Owners Manual

Multitracker

Model X-34 Owners Manual

CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION:

POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. within an 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 persons. INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU' AU FOND.

"WARNING"

"TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE."
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. 9. 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

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. 2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed. 5. 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. 6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
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. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer. 8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location or position dose 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.
qualified service personnel when: A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. C. D. E. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or The appliance has been exposed to rain; or The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
17. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
Thank you for purchasing the Fostex Model X-34 multitracker. The X-34 is a four-track, four-channel cassette tape recorder that features four line inputs, plus two inputs that accept a range of inputs from line level to mic level. Each channel module is equipped with a two-band EQ for superior sound quality. The X-34 also provides flexible elements, such as the AUX send/return connectors for applying desired external effects and the recording track-select switches that enable you to specify any track as the recording destination. A speed of 9.5cm/s and Dolby B type noise reduction ensure high quality recording. In particular, the exclusive Fostex Auto Bounce function makes ping-pong recording a breeze. The X-34 contains a Rehearsal mode, which is convenient for punching in and out. You can practice until you are ready to record. Please read this owners manual thoroughly before using the X-34 to make the best use of its features and extend the useful life of the unit.

Initial mode after the X-34 is powered on:
When you connect the AC adapter and turn on the power to the X-34, it automatically engages Track Down mode, and the Track Down indicator lights up as shown below. Please refer to the following Initial setup of the X-34 section to reset the X-34 before you proceed to the next session.
* For information on Track Down mode, refer to page 18.
Initial setup of the X-34
After you complete a recording session, reset all knobs and switches on the X-34 to their initial settings before proceeding. This will help you avoid unexpected problems related to switch and knob settings being unsuitable for the next recording. In this manual, this state will be called the initial setting. The control panel switches and knobs should be set as shown below. Always return to this initial setting before proceeding to the next recording session.
Set the AUX RTN and MONITOR knobs to the 0 position.
L/MONO R AUX RTN L R MONITOR OUT L R LINE OUT
This indicator lights up.

6+ NORMAL FIX

Set the TRIM knobs to the position. Set all EQ knobs to center (0). Lower all MON MIX/AUX knobs to 0. Set all PAN knobs to center. Deselect all recording tracks.
Center the pich control knob. Turn off the NORMAL FIX switch. (The NORMAL FIX indicator turns off.) Reset the counter to [000].

L R 3 4

Lower all faders to the minimum.
Switch off Track Down mode. (The Track Down indicator turns off.) Switch off Auto Bounce mode.
Remember the following before you start to record!
The X-34 includes jacks (or connectors) for musical instrument and mic inputs on the front and rear panels. The functions of these input jacks (or connectors) are explained below:
Front panel LINE IN/INSERT jack
Normally, a line level sound source with a 1/4" type plug is connected here. (You cannot plug in a microphone here.). Signals applied to each input jack are recorded on the track selected by the corresponding REC TRK switch. Therefore, by connecting four different sound sources to these LINE IN/INSERT jacks, you can record up to four tracks simultaneously. These jacks can also serve as an insert point. For example, you can connect various effects here, such as a compressor for a mic input to a rear panel jack. These jacks are used as insert points only for sound sources input to the rear panel (jack or XLR). For information on connecting effects, refer to page 25.

3. Switch ON the Dolby B noise reduction switch. 4. If this is a new song, load a cassette in the transport and advance the tape to recording start position as previously described. 5. Reset the counter to [000] by pressing the RESET button. 6. Place track 1 in REC READY mode by pressing REC TRK switch 1. Record track indicator 1 lights up in red. The signal from MIC IN jack 1/3 is also routed to channel 3.
10. Use the EQ knobs on channel 1 to adjust the tone. 11. After you adjust the recording level and tone, start recording by pressing the REC button. (The PLAY button also depresses.)
12. When you finish recording, press the STOP button to stop the tape transport and press the REC TRK switch 1 repeatedly to deselect the recording track. The MON MIX indicator turns off, and the AUX indicator lights up.

<NOTE>

If you connect a microphone to MIC IN jack 2/4, the signal is routed to channels 2 and 4 (although you can use the REC TRK switch to route the signal to any desired track).

Basic Playback Procedure

Lets play back and listen to the recorded sound. This procedure assumes different sounds have been recorded to tape on tracks 1 - 4.
* Before proceeding to the next step, reset the X-34 to its initial settings. (See page 9.) Make sure that the Track down indicator is turned off.
1. Rewind the tape to counter [000]. 2. Switch ON the Dolby B noise reduction switch. 3. Press the PLAY button to play back the tape. The MON MIX indicator rights up. 4. Gradually turn the MON MIX/AUX knobs for each channel to adjust the output of each track. Adjust the PAN knobs for each channel to achieve the proper stereo image.
5. Use the MONITOR knob to adjust the overall monitor volume.
If you monitor with headphones for several hours, do not raise the MONITOR knob too high. Otherwise, you could damage your hearing. Take a break occasionally to give your ears a rest. You can also use Track Down mode to play back the recording. Refer to page 18 for more information.

Multitrack Recording

You should now have a good understanding of the basic recording and playback operation of the X-34. Now lets try the X-34s multitrack recording functions. The following sections explain overdubbing, which is a fundamental function in multitrack recording, and also the mixdown process, in which the sound recorded to four tracks is mixed and copied (dubbed) to a master recorder.

Overdubbing

Overdubbing is a process that enables you to layer recorded sounds. This technique involves listening to (monitoring) a previously-recorded track while recording new performance to a different track. For example, the rhythm section (drum machine) might be recorded on track 1. While you listen to the drum track, you record an electric bass to track 2. Thus, different sounds are recorded in layers on the four separate tracks. In the example below, we assume that a drum machine is recorded on track 1. We then overdub an electric bass on track 2, a keyboard on track 3, and a vocal on track 4.

<Overdubbing Electric Bass in Track 2 While Listening to the Drum Track>
While playing back and listening to Track 1 (drum machine), overdub the electric bass to Track 2. While playing back and listening to Track 1 (drum machine) and Track 2 (electric bass), overdub the keyboard to Track 3. While playing back and listening to Track 1 (drum machine), Track 2 (electric bass) and Track 3 (keyboard) overdub the vocal to Track 4. Track 4 (Vocal) Track 3 (Keyboard) Track 2 (E. bass) Track 1 (Drum machine) Track 2 (E. bass) Track 1 (Drum machine) Track 3 (Keyboard) Track 2 (E. bass) Track 1 (Drum machine)
* Before starting to overdub, refer to Basic Playback Procedure and practice the electric bass track while listening to drums on track 1. * Before you start, set the X-34 to its initial settings. (See page 9.)

7 4,7,11

1. Rewind tape to its starting position ([000]) for recording. 2. Plug the electric bass into front panel LINE IN/ INSERT jack 2. (You can use any available LINE IN/INSERT jack.)
This is the simplest way to record a bass. You can also use an amplifier or a direct-input box to create different sounds.
Overdubbing Take 7. Make sure that the record track indicator on channel 2 is lit. Otherwise, press the REC TRK switch 2 to set track 2 in REC READY mode. 8. Adjust the placement of each channel in the stereo image using the PAN knobs. 9. Start recording your performance by pressing the REC button. (The PLAY button also depresses.) While listening to the track 1 playback, play the electric bass and overdub it to track 2. Adjust the track 1 sound (drum machine) using the channel 1 MON MIX/AUX knob. 10. When you have finished overdubbing, press the STOP button to stop the tape transport. 11. Press REC TRK switch 2 repeatedly to turn off the record track indicator. 12. Rewind the tape to counter [000] and play back sound on tracks 1 and 2. If you have questions, please refer to Basic playback Procedure on page 15. In the same manner, overdub on tracks 3 and 4.
3. Switch ON the Dolby B noise reduction switch. Adjusting the Recording Level and Practicing your performance
Before overdubbing, practice and adjust the level of the electric bass by listening to the prerecorded track sound.
4. Press REC TRK switch 2 to select track 2 as a recording track. Track 2 enters REC READY mode. 5. While playing the electric bass, adjust the recording level by gradually raising the channel 2 input/playback level fader. The track 2 level indicator lights up. 6. Adjust the overall headphone or monitor volume using the MONITOR knob and the channel 2 MON MIX/AUX knob.
Mixdown (Track Down mode)
After all four tracks have been recorded, the next step is mixdown (Track Down mode). Mixdown is the process of adjusting the sound volume and stereo image of what you recorded on tracks 1 - 4, and as a final process, mixing them to two channels (stereo) and dubbing (copying) it to a master recorder. When you switch on the Track Down button, the X-34 enters Track Down mode. You can use Track Down mode to play back a demo tape or recorded tape. In Track Down Track Down mode, all track sounds are routed to the corresponding channel level faders.

* Before proceeding to the next step, set the X-34 to its initial settings. (See page 9.) Make sure that the Track Down indicator is turned off.
Monitor speakers Master Recorder
AUX SEND L/MONO R AUX RTN L R MONITOR OUT

2,5,8,11,12

3,11 6,11 10,12
different manufacturers work differently, please refer to the operating manual for the master recorder.
6. Press the X-34 Track Down button, then the PLAY button to play the tape from the beginning. The Track Down indicator lights up. 7. Use the channel faders to adjust the output level of each track (the level balance between tracks), and use the channel PAN knobs to adjust the left and right output balance, and the channel EQ knobs to adjust tonal color. Adjust the overall output level using the MASTER fader. 8. Adjust the recording level on the master recorder so that its level meter indicates the optimum level.
1. Connect the X-34 LINE OUT L, R jacks to the master recorder inputs (L, R). 2. Insert a tape in the master recorder and wind the tape to its start point. 3. Make sure that the overdubbed tape is inserted in the X-34, and wind to the beginning of the recorded tracks. 4. Switch ON Dolby B noise reduction. Adjust the Output Level/Recording Level 5. Set master recorder to record-standby. Typically, you will press the PAUSE button on the master recorder so that the master recorder level meters will respond. Because master recorders from
There are no fixed rules for determining the playback sound image position of each track using the PAN knob at mixdown. This is where your creativity comes in. Try for a sound that pleases you!
Final Mixdown 11. First place the master recorder in record mode, then press the PLAY button on the X-34. 12. When you finish the mixdown, stop both the X-34 and the master recorder.
9. You can adjust the headphone or monitor speaker volume using the MONITOR knob. 10. When you finish making these settings, rewind the tape to the beginning.

Advanced Operation

In the Basic Operation section, you learned about the X-34s basic recording/playback and multitrack recording capabilities. This section explains Punch in/out recording, Ping-pong recording, Tape sync and How to use the effects.

Punch In/Out Recording

Punching in and out refers to recording over a section of an already-recorded tape. You can use this technique to fix mistakes or improve previously-recorded takes. Also, you can use the X-34s rehearsal mode to practice and adjust the recording level and the punch in/out timing before you actually record the take.
To punch in, play the tape to the start of the section you want to re-record and, at a point between phrases and preferably on a beat, enter recording mode and record new material. The process of returning again to playback mode is called punching out. An optional foot switch (Fostex model 8051) is required to punch in and out on the X-34.

Punching in and out is illustrated below.
Track 4 Track 3 Re-recording section Track 2 Track 1 Playback all tracks Track 2 only is recorded and other tracks remain in playback. All tracks in playback. Tape travel
Step on the foot switch once upon arriving at the punch in point.
Step on the foot switch again where you wish to punch out point.
For example, part of the electric bass recorded on track 2 will be replaced during overdubbing. We assume that you have already loaded a prerecorded tape in the X-34 and rewound to the beginning of the recorded tracks.

1,9,10,14,15

Foot switch

16 11,16

1. Plug the optional foot switch into the PUNCH IN/OUT jack. 2. Advance the tape to a point just before where new material is to be inserted. 3. Plug the electric bass into the front panel LINE IN/INSERT jack 2. Rehearsing the Punch In 4. Make sure the Track Down indicator is turned off, then place track 2 in REC READY mode by pressing the REC TRK switch 2. The REC TRK 2 indicator on channel 2 lights up, and the REC indicator flashes slowly. 5. Raise the channel 2 input/playback level fader to adjust the recording level while you play the electric bass. 6. You can adjust the overall headphones or monitor volume using the MONITOR knob and the channel 2 MON MIX/AUX knob. 7. Press the PLAY button to start playback.
8. Use the MON MIX/AUX and PAN knobs to adjust the output and stereo image for each track. 9. Step on the foot switch when you reach the punch-in point and play your part. The REC indicator flashes faster. Only track 2 will enter input monitor mode. This means that you can hear the new bass part on track 2 along with the playback sound from other tracks. 10. Step on the foot switch again when you wish to punch out. The REC indicator flashes more slowly, and the X-34 enters input monitoring mode. 11. When you finish rehearsing, stop the transport by pressing the STOP button and rewind the tape. Because no recording takes place during rehearsal, repeat the process up to this point to set the recording level and get your playing technique down, and also practice the timing of the punch in and out. Punching in and out in tempo (on strong beats) can help camouflage the edit.
Recording the Punch-in 12. Make sure that track 2 is in REC READY mode. (If not, press the REC TRK switch on channel 2 to select track 2). Record track indicator 2 on channel 2 lights up and the REC indicator flashes slowly. 13. Press the REC button to start the tape from slightly before the punch-in point. The REC indicator flashes faster. It might be a good idea to play the bass in unison with the playback to get in sync for the punch in. 14. Step on the foot switch at the punch in point. Track 2 will enter input monitor mode and recording mode (the REC indicator lights up continuously). The X-34 starts recording the electric bass on track 2. You can monitor your performance along with the playback from other tracks.

15. Step on the foot switch again at the point you wish to punch out. The REC indicator again begins to flash fast. The recording mode will be canceled and all tracks will be in the playback mode. 16. Upon completing the punch-in, press the STOP button to stop the transport, rewind the tape and listen to the results of your performance.
Skill is required to match the newly replaced sound level to the pre-recorded sound. Try the following method: 1. While playing the track you want to punch in, adjust the input/playback level fader so that the meter indicates 0 - 3. 2. While rehearsing the new musical instrument, adjust the input/playback level fader so that the level meter lights up to the same degree as the playback tracks.
Ping-pong Recording (Using the Auto Bounce Function)
In a multitracker, the four tracks can be used effectively to record many sound sources. However, if you record on all four tracks, you may run out of tracks for other musical instruments or vocals. However, there is a method for clearing tracks to allow for more recording. In this method, called ping-pong recording, playback sounds from a multiple number of recorded tracks are mixed and recorded to an empty track. Ping-pong recording effectively lets you record a greater number of instruments or other sound sources.
<For example, you can record six tracks using ping-pong recording shown in the schematic below>
Record sound sources A, B, C to tracks 1 ~ 3 Track 4 Track 3 (sound source C) Track 2 (sound source B) Track 1 (sound source A) Sound source E Sound source D Ping pong sound sources A, B, C to track 4 Sound source A, B, C Record new sounds D and E to tracks 1 and 2 Sound source A, B, C
Ping pong sound sources D and E to track 3 Sound source A, B, C Sound source D, E
Record new sound source F and G to tracks 1 and 2 Sound source A, B, C Sound source D, E Sound source G Sound source F
The X-34 utilizes an Auto Bounce ping-pong recording function. The Auto Bounce function can greatly simplify ping-pong recording.
Each time you press the Auto Bounce button, these indicators light up in the following order: 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> OFF -> 1.
Use this button to turn Auto Bounce mode on or off. (Please note that this button is disabled if the Track Down indicator is on.)
Model X-34 Owners Manual <Beware of oscillation during ping-pong recording>
When you ping-pong record between adjacent tracks (such as from track 2 to track 1 or 3), oscillation may result if the gain control is raised too high. If this happens, immediately stop recording. If you are monitoring with headphones or an external monitor while the sound is oscillating, it could cause damage your hearing. After you stop recording, reduce the output (using the MON MIX/AUX knobs) to a suitable level, then resume recording. Also, avoid repeated ping-pong recording or the sound quality may deteriorate.

1) The number of tracks can be economized because automatic performances of MIDI equipment need not be recorded to tape. 2) Because the dynamic sound of an electronic musical instrument (synthesizer, drum machine, etc.) can be mixed down directly, you can obtain a higher quality sound. 3) Flexible editing, such as overdubbing an automated performance or replacing a drum machine track, is made possible.

<NOTES>

* In order to carry out tape sync, it is necessary to reserve track 4 for recording and playback of a sync signal called the FSK signal. The FSK signal is a modulation into sound of the performance tempo information output from a sequencer or drum machine, called the MIDI clock. This is one type of MIDI signal. A track recorded with this signal serves as the conductors baton, so to speak. When this signal is played back and sent to the sequencer or drum machine, the MIDI equipment starts performing in sync with the tempo of this signal. * Some sequencers and drum machines cannot independently input or output FSK signals. When using this type of equipment, a MIDI/FSK converter is required. For details, please refer to the MIDI equipment operating manual.

<IMPORTANT>

After you record the FSK signal to track 4, be sure to de-select track 4 and completely retard the channel 4 fader before proceeding to mixdown.

Recording a sync signal

1. Connect the FSK output of the MIDI/FSK converter to the LINE IN/INSERT 4 jack of the X-34, and connect a MIDI sequencer to the MIDI/ FSK converter via MIDI. 2. Press the REC TRK 4 switch to select track 4 for recording. 3. Start playing the sequencer and adjust the recording level of sync signal using the channel 4 fader. 4. Stop the sequencer. 5. Press the REC button on the X-34 to start recording on track 4. 6. Start playing the MIDI sequencer. The sync signal will be recorded on track 4. It is recommended that you record the sync signal for a duration that exceeds the song. You cannot extend the sync signal recording later.
<Tape Sync connection example>
Record other musical instruments first, then synchronize the MIDI sound source with the recordings to mix down the sound via the mixing console as shown below. Master Recorder
Mixing Console (e.g., Fostex MN04) MIDI Sound Source MIDI IN FSK Converter FSK signal TAPE OUT 4
Before starting mixdown, lower the channel 4 fader to the minimum level and de-select all recording tracks.

Applying Effects

You may apply effects to the X-34 signals during mixdown by connecting an external effects processor in line between the AUX SEND and AUX RTN connectors on the rear panel. The MON MIX/AUX knobs are used to adjust the amount of signal sent to the effects processor. The processed signals are returned to the X-34 via the AUX RTN connectors and mixed with the dry (no effect) sound. After adjusting the balance between the dry and wet sounds (using the AUX RTN knob), you can mix down to a connected master recorder. You can also perform effect processing by connecting different effects, such as a compressor, limiter, noise gate, etc., to the LINE IN/INSERT jacks on the front panel during recording. Choose the approach that suits your project.
Using the AUX SEND and AUX RTN connectors to apply effects at mixdown: In this example, while mixing the sound sources recorded on tracks 1 ~ 4 and copying (dubbing) the mix to a master recorder, you apply effects to the desired track. In this example, reverb is applied to tracks 2 and 4. Be aware that if you want to add effects to individual tracks, you must add them during the mixdown process. You will be able to add an effect to the entire recording later if you wish. However, you will not be able to add an effect to a specific track; individual tracks will be inaccessible.

Master Recorder

Effects Processor

LINE OUT R L

AUX RTN R
1. Connect the input of an external effects processor to the AUX SEND connector on the rear panel of the X-34. 2. Connect the outputs of the external effects processor to the AUX RTN connectors (L/ MONO, R) on the rear panel of the X-34. 3. Set up the master recorder and the X-34 for mixdown rehearsal as described in steps 17 of the Mixdown section on page 18. 4. Play the tape and turn the MON MIX/AUX knobs on channel 2 and 4 clockwise to adjust the level of signals sent to the effects processor. 5. Set the parameters of the external effects processor, if necessary.
6. Use the AUX RTN knob to adjust the level of the effect signals. 7. Adjust the monitoring level using the MONITOR knob. 8. Adjust the entire output level using the MASTER fader. Refer to page 18 for more information on the mixdown steps. 9. If the level settings are satisfactory, rewind the tape. 10. Start recording on the master recorder, and start playing the tape on the X-34 to mixdown.
Applying a compressor/limiter to the mic input during overdubbing! Using the X-34 insert (LINE IN/INSERT) jack on the front panel, you can apply a compressor/limiter to the mic sound (vocal) input to the rear panel MIC IN jack (1/4or XLR). The INSERT jack accepts a TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) 1/4" connector for bi-directional connection. The tip sends out the X-34 signal to the effects unit, and the ring inputs the processed signal from the effects unit to the X-34. This connection requires a special insert cable as shown in the figure below.

Microphone

MIC IN 2/4

LINE IN/INSERT 4

Tip (Return)

Ring (Send)

Compressor/limiter
In this example, a microphone is plugged into the MIC IN jack 2/4 and a vocal is recorded to track 4.
1. Connect the microphone to one of the MIC IN jacks 2/4 (1/4 or XLR) on the rear panel of the X-34. 2. Connect the input/output of the compressor/ limiter to the insert jack 4 as shown in the drawing. 3. Press the REC TRK switch on channel 4 once to select track 4 as the recording track.
4. While talking into the microphone, adjust the recording level using the Trim 2/4 knob until segments 0 - 3 on the level meter light up. 5. Adjust the effect signal on the compressor/ limiter. Refer to the manual for the compressor/limiter for detailed effect settings. 6. Follow the instructions on page 16 for overdubbing. In this way, you can apply the compressor/limiter to only the vocal recorded to track 4.

Troubleshooting

Problem
Wow, flutter, or dropouts Sound trouble

Points to check

Are the capstan and pinch roller dirty? Is the tape damaged? Clean them.

Action

Use a new high-quality tape. Clean the head. Use a high-position tape (Type 2) Raise the knobs to the desired level. Check the input connection and recording track selection. Refer to pages xxx and xxx. Specify the destination track for ping-pong recording using the Auto Bounce button. Make sure the Track Down mode is turned off. If not, press the Track Down button to turn off the Track Down indicator. Raise the channel fader, MON MIX/AUX knobs, and AUX RTN knob to appropriate levels. Insert the tape correctly. Connect the AC adapter correctly. Check the FSK/MIDI converter setting.
Sound quality and level significantly different from when recorded.
No sound from the headphones or monitor speakers
Is the head dirty? Are you using a tape other than a highposition tape? Are the MON MIX/AUX knobs for each track and the MONITOR knob raised sufficiently? Have you selected the correct track using the REC TRK switch? Have you specified the ping-pong destination track using the Auto Bounce button? Is the Track Down button turned on?
Unable to record on the desired track. Recording trouble Unable to ping-pong record. Unable to select a recording track using the REC TRK switch. Unable to apply effects during mixdown. Tape does not transport. Power is not turned on. Others The MIDI sequencer does not synchronize with the X-34.
Are the channel fader, MON MIX/AUX knobs, and AUX RTN knob raised? Is the cassette tape installed correctly? Is the AC adapter connected correctly? Is the FSK/MIDI converter set so that it will convert the sync signal recorded on track 4 to MIDI clock? Is the MIDI sequencer set up so that it will synchronize with incoming clock?

Refer to the MIDI sequencer manual and check the setting.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning the exterior
* For normal cleaning, use a soft dry cloth.
For stubborn dirt, moisten a cloth in diluted detergent, wring it out firmly, and wipe off the dirt. Then wipe down the unit with a dry cloth. Never use solvents such as alcohol, thinner or benzene, since these will damage the printing and finish of the exterior.
2. Cleaning the head, roller and capstan

* Record/playback head

As the X-34 is used, the record/playback head will become coated with oxide residue from tapes. If this residue is allowed to build up, recordings will contain more noise, and dropouts may occur during playback. To prevent this, regular cleaning is important. Use a commercial cleaning kit to clean the head. If cleaning the head does not restore the sound quality, it is possible that the head is worn. Contact an authorized service station for repair.
* Capstan and pinch roller
The capstan and pinch roller are important components that hold the tape and move it along at the correct speed. As with the head, these parts can also become dirty with oxide residue and dust, which will cause increased wow or flutter, or even damage the tape by pulling it out of the cassette. Since cassette tape is very thin, it is especially dangerous to use a cassette deck with dirty pinch rollers. As with the head, it is important to always keep these parts clean. Clean them using a cotton swab or gauze soaked in cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol. Never use organic solvents such as lacquer thinner, since this will severely damage the pinch rollers.
3. Demagnetizing the head After long periods of use, the head begins to develop a magnetic field in addition to the oxide residue described above. This can also occur if a magnet or a magnetized object (scissors, etc.) is allowed to come near the head or touch it. If the head or capstans become magnetized, frequency response will be degraded and noise will increase. In extreme cases, noise can be generated when you play previously-recorded tapes, rendering them useless. Once a month or so, you should use a demagnetizer (head eraser) to demagnetize the head. Carefully read and follow the instructions included with your demagnetizer, and do not allow it to came near recorded tapes.

Block Diagram

L R CUE/AUX T1 T2 T3 T4

MASTER FADER

INPUT1

INPUT1 TAPE1

INPUT/PLAYBACK FADER

2BAND EQ PAN CH MIX

L LINE OUT R

AUTO BOUNCE LOW HI

RECORDER TRK1

MONITOR AUX/MONMIX LEVEL

INPUT2

INPUT2 TAPE2

PHONES OUT L MONITOR OUT R

AUX/MONMIX LEVEL

RECORDER TRK2

INPUT3

INPUT3 TAPE3

RECORDER TRK3

5DOT BARGRAPH

INPUT4

INPUT4 TAPE4

2BAND EQ PAN CH MIX A

RECORDER TRK4

MIC/LINE INPUT

2 TAPE OUT 3

STEREO RETURN L(MONO)

RTN LEVEL

Specifications

MIC INPUT (x 2) Connector Recording Tape : XLR type connector (Balanced) : 6 PHONE jack (Unbalanced) : 10k or higher : 50 ~ 10dBV Record tracks Tape speed Pitch control Noise Reduction EQ Tape rewinding time Frequency response : C-90 (TYPE-2 or HIGH position) or shorter : 4 tracks, one direction : 9.5 cm/s, 4.75cm/s : 50% +12% : Dolby B noise reduction system : 2-band, shelving +/12(HI : 10kHz, LO : 100Hz) : 150 seconds (when a C-60 tape is used) : Mixer section; 20Hz ~ 20kHz : Recorder section; 40Hz ~ 14kHz : 4-tracks, 4-channel recording/ playback 4-tracks, 4-channel erase : Fostex AC adapter, AD-12C DC 12V (12 ~ 16V), 11W : Approx. 1.7 kg (excluding the AC adapter) : 335 (W) x 75 (H) x 247(D) mm
Input impedance Reference input level LINE/INSERT (x 4)
When using the LINE IN jack: Connector : 6 PHONE jack Input impedance : 10k or higher Reference input level : 10dBV When using the INSERT jack: Connector : 6 STEREO PHONE jack (Tip :Return, Ring :Send) AUX RTN (L/MONO, R) Connector Input impedance Reference input level LINE OUT (L, R) Connector Output load impedance Reference output level TAPE OUT (x 4) Connector Output load impedance Reference output level PHONES Connector Output load impedance Maximum output AUX SEND Connector Output load impedance Reference output level : 6 PHONE jack : 7k or higher : 20dBV : RCA pin jack : 10k or higher : 10dBV : RCA pin jack : 10k or higher : 10dBV : 6 STEREO PHONE jack : 16 or higher : 20mW (at 32 ) : 6 PHONE jack : 10k or higher : 10dBV
Power supply Weight Dimensions
* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for purpose of product improvement. * Dolby Noise Reduction is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. * Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
MONITOR OUT (L/R) Connector : 6 PHONE jack Output load impedance : 10k or higher Reference output level : 10dBV
Declaration of EC Directive