SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Read Instructions All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. Retain Instructions The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. Heed Warnings All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. Follow Instructions All operating and use instructions should be followed. 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. Carts and Stands The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. 6A 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. 8. Wall or Ceiling Mounting The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer. Ventilation The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does 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. 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: A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or D. 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. 17. Servicing The user should not attempt service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions.

The recording/playback pitch can be adjusted up to a maximum of 10%. In addition, you can use the x1/2 play function to playback at half-speed with a pitch that is one octave lower. MIDI Time Code (MTC) / MIDI Clock data can be transmitted from the MIDI OUT connector. This allows synchronization with a MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine without using up a recording track. In addition, MTC from an external device can be received at the MIDI IN connector, allowing the MD4S to be synchronized to external video/audio devices. MIDI Machine Control (MMC) can be received, allowing the transport of the MD4S to be controlled from a MIDI sequencer or other external device.
Buying discs for the MD4S
The MD4S can use two types of disc: MD DATA and MiniDisc. MD DATA discs can be used for 4-track recording/playback, and MiniDiscs can be used for recording/playback of up to two tracks. (They cannot be used for 4-track recording/playback.)

MD DATA and MiniDisc

MD DATA are widely used for computer data storage, and the MD4S uses the audio format of this type of disc. MiniDiscs (also known as MD) are used only for music.

Type MD DATA MiniDisc

4-track recording/ playback 2-track recording/ playback Monaural recording/ playback
Yes (37 minutes per track) Yes (74 minutes) Yes (148 minutes) These discs are for computer storage applications, and can be purchased at computer shops. Two types are available: playback-only and rewritable. Use the rewritable type with the MD4S. MD DATA discs recorded on the MD4S cannot be played back on a conventional MD player. MD DATA discs that have been used to store computer data cannot be used as is by the MD4S. Such discs must rst be formatted for audio use. See Erasing a disc (Disc Erase) on page 86 for more information. Songs that were recorded in 8track mode on a recorder such as the MD8 cannot be played back on the MD4S.
No Yes (74 minutes) Yes (148 minutes) These discs are for music. Two types are available: playback-only and rewritable. If you use the rewritable type, you can record up to two tracks. MiniDiscs recorded on the MD4S can be played back on a conventional MD player. MiniDiscs recorded on a conventional MD recorder can be edited on the MD4S, but if the music includes a song that was digitally copied from a copy-protected music CD, editing will not be possible.

MD4S TOC

TOC refers to the Table of Contents area on the disc. The TOC contains information about what is recorded on the disc, the disc title, song titles, and so on. When you record a new song or edit the song title, the TOC EDIT indicator of the MD4S will light to indicate that the TOC needs to be updated.

TOC EDIT

If the TOC EDIT indicator is lit, you must update the TOC before turning off the power of the MD4S. If the power is turned off when the TOC EDIT indicator is lit, the data you recorded or edited will be lost.

To update the TOC

Press the STOP button, and with the MD4S stopped, press the TOC WRITE button. (The STOP button and the TOC WRITE button are the same button.)
The display will show Writing TOC, indicating that the TOC is being written to disc. When the TOC has been updated, the Writing TOC display and the TOC EDIT indicator will go dark. Note: If you press the EJECT button while the TOC EDIT indicator is lit, the TOC will automatically be updated before the disc is ejected.
Recording modes and recording times
The MD4S offers three recording modes: 4-track (4TR), 2-track (2TR), and monaural (MONO). The times available for recording on a single disc will depend on the recording mode. Available recording/playback times will be 37 minutes in 4TR mode, 74 minutes in 2TR mode, and 148 minutes in MONO mode. You can use a different recording mode for each song, which allows you to make the most efcient use of each disc.
37 minutes 4TR mode 74 minutes 2TR mode 148 minutes MONO mode
MD4S songs and blank areas
On the MD4S, recordings are made in units called songs. Each song is assigned a number indicating the order in which it was recorded. For example if you have recorded two songs on a disc, song 2 will be recorded immediately after song 1, as shown in the following diagram.
Song 1 Song 2 Blank area 1
When you record a new song or record additional material onto a previously-recorded song to lengthen it, the new recording is done only on the unrecorded portion of the disc; the blank area. In the diagram above, it is possible to record a new song (song 3) in the blank area, or to record additional material onto song 2 to lengthen it. However since there is no blank area immediately after song 1, it is not immediately possible to record additional material to song 1 to lengthen it. Tip: If you wish to lengthen song 1, you will need to use a song editing function to move song 1 to the blank area. If three songs (songs 1, 2, and 3) are recorded consecutively on disc as shown in the following diagram, and the middle song is erased, there will be a blank area corresponding to the length of that song.

Song 1

Song 2

Song 3

Blank area 1
Erase song 2 Song 1 Blank area 2 Song 3 Blank area 1
* Blank areas are also assigned a blank area number in the order in which they are created. If you then record a song in the situation shown above, you will be able to select either blank area 1 or blank area 2 in which to record. However if you select blank area 2, the time available for recording will be limited to the length of the song that was erased.

These buttons search for the starting locations of songs or blank areas. They are used to search for and move to the beginning of songs.

B repeat button

This button sets the A and B points of the A-B repeat function (page 68).
E LAST REC SEARCH [IN]/[OUT], SET buttons
The LAST REC SEARCH [IN]/[OUT] buttons locate to the points at which recording or rehearsal were last started (last record IN point) or last ended (last record OUT point). In conjunction with the SET button, these buttons can be used to specify any desired location in a song as the last record in/out point (punch-in/out point).

F REPEAT button

This button is used to select functions such as one song repeat which repeatedly plays back a single song, or all song repeat which repeatedly plays back all songs on the disc, and is also used to switch the repeat function on/off. The repeat indicator (display O) will light to indicate the repeat function that is selected.

G MARK SEARCH [

], MARK buttons
The MARK SEARCH buttons are used to locate to the Start marker (beginning of the song), End marker (end of the song), or to markers that you can set at desired locations in the song. The MARK button is used to insert a marker into the desired location of a song.

H Disc compartment

An MD DATA or MiniDisc can be inserted here.

I BUS button

This button is used in conjunction with the REC SELECT buttons J to specify the tracks on which the ST bus signal will be recorded.

J REC SELECT buttons

These buttons select/defeat recording tracks. Tracks selected for recording will be indicated by the track record indicators (display J) in the display. When you press only a REC SELECT button Recording will be enabled for the corresponding track, and the signal from input channels will be sent directly to the track (direct recording). When you hold down the BUS button and press a REC SELECT button Recording will be enabled for the corresponding track. The L channel of the ST bus will be sent to tracks 1 and 3, and the R channel of the ST bus signal will be sent to tracks 2 and 4.

K EJECT button

This button ejects the disc from the MD4S. If you press the EJECT button while the TOC EDIT indicator (display 1) is lit, the TOC will be updated before the disc is ejected.

Display

REHE TOC EDIT
SONG NO. REC MODE STEP NO.

+12 +9 +6 +12 20

`1234567890
ELAPSE TIME TOTAL TIME MEASURE MIN BEAT SEC

REC HALF FIX VARI

AUTO PUNCH MTC FRAMES SINGLE MULTI
CLIP REMAIN TIME MTC SYNC 15 MASTER SLAVE 18 MIDI CLK MMC 27 39

REPEAT A1ALL B

OUT BUS

TRK 1 DIR 1

STEREO CUE MIX

O A TOC EDIT indicator

This indicator will light when the TOC (table of contents) needs to be updated, such as after a new recording or edit. If the power of the MD4S is turned off while the TOC EDIT indicator is lit, the recorded or edited content may be lost. When you update the TOC, the indicator will go dark.

B Status indicators

These indicators show the current operating mode.
Indicator Meaning Normal playback Cue or Review Playback is paused

Rehearsal Pause mode

Rehearsal in progress

Record Pause mode

Recording in progress

C Pitch indicator

This indicator shows the current pitch mode. The status of the x1/2 Play function is also shown here. HALF. Lights when the x1/2 Play function is on. FIX.. Lights when the Pitch function is off. VARI.. Lights when the Pitch function is on.
D Title and function display
Song numbers, song/disc titles, the currently selected function, or other messages will appear here.

E Time counter mode

This indicates the time counter mode that was selected by the DISPLAY button (disc transport M). However if a tempo map has been programmed and the time counter is showing measure/beat/clock, all of these indicators will be dark. ELAPSE TIME. The time counter will show the current elapsed time within the song. TOTAL TIME. The time counter will show the time position within the entire disc. REMAIN TIME. The time counter will show the remaining time within the son

F MIDI indicators

The status of various MIDI functions is shown here. MTC SYNC MASTER.. This will light when you enable MTC transmission. In this case, the MD4S will transmit MTC and will function as the master of a synchronized MIDI system. MTC SYNC SLAVE. This will light when you enable MTC reception. In this case, the MD4S will receive MTC and will function as a slave in a synchronized MIDI system. MIDI CLK. This will light when you enable MIDI Clock transmission. In this case, the MD4S will transmit MIDI Clock and will function as the master of a synchronized MIDI system. MMC.. This will light when you enable MMC (MIDI Machine Control) reception. In this case, the MD4S can be controlled from an external device such as a MIDI sequencer.

G Track level meters

These indicate the recording/playback level of each track. The range from 39 dB to CLIP is shown in nine steps. The CLIP indicator will light to indicate that digital clipping has occurred in the signal. If no disc is inserted, these meters will indicate the input levels of input channels 14.

R (STEREO)

G H A+B+C+D +E+F

Mixdown (parts A~H)

A+B+C+D
Note: Since the MD4S records data in digital form, repeated ping-pong recording as shown above will not impair the audio quality. However, please be aware that since the MD4Ss mixer section is analog, repeated ping-pong recording will result in a very small decrease in audio quality (although compared to the result of ping-pong recording on a tape MTR, this loss will be virtually undetectable). Tip: If you ping-pong record tracks 14 to tracks 3 and 4 as shown above, the content that had been recorded on tracks 3 and 4 will be erased. Before you ping-pong record, we recommend that you copy the song to backup the original. (See Copying/converting a song (Song Copy) on page 76 for more information.)
In the following, we will give an example of mixing previously-recorded tracks 14 into a stereo pair, and ping-pong recording them to tracks 3 and 4.
CH1 REC SELECT CH3 CH2 CHBUS L R L R 4

4568 78

1 Set the FLIP switches of input channels 14 to
PB ( ). The playback sound of tracks 14 will be sent via the input channels to the ST bus. Tip: If you use LINE INPUT jacks 58, the audio sources connected to LINE INPUT jacks 58 can be added to tracks 14 as you ping-pong record. The input level of LINE INPUT jacks 58 can be adjusted by the LEVEL controls 5/6 and 7/8.
monitoring, allowing you to monitor the playback sound of tracks 14. Make sure that the MONITOR SELECT CUE switch is off.
4 Set the STEREO fader in the 78 range. 5 Press the SONG SEARCH [ ] button to
locate to the beginning of the song.
6 Press the REHE button, and then press the
PLAY button to begin rehearsing the pingpong recording.
2 While holding down the BUS button, press
REC SELECT buttons 3 and 4. The ST bus will be selected as the recording source for tracks 3 and 4, and the track record indicators (BUS/L, R) will blink. Make sure that the track record indicators for tracks 1 and 2 are dark.
7 While listening to your monitoring headphones or monitor speakers, use the faders and PAN controls of input channels 14 to adjust the mix balance of tracks 14. As necessary, use the EQ controls to adjust the tone. When you nish adjusting the mix balance, watch the track level meters of tracks 3 and 4 as you adjust the STEREO fader to set the recording level. (At the ideal level, the 3 segment of the meter will light at the peaks.)

switch. Make sure that the MONITOR SELECT CUE switch is off.
8 On the input channels to which you wish to
apply the effect, rotate the AUX control toward the 1 position. The signals from the input channels will be mixed in monaural according to the position of each AUX control, and will be sent via the AUX SEND 1 jack to the external effect processor.
9 Raise level control 5/6.
The effect sound from the external effect processor will be sent via LINE INPUT jacks 5 and 6 and mixed into the ST bus.
0 When you have nished adjusting the mix
balance, recording level, and effect amount, press the SONG SEARCH [ ] button to locate to the beginning of the song, and then press the REC button and PLAY button to start ping-pong recording.
Applying an effect only to the monitor signal
By making skillful use of direct recording and the MONITOR SELECT switches, you can apply effects only to the monitor signal so that tracks are recorded without effects. For example when recording vocals, you can let the vocalist monitor their voice with reverb, but record the vocal on the track without effects. The following will explain the example of monitoring tracks 13 while you record a vocal on track 4.
IN OUT MIDI THRU TRACK DIRECT OUT 2TR IN

STEREO OUT MONITOR OUT 2

P A N L L E V E L HIGH R
jack of your external effect processor, and connect the output jacks of the effect processor to the LINE input jacks 5 and 6. Make settings on your effect processor so that it will output only the processed sound.
5 Raise the CUE LEVEL controls of input channels 14. The recording source of track 4 (vocal without the effect) and the playback of tracks 13 can now be monitored via the CUE bus.
2 Connect the vocal mic to MIC/LINE INPUT

jack 4.

6 Rotate the AUX control of input channel 4
toward the 1 position. The vocal signal will be sent to the effect processor connected to the AUX SEND 1 jack.
3 Set the FLIP switch of input channels 14 to
7 Raise level control 5/6.
Only the vocal effect sound will be sent to the ST bus.
4 Press REC SELECT button 4.
The track record indicator (DIR 4) will blink, and the vocal will be recorded directly to track 4. Make sure that the other track record indicators are dark.
8 Turn on the MONITOR SELECT CUE switch
and MONITOR SELECT STEREO switch. With these settings, the signal of the CUE bus (the playback of tracks 13 and the unprocessed vocal) and the signal of the ST bus (vocal effect sound) can be monitored together.

6. Press the ENTER button once again to erase the marker, or press the EXIT button to cancel the Erase operation.
The marker indicator (or IN/OUT indicator) that corresponds to the erased marker (or auto punch-in/out point) will go dark. Depending on the marker that was erased, the marker numbers will change.
Erase marker 3 Start marker Mark 1 Mark 2 Mark 3 Mark 4 End marker

Mark 1

Mark 2

Mark 3

7. Press the ADJUST button or the EXIT button to return to normal operation, and press the TOC WRITE button to update the TOC.
Various playback functions
This section explains the various playback functions offered by the MD4S.
Play forward/backward at various speeds (Cue/Review)
During playback, you can operate the CURSOR shuttle to play forward (cue) or backward (review) at various speeds. This is a convenient way to nd the desired location within a song.
1. Press the PLAY button to begin playback. 2. Move the CURSOR shuttle to right or left to Cue or Review.
The cue/review speed will depend on the angle to which you move the CURSOR shuttle.

Cue (play forward)

Speed Display

Normal playback

1/2X speed CueHALF

2X speed Cue x2

4X speed Cue x4

8X speed Cue x8

16X speed Cue x16

32X speed Cue x32

Review (play backward)

1/2X speed Rev x2

4X speed Rev x4

8X speed Rev x8

16X speed Rev x16

32X speed Rev x32

Shuttle playback functions
Note: It is not possible to move directly from normal playback to 1/2X speed cue. You must move the CURSOR shuttle toward the right to select 2X cue or faster, and then return the CURSOR shuttle to the 1/2X speed cue position.
3. If you press the ENTER button while using cue/review, the cue/review will be locked (xed).
Cue/review will continue even if you release the CURSOR shuttle. When you press the PLAY button, cue/review will be canceled, and normal playback will resume from that location. If cue/review reaches the beginning or end of the song, it will stop. Note: When 1/2X speed cue is used, the playback pitch will be one octave lower than normal. (This is the same effect as the 1/2X speed playback explained below.) However, the pitch will not change for cue/review at other speeds.
Playback at half speed (x1/2 Play)
x1/2 Play is a function that drops the pitch of the disc to half the normal pitch during playback. When x1/2 Play is used, the pitch will be one octave lower than normal. (This is the same effect as Cue-Half.) This provides a convenient way to practice rapidly-played phrases that you have recorded from a CD etc. Note: Recording or rehearsal cannot be performed at X1/2 Play. Nor will it be possible to synchronize with a MIDI sequencer using MTC or MIDI Clock while using x1/2 Play.

Copying/converting a song (Song Copy)
Song Copy is a function that duplicates an entire song, including the title, markers, and tempo map data. It is convenient to use this function to create a backup of the original song before performing ping-pong recording or punch-in/out recording. If desired, the recording mode (4TR/2TR/MONO mode) of the copy destination song can be converted, and you may change the order of the tracks. (For more on the recording modes, refer to page 11.)
1. Use the SONG SEARCH buttons to select the copy source song, and press the ENTER button. 2. Rotate the DATA dial to make the display read Song Copy, and press the ENTER button.
The display will ask Copy X? (X is the copy source song number). At this time you can rotate the DATA dial to select a different song number.
3. Press the ENTER button once again.
The display will indicate the recording mode and track order of the copy source song.
Recording mode Tracks to copy

REC MODE

If you wish to create a complete duplicate of the song without changing the recording mode or track order, proceed to step 7. Changing the record mode
4. Rotate the DATA dial to select the recording mode of the copy destination song.
The following recording modes are available for conversion. 4T (4TR mode) 2T (2TR mode) MO (MONO mode) For example if you specify 2T:12 the copy destination song will be as follows.

4T:1234

Copy source song Vocal Guitar Bass Drums Copy destination song

Bass Drums

Changing the order of the tracks
5. Rotate the CURSOR shuttle to the right.
The numerals indicating the track order will blink.
6. Use the CURSOR shuttle to select the track whose order you wish to change, and rotate the DATA dial to specify the copy source track number.
The currently selected track will blink. Rotate the DATA dial to select the copy source track number (14) or -. If you select -, the corresponding track of the copy destination will be blank (silent).
For example if you specied 4T:3421, the order of copy destination tracks would be as follows.

4T:3421

Copy source song Vocal Guitar Bass Drums
Copy destination song Drums Bass Vocal Guitar
Tip: You can specify the same track number more than once. For example if you specify 4T:3422 the contents of copy source track 2 will be copied to tracks 3 and 4. Executing the Song Copy

Synchronization using MTC
s Transmit MTC from the MIDI OUT connector of the MD4S
Make MIDI Sync settings so that the MIDI OUT connector of the MD4S will transmit MTC messages.
1. Press the UTILITY button, rotate the DATA dial to make the display read MIDI Sync, and press the ENTER button.
The display will indicate the currently selected MIDI Sync setting. If MIDI Sync is off, the display will indicate Sync OFF.
2. Rotate the DATA dial to make the display read MTC MASTER.
The MIDI indicator in the display will light to indicate MTC SYNC MASTER. With this setting, MTC messages will be transmitted from the MIDI OUT connector when the MD4S is running.
s MIDI sequencer settings
To use MTC, your MIDI sequencer must be set to synchronize to the MTC messages it receives. In this case, you must set the frame rate to 30 frames/second. For details on making this setting, refer to the owners manual of your MIDI sequencer.
Synchronization using MIDI Clock
s Transmit MIDI Clock from the MIDI OUT connector of the MD4S
Make MIDI Sync settings so that the MIDI OUT connector of the MD4S will transmit MIDI Clock messages.
2. Rotate the DATA dial to make the display read MIDI CLOCK.
The MIDI indicator in the display will light to indicate MIDI CLOCK.
3. Press the UTILITY button once again to return to normal operation. s Programming a tempo map
Tempo and meter (time signature) data can be programmed into a MD4S song. For each song, you can program 26 steps (AZ) each of tempo data and meter data, allowing you to change tempo and meter during the song. Before you start programming a tempo map, it will be convenient to use the Tempo Map Chart on page 111 to make a note of the measures at which the tempo or meter changes.
1. Press the ENTER button, rotate the DATA dial to make the display read Song Tempo, and press the ENTER button.
The display will indicate Meter Setup or Tempo Setup.
2. Rotate the DATA dial to select Meter if you wish to program time signature data or Tempo if you wish to program tempo data. Then press the ENTER button.
The display will indicate Edit Meter or Edit Tempo.
3. Rotate the DATA dial to make the display read Edit if you are editing an existing tempo map or New if you are programming a new tempo map. Then press the ENTER button.
The display will indicate step A at the rst measure. The character A that indicates the step will be blinking.
When setting Meter (time signature) data

Measure

When setting Tempo data

Measure/beat

4. Rotate the CURSOR shuttle to the right to select the meter/tempo parameter, and rotate the DATA dial to set the meter or tempo.
It is not possible to set the measure location of step A. The range of settings is as follows. Meter.199/2, 4, 8, 16 Tempo.. =20300
The character (A) that indicates the step will blink.

With an offset setting of 00:01:00.00

00:01:00.00 (MTC)

MTC master MTC slave
00:00:00.00 (MD4S display)
With an offset setting of 23:59:00.00

23:59:00.00 (MTC)

00:00:00.00 (MTC)

000:00.00 (MD4S display)

001:00.00 (MD4S display)
4. Press the UTILITY button to return to normal operation.
Controlling the MD4S by MMC
MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is a type of MIDI message that allows the transport of an audio/video recorder etc. to be controlled by an external MIDI device. Since the MD4S is able to receive MMC, an MMC-compatible MIDI sequencer or other device can control the transport of the MD4S. In this case, the device that transmits MMC data will be the MMC Master, and the device that receives MMC data will be the MMC Slave. The MD4S supports the following MMC messages.

Function Stop

MMC# Command 01
MD4S operation If this command is received during recording, rehearsal, or playback etc., that operation will be halted. When this command is received, playback will begin. If this command is received during recording or rehearsal, that operation will be halted. Skip to the next song. If this command is received during recording or rehearsal, that operation will be halted. Skip to the previous song. If this command is received during recording or rehearsal, that operation will be halted. If this command is received when stopped, recording will begin. If this command is received during playback, punch-in will be performed. If received while paused, this command will be ignored. Record mode will be turned off. Enter pause mode. If received during record or rehearsal, stop. Reset MMC data to the initial settings (the condition at power-on). Write data to the specied data eld. Locate to the specied time code location. Switch between REHE and REC. Select the track to be recorded by Record Strobe.

Command 02, 03

Fast-forward

Command 04

Rewind

Command 05

Record Strobe

Command 06

End Record Paus MMC Reset Write Locate Record Mode Track Record Ready
Command 07 Command 09 Command 0D Command 40 Command 44 Data eld 4C Data eld 4F

s Switching MMC reception on/off
You can specify whether or not the MD4S will receive MMC.
1. Press the UTILITY button, rotate the DATA dial to make the display read MMC Receive, and press the ENTER button.
The display will indicate the current MMC reception setting. With the factory settings this is off, and the display will indicate MMC Rx OFF.
2. Rotate the DATA dial to switch the setting ON or OFF.
When this is ON, MMC can be received.
3. Press the ENTER button to conrm the setting.
4. Press the UTILITY button or the EXIT button to return to normal operation.
If MMC reception was turned on, the MD4S will be the MMC Slave, and can be operated by MMC messages received from the external device. Tip: This setting is remembered even if the power is turned off.
s Setting the MMC Device ID
If there is more than one MMC slave, a single command will control all MMC slaves since MMC commands are common to all devices. However in some cases (such as when specifying the tracks for recording), you may wish to control only a specic MMC slave device. In such cases, you can set the MMC Device ID so that the MMC master will control only a specic MMC slave device.
1. Press the UTILITY button, rotate the DATA dial to make the display read MMC Dev ID, and press the ENTER button.
The display will indicate the currently selected Device ID. With the factory settings, the Device ID is set to 1, and the display will indicate DEV ID 1.
2. Rotate the DATA dial to select the Device ID (1127). 3. Press the ENTER button to conrm the selection. 4. Press the UTILITY button or the EXIT button to return to normal operation.
Note: Set the MMC Master device so that it will transmit MMC to the ID you specified here. Tip: This setting is remembered even if the MD4S is turned off.

Appendix

Q&A Section
This section is intended to answer your questions about the MD4S and MD DATA discs.
Whats the difference between MiniDiscs and MD DATA Discs?
MiniDiscs were designed to store mono and stereo sound data. MD DATA discs were originally designed to store computer data. Ideal for use with digital cameras. However, they can also be used to store mono, stereo, and four-channel sound data. Thats how MD4S uses them.
Can the MD4S use normal MiniDiscs?
Yes, but only for 2-track or mono recording and playback. MiniDiscs recorded on the MD4S can be played on normal MiniDisc decks.
Are Yamaha MD8 and MD4 discs compatible with the MD4S?
All discs recorded on the Yamaha MD4 can be used by the MD4S. Discs recorded on the Yamaha MD8 can be used by the MD4S if they are converted by the MD8 to 4TR mode.
What happens if I insert an MD DATA Disc into a MiniDisc deck?
The disc will not be recognized. MiniDisc decks cannot use MD DATA discs.
How long is the life of an MD DATA disc?

MULTITRACK MD RECORDER

Questions and Answers

Preview version

Table of Contents

MD / Recorder. 1
What is MD?. Why was MD selected as media?. What is the available recording time in 4TR, ST and mono modes?. What is the difference between MD Data and normal MD?. Does the Yamaha MD4 accept a normal MD (Mini Disc)?. What is compression? What is ATRAC?. What does the frame indication mean?. What does "resolution is 11.6 ms" mean?. Why is it possible to perform ping-pong recording while playing back four tracks simultaneously?. Doesn't data slip when overdubbing due to data compression?. How does the Yamaha MD4 identify and differentiate the MD Data from the Mini Disc?. Is there any sound degradation after repeated ping-pong recording?. How long is the life of a disc?. How long is the pickup laser life?. Does the compression process lower the sound quality?. Is there a "No Compression" mode that sacrifices total recording time?. What types of information can be stored in the disc using the MD4?. Does a disc have a front and back side?. What will happen if a 4TR disc created on the MD4 is inserted into a normal MD ( Mini Disc) player?. Does the unit have any protection against skipping sounds due to shock or vibration?. The unit employs a magneto-optical system. Is it OK to place the unit on a TV?. How quickly can the MD4 locate a point?. What is SONG Search?. Is the Repeat operation continued endlessly, or stopped after a given number of repetitions?. Is it necessary to format the Mini Disc?. 4

Function. 4

Why does the Yamaha MD4 have no digital outputs?. Is the mixer section digital?. Can you synchronize two or three units?. Does it have a song naming function?. 4 4
Is MMC ( MIDI Machine Command) supported?. What is Cue List play?. Can you sort songs or divide a song?. Is external synchronization possible?. What are the precautions for using the unit?. How to use MTC out. Is there SONG Copy (buck up) function?.

Availability. 5

Will disc supply continue for years, like cassette tapes?. Is the MD4 compatible with other manufacturers' discs?. Are there any types of MD data?. Where can we buy discs?. Why is an MD Data Disc more expensive than an MD Audio Disc?. 6

MD / Recorder

1. What is MD?
MD stands for Mini Disc, which is a type of media that allows you to perform magneto-optical digital recording. It first appeared on the market in 1992. Its main features are Random access, good sound quality, Easy Song editing, and compact size.
Why was MD selected as media?
MD is removable and easy to handle and reasonably priced. Its quality and future supply are ensured.
What is the available recording time in 4TR, ST and mono modes?
Recording time:37 minutes for 4 track; 74 minutes for Stereo; and 148 minutes for mono. So, recording time is proportional based on how many tracks are used.
What is the difference between MD Data and normal MD?
Normal MD is called "Mini Disc," and is used only for mono and stereo audio signals. MD Data was originally developed to save computer data and other general-purpose data (such as digital camera data). It can also work with handle mono, stereo, and four-channel audio signals.
Does the Yamaha MD4 accept a normal MD (Mini Disc)?
A normal Mini Disc can be played back, but cannot be recorded on by the MD4. If you insert a normal Mini Disc in a Yamaha MD4, the MD4 will not enter recording mode. (Only playback is available.)
What is compression? What is ATRAC?
Even though Mini Discs are only 64 mm in diameter, they can store up to 74 minutes of stereo audio, which is the same as the standard 120 mm audio compact disc. To achieve this data capacity, audio data is compressed using Sonys ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding) system. Using the ATRAC system, the Yamaha MD4 provides a four-track recording time of 37 minutes. ATRAC uses established psychoacoustic principles to compress audio data to about one-fifth of its original size, with virtually no loss in sound quality. For example, the sensitivity of the human ear is frequency dependent. Two tones of the same level but at different frequencies will not be heard at the same loudness. Another principle used is the masking effect. That is, softer sounds become inaudible when louder sounds at similar frequencies are present. ATRAC uses both of these principles to compress the audio data. ATRAC also employs a variable bit length technique, whereby bits are allocated to data depending on signal amplitude. For example, a low level signal does not require as many bits as a high level signal. So rather than waste 8 bits on a 5-bit value, ATRAC removes the 3 unused bits, thereby reducing the amount of data.

What does the frame indication mean?
One second consists of 86 frames. Since the data is compressed by units of 11.6ms (512 sample @44.1 kHz) based on the ATRAC system, a frame is obtained by dividing one second by 11.6 ms.
What does "resolution is 11.6 ms" mean?
This is the unit of one frame (11.6 msec) of resolution. Since each compression block is 11.6ms (0.0116 second), this is the minimum unit for recording and editing.
Why is it possible to perform ping-pong recording while playing back four tracks simultaneously?
The MD4 handles data compressed to about one-fifth of its size and length of time. In addition, random access capability will locate the playback point immediately for recording. Therefore, the Yamaha MD4 has enough room to record and play back data at the same point in the same channel.
10. Doesn't data slip when overdubbing due to data compression?
The compression and expansion process takes some amount of time. The Yamaha MD4 has a special dedicated circuit that compensates with a time offset for overdubbing and ping-pong recording.
11. How does the Yamaha MD4 identify and differentiate the MD Data from the Mini Disc?
The shape of one corner is different: tapered or round. Also, the TOC in the disc itself contains a code that identifies the disc.
12. Is there any sound degradation after repeated ping-pong recording?
No apparent degradation will occur, thanks to digital recording. However, since the ping-pong operation is performed on an analog mixer, after many repeated ping-pong operations a slight degradation may be noticed. This is still much better than a cassette recorder.
13. How long is the life of a disc?
No degradation occurs, even after one million instances of repeated recording/playback. It has an indefinite life time, as long as the disc is not damaged physically.
14. How long is the pickup laser life?
Almost the same as CD players.
15. Does the compression process lower the sound quality?
ATRAC system offers virtually no audible loss in sound quality.
16. Is there a "No Compression" mode that sacrifices total recording time?
No, the ATRAC process is always applied.
17. What types of information can be stored in the disc using the MD4?
TOC(Table of Contents) can save the start/end locate information of each song, remaining recording time, and the title of a disc and each song, and eight MARK points in each song, which can be edited by users.
18. Does a disc have a front and back side?
Yes. You cannot insert a disc upside down.
19. What will happen if a 4TR disc created on the MD4 is inserted into a normal MD ( Mini Disc) player?
The MD data disc cannot be played back on a normal Mini Disc player.
20. Does the unit have any protection against skipping sounds due to shock or vibration?
Buffering memory is equipped for continuous playback. It holds about 10 seconds of data.

21. The unit employs a magneto-optical system. Is it OK to place the unit on a TV?
The disc can be re-recorded based on the opto-thermal magnetic recording. A point on a disc is heated by a laser beam above the Curie temperature and then applied to a magnetic field to overwrite the data. Therefore, simply applying an external magnetic field does not modify the MD data.
22. How quickly can the MD4 locate a point?
The random access/quick locate facility, like a CD player, cannot be allowed on a tape-based multitracker.

23. What is SONG Search?

It is equivalent to the Track Search function on CD players that locates the beginning of a song.
24. Is the Repeat operation continued endlessly, or stopped after a given number of repetitions?
It will continue endlessly until you press the STOP key.
25. Is it necessary to format the Mini Disc?
No. Formatting is not required. This is convenient.

Function

26. Why does the Yamaha MD4 have no digital outputs?
A normal Mini Disc player adopts the SCMS (Serial Copy Management System), and creating a second-generation digital copy is prohibited. The Yamaha MD4 can play back a normal Mini Disc, though the MD4 is an MD data format recorder, which, from the copyright point of view, may confuse customers. We decided not to implement digital outs this time.
27. Is the mixer section digital?

It is analog. 4

28. Can you synchronize two or three units?
It is impossible with this model.
29. Does it have a song naming function?
Yes. Each song and disc can have a name, which can be input on the MD4.
30. Is MMC ( MIDI Machine Command) supported?
No. The Yamaha MD4 is compact, desktop, standalone equipment that includes a mixer section. The MD4 will not frequently be remote controlled. However, the MD4 has an MTC (MIDI time code) out function that allows you to use the unit as timecode master to synchronize a music sequencer.
31. What is Cue List play?
Cue List play is one of the functions in UTILITY. Each song can have up to 8 Mark points. Using these Mark points in any order will allow you to make a Cue List of up to 9 steps. The MD4 plays back data based on this list. Also, the number of repeats can be set for Cue List play.
32. Can you sort songs or divide a song?
One song can be divided into two songs. These divided songs can be combined again. ( You cannot combine songs that originally had different song numbers.) But you cannot change the order of songs or relocate them (that is, the Cut and Paste operation), with the exception of the Program Play function, which allows you to change the playback sequence.

33. Is external synchronization possible?
34. What are the precautions for using the unit?
The operating temperature is 5 to 35 degrees Celsius. The unit is a precision device. Handle the cartridge gently and with care.

35. How to use MTC out.

MTC stands for MIDI Time Code. The Yamaha MD4 operates only as a timecode master of MIDI sequencer. In this case, MTC is output at 0:00, the beginning of each song. The MD4 does not have MIDI In/Out.
36. Is there SONG Copy (buck up) function?
Yes. The song Copy function allows you to copy an entire song. You can restore the original song if you make mistakes during editing.

Availability

37. Will disc supply continue for years, like cassette tapes?
Like CDs and 3.5" floppy disks, the standards of the MD format are open to anybody based on a licensee fee. SONY will support supply for a long period of time due to its responsibility as licenser.
38. Is the MD4 compatible with other manufacturers' discs?
MD data discs manufactured by SONY and TDK are currently compatible.
39. Are there any types of MD data?

Only one type: 140MB.

40. Where can we buy discs?
Since it is currently difficult to obtain discs, Yamaha will purchase SONY MD data discs to supply to the MD4 dealers.
41. Why is an MD Data Disc more expensive than an MD Audio Disc?
Due to the relationship between demand and supply, the number of MD Data discs in the market is still small. Thats why they are more expensive than MD Audio discs. However, the price will go down in the future in accordance with increasing applications with MD data disc such as digital cameras and computer data.