Fostex X-28 - Page 16

REC SELECT SWITCH AND DIRECT-
RECORDING:
Setting the REC SELECT switches to the numbered
positions (1,2, 3 and 4) enables direct recording.
This means that the signal on the selected input
channel is recorded directly to the corresponding
track, bypassing the PAN and AUX SEND controls
of the channel, as well as the EQ controls and
MASTER fader. The REC SELECT switch must be
set to the same number as the channel to which the
input signal is connected. (For example, if the signal
is connected to channel 1, the leftmost REC SE¬
LECT switch must be set to 1.)
5. N ow, adjust the level of the input signal. Bring the
MASTER fader up to around 7. Do the same with
the INPUT 1 fader, This is the optimum position of
the faders. (The word "optimum" does not mean
“maximum,” but indicates the “best” position — in
this case, the highest level with the least distortion.)
1_ g 3 4 5 6 _
master
6. S tart the rhythm machine and increase its volume
control slowly to an optimum level. Gradually in¬
crease the TRIM control (toward the -60 position)
so that the meter indication fortrack 1 in the display
peaks around 0 or +3. Make sure that the loudest
signals do not consistently push the meter into the
+3 to +6 range, (if you are recording something
other than a rhythm machine to this track, such as
a vocal or an acoustic instrument, the TRIM control
may need to be set near the -60 position.)
Gradually Increase TRIM
Meter should peak around 0 ~ +3
At this stage, you are setting levels so you needn't
worry about content. If your level readings are con¬
stantly in the -10 to - 20 range, increase the level by
bringing up the faders or there will be excessive back¬
ground noise. If your level readings are constantly in
the +3 to +6 range, bring the level down or there will be
distortion. When recording instruments with very sharp
initial attacks such as bass and snare drums, you may
find it necessary to set the levels at a relatively low
range — for example, around -6 to -10 — just to keep
the signal from distorting. A compressor such as the
Fostex MN-50 will help solve this problem,
Note: The left and/or right meters of the stereo buss
will tight to indicate the level of the signal.
Whether one or both of the meters lights de¬
pends on the setting of the PAN control on the
input track; for example, if the PAN control is set
to the left, the left meter will be active. The PAN
setting here does not affect the recording. How¬
ever, for monitoring purposes, it is best to set
this at the center position.
7. N ext, make the necessary settings on the X-28 for
monitoring. Whether you are using headphones or
an amptifier/speaker system, simply turn the MONI¬
TOR control up to around 5, or to a comfortable
listening level. Note that you may also have to make
adjustments on all of the level controls in the re¬
cording and monitor circuits it the volume is too loud
or soft.
Note: Since this first recording (basic track) will be
used as a reference for all additional recordings,
it's a good idea to begin with a rhythmic count¬
off with the snare drum before the actual
downbeat or upbeat of the performance begins.
(This makes overdubbing a lot easier.)
Note: Make sure that the noise reduction (DOLBY
NR) switch has been turned on — both for
recording and playback. This will make your
recording sound as clean and clear as possible.
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