Yamaha MT4X - Manual

3 Introduction User’s Guide Structure of the MT4X L/MONO AUX RETURN 21 L/MONO ASSIGN ASSIGN MASTER 1 2 3 4 GROUP 1 3 2 4 1 3 2 4 12 AUX RETURN LEVEL 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1 3 2 4 01 0 01 0 01 0 01 0 01 0 01 0 MIN MAX CUE LEVEL MONITOR SELECT STEREO CUE MONITOR/PHONES MIC/LINE...

Introduction 4 User’s Guide Structure of the MT4X The MT4X can be divided into three basic sections – 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 s...

5 Controls and Connections User’s Guide 1 Controls and Connections NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM 1 2 3 4 TRACK STEREO STOP FF REW PLAY REC/PAUSE REHE MASTER MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER 1 2 3 4 GROUP 1 3 2 4 ASSIGN 1 3 2 4 ASSIGN 1 2 AUX RETURN LEVEL 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1 3 2 4 0 ...

Controls and Connections 6 User’s Guide 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 freq...

7 Controls and Connections User’s Guide 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 tr...

Controls and Connections 8 User’s Guide 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 D Cassette tape com-partment E Multi-function display This FLD (...

Controls and Connections 10 User’s Guide 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 withou...

11 Controls and Connections User’s Guide Y Tape counter This indicator displays tape position. Z 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 dbx™ is off, the normal signal limit is approximat...

Controls and Connections 12 User’s Guide Rear Panel Connections f MONITOR OUT connections • Output impedance: 1 k Ω • Nominal output level: -10 dB (at 10 k Ω load) These RCA/Phono connectors are used to plug in a monitor amplifier or powered loudspeakers. The same signal which is output from the PHO...

13 Controls and Connections User’s Guide Power Connections l AC IN inlet Connect the supplied power cord here. m POWER switch 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...

Example System 14 User’s Guide 2 Example System NS -10MS TU DIO NS -10MS TU DIO Master Recorder Amplifier AUX RETURN 2 L/MONO 1 L/MONO STEREO OUT L R MONITOR OUT L R MIC/LINE INPUT 31 2 4 TAPE OUT 31 2 SYNC/4 AUX SEND 1 2 RR Sequencer Rhythm Programmer MIDI Converter FSK Signal MIDI OUT MIDI IN MIDI...

15 Recording Functions User’s Guide 3 Recording Functions The basic functions of multitrack recording are as follows: Monitoring The MT4X offers you a great deal of flexibility in monitoring the status of your recordings. You can monitor the individual channel groups, the stereo bus, the cue bus, or...

Recording Functions 16 User’s Guide Initial recording The first step in multitrack recording is to record the initial tracks. Usually, these are your rhythm tracks: bassguitar, rhythm guitar, and drums. Preparations for recording 1) Insert a cassette tape into the cassette tape compartment ( D ). 2)...

17 Recording Functions User’s Guide 5) Using the ASSIGN keys ( 4 ) and the PAN control ( 5 ) select the group bus you want the input signal to go to. If the PAN control is set to a position partway between L/ODD and R/EVEN, the input signal will be sent to both the odd and even group buses. If you p...

Recording Functions 18 User’s Guide 9) Press the REC/PAUSE key ( S ). The indicator above the key lights and any flashing REC SELECT - TRACK indicators will be illuminated. 10) Set the channel fader ( 7 ) to the nominal level between “7” and “8”. 11) Adjust the GAIN control while watching the level ...

19 Recording Functions User’s Guide Overdubbing Overdub recording is the basis of all multi-track recording. It enables you to record additional instruments or parts track-by-track while listening to the previously recorded tracks. Preparations for recording 1) Connect the input source for each chan...

Recording Functions 20 User’s Guide Rehearsal After you have set the recording levels, you should rehearse the overdub to verify and adjust the settings and cue levels. 11) Press the PLAY key to start the rehearsal. The indicator above the key lights and the MT4X starts the tape. Start playing. 12) ...

21 Recording Functions User’s Guide To overdub another part, simply repeat steps 1 to 17. Punch-in/out recording This technique is used to re-record short sections, correct mistakes, or add new sections to silent passages. You play your part while punching in and out to start and stop the recorder. ...

Recording Functions 22 User’s Guide The REC SELECT - TRACK indicator on the display will flash. Set the working points: • The pre-roll point - the punch-in/out operation starts playback at this point to give you a count-in. • The punch-in point - recording begins. • The punch-out point - recording e...

23 Recording Functions User’s Guide The AUTO PUNCH and START indicators ( ^ ) on the display and the indicator above the REHE key will begin flashing. 4) Press the PLAY key (or step on the footswitch) to play the tape. The START indicator will light and the IN indicator will begin flashing. The indi...

Recording Functions 24 User’s Guide Rehearsal The MT4X automatically enters rehearsal mode after you have assigned the punch-in and punch-out points. This mode allows you to practice the punch-in/out operation before you actually commit anything to tape. 7) Press the MONITOR SELECT - CUE key. Adjust...

25 Recording Functions User’s Guide At the punch-in location, the START indicator will switch off, the IN indicator will light, and the indicator above the REC/PAUSE key and the REC SELECT - TRACK indicator will light. Play the punch-in part. At the punch-out location, the IN indicator and indicator...

Recording Functions 26 User’s Guide Status indicators During the operation of the automatic punch-in/out function, you can determine the status by checking the indicators shown in the following table: Function Display Indicators LEDs Mark the pre-roll point (see step 3). Start the tape playing (see ...

27 Recording Functions User’s Guide Using the REC/PAUSE key and the PLAY key 1) Connect the input source, set the input select key, and adjust the GAIN control and channel fader so that the mixer setting is identical to the previous recording. 2) Press the REC SELECT key for the track you want to pu...

Recording Functions 28 User’s Guide Using the optional footswitch 1) Connect the input source, set the input select key, and adjust the GAIN control and channel fader so that the mixer setting is identical to the previous recording. 2) Plug an optional FC5 footswitch into the PUNCH I/O footswitch co...

29 Recording Functions User’s Guide Ping-pong recording Ping-pong recording allows you to bounce several previously-recorded tracks onto an unrecorded track. Using this technique, you can create a recording with effectively more than four tracks. There are two basic techniques you can employ when ma...

Recording Functions 30 User’s Guide If required, add effects using the AUX SEND and AUX RETURN controls and connectors. Adjust the effects for each channel. 9) Press the RETURN TO ZERO key to stop and rewind the tape. Recording 10) Press the REC/PAUSE key. The indicator over the key lights and the R...

Recording Functions 32 User’s Guide Mixdown Mixdown is the process of combining the four individual tracks into a final stereo mix. You blend and polish the sounds before you record them onto a stereo cassette recorder or DAT recorder. The mix is created using the various mixer controls. You adjust ...

33 Recording Functions User’s Guide Rehearsal 5) Press the PLAY key to start playback. 6) Adjust the channel levels with the channel faders. Set the equalization with the HIGH, MID, and LOW equalizer controls ( 2 ). Use the Pan control to adjust the pan position. Set the aux send level with the AUX ...

Synchronization 34 User’s Guide 4 Synchronization The MT4X has the ability to synchronize MIDI sequencers, rhythm programmers, and other devices to the existing tracks on your tape. The following section describes some of the advanced techniques you can employ. When you create an overdub recording, ...

35 Synchronization User’s Guide FSK recording Record FSK signals on track 4 The MT4X is equipped with a dbx™ noise reduction system. For recording normal audio signals, the noise reduction system is beneficial. However, dbx™ interferes with the recording of FSK signals. This sometimes results in an ...

Synchronization 36 User’s Guide 16) Start the MIDI instrument. Run the song program on the MIDI instrument from beginning to end. The Song Start, Tempo (and tempo changes), and Song End are recorded onto the FSK track. 17) When the MIDI program has completed, stop the MIDI instrument and press the R...

37 Synchronization User’s Guide Connections and setup 1) Plug a compatible cable from the TAPE OUT - SYNC/4 ( k ) connector into the MIDI/FSK input on your sequencer, rhythm machine, or converter. Set the connected MIDI instrument to FSK sync mode, to receive the FSK signals from the MT4X. Set any o...

Synchronization 38 User’s Guide The MIDI instrument(s) will playback in sync with the data recorded on track 4. Play the overdub part along with the MIDI instrument(s) and the previously recorded tracks. 7) Adjust the recording and monitoring levels while watching the level meters. 8) When you are s...

39 Synchronization User’s Guide Synchronized mixdown You can use the FSK signal to synchronize MIDI instruments to the previously recorded tracks on the MT4X while you are creating a mixdown recording (see "Mixdown" on page 32). One of the advantages of this technique is that you can add mul...

Synchronization 40 User’s Guide 3) Plug compatible cables from the other TAPE OUT connectors (1, 2, and 3) into the inputs of your mixer. 4) Connect the audio outputs from the MIDI instruments to the mixer inputs. 5) Connect the stereo inputs of the master recorder to the stereo outputs of the mixer...

41 Memory Functions User’s Guide 5 Memory Functions Memo Function Store a memory location You can mark two memory locations which can be used to quickly return to a specific point on your tape. 1) Fast-wind or rewind the tape to the location you want stored. For example, you can locate the end of a ...

Memory Functions 42 User’s Guide Repeat Function The MT4X will repeatedly play a section of the tape between two memory locations. 1) Press the REPEAT key ( H ). The MT4X will fast-wind or rewind the tape to the first memory location. While the tape transport is in fast-wind or rewind mode, the REPE...

43 Memory Functions User’s Guide 2) Press the REC SELECT key ( G ) corresponding to the track you want to check. The maximum level segment of the selected track will light and the tape counter will display the corresponding location value for as long as the two keys are pressed. If the level is beyo...

Appendix 44 User’s Guide Appendix Troubleshooting If you experience difficulty operating the MT4X, or it does not seem to be working as it should, look up the problem in the following table. You may find it is just a simple error, easy to correct. Symptom Possible Cause Solution The MT4X cannot be p...

45 Appendix User’s Guide Maintenance The MT4X requires regular maintenance to remain in top operating condition. If you observe the following problems, you should clean and possibly demagnetize the unit: • A drop in level at high frequencies. • An increase in wow and flutter. • Fluctuating sound or ...

Appendix 46 User’s Guide Specifications Model 4-track/4-channel one direction recording and playback cassette recorder with mixer Tape Transport Tape Type C-46 ~ 90 cassette tapes CrO2 - Type II (Bias: HIGH; EQ 70 µ s) Track Configuration 4-track/4-channel one direction recording and playback Heads ...

47 Appendix User’s Guide • Specifications are subject to change without notice. • The dbx™ noise reduction system was manufactured based on a patent licence from THAT Corporation. dbx is a trademark of Carillion Electronics Corporation. Signal-to-Noise ratio (at nominal input and output) 68 dB / IHF...

Appendix 48 User’s Guide Block Diagram dbx R P PAN AUX LOW MID GAIN HA EQ BA TAPE MIC/ LINE CUE LEVEL (METER) 1 2 3 4 (METER) L R TAPE OUT SYNC/4 CUE EQ R 1,2 AUX RETURN L/MONO LEVEL 2 1 STEREO L R OUT OUT AUX SEND MONITOR R L PHONES MONITOR/ PHONES INPUT MIC/LINE 4 3 2 dbx R P PAN AUX LOW MID GAIN ...

49 Appendix User’s Guide Dimensions Tracking Sheet There is a tracking sheet template on the back cover of this manual. You should make a number of photocopies and use them to keep a log of your recording sessions. Initial tracks Recording the bassguitar and drum machine: D: 311.3 W: 414.2 H: 110.7 ...

Appendix 50 User’s Guide Overdubbing Recording the synthesizer and MIDI tone generator: Recording the vocals: R EVEN LODD C AUX 1 AUX 2 OFF HIGH MID LOW -12 +12 -12 +12 -12 +12 0 0 0 10 9876543210 Input Channel Source Assign Pan Aux EQ Fader 1 1 3 2 4 MIC/LINE TAPE R EVEN LODD C AUX 1 AUX 2 OFF HIGH...

51 Appendix User’s Guide Mixdown Add equalization and effects and record to the master recorder: Glossary Auxiliary Bus The MT4X has two auxiliary buses. These buses are generally used to send signals to external signal processing units. Auxiliary Send — Each channel module includes an AUX control, ...

53 Appendix User’s Guide MONITOR/PHONES control Controls the amount of signal fed to the speakers through the left and right MONITOR OUT jacks or to the stereo PHONES (headphone) jack. Multitrack A tape recorder with more than two tracks. The MT4X is a four-track machine. Each track can be independe...

YAMAHA CORPORATION VT03650 R0 1 IP 95 01 3000 CP Printed in Japan P.O.Box 1, Hamamatsu, Japan T r ac king Sheet R EVEN L ODD C AUX 1 AUX 2 OFF HIGH MID LOW -12 +12 -12 +12 -12 +12 0 0 0 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Input Channel Source Assign Pan Aux EQ Fader 1 1 3 2 4 MIC/LINE TAPE R EVEN L ODD C AUX 1 A...