5 − Mixer

Channel functions

In this section, we explain the channel functions of the 2488MKII’s mixer. The recorder track channels (1–24) and input channels have similar functions, so we explain them

together as channel functions. Stereo bus functions are explained on page 33.

Track channels and input channels

Each of the 24 channels provides the following facilities:

•Digital pad/gain

•3-band parametric EQ

•Effect sends

•Phase reversal switch

•Pan-pots

•A physical fader (which may be overridden by an internal “virtual fader”)

•A mute key

•Solo facilities

Like the 24 track channels, the eight inputs are provided with phase, digital pad/gain, EQ, effect sends, etc. They are not provided with physical faders, but the output from these “extra channels” can be adjusted on-screen. Although these settings can be made at any time, they are only effective when the inputs have been assigned to the sub mixer. See “Sub mixer” on page 35 for details.

EQ

Press the EQ key to display the EQ screen for the current channel. To change the channel, press the INPUT key or SELECT key of the desired channel.

ªDigital pad/gain

Press the channel’s SELECT key, followed by the EQ key (this order can be reversed). Use the cursor keys to navigate to the PAD/GAIN area, and set the value to between –42 and +6 dB.

ªEQ

Set the three-band equalization for each channel using the same screen as the digital pad/gain (see above). On the 2488MKII channels, you can adjust the gain (the amount that the signal is cut and boosted) by ±12 dB, and the frequency (high or low) affected by the equalization in three bands. The frequencies are (in Hz):

Low (L) 32 — 1.6k

Mid (M) 32 — 18k

High (H) 1.7k — 18k

Note that the frequencies are set in discrete steps; it is not possible to set the center frequencies to intermediate values. In addition, you can adjust the “Q” (the width of the effect) in the center band from 0.25 to 16.

T I P

“Q” is defined as the center frequency of the equalization band divided by the bandwidth. A high Q value provides narrow filtering.

This is usually set at 0 dB, but when boosting EQ, we recommend that you lower the gain to prevent digital clipping.

Use this to add volume to a quiet instrument or to remove excess volume from a loud one. When a channel’s EQ screen is shown, simply pressing the SELECT key of another channel will show the EQ screen for that channel.

As you adjust the equalization, the graph at the bottom of the screen changes to provide an idea of how the equalization affects the signals.

T I P

With the SHIFT indicator lit, press the EQ key to restore all channel EQ parameters to their initial settings.

There is also an on/off soft switch provided at the upper left of the screen to allow A/B comparison of the equalized and unequalized signals. With the SHIFT indicator lit, press YES/ENTER to turn it on, and NO/EXIT to turn it off (you can also use the cursor).

TASCAM 2488MKII 31