YAMAHA
Multitrack Cassette Recorder

User's Guide

Precautions
to an area with a different AC mains voltage, be sure to check with your nearest YAMAHA dealer before using the unit. 8 Keep the heads and tape path clean To ensure consistent high performance and sound quality from the MT4X, it is important to clean the heads and tape path regularly ideally before each recording session. Use a cleaning kit specifically designed to use with cassette tape equipment.
1 Avoid excessive heat, humidity, dust, and vibration. Keep the MT4X away from locations where it is likely to be exposed to high temperatures or humidity, such as direct sunlight, near radiators, stoves, etc. Also avoid locations which are subject to excessive dust accumulation or vibration which could cause mechanical damage. 2 Avoid physical shocks Strong physical shocks can cause damage. Handle the unit with care. 3 Clean with a soft dry cloth Never use solvents such as benzine or thinner to clean the MT4X. Wipe it clean with a soft dry cloth. 4 Do not open the case or attempt repairs or modification yourself The MT4X contains no user-serviceable parts. For other than routine cleaning, refer all maintenance to qualified YAMAHA service personnel. Opening the case and/or tampering with the internal circuitry will void the warranty. 5 Make sure power is off before making or removing connections Always turn the power OFF prior to connecting or disconnecting cables. This will prevent damage to the MT4X as well as other connected equipment. 6 Handle cables carefully Always plug and unplug cables including the AC cord by gripping the connector, not the cord. 7 Always use the correct power supply The MT4X is sold configured to the appropriate power specifications for the local area. The power supply voltage and power consumption are listed on the bottom panel. If you move
9 Use only high-quality chrome cassette tape The MT4X is designed to be used with Chrome tape (CrO2 tape Bias: HIGH or TYPEII position; EQ: 70s). It will not work properly with Ferrichrome tape formulations. You may experience high frequency distortion if you use such tapes. The use of tapes longer than 90 minutes (C-120 and longer) is not recommended. These tapes are much thinner and therefore prone to poor performance or failure. TDK SA 46 - 90 and Maxell XLII 46 - 90 are recommended. 10 Handle the cassette tapes properly You should fast forward and rewind new tapes before you record on them. This will prevent any possible binding that could be caused by the tape being tightly wound at the factory. It is best not to use the first and last 20 seconds of a tape. The splice between the leader and the tape can cause distortion. When loading a cassette, check that the tape is not loose, then load the tape firmly into the cassette compartment. If the tape is not loaded properly, the unit may jam or otherwise malfunction. 11 Use the dbx switch correctly To obtain the best possible sound quality, you should always use the dbx noise reduction system to playback tapes that were recorded with the dbx system on. If the tape was recorded without dbx, turn the noise reduction system off. The dbx noise reduction system was manufactured based on a patent licence from THAT Corporation. dbx is a trademark of Carillion Electronics Corporation.

Contents

Precautions Introduction Features Structure of the MT4X 1 Controls and Connections
Channel Modules Master Module
Punch-in/out recording Ping-pong recording
Mixdown 4 Synchronization
FSK recording Synchronized playback Synchronized mixdown
Recorder Controls Transport Controls Multi-function Display
Front Panel Connections Rear Panel Connections
5 Memory Functions Memo Function
Repeat Function Recording Levels Function
Power Connections 2 Example System 3 Recording Functions
Monitoring Initial recording
Appendix Troubleshooting Maintenance
Specifications Block Diagram Dimensions Tracking Sheet Glossary

Overdubbing

Introduction
Your MT4X Multitrack Cassette recorder is a powerful recording tool that will allow you to capture your music at a very high level of sound quality. It is an advanced technology, easy-to-use four-track cassette tape recorder with a comprehensive four-channel mixer. In order to make use of the many features of the MT4X and to obtain the best performance, please read this manual thoroughly and keep it in a safe place for future reference.

Features

General
The MT4X consists of a four-channel mixer section and a four-track cassette tape recorder section inside a compact enclosure. Independent recording and playback is possible for each track. This allows you to create high-quality multi-track recordings.
The mixer section is equipped with independent stereo buses for greater flexibility. Continuously variable gain controls are provided for each input channel. These can be used with any input source, from microphones to electronic instruments. Each channel has a three band equalizer (HIGH, MID, and LOW) giving you flexible tone-shaping capabilities. Dual AUX SEND and AUX RETURN (stereo) connectors allow you to add effects from external signal processors. You can assign the AUX RETURN signal to each channel as required.

Recorder

The dbx noise reduction system provides substantial noise reduction and a wide dynamic range. An automatic punch-in/out recording function and a rehearsal function make recording easier and more accurate. Locate functions, such as memory and return-to-zero are provided for additional convenience. A large, multi-functional display shows the recording and playback levels, along with a tape counter and other indicators, giving you immediate and helpful information about the status of the MT4X. The pitch control allows you to vary the tape speed with in a range of approximately 10%. This can be useful when you have to compensate for pitch variations during an overdub. The tape transport is a full-logic mechanism, making recording and playback operation smooth and simple. The transport offers two speeds: 9.5 cm/sec and 4.8 cm/sec.

These indicators show the current tape speed selection, either 9.5 cm/sec or 4.8 cm/
sec. When the MT4X is first powered on, it defaults to 9.5 cm/sec.

dbx indicator

This indicator illuminates when the dbx noise reduction system is turned on.
SYNC indicator This indicator illuminates when SYNC key AUTO PUNCH indicators

has been switched on.

These indicators show the status of the automatic punch-in/out function. See "Using the automatic punch-in/out function" on page 21.
MEMO indicators These indicators illuminate when their respective memory points have been set.
REPEAT indicator This indicator illuminates while the repeat function is active.
REC SELECT - TRACK indicators These indicators flash when you arm the corresponding trade by pressing one of the REC SELECT keys The armed indicators switch from flashing to illuminated when you press the REC/PAUSE key
PHONES connector This 1/4" phone connector is used for a pair of stereo headphones (8 to 40 PUNCH I/O footswitch connector This connector is used to plug in an optional footswitch (FC5) for punch-in/out recording. See "Using the optional footswitch" on page 28.

Rear Panel Connections

MONITOR OUT connections Output impedance: 1 Nominal output level: -10 dB (at 10 load) These RCA/Phono connectors are used to plug in a monitor amplifier or powered is loudspeakers. The same signal which is output from the PHONES connector also output from these connectors. STEREO OUT connections

Output impedance: 1

Nominal output level: -10 dB (at 10 load) These RCA/Phono connectors are used to output the final stereo mixdown to the master recorder typically, a stereo tape deck
MIC/LINE INPUT connections

Input impedance: 10

Nominal input level: -10 dB to -50 dB These 1/4" phone connectors are used to input microphones, electronic instruments, and line-level sources.
Controls and Connections AUX RETURN (1, 2) connections
Input impedance: 10 Nominal input level: -10 dB (AUX RETURN - LEVEL control nominal) These 1/4" phone connectors are used to input the signals from external effects devices and other signal processors. If the external device is monaural, plug it into one of the L/MONO connectors.
AUX SEND (1, 2) connections
Output impedance: 1 Nominal output level: -10 dB (at 10 load) These 1/4" phone connectors are used to output signals to external effects devices and other signal processors.
TAPE OUT (1 to 4/SYNC) connections
Output impedance: 1 Nominal output level: -10 dB (at 10 load) These RCA/Phono connectors are used to output the individual tracks directly from the recorder section of the MT4X.

16) Press the PLAY key to playback the tape and check the recording.
17) If the recording needs to be redone, repeat the previous steps.
To overdub another part, simply repeat steps 1 to 17.
Bassguitar track Track to be overdubbed Drum track

Punch-in/out recording

This technique is used to re-record short sections, correct mistakes, or add new sections to silent passages. You play your part while punching in and out to start and stop the recorder. For the greatest precision, you should use the advanced automatic punch-in/out features of the MT4X. However, it is reasonably easy to punch-in manually. If you have a footswitch, you can also punch in and out using your foot. This keeps your hands free for making music. Tip: You should ensure that the mixer and instrument settings are identical to the original recording. If you record a punch-in at a different volume level, for example, it will not blend into the previously-recorded track and your edit will be obvious. You will find keeping accurate track sheets invaluable to making invisible punch-in/out recordings. See "Tracking Sheet" on page 49. There are three basic methods for punch-in/out recording: Using the automatic punch-in/out function. Using the REC/PAUSE key and the PLAY key. Using the optional footswitch.
Using the automatic punch-in/out function With the automatic punch-in/out function, you specify the punch-in and punch-out locations. The operation is then carried out automatically. If you make a mistake, you can repeat the operation with precision. 1) Connect the input source, set the input select key, and adjust the GAIN control and channel fader so that the mixer setting is identical to the previous recording. Note: If you are using an optional FC5 footswitch, plug it into the PUNCH I/O footswitch connector. 2) Press the REC SELECT key for the track you want to punch-in.
The REC SELECT - TRACK indicator on the display will flash.
Note: You can skip step 2 at this point. However, you must select a track before you perform the actual recording.

Set the working points:

Post-roll is 10 counts on the tape counter at 9.5 cm/sec (5 counts at 4.8 cm/sec).
Note: When you perform a punch-in/out recording, you need to find a blank section of about 1 second for your punch-in and punch-out locations. This is because of the gap between the erase head and record/playback head. Otherwise you may find that you have accidentally erased material that was before or after the re-recorded segment. The pre-roll point - the punch-in/out operation starts playback at this point to give you a count-in. The punch-in point - recording begins. The punch-out point - recording ends. The post-roll point - the punch-in/out operation stops. 3) Fast-wind or rewind the tape to the location where you want to start the pre-roll. A location two or three measures before the punch-in point usually works well. Press to mark the pre-roll point. the AUTO PUNCH I/O key

At the punch-out location, the IN indicator and indicator above the REHE key will switch off, the OUT indicator will light, and monitor source will switch back to the tape.
At the post-roll point, the OUT indicator will switch off, the START indicator will begin flashing, and the tape is automatically rewound back to the pre-roll point. When tape is rewound, the AUTO PUNCH and START indicators will light and the indicator above the REHE key will flash rapidly.
If you are satisfied with the working points, you can move on to the next operation, to clear the points and the actual recording. Otherwise, press the CLEAR key repeat steps 3 to 6.

Recording

9) Press the REC/PAUSE key. The indicator above the REHE key will switch off and the indicator above the REC/ PAUSE key will flash rapidly. Note: If you skipped step 2, you need to use the REC SELECT key(s) to select a track (or tracks) before you record.
10) Press the PLAY key (or step on the footswitch) to play the tape. Get ready to play the punch-in part. At the punch-in location, the START indicator will switch off, the IN indicator will light, and the indicator above the REC/PAUSE key and the REC SELECT - TRACK indicator will light.
Play the punch-in part. At the punch-out location, the IN indicator and indicator above the REC/PAUSE key will switch off, the REC SELECT - TRACK indicator will flash, the OUT indicator will light, and monitor source will switch back to the tape.
At the post-roll point, the OUT indicator will switch off, the START indicator will begin flashing, the indicator above the PLAY key will flash in a pattern (check waiting condition), and the tape is automatically rewound back to the pre-roll point. When tape is rewound, the AUTO PUNCH and START indicators will light.

Check the recording

11) Press the PLAY key again to play back the tape. The MT4X will automatically play from the pre-roll point to the post-roll point. If the resulting recording is good, press the AUTO PUNCH I/O key to cancel the automatic punch-in/out function. The punch-in and punch-out points as well as the pre-roll and post-roll points are cleared. If you want to perform another automatic punch-in/out recording, you will have to start from step 3. If the resulting recording is not good, press the REHE key and repeat from step 7. If the pre-roll or post-roll points need to be changed, press the CLEAR key and repeat from step 3.
Recording Functions Status indicators
During the operation of the automatic punch-in/out function, you can determine the status by checking the indicators shown in the following table:
Function Display Indicators LEDs

Mark the pre-roll point (see step 3). Start the tape playing (see step 4). If you press the AUTO PUNCH I/O key while the tape is playing, the operation starts here. Mark the punch-in point (see step 5). Mark the punch-out point (see step 6). The tape is rewound, waiting for rehearsal (also see step 6). Rehearsal mode (see step 8).
The tape is rewound, ready for recording (see step 9). Recording mode (see step 10).
While the tape is rewinding, the Play LED flashes the waiting pattern.
Using the REC/PAUSE key and the PLAY key

Blank space Blank space

Track to be re-recorded Punch-in point Segment to be re-recorded Punch-out point
Note: When you perform a punch-in/out recording, you need to find a blank section of about 1 second for your punch-in and punch-out locations. This is because of the gap between the erase head and record/playback head. Otherwise you may find that you have accidentally erased material that was before or after the re-recorded segment. 1) 2) 3) Connect the input source, set the input select key, and adjust the GAIN control and channel fader so that the mixer setting is identical to the previous recording. Press the REC SELECT key for the track you want to punch-in. The REC SELECT - TRACK indicator on the display will flash. Press the PLAY key. The indicator above the key lights and the MT4X starts the tape. Get ready to play the punch-in part. At the punch-in location, press the REC/PAUSE key. Note: You can practice the punch-in at this point with the rehearsal function. Press the REHE key instead of the REC/PAUSE key. The indicator above the key lights and the flashing REC SELECT - TRACK indicator will be illuminated. Play the punch-in part. 5) Press the PLAY key at the punch-out location. The indicator above the REC/PAUSE key switches off and the REC SELECT TRACK indicator resumes flashing. You could also use the STOP key or the RETURN TO ZERO key at this point.
Using the optional footswitch
Track to be re-recorded Punch-in point Play Record Segment to be re-recorded Punch-out point Play Stop
Note: When you perform a punch-in/out recording, you need to find a blank section of about 1 second for your punch-in and punch-out locations. This is because of the gap between the erase head and record/playback head. Otherwise you may find that you have accidentally erased material that was before or after the re-recorded segment. 1) 2) Connect the input source, set the input select key, and adjust the GAIN control and channel fader so that the mixer setting is identical to the previous recording. Plug an optional FC5 footswitch into the PUNCH I/O footswitch connector Note: Yamaha supplies an optional footswitch, FC5. Using another manufacturer's footswitch may cause mis-timing. See your Yamaha dealer for details. 3) 4) Press the REC SELECT key for the track you want to punch-in. The REC SELECT - TRACK indicator on the display will flash. Press the REC/PAUSE key. Note: You can practice the punch-in at this point with the rehearsal function. Press the REHE key instead of the REC/PAUSE key. The indicator above the key lights and the flashing REC SELECT - TRACK indicator will be illuminated. 5) Step on the footswitch. The indicator above the PLAY key lights, the indicator above the REC/PAUSE key will flash rapidly, and the MT4X starts the tape. Get ready to play the punch-in part. At the punch-in location, step on the footswitch again. The indicator above the REC/PAUSE key lights. Play the punch-in part. 7) Step on the footswitch at the punch-out location. The indicator above the REC/PAUSE key switches off.

Ping-pong recording

Ping-pong recording allows you to bounce several previously-recorded tracks onto an unrecorded track. Using this technique, you can create a recording with effectively more than four tracks. There are two basic techniques you can employ when making a bounce-down recording: Mixing three previously-recorded tracks onto a destination track. Overdubbing a new sound source during a ping-pong recording.

Bouncing tracks

Bassguitar track Guitar track Drum track
(Bassguitar track) (Guitar track) (Drum track)

Rhythm track

Preparation for recording
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Fast-wind or rewind the tape to the beginning of your recording. Press the COUNTER RESET key to set the tape counter to "0000". Set the input select keys to the TAPE position for the source tracks. On each of the source tracks, use the ASSIGN keys and the PAN control to select the group bus for the destination track. Press the REC SELECT key for the destination track. The corresponding REC SELECT - TRACK indicator on the display will flash. Press the MONITOR SELECT - GROUP key corresponding to the destination track.
Rehearsal 6) Press the REHE key.
The indicator over the key lights and the flashing REC SELECT - TRACK indicators will be illuminated. Press the PLAY key to start the rehearsal.
The indicator above the key lights and the MT4X starts the tape.
Adjust the channel fader, PAN controls, and equalizer controls for each source channel.
If required, add effects using the AUX SEND and AUX RETURN controls and connectors. Adjust the effects for each channel.
Note: You cannot apply effects to the individual tracks nor can you adjust the sound balance once you have mixed them onto a single track. You must apply any effects, and adjust the equalization and balance, during the bounce-down recording. 9) Press the RETURN TO ZERO key to stop and rewind the tape.
10) Press the REC/PAUSE key. The indicator over the key lights and the REC SELECT - TRACK indicators will be illuminated. 11) 12) Press the PLAY key to start recording. The indicator above the key lights and the MT4X starts the tape. When the recording is finished, press the RETURN TO ZERO key to stop and rewind the tape. The indicators over the REC/PAUSE and PLAY keys switch off and the REC SELECT - TRACK indicators resume flashing.

Synchronization

4 Synchronization
The MT4X has the ability to synchronize MIDI sequencers, rhythm programmers, and other devices to the existing tracks on your tape. The following section describes some of the advanced techniques you can employ. When you create an overdub recording, you play along with the previously recorded tracks - matching the tempo. This is easy for a guitarist, vocalist, or keyboard player, but not so easy for a MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine. To synchronize MIDI instruments, you need to provide a timecode signal that the MIDI instrument can follow. This involves recording MIDI timecode onto a track using a technique called FSK (Frequency Shift Keying). Typically, the best time to do this is when you are laying down your basic tracks using a MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine to set the tempo. Some MIDI sequencers and rhythm machines are already equipped with a SYNC OUT connector. You can plug this type of machine directly into the MT4X to record FSK onto one of the tracks.

FSK track

If your MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine is not equipped with a SYNC OUT connector, you may need a MIDI/FSK converter such as the Yamaha YMC10. You plug the MIDI/ FSK converter in between your MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine and the MT4X to record FSK onto one of the tracks.
MIDI OUT FSK Signal MIDI IN TAPE SYNC OUT
Rhythm Programmer (MIDI Master)

MIDI Converter

Please refer to the user's manual supplied with your MIDI instrument to see if it can output compatible FSK signals.

FSK recording

Record FSK signals on track 4
The MT4X is equipped with a dbx noise reduction system. For recording normal audio signals, the noise reduction system is beneficial. However, dbx interferes with the recording of FSK signals. This sometimes results in an unusable sync track. Therefore, the MT4X is also equipped with a SYNC key. When you press the SYNC key, the dbx system is defeated on track 4, allowing you to have noise reduction on your audio tracks and a usable sync track.
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) Connect the MIDI/FSK output from your sequencer, rhythm machine, or converter to one of the MIC/LINE INPUT connectors. Set the input select key for the corresponding channel to the MIC/LINE position. Rotate the GAIN control fully counter-clockwise to the LINE setting. Set the equalizer controls to the "0" (flat) position. Press the and rotate the fully clockwise to select the fourth (even) group - track 4. PAN control: ASSIGN key: Set the channel fader to the nominal level between "7" and "8". Press the REC SELECT key for track 4. The REC SELECT - TRACK indicator on the display will flash. If dbx system is on, press the SYNC key The SYNC indicator on the display will light If you are going to record audio signals from the MIDI instrument along with the FSK signal, connect the audio outputs to the channel connectors and set the mixer channels. See "Initial recording" on page 15.

Plug compatible cables from the other TAPE OUT connectors (1, 2, and 3) into the inputs of your mixer.
Tip: An alternative approach is to create a stereo mixdown with the built-in mixer and send that to the external mixer from the STEREO OUT connectors.

4) 5) 6)

Connect the audio outputs from the MIDI instruments to the mixer inputs. Connect the stereo inputs of the master recorder to the stereo outputs of the mixer. Connect any external signal processors to the auxiliary connectors of the mixer.
7) 8) If dbx system is on, press the SYNC key. The SYNC indicator will light. Press the PLAY key to start playback. The MIDI instruments will start to playback in sync with the data recorded on track 4. 9) Adjust the levels, equalization, and pan of each channel on the mixer. Set the auxiliary send and return. Adjust the record levels on the master recorder. 10) When you are satisfied with the levels, press the RETURN TO ZERO key to stop the rehearsal and rewind the tape.
11) Insert a tape into the master recorder. 12) Start recording on the master recorder. Press the PLAY key on the MT4X to start playback. The synchronized mixdown will be carried out automatically.
13) When the recording is finished, rewind the master recorder and play back the tape.

Memory Functions

5 Memory Functions

Memo Function

Store a memory location
You can mark two memory locations which can be used to quickly return to a specific point on your tape. 1) 2) Fast-wind or rewind the tape to the location you want stored. For example, you can locate the end of a track just by stopping the tape. Press the MEMO-1 or MEMO-2 key The corresponding MEMO indicator will flash three times and then light.
Check the memory locations
1) 2) Press and hold the CHECK key Press the appropriate MEMO key. will display the corresponding memory point value. The The tape counter number portion to the MEMO indicator will flash for as long as the two Keys are pressed. The following display shows the MEMO-2 location being checked.
Locate to a stored location 1) Press the appropriate LOCATE key The MT4X will fast-wind or rewind the tape to the stored location. While the tape is in motion, the number portion of the MEMO indicator will flash. The following display shows the results of pressing the LOCATE-2 key.
Note: The locate interval must be more than three counts on the tape counter. If you reset the tape counter, the MT4X will re-calculate the stored memory locations. When you check a memory location, the value displayed will reflect the reset tape counter. When you locate to a memory location, the MT4X will fast-wind or rewind to the correct location.

Repeat Function

The MT4X will repeatedly play a section of the tape between two memory locations. 1) Press the REPEAT key The MT4X will fast-wind or rewind the tape to the first memory location. While the tape transport is in fast-wind or rewind mode, the REPEAT indicator will flash on the display.
As soon as the MT4X has reached the first memory location, playback is started. The REPEAT indicator is illuminated.

Repeat notes

If only one memory location is stored, the MT4X will repeat from the tape counter location "0000" to the stored point. Playback is repeated 16 times continuously, then the tape is rewound back to the first memory location and stopped. The REPEAT indicator is switched off. You cannot change the memory locations during repeat playback. The repeat interval must be more than three counts on the tape counter.
Recording Levels Function
The MT4X will store the maximum recording level for all four tracks and the stereo signal. The location of the highest level is also stored and can be displayed along with the level. If the signal is beyond the recommended level, the maximum level segment will flash. dbx ON >+10dB dbx OFF >+6dB -
Confirm the maximum level
1) 2) Press and hold the CHECK key. Press the REHE key will light for as long as the two The maximum level segment of the level meters keys are pressed. If the level is beyond the recommended level, the segment will flash.
Memory Functions Confirm the tape position
1) 2) Press and hold the CHECK key. Press the REC SELECT key corresponding to the track you want to check. The maximum level segment of the selected track will light and the tape counter will display the corresponding location value for as long as the two keys are pressed. If the level is beyond the recommended level, the segment will flash. The following display shows Track 2 being checked.
Note: If the maximum level is reached a several locations, only the first location is displayed. If you reset the tape counter after the recording, the location displayed will be incorrect. Unlike the memo function, the MT4X does not re-calculate the maximum level memory locations.
Clear the maximum level data
1) 2) Press and hold the STOP key Press the CLEAR key When the data is cleared, the -20 dB segments on the level meters for all four tracks and the stereo signal will flash three times.
Note: The maximum recording level data is NOT cleared automatically. Before each recording, you should reset the stored levels. Otherwise you could mistake the levels of a
previous recording for the current recording.

Appendix

Troubleshooting
If you experience difficulty operating the MT4X, or it does not seem to be working as it should, look up the problem in the following table. You may find it is just a simple error, easy to correct.

Symptom

The MT4X cannot be powered ON.

Possible Cause

The power cable is not correctly connected. The POWER switch has not been correctly set.

Solution

Make sure the power cable is connected to a suitable AC outlet and plugged into the AC IN connector on the MT4X's rear panel. Make sure the POWER switch on MT4X's rear panel is pressed ON.
Note: If the MT4X still cannot be powered ON, please contact your Yamaha dealer. Cannot record. The REC SELECT key is not set correctly. The setting of the ASSIGN key(s) is incorrect. The cassette is loaded incorrectly. The cassette's record protect tabs have been removed. Cannot hear a The corresponding input connected instrument. select key is set incorrectly. The fader or monitor is set incorrectly. Recordings sound noisy or distorted. Set the REC SELECT key correctly. Select the correct ASSIGN key(s) for the group and tracks you intend to use. Make sure the tape is firmly inserted in the cassette compartment. Make sure that the cassette's record protect tabs are intact.
Recordings sound dull, suffer from wow and flutter, or are of poor quality.
Recordings playback at the wrong pitch.
Tape sync does not function correctly.
Set the input select key to the correct position. Raise the fader for the input module. Make sure the MONITOR SELECT switch is set to CUE and adjust the CUE LEVEL control. The recording level is set Set the channel fader so that the level incorrectly. occasionally reaches +9 dB (with dbx ON or +3 dB with it OFF). If the signal level is too low, the recording may sound noisy. If it is too high, distortion may occur. The record/playback head Clean the record/playback head and and capstan is dirty. mechanism. See "Maintenance" on page 45. The wrong type of cassette Be sure to use high-quality Type II (High is being used. Bias, 70 s EQ) chrome cassettes. The cassette tape is Try a new cassette tape. defective. Set the PITCH control to the "0" centreThe PITCH control was detent position. reset during recording. The tape speed was reset. Press the tape speed select key to set the MT4X back to the correct tape speed. The SYNC key was not Press the SYNC key and connect the FSK pressed when the dbx source to track 4. system was ON. Re-record the FSK signal. Make sure the The FSK track was recorded at too low a level. recording level is set to about +3dB. Make sure the connections are correct. The MIDI-to-FSK converter is incorrectly connected.

Maintenance

The MT4X requires regular maintenance to remain in top operating condition. If you observe the following problems, you should clean and possibly demagnetize the unit: A drop in level at high frequencies. An increase in wow and flutter. Fluctuating sound or signal dropout. Excessive noise.

Cleaning the recording head and components
The record/playback head is in constant contact with the recording tape. Over time it will become coated with an oxide residue and need to be cleaned. The other components the capstan and pinchroller also tend to become coated with residue and dust particles. To clean the record/playback head and capstan, use a head-cleaning kit. These kits generally include specially-made cotton swabs and an isopropyl alcohol-based cleaning solution, and are available at audio and electronics shops. Follow the directions on the kit, carefully wiping the record/playback head and the capstan with a swab soaked in cleaning solution. It is best to clean the pinchroller with a non-alcohol based rubber cleaning solution, which is often included in the cleaning kits. Alcohol tends to dry out and corrode the rubber part of the roller. You should clean the record/playback head and capstan after every 10 hours of use.
Demagnetizing the recording head
As the recording tape passes over the record/playback head, it tends to impart a tiny amount of magnetism to the head. The head collects this magnetism over a period of time, slowly becoming magnetized. You need to demagnetize the head using a commerciallyavailable head demagnetizer. These are also available at most audio and electronics shops. Note: Read the directions on the demagnetizer carefully. If you do not use the demagnetizer correctly, you could seriously damage the record/playback head. Also, keep recorded tapes away from the demagnetizer when it is in use; the demagnetizer can accidentally erase your tapes. You should demagnetize the record/playback head after every 20 to 30 hours of use.

Specifications

4-track/4-channel one direction recording and playback cassette recorder with mixer

Tape Transport

Tape Type Track Configuration Heads Motor Tape Speed Pitch Control Wow & Flutter Input connectors Output connectors C-46 ~ 90 cassette tapes CrO2 - TypeII (Bias: HIGH; EQ 70 s) 4-track/4-channel one direction recording and playback 4-track Hard Permalloy record/play head x 1 4-track ferrite erase head x 1 DC servo motor x 1 9.5 cm/sec, 4.8 cm/sec Approximately 10% 0.1% WRMS (9.5 cm/sec) MIC/LINE x 4 AUX RETURN L/MONO,R x 2 AUX SEND x 2 STEREO OUT L,R x l MONITOR OUT L,R x l TAPE OUT x 4 PHONES L,R x l Input impedance Nominal input level Minimum input level Maximum input level AUX RETURN L/R 1,2 Input impedance Nominal input level Minimum input level STEREO OUT L,R AUX SEND 1,2 MONITOR OUT L/R TAPE OUT 1, 2, 3, SYNC/4 PHONES (stereo) Output impedance Nominal load impedance Nominal output level Output impedance Nominal load impedance Nominal output level Output impedance Nominal load impedance Nominal output level Output impedance Nominal load impedance Nominal output level Nominal load impedance Maximum output level 10 -10 dB to -50 dB (input fader nominal) -56 dB (GAIN control MAX, input fader maximum) +10 dB (GAIN control MIN, headroom margin) 10 -10 dB (AUX RETURN - LEVEL control nominal) -16 dB (AUX RETURN - LEVEL control maximum) or more -10 dB (at 10 load) or more -10 dB (at 10 load) 1

Glossary

Auxiliary Bus The MT4X has two auxiliary buses. These buses are generally used to send signals to external signal processing units. Auxiliary Send Each channel module includes an AUX control, which selects an auxiliary bus and determines the amount of signal fed to corresponding the AUX SEND output connector.
Auxiliary Return The AUX RETURN controls determine the destination and amount of signal that is fed back into the MT4X via the AUX RETURN input connectors. You can return an effect in stereo, to further enhance your recording.
Capstan A slender metal pillar adjacent to the pinchroller. The capstan is driven by the DC servo motor and controls the tape speed. The tape pulled across the erase and record/playback heads by the pressure between the capstan and pinchroller. CUE monitor This bus is used to listen to previously recorded tracks. It is mostly used to assist the musicians recording a new part. You can also process effects through the monitor bus without recording them to tape. The CUE bus is monaural. DAT (Digital Audio Tape) A two-channel, 16-bit digital recording system using magnetic tape and a rotary head mechanism. DAT machines are often used as master recording units. Professional units can record at 33 kHz, 44.1 kHz, and 48 kHz sampling rates. dbx noise reduction A system to reduce tape noise and improve the dynamic range of analog tape. dbx employs a pre-emphasis to boost the high frequencies, followed by a 2:1 compression of the signal during recording. The signal is expanded and then deemphasized on playback. The MT4X uses dbx noise reduction to reduce noise and keep your recordings clean and crisp. Demagnetizer A hand-held device that removes the residual magnetic field that routinely builds up on a recording head. Without demagnetizing (also called degaussing), this residual magnetic field can cause distortion. Use of a demagnetizer is an integral part of maintaining any tape recorder. Equalization (EQ) The process of adjusting (boosting or cutting) the frequency ranges for optimal sound. Many engineers try to record with flat equalization, only adjusting the frequencies on mixdown. Fader Each channel module contains a fader, a slider that is used to adjust the level of that channel relative to the other channels. The MASTER module fader is used to adjust the overall stereo level. FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) A method of recording MIDI clock data onto one of the tracks of the MT4X. A device translates the data into two distinct frequencies that represent the two binary states: "on" and "off". Some MIDI instruments can directly output FSK sync signals. Otherwise, you will need a MIDI/FSK converter such as the Yamaha YMC10. GAIN Various musical instruments and devices output different levels of signal. Gain is a measure of electronic input over output. Each channel module includes a GAIN control that can alter the input levels to compensate for line, instrument, or microphone levels. Head A transducer used to convert electrical impulses into patterns of magnetism during recording and to convert patterns of magnetism into electrical impulses during playback. The MT4X uses a special 4-track permalloy record/playback head. Instrument level The level of gain output by such devices as an electric bass or guitar. Line level The level of gain output by such devices as a synthesizer, drum machine, CD player, etc.