2
4
7
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
50
+22 dBu
+20
+18
+15
+12
+7
+2
–3
–8
–13
–18–28 dBu
OL
dBu
equivalent
4.After adjusting the tape output levels for each console channel, follow your console manufacturer’s instructions for setting the console tape return levels.
With analog I/O, a +22 dBu signal at the MDR24/96 inputs and outputs corresponds to
0 dBFS inside the MDR24/96. So, if your console has a nominal output level (0 VU) of +4 dBu, there is 18 dB of headroom before you hit the maximum record level on the MDR24/96. It also means that your console must be capable of putting out at least +22 dBu without distortion so the console doesn’t clip while the recorder is still within its working range. Most professional consoles
can output +22 dBu without breaking a sweat
(like the Mackie Analog and Digital 8•Bus consoles). But beware that semi-pro consoles often operate at a nominal output level of –10 dBV and will run out of steam before reaching a level that can take advantage of the recorder’s full resolution.
Auto Punch
The Auto Punch function automatically starts and stops recording on armed tracks at preset punch-in and punch-out times, just as if you had pressed the appropriate buttons. Auto Punch is frequently used in combination with the Loop (page 37) and Auto Take (page 40) functions. This feature is only accessible from either the Remote 24 or Remote 48.
Typically this feature is used when you want to re-record a portion of a track. By setting up auto-punch points, you can be assured of punching in and out at the same spots on every pass, protecting yourself from accidentally recording over a good section of the track. By setting Loop points surrounding the Punch points, you can continuously repeat a punch until you get it right or decide you need to practice the part some more.
The Punch markers share duties as LOC 3 and LOC 4 points (page 37). While it’s logical to set LOC 3 to the punch-in time and LOC 4 to the punch-out time, recording always starts at the earliest of the two times, and stops at the later time.
In order to perform an automatic punch, PUNCH must be enabled from the remote, the track on which you’re punching must be in record-ready, and the recorder must be running in the Master Record mode. When in the Punch mode, the MDR24/96 will actually record only between the two Punch markers. Pressing the RECORD button when
outside the markers will have no effect other than arming for auto-punching. Within the Punch region, you can stop recording by pressing either the STOP or PLAY button, and you can use the RECORD + PLAY buttons to punch in and out anywhere within the Punch region.
Automatic punching can only be set up, enabled, and disabled from the remote controllers. Once the punch-in and -out points are set, you can use the front panel or remote controllers to control recording in the Punch mode. Punch must be disengaged on the remote in order to manually control recording operations outside of the Punch area.
