7 − Recorder

Virtual tracks

Up to now, we have described the 2488MKII as a 24-track recorder because it can playback up to 24 tracks simultane- ously. In fact, however, each song may contain up to 250 tracks, which we call “virtual tracks.” Up to 24 of these virtual tracks may be assigned to playback tracks 1–24, which are called “physical tracks.” The 24 virtual tracks assigned to these physical tracks are available for recording and playback.

Throughout this User's Guide, when we use the expression “track,” we are referring to a virtual track that is assigned to a physical track.

Use the virtual tracks to record multiple takes of lead vocals, improvised solos and other parts and then select the best takes afterwards. After recording a take, you can assign a different virtual track to the same physical track to record another take on the same physical track. By repeating this process, you can use multiple virtual tracks to hold different takes, and select the take or takes that you want afterwards.

Here, we pick the best takes from the virtual tracks and assign them to our playback tracks.

To assign a virtual track to a physical track:

1 Press the shifted VIRT TRK key.

NOTE

When you create a new song, virtual tracks 1–24 are initially assigned to physical tracks 1–24.

2Use the track SELECT keys or the (Ó and Á keys) to select the physical track for assigning a virtual track. The inverted number at the bottom of the screen shows the selected physical track.

Different harmony arrangements for backing vocals

Lead vocal attempts

Bass line played on different instruments

Saxophone takes

Rhythm guitar experiments with

different effect settings

Different takes of lead guitar line

Repeated pressing of the stereo channel SELECT keys (13/14 through 23/24) changes between the odd and even numbered channels of that pair.

3Use the dial to choose which virtual track will be assigned to the physical track and become active.

Virtual

 

tracks

Choose the best takes from

 

 

these virtual tracks and

 

assign them to physical

 

tracks.

Track 1:

Drums Left

 

 

 

 

Track 2:

Drums Right

 

 

 

Assigned

Track 3:

Lead Guitar

Track 4:

Rhythm Guitar

playback

Track 5:

Saxophone

tracks

 

 

 

Track 6:

Bass line

 

 

 

 

Track 7:

Lead vocals

 

 

 

 

Track 8:

Backing vocals

 

Tracks 9 through 24 use other virtual tracks (not shown here for clarity)

When the VIRTUAL TRACK ASSIGN screen is open, by pressing the MENU (TITLE) key in SHIFT mode, you can give the highlighted virtual track a name (see “Titling” on page 15).

4Press YES/ENTER to make the assignment.The virtual track selected in procedure 3 is assigned to the physical track.

Press NO/EXIT to exit the track assignment screen without actually making the assignment.

NOTE

During step 4 above, if you press the PLAY key instead of the YES/ENTER key, the assignment completes, the home screen opens and playback starts.

You cannot assign the same virtual track to multiple physical tracks.

Tracks 9 through 24 use other virtual tracks (not shown here for clarity). Here, we pick the best takes from the virtual tracks and assign them to our playback tracks.

Virtual tracks are mono tracks. You need to assign one virtual track to each track of a stereo pair.

If you have not worked with a system using virtual tracks before, you may find it a little confusing. Some ideas to bear in mind:

•If you are recording a difficult part, you do not have to re-record over the top of “almost, but not quite perfect” takes. Keep these for later, just in case you never get a better take. Simply assign a different virtual track when you record the next take.

•For example, suppose you have recorded the drum part and three takes of the bass line. You can assign the three

66 TASCAM 2488MKII