Mixdown and mastering

Mixdown and mastering

This is the last stage in creating a song, allowing you to create a file which you can play back into a stereo recorder, and export to a WAV file for further processing, archiving, recording, etc. on a personal computer (“Exporting the mastered stereo tracks” on page 49).

Mixdown This is the art of mixing the different tracks you have recorded earlier so that the whole song sounds “right”—everything is at the right volume, and the song sounds like one piece of music.

There are no real rules to mixing, except that if you like the mix, and other people like it, it’s probably a good mix.

Use the eight track faders to adjust the relative volume of the tracks and the red MASTER fader to adjust the overall level, and watch the L and R meters at the right of the display to make sure that the mix is not too loud (if it’s too loud, it will distort, and sound bad).

Use the EQ HIGH and EQ LOW (tone) controls to boost or cut bass and treble from the individual tracks.

If you have an external effect processor connected through the SEND and RETURN loop, adjust the EFFECT SEND levels for each track. This is the amount of signal sent from each track to the effect. You can use this to add effects only to certain tracks. Use the EFFECT RETURN con- trol to adjust the amount of the effect returned to the mix.

Use the PAN controls to adjust the left-right position of each track in the stereo mix.

To cut out the sound of a track, use the SHIFT key and the track’s REC key to mute (the orange MUTE indicator lights for muted tracks) and un-mute the track.

Starting out with your DP-01

The most important

components of a mix are your ears—if you think it sounds good, then it is.

You don’t have to keep levels the same through the whole song (try

raising the level of a guitar during solos, for example).

On the DP-01FX

and DP-01FX/CD, you can use the internal reverb unit instead of an external effect proces- sor (“Reverb” on page 68).

If you have two

tracks with differ- ent versions of the same part, you can use the mute function to make easy comparisons between the two.

The track meters show the level of the signal recorded on the track,

not the level sent from the track.

26 TASCAM DP-01 Owner’s Manual

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Tascam DP-01FX/CD, D00871320A owner manual Mixdown and mastering

D00871320A, DP-01FX/CD specifications

The Tascam DP-01FX/CD is a versatile and user-friendly digital portastudio that perfectly balances professional quality with straightforward operation, making it an exceptional choice for both novice and seasoned musicians. Designed for multitrack recording, this device integrates a wide range of features, enabling users to create high-quality audio projects with ease.

At the heart of the DP-01FX/CD is its capacity to record up to eight tracks simultaneously, with a total of 16 tracks available for mixing. This capability allows for a rich layering of sounds, making it suitable for recording full bands, solo artists, or intricate soundscapes. The onboard effects processor offers 50 different effects types, including reverbs, delays, and modulation effects, giving users a broad palette for sound design and enhancement.

One of the standout features of the DP-01FX/CD is its built-in CD burner, enabling users to easily create audio CDs directly from their recordings. This feature provides convenience for artists looking to distribute their music quickly without needing a separate computer or additional equipment. The device also includes a high-quality dual-XLR mic preamp, ensuring that vocal and instrumental recordings maintain clarity and depth.

Connectivity is another strong point of the DP-01FX/CD, as it incorporates multiple input options, including XLR, TRS, and RCA jacks. This flexibility allows for various instruments and microphones to be plugged in simultaneously, streamlining the recording process. Additionally, the unit supports USB connectivity, enabling users to transfer their projects to and from a computer for further editing or backup.

The user-friendly interface is designed for straightforward navigation, featuring a backlit LCD screen and intuitive controls. This makes it easy for users to adjust levels, apply effects, and manage tracks without getting lost in complicated menus. Moreover, the built-in metronome and tuner further enhance the recording experience, providing musicians with the tools needed to stay in time and in pitch.

In conclusion, the Tascam DP-01FX/CD is an all-in-one solution for musicians and audio producers seeking a blend of functionality and ease of use. Its robust features, professional-grade sound quality, and convenient CD-burning capability make it an excellent choice for those looking to create high-fidelity audio recordings in a simple, efficient manner.