IN MONITOR
DIRECT OUT
3214 5678
5 / 6 7 / 8
4
GAIN
LINE
MIC
010
MIC/
LINE
PB
FLIP
CUE
CUE MIX TO STEREO
P
A
N
LR
L
E
V
E
L
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
10
9
9
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
0
0
4
ON/ OFF
REC SELECT
CH1
CH2
CH3 CH4
1234
LRLR
EJECT
PEAK HOLD DISPLAY
PITCH
ADJUST EDIT UTILITY
EXIT
ENTER
DATA CURSOR
PHONES PUNCH I/O
12
STEREO
MONITOR
OUT
OUTPOWER
LLL
RRR 42
VOL VOL
Amplified monitor speakers
TRACK
DIRECT OUT
2TR INAUX SENDAC IN
31
MIDI
THRU IN
OUT
Headphones
—Owner’s Manual
26 Basic operation
Turning on the MD4S
1. Plug the power cable into an AC outlet.
2. Press the POWER switch located on the rear
panel of the MD4S. When the power is
turned on, the display will light.
To turn off the MD4S, press the POWER switch
again.
Recording the first track (Direct Recording)
On the MD4S, the signals that are input to the MIC/LINE INPUT jacks 1–4 can be recorded
directly to tracks 1–4 (direct recording). Since you simply need to connect the audio source to MIC/
LINE INPUT jack 1 if you wish to record on track 1, or to MIC/LINE INPUT jack 3 if you wish to
record on track 3, this method is convenient when you will be recording each part separately.
In this example, we will explain how to record your first audio source on track 1.
Inserting a disc
Make sure that the write protect slider of the disc
is in the write permit position.
1. With the arrow printed on the disc pointing
away from yourself, slide the disc gently into
the disc compartment.
The disc will be pulled in automatically. If not, check
that the arrow is pointing the correct direction.
When a disc is inserted into the MD4S, the TOC
will be read to see what the disc contains. If the
disc is new, the display will indicate “Blank Disc.”
If songs have already been recorded on the disc,
the disc title will appear for several seconds, and
then the number of songs on the disc (e.g., “Total
004”) will appear.
Preparations for recording
TRACK
DIRECT OUT
MIC/LINE INPUT
INSERT
324 5678
I/O
4
3
GAIN
LINE
MIC
MIC
MIC/
LINE
PB
PB
FLIP
FLIP
CUE
P
P
A
A
N
N
LR
LR
010
12
LR
3
L
E
V
E
L
HIGH
MID
LOW
AUX
PAN
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
010
–15 +15
–15 +15
–15 +15
12
LR
4
L
E
V
E
L
2
86
3
0
B
A
7
1
1
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
MIC
PB
GAIN
CUE
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
HIGH
MID
LOW
AUX
PAN
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
IN THRUOUT
INSERT
I/O
2
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
LR
010
–15 +15
–15 +15
–15 +15
12
LR
2
MIDI
GAIN
LINE
MIC
MIC/
LINE
PB
CUE
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
PAN
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
STEREO
2TR IN MONITOR
OUT
LINE INPUT
5 / 6 7 / 8
010
010
CUE MIX TO STEREO
MONITOR SELECT
2TR IN
STEREO
CUE
MONITOR LEVEL
MIN MAX
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
STEREO
12
OUT
AUX SEND
10
AB
9
8
7
6
AUTO
PUNCH I/O
5
4
3
2
REHE PLAY STOP
1
0
MULTITRACK MD RECORDER
MARK SEARCHREPEAT
LAST REC SEARCH
IN OUT
SONG SEARCH
REC
BUS
MARK
SET
PAUSE
TOC WRITE
REC SELECT
CH1
CH2
CH3 CH4
1
LRLR
EJECT
PITCH
ADJUST EDIT UTILITY
PHONES PUNCH I/O
PEAK HOLD DISPLAY
DATA CURSOR
423
EXIT
ENTER
4
9
—Owner’s Manual
5 1
Recording the first track (Direct Recording) 27
■ Find a blank area
A new song can be recorded only on a blank area.
If you wish to record a new song on a disc that
already contains recorded material, you must
begin by finding a blank area.
Unrecorded area
Song 1 Song 2 Blank area
1 Press the SONG SEARCH [ ] button several
times to find the blank area.
When a blank area has been found, the display will
indicate “BLANK X” (where X is the number of
the blank area).
Note: Since new discs (or discs that have been
erased) are entirely blank, this step is not necessary.
Note: With normal recording operations, there will
be only one blank area. However if you move or
delete songs, multiple blank areas may be created.
(See “Editing functions” on page 73 for more
information.) If there is more than one blank area,
the time available for consecutive recording may
differ depending on the size of the blank area. (See
“MD4S songs and blank areas” on page 12 for more
information.)
Tip: If you press the DISPLAY button to set the
display time counter mode to REMAIN TIME, the
length of available recording time for each blank area
will be shown when you search to that blank area.
■ Select the track for recording
2 Connect your audio source to MIC/LINE
INPUT jack 1.
Normally, you will record the rhythm instruments
(rhythm machine, drums, or rhythm guitar etc.)
first.
3 Set the FLIP switch of input channel 1 to
“MIC/LINE ( ).”
When you set the FLIP switch to the “MIC/LINE
( )” position, the input signal from the MIC/
LINE INPUT jack will be sent to the corresponding input channel.
4 Press REC SELECT button 1.
The REC SELECT buttons are switches that select
the recording source for each track. When you
press REC SELECT button 1, track 1 will be ready
for recording, and the signal from input channel 1
will be sent directly to track 1. The track recording
indicator (DIR) for track 1 will blink.
■ Check the recording level
To insure the best audio quality for the recording,
it is important to set an appropriate recording
level. Always be sure to adjust the recording level
before you begin recording.
5 Press the REC button.
The REC indicator will blink, and the MD4S will
be in record-pause mode. The display will indicate
the number of the song to be recorded (001), and
if this is the first time you are recording the song,
the display will indicate “NEW REC.”
6 Rotate the GAIN control of input channel 1
all the way to the LINE position.
7 Set the input channel 1 fader between the 7
and 8 marks.
8 While playing your audio source, watch the
track level meter and rotate the GAIN control
once again to adjust the recording level.
Ideally, the track level meter will indicate about –3
for the loudest sounds. If the recording level is too
high even when the GAIN control is rotated all the
way to the LINE position, lower the output level of
the audio source.
Tip: If you press PEAK HOLD to turn on the Peak
Hold function, the level meter will hold the
maximum level that was reached. For details on the
PEAK HOLD button, refer to page 18.
—Owner’s Manual
28 Basic operation
■ Monitor the signal being recorded on
the track
9 Press the MONITOR SELECT CUE switch to
turn it on.
The MONITOR SELECT switches choose the signal source that will be monitored. When the CUE
switch is on, the signal from the CUE bus will be
sent to the PHONES jack and the MONITOR
OUT jacks, allowing you to monitor the sound
through headphones or monitor speakers.
0 Raise the CUE LEVEL control of input channel
1 to the 7–8 mark.
The CUE LEVEL controls of input channels 1–4
adjust the signal that is sent from tracks 1–4 to the
Start recording
TRACK
STEREO
IN THRUOUT
INSERT
I/O
MIDI
MIC/LINE INPUT
INSERT
I/O
2TR IN MONITOR
DIRECT OUT
3214 5678
OUT
LINE INPUT
OUT
CUE bus (for tracks that are in record/recordpause mode this will be the recording source, or
for tracks that are playing back this will be the
playback sound of the track).
A While listening to your headphones or moni-
tor speakers, adjust the MONITOR LEVEL
control to an appropriate volume.
B As desired, use the EQ controls to adjust the
tone.
Adjusting the EQ controls will affect the recording
level. When you finish adjusting the EQ controls,
use the GAIN control to re-adjust the recording
level as necessary.
12
AUX SEND
1
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
MIC
PB
GAIN
CUE
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
HIGH
MID
LOW
AUX
PAN
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2
LINE
MIC
MIC/
LINE
PB
FLIP
LR
010
–15 +15
–15 +15
–15 +15
12
LR
2
GAIN
CUE
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
HIGH
MID
LOW
AUX
PAN
10
3
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
LR
010
–15 +15
–15 +15
–15 +15
12
LR
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
3
MIC
PB
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
10
4
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4
MIC
PB
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
5 / 6 7 / 8
010
CUE MIX TO STEREO
MONITOR SELECT
2TR IN
STEREO
CUE
MONITOR LEVEL
MIN MAX
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
STEREO
010
■ Begin recording
1 Make sure that the REC indicator is blinking.
If it is not blinking, press the REC button.
2 Press the PLAY button.
Recording will begin, and the track 1 track record
indicator and the REC indicator will change from
blinking to lit. Begin playing the audio source that
you wish to record first.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4
REC SELECT
CH1
CH2
CH3 CH4
AB
AUTO
PUNCH I/O
REHE
MULTITRACK MD RECORDER
MARK SEARCHREPEAT
LAST REC SEARCH
IN
OUT
SONG SEARCH
REC PLAY STOP
TOC WRITE
BUS
EJECT
PITCH
MARK
SET
PAUSE
1
LRLR
ADJUST EDIT UTILITY
PHONES PUNCH I/O
PEAK HOLD DISPLAY
DATA CURSOR
423
EXIT
ENTER
6
1 523
3 When you finish recording, press the STOP
button.
The transport will stop, and the track record indicator of track 1 will change to blinking.
The display will indicate “Writing TOC” for a
short time, and then the TOC EDIT indicator will
go dark, indicating that the TOC has been
updated automatically.
—Owner’s Manual
Recording the first track (Direct Recording) 29
■ Listening to the first track
4 Press the LAST REC SEARCH [IN] button.
This will locate to the point at which the previous
recording was begun. (For details on the LAST
REC SEARCH buttons, refer to page 17.) If this
was the first recording, you will always return to
the “00:00.00” location.
5 Press the PLAY button.
If the input channel 1 FLIP switch is in the “MIC/
LINE ( )” position, the playback of track 1 can
be monitored (via the CUE bus) from the
PHONES jack or MONITOR OUT jacks.
1
GAIN
If you decide to re-record this take, press the LAST
REC SEARCH [IN] button, and repeat steps 1–4.
If you wish to re-record just a portion of the track,
you can use punch-in/out. See “Punch-in/out” on
page 52 for more information.
6 If you are satisfied with the recording on
track 1, press the REC SELECT switch.
The track 1 track record indicator (DIR) will go
dark.
Note: If you forget to press the REC SELECT switch,
track 1 will be erased when you record the next track.
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
MIC
PB
CUE Bus
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
PHONES
MONITOR
OUT
L
R
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Signal flow during track recording
—Owner’s Manual
30 Basic operation
Overdubbing
Now that you have finished recording track 1, let’s record additional audio sources on other
tracks while listening to the playback of this track. The basic procedure is the same as in
“Recording the first track.”
1
2
6
1
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
MIC
PB
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
IN THRUOUT
INSERT
GAIN
LINE
MIC/
LINE
CUE
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
PAN
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
MIDI
2
I/O
2
MIC
PB
FLIP
P
A
N
LR
L
E
V
E
L
010
12
LR
2
TRACK
DIRECT OUT
MIC/LINE INPUT
INSERT
314 5678
I/O
4
3
GAIN
GAIN
LINE
LINE
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
3
MIC
PB
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
10
MIC/
LINE
FLIP
CUE
LR
010
HIGH
–15 +15
MID
–15 +15
LOW
–15 +15
AUX
12
PAN
LR
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4
MIC
PB
2TR IN MONITOR
5 / 6 7 / 8
010
CUE MIX TO STEREO
P
A
N
L
E
V
E
L
MONITOR SELECT
MONITOR LEVEL
MIN MAX
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
STEREO
STEREO
OUT
LINE INPUT
2TR IN
STEREO
CUE
OUT
010
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
85
12
AUX SEND
AB
PUNCH I/O
MULTITRACK MD RECORDER
MARK SEARCHREPEAT
LAST REC SEARCH
IN
AUTO
REHE STOP
OUT
SONG SEARCH
REC PLAY
TOC WRITE
4 7
9
CH1
BUS
EJECT
PITCH
MARK
SET
PAUSE
REC SELECT
CH2
CH3 CH4
2
143
LRLR
PEAK HOLD DISPLAY
ADJUST EDIT UTILITY
EXIT
ENTER
DATA CURSOR
PHONES PUNCH I/O
30
■ Select the track to record
1 Connect the audio source to MIC/LINE
INPUT jack 2.
2 Set the input channel 2 FLIP switch to the
MIC/LINE ( ) position.
At this time, leave the input channel 1 FLIP switch
in the MIC/LINE ( ) position.
3 Press REC SELECT button 2.
The track 2 track record indicator (DIR) will
blink, and track 2 will be ready to record.
Note: You must make sure that the track 1 record
indicator (DIR) is dark. If it is blinking, press REC
SELECT button 1.
—Owner’s Manual
4 Press the REC button to enter record-pause
mode.
5 While watching the track level meter, use the
GAIN control and fader of input channel 2 to
set the recording level.
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