Tascam PORTA02 owner manual Hints and advanced tips Metering, When you’re not recording

Page 21

4 Hints and advanced tips

4.1.3 Metering

In general, you should not try to record at too high a level, and the +6 indicator should not be lit more than half the time (at the very most).

The meters display the input levels to the channels at all times except when playing back with the input channels in SAFE mode.

When playing back if one or both of the input channels has set to SAFE, they will display the levels of the signal sent to the left LINE OUT (channel and meter 1) or the right LINE OUT (channel and meter 2). If a signal is also received at the MIC/ LINE input jacks, this will be added to the playback for metering.

4.1.4When you’re not recording

Try to get into the habit of always leaving the REC FUNCTION switches in the SAFE position unless you are actually recording or rehearsing a take. This will stop you

recording by accident (remember that pressing RECORD with both channels SAFE is the same as pressing PLAY).

4.2Mixdown

What sounds good is something that depends on personal taste, but most pro- fessionals try to avoid mixes with too much bass or high end (unless it’s for a special effect). However, the most impor-

tant pieces of equipment that you have are your ears! Train yourself to use them so that you can spot mistakes quickly, and you know how to put them right, just by listening. It’s a useful skill!

4.2.1 Recording more than four tracks (i)

Although the Porta02 has only 4 tracks, it is possible to produce a mix with more than four sounds. Here’s one way, which involves adding one or two more extra inputs to the four recorded tape tracks.

These extra inputs will be panned either fully left or right (or one track will be in the center) and the mix proceeds as the extra inputs are recorded. This method is therefore useful for adding a pre-recorded stereo backing to go behind the four recorded tracks.

1)Record on all four tracks of the Porta02.

2) Set both REC FUNCTION switches to SAFE.

3)Connect the source for the extra inputs to the MIC/LINE jacks and adjust the TRIM controls to match the level.

4)Play back the tape, and use the

OUTPUT LEVEL and PAN controls to adjust the playback of the tape tracks.

5)Use the faders to adjust the levels of the input signals against the tape tracks.

4.2.2 Recording more than 4 tracks (ii)

For this method, there must be an ordi- nary stereo cassette recorder used as the mastering recorder.

The four tracks of the Porta02 are mixed in the usual way onto a stereo cassette. This cassette is then removed from the mastering recorder and replaces the 4-

21

Page 20 Page 22
Image 21
Page 20 Page 22
Contents 9101411800 Table of Contents Important Safety Instructions Multitrack recording a brief introduction An introduction to the Porta02An introduction to the Porta02 Multitrack recordersMixing down Some safety notes and precautionsTape cassettes Record-protecting cassettesPlaying back stereo cassettes Cleaning the pinch roller An introduction to the Porta02 Cleaning the headsParts of the Porta02 Connecting the Porta02What you need to make recordings Parts of the Porta02Parts of the Porta02 Mono switch Parts of the Porta02 Power in and switch Phones jackMIC/LINE Trim 1Tape counter and reset button Power indicatorREC Function switches Output Level controlsRecord indicator Transport controlsCassette compartment Cover Making your first recording Setting upGetting ready Making your first recordingSet both Trim controls to the Line position Setting the levelRecording the first track Set the REC Function switch of Input 1 toRecording the next track Recording the stereo backing Mixdown Making your first recording Recording techniques Hints and advanced tipsHints and advanced tips Recording electric guitarsHints and advanced tips Metering When you’re not recordingRecording more than four tracks Recording more than 4 tracksTroubleshooting TroubleshootingSpecifications SpecificationsTeac Corporation
Top Page Image Contents