Fostex 250 - Mixdown (Remixing); Setup and Procedure for Mixdown

sections MIXDOWN (REMIXING)
During the initial recording and overdubbing stages, tracks
are recorded at near maximum levels. Also, it is probable that
each sound source has been recorded on only one track (not
panned between tracks). The final stage in creating a stereo
program requires that track-to-track levels be balanced, and
that each track be panned somewhere from left-to-right in
the stereo perspective. Some touch-up equalization may also
be done at this time. The final process is known as mixdown
(or remixing).
In previous steps, you monitored the program using head¬
phones, and the Model 250 MONMIX buss signal came
directly from the reproduce amplifiers. Monitoring is more
critical during the mixdown, and hence loudspeakers are
preferable to headphones (although phones can be used).
Any good stereo, high fidelity sound system will do the job.
Simply, connect a pair of cables from the Model 250 LINE
OUT 1 and 2 jacks to the auxiliary or line inputs on the stereo
integrated amplifier or receiver (or to the power amp inputs)
by a set of "Y” cables. As a precaution, turn off the stereo
amplifier, and set its volume at minimum, before connection
to the Model 250.
Connect the LI NE OUT 1 and 2 jacks of whatever stereo tape
recorder you wish to use for making the stereo master tape
to the other side of the “Y” cable (conventional cassette or
reel -to-reel).
NOTE: An alternative connection involves connecting the
Model 250 LINE OUT to the preamp, integrated amp/preamp
or receiver, and then connecting the tape output jacks from
that unit to the stereo recorder. This may be an easier ap¬
proach if your sound system is already connected to a stereo
recorder. The drawback is that the output from the Model
250 must go through additional electronics before it is
re-recorded, and thus may be degraded unnecessarily.
The MASTER 1-2 FADER controls the level at both the LINE
OUT 1, 2 jacks, so level changes affecting the recording will
be heard in the monitor speakers. This FADER should be set
to obtain the optimum recording; monitor levels can be trim¬
med using the volume control on your preamp, amplifier,
integrated amp/preamp or receiver.
You may wish to do several “trial runs”, refining fhe mix prior
to making the transfer to the stereo recorder.
SET UP AND PROCEDURE FOR MIXDOWN
Figure 8. Equipment set up & steps 1 -16 of mixdown
procedure (see Fig. 9 for remaining steps).
SPEAKER OUT
EL
TAPE OUT
oo
cm
AMPUHBl OR RECOVER
I oO
' INPUT
STEREO CASSETTE OR
«L TO REEL
| MASTER RBCEROER
roooooo O O P pool fOPoAop 0
0
NOTE: To begin, the monitor amplifier should be connected,
its power turned on, and its volume set very low (near
minimum). The stereo master tape recorder should also be
connected and ready.
1. Rewind the cassette (press ZERO RETURN or REWIND &
STOP).
2. Set the METER function switch to MIXER position.
3. Make sure all RECORD TRACK buttons are released (in
“record safe" position) to preclude accidental erasure of
the multi-track master cassette.
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