User manual TASCAM PORTA414MKII

» 414@# OWNER'S MANUAL 3D0028100A Table Of Contents Safety Instructions 3 The PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII is... 4 The Recording System 5 The Three Steps to Multitrack 5 Understanding the Mixer 6-7 Signal Flow in the 414 MKII Mixer 6 Tape Cue Monitor System 7 Multitrack Cassette Recorder 8 Track Format and Tape Recommendations 8-9 Optional Accessories 10 PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII Brief Guide 11-14 Step-By-Step Operation Guide 15-23 Let's Try the 414 MKII Mixer 15 How to Record on Track 1 16 Track 1 Playback through TAPE CUE 17 How to Make an Overdub on Track 2 18 How to Record Tracks 3 and 4 20 How to Record Many Sources onto a Single Track 20 How to Record a Mix onto Two Tracks Simultaneously 21 Recording on More than Two Tracks Simultaneously : Direct Recording 22 How to Mix Down 22 PUNCH-IN or INSERT Recording 24-25 Preliminary 24 Punch-in Procedure 25 Bouncing Tracks (Ping-Pong) 26 Ping-pong Procedure 26 Using Effects with the PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII Setting Effect Send Levels Setting the Output Level of Effect Devices Setting the Mix/Balance Control on Effect Devices How to Connect Your Effects Devices Syncing MIDI-Tape --Using the TASCAM MTS-30 Troubleshooting Features and Controls 414 MKII MIXER Input Section Stereo Input Section Monitor Section Master Section Output Section 414 MKII RECORDER Cassette Loading and dbx System Transport Controls Track Controls Displays Care and Maintenance How the dbx Works Specifications Block Diagram Level Diagram 27-28 27 27 28 28 29 30 31-35 32 33 33 33 33 34 34 35 35 35-36 36 37-38 39-40 41 "© Copyright 1999, TEAC Corporation" All rights reserved under international and Pan American copyright conventions. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by mimeograph or any other means, without permission. "The following marking is located on the bottom of the unit." CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN 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. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within 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 person. 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. This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel. Please record the model number and serial number and retain them for your records. Model number Serial number WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 2 Safety Instructions CAUTION: · Read all of these Instructions. · Save these Instructions for later use. · Follow all Warnings and Instructions marked on the audio equipment. 1) Read Instructions -- All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. 2) Retain Instructions -- The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3) Heed Warnings -- All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4) Follow Instructions -- All operating and use instructions should be followed. 5) Cleaning -- Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 6) Attachments -- Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards. 7) Water and Moisture -- Do not use this product near water _ for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like. 8) Accessories -- Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer. 9) A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn. "Note to CATV system installer: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical. Example of Antenna Grounding as per National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE GROUND CLAMP ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT (NEC SECTION 810-20) ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR (NEC SECTION 810-21) GROUND CLAMPS POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM (NEC ART 250. PART H) NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 10) Ventilation -- Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to. 11) Power Sources -- This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions. 12) Grounding or Polarization -- This product may be equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug. 13) 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 product. 14) Outdoor Antenna Grounding -- If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and builtup static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. 15) Lightning -- For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges. 16) Power Lines -- An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal. 17) Overloading -- Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in risk of fire or electric shock. 18) Object and Liquid Entry -- Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product. 19) Servicing -- Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 20) Damage Requiring Service -- Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a) when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged. b) if liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product. c) if the product has been exposed to rain or water. d) if the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation. e) if the product has been dropped or damaged in any way. f ) when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance _ this indicates a need for service. 21) Replacement Parts -- When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards. 22) Safety Check -- Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition. 23) Wall or Ceiling Mounting -- The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer. 24) Heat -- The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 3 The PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII is... The PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII is a 4-track "Multitrack Master" cassette tape recorder and a fullfunction mixer with 8 inputs/stereo outputs including a balanced microphone input and a dedicated guitar input combined into a single workstation. Its high audio quality and creative flexibility reflect the experience and innovation that have allowed TASCAM to earn its reputation in professional audio production fields, and its user-friendly design makes the 414 MKII suitable for anyone, from expert to novice. Using this manual : To get the most out of your 414 MKII, please take the time to read through this manual. Some time spent now will keep you from overlooking some of the features that make the 414 MKII a more creative tool. You may discover some new tricks you haven't tried before. Use of capital letters : In general, we use all upper case type to designate a particular switch, control, jack name or label (like PAN). Transport modes and some features are described with an upper case first letter (like Record mode). NOTE FOR U.K. CUSTOMERS DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer. If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove the fuse and dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid a possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply. If this product is not provided with a mains plug, or one has to be fitted, then follow the instructions given below: IMPORTANT. DO NOT make any connection to the larger terminal which is marked with the letter E or by the safety earth symbol ç or coloured GREEN or GREEN-and-YELLOW. The wires in the mains lead on this product are coloured in accordance with the following code: BLUE: BROWN: NEUTRAL LIVE CAUTION To power the PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII, use only the provided PS-P414 AC adaptor. Using any other adaptor will cause damage to the 414 MKII, and such damage would not be covered by the limited warranty on the product. As these colours may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED. When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type should be used and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover. IF IN DOUBT -- CONSULT A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN. About the weld line There is a patterned stripe-like effect on the bottom surface of the 414 MKII unit. This effect is called a "weld line" and is a natural result of the resin molding process employed in the manufacture of the 414 MKII unit. It is not a crack or scratch, and will cause no problems with the operation of the 414 MKII unit. 4 The Recording System The PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII is a complete audio production facility in a single box. It is divided into two major sections: a full-function mixer and a 4channel, multitrack cassette recorder. To complete the recording system, you'll additionally need these: input devices (microphones, instruments), output devices (headphones), 2 track recorder, effects processors, etc. The Three Steps to Multitrack In TRACKING and OVERDUBBING, the mixer inputs are usually microphones or instruments, going to different tracks of the recorder. In OVERDUBBING, the MONITOR section and TAPE CUE of the mixer must be used to listen to previous tracks while you record new ones, so there is a two-way flow through the console. In MIXDOWN, signal comes from the multitrack and is sent to an external 2-track recorder. 5 Understanding the Mixer Signal Flow in the 414 MKII Mixer The illustration below shows how input signals pass through the 414 MKII Mixer section. After the MASTER fader they go to the L/R LINE OUT jacks. This is the most important signal route in the mixer and is called "Main Mix". 6 Understanding the Mixer Tape Cue Monitor System The TAPE CUE mix and MONITOR switches are also crucial for successful multitrack recording, because they control what you hear in the headphones. This CUE mix is totally independent from the Main Mix going to tape. If you don't use the CUE mix, you run the risk of accidentally "bouncing tracks" every time you record new material. The 4 TAPE CUE controls act like a separate 4x1 mixer, dedicated solely so you can hear playback from the multitrack recorder in your headphones. Settings of these controls don't affect the mix going to tape. When the "master" EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE select switch located to the right of the track 4 meter is set to the right/TAPE CUE position, the channels' TAPE CUE controls are turned to the right, the "MONITOR" EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE switch is pressed on, and the MONITOR level control is turned up, you can hear tape playback in the headphones. You can adjust the monitor level of each track by adjusting its TAPE CUE control. The channels of the Main Mix remain free to handle external inputs for recording. If you can hear tape playback in your headphones when TAPE CUE is off, it means you're hearing tape through the Main Mix. This is correct for mixdown and bouncing tracks, but during overdubbing it can cause previous tracks to be mixed together with new tracks, instead of each part remaining separate. Use the TAPE CUE to avoid this. The three MONITOR switches choose which mix(es) you can hear in the headphones/monitor speakers -- the L-R mix, the TAPE CUE mix, and the EFFECT 1 and 2 send mixes. Press the L-R switch on to hear what you are recording. 7 Multitrack Cassette Recorder The 414 MKII records on readily available standard (Philips) Compact Cassette tape, high bias Type II. The recorder has 4 tracks while the mixer has a stereo output; however, using the Direct Recording feature you can record on any or all of the 4 tracks at one time. For more details, see "Recording on More Than Two Tracks Simultaneously", page 22. The 414 MKII's dbx Noise Reduction virtually eliminates unwanted tape noise. A special SYNC feature turns off the dbx on track 4 separately, making it possible to record and play back the MIDI sync tones or SMPTE/EBU time code without being affected by the dbx encode/decode. This ensures that the sync tones/code are recorded and played back without unnecessary processing. With proper operating techniques, it is not necessary to leave a guard band between music and sync tone tracks because of the low crosstalk of the TASCAM heads. s ZERO RETURN promptly brings you back to the beginning of a section of tape, selected by resetting the tape counter. s The tape speed can be increased or decreased with the PITCH CONTROL dial in both playback and record, to match pitch or for special effects. Track Format and Tape Recommendations Tape Speed and Track Format The Portastudio 414 MKII records/plays at 9.5 cm/sec (3-3/4 ips) which is twice (2 X) the normal speed of a standard audio cassette. It also employs a discrete 4-channel format head developed especially by TEAC for TASCAM multitrack cassette recorders. Here is a comparison of various cassette formats: 8 Track Format and Tape Recommendations Tape Type The Portastudio 414 MKII is internally adjusted for HIGH BIAS Type II tape. This means that for best results, you should only use tapes of this type. TDK SA, Maxell XL-II or equivalent formulations are recommended. We strongly suggest that you select one good quality brand and use it exclusively. The time you spend creating your multitrack master is much more valuable than the money you save by buying inferior tape. The cassette shell essentially becomes a part of the 414 MKII's transport. Poor quality shells can cause wrinkles, snarls and shredding of the edges of the tape with use. Even small scratches on the tape oxide can cause "dropouts" (temporary loss of signal) on one or more tracks. High quality tapes are less likely to cause problems in the long run. Accidental Erase/Record Protection To protect a finished master tape, it is necessary to punch out both record protect tabs. Even though you are recording in only one direction, the 414 MKII uses the entire width of the tape. If, for example, you remove only one of the tabs, you could accidentally insert the cassette into the 414 MKII backwards and erase all four tracks of the master. Tape Length Use the shortest possible tape for a given work. It is not unusual to play a tape 100 times before you are finished, so select a cassette length that is as close as possible to the length of the program you plan to record. Cassettes C-60 length and shorter are often made from thicker stock than longer cassettes. The tape used in C-120 cassettes is extremely thin and can cause winding problems, crimping, wrinkling, and other damage to the oxide coating of the tape which will destroy your work. Don't use C-120s in the 414 MKII. Remember that with twice the normal speed and the "one-side-only" 4-track single direction format, you have only one quarter of the normal play time: Cassette C-46 C-60 C-90 Play Time 11.5 min. 15 min. 22.5 min. (approx.) 9 Optional Accessories RC-30P Remote Footswitch MIDI-Tape Synchronizer PW-2Y/PW-4Y Insertion Cable Head Demagnetizer TZ-261 Cleaning Kit (Except U.S.) HC-1 Head Cleaner & RC-1 Rubber Cleaner (U.S.only) 10 PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII Brief Guide For detailed information on each feature, see "Features and Controls", pp. 31-35. Input Selection and Adjustment Channels 5 through 8 Channels 1 through 4 EQ HIGH : Cuts or boosts treble frequencies. Shelving point is at 10 kHz. EQ LOW : Cuts or boosts bass frequencies. Shelving point is at 100 Hz. EFFECT 1 and 2 : These control how much signal will go to the corresponding EFFECT send jacks. They get their signal from a point just after the channel fader. TAPE CUE : The EFFECT 2 controls can be switched to act as the TAPE CUE level controls (by means of the correspondingly labeled switch) and adjust the playback level for the musicians in the studio. PAN : Sets the pan position (left-right balance) of the channel. Note that the Left Mix can be recorded on tracks 1 and 3, and the Right Mix onto tracks 2 and 4. INPUT : Determines where the channel signal comes from. TAPE; Makes tape playback the channel source. GUITAR; When this is selected, makes the GUITAR input the channel source. If no instrument is plugged into the GUITAR input, this is equivalent to OFF. MIC/LINE; Brings the MIC/LINE input into the channel. Channel fader : Sets the volume of the channel feeding the MASTER fader. TRIM : Sets how much preamplification will be added to the MIC/LINE IN jack. Push up if the signal needs amplification, pull down if the signal is so loud it is distorting the mixer electronics. MIC/LINE IN (on the front) : These are the input jacks for the mixer channels. Line-level, unbalanced signal sources (such as electronic instruments) may be connected here. You can also connect lower-level signals (down to ­50 dBV) and use the TRIM control to amplify them. INPUT L & R : These balanced XLR-type connectors are for balanced microphones. If a signal source is connected to the front MIC/LINE IN jack corresponding to the XLR-type connector where a microphone is connected (L=1 or 3, R=2 or 4), the microphone signal input here is ignored. In other words, if you want to use microphones with these connectors, make sure that nothing is plugged into the corresponding MIC/LINE IN jack at that time. GUITAR IN jack and TRIM control : This 1/4" jack is specially designed for connection of an electric guitar (or bass guitar). This dedicated input is provided because these instruments have an impedance that is different to that of microphones or line level sources. A guitar played through this jack will be used as the signal to a channel, if the INPUT switch of the channel is set to the center GUITAR position. Use the TRIM control by this jack to match the level of your guitar. STEREO INPUTS : Connect any line-level signal (such as an effect return, or electronic instrument) here. Mono Feature : Plug a mono signal into the channel 5-6 (L/MONO) jack and leave the 7-8 (R) jack empty. The signal is then automatically taken into the two pairs of channels (5-6 and 7-8). LEVEL : Controls the volume of both the left and right inputs simultaneously on their way to the respective stereo mix sides. Monitor Section LEVEL : This sets the output level of the monitor mix feeding the MON OUT and PHONES jacks. MONITOR switches : These select the source of the MON OUT and PHONES jacks. ­ What you hear when the EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE switch is pressed on, depends on the setting of the master select switch below. Master Section EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE : When set to EFFECT 2, sends signals after the channel fader to effect devices, and when set to TAPE CUE, sends playback signals to the monitor. MASTER fader : This sets the total output level of the stereo mix. 11 12 PORTASTUDIO 414 MKII Brief Guide Recorder Controls Meters : The meters numbered 1-4 show the playback or the record level of the respective tape tracks. The average record level should be in the center (0), but occasional peaks up to +6 are acceptable. ZERO RETURN : When this switch is on and you press REW, the tape fast winds to the counter zero point. The associated LED blinks when the tape is rewinding, and glows solid when the 000 point is reached. DBX switch : Normally, leave this switch at ON. When you use track 4 to record and play back MIDI sync tones or time code, set to SYNC then the dbx is on for tracks 1-3, and off on track 4. Tape counter : Shows the distance the tape has moved from a zero reference point. Counter reset button : Press to change the counter to "000". PITCH CONTROL : Increases or decreases the speed of the transport in Play and also in Record, over a 10% range (approx.). Connections on the Rear Panel SUB IN L and R : Provide a direct route to the MASTER fader. An outboard mixer may be connected here. The SUB IN R jack is also used to record sync tones on track 4. SYNC OUT : Sync tones you'll record on track 4 are sent out of this jack to the TASCAM MTS-30 MIDI/Tape synchronizer or other similar units. LINE OUT L and R : Normally, connect these jacks to the Left and Right inputs of your mixdown deck. MON OUT L and R : These are connected to an amplifier powering the control room speakers. EFFECT 1 SEND : For sending post channel fader signals to effects devices. The returns are plugged into the STEREO INPUTS. EFFECT 2 SEND/TAPE CUE OUT : The signal available at this jack comes either from post channel fader for connection to an additional effects device or from the tape for connection to a studio speaker system, as selected by means of the EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE switch. On the front PHONES : This carries the same mix as the MON OUT jacks, as selected by the MONITOR switches. REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT : Connect to this jack the optional RC- 30P footswitch. Transport keys : Principally these work the same as on any cassette recorder. RECORD FUNCTION 1-4 : Used to select tracks to record on, and also recording sources (channels or stereo busses). 13 14 Step-By-Step-Operation Guide Let's Try the 414 MKII Mixer To learn how the mixer works, we'll use a microphone as the source. If your dynamic microphone cable has a balanced XLR-type connector, we'll use the rear-panel XLR-type INPUT (L, R) connector. If it is fitted with an unbalanced 1/4" connector, we'll use the front-panel MIC/LINE IN jack. If a signal source is connected to a front MIC/LINE IN jack whose corresponding XLR connector has a microphone connected (L=1 or 3, R=2 or 4), the signal input to the XLR connector will be ignored. First, make the following settings : s Pull all the TRIM controls full down and turn other level controls all the way to the left. s Turn the EQ controls to their center "off" position; bring all the faders down; and set all the switches to OFF. 3 Powering on ` Press the POWER switch on (the switch is located on the back), and the POWER indicator on the top panel will light. 4 Headphone connection Plug your headphones into the front PHONES jack, so you can hear the input signal going to the mixer section of the 414 MKII. 5 Routing inputs 1 2 Have in hand a dynamic microphone and a set of stereo headphones. Set the channel 1 INPUT select switch to the MIC/LINE position. 6 Input connections Panning Turn the channel 1 PAN control all the way to the left. 7 Depending on the connector at the end of your microphone cable, plug the microphone to the INPUT (L, R) connector on the rear panel, or the MIC/LINE IN jack for channel 1 on the front panel. Channel level Raise the channel fader to the shaded area (between 7 and 8). Master level Raise the MASTER fader to the shaded area (between 7 and 8). 8 15 Step-By-Step-Operation Guide 9 Monitor selection L-R MONITOR How to Record on Track 1 As a trial, let's record your voice on tape. ` Press the MONITOR "L-R" switch on. 1 2 10 Have in hand a new cassette tape (Type II, C-90 length or shorter). Loading a cassette Pull the cassette door open. Insert your cassette tape. Close the door. Getting past the leader tape Monitor level Turn the MONITOR level control up to the 12 o'clock position. 3 11 TRIM adjustment ` ` While speaking into the microphone, slowly push the TRIM control in channel 1. You will hear your voice on the left side in the headphones. When using a line level source (such as electronic instruments) instead of a microphone, the TRIM does not need to be pushed up very far, if at all. Press PLAY and allow the tape to run for about 5 seconds. This will run the tape leader onto the take-up reel, and put the beginning of the tape in front of the heads. 4 Resetting the counter ` Reset the tape counter to 000 by pressing the adjacent button. 5 Selecting tracks Set the RECORD FUNCTION switch for track 1 to its L position. The track's REC indicator will start blinking, indicating that the track is in Record Ready mode. 16 Step-By-Step-Operation Guide 6 Mic level adjustment Track 1 Playback through TAPE CUE 1 Selecting TAPE CUE Speak into the microphone. You will see meter 1 move. Slowly push the channel 1 TRIM control until the meter peaks at no more than "+6". Set the EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE selection switch located to the right of the track 4 meter to the right/TAPE CUE position. 7 2 Beginning recording Monitor selection ` `` Hold RECORD and press PLAY to initiate recording. The REC indicator that was blinking will turn on solid, indicating the track is in Record mode. Press the lowest MONITOR switch on (the switch marked EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE). The other two MONITOR switches must be off. 3 Locating tape to zero 8 9 Speak into the microphone. Stopping recording ` Set the ZERO RETURN switch to ON, then press REW. ` Press STOP (or PAUSE) to stop the tape and finish recording. 4 Beginning playback 10 ` Press PLAY. Putting track into "Safe" 5 The track 1's REC indicator should now be blinking as before. Set the RECORD FUNCTION switch for track 1 to its SAFE position. MONITOR level control setting Check to see that the MONITOR level control is at the 12 o'clock position. 17 Step-By-Step-Operation Guide 6 Routing tape signals to TAPE CUE How to Make an Overdub on Track 2 Overdubbing entails recording one or more additional tracks on the same tape, while listening to previously recorded tracks using TAPE CUE. Leave the microphone connected to the channel 1 input. There is no need to repatch it to channel 2 to record on track 2. You can send any mixer input to any track of the recorder through the combination use of PAN and RECORD FUNCTION. Locate the EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE level control on channel 1 and slowly turn it to the right. You'll hear, in center mono, what you have recorded on track 1. 7 Stopping playback 1 Routing input ` Press STOP to stop playing. Set the channel 1 INPUT selection switch to the MIC/LINE position. 2 Panning Turn the channel 1 PAN control all the way to the right (R) position. 3 Channel 1 level Bring the channel 1 fader to the shaded area (between 7 and 8). Master level Bring the MASTER fader to the shaded area (between 7 and 8). Monitor selection L-R MONITOR 4 5 ` Press the MONITOR select switch L-R on. (Leave the EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE switch pressed on.) 18 Step-By-Step-Operation Guide 6 Locating tape to zero 10 ` Making sure that the ZERO RETURN switch is ON, press REW and the tape will rewind to the beginning of the track 1 recording. Monitoring input/tape You will hear track 1 play, together with the new signal going to track 2, in the headphones. NOTE 7 Track selection Adjust only the TAPE CUE control of channel 1 if you need to change the balance between the old and new tracks in your headphones. Leave the channel fader and TRIM and the MASTER fader alone, because they control the level being recorded. 11 Set the RECORD FUNCTION switch for track 2 to its R position. The track's REC indicator will start blinking. Stopping recording ` Press STOP (or PAUSE) to stop recording. 8 Record level adjustment (TRIM) 12 Putting track into "Safe" Speak into the microphone to check to see meter 2 move. Slowly push the channel 1 TRIM control until the meter peaks at no more than +6. The track 2's REC indicator should now be blinking as before. Set the RECORD FUNCTION switch for track 2 back to its SAFE position and the indicator will turn off. 9 Beginning recording `` Hold RECORD and press PLAY to initiate recording. The track 2's REC indicator that was blinking will turn on solid, indicating the track is now being recorded. 19 Step-By-Step-Operation Guide How to Record Tracks 3 and 4 Tracks 3 and 4 can be recorded using almost the same procedure just shown for tracks 1 and 2. Just use the applicable RECORD FUNCTION switches, and the PAN controls should be rotated to the LEFT for recording on Track 3 and to the RIGHT for Track 4. How to Record Many Sources onto a Single Track In the first example, we recorded one source onto one track at a time for simplicity. But the mixer of the Portastudio 414 MKII can take multiple channels and mix them onto a single track. To do this : ­ Set the PAN control of each channel to the same setting, for example : In this example, all instruments plugged into channels 1-4 will be recorded onto Track 1 or 3. ­ Lower the MASTER fader to make overall level adjustments once you have each channel's TRIM and fader level set. ­ Make sure the INPUT switch of every channel you want to record is set to MIC/LINE. s You can't record the stereo channels onto a single track. 20 Step-By-Step-Operation Guide How to Record a Mix onto Two Tracks Simultaneously If you want to record multiple sources onto two tracks, you use the channel PAN controls to send them to LEFT or RIGHT (or anywhere in between, if you're making a stereo mix). The track RECORD FUNCTION switches choose what track the Left and Right mixes will be recorded on. Note that in this method, the mixer channel number has nothing to do with what track the instrument winds up on. Any mixer channel can be panned to any track. These mixer channels are being sent to the LEFT, for recording on either Track 1 or Track 3. Restrictions : The 414 MKII mixer section has only two main mixes, Left and Right. For this reason, you can record only two tracks at once while you're recording a mix of instruments (for example, two instruments on track 1, three instruments on track 2). Also, you can record a mix only on combinations or even/odd numbered tracks (1 & 2, 1 & 4, 2 & 3 etc.). If the RECORD FUNCTION switch for track 1 and that for track 3 are both set to L, the two tracks will both record the same mix. Recording the stereo channels (5-6 and 7-8): It is possible to record up to six sources simultaneously, using the four standard mixer channels plus the two pairs of stereo channels. The stereo channel's signal is sent to the stereo mix bus passing through the LEVEL control, so the signal is recorded along with any other channels' signals sent to the stereo left and right buses. Since there is no PAN control, the stereo channel's signal is set to the "hard left" and "hard right" position. These mixer channels are being sent to the RIGHT, for recording on either Track 2 or Track 4. s Press the MONITOR L-R switch on. Recording is the same procedure as for one track. In the example above, set the RECORD FUNCTION switch for track 3 to L, and the switch for track 4 to R, to record on these two tracks simultaneously. 21 Step-By-Step-Operation Guide Recording on More than Two Tracks Simultaneously : Direct Recording It is possible to record on three or four tracks at the same time by setting the respective RECORD FUNCTION switches to their numbered (1-4) position. In this Direct recording, each track gets its signal from a single mixer channel only -- track 1 from channel 1, and so on. s In Direct recording, the MASTER fader has no effect on the record level. It only affects the level going to the headphones/monitor speakers (via MONITOR L-R switch). Use the CHANNEL FADER only to set record levels. s Even when using the direct recording capability, a channel still goes to the Left/Right mix. If you record another track with the stereo left or right mix at the same time, you must check your PAN settings. For example, you can record a vocal directly onto track 3, and record multiple instruments on track 1 via the stereo left bus at the same time. But channel 3's PAN control must be turned hard right, otherwise you'll wind up with vocals "bleeding through" onto track 1's instruments. s The direct recording can be used whenever you want to record a single channel to a single track. How to Mix Down When the 4 tracks are all recorded, the final step is mixing them into a standard stereo format. This procedure is known as Remixing or Mixing down. During this procedure the tracks are blended together and balanced to create the desired sound. 1 Connections Connect the LINE OUT L jack of the 414 MKII to the left line input of the mixdown deck, and the LINE OUT R jack to the right line input. 2 Master level Raise the MASTER fader to the shaded area between 7 and 8. Monitor source L-R MONITOR 3 ` Press the MONITOR L-R switch on. All other MONITOR switches must be off. 4 Routing inputs Set all the INPUT select switches on the input channels to the TAPE position. 22