Tascam PORTA02 owner manual Some safety notes and precautions, Mixing down

1 An introduction to the Porta02

and on A/V cue-equipped cassette record- ers.

L	4	CUE
R	3
R	2	R
L	1	L
IEC (Philips) ste-	TASCAM 4Tr 4Ch	TASCAM 4Tr 3Ch
reo cassette	(Porta02 format)	(A/V cue format)

Notice that the stereo cassette arrange- ment allows you to use both sides of the cassette, by playing the tape in the other direction. The Porta02, however, uses the whole width of the tape. Notice also that

one pair of L and R tracks on the stereo cassette take up the same positions as tracks 1 and 2 on the Porta02. This can be important for your recording projects, as we will see later on.

1.1.2 Mixing down

Another advantage of multitrack record- ing is that when you come to make the final version (on CD, cassette, etc.), you can adjust the level (volume) of each track, so that the piece sounds the way you want.

As well as adjusting the track levels, you can also adjust the position of each track with regard to the left and right speakers. This is called “panning”, and the controls used to do this are called “panpots”. By

using the panpots, you can make the tracks appear to come from the left or the right speakers or anywhere in the middle.

The technique of converting a multitrack recording to a stereo recording is called “mixing down” to a “stereo master” or “mastering” recorder. The Porta02 includes a mixdown section which allows you to mix to a stereo cassette or MD recorder.

1.2Some safety notes and precautions

•Always use the PS-P2 power adaptor supplied with the Porta02. If you use any other adaptor, there is a risk of damage, or even fire. Make sure that the input voltage marked on the PS-P2 adaptor matches the power supply you are using. If you are in any doubt, con- sult your TASCAM dealer.

•Turn off your Porta02 and remove the cassette when you are not using the Porta02. If you will not be using it for an extended period of time, unplug the PS-P2 adaptor.

•When connecting or disconnecting the Porta02 to or from any other equip- ment, make sure the power to the Porta02 and all other equipment is turned off. This will avoid possible damage to equipment.

•Do not keep your Porta02 in a very hot place. Remember that in sunny weather, the inside of a parked car heats up very quickly. Avoid leaving your Porta02 in such a place.

•Do not spill liquid onto your Porta02. Avoid eating, drinking and smoking near it (smoke particles are bad for

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