Yamaha MT4X manual

Multitrac k Cassette Recor der User’ s Guide Manuel de l’utilisateur Bedienungsanleitung Guía del Usuario NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM 1234 TRACK STEREO STOP FF REW PLAY REC/PAUSE REHE MIC/LINE 1 HIGH GAIN MID LOW AUX PAN 1 3 2 4 LINE MIC -12 +12 -12 +12 -12 +12 AUX 1 AUX 2 R EVEN L ODD MIC/ LINE TAPE ASSIGN C 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 MIC/LINE 2 HIGH [...]

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 accessori[...]

1 Precautions User’s Guide Precautions 1 A void excessive heat, humidity , dust, and vibration. Keep the MT4X away from locations wher e 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 [...]

Introduction 2 User’s Guide Intr oduction Y our MT4X Multitrack Cassette recor der is a powerful recor ding 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 recor der with a comprehensive four -channel mixer . In order to make use of the man[...]

3 Introduction User’s Guide Str ucture 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 3 HIGH GAIN MID LOW AUX PAN 1 3 2 4 LINE MIC -[...]

Introduction 4 User’s Guide Str ucture of the MT4X The MT4X can be divided into three basic sections – the mixer , the recor der , 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 [...]

5 Controls and Connections User’s Guide 1 Contr ols and Connections NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM 1234 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 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 MONIT[...]

Controls and Connections 6 User’s Guide Channel Modules 1 GAIN control This rotary contr ol adjusts the level of the signal from a micr ophone or instrument plugged into the MIC/LINE INPUT connector ( h ). 2 Equalizer controls These rotary contr ols are used to adjust the high, middle and low band frequency levels. T o help you select the “fla[...]

7 Controls and Connections User’s Guide ODD/L: Rotated fully counter-clockwise sends the signal to the odd (1 or 3) number ed 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) a[...]

Controls and Connections 8 User’s Guide C Master fader This linear control is used to set the level of the master ster eo bus. For optimal performance and signal balance, the fader should be positioned between 7 and 8. Recorder Contr ols D Cassette tape com- partment E Multi-function display This FLD (Fluorescent Light Display) shows the operatin[...]

9 Controls and Connections User’s Guide When the automatic punch-in/out function is active, the REPEA T key causes the MT4X to immediately start the rehearsal mode. See "Using the automatic punch-in/out function" on page 21. I RETURN TO ZERO k ey This key rewinds the tape to the point wher e the tape counter ( Y ) reads “0000”. The [...]

Controls and Connections 10 User’s Guide T ranspor t Controls R REHE k ey and indicator This key is used to perform a recor ding rehearsal. While the LED indicator over the key is illuminated, you can simulate a recor ding session. This allows you to check recor ding levels or practice punch-in/out without actually recor ding. STOP FF REW PLAY RE[...]

11 Controls and Connections User’s Guide Y T a pe counter This indicator displays tape position. Z Lev el meter s These indicators display the signal level within a range of -20 dB to +9 dB. The individual tracks and the stereo bus ar e displayed. • When dbx™ is off, the normal signal limit is appr oximately 0 dB. • When dbx™ is on, the n[...]

Controls and Connections 12 User’s Guide Rear P anel 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 PHONES connector ( d ) is also output fro[...]

13 Controls and Connections User’s Guide P ow er Connections l A C IN inlet Connect the supplied power cord her e. 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 on or off. CAUTION (FOR CANADIAN MO[...]

Example System 14 User’s Guide 2 Example System NS-10M STUDI O NS-10M STUDI O 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 OUT Delay Processor Multi-effect Signal Processor[...]

15 Recording Functions User’s Guide 3 Recording Functions The basic functions of multitrack recor ding are as follows: Monitor ing The MT4X offers you a gr eat deal of flexibility in monitoring the status of your recor dings. Y ou can monitor the individual channel groups, the ster eo bus, the cue bus, or any combination. Of these three monitor [...]

Recording Functions 16 User’s Guide Initial recording The first step in multitrack recor ding is to recor d the initial tracks. Usually , these are your rhythm tracks: bassguitar , r hythm guitar , and drums. Preparations for recor ding 1) Insert a cassette tape into the cassette tape compartment ( D ). 2) Connect the input source to the corr es[...]

17 Recording Functions User’s Guide 5) Using the ASSIGN keys ( 4 ) and the P AN control ( 5 ) select the group bus you want the input signal to go to. If the P AN 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 press both ASSIGN keys, the input signal will b[...]

Recording Functions 18 User’s Guide 9) Press the REC/P AUSE 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”. 1 1) Adjust the GAIN control while watching the level meters. • When dbx™ is off, adjus[...]

19 Recording Functions User’s Guide Ov erdubbing Overdub r ecor ding is the basis of all multi-track recor ding. It enables you to r ecor d additional instruments or parts track-by-track while listening to the previously r ecorded tracks. Preparations for recor ding 1) Connect the input source for each channel to the corr esponding MIC/LINE INPUT[...]

Recording Functions 20 User’s Guide Rehearsal After you have set the recor ding levels, you should rehearse the over dub to verify and adjust the settings and cue levels. 1 1) Press the PLA Y key to start the r ehearsal. The indicator above the key lights and the MT4X starts the tape. Start playing. 12) Press the RETURN T O ZERO key to stop the r[...]

21 Recording Functions User’s Guide T o overdub another part, simply r epeat steps 1 to 17. Punch-in/out recording This technique is used to re-r ecord short sections, corr ect mistakes, or add new sections to silent passages. Y ou play your part while punching in and out to start and stop the recor der . For the gr eatest precision, you should u[...]

Recording Functions 22 User’s Guide The REC SELECT - TRACK indicator on the display will flash. Set the w orking points: • The pre-r oll point - the punch-in/out operation starts playback at this point to give you a count-in. • The punch-in point - recor ding begins. • The punch-out point - recor ding ends. • The post-roll point - the pu[...]

23 Recording Functions User’s Guide The AUTO PUNCH and ST AR T indicators ( ^ ) on the display and the indicator above the REHE key will begin flashing. 4) Press the PLA Y key (or step on the footswitch) to play the tape. The ST AR T indicator will light and the IN indicator will begin flashing. The indicator above the REC/P AUSE key will flas[...]

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 MONIT OR SELECT - CUE key . Adjust the CUE LEVEL contr ols for the selected trac[...]

25 Recording Functions User’s Guide At the punch-in location, the ST AR T indicator will switch off, the IN indicator will light, and the indicator above the REC/P AUSE key and the REC SELECT - TRACK indicator will light. Play the punch-in part. At the punch-out location, the IN indicator and indicator above the REC/P AUSE key will switch off, th[...]

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-r oll point (see step 3). Start the tape playing (see step 4). If you press the AUTO PUNCH I/O key wh[...]

27 Recording Functions User’s Guide Using the REC/P A USE ke y and the PLA Y k ey 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 r ecording. 2) Press the REC SELECT key for the track you want to punch-in. The REC SELECT - TRACK indicator [...]

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 r ecording. 2) Plug an optional FC5 footswitch into the PUNCH I/O footswitch connector ( e ). 3) Press the REC SELECT key for[...]

29 Recording Functions User’s Guide Ping-pong recording Ping-pong recor ding allows you to bounce several previously-r ecorded tracks onto an unrecor ded track. Using this technique, you can create a r ecording with ef fectively more than four tracks. There ar e two basic techniques you can employ when making a bounce-down recor ding: • Mixing [...]

Recording Functions 30 User’s Guide If requir ed, add effects using the AUX SEND and AUX RETURN controls and connectors. Adjust the effects for each channel. 9) Press the RETURN T O ZERO key to stop and rewind the tape. Recording 10) Press the REC/P AUSE key . The indicator over the key lights and the REC SELECT - TRACK indicators will be illumin[...]

31 Recording Functions User’s Guide This technique is a combination of overdubbing (see "Over dub recor ding" on page 15) and ping-pong recor ding. 1) Connect the input source for the over dubbing channel to its corresponding MIC/LINE INPUT connector . 2) Set the input select key to the MIC/LINE position. 3) Rotate the GAIN control to a[...]

Recording Functions 32 User’s Guide Mixdo wn Mixdown is the process of combining the four individual tracks into a final ster eo mix. Y ou blend and polish the sounds before you r ecord them onto a ster eo cassette recorder or DA T recorder . The mix is created using the various mixer contr ols. Y ou adjust the track levels with the channel fade[...]

33 Recording Functions User’s Guide Rehearsal 5) Press the PLA Y 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 contr ol to adjust the pan position. Set the aux send level with the AUX SEND controls ( 3 ). Adjust the auxiliary retu[...]

Synchronization 34 User’s Guide 4 Synchr onization The MT4X has the ability to synchronize MIDI sequencers, r hythm pr ogrammers, 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 over dub recor ding, you play along with the previously r ecord[...]

35 Synchronization User’s Guide FSK recording Record FSK signals on trac k 4 The MT4X is equipped with a dbx™ noise reduction system. For r ecor ding normal audio signals, the noise reduction system is beneficial. However , dbx™ interferes with the r ecording of FSK signals. This sometimes results in an unusable sync track. Ther efore, the M[...]

Synchronization 36 User’s Guide 16) Start the MIDI instrument. Run the song program on the MIDI instr ument from beginning to end. The Song Start, T empo (and tempo changes), and Song End are r ecorded onto the FSK track. 17) When the MIDI program has completed, stop the MIDI instr ument and press the RETURN TO ZERO key to stop and r ewind the ta[...]

37 Synchronization User’s Guide Connections and setup 1) Plug a compatible cable from the T APE OUT - SYNC/4 ( k ) connector into the MIDI/FSK input on your sequencer , r hythm machine, or converter . Set the connected MIDI instrument to FSK sync mode, to r eceive the FSK signals from the MT4X. Set any other connected MIDI instruments to MIDI clo[...]

Synchronization 38 User’s Guide The MIDI instrument(s) will playback in sync with the data r ecorded on track 4. Play the overdub part along with the MIDI instr ument(s) and the previously r ecorded tracks. 7) Adjust the recor ding and monitoring levels while watching the level meters. 8) When you are satisfied with the levels, pr ess the RETURN[...]

39 Synchronization User’s Guide Synchronized mixdo wn Y ou can use the FSK signal to synchronize MIDI instruments to the pr eviously recor ded tracks on the MT4X while you are cr eating a mixdown recor ding (see "Mixdown" on page 32). One of the advantages of this technique is that you can add multiple instruments to your mix without ha[...]

Synchronization 40 User’s Guide 3) Plug compatible cables from the other T APE OUT connectors (1, 2, and 3) into the inputs of your mixer . 4) Connect the audio outputs from the MIDI instr uments to the mixer inputs. 5) Connect the stereo inputs of the master r ecorder to the ster eo outputs of the mixer . 6) Connect any external signal processor[...]

41 Memory Functions User’s Guide 5 Memor y Functions Memo Function Store a memor y location Y ou 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 stor ed. For example, you can locate the end of a track just by stopping the tape. 2) Press t[...]

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 REPEA T 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 REPEA T indicator ( b ) will flash on the display[...]

43 Memory Functions User’s Guide 2) Press the REC SELECT key ( G ) corr esponding 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 ar e pressed. If the level is beyond the recommended level, the segment will fl[...]

Appendix 44 User’s Guide Appendix T roubleshooting 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. Y ou may find it is just a simple error , easy to correct. Symptom Possible Cause Solution The MT4X cannot be powered ON. The power cable is not correctly[...]

45 Appendix User’s Guide Maintenance The MT4X requir es regular maintenance to r emain in top operating condition. If you observe the following problems, you should clean and possibly demagnetize the unit: • A drop in level at high fr equencies. • An increase in wow and flutter . • Fluctuating sound or signal dropout. • Excessive noise. [...]

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 4-track Hard Permalloy record/play head × 1 4[...]

47 Appendix User’s Guide • Specifications are subject to change without notice. • The dbx™ noise reduction system was manufactur ed based on a patent licence from THA T Corporation. dbx is a trademark of Carillion Electronics Corporation. Signal-to-Noise ratio (at nominal input and output) 68 dB / IHF-A MIC IN - STEREO OUT (GAIN control MA[...]

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 HA EQ BA TAPE MIC/ LINE CUE LEVEL (METER) dbx R [...]

49 Appendix User’s Guide Dimensions T racking Sheet There is a tracking sheet template on the back cover of this manual. Y ou should make a number of photocopies and use them to keep a log of your recor ding sessions. Initial tracks Recording the bassguitar and dr um machine: D: 311.3 W: 414.2 H: 110.7 R EVEN L ODD C AUX 1 AUX 2 OFF HIGH MID LOW [...]

Appendix 50 User’s Guide Over dubbing Recording the synthesizer and MIDI tone generator: Recording the vocals: 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 AUX 2 OFF HIGH MID LOW -12 +12 -12 +12 -12 +12 0 0[...]

51 Appendix User’s Guide Mixdown Add equalization and effects and r ecord to the master r ecorder: Glossar y 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, which selects an auxiliary bus and determin[...]

Appendix 52 User’s Guide recor ding. The signal is expanded and then de-emphasized on playback. The MT4X uses dbx™ noise reduction to r educe noise and keep your recor dings clean and crisp. Demagnetizer A hand-held device that removes the r esidual magnetic field that r outinely builds up on a recor ding head. W ithout demagnetizing (also cal[...]

53 Appendix User’s Guide MONITOR/PHONES contr ol Controls the amount of signal fed to the speakers thr ough the left and right MONITOR OUT jacks or to the stereo PHONES (headphone) jack. Multitrack A tape recor der with more than two tracks. The MT4X is a four -track machine. Each track can be independently recor ded at an optimum level, and then[...]

YAMAHA CORPORATION VT03650 R0 1 IP 95 01 3000 CP Printed in Japan P.O.Box 1, Hamamatsu, Japan T racking 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 AUX 2 OFF HIGH MID LOW -12 +12 -12 +12 -12 +12 0 0 0 [...]