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Recorder Controls

RECORD FUNCTION 1-4 : These control
which track(s) will be recorded when the
master RECORD and the PLAY key is
pressed, and choose where the signal to
be recorded is coming from.
œSetting to DIRECT routes the
channel signal directly to the tape
(channel 1 is recorded on track 1,
channel 2 on track 2, and so on).
Recording level is adjusted by the
channel fader only.
œWhen recording the stereo mix: As
the labels indicate, tracks 1 and 3
are recorded with the mix in BUSS
L, and tracks 2 and 4 are recorded
with the mix in BUSS R.
TAPE SPEED : HIGH is 3-3/4 ips (9.5 cm/sec.),
double the standard (NORMAL) cassette
tape speed of 1-7/8 ips (4.8 cm/sec.).
Meters : The meters numbered 1-4 show the
playback or the record level of the
respective tape tracks. The average
record level should be in the center (0),
but occasional peaks up to +6 scale are
acceptable.
The MONITOR meters show the level of
mixes selected by the MONITOR
switches.
Tape counter : A four-digit display that
shows the distance the tape has moved
from a zero reference point.
REC indicators : They blink to show the
corresponding tracks are in record
ready, and glow solid when recording
starts.
COUNTER RESET : Press to change the
counter to "0000".
PITCH CONTROL : Increases or decreases
the speed of the transport in play and
also in Record, over a 12% range
(approx.).
RTZ (Return To Zero) : Lets the tape fast
wind to the counter zero point. The tape
will automatically start playing from the
zero point if PLAY is pressed after RTZ.
REPEAT : Lets the tape play over and over
between two memo points.
Transport keys : Principally these work the
same as on any cassette recorder.
MEMO IN : Hold this key down and press LOC 1
or 2 to load the current counter location into
the MEMO 1 or 2 register.
LOC 1 and 2 : When used together with MEMO
IN, these keys let you load the current
counter location into memory. If only LOC 1
or 2 is hit, the tape will be located to the
MEMO 1 or 2 point. Pressing LOC for half a
second or more allows you to check the
memo point on the display.
REHEARSAL : Lets you program a punch-in/out
sequence to be used for rehearsals and for
AUTO IN/OUT.
AUTO PUNCH : Executes the punch-in recording
actually on tape as you practiced in
REHEARSAL.
CLEAR : Disables the REHEARSAL and AUTO
IN/OUT functions.
PORTASTUDIO 424 MKIII Brief Guide

14

REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT: Connect an
optional RC-30P footswitch to this jack.
POWER switch: Push in to turn on the
424 MKIII, and push again to turn it off.
POWER connector: Connect the power
cable of the PS-424MKIII power supply
to this connector. Never use any power
supply with the 424 MKIII except the
PS-424MKIII power supply which is
appropriate for your area’s voltage.
TAPE OUTPUTS: These jacks receive signals directly
from tape tracks 1–4 and are connected to the
inputs of an external mixer, or of another
multitrack recorder for making a backup copy of
your 4-track master, as required.
DBX NR switch: Normally, leave this switch in the
ON position. When you use track 4 for
recording and playing back MIDI sync tones or
timecode, set to SYNC, to set the dbx NR on for
tracks 1 through 3, and off for track 4.
LINE OUTPUT L and R: Normally, connect these
jacks to the left and right inputs of your
mixdown deck.
MONITOR OUTPUT L and R: These are connected to
an amplifier powering the control room
speakers.
EFFECT 2 SEND/TAPE CUE OUT: The signal available at this jack comes from either post
channel fader for connection to an additional effects device, or from the tape for
connection to a studio speaker system, as selected by means of the EFFECT 2/TAPE
CUE switch.
EFFECT 1 SEND: For sending post-fader signals to effects devices. The returns may be
plugged into the stereo inputs.
SUB INPUT L and R: Provide a direct route to the MASTER fader. You may connect an
outboard mixer here. The SUB IN R jack is also used to record sync tones on track 4.

Rear Panel Connections

On the front
PHONES (not shown) :This carries the same
mix as the MONITOR OUTPUT jacks, as
selected by the MONITOR switches.