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Tascam PortaStudio 424 MKII User Manual

Tascam PortaStudio 424 MKII
38 pages
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Table of Contents

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Tascam PortaStudio 424 MKII Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandTascam
ModelPortaStudio 424 MKII
CategoryCassette Player
LanguageEnglish

Summary

The Recording System

Recording System Overview

Explains the PORTASTUDIO 424 MKII as a complete audio production facility.

System Components

Lists necessary input/output devices and other equipment for a complete recording system.

Multitrack Recording Steps

Details the three main steps: TRACKING, OVERDUBBING, and MIXDOWN.

Understanding the Mixer

Mixer Signal Flow

Illustrates the input signal path through the 424 MKII Mixer section to the LINE OUT jacks.

Tape Cue Monitor System

Cue Monitor System Function

Describes the function and importance of TAPE CUE and MONITOR switches for headphone monitoring.

CUE Mix vs. Main Mix

Explains how the CUE mix is independent from the Main Mix and prevents accidental track bouncing.

Multitrack Cassette Recorder

Recorder Features

Highlights features like 4 tracks, stereo output, DIRECT feature, and dbx Noise Reduction.

Transport Controls

Details microprocessor-operated transport controls for reliable functions.

Track Format and Tape Recommendations

Tape Speed and Track Format

Explains the HIGH speed (9.5 cm/sec) and discrete 4-channel format head.

Tape Compatibility

Discusses playing back standard stereo tapes and the limitations of the 424 MKII on stereo decks.

Recommended Tape Type

Specifies HIGH BIAS "Type II" tape and recommends quality brands for best results.

Tape Handling and Protection

Erase/Record Protection

Explains how to punch out record protect tabs to prevent accidental tape erasure.

Tape Length Selection

Advises using shorter cassette lengths and avoiding C-120 tapes for reliable operation.

PORTASTUDIO 424 MKII Brief Guide

Input Section Overview

Details MIC/LINE INPUTS, SUB INPUTS, and their connection types (XLR, 1/4").

Channel Controls Explained

Describes TRIM, INPUT select, EQ controls, EFFECT sends, TAPE CUE, and PAN.

Mixer Channel Sections

Channels 5-8 Inputs and Controls

Details STEREO INPUTS, Mono Feature, LEVEL, and ASSIGN switches for channels 5-8.

Master Section Controls

Explains EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE, MASTER fader, and their functions.

Monitor Section Controls

Details MONITOR switches and MONITOR LEVEL for headphone monitoring.

Recorder Controls Overview

Transport and Locator Controls

Covers REHEARSAL, AUTO IN/OUT, REPEAT, MEMO IN, RTZ, LOC 1/2, and PITCH CONTROL.

Recording and Track Selection

Explains RECORD FUNCTION switches, REC indicators, and track metering.

Tape Counter and DBX NR

Describes the tape counter, DBX NR switch, and their functions.

Panel Connections Overview

Rear Panel Output and Send Jacks

Details TAPE OUTPUTS, LINE OUTPUTS, MONITOR OUTPUTS, and EFFECT SEND jacks.

Front Panel Input and Control Jacks

Covers PHONES jack and REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT jack.

Getting Started with the Mixer

Initial Setup Steps

Guides through making input connections, powering on, and headphone setup.

Routing Input Signals

Explains how to set the INPUT select switch for microphone/line sources.

Mixer Operation and Basic Recording

Channel Controls and Monitoring

Details Panning, faders, monitor selection, TRIM, and listening level adjustments.

Cassette Loading for Recording

Guides on loading a cassette and advancing past the leader tape.

Recording Procedures on Track 1

Setup and Level Adjustment

Covers counter reset, record function, and mic level adjustment for recording.

Initiating and Securing Recording

Details starting recording, stopping, and setting the track to "Safe" mode.

Track 1 Playback via Tape Cue

Tape Cue Monitoring Setup

Explains activating TAPE CUE and selecting monitor sources for playback.

Listening to Recorded Track 1

Guides on tape locating, playing, adjusting level, and routing signals.

Overdubbing on Track 2

Input and Panning Setup

Details input routing, panning, channel/master levels, and monitor selection.

Record Level Adjustment

Covers tape locating, track selection, and adjusting the record level (TRIM).

Multitrack Recording and Source Mixing

Recording Tracks 2, 3, and 4

Details initiating record, monitoring, stopping, and setting tracks to "Safe" mode.

Recording Multiple Sources

Explains how to record many sources onto a single track using mixer channels.

Advanced Recording Techniques

Recording Multiple Sources on One Track

Reinforces recording many sources onto a single track with PAN control settings.

Recording Stereo Mixes Simultaneously

Explains recording a mix onto two tracks using PAN and RECORD FUNCTION.

Recording Multiple Tracks Simultaneously

DIRECT Recording Method

Details recording on three or four tracks at once using the DIRECT function.

Stereo Channel Recording

Explains recording stereo channels (5-6, 7-8) for up to six sources simultaneously.

How to Mix Down

Mixdown Connections and Setup

Details connecting to a mixdown deck and setting master/monitor levels.

Playback Level Adjustments

Guides on setting channel faders, PAN, and EQ for the final mix.

Mixdown Procedure

Review and Refine Mix

Covers checking the sound balance, level, and tonality, and rewinding to check the result.

Setting Record Level for Mixdown

Explains putting the mixdown deck into Record Ready and adjusting input levels.

Memory Location Point Functions

Establishing and Loading MEMO Points

Explains setting and loading autolocation points (MEMO 1 and MEMO 2).

Managing Memory Points

Covers recalculating, checking, and erasing MEMO points.

Tape Locating and Playback Modes

Zero and MEMO Point Locating

Details using RTZ, LOC 1, and LOC 2 keys for tape positioning.

Auto Play and Auto Pause

Explains initiating auto play or auto pause after reaching a location point.

Repeat Play Function

Setting Up Repeat Play

Guides on establishing loop points (MEMO 1 & 2) and activating the REPEAT function.

Interrupting and Resuming Repeat

Explains how to stop, interrupt, and resume the REPEAT sequence.

Punch-In or Insert Recording

Punch-In Preliminary Steps

Covers input routing and setting up monitor controls for punch-in recording.

Selecting Punch-In/Out Points

Discusses choosing precise points for smooth inserts and the use of REHEARSAL.

Rehearsal and Auto In/Out Procedures

Rehearsing Punch-In Recording

Explains how to rehearse punch-in without affecting the recording.

Storing Punch-In/Out Points

Details how to store punch-in and out points into memory using REHEARSAL.

Rehearsal Process and Point Management

Actual Auto Punch In/Out

Describes performing the actual auto punch-in/out after rehearsal.

Managing Rehearsal Settings

Explains how to change or quit rehearsal mode and the limitations of the function.

Punch-in and Auto-Punch Operations

Auto Punch In/Out Execution

Details executing the rehearsed sequence with AUTO IN/OUT and PLAY.

Manual Punch-in Method

Explains manual punch-in using the RECORD button or footswitch.

Bouncing Tracks (Ping-Pong)

Ping-Pong Procedure Example

Details combining tracks 1-3 onto track 4 with specific mixer settings.

Using Effects and Signal Processing

In-line Processing Techniques

Explains direct instrument-to-effect-to-mixer processing.

Send/Return Mix Processing

Describes using EFFECT SENDs and STEREO INPUTs for external effects.

Setting Effect Level Controls

Guides on setting EFFECT send levels, output levels, and mix/balance controls.

Connecting and Using Effects Devices

Mono Returns and Channel Patching

Explains using STEREO INPUTS for mono returns and patching effects to input channels.

Reverb Monitoring and Recording

Details how to monitor reverb in headphones or record it onto a track.

424 MKII Mixer Details

Input Section Controls

Details MIC/LINE INPUTS, SUB INPUTS, TRIM, and INPUT select switches.

Equalizer and Effect Controls

Explains the function of EQ HIGH, MID, LOW, and EFFECT 1/2 send controls.

Detailed Mixer Control Descriptions

Channel and Stereo Input Controls

Covers PAN, Fader, STEREO INPUTS, LEVEL, and ASSIGN switches.

Monitor, Master, and Output Sections

Details MONITOR switches, LEVEL, EFFECT 2/TAPE CUE, MASTER fader, and outputs.

Recorder Features and Systems

Output and Remote Jacks

Describes TAPE OUTPUTS, PHONES, and REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT connections.

Cassette Loading and DBX System

Covers cassette loading, tape path components, and the DBX NR switch.

Track Controls and Autolocators

Record Function and Displays

Explains RECORD FUNCTION switches, REC indicators, meters, and tape counter.

Autolocator Functions

Details RTZ, LOC 1/2, MEMO IN, and REPEAT functions for tape navigation.

Care and Maintenance Procedures

General Cleaning and Degaussing

Emphasizes regular cleaning of heads and tape guides for optimal performance.

Cleaning Mode Operation

Guides on activating and using the cleaning mode for heads and pinch roller.

How the dbx Works

Cleaning Recorder Components

Details cleaning the pinch roller, capstan shaft, and degaussing the tape path.

DBX System Functionality

Explains the wide-band compression-expansion system for noise reduction and dynamic range.

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