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.

Table of Contents

Precautions (please read before use).. 3 Cautions for Using the X-34.. 4 Before Using the X-34.. 4 <Top Panel>... 5 <Front panel>... 7 <Rear Panel>... 8 Basic Operation: Lets Record!.. 9 Initial mode after the X-34 is powered on:. 9 Initial setup of the X-34... 9 Remember the following before you start to record!. 10 Basic Recording - 1 (Recording from the front panel LINE IN/INSERT jack).. 12 Basic Recording - 2 (Recording with the rear panel MIC IN jack).. 14 Basic Playback Procedure.. 15 Multitrack Recording.. 16 Overdubbing.. 16 <Overdubbing Electric Bass in Track 2 While Listening to the Drum Track>.. 16 Mixdown (Track Down mode).. 18 Advanced Operation.. 19 Punch In/Out Recording.. 19 Ping-pong Recording (Using the Auto Bounce Function).. 21 Tape Sync... 23 Recording a sync signal.. 24 Applying Effects... 25 Troubleshooting... 27 Maintenance.. 28 Block Diagram... 28 Specifications... 29 Declaration of EC Directive.. 30 The Affect of Immunity on This Equipment. 30 FOSTEX DISTRIBUTORS LIST IN EUROPE. 30
* Do not plug in or unplug the AC adapter with wet hands. Doing so may result in dangerous electrical shock. * Do not open the unit or touch any parts inside. Doing so may result in a dangerous electrical shock, and may damage the unit. * Do not let water or other liquids, flammable materials, or metal objects such as pins get inside the unit. These items may cause electrical shock or short circuit the X-34 and damage it. If the X-34 should become wet, unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet, and contact your authorized service station. * When turning the power on, turn the X-34 on first before turning on any connected equipment. Doing so will avoid damaging to the other equipment. Also, when connecting or disconnecting cables to or from the X-34s input or output jacks, set all faders to 0. * When the AC adapter is connected to an AC outlet, it will continue to draw a small amount of power even if the switch is set to off (STANDBY). If you will not be using the X-34 for an extended period of time, be sure to unplug the AC adapter from the outlet.

Location

Avoid using the X-34 in the following locations: * Locations of extreme low or high temperatures, or subject to extreme changes in temperature. * Locations with excessive moisture or dust. * Locations subject to direct sunlight for an extended period of time, or near a stove or other source of heat. * Locations subject to fluctuations in electrical voltage. * Unstable locations or locations subject to heavy vibration. * Near strong magnetic fields (e.g., on top of a television or speaker).
Precautions (please read before use)

Power supply

* When unplugging the AC adapter from an outlet, be sure to grasp the adapter. Attempting to unplug it by pulling on the AC cable may damage the wiring. * It is dangerous to use any power cable that is cut or frayed. If the power cable is damaged, immediately stop using it and have the unit repaired.
Cautions for Using the X-34
* If a monitor speaker with an internal amplifier is connected to the MONITOR OUT jacks, do not advance the monitor speaker volume control or the X-34 MON MIX/AUX knobs. Doing so could generate a loud noise from the speaker or headphone and damage your hearing. * When plugging external equipment into the X-34 input jack or headphone jack, always switch off the power to the X-34. * When using an external mic, do not bring it close to the monitor speaker while the INPUT faders, MON MIX/AUX knobs, and MONITOR knob are raised and the track is selected for recording. Doing so will generate feedback. * Do not apply the LINE OUT jack signals to the mic input or line input jacks (e.g., directly connecting the LINE OUT jack to the input jack). The resulting oscillation could hurt your ears if you are monitoring with headphones. * Be sure to use the AC adapter included with the X34. Should an adapter with a different voltage or wrong plug polarity be used, it could cause a fire or severely damage the X-34.

Before Using the X-34

<The difference between multitracker recording and cassette deck recording> Using write-protection tabs: On the edge of a cassette tape are write-protection tabs that are used to prevent recorded data from being accidentally erased. You may want to break off the tab for side A and side B of a cassette tape that you have already recorded, since the X-34 uses all four tracks at the same time. If you later wish to record data on a tape with broken tabs, apply a piece of scotch tape to cover the tab hole.
A stereo cassette deck allows for stereo recording on sides A and B of a cassette tape. As shown in the figure below, a cassette tape is divided into four tracks: two for side A, two for side B. On the other hand, a multitracker, such as the X-34, records to all four tracks on the same side of the tape. If you record something on the multitracker and play the tape on a cassette deck, Tracks 1 and 2 will play normally, but when you try to play the other side of tape, Tracks 3 and 4 will play in reverse.

Stereo cassette deck. X-34

Write-protection tab

<Rehearsal Mode>
Track 4 Track 3 A side Track 2 Track 1

R ch L ch

A side
<Handling cassette tapes> Cassette tape suitable for recording: The X-34 performs best with a high-position cassette tape (TYPE II, HIGH). We recommend that you use these types or equivalent tapes for multitrack recording. C-120 tapes (60 minutes each side) are thin and not suitable for repeated recording or playback. Use C-90 or shorter tapes for good performance.
The Fostex X-34 contains a rehearsal mode which is convenient for Punch-in recording. The rehearsal mode lets you practice the timing for punching in and out, and adjust the recording level by going through the punch in/out take operation without entering recording mode. Connecting an optional foot switch (Model 8051) to the PUNCH IN/ OUT jack, selecting a punch-in track, and pressing the PLAY button puts the X-34 in Rehearsal mode. Using this function, you can practice any number of times before the actual take. For details, refer to Punch in/out on page 19.

B side

Names and Functions

<Top Panel>

1213 17

MIC IN

L R LINE OUT

AUX SEND

L/MONO R AUX RTN

L R MONITOR OUT

TRIM 1/3

TRIM 2/4

WIDE PITCH

6+ L R 3 4

AUX RTN

NORMAL FIX

MONITOR

+ + + +

MON MIX/ AUX

MON MIX

22 18, 19, 24

Track Down

1 REC TRK 2 1

2 REC TRK 2 1

3 REC TRK 2 1

4 REC TRK

Auto Bounce

DOLBY B NR

multitrackerX-34

PLAY REW FF STOP PAUSE

LINE IN/INSERT

MASTER

5. Auto bounce indicator This lights up in green when you press the Auto Bounce button, indicating that the corresponding track is selected as the auto bounce destination. 6. Pan pot knob [PAN] When the AUX indicator is lit, use these knobs to adjust the stereo imaging of channel signals routed to the INPUT faders. When the MON MIX indicator is lit, use these knobs to control the stereo imaging of each track sound. 7. Monitor/AUX send level control knob [MON MIX/AUX] This knob enables you to adjust the level of the channel signal for monitoring or to control the level of the signal sent to the AUX bus. 8. Equalizer control knobs [EQ HI, EQ LO] The X-34 is equipped with a two-band, shelving-type EQ. These knobs are used to adjust tonal quality of the signals routed to the channel faders. The following settings are available: HI: Signals with a frequency of 10kHz will be boosted and cut up to +/12 dB. LO: Signals with a frequency of 100Hz will be boosted and cut up to +/12 dB. 9. Trim knob Use this knob to adjust the input level depending on the sound source input to the rear panel MIC IN jack (1/4" or XLR). This knob enables you to adjust from a signal that ranges from line level to mic level.

1. Input/playback level control faders These faders have two functions: One function controls the recording level. Input levels applied to the INPUT jacks (front or rear) are controlled by this knob. The other function controls the tape playback level of each track. For more information on using these faders, refer to the Basic Recording and Basic Playback Procedure sections. 2. Master fader [MASTER] This fader controls the output level from LINE OUT L and R. 3. Record track select switch [REC TRK] This switch is used to select recording tracks. Press the switch repeatedly to select the desired track. The track indicator (red) of the selected track lights up to indicate that this track is REC READY. To cancel the track selection, press the switch repeatedly until none of the track indicators are lit.

<Note>

When the Track Down button is ON, the REC TRK switches are disabled. Also, if the Auto Bounce button or Track Down button is switched on and off while any one REC TRK switch is set to REC READY state, the selected REC TRK switch will be canceled. In this case, reselect the recording track using the REC TRK switch.
4. Record track indicator This indicator lights up in red to indicate that the track is in the REC READY mode when you press the REC TRK switch.
10. AUX return knob [AUX RTN] This knob allows you to adjust the input level of processed signals from a connected external effect unit. The level of both signals input to AUX RTN L/MONO and R are adjusted equally. 11. Monitor master knob [MONITOR] This knob allows you to adjust the final level of monitoring signals, i.e., the headphone volume and the level of signals output from the MONITOR OUT L/R jacks. 12. [AUX] indicator This red indicator lights up when the channel MON MIX/AUX knob functions as an AUX control. 13. [MON MIX] indicator This red indicator lights up when the channel MON MIX/AUX knob functions as a MON MIX control. 14. Track down on/off button [Track Down] Pressing this button switches Track Down mode on and off. When Track Down mode is switched on, the Track Down indicator lights up. When Track Down mode is switched off, the Track Down indicator turns off. To select a recording track or perform Auto Bounce (ping-pong), you need to cancel Track Down mode. 15. Track Down indicator The green Track Down indicator lights up when Track Down mode is on. When you turn on the power to the X-34, Track Down mode is automatically engaged. 16. Auto bounce select button [Auto Bounce] When Track Down mode is off, press this button to engage Auto Bounce mode and select a ping-pong destination track. This button is disabled when Track Down mode is on. Pressing this button repeatedly selects a track in the following order: [1]->[2]->[3] ->[4]->[OFF]->[1]

2. AUX Send jack [AUX SEND] Connect this 1/4" jack to the input of an effects processor. This jack outputs the signals selected and adjusted by the MON MIX/AUX knobs. 3. AUX Return jacks [AUX RTN (L/MONO, R)] Connect these 1/4" jacks to the output of an effects processor. You can also use them as auxiliary inputs. If a connected effects processor has a mono output, connect the output to the L/MONO jack of the X-34. (The right channel will receive the same signal.) Adjust the level of processed signals using the AUX RTN knobs on the top panel. 4. Monitor Out jacks [MONITOR OUT (L, R)] Connect monitoring speakers and an amplifier (or powered speakers) here to monitor the sound. These 1/4" jacks output the same signals as the PHONES jack. Use the MONITOR knob on the top panel to adjust the monitoring level. 5. Line out jacks [LINE OUT L, R] These RCA pin jacks are connected to the master recorder input connectors (L, R) for mixdown. Adjust the output level using the MASTER fader.
Basic Operation: Lets Record!
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.
REC TRK switch REC TRK switch REC TRK switch REC TRK switch
Sound source A on the track specified by REC TRK switch 1 Sound source B on the track specified by REC TRK switch 2 Sound source C on the track specified by REC TRK switch 3 Sound source D on the track specified by REC TRK switch 4

CHANNEL 1

Sound source A Sound source B Sound source C Sound source D
Rear panel MIC IN (1/3, 2/4) jack
Microphones are generally plugged in here. Use the trim knob provided for each input to adjust the input level to match the output level of the connected sound source. The Trim knobs attenuate the input level to accommodate inputs ranging from mic to line level. Both 1/4" jacks and XLR connectors are provided, allowing for many types of sound sources. However, remember that priority is given to the 1/4" jack. If it is being used, the XLR connectors are ineffective. Unlike the front panel input jacks, signals input to MIC IN 1/3 will be routed to channels 1 and 3 , and signals input to MIC IN 2/4 will be routed to channels 2 and 4. The REC TRK switch setting determines which tracks will be recorded.
Sound source A on the track specified by REC TRK switch 4 Sound source B on the track specified by REC TRK switch 3 Sound source A on the track specified by REC TRK switch 2 Sound source B on the track specified by REC TRK switch 1

CHANNEL 4

MIC IN jack 2/4

MIC IN jack 1/3

recording tape. If a used tape is not completely rewound, press the REW button to wind to the beginning and repeat this step.
6. After you wind past the leader tape, press the RESET button to set the counter to [000]. 7. Press the REC TRK switch 1 once to place track 1 in REC READY mode. The record track indicator 1 will light up in red, and the MON MIX indicator will light up.
You can, of course, record the sound source connected to LINE IN/INSERT jack 1 to any track other than track 1 using REC TRK switch 1 to select the desired track.
5. Press the PLAY button to advance the tape a few seconds. This will wind past the leader at the head of the
When Track Down is ON, the REC TRK switches are disabled. Also, if the Auto Bounce button or Track Down button is switched on and off while any one REC TRK switch is set to REC READY state, the selected REC TRK switch will be canceled. In this case, reselect the recording track using with the REC TRK switch.
8. While playing the synthesizer, gradually raise the channel 1 input/playback level fader. As the fader is raised, the level meter 1 will start to blink. Adjust the recording level by raising the input/ playback level fader to a point where the meter [3] blinks at maximum sound volume. 9. You can adjust the headphone or monitor speaker sound volume by turning the MONITOR knob, and the channel 1 MON MIX/ AUX knob. 10. Use the EQ knobs on channel 1 to adjust the tone. 11. Position the monitor sound image using the channel 1 PAN knob.
If you had selected a track other than track 1 as the recording destination, use the MON MIX/AUX knob and PAN knob of the corresponding track channel. For example, if the sound source is input at LINE IN/INSERT 1 and to be recorded to track 2, use the MON MIX/AUX knob and the PAN knob on channel 2.
12. After adjusting the recording level and tone, press the REC button (the PLAY button will also depress) to start recording. The REC indicator lights up in red. 13. When you finish recording, press the STOP button. Recording will be canceled (the REC indicator turns off). 14. Press REC TRK switch 1 repeatedly to turn off the record track indicator. 15. Press the REW button and rewind the tape to counter [000]. Try recording on tracks 2-4 in the same way.
Basic Recording - 2 (Recording with the rear panel MIC IN jack)

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

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.

<Notes on Auto Bounce recording>
When Track Down is ON, the Auto Bounce button is disabled. Also, if the Auto Bounce button is switched on and off while any one REC TRK switch is set to REC READY state, the selected REC TRK switch will be canceled. Also, pressing any REC TRK switch while Auto Bounce mode is ON, will cancel Auto Bounce mode.

Tape Sync

Tape sync is a great function for synchronizing the automatic performance of a sequencer and drum machine (MIDI sound source) to a performance recorded on tape. Heres why this function is so handy:
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.

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.