Yamaha Audio MT4X User Manual

Multitrack Cassette Recorder

User’s Guide

Manuel de l’utilisateur

Bedienungsanleitung

Guía del Usuario

	1		2		3	4			MASTER
MIC/LINE		MIC/LINE		MIC/LINE		MIC/LINE
GAIN		GAIN		GAIN		GAIN			AUX RETURN
									1		2
								1	2	1	2
LINE	MIC	LINE	MIC	LINE	MIC	LINE	MIC	ASSIGN		ASSIGN
HIGH		HIGH		HIGH		HIGH
								3	4	3	4
									LEVEL
-12	+12	-12	+12	-12	+12	-12	+12
MID		MID		MID		MID
								0	10	0	10
-12	+12	-12	+12	-12	+12	-12	+12
LOW		LOW		LOW		LOW				CUE LEVEL
								MONITOR		1
								SELECT
-12	+12	-12	+12	-12	+12	-12	+12
AUX		AUX		AUX		AUX		1	3
									GROUP	0	10
										2
								2	4
AUX 1	AUX 2	AUX 1	AUX 2	AUX 1	AUX 2	AUX 1	AUX 2	STEREO
1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2			0	10					+9					+9
										3			TAPE
																6					6
ASSIGN		ASSIGN		ASSIGN		ASSIGN			CUE							3					3
													9.5 4.8			0					0
3	4	3	4	3	4	3	4									3					3
																6					6
													AUTO PUNCH		1	10					10
	C		C		C	C				0	10			MEMO	REPEAT	-20					-20
PAN		PAN		PAN				MONITOR/PHONES					SYNC START IN OUT		2	REC	1	2	3	4	L	R
						PAN
										4							1	2	3	4	STEREO
												NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM
																		TRACK
L	R	L	R	L	R	L	R	MIN	MAX	0	10	TAPE SPEED CONTROL						REC SELECT
												PITCH
ODD	EVEN	ODD	EVEN	ODD	EVEN	ODD	EVEN
TAPE	MIC/	TAPE	MIC/	TAPE	MIC/	TAPE	MIC/						4.8 / 9.5
	LINE		LINE		LINE		LINE					O			1			2			3	4
																					RETURN
																	REPEAT				TO ZERO
10		10		10		10			10		10
9		9		9		9			9		9
8		8		8		8			8		8		AUTO									COUNTER
7		7		7		7			7		7		PUNCH I/O	CHECK			MEMO 1			LOCATE		RESET
6		6		6		6			6		6
5		5		5		5			5		5
4		4		4		4			4		4
3		3		3		3			3		3	SYNC	CLEAR				MEMO 2				LOCATE
2		2		2		2			2		2
1		1		1		1			1		1
0		0		0		0			0		0
												REHE	REC/PAUSE		PLAY			REW			FF	STOP
		MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER						PHONES			PUNCH I/O

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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 of 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

*This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR

THE UNITED KINGDOM

Connecting the Plug and Cord

IMPORTANT: The wires in this 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.

*This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA - KEMBLE MUSIC (U.K.) LTD.

Dette apparat overholder det gaeldende EF-direktiv vedrørende radiostøj.

Cet appareil est conforme aux prescriptions de la directive communautaire 87/308/CEE.

Diese Geräe entsprechen der EG-Richtlinie 82/499/EWG und/oder 87/308/EWG.

This product complies with the radio frequency interference requirements of the Council Directive 82/499/EEC and/or 87/308/EEC.

Questo apparecchio é conforme al D.M.13 aprile 1989 (Direttiva CEE/87/308) sulla soppressione dei radiodisturbi.

Este producto está de acuerdo con los requisitos sobre interferencias de radio frequencia fijados por el Consejo Directivo 87/308/CEE.

YAMAHA CORPORATION

CANADA

THIS DIGITAL APPARATUS DOES NOT EXCEED THE “CLASS B” LIMITS FOR RADIO NOISE EMISSIONS FROM DIGITAL APPARATUS SET OUT IN THE RADIO INTERFERENCE REGULATION OF THE CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS.

LE PRESENT APPAREIL NUMERIQUE N’EMET PAS DE BRUITS RADIOELECTRIQUES DEPASSANT LES LIMITES APPLICABLES AUX APPAREILS NUMERIQUES DE LA “CLASSE B” PRESCRITES DANS LE REGLEMENT SUR LE BROUILLAGE RADIOELECTRIQUE EDICTE PAR LE MINISTERE DES COMMUNICATIONS DU CANADA.

*This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CANADA MUSIC LTD.

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1	Precautions

Precautions

1Avoid excessive heat, humidity, dust, and vibration.

Keep the MT4X away from locations where it is likely to be exposed to high temperatures or humidity, such as direct sunlight, near radiators, stoves, etc. Also avoid locations which are subject to excessive dust accumulation or vibration which could cause mechanical damage.

2Avoid physical shocks

Strong physical shocks can cause damage. Handle the unit with care.

3Clean with a soft dry cloth

Never use solvents such as benzine or thinner to clean the MT4X. Wipe it clean with a soft dry cloth.

4Do not open the case or attempt repairs or modiÞcation yourself

The MT4X contains no user-serviceable parts. For other than routine cleaning, refer all maintenance to qualiÞed YAMAHA service personnel. Opening the case and/or tampering with the internal circuitry will void the warranty.

5Make sure power is off before making or removing connections

Always turn the power OFF prior to connecting or disconnecting cables. This will prevent damage to the MT4X as well as other connected equipment.

6Handle cables carefully

Always plug and unplug cables Ñ including the AC cord Ñ by gripping the connector, not the cord.

7Always use the correct power supply

The MT4X is sold conÞgured to the appropriate power speciÞcations for the local area. The power supply voltage and power consumption are listed on the bottom panel. If you move

Contents

Precautions1

Introduction2

Features2

Structure of the MT4X3

1Controls and Connections5 Channel Modules6

Master Module7 Recorder Controls8 Transport Controls10 Multi-function Display10

Front Panel Connections11 Rear Panel Connections12 Power Connections13

2 Example System14

3Recording Functions15 Monitoring15

Initial recording16 Overdubbing19

to an area with a different AC mains voltage, be sure to check with your nearest YAMAHA dealer before using the unit.

8Keep the heads and tape path clean

To ensure consistent high performance and sound quality from the MT4X, it is important to clean the heads and tape path regularly Ñ ideally before each recording session. Use a cleaning kit speciÞcally designed to use with cassette tape equipment.

9Use only high-quality chrome cassette tape

The MT4X is designed to be used with Chrome tape (CrO2 tape Ñ Bias: HIGH or TYPEII position; EQ: 70μs). It will not work properly with Ferrichrome tape formulations. You may experience high frequency distortion if you use such tapes.

The use of tapes longer than 90 minutes (C-120 and longer) is not recommended. These tapes are much thinner and therefore prone to poor performance or failure.

TDK SA 46 Ð 90 and Maxell XLII 46 Ð 90 are recommended.

10Handle the cassette tapes properly

You should fast forward and rewind new tapes before you record on them. This will prevent any possible binding that could be caused by the tape being tightly wound at the factory. It is best not to use the Þrst and last 20 seconds of a tape. The splice between the leader and the tape can cause distortion. When loading a cassette, check that the tape is not loose, then load the tape Þrmly into the cassette compartment. If the tape is not loaded properly, the unit may jam or otherwise malfunction.

11Use the dbxª switch correctly

To obtain the best possible sound quality, you should always use the dbxª noise reduction system to playback tapes that were recorded with the dbxª system on. If the tape was recorded without dbxª, turn the noise reduction system off.

The dbxª noise reduction system was manufactured based on a patent licence from THAT Corporation. dbx is a trademark of Carillion Electronics Corporation.

Punch-in/out recording21

Ping-pong recording29

Mixdown32

4Synchronization34 FSK recording35 Synchronized playback36 Synchronized mixdown39

5Memory Functions41 Memo Function41 Repeat Function42

Recording Levels Function42

Appendix44

Troubleshooting44

Maintenance45

Specifications46

Block Diagram48

Dimensions49

Tracking Sheet49

Glossary51

UserÕs Guide

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Introduction

2

Introduction

Your MT4X Multitrack Cassette recorder is a powerful recording tool that will allow you to capture your music at a very high level of sound quality. It is an advanced technology, easy-to-use four-track cassette tape recorder with a comprehensive four-channel mixer.

In order to make use of the many features of the MT4X and to obtain the best performance, please read this manual thoroughly Ñ and keep it in a safe place for future reference.

Features

General

The MT4X consists of a four-channel mixer section and a four-track cassette tape recorder section inside a compact enclosure. Independent recording and playback is possible for each track. This allows you to create high-quality multi-track recordings.

Mixer

¥The mixer section is equipped with independent stereo buses for greater ßexibility.

¥Continuously variable gain controls are provided for each input channel. These can be used with any input source, from microphones to electronic instruments.

¥Each channel has a three band equalizer (HIGH, MID, and LOW) giving you ßexible tone-shaping capabilities.

¥Dual AUX SEND and AUX RETURN (stereo) connectors allow you to add effects from external signal processors. You can assign the AUX RETURN signal to each channel as required.

Recorder

¥The dbx™ noise reduction system provides substantial noise reduction and a wide dynamic range.

¥An automatic punch-in/out recording function and a rehearsal function make recording easier and more accurate. Locate functions, such as memory and return-to-zero are provided for additional convenience.

¥A large, multi-functional display shows the recording and playback levels, along with a tape counter and other indicators, giving you immediate and helpful information about the status of the MT4X.

¥The pitch control allows you to vary the tape speed with in a range of approximately ±10%. This can be useful when you have to compensate for pitch variations during an overdub.

¥The tape transport is a full-logic mechanism, making recording and playback operation smooth and simple.

¥The transport offers two speeds: 9.5 cm/sec and 4.8 cm/sec.

UserÕs Guide

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com/.usersmanualguide.http://www from: Downloaded

Guide UserÕs

	MONITOR OUT			STEREO OUT			TAPE OUT
	R	L	AUX RETURN	R	L	SYNC/4	3	2	1
MIC/LINE INPUT	AUX SEND
2	1	2		1
			L/MONO	L/MONO

	3			MASTER
MIC/LINE
GAIN				AUX RETURN
				1		2
			1	2	1	2
LINE	0	MIC	ASSIGN		ASSIGN
HIGH
			3	4	3	4
				LEVEL
-12	0	+12
MID
			0	10	0	10
-12	0	+12
LOW
					CUE LEVEL
			MONITOR		1
			SELECT
-12		+12
AUX			1	3	0	10
				GROUP
					2
			2	4
AUX 1		AUX 2	STEREO
1		2			0	10		REC SELECT
					3
ASSIGN
				CUE
3		4				1	2	3	4
	C
PAN			MONITOR/PHONES		0	10
					4
L		R	MIN	MAX	0	10
ODD		EVEN

TAPE	MIC/
	LINE

10	10	10
9	9	9
8	8	8
7	7	7
6	6	6
5	5	5
4	4	4
3	3	3
2	2	2
1	1	1
0	0	0

PHONES

MT4X the of Structure	Introduction 3

Introduction

4

Structure of the MT4X

The MT4X can be divided into three basic sections Ð the mixer, the recorder, and the bus lines which connect them:

Mixer

The mixer has four input channels. It adjusts the input signals at each respective channel and sends them to the bus lines.

The signals input to each channel of the mixer can be switched to either input signals (MIC/LINE) or playback signals (TAPE). When TAPE is selected, the playback signal from each track is input to the corresponding channel. The tone of the signal is adjusted through the equalizer and the volume at the channel faders. It is then sent to the bus lines using the ASSIGN keys and PAN control.

Bus Lines

There are four main bus lines (group buses) which receive the input signals from each respective channel of the mixer. If signals from two or more input channels are sent to a bus line, these signals are overlaid or mixed.

There is also a STEREO bus (L, R), an AUX bus (1, 2), and a CUE bus.

Recorder

The signals from the bus lines are recorded by the cassette recorder. It also sends the signal to the TAPE OUT connectors and back to the mixer (including the CUE bus).

Also refer to the "Block Diagram" on page 48.

UserÕs Guide

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5	Controls and Connections

1Controls and Connections

Power Connections

																	ONOFF	ACIN
																	POWER
		1	2		3	SYNC/4	1		2		L/MONO	R	L/MONO			R
												1			2
			TAPEOUT					AUXSEND				AUXRETURN
		1			2			3			4	L	R	L		R
						MIC/LINEINPUT						STEREOOUT		MONITOROUT
				Rear Panel Connections
		Channel Modules									Master Module						Recorder Controls
	1			2			3			4			MASTER
MIC/LINE			MIC/LINE			MIC/LINE			MIC/LINE
GAIN			GAIN			GAIN			GAIN				AUX RETURN
												1				2
												1	2	1		2
LINE	0	MIC	LINE	0	MIC	LINE	0	MIC	LINE	0	MIC	ASSIGN			ASSIGN
HIGH			HIGH			HIGH			HIGH
												3	4	3		4
													LEVEL
-12	0	+12	-12	0	+12	-12	0	+12	-12	0	+12
MID			MID			MID			MID
												0	10		0	10

-12	0	+12	-12	0	+12	-12	0	+12	-12	0	+12
LOW			LOW			LOW			LOW
												CUE LEVEL
											MONITOR	1
											SELECT
-12		+12	-12		+12	-12		+12	-12		+12
AUX			AUX			AUX			AUX		1	3
											GROUP	0	10
												2
											2	4
AUX 1		AUX 2	AUX 1		AUX 2	AUX 1		AUX 2	AUX 1		AUX 2
											STEREO

Multi-function Display

1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2			0	10				+9					+9
										3			TAPE		6					6
	ASSIGN		ASSIGN		ASSIGN		ASSIGN	CUE							3					3
													9.5 4.8		0					0
3	4	3	4	3	4	3	4								3					3
															6					6
													AUTO PUNCH	1	10					10
	C		C		C		C	MONITOR/PHONES		0	10			MEMO REPEAT	-20					-20
PAN		PAN		PAN		PAN							SYNC START IN OUT	2	REC	1	2	3	4	L	R
										4						1	2	3	4	STEREO
												NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM
																	TRACK
L	R	L	R	L	R	L	R	MIN	MAX	0	10	TAPE SPEED CONTROL					REC SELECT
												PITCH
ODD	EVEN	ODD	EVEN	ODD	EVEN	ODD	EVEN
TAPE	MIC/	TAPE	MIC/	TAPE	MIC/	TAPE	MIC/						4.8 / 9.5
	LINE		LINE		LINE		LINE					O		1			2			3	4
																				RETURN
																REPEAT				TO ZERO
10		10		10		10		10			10
9		9		9		9		9			9
8		8		8		8		8			8		AUTO								COUNTER
								7			7
7		7		7		7							PUNCH I/O	CHECK		MEMO 1			LOCATE		RESET
6		6		6		6		6			6
5		5		5		5		5			5
4		4		4		4		4			4
3		3		3		3		3			3	SYNC	CLEAR			MEMO 2			LOCATE
2		2		2		2		2			2
1		1		1		1		1			1
0		0		0		0		0			0
												REHE	REC/PAUSE	PLAY			REW			FF	STOP
		MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER						PHONES			PUNCH I/O
								Front Panel					Transport Controls
								Connections

UserÕs Guide

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Controls and Connections

6

Channel Modules

1 GAIN control

This rotary control adjusts the level of the signal from a microphone or instrument plugged into the MIC/LINE INPUT connector (H).

2 Equalizer controls

These rotary controls are used to adjust the high, middle and low band frequency levels. To help you select the ÒßatÓ setting easily, each control has a centre-detent at the Ò0Ó position.

HIGH	±12 dB at 12kHz - shelving
MID	±12 dB at 1kHz - peaking
LOW	±12 dB at 80Hz - shelving

	15
	10
(dB)	5
RESPONSE	0
	–5
	–10
	–1520	50	100	200	500	1k	2k	5k	10k	20k

FREQUENCY (Hz)

3 AUX controls

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1

MIC/LINE

GAIN

LINE 0 MIC

HIGH

-12	0	+12
MID
-12	0	+12
LOW
-12	0	+12
AUX
AUX 1		AUX 2
1		2
ASSIGN
3		4
PAN	C
L		R
ODD		EVEN
TAPE		MIC/
		LINE

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

This rotary control is used to send the channel signal after the fader (7) to the auxiliary send buses. Rotated fully counter-clockwise sends the signal to the AUX 1 bus, fully clockwise to the AUX 2 bus. In the centre-detent Ò0Ó position, no signal is sent to either bus.

4 ASSIGN keys

These keys are used to select the group bus.

1-ASSIGN-2

3-ASSIGN-4

1				2
3				4

selects the Þrst track group - groups 1 and 2.

selects the second track group - groups 3 and 4.

Use the PAN control (5) to select the individual track groups.

5 PAN control

This rotary control sets the stereo pan position of the channel signal. It is also used to select the individual track groups for recording.

UserÕs Guide

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7	Controls and Connections

ODD/L: Rotated fully counter-clockwise sends the signal to the odd (1 or 3) numbered track of the selected track group (ASSIGN keys 4) and to the left channel of the STEREO bus.

EVEN/R: Rotated fully clockwise sends the signal to the even (2 or 4) numbered track of the selected track group (ASSIGN keys) and to the right channel of the STEREO bus.

6 Input select (TAPE - MIC/LINE) key

This key selects the input source for the channel. Pressed in ( ), it selects the tape track corresponding to the channel module (for example, the channel 1 key selects track 1). In the out position ( ), the source is the MIC/LINE INPUT connector (H).

7 Channel fader

This linear control is used to set the channel level. For optimal performance and signal balance, the fader should be positioned between 7 and 8.

Master Module

8 AUX RETURN - ASSIGN keys

These keys assign the signal from the AUX RETURN connectors
(I) to the selected group bus.	8
9 Auxiliary return LEVEL controls
These rotary controls adjust the level of the auxiliary return	9
signal.

0 MONITOR SELECT keys

These keys are used to select the group buses, the stereo bus,
and the cue bus signals. The signals are routed to the
MONITOR OUT (F) connectors on the rear panel and the
stereo PHONES (D) connector on the front of the MT4X.	0
GROUP: These keys select groups 1 and 3 and groups 2 and 4
respectively. If you select both keys, groups 1 and 3 will be sent
to the left channel and groups 2 and 4 will be sent to the right
channel.
STEREO: This key selects the stereo bus signal.	B
CUE: This key selects the cue bus signals. These are the playback
signals direct from the cassette tracks. When you are recording,
the record signal is monitored.

MASTER

	AUX RETURN
	1			2
1	2	1		2
ASSIGN			ASSIGN
3	4	3		4
	LEVEL
0	10		0	10
		CUE LEVEL
MONITOR		1
SELECT
1	3		0	10
GROUP
		2
2	4
STEREO			0	10	A
		3
	CUE
MONITOR/PHONES			0	10
		4
MIN	MAX		0	10

A CUE LEVEL controls

These rotary controls adjust the level of the signal from each track before it is sent to the cue bus.

B MONITOR/PHONES level control

This rotary control adjusts the volume level of the stereo

PHONES (D) connector and the MONITOR OUT (F) C connectors.

10	10
9	9
8	8
7	7
6	6
5	5
4	4
3	3
2	2
1	1
0	0

UserÕs Guide

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Controls and Connections

8

C Master fader

This linear control is used to set the level of the master stereo bus. For optimal performance and signal balance, the fader should be positioned between 7 and 8.

Recorder Controls

DCassette tape compartment

EMulti-function display

This FLD (Fluorescent Light Display) shows the operating modes and signal levels of the MT4X. See "Multi-function Display" on page 10.

F TAPE SPEED CONTROL

These controls consist of a rotary PITCH control and a tape speed (4.8/9.5) select key.

The PITCH control can adjust the tape speed by approximately ±10%.

The tape speed (4.8/9.5) select key is used to switch the tape speed between 9.5 cm/sec and 4.8 cm/sec. 9.5 cm/sec will be selected automatically when the power is turned on.

Note: The tape speed cannot be changed while the tape transport is in motion. Press the STOP key (W), then press the tape speed select key.

G REC SELECT keys

D

	TAPE				+9					+9
					6					6
					3					3
	9.5	4.8			0					0
E					3					3
					6					6
		AUTO PUNCH		1	10					10
			MEMO	REPEAT	-20					-20
	SYNC START IN OUT			2	REC	1	2	3	4	L	R
	NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM					1	2	3	4	STEREO
							TRACK
	TAPE SPEED CONTROL						REC SELECT
	PITCH										G
F		4.8 / 9.5
	O			1			2			3	4
										RETURN	H
						REPEAT				TO ZERO
											I
		AUTO	CHECK			MEMO 1			LOCATE		COUNTER
	PUNCH I/O										RESET
	SYNC	CLEAR				MEMO 2			LOCATE
	J K L	M	N			O				P	Q

These keys are used to arm the tracks for recording. When you press a REC SELECT key, the record select indicator (C) for the corresponding track ßashes on the multi-function display (E).

H REPEAT key

This key is used to start and cancel the repeat function. When the repeat function is active, the MT4X will repeatedly playback a selection between two memory points set with the MEMO keys (O). See "Repeat Function" on page 42.

UserÕs Guide

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9	Controls and Connections

When the automatic punch-in/out function is active, the REPEAT key causes the MT4X to immediately start the rehearsal mode. See "Using the automatic punch-in/out function" on page 21.

Note: The repeat interval must be more than three counts on the tape counter (Y).

I RETURN TO ZERO key

This key rewinds the tape to the point where the tape counter (Y) reads Ò0000Ó. The tape counter ßashes while the tape rewinds.

J dbx key

This key is used to turn the dbxÔ noise reduction system on and off. By default, the dbxª system is turned on when the MT4X is Þrst powered on.

The dbxª system has no effect on track 4 when the SYNC key (K) is on. See "FSK recording" on page 35.

K SYNC key

This key defeats the dbxª noise reduction system on track 4. This allows you to record FSK signals onto the track. See "FSK recording" on page 35.

L CLEAR key

This key clears the stored memory points. When automatic punch-in/out is active (the

AUTO PUNCH indicator ^is illuminated), this key clears the current setting (but does not clear the memory points).

M AUTO PUNCH I/O key

This key is used to start and cancel the automatic punch-in/out function. See "Using the automatic punch-in/out function" on page 21.

N CHECK key

This key is used to verify the memory points. Press and hold this key and the press one of the MEMO keys (O). The corresponding MEMO indicator (A) will ßash and the stored value will be shown on the tape counter (Y).

O MEMO (1, 2) keys

These keys store the current tape counter (Y) value as memory points. When you press one of these keys, the corresponding MEMO indicator (A) will light and the point stored.

You can clear the memory points by pressing the CLEAR key (L), removing the cassette tape, or turning off the power.

P LOCATE (1, 2) keys

These keys locate to the stored memory points. When you press one of these keys, the MT4X will fast forward or rewind to the corresponding memory point.

Note: The locate interval must be more than three counts on the tape counter (Y).

Q COUNTER RESET key

This key resets the tape counter (Y) to Ò0000Ó.

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Controls and Connections

10

Transport Controls

R REHE key and indicator

This key is used to perform a recording rehearsal. While the LED indicator over the key is illuminated, you can simulate a recording session. This allows you to check recording levels or practice punch-in/out without actually recording.

REHE

REC/PAUSE

PLAY

REW

FF

STOP

R S T U V W

S REC/PAUSE key and indicator

This key is used to record. Before you can actually record, you must arm the tracks with the

REC SELECT keys (G). Press this key to place the MT4X in record standby mode. Once you press the PLAY key (T), recording will begin.

Press the key again to pause the recording.

T

U

V

W

PLAY key and indicator

REW key

This key is used to rewind the cassette tape.

FF key

This key is used to fast forward the cassette tape.

STOP key

Multi-function Display

This section details the indicators of the FLD (Fluorescent Light Display) multi-function display

(E).
	X			Y					Z
	TAPE					+9				+9
						6				6
						3				3
[	9.5 4.8					0				0
						3				3
\						6				6
		AUTO PUNCH		1		10				10
				MEMO	REPEAT	-20				-20
	SYNC	START IN	OUT	2		REC 1	2	3	4	L	R
	]	^		A	B		C

X TAPE indicator

This indicator illuminates when a cassette tape is inserted in the cassette tape compartment. If you press any of the transport keys before you have inserted a tape, the indicator will ßash.

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11 Controls and Connections

Y

Z

Tape counter

This indicator displays tape position.

Level meters

These indicators display the signal level within a range of -20 dB to +9 dB. The individual tracks and the stereo bus are displayed.

¥When dbxª is off, the normal signal limit is approximately 0 dB.

¥When dbxª is on, the normal signal limit is approximately +6 dB.

Note: The meters can be switched to peak hold. To switch peak hold on or off, press the COUNTER RESET key (Q) while holding down the STOP key (W).

[ Tape speed indicator

These indicators show the current tape speed selection, either 9.5 cm/sec or 4.8 cm/sec. When the MT4X is Þrst powered on, it defaults to 9.5 cm/sec.

\

]

^

dbx indicator

This indicator illuminates when the dbxª noise reduction system is turned on.

SYNC indicator

This indicator illuminates when SYNC key (K) has been switched on.

AUTO PUNCH indicators

These indicators show the status of the automatic punch-in/out function. See "Using the automatic punch-in/out function" on page 21.

A MEMO indicators

These indicators illuminate when their respective memory points have been set.

B REPEAT indicator

This indicator illuminates while the repeat function is active.

C REC SELECT - TRACK indicators

These indicators ßash when you arm the corresponding track by pressing one of the REC SELECT keys (G). The armed indicators switch from ßashing to illuminated when you press the REC/ PAUSE key (S).

Front Panel Connections

D PHONES connector

This 1/4Ó phone connector is used for a pair of stereo headphones (8 Ω to 40 Ω).

E PUNCH I/O footswitch connector

This connector is used to plug in an optional footswitch (FC5) for punch-in/out recording. See "Using the optional footswitch" on page 28.

PHONES			PUNCH I/O

D E

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Controls and Connections

12

Rear Panel Connections

FMONITOR OUT connections

¥Output impedance: 1 kΩ

¥Nominal output level:

-10 dB (at 10 kΩ load)

These RCA/Phono connectors are used to plug in a monitor ampliÞer or powered loudspeakers. The same signal which is output from the PHONES connector (D) is also output from these connectors.

	F	G					H
MONITOR OUT		STEREO OUT				MIC/LINE INPUT
R	L	R	L	4		3	2			1
	AUX RETURN					AUX SEND		TAPE OUT
	2			1
R	L/MONO	R		L/MONO	2	1	SYNC/4	3	2	1
		I				J			K

GSTEREO OUT connections

¥Output impedance: 1 kΩ

¥Nominal output level: -10 dB (at 10 kΩ load)

These RCA/Phono connectors are used to output the Þnal stereo mixdown to the master recorder Ñ typically, a stereo tape deck.

HMIC/LINE INPUT connections

¥Input impedance: 10 kΩ

¥Nominal input level: -10 dB to -50 dB

These 1/4Ó phone connectors are used to input microphones, electronic instruments, and line-level sources.

IAUX RETURN (1, 2) connections

¥Input impedance: 10 kΩ

¥Nominal input level: -10 dB (AUX RETURN - LEVEL control nominal)

These 1/4Ó phone connectors are used to input the signals from external effects devices and other signal processors. If the external device is monaural, plug it into one of the L/MONO connectors.

JAUX SEND (1, 2) connections

¥Output impedance: 1 kΩ

¥Nominal output level: -10 dB (at 10 kΩ load)

These 1/4Ó phone connectors are used to output signals to external effects devices and other signal processors.

KTAPE OUT (1 to 4/SYNC) connections

¥Output impedance: 1 kΩ

¥Nominal output level: -10 dB (at 10 kΩ load)

These RCA/Phono connectors are used to output the individual tracks directly from the recorder section of the MT4X.

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13 Controls and Connections

Power Connections

L AC IN inlet		POWER
Connect the supplied power cord here.	IN	ON OFF
M POWER switch	L	M

This switch turns the power on and off.

Note: Always make sure the Master fader (C) is set to “0” and the MONITOR/PHONES level control is set to “MIN” when turning the MT4X on or off.

CAUTION (FOR CANADIAN MODEL)

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

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		MIDI
		OUT
MIDI OUT	MIDI IN	MIDI IN

Sequencer

Rhythm

Programmer

MIDI IN

Synthesizer

Multi-effect Signal Processor
Delay Processor										STUDIO	STUDIO
										NS-10M	NS-10M
FSK Signal
MIDI
OUT
1	2	3	SYNC/4	1	2	L/MONO		R	L/MONO	R
						1				2
	TAPEOUT				AUXSEND			AUXRETURN
1			2		3	4	L	R	L	R
MIDI Converter			MIC/LINEINPUT				STEREOOUT		MONITOROUT		Amplifier

Master Recorder

System Example 2

Bassguitar

Bass Effect Processor

Microphone

FC5 Footswitch

Compressor

Headphones

System Example

14

15 Recording Functions

3Recording Functions

The basic functions of multitrack recording are as follows:

Monitoring

Initial recording Overdub recording

Punch-in/out recording Ping-pong recording Mixdown

Monitoring the recording or playback to listen for mistakes or unwanted distortion.

Recording the Þrst instrument or part.

Recording additional instruments or parts while monitoring the previously recorded tracks.

Correct mistakes or add short segments to an existing track.

Bounce several existing tracks onto another track.

Mix the results of your multitrack recording onto a stereo master tape.

Monitoring

The MT4X offers you a great deal of ßexibility in monitoring the status of your recordings. You can monitor the individual channel groups, the stereo bus, the cue bus, or any combination.

You control monitoring with the MONITOR SELECT keys 0:

GROUP The GROUP keys allow you to monitor the group bus signals. If you only press one key, you will hear monaural output. If you press both keys, you will hear groups 1 and 3 in the left channel and groups 2 and 4 in the right channel.

MONITOR

SELECT

1

3

	The signals on the group buses go directly to the recorder.
STEREO	The STEREO key allows you to monitor the stereo bus signal. You can monitor
	the signals from the four input channels as well as the AUX RETURN signal.
	Some of these signals may not have been assigned to the group bus, allowing
	you to listen to signals that will not be recorded.
CUE	The CUE key allows you to monitor the playback signals directly from the
	cassette tracks. You can set the volume for each track with the CUE LEVEL
	controls. The cue bus is monaural.
	When you are recording, the record signal is monitored.

GROUP

2

4

STEREO

CUE

MONITOR/PHONES

MIN MAX

Of these three monitor sources, you will probably Þnd the cue bus is the most useful. This bus allows you to monitor the previously recorded tracks as well as new material independently of the mixer section. It is sometimes very important to be able to listen directly to the tracks, for example, to compare different mixer settings to the original signal.

You adjust the overall monitoring level with the MONITOR/PHONES control.

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Recording Functions

16

Initial recording

The Þrst step in multitrack recording is to record the initial tracks. Usually, these are your rhythm tracks: bassguitar, rhythm guitar, and drums.

Note: Before you record anything, you must connect the MT4X to both an input source and a monitoring system. See "Example System" on page 14.

		a
	b n
a		d
			o
el	p		n
		eop

Track 1

Track 2

Track 3

Track to be recorded

Track 4

Preparations for recording

1)Insert a cassette tape into the cassette tape compartment (D).

2)Connect the input source to the corresponding MIC/LINE INPUT connector for each channel.

3)Set the input select key (6) to the MIC/LINE position.

4)Rotate the GAIN control (1) to adjust the initial level of the input signal.

If you have plugged a microphone into the corresponding connector, rotate the control fully clockwise to the MIC setting.

If you have plugged a synthesizer into the connector, or are running a bassguitar or guitar through a signal processor (line level output), rotate the control fully counter-clockwise to the LINE setting.

Note: This level setting is temporary — just to get a rough signal level based on the type of input you have connected. Be aware that you could easily be sending a signal that is overloading the gain amplifier and causing distortion. To set the final level, see steps 10 and 11.

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