X2 X2 manual Creating a Dependable Mix, To create a dependable mix

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Applications

tape deck’s left and right inputs. For more information on interfacing the X2 with a mixdown deck, see page 27.

Assign all Channels, Monitors, Stereo Aux Returns and Groups being used to the L- R MASTER FADERS, by making sure the L-R buttons for each is down. Then create a mix using the Faders for the selected channels.

If there are any channels, monitors or aux returns you are not using, make sure their L-R switches are up, to keep the noise floor to a minimum.

Creating a Dependable Mix

Creating a mix is easy; creating a great mix (one that jumps off the tape) is a lot harder. There are those engineers who are in demand just for mixing because of their sense of balance between instruments causes the mix to come alive with excitement. Although outboard effects and tonal adjustments are important, you’d be surprised at how good a dry (meaning no EQ or effects) mix can be if the balances between parts are right. When you add effects and EQ, it will sound that much better.

Since much of the art of mixing is totally subjective and up to the taste of the engineer, a basic balance between instruments is necessary first before any tonal or effect enhancements can really become effective. We’ve included a method to help you quickly create a “dependable” mix; one that sounds good no matter what speakers you mix or play back on. Although our example involves mixing the instruments found in popular music, this method can be applied to any type of music regardless of the instruments being used.

To create a dependable mix:

Note: This is only a reference or starting point. Each song is unique and calls for different balances.

1Begin with all the Channel FADERS in the “-•” (down) position. Set the Stereo Master FADERS to the “-10” point on their travel (about 75%).

2Set the Meter Bridge to Tape Return mode by holding ALL/ALT and pressing DISPLAY. This way, when you roll tape, the meters will light up (for those tracks with audio) regardless of where the Channel Faders are.

3Raise the Kick Drum Channel FADER until the LED meters read “-2.”

4Mute the Kick Drum Channel by switching the MUTE button to the “On” (down) position, so that the Kick can no longer be heard. DO NOT MOVE THE FADER! Just mute the Kick Channel.

5Raise the Snare Drum Channel FADER until the LED meter reads “0.” Mute the Snare Drum Channel, the same as the Kick.

6Raise the Hi-Hat Channel FADER until it reads “-15” on the LED meter. If any cymbals (ride or crashes) occur in the song, set those Channels to “-15.” Mute the Hi-hat and Cymbals Channels.

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Contents Alesis Conventions How To Use This ManualIntroduction Description of Controls. a dictionary of each controlX2 Reference Manual Contents Applications Description of Controls Trouble-Shooting Midi Implementation Chart Page Introduction AboutMonitoring Basic Principles of Mixing & Multitrack RecordingRecording/Tracking Mixdown Introduction X2 Reference Manual Guided Tour Recorder/Mix SystemsPage Aux Send/Return Systems Meter Bridge Control Room SystemsMuting Automation Page Page Connections PowerPower Supply Unpacking and InspectionTo connect the power supply to Avoiding Ground Loops To Eliminate HUM if the Above has FailedUnbalanced Line Inputs Channel Inputs and OutputsBalanced Mic Inputs Page Tape Send Direct Output +4/-10 SwitchTape Input InsertBalanced Tape I/O To connect an Elco cable toGroup Inserts Stereo Returns and GroupsGroup Outputs Aux a & B ReturnsMaster Inserts Master Inputs and OutputsMaster Outputs Control Room OutputsPage To synchronize the X2 to an Adat system HeadphonesAdat Sync Input Connector Type Examples of ConnectionsInterfacing to an Unbalanced -10 dBV Multitrack Recorder To interface with a typical unbalanced multitrack recorderInterfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder Interfacing to the Mixdown Deck Interfacing to Adat Using Elco ConnectorsInterfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay To connect the mixdown deck toInterfacing to the Headphone Amp Interfacing to the Control RoomInterfacing to the Studio Interfacing Aux Sends and Returns to Outboard EffectsConnecting Simultaneously, if desired To interface a Midi sequencer with Interfacing the InsertsInterfacing with a Midi Sequencer Recording Setting LevelsApplications II. Maintain Proper Fader LevelsRecording a Single Source to One Track To record a single source to a single trackRecording Multiple Sources to One Track To record two or more sources to a single trackRecording Multiple Sources to Two Tracks Stereo To record multiple sources to two tracks stereoAbout Metering To select the meter bridge modeRecording Tips To listen to tape tracks on the Channel faders OverdubbingTo listen to tape tracks on the Monitor faders Applications Previous section X2 Reference Manual To route the mix to a headphone amp Getting the Mix to the HeadphonesMonitoring Midi Virtual Tracks To set the level going to the effects device Adding EffectsSelecting an Aux Send To record effects onto the multitrack To hear effects in the monitorsTo hear effects in the headphone/cue mix To bounce one or more tracks to another track mono Bouncing TracksTo record effects onto the mixdown deck To bounce multiple tracks to two tracks stereoGetting the Mix to the Tape Deck Playback/Mix-DownMixdown Basics Here is a simplified step-by-step way to establish a mixCreating a Dependable Mix To create a dependable mixMute Automation Page Live Performance Using Group Faders as SubgroupsTo configure the X2 mixer in order to achieve a mono mix Creating a Monitor MixTo create two different stage monitor mixes Video Post-ProductionStage Monitor Mix Applications X2 Reference Manual Mute Automation OverviewMute Groups To enable destructive solo modeDestructive Solo Page Defining Mute Groups To define Mute GroupsTo recall a Mute Group Recalling Mute GroupsOverlay Button To return the console to its previous mute statusSelecting a Sync Source Display ModeSynchronization Getting On-line/LockingUndoing Mute Events Mute EventsRecording and Playing Back Mute Events OverdubbingPage Editing Songs ErasingTo erase all events on all channels Erase All MemoryTo erase all events on one or more channels To erase a Song including its mute events and 4 Mute GroupsCopy Song CopyingCopy Mute Events To copy mute events from one channel to anotherTo set the Midi channel Midi ChannelSelecting Songs via Midi Midi Map Receiving System Exclusive Memory BackupTransmitting System Exclusive Remaining MemoryDescription of Controls Input Channel ControlsHi and Lo EQ HPF SwitchTo MON Switch Hi Mid and Lo Mid EQAUX Source Switch EQ in SwitchSwitch Aux 3/4 AUX 1-2, AUX 1-2 PANMonitor Peak LED Switch Aux 5/6Monitor PAN Monitor Solo ButtonChannel PAN DIR SwitchGroup Assign Switches 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Channel Peak LEDAux Master Controls Stereo Aux Return ControlsStereo Separation AUX a Assign Switches Aux a OnlyGroup Masters Switch Aux B Only BalanceSolo Button Group Master ControlsButton Mute ButtonGroup 1-8 Master Faders Solo LED and Level Master ControlsOscillator Frequency and Level Studio Level and AssignmentMaster Faders PhonesControl Room Level and Source Meter BridgePage Mute Automation Controls DisplayMute Groups Online Erase FWD and Erase BWD Buttons Memory RemainingErasing Memory Mute SoloDescription of Controls X2 Reference Manual Checking the Software Version TROUBLE-SHOOTINGTrouble-Shooting Index Re-initializingWarranty Information Maintenance/ServiceCleaning and Maintenance Obtaining Repair ServiceCustomers outside the USA Trouble-Shooting X2 Reference Manual Mute Midi Note Number Midi Maps IndexMaps Map Mute Midi Controller NumberMap Number Interval Midi Implementation Chart Specifications Input Module Power SupplyMaximum Gain Group ModuleTotal Shipping Weight DimensionsWeight Dimensional DrawingsInternal Connector Pinouts Block Diagram Index SoloSong LED 102
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