User manual FOSTEX VF80

8588 011 000 (356698) Owner's Manual Digital Multitracker INPUT A BAL INPUT B BAL PHONES ST OUT FOOT SW L R TRACK EDIT GUITAR GUITAR MIX PARAMETER SCENE SCENE SEQ. DIGITAL MULTITRACKER PGM FADER MAP PAN LINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAX EQ EFFECT UNBAL TRIM UNBAL TRIM ON/OFF 2TRK MODE CH ON/OFF PEAK CH ON/OFF PEAK BOUNCE MASTERING TRAINING ACCESS PHANTOM REC EFF F1 MUTE F2 F3 TRACK STATUS RED REC GREEN PLAY OFF TRACK STATUS / TRACK SEL STATUS /SEL JOG SHUTTLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7/8 2TRK MASTER CURSOR EXIT /NO EJECT +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 ENTER /YES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SETUP TIMEBASE SEL UNDO /REDO -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 F1 F2 F3 SHIFT -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 AUTO PUNCH LOOP VARI PITCH WAVE FORM SCRUB LOCATE EDIT EDIT EDIT MARK DELETE RECORD STOP PLAY REWIND F FWD - - - - - - - - LOCATE ABS 0 LOCATE REC END Safety Instructions/Precautions CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT. ATTENTION: CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU' AU FOND. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. "WARNING" "TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE." SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. 2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed. 5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like. 6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. 9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance. 11. Grounding or Polarization - The precautions that should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated. 12. Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance. 13. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer. 14. Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time. 15. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings. 16. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or The appliance has been exposed to rain; or The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged. A. B. C. D. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn. 7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer. 8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location or position dose not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings. 17. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. 2 Safety Instructions/Precautions Precautions About power supply · Be sure to connect the VF80 to the power supply specified in the Specifications section of this owner's manual. Do not use an AC outlet of any other voltage. · Do not connect the VF80 to the same AC outlet to which devices that could generate noise (such as a large motor or dimmer), or the devices that consume a large amount of power (such as an air conditioning system or large electric heater) are connected. · If you use the VF80 in an area with a different power voltage, first consult your dealer or the nearest Fostex service station. You can use the VF80 with a power frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz. · It is very dangerous to use a power cord that is frayed or damage. In such a case, stop using the VF80 immediately and ask your dealer to repair the cord. · To avoid possible electric shock and damage to the VF80, avoid contact with water or other liquids, or do not handle the power plug while your hands are wet. · To prevent possible electric shock and damage to the VF80, do not remove the main unit cover or reach the inside the VF80. · Do not let water or other liquid, or metal objects such as pins, accidentally enter the inside of the VF80 because this may lead to electric shock or damage. Should water enter the inside of the VF80, remove the power plug from AC outlet, and consult your dealer or the nearest FOSTEX service station. · To prevent damage to the VF80, be sure to power on the connected devices first, then turn on the power to the VF80. When you remove or connect the cables to the input/output connectors on the VF80, make sure that the track and master faders and volume controls are set to "0." Precautions upon handling the HD · Before turning the power off to the VF80, first quit setup mode and make sure that the recorder section is stopped. Especially, never attempt to turn off the power to the VF80 while the hard disk is accessing data (the HD ACCESS LED is lit or flashing). Otherwise, not only will you lose recorded data, but you may damage to the VF80. Fostex is not responsible for the data lost during operation of the VF80. · Before you change the location of the VF80, pack the unit in the shipping carton or an impact- resistant case. Make sure that the VF80 is kept free from external vibration or impact since the VF80 is very sensitive to vibration. · Do not install the VF80 in locations subject to the following: * Extremely high or low temperature, or significant changes in temperature. * Excessive humidity or dust. * Excessive changes in power supply voltage. * Unstable or significantly vibrating or shaking surfaces. * Near a strong magnetic field (such as a TV or speaker). · If you move the unit from a place with an excessively low temperature to a warm place, or if you use the VF80 in a room in which the temperature varies significantly during winter, condensation may occur on the hard disk or other parts. In such cases, leave the VF80 for about an hour in the new location before you turn on the power. Note on repair · The VF80 does not use any parts that user can repair easily. Contact your dealer or the nearest FOSTEX service station to ask about repairs. · Use the packing carton designed for the VF80 when you transport the VF80 to the dealer for repair or return. If you have discarded the packing box, try to pack the VF08 completely using shock absorbing materials. Fostex is not responsible for malfunction or damage due to incomplete packaging or caused during transport. Important! Equipment name, electrical ratings, serial number and other information for the VF80, are written on bottom side. MODEL VF80 DIGITAL MULTITRACKER FOSTEX 230V~ SERIAL NO. FOSTEX CORP. MADE IN CHINA 20W 50/60Hz Delay of display indication · While using the VF80, you may have an experience to see the delay of the reaction of the time counter or level meters. This is not a malfunction and it bears no relation to the actual sound to be recorded or played. About copyrights · It is prohibited by law to use any part of a CD recording or video images or audio data for which copyright is possessed by a third party for commercial purposes such as contents, broadcasts, sales, or distribution-any purpose other than for your personal pleasure. Time counter About damage Level meters · Fostex is not responsible for any "direct damage" or "indirect damage" caused by using the VF80. This kind of delay is due to the VF80 design concept in which the audio processing takes priority over the display processing when the audio processing gets busy (e.g. when a sudden fader level change happens). You may always trust the VF80 to record or playback audio in good condition. 3 Contents "See this page" information by subject The following shows reference pages where you can find information you need. See also "The table of contents" shown on page 6. I want to record my performance. Please read pages 28 and 30. I want to replace a part of the previous recording with a new recording. Please read page 33. I want to copy a part of a song to another track. Please read page 63. I want to exchange tracks. Please read page 68. I want to create multiple programs. Please read page 61. I want to control the VF80 via MIDI. Please read pages 91, 92, and 94. I want to make my original CD. Please read page 115. I want to record audio on a CD or MD disc to the VF80 digitally. Please read page 90. I want to make a backup of song data. Please read page 96. I want to use a condenser microphone. Please read page 27. Please read page 58. I want to equalize the sound. Please read pages 36 and 40. Please read pages 37, 45, 76 and 83. I want to record audio with applying the internal effects. I want to delete a program. Please read page 62. I want to locate the desired position. Please read pages 32 and 59. I want to format a hard disk. Please read page 20. I want to mixdown tracks to an external master recorder. Please read pages 38 and 76. I want to know details about the demonstration song. Please read page 24. I want to know details about the internal effects. Please read page 44. I want to save or load the mixing setting. Please read page 52. I want to cue audio at fast speed to search the desired position. Please read page 56. I want to scrub audio to search the desired position. Please read page 57. I want to record or playback audio by altering the speed. 4 Contents I want to put a desired name to a program. Please read page 62. I want to save song data to a DAT. Please read page 97. I want to record a material while monitoring the input signal. Please read page 72. I want to install the optional CD-RW/CD-R drive. Please read page 134. I want to erase unnecessary songs. Please read pages 62 and 66. I want to know details about the training mode. Please read page 74. I want to know details about the mastering mode. Please read page 76. I want to make track bouncing (ping-pong recording). Please read page 73. I want to protect a recorded program. Please read page 129. I want to save song data by the WAV file format. Please read page 109. I want to control panning. Please read pages 36 and 40. I want to delete unnecessary programs. Please read page 62. I want to make a tempo map. Please read pages 122 and 124. I want to mixdown tracks without using an external master recorder. Please read page 79. I want to set the MTC offset time. Please read page 127. I want to synchronize the VF80 with an external device. Please read page 91. I want to feed the MIDI sync signal to an external MIDI device. Please read page 126. I want to know format information of a hard disk. Please read page 132. I want to exchange the hard disk. Please read page 21. I want to save song data to a CD-RW/CD-R disc. Please read page 102. I want to copy a song recorded on a CD available on the market. Please read page 118. I want to repeat playback of the desired part. I want to know details about the insert effect. Please read page 83. Please read page 59. 5 Contents Contents · Safety Instructions ........................................ 2 · Precautions ........................................................ 3 About power supply ................................................... Precautions upon handling the hard disk ................. Note on repair ............................................................. About copyright .......................................................... About damage ............................................................. 3 3 3 3 3 Recording .................................................................. 29 Playback .................................................................... 29 · Basic recording (recording onto two track) ..... 30 Preparation for recording ........................................ 30 Recording .................................................................. 31 Playback .................................................................... 31 · Mark function ................................................... 32 Basic Features of VF80 · Product Features ................................................ 9 · Before Operating .............................................. 10 RECORDING method ................................................. 10 Program ..................................................................... 10 Remain Indicator ...................................................... 10 Additional track ........................................................ 11 INPUT monitor and REPRO monitor ........................ 11 Event .......................................................................... 11 Trim ........................................................................... 12 Time Base .................................................................. 12 Setting a mark on the fly .......................................... 32 Locating a mark ........................................................ 32 Deleting a mark ........................................................ 32 · ABS Locate ....................................................... 33 · Punch In/Out .................................................... 33 Manual punch in/out using the keys on the unit ... 33 Punch in/out using the Foot Switch ........................ 33 Auto punch in/out function .................................... 34 · Mixing ............................................................... 36 Adjusting levels ........................................................ Setting PAN position ................................................. Adjusting EQ ............................................................. Setting effects ............................................................ 36 36 36 37 Names and Functions Top panel (Analog input/output section) .............. Top panel (Mixer section) ........................................ Top panel (Recorder/display section) .................... Rear panel ................................................................. Side Panel .................................................................. 14 15 16 19 19 · Mix Down .......................................................... 38 Analog Mix Down ...................................................... 38 Digital Mix Down ...................................................... 38 Mixer Functions · Initial condition when turning the power ......... 39 · Operations while the Normal display is shown 39 Fader .......................................................................... 39 Track mute ................................................................ 39 Master fader mute .................................................... 39 About the hard disk storage device Reformatting the Hard Disk ..................................... 20 Replacing a Hard Disk .............................................. 21 Formatting the New Hard Disk ................................ 23 · Mix Parameter Edit ........................................... 40 Basic Recording and Playback · About a demonstration song! .......................... 24 · Connections of external equipment ................ 25 · LCD ................................................................... 26 Display when turning on the power ........................ 26 Switching the time base ............................................ 26 "Disk remain" indication ......................................... 26 Adjusting PAN position ........................................... 40 Editing EQ ............................................................... 41 Preset entries in the EQ library ........................... 42 Setting effects ......................................................... 44 How to make the loop effect setting ....................... 45 Setting effect send levels ..................................... 46 Selecting an effect type ........................................ 47 Selecting pre/post of the effect send .................. 47 Turning the effect processor on or off ................ 48 About the effect types .......................................... 49 · Preliminary knowledge .................................... 27 Inputs and tracks ...................................................... 27 How to use condenser microphones ........................ 27 Scene memory ........................................................ 52 Storing the current scene .................................... Recalling a scene .................................................. Deleting a scene ................................................... Fader adjust .......................................................... 52 52 53 53 · Basic recording (recording onto a single track) .. 28 Preparation for recording ........................................ 28 Scene sequence ...................................................... 54 6 Contents Assigning scene memories to the mark map ...... Deleting a mark from the mark map .................. Scene sequence on/off selection ......................... Executing the scene sequence ............................. 54 55 55 55 · Track bounce (Ping-pong recording) ............... 73 On/Off of bounce mode ............................................. Setting pan position ................................................... Setting level of each track .......................................... Performing the track bounce ..................................... Connecting the instrument and headphones ........ On/Off of training mode ....................................... Slowing down the playback speed ......................... Changing the pitch ................................................ Canceling the center-positioned sound ................. Setting the cancel position .................................... Boosting the bass sound ........................................ Playing along with the playback sound ................. 73 73 73 73 74 74 75 75 75 75 75 75 · Training mode ................................................... 74 Recorder Functions · Cueing .............................................................. 56 Cueing with the [F FWD]/[REWIND] keys ............... 56 Shuttle cueing ......................................................... 56 Digital scrubbing ..................................................... 57 Performing digital scrubbing .............................. 57 Storing the digital scrub point ............................ 57 · Variable Pitch .................................................... 58 Turning on or off the vari pitch function ............... 58 Setting the Speed ...................................................... 58 · Mastering mode ............................................... 76 Selecting a program to be played back .................. On/Off of mastering mode .................................... Setting the mastering effects ................................. On/Off the mastering effects ................................. Recording onto the master recorder ..................... Effect library details .............................................. 76 76 77 77 77 77 · Loop Function .................................................. 59 Setting the start and end points ............................. 59 Capturing the current position on the fly .......... 59 Editing the position via the screen ..................... 59 Setting the start and end points by marks ......... 60 · Internal mastering function ............................. 79 Rehearsing internal mastering .................................. 80 Performing internal mastering .................................. 81 About Start and End points ................................... 82 Carrying out the loop playback ............................... 60 · Program ............................................................ 61 Creating a new program ........................................... Selecting a program .................................................. Deleting a program ................................................... Editing a program title ............................................. 61 62 62 62 · Using the insert effect ...................................... 83 Rehearsal ................................................................. 84 Recording the guitar ................................................. 85 Recording with effect ................................................ 86 · Track editing ..................................................... 63 Copy & Paste and Move & Paste ............................. 63 Performing Copy (or Move) Paste ....................... 64 Undo/redo of Copy (or Move) Paste ................... 65 · Digital Recording ............................................. 90 Recording an external source onto the VF80 digitally 90 Selecting a program to be recorded ...................... Selecting the digital input ..................................... Selecting a track to record ..................................... Starting to record .................................................. 90 90 90 90 Erasing track data ................................................... 66 Erasing .................................................................. 66 Undo/redo of Erase .............................................. 67 Track Exchange ....................................................... 68 Performing the track exchange ........................... 68 · MIDI Clock Sync System .................................. 91 Connecting to external equipment ........................ Setup of the VF80 .................................................. Executing of recording .......................................... Confirming the MIDI clock sync ............................ 91 92 92 92 · Editing marks ................................................... 69 Viewing the mark list ............................................... 69 Editing a mark position ........................................... 69 Enter a mark title ..................................................... 70 Adding a mark ......................................................... 70 Deleting a mark ....................................................... 71 Locating a mark ....................................................... 71 · MIDI Sync/MIDI Machine Control System ........ 92 Connecting to external equipment ........................ Setup of external equipment ................................. Setup of the VF80 .................................................. Confirming MTC sync/MMC ................................. Executing of recording .......................................... 93 93 93 93 93 Advanced Operations · Metronome function......................................... 72 Setting the tempo map ............................................... Setting the metronome output ................................... Setting the time base to bar/beat ............................... Monitoring the metronome sound ............................ 72 72 72 72 · External MIDI equipment Sync System by the Slave Mode..94 Connecting to external equipment ........................ Setup of external equipment ................................. Setup of the VF80 .................................................. Confirming chase lock ........................................... Executing of recording .......................................... 94 94 94 94 95 7 Contents Save/Load of Song Data · About Song Data .............................................. 96 Items that can be saved or loaded as song data ......... 97 · Setting the Record Protect function .............. 129 · Setting Digital Input ....................................... 130 · Setting BAR/BEAT Resolution mode ............. 130 · Setting the MIDI device number ..................... 131 · Checking the number of track events ............ 131 · The Drive Format Information ........................ 132 · Fader Fix mode Setting .................................. 132 · Fader Recall mode Setting ............................. 133 · Save/load using the S/PDIF digital signal ........ 97 Notes for digital audio recorder to be used ................ 97 Notes for saving data using the S/P DIF digital signal 97 Saving data using the S/P DIF digital signal .............. 98 Connecting to an external digital recorder ............ 98 Setting the external recorder ................................. 98 Saving data ............................................................ 98 Loading data using the S/P DIF digital signal .......... 100 Connecting to an external digital recorder .......... 100 Setting the external recorder ............................... 100 Loading data ........................................................ 100 Appendix · Installing the CD-1A ....................................... 134 How to install the CD-1A .......................................... 135 Opening/closing the tray ......................................... 136 Placing/removing a disc .......................................... 136 · Save/load using CD-RW/CD-R ....................... 102 Please read this first! ................................................ 102 Saving data using a CD-RW drive (Backup) ............. 104 Loading backup data from a CD-RW drive ............... 107 Saving a WAV file .................................................... 109 Important notes for using a WAV file .................. 109 About WAV file saved .......................................... 112 Others · MIDI Implementation Chart ............................ 137 · MMC Command List ....................................... 138 · Inquiry Message List ...................................... 138 · Maintenance ................................................... 139 · Specifications ................................................ 139 · Block Diagram ................................................ 140 · Dimensions .................................................... 141 Loading a WAV file .................................................. 113 Special loading method when using a computer.. 114 Making an audio CD ................................................ 115 Loading from an audio CD ...................................... 118 SETUP Mode · To enter the SETUP mode .............................. 122 · Time Signature Setting ................................... 122 New Registering of Time Signature .......................... Correcting the Registered Time Signature ............... Deleting of Time Signature ...................................... Clearing All Time Signature data ............................. Changing the Bar Offset Figure ................................ 122 122 122 122 122 · Setting a Tempo .............................................. 124 New Registering of Tempo ....................................... 124 Correction of the Registered Tempo ........................ 124 Erasing of the Registered Tempo ............................. 124 · Setting the Metronome function .................... 125 · Setting MIDI sync output signal ..................... 126 · Setting an MTC frame rate ............................. 126 · Setting an MTC offset value ........................... 127 · Setting MTC offset mode ............................... 127 · Setting the Slave mode .................................. 128 · Setting the Slave type .................................... 128 8 Basic Features of VF80 Basic Features of VF80 The VF80 Digital Multitracker incorporates a digital mixer with an 8-track (plus 16-additional track) digital recorder. The digital mixer section features a high-performance DSP multi-effect processor employing the A.S.P. (Fostex Advanced Signal Processing) technology originally developed by Fostex. The digital recorder section allows you to record and playback uncompressed linear 16-bit/44.1 kHz digital audio. You can make all process for music production such as overdubbing, track bounce, effect processing, mixdown and mastering in the digital domain without sound deterioration. In addition, by installing the optional CD-RW drive (Model CD-1A), you can save/load to /from CDRW/CD-R discs (the WAV file format also supported), as well as create original audio CDs. Product Features Mixer Section · Built in a high-performance DSP multi-effect processor employing the A.S.P. (Fostex Advanced Signal Processing) technology · 7 track faders and a stereo master fader allow you to control signal levels intuitively. · The track ON/OFF switch is provided for each track. The 2-band EQ with the EQ library and the effect send with PRE/POST selection are provided for Tracks 1 through 6. · Both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (1/4" phone) connectors are provided for each analog input. The phantom power is also available when using the balanced connector. Also the trim knob on each input makes it possible to accept a wide range of input signals from microphone to line levels. · "Bounce" function allows bouncing signals from tracks 1 through 6 to tracks 7/8 with a single key operation. · The mastering mode allows transferring audio on the master tracks (7/8) to an external recorder with applying the EQ, reverb and compressor. · The "REC EFFECT" function allows you to rerecord a recorded track while applying an effect (insert effect). Some distortion and simulation effects are available only for the insert effect. · "Training mode" helps you to practice your instrument by slowing down playback, shifting the pitch of the recorded performance or masking the solo instrument/voice. · "Scene memory" function allows you to save and load up to 99 mixer scenes including fader positions and EQ/effect settings. · You can feed the mixed-down signal from the S/PDIF output connector to an external digital device such as a DAT recorder for digital recording. · The "Internal Mastering" function allows you to make mastering to VF80's internal tracks, without the need of an external master recorder. In addition, by installing the CD-RW drive (Model CD1A), you can create original audio CDs using mastered materials. Recorder Section · Employs the Fostex original FDMS-3 (Fostex Disk Management System-3) format, allowing high quality recording/playback with uncompressed linear 16-bit/ 44.1 kHz digital audio on 8 tracks, as well as 16 additional tracks. You can record about 3 hours of mono audio per 1 GB disk space. · Nondestructive audio editing functions such as copy, paste, move, erase and undo/redo are possible. · The "Program" function allows you to give a title to each song and manage up to 99 titles. · +/- 6.0% pitch control. · Accepts S/PDIF digital signal and records it directly onto any VF80 track. · The auto punch in/out function with rehearsal mode. The IN and OUT points can be set with 1/100 frame accuracy. You can also carry out punch in/out manu ally using the foot switch. Others · Dot-matrix LCD and self-illuminating keys allow you to know the current status visually, as well as to make settings of the mixer and recorder easily. · Durable and reliable 3.5-inch E-IDE standard hard disk is built in. · Save/load of song data using the S/PDIF (optical) signal is possible. · By installing the optional CD-RW drive (Model CD-1A), you can save/load data to/from CD-RW/CD-R discs. · Feeds MIDI clock with song position pointer or MTC (MIDI Time Code). · Supports MMC (MIDI Machine Control). · Can be slaved to an external MTC. · The internal metronome function can be used for recording a guide track. · The bar/beat resolution function allows editing by beat (the clock digit is omitted). · Up to 99 mark points can be set per each song. You can locate any mark point or make the mark map of a scene. 9 Basic Features of VF80 Before Operating This section describes the basics that you should know before you start operating the VF80. All users, including those who are familiar with using tape-based Multitracker and those who are new to Multitracker, should read this section thoroughly to understand the functions of the VF80. Recording method The VF80 uses a hard disk as a recording medium, instead of a conventional tape. You can start recording sound sources from any point on a disk as long as the point is within the range of 24 hours in ABS time. Also you locate any point within the range. You may think of the VF80 as incorporating tapes on which 24-hour time information is striped. ABS0 00m 00s 05m 00s 10m 00s REC END 15m 00s 23h 59m 59s Remain indicator The remain indicator shows how much recording time is left on the current hard disk. The VF80 program is managed by a 24-hour time counter, however, the actual recording time left depends on the available disk space. The remain indicator appears on the LCD during recording (or on REC standby), showing the rough remaining time if you record on a mono track. Note that if the remaining time is 100 hours or more, the indicator shows the available (remaining) disk space in MB. The remaining time is 13h 28m 15s. recorded area unrecorded area recorded area unrecorded area ...... You can record at any point within 24 hours in ABS time. You can record in any area within 24 hours in ABS time. ABS 0: The beginning time at 00H 00M 00S REC END: The end time of recording (in the example above, 00H 15M 00S) unrecorded 5 minute recording 5 minute recording unrecorded area (remain) 24 hour recording ...... recorded area recorded area With a tape recorder, the maximum recording time depends on the tape length, regardless of the amount of unrecorded areas. With the VF80, you can use the media more efficiently because no disk space is used for unrecorded areas. Program You can use up to 99 "tapes with 24-hour time information" with the VF80. Each "tape" is called a "Program". A program exists independently on the hard disk, therefore, you can freely record, playback or edit each program without affecting other programs. You can give a name (program title) to each program, so you can easily identify a program. "Program title" with its program number appears at the top left of the normal screen as shown below. Program number/title ("01" is the program number while "#0001" is a default title) The remaining value is calculated on a mono-track basis. That is, the value indicates recordable time if you record on a mono track. You can calculate the recordable time when recording on more than one track easily by dividing the time by the track number. In the example above, if you record on 2 tracks, the recordable time is about 6 hours 44 minutes (13 hours 28 minutes 15 seconds divided by 2). Or if you record on 8 tracks, the recordable time is about 1 hour 41 minutes (13 hours 28 minutes 15 seconds divided by 8). The VF80 manages up to 99 programs on the hard disk. Each program includes not only the recording data but also various setting information which consumes a small amount of disk space. Therefore, note that the remaining time shown on the screen is a rough value. Always check the remaining time left before starting recording, to ensure that you have enough disk space to work with. 10 Basic Features of VF80 Additional track A program on the VF80 consists of 24 tracks. Tracks 1 through 8 are called "Real tracks" which you can record, playback and edit. Tracks 9 through 24 are called "Additional tracks". Using the "Track Exchange" function, you can exchange between "real track(s)" and "additional track(s)" in one-track, 2-track or 8track block. This makes it possible to record solo on several tracks, exchange tracks and compare the results, or to record different rhythm versions using multiple tracks, exchange the rhythm tracks completely and making a remix version. Note that tracks 9 through 24 cannot be recorded, played or edited. The tracks you want to work with must be set as tracks 1 through 8. One track exchange 8 track block exchange Event Each time you make a recording, an independent audio file is created on each recorded track. A silent part on a track is also recognized as a file. These files (audio files and silent files) are called "events". With the VF80, you can create up to 512 events per track. You cannot make any further recording when 512 events are created. In the normal use, 512 events are enough. The VF80 can show the current number of events on the LCD. It also shows a warning message if you are going to make recording when 512 events already exist. You may resolve this problem by saving the program (see "Save/Load of a program"). Let's count the events for each recording step (A through E) below. A.Before recording, there is a single event (silent file) on the track (the VF80 recognizes a silent part as a file). Track 17 Track 18 Track 19 Track 20 Track 21 Track 22 Track 23 Track 24 Track 1 Track 2 Track 3 Track 4 Track 5 Track 6 Track 7 Track 8 Track 9 Track 10 Track 11 Track 12 Track 13 Track 14 Track 15 Track 16 B.After making a recording (REC B), there are two events on the track; the recorded audio file and the following silent part. C.After making another recording (REC C) continuously from the end point of REC B, there are three events on the track; two audio files and the following silent part. D.After locating a point ahead of REC C and then making an other recording (REC D), there are totally five events on the track. Note that a silent file is created between Rec C and Rec D. E.After making a recording (REC E) over REC B and REC C, there are four events on the track. 2 track block exchange 8 track block exchange Input monitor and Repro monitor There are two modes for monitoring a track of the VF80 ; "Repro monitor" and "Input monitor". "Repro monitor" means that the track playback signal is monitored. "Input monitor" means that the input source of the track is monitored. You can check the signal level for recording in this mode. Input monitor is only available for tracks to be recorded (on REC standby) or currently being recorded. A B C D E Rec B Rec B Rec B Rec E Silence Silence Rec C Rec C Silence Silence Silence Rec D Rec D Silence Silence Signal input in the recorder Signal output from the recorder 1 track 2 track 3 track READY 4 track READY 5 track 6 track 7 track 8 track Playback sound (Playback monitor) Playback sound (Playback monitor) Input signal (Input monitor) Input signal (Input monitor) Playback sound (Playback monitor) Playback sound (Playback monitor) Playback sound (Playback monitor) Playback sound (Playback monitor) 11 Basic Features of VF80 Trim It is important to set the analog input level appropriately when converting an analog input signal from [INPUT] A or B into a digital signal (A/D conversion). You can adjust the analog level using the [TRIM] control. The [PEAK] indicator lights if the level is too high. If the [TRIM] setting is not appropriate and the analog input level is too high (if the PEAK indicator lights), the signal will be converted into a distorted digital signal, resulting digital noise. You cannot eliminate this distortion/noise from the sound in the following stages. Therefore, be sure to adjust the level appropriately using the [TRIM] knob not to light the [PEAK] indicator when receiving the loudest audio input signal. Appropriate gain Clip level Bar/Beat/Clk shows the musical position generated from the internal tempo map of the VF80 (including time signature and tempo). The example below shows the current recorder position is at beat 1 of bar -2. This position (beat 1 of bar -2) corresponds to ABS 0 and the following bar/beat numbers are determined according to the time signature and tempo settings. Excessive gain Beat 1 of bar -2 corresponds to ABS 0 as the default setting, however, you can change to set it between bar -9 and bar -2. Clip level Time Base The term "Time base" frequently appears in this manual. The time base is used to show the location in the recorder, like the "tape counter" of conventional tape recorders. There are three types of time bases: 1. ABS (Absolute time) 2. Bar/Beat/Clk (Bar/Beat/Clock) 3. MTC (MIDI Time Code) You can switch between these time bases by pressing the [TIME BASE SEL] key. The ABS shows the absolute time of each program and is striped from 00h 00m 00s (=ABS 0) to 23h 59m 59s when a program is created. The example below shows the current recorder position is at 00m (minute) 00s (second) 00f (frame). The hour digit appears only when the ABS time exceeds 01h 00m 00s 00f. ABS 0 is the reference position for managing all the location and related to other time bases. MTC (MIDI Time Code) runs in sync with the ABS time. The MTC value (**h **m **s) corresponding to ABS 0 can be set, which is called "MTC offset". If you set the MTC offset to 01h 00m 00s, the MTC will start from 01h 00m 00s, and at the ABS 00h 00m 00s position, the MTC value will be 02h 00m 00s The example below shows that the current position is at MTC 00h 59m 57s The default MTC offset is 00h 59m 57s 00f 00sf. You can change the offset to any time value of 24-hour clock. It is also possible to set the MTC offset by setting the MTC value corresponding to "beat 1 of bar 1" instead of "ABS 0". The following diagram illustrates the relationship between the three time bases. ABS 0 00M 00S 00M 03S 00M 06S ABS ..... - 002BAR 1 001BAR 1 002BAR 1 BAR/ /CLK ..... 00H 59M 57S 01H 00M 00S 01H 00M 03S MTC ..... 12 Names and functions Names and Functions Top panel INPUT A BAL INPUT B BAL PHONES ST OUT FOOT SW L R TRACK EDIT GUITAR GUITAR MIX PARAMETER SCENE SCENE SEQ. DIGITAL MULTITRACKER PGM FADER MAP PAN LINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAX EQ EFFECT UNBAL TRIM UNBAL TRIM ON/OFF 2TRK MODE CH ON/OFF PEAK CH ON/OFF PEAK BOUNCE MASTERING TRAINING ACCESS PHANTOM REC EFF F1 MUTE F2 F3 TRACK STATUS RED REC GREEN PLAY OFF TRACK STATUS / TRACK SEL STATUS /SEL JOG SHUTTLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7/8 2TRK MASTER CURSOR EXIT /NO EJECT +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 ENTER /YES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SETUP TIMEBASE SEL UNDO /REDO -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 F1 F2 F3 SHIFT -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 -20 -30 -40 AUTO PUNCH LOOP VARI PITCH WAVE FORM SCRUB LOCATE EDIT EDIT EDIT MARK DELETE RECORD STOP PLAY