Page 3 - • Explanation of Graphical Symbols; SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS; C A U T I O N
• Explanation of Graphical Symbols The exclamation point within an equilat-eral triangle is intended to alert the user tothe presence of important operating andmaintenance (servicing) instructions in theliterature accompanying the product. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbolwithin an equilater...
Page 4 - ii; Important; Read the Following Before Operating the MD8; Warnings; Cautions
ii MD8—Owner’s Manual Important Read the Following Before Operating the MD8 Warnings • Do not locate the MD8 in a place subject to excessive heat or direct sunlight. This could be a fire hazard. • Do not place MD8 in a place subject to excessive humidity or dust. This could be a fire or electrical s...
Page 5 - Keep This Manual For Future Reference
iii MD8—Owner’s Manual Ventilation Allow a distance of 10 cm between the unit and the wall so that heat generated from the unit will be released effectively. Also, allow enough space between the unit and other devices. If you mount the unit in an audio rack, keep a space of 10 cm to the side panel. ...
Page 6 - iv; Contents
iv MD8—Owner’s Manual Contents 1. Welcome to the MD8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 MD8 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
Page 8 - MIDI Implementation Chart . . End of Manual
vi MD8—Owner’s Manual 9. The MD8 & MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Using the MD8 in a Synchronized MIDI System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73About Tempo Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Setting Up a Syn...
Page 9 - Welcome to the MD8; MD8 Features; Mixer; Recorder
Welcome to the MD8 1 MD8—Owner’s Manual 1 Welcome to the MD8 Thank you for choosing the Yamaha MD8 Multitrack MD Recorder. The MD8 uses the MiniDisc format for 8-track multitrack recording, with superior sound quality and quick search capabilities. To take best advantage of your MD8, read this Owner...
Page 11 - Buying Discs for the MD8; MD8 TOC
Buying Discs for the MD8 3 MD8—Owner’s Manual Buying Discs for the MD8 It’s important that you buy the correct type of disc for use with your MD8. For 8-track recording and playback, you must use MD DATA discs. Regular MiniDiscs can only be used for 2-track recording and playback (2TR mode). MD DATA...
Page 12 - Touring the MD8; Topside View
4 Touring the MD8 MD8—Owner’s Manual 2 Touring the MD8 This chapter takes you on a tour of the MD8, identifying the various parts to help you become familiar with your new recorder. Topside View The individual sections of the MD8 are explained on the following pages. MULTITRACK MD RECORDER GROUP 1 C...
Page 13 - Input Channels; GAIN control
Input Channels 5 MD8—Owner’s Manual Input Channels A GAIN control This rotary control adjusts the sensitivity of the MIC/LINE input so that both microphone and line-level signals can be handled with ease. B FLIP switch This switch is used to select the signal sources for the input channel and CUE co...
Page 14 - GROUP ASSIGN switches
6 Touring the MD8 MD8—Owner’s Manual F GROUP ASSIGN switches These switches are used to assign (i.e., send) the input channel signal to groups. They work in conjunction with the PAN control. For example, with GROUP ASSIGN switch [1–2] ON and the PAN control set midway, the channel signal is sent equ...
Page 15 - Master Section; GROUP; CUE
Master Section 7 MD8—Owner’s Manual Master Section A 9–10/11–12 input level controls These rotary controls are used to adjust the level of the 9–10 and 11–12 input signals that are sent to the Stereo bus for mixing. They’re also used in conjunction with the GROUP ASSIGN switches to adjust the level ...
Page 16 - Display; Status indicators; Pitch indicators; ELAPSE; M D 8 S o n g
8 Touring the MD8 MD8—Owner’s Manual Display A Status indicators These indicators show the current operating mode. B Pitch indicators These indicators show the current Pitch mode: FIX (fixed) or VARI (variable). C MTC, MIDI CLK, and MMC indicators These indicators light when the MIDI synchronization...
Page 18 - Disc Transport Section; Disc Transport buttons; AUTO PUNCH I/O button
10 Touring the MD8 MD8—Owner’s Manual Disc Transport Section A Disc Transport buttons REHE —This button is used to enter Rehearse mode. The REHE indicators flash in Rehearse Pause mode and stay on continuously while rehearsal is in progress. REC —This button is used to enter Record mode. The REC ind...
Page 19 - PITCH
Disc Transport Section 11 MD8—Owner’s Manual E A B Repeat buttons These buttons are used to enter the A and B points for A-B Repeat. F REPEAT button This button is used to select the 1 Song, All Song, A-B, and Auto Punch Rehearse Repeat modes. It’s also used to cancel A-B Repeat mode. G MARK SEARCH ...
Page 20 - Rear Panel
12 Touring the MD8 MD8—Owner’s Manual Rear Panel A AC IN Connect the supplied power cord here. B POWER ON/OFF switch This switch is used to turn on and off the MD8. C MIDI IN, OUT & THRU The MD8 receives MMC (MIDI Machine Control) commands via the MIDI IN port, and outputs MIDI Clock or MTC (MID...
Page 21 - AUX SEND
Rear Panel 13 MD8—Owner’s Manual D AUX SEND These 1/4-inch phone jacks are used to send the Aux Send signals to external effects pro-cessors. Connect them to the effects proces-sors’ inputs. E LINE INPUT 9–10/11–12 These 1/4-inch phone jacks are used to con-nect unbalanced electronic musical instru-...
Page 22 - MONITOR OUT
14 Touring the MD8 MD8—Owner’s Manual G INSERT I/O These TRS phone jacks are used to connect signal processors for use with input channel 1 and input channel 2 exclusively. Typically, compressors, limiters, and noise gates are con-nected to this type of connection. H MIC/LINE INPUTs 1 & 2 These ...
Page 23 - PHANTOM POWER ON/OFF switch; Front Connectors; PHONES
Front Connectors 15 MD8—Owner’s Manual M PHANTOM POWER ON/OFF switch This switch is used to turn on and off the phantom power for the XLR-type MIC/LINE (BAL) inputs on channels 1 and 2. Phantom power is used to power condenser microphones. It should be turned off when devices other than condenser mi...
Page 24 - The First Session
16 The First Session MD8—Owner’s Manual 3 The First Session This chapter explains how to record and mix your first MD8 session. If this is your first time with a multitrack recorder, we recommend that you start with this chapter and follow all the procedures closely. When you’ve completed this chapt...
Page 25 - Connecting the Power Cord; Plug the other end of the power cord into a suitable AC wall outlet.; Turning on the MD8; Press the POWER switch at the rear of the MD8. The display lights up.; Loading a Disc; Press the EJECT button to open the disc compartment.; Blank Disc; Recording the First Track; GRP
Connecting the Power Cord 17 MD8—Owner’s Manual Connecting the Power Cord 1. Connect the supplied power cord to the AC IN socket on the rear of MD8. 2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a suitable AC wall outlet. Turning on the MD8 1. Press the POWER switch at the rear of the MD8. The displa...
Page 26 - or; DIR Method; GRP Method
18 The First Session MD8—Owner’s Manual Making the Connections (GRP & DIR) 1. Connect a sound source to MIC/LINE INPUT 1. If you are using a condenser microphone, set PHANTOM switch to ON to turn on phantom powering. 2. Set the [FLIP] switch on Input Channel 1 to MIC/LINE. 3. If you connect a li...
Page 27 - Set Channel 1’s CUE LEVEL control to the to the 7–8 mark.; Listening to the First Track
Recording the First Track 19 MD8—Owner’s Manual DIR Method 1. Press the REC SELECT [1] button. The TRK 1 DIR indicator flashes, indicating that track 1 is set to record directly from input channel 1. 2. Proceed to Monitoring & Recording (GRP & DIR) . Monitoring & Recording (GRP & DIR...
Page 28 - Overdubbing; and set the GROUP ASSIGN switches to OFF.; Set the channel’s CUE LEVEL control to the to the 7–8 mark.; tracks already recorded.
20 The First Session MD8—Owner’s Manual Overdubbing Overdubbing is the technique used to record new sounds to empty tracks while listening to the sounds already recorded on other tracks. The following overdubbing procedure can be used to record to Tracks 2–8, and you can use the GRP or DIR method, t...
Page 29 - Mixdown; Balancing Levels; Applying Effects; Record the Final Mix
Mixdown 21 MD8—Owner’s Manual Mixdown Mixdown is the final technique in multitrack recording. Here you mix the sounds from all eight tracks, with EQ and effects to create a balanced stereo signal that is recorded to a stereo master recorder, such as a DAT, MiniDisc, or cassette tape deck. 1. Make su...
Page 30 - An Overview of Multitrack Recording; Basic Multitracking; Monitoring; Advanced Multitracking; Synchronization
22 The First Session MD8—Owner’s Manual An Overview of Multitrack Recording This section describes the fundamental principles of multitrack recording. Basic Multitracking Monitoring —This is the process of listening to a sound as it’s being recorded or listening to recorded sounds as new sounds are ...
Page 31 - About Monitoring
About Monitoring 23 MD8—Owner’s Manual About Monitoring The MD8 features a flexible monitoring system, allowing you to monitor signals at various points. You can monitor sounds through a pair of stereo headphones connected to the PHONES jack, or through a monitor amplifier and speakers connected to ...
Page 32 - signals to the input channel or CUE controls.
24 The First Session MD8—Owner’s Manual Multi-Source Mixing In addition to the eight disc tracks, you can also connect external sound sources to the MIC/LINE inputs and mix up to eight more sound sources with the disc tracks. These extra sound sources are mixed using the CUE LEVEL and PAN controls. ...
Page 33 - Record the final mix
Multi-Source Mixing 25 MD8—Owner’s Manual 4. Set the input channel and STEREO faders to the 7–8 mark, and set the CUE LEVEL controls midway. 5. Set the [CUE MIX TO STEREO] switch to ON. 6. Press the MONITOR SELECT [STEREO] switch and set the MONITOR LEVEL control to an appropriate level. 7. Set the ...
Page 34 - Recording & Mixing Techniques; Recording a New Song; Blank; Searching for Blanks
26 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual 4 Recording & Mixing Techniques This chapter explains MD8 recording and mixing techniques. Recording a New Song The NEW REC function is used to record new songs on a disc. Songs are recorded sequen-tially, as shown below. With a blank disc,...
Page 35 - Setting the Recording Mode; dial to select the Rec Mode function.; Mode; Use the DATA dial to select a Recording mode.; MONO Mode
Recording a New Song 27 MD8—Owner’s Manual Setting the Recording Mode The following table shows the four MD8 Recording modes. Songs on the same disc can be recorded in different modes, but you cannot change the mode during or after recording. These modes allow you to use disc space efficiently. Audi...
Page 36 - Recording; NEW; Use the REC SELECT buttons to select tracks for recording.; Titling Discs & Songs; the Song Name or Disc Name function.
28 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Recording 1. Press the [REC] button to engage Record Pause mode. The display shows the number of the new song and NEW X REC . This is Record Pause mode. Initially, all tracks that can be recorded in the current Recording mode are selected, as s...
Page 37 - Using the REC Button; Locate to a position before the point at which you want to punch in.
Manual Punch In/Out 29 MD8—Owner’s Manual Manual Punch In/Out The Punch In/Out technique allows you to rerecord specific sections of a track. This can be used to correct mistakes or record something new into silent sections of a track. If you’re operating the MD8 and playing or singing the part to b...
Page 38 - Using the REC SELECT buttons
30 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Using the REC SELECT buttons 1. Locate to a position before the point at which you want to punch in. 2. Make sure that all REC indicators are off (i.e., no tracks selected). 3. Press the [REC] button. The REC indicators (i.e., the indicator of ...
Page 39 - Using a Footswitch; Locate to a position before the point at which you want to punch in.; Press the footswitch to start playback.; Press the footswitch again to enter Pause mode.
Manual Punch In/Out 31 MD8—Owner’s Manual Using a Footswitch 1. Connect an optional footswitch to the PUNCH I/O jack (front panel). 2. Locate to a position before the point at which you want to punch in. 3. Press the [REC SELECT] button (or [GROUP] + [REC SELECT]) of the track that you want to recor...
Page 41 - MARK IN; where you wish to set the Punch Out marker.; MARK OUT; Setting the Punch In/Out points by specifying the time or measure
Auto Punch In/Out 33 MD8—Owner’s Manual Using [SET] and LAST REC SEARCH Another way of setting the Punch In and Out points on the fly is by using the [SET] and LAST REC SEARCH buttons (also labelled [IN] and [OUT]). Doing so has the advantage that you do not need to select a track for recording befo...
Page 42 - Single Take Auto Punch In/Out; that you want to record.
34 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Single Take Auto Punch In/Out Rehearsing Auto Punch (Single Take) 1. Press the [REC SELECT] button (or [GROUP] + [REC SELECT]) of the track that you want to record. A dot flashes above the corresponding track indicator. 2. Press the [AUTO PUNCH...
Page 43 - Performing Auto Punch for Real; Pnch Go
Auto Punch In/Out 35 MD8—Owner’s Manual Performing Auto Punch for Real 1. Press the [REC SELECT] button (or [GROUP] + [REC SELECT]) of the track that you want to record. A dot flashes above the corresponding track indicator. 2. Press the [AUTO PUNCH I/O] button. 3. Select the Auto Punch In mode (Sin...
Page 44 - Auto Punch with a Footswitch; Rehe; Press the footswitch to start the Auto Punch In/Out sequence.
36 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Auto Punch with a Footswitch An optional footswitch can be used to start the Auto Punch In/Out sequence. 1. Press the [REC SELECT] button (or [GROUP] + [REC SELECT]) of the track that you want to record. A dot flashes above the corresponding tr...
Page 45 - Multi Take Auto Punch In/Out; TAKE 1 Load; TAKE 1 Rehe
Auto Punch In/Out 37 MD8—Owner’s Manual Multi Take Auto Punch In/Out As previously mentioned, Multi Take Punch In/Out means that you can record several ver-sions of the same excerpt, audition them, decide which one you like best, and then discard the remaining Takes. You need to set the Punch In and...
Page 46 - Performing Multi Take Auto Punch for Real; Press the [REC] button to switch off Rehearse mode and activate REC; TAKE 1 Go
38 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Performing Multi Take Auto Punch for Real 1. See steps (1)–(3) above. The display now reads TAKE 1 Load . Next, the Pre-Roll point is located automatically. The REHE indicators flash and the display shows TAKE 1 Rehe . The AUTO PUNCH IN and OUT...
Page 48 - Pre; Use the DATA dial to set the Pre-Roll time from 0 to 9 seconds.; Post 5sec; Use the DATA dial to set the Post-Roll time from 0 to 9 seconds.
40 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Setting the Pre-Roll & Post-Roll Times Pre-Roll and Post-Roll are used in conjunction with the Auto Punch In/Out function. Pre-Roll refers to the time before the IN point at which playback starts. Post-Roll refers to the time after the OUT ...
Page 50 - Preparing for Ping-Pong; ] SONG SEARCH button to locate the beginning of the song.; Set the MONITOR LEVEL control as required.
42 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Preparing for Ping-Pong 1. Press the [ ] SONG SEARCH button to locate the beginning of the song. 2. Set the [FLIP] switches on the source track channels to PB. This sets the disc playback (track) signal as the source for the channels. 3. Set th...
Page 51 - Performing Ping-Pong for Real; Checking the Ping-Pong Operation
Ping-Pong Recording 43 MD8—Owner’s Manual Rehearsing Ping-Pong 8. Press the [REHE] button. The REHE indicators flash. 9. Press the [PLAY] button to start the rehearsal. The rehearsal starts and the PLAY indicators light up. The REHE indicators stop flashing and light up continuously. You should now ...
Page 52 - Ping-Pong with Overdub; signal as appropriate.
44 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Ping-Pong with Overdub The ping-pong technique can be combined with overdub recording. This allows you to bounce down tracks and record a new sound source simultaneously. In the following illus-tration, for example, Tracks 5, 6, and 7 are bounc...
Page 54 - Pitch; Adjusting the Pitch; Fix; Turn the CURSOR shuttle to the right to select VARI.; Toggling Between FIX & VARI Pitch
46 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Pitch The Pitch function allows you to adjust the pitch for playback and recording. The pitch can be adjusted approximately ± 12%. Normally, the Pitch function should be set to Fix, which means the pitch is fixed for normal operation. See Pitch...
Page 55 - Normal playback
Using a Footswitch 47 MD8—Owner’s Manual Using a Footswitch An optional footswitch can be used to control the MD8. Apart from a few small differences, footswitch operation is essentially the same as pressing the MD8 [PLAY] button. Connect the footswitch to the PUNCH I/O jack at the front of the MD8....
Page 56 - the 7–8 mark and turn up an AUX control.
48 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Applying Effects The AUX SENDs 1 and 2 allow you to connect external effects processors and apply effects to MD8 signals. Effects can be applied when recording tracks, using ping-pong, or during mixdown. Typically, reverb and delay type effects...
Page 57 - Applying Effects when Recording; the destination group.; Set the effects processor as required.
Applying Effects when Recording 49 MD8—Owner’s Manual Applying Effects when Recording 1. To send an input channel signal to an effects processor, set the [FLIP] switch to the up position, the fader to the 7–8 mark, and turn up an AUX control. The input channel signal is sent to the effects processor...
Page 58 - Patching in Signal Processors; To processor’s input
50 Recording & Mixing Techniques MD8—Owner’s Manual Patching in Signal Processors Input channels 1 and 2 feature INSERT I/O jacks. These make it easy to patch external signal processors directly into these two channels. Typically, compressors, limiters, and noise gates are used for this type of ...
Page 59 - Quick Search Functions; Searching for Songs; Rewind & Fast Forward; Turn the CURSOR shuttle to the right to fast forward/temporarily
Quick Search Functions 51 MD8—Owner’s Manual 5 Quick Search Functions This chapter explains the quick search functions. Searching for Songs The [ ] and [ ] SONG SEARCH buttons can be used for locating songs at any time except when recording. The [ ] SONG SEARCH button locates the previous song and t...
Page 60 - Turn the CURSOR shuttle to the left to rewind at the desired speed; Locating Specific Points; Use the CURSOR shuttle for coarse movements, or the DATA dial for; Searching for the Last Rec IN & OUT Points
52 Quick Search Functions MD8—Owner’s Manual 3. Turn the CURSOR shuttle to the left to rewind at the desired speed The display shows the value of the selected Review (REV) speed (see the above illustration). 4. If you like, you can “lock” the currently selected Cue/Review speed by pressing the [ENTE...
Page 61 - Searching for Markers; MARK X; Marker Indicators
Searching for Markers 53 MD8—Owner’s Manual Searching for Markers The [ ] and [ ] MARK SEARCH buttons are used to search for markers within a song. The [ ] MARK SEARCH button locates the previous marker and the MARK SEARCH [ ] button locates the next marker. For a song with no markers inserted, you ...
Page 62 - Adjusting Markers; Use the DATA dial to select the marker that you want to adjust.
54 Quick Search Functions MD8—Owner’s Manual Adjusting Markers Once inserted, markers can be finely adjusted in one-frame steps. This also applies to the LAST REC IN and OUT points (they double as Punch In and Out points). The Start and End markers cannot be adjusted. 1. Press the [ADJUST] button. T...
Page 63 - Use the DATA dial to adjust the marker and the [PLAY] and the CURSOR
Adjusting Markers 55 MD8—Owner’s Manual 4. Use the DATA dial to adjust the marker and the [PLAY] and the CURSOR shuttle to audition the new marker position. The marker can be moved in 86-frame steps to a new position within the 10 seconds of sound data loaded into memory. If you want to move the mar...
Page 64 - Erasing Markers; Use the DATA dial to select the marker that you want to erase.; ADJST
56 Quick Search Functions MD8—Owner’s Manual Erasing Markers 1. Press the [ADJUST] button. The display shows MAR X: ADJST . 2. Use the DATA dial to select the marker that you want to erase. 3. Turn the CURSOR shuttle to the right to make the ADJST message flash. 4. Use the DATA dial to select CLEAR....
Page 65 - One Song Repeat
Repeat, Cue List & Program Play 57 MD8—Owner’s Manual 6 Repeat, Cue List & Program Play This chapter explains the Repeat, Cue List, and Program Play functions. One Song Repeat One Song Repeat playback allows you to play one song repeatedly. 1. Use the [SONG SEARCH] buttons to select the song...
Page 66 - A–B Repeat; B] button when you hear the beginning of the section; B] button again when you hear the end of the section
58 Repeat, Cue List & Program Play MD8—Owner’s Manual A–B Repeat A–B Repeat playback allows you to repeatedly play a section of a song. Playback repeats between the specified A and B points, which can be in separate songs. 1. Press the [PLAY] button to start playback. 2. Press the [A B] button w...
Page 67 - Cue List Playback & Copy; EDIT; Use the DATA dial to select EDIT or NEW.
Cue List Playback & Copy 59 MD8—Owner’s Manual Cue List Playback & Copy The Cue List function allows you to compile a cue list (i.e., a sequence of cues for playback) using markers. Cues are loaded into memory for continuous, uninterrupted playback. The Cue List can also be copied to create ...
Page 68 - Program Playback; EDIT Prog
60 Repeat, Cue List & Program Play MD8—Owner’s Manual Program Playback The Program Play function allows you to compile a program of songs for custom playback. The Program may contain up to 36 steps. 1. Press the [UTILITY] button and use the DATA dial to select the PRG Play function. 2. Press the...
Page 69 - Editing Songs & Tracks; Viewing Disc Contents; Use the DATA dial to select the Disc Info function.
Editing Songs & Tracks 61 MD8—Owner’s Manual 7 Editing Songs & Tracks This chapter explains the edit functions that can be used with songs and tracks. Viewing Disc Contents The Disc Info function allows you to view how the songs and blanks on a disc are organized. Using this function is inva...
Page 70 - Copying & Converting Songs; Press the [EDIT] button and use the DATA dial to select the Song Copy; Use the DATA dial to select the Song that you want to copy.; Copy
62 Editing Songs & Tracks MD8—Owner’s Manual Erasing Discs The Disc Erase function allows you to erase all songs on disc. Erasing all songs formats a disc. A disc that has been used to store computer data must be formatted using this function before it can be used with the MD8. 1. Press the [EDI...
Page 71 - Use the DATA dial to select another track.; Copy to BX; Use the DATA dial to select a blank area.; Copy to X
Copying & Converting Songs 63 MD8—Owner’s Manual 6. Turn the CURSOR shuttle to the right to select the first track of the song copy. The number of this track (probably “1” now flashes). 7. Use the DATA dial to select another track. Doing so means that track 1 of the copy will no longer correspon...
Page 72 - Renumbering Songs; Use the DATA dial to select the Song Renum function.
64 Editing Songs & Tracks MD8—Owner’s Manual 12. Press the [TOC WRITE] button to update the TOC. The following illustration shows a few possible applications of the Song Copy function. It is so flexible that we cannot show all possibilities. Just remember that you are free to choose whichever tr...
Page 73 - TOC Write; Moving Songs; Use the DATA dial to select the Song Move function.; Move to B1
Moving Songs 65 MD8—Owner’s Manual 4. Press [ENTER] to renumber the songs. After renumbering the songs, the display will briefly show TOC Write to signal that the TOC is being updated. Moving Songs The Song Move function allows you to move a song to a blank area. Doing so means that you create a bla...
Page 74 - Dividing Songs; Writing TOC
66 Editing Songs & Tracks MD8—Owner’s Manual Dividing Songs The Song Divide function allows you to divide songs into several independent songs. Songs can also be arranged as a program for playback. See Program Playback on page 60 for more information. 1. Locate the position where you want to div...
Page 75 - Combining Songs; Cmbn; Use the DATA dial to select the first song you want to combine.
Combining Songs 67 MD8—Owner’s Manual Combining Songs The Song Combine function allows you to combine adjacent songs that were divided using the Song Divide function. Songs that were recorded separately cannot be combined (though you can select their numbers, the display will tell you Can't Combn wh...
Page 76 - Erasing Songs; Use the DATA dial to select the song you want to erase.; Song; Erasing Tracks
68 Editing Songs & Tracks MD8—Owner’s Manual Erasing Songs The Song Erase function allows you to erase individual songs, which may be necessary to make room for new material you wish to record. 1. Press the [EDIT] button and use the DATA dial buttons to select the Song Erase function. 2. Press t...
Page 77 - Erasing Parts; value either to
Erasing Parts 69 MD8—Owner’s Manual Erasing Parts The part Erase function allows you to erase a section of a track. The section to be erased is determined by the IN and OUT points. These points can be set by holding down the [SET] button while pressing [IN] or [OUT] respectively. 1. Press the [EDIT]...
Page 78 - Copying Tracks; Press the [EDIT] button to call up the Edit menu and use the DATA dial
70 Editing Songs & Tracks MD8—Owner’s Manual Copying Tracks The Track Copy function allows you to copy individual tracks. The copy is recorded at the same volume level as the original. 1. Press the [EDIT] button to call up the Edit menu and use the DATA dial to select the Track Copy function. 2....
Page 79 - Copying Parts; Press the [EDIT] button and use the DATA dial to select the Part Copy; Use the DATA dial to select the source track.
Copying Parts 71 MD8—Owner’s Manual Copying Parts The Part Copy function allows you to copy a section of one track to another track. The sec-tion of the source track to be copied is determined by the IN and OUT points. These points can be set by holding down the [SET] button while pressing [IN] or [...
Page 80 - Other Functions; Frame Display; Dimmer; Peak Hold; Hold OFF; Use the DATA dial to set this function to ON.
72 Other Functions MD8—Owner’s Manual 8 Other Functions Frame Display The Frame Disp function allows you to choose whether the display counter shows 86 frames per second, the standard frame count for MiniDisc, or 30 frames per second for when the MD8 is generating MTC. 1. Press the [UTILITY] button ...
Page 81 - Using the MD8 in a Synchronized MIDI System
The MD8 & MIDI 73 MD8—Owner’s Manual 9 The MD8 & MIDI MIDI sequencers and MIDI controlled musical instruments have become essential tools for modern recording. It’s common these days not to record MIDI instruments until the final mixdown. This has the benefit of freeing up tracks for acousti...
Page 82 - Setting Up a Synchronized MIDI System
74 The MD8 & MIDI MD8—Owner’s Manual Setting Up a Synchronized MIDI System The following system shows how the MD8 can be integrated into a MIDI-based recording system. Acoustic sounds are recorded to the MD8, while MIDI instruments are controlled by a MIDI sequencer, which receives MTC or MIDI C...
Page 83 - Using MTC; Setting the MD8 for MTC Operation; Sync OFF; Setting the MIDI Sequencer
Using MTC 75 MD8—Owner’s Manual Using MTC Setting the MD8 for MTC Operation 1. Press the [UTILITY] button and use the DATA dial to select the MIDI Sync function. 2. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows Sync OFF . 3. Use the DATA dial to select MTC (MIDI Timecode). Sync MTC appears on the disp...
Page 84 - Using MIDI Clock; Meter Setup; button. To reset the Tempo Map, use the DATA dial to select; NEW Meter
76 The MD8 & MIDI MD8—Owner’s Manual Using MIDI Clock Setting the MIDI Sequencer The MIDI sequencer must be set to receive and synchronize to an external MIDI Clock source. Refer to your MIDI sequencer’s user manual for more information. Exact MIDI Clock operation depends on what external synchr...
Page 85 - eters and set the desired values using the DATA dial.; Use the DATA dial to select; Tempo Setup; NEW Tempo
Using MIDI Clock 77 MD8—Owner’s Manual 5. Use the CURSOR shuttle to select the measure and time signature param- eters and set the desired values using the DATA dial. The setting range for the measure parameter is 1–999, while Meter allows for 1–99/2–16 set-tings. In other words, you could program a...
Page 86 - Inserting Steps in a Tempo Map
78 The MD8 & MIDI MD8—Owner’s Manual 5. Use the CURSOR shuttle to select the measure, beat, and tempo param- eters and set the desired values using the DATA dial. The measure can be set from 1 to 999. The beat parameter depends on the number of beats per measure, which is specified by the Meter ...
Page 87 - Saving a Tempo Map; Selecting MIDI Clock for synchronization; A 0
Using MIDI Clock 79 MD8—Owner’s Manual The following example shows how sorting works when a tempo step is deleted. Saving a Tempo Map The Song Tempo (Meter and Tempo) settings are stored as soon as you update the TOC by pressing the [TOC WRITE] (STOP) button. It will be automatically loaded when you...
Page 88 - Controlling the MD8 with MMC
80 The MD8 & MIDI MD8—Owner’s Manual Controlling the MD8 with MMC Quite a few of the MD8’s functions can also be controlled using MIDI Machine Control (MMC) commands. MMC is short for a set of MIDI messages that can be used to control audio and video (tape) machines, disc recorders, and other eq...
Page 89 - Setting the MMC Device ID; DEV ID X; Enabling MMC; Press the [UTILITY] button and use the DATA dial to select the MMC; MMC Rx OFF; Use the DATA wheel to set this parameter to ON or OFF.; MMC Rx ON
Controlling the MD8 with MMC 81 MD8—Owner’s Manual Setting the MMC Device ID Because MMC messages are universal commands, you may have to set the MD8 so that it only responds to certain MMC messages. This is only necessary, however, if you are control-ling several MMC-compatible devices that must no...
Page 90 - Tempo Map Chart
82 The MD8 & MIDI MD8—Owner’s Manual Tempo Map Chart Meter Tempo Step Measure Time Signature Step Measure -Beat Tempo A 001 / A 001–1 B / B C / C D / D E / E F / F G / G H / H I / I J / J K / K L / L M / M N / N O / O P / P Q / Q R / R S / S T / T U / U V / V W / W X / X Y / Y Z / Z
Page 91 - MD8 Applications
MD8 Applications 83 MD8—Owner’s Manual 10 MD8 Applications This chapter shows how the MD8 can be used for various applications. One-Take Recording One-Take recording is ideal for live recording or recording bands that like to record with all members playing together. In this system, vocals, backing ...
Page 92 - MIDI Home Studio
84 MD8 Applications MD8—Owner’s Manual MIDI Home Studio In this system, acoustic instruments are recorded to the MD8, while MIDI instruments are controlled by a MIDI sequencer, which receives MTC or MIDI Clock from the MD8. Since the MIDI sequencer provides repeatable playback and is synchronized to...
Page 93 - Using the MD8 with Another Mixer
Using the MD8 with Another Mixer 85 MD8—Owner’s Manual Using the MD8 with Another Mixer In this system, the MD8 is used in conjunction with another mixer, in this case, a Yamaha 03D Digital Mixing Console. Track signals are fed to the 03D via the MD8’s DIRECT OUTs. The 03D offers 4-band parametric E...
Page 94 - Beyond the Basics; Effects Return
86 Beyond the Basics MD8—Owner’s Manual 11 Beyond the Basics This chapter provides some advanced tips and techniques for MD8 recording. Effects Return You can use LINE INPUTs 9, 10, 11, and 12 with an external effects processor. But they can also be used as extra stereo inputs. They accept line-leve...
Page 95 - Pitch Applications
Pitch Applications 87 MD8—Owner’s Manual Pitch Applications Adjusting the pitch is a common multitrack technique. It’s useful when recording instru-ments that are slightly out of tune. For example, you’ve recorded the drum and bass parts and now it’s time to record the acoustic piano part. However, ...
Page 96 - Balance levels; Pan the sounds; Balance tonal content; Individual track monitor; Apply effects
88 Beyond the Basics MD8—Owner’s Manual Mixdown This section provides tips and techniques for achieving the perfect MD8 mix. • Balance levels —you should already have some idea of how you want your mix to sound. This will, obviously, depend on the application and the instruments being mixed. Start w...
Page 98 - Do I have to sacrifice one track to record timecode?
90 Q&A Section MD8—Owner’s Manual Do I have to sacrifice one track to record timecode? No. The MD8 generates MTC (MIDI Timecode) or MIDI Clock from the disc’s internal sync signals. So even in a synchronized MIDI system, all eight tracks are available for sound recording. How many songs can I st...
Page 99 - Troubleshooting
91 MD8—Owner’s Manual Troubleshooting If you’re having difficulty operating the MD8 or if it doesn’t seem to work as expected, look up the symptoms in the following table and follow the advice provided. Symptom Advice The MD8 cannot be turned on! Make sure the power cord is connected to a suitable A...
Page 101 - Appendix; MD8 Transport Modes
MD8 Transport Modes 93 MD8—Owner’s Manual Appendix MD8 Transport Modes ● On z Flashing Mode Indicators MD8 Status REHE REC PLAY Stop — — — No activity. Play — — ● Normal playback Play Pause — — z Playback is paused. Cue FF — — ● Quick preview at 0.5X, 2X, 4X, 8X, 16X or 32X play. Review — — ● Quick ...
Page 102 - Display Messages
94 Appendix MD8—Owner’s Manual Display Messages Message Meaning A A A AD D D DJ J J JS S S ST T T T S S S St t t to o o op p p p The [STOP] button was pressed, so the Adjust function was cancelled. B B B Bl l l la a a an n n nk k k k D D D Di i i is s s sc c c c The disc is blank. B B B BL L L LA A ...
Page 103 - Specifications
Specifications 95 MD8—Owner’s Manual Specifications Recorder Mixer 0 dB is referenced to 0.775 V r.m.s. Digital/Audio Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz Compression: ATRAC Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +1 dB, –3 dBTHD+N: Less than 0.02% (1 kHz)S/N: 96 dB typ. Rec/Play 8-track independent simultaneous ...
Page 104 - General
96 Appendix MD8—Owner’s Manual General Specifications subject to change without notice. Power Requirements USA & Canada: 120 V/60 Hz, Others: 230 V/50 Hz Power Consumption 40 W Dimensions (W x H x D) 484 x 102 x 412.3 mm Weight 6.4 kg Operating Conditions Temperature 5˚C–35˚C (41˚F–95˚F) Humidit...
Page 105 - Block Diagram
Block Diagram 97 MD8—Owner’s Manual Block Diagram PB MIC/ LINE 3 Band EQ 3 Band EQ LINE MIC/ PB CUE MASTER 2 1 DIRECT 2 to Ch2 FLIP (CUE) GROUP 2 CH 2 Tr2 to Ch2 FLIP (EQ) from Ch2 from Ch8 GROUP 4 CH 8 to Ch8 FLIP (EQ) Tr8 to Ch8 FLIP (CUE) 8 REC Recorder PB PB Rec REC Recorder PB PB Rec from TRACK...
Page 106 - Dimensions
98 Appendix MD8—Owner’s Manual Dimensions W: 484 mm D: 412.3 mm H:102 mm Unit: mm
Page 107 - Glossary
Glossary 99 MD8—Owner’s Manual Glossary ATRAC —An acronym for Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding. This is the compression technique used to fit the same amount of data as that of a 120 mm CD on a 64 mm MiniDisc. Using the ATRAC system, the MD8 provides an 8-track recording time of 18 minutes. ATRAC ...
Page 110 - Index; Numerics
102 Index MD8—Owner’s Manual Index Numerics 2TR IN Connecting 85 2TR IN connectors 14 2TR IN MONITOR SELECT switch 7 A A-B buttons 11 A–B repeat 58 AC IN connector 12 ADJUST button 11 Adjusting markers 54 Advanced multitracking 22 All song repeat 57 Applications MIDI home studio 84 One-take recordin...
Page 114 - MIDI Implementation Chart
YAMAHA [Multitrack Recorder] Date: 11 Sept 1997 Model: MD8 MIDI Implementation Chart Version: 1.0 Function... Transmitted Recognized Remarks Basic Channel DefaultChanged XX XX Mode DefaultMessagesAltered XX ************** XXX Note Number True Voice X ************** XX Velocity Note OnNote Off XX XX ...
Page 115 - Tracking Sheet; Session Info; Step
Source: Source: Source: Source: Source: Source: Source: Source: Source: Source: 12345678 Tracking Sheet Title: Session Info Track List Mixer Setup Date: Step: Process: Notes: Step 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 → → → → → → → → → Section Repeat Title Cue List [S] [1] [2] [5] [E] [3] [4] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] Marke...
