Yamaha MT 400 Welcome to the MT400

3

—Owner’s Manual

Welcome to the MT400

MT400 Features

The MT400 consists of three major sections: a Mixer section that enables you to mix sounds

(with eight inputs and one stereo output): a Recorder section that records and plays sound

(with four tracks and four channels): and utility sections including meters, power switch, etc.

Mixer

• Continuously variable GAIN controls on Input Channels 1 through 4 allow the MT400 to

handle any type of input source with ease, including microphone and line-level signals such as

synthesizers.

• Musical three-band EQ on each input channel, and INSERT I/O jacks on Input Channels 1

and 2 for external processor patching enable high-quality recording.

• Two auxiliary sends for external reverb and other effects processor patching.

• Two stereo input jacks for connecting a synthesizer and other line-level instruments that have

stereo outputs. These jacks can be also used to return processed signals from external signal

processors.

• In-line conﬁguration that allows you to control input signals and tape playback signals

simultaneously. You can monitor track signals adjusted by the CUE controls, while making a

recording on all four input channels. During mixdown, you can play back four-track signals

via the input channels, while mixing input signals via the CUE controls.

Recorder

• dbx™ noise reduction system provides a signal-to-noise ratio in excess of 80 dB.

• Punch in/out functions using a footswitch or the switch on the panel.

• SYNC OUT outputs a sync track (Track 4) signal, providing synchronous operation between

the MT400 and a MIDI sequencer. In SYNC mode, the dbx noise reduction can be turned off

for Track 4, ensuring reliable synchronization.

• Tape speed is switchable between 9.5 cm/second and 4.8 cm/second. The MT400 standard

tape speed is 9.5 cm/second for greater sonic performance. A speed of 4.8 cm/second is the

same speed as a normal cassette recorder, doubling the recording time relative to the MT400

standard speed. Pitch control enables you to ﬁne-adjust the pitch in the range between –10%

and +10%.

Contents

Main MULTITRACK CASSETTE RECORDER Owners Manual E 6 5 8 Important Read the Following Before Operating MT400 Keep This Manual For Future Reference Contents 3 Welcome to the MT400 Recorder Mixer MT400 Features Buying Cassette Tapes for the MT400 MT400 tracks MT400 Recording Format About dbx Noise Reduction Glossary 6 Touring the MT400 CUE control D AUX controls C E INPUT-FLIP switch Fader G PAN control 8 Stereo Inputs STEREO fader K h 9 Recorder Section QP METER SELECT switch O 10 Transport Section 11 Meter Section f c a 12 Front Panel Rear Panel 13 The First Session Rhythm machine Headphones Master recorder Preparation Recording the First Track Preparation Before Recording Selecting a recording track 1 2 3 Checking the recording level 4 16 The First Take 354 The Track 1 REC SELECT indicator ashes. Starting recording 1 Signal ow during track recording CUE bus (monaural) Overdubbing 3 9 784 Selecting a recording track 1 2. Start recording 7 Listening to the recording 8 CUE bus (monaural) Signal ow during overdubbing the beginning and press the [PLAY] button to start playback. Mixdown 65 Connecting a master recorder 1 Sending the tape playback sound to the input channels 2 11 5 6 7 Stereo bus L, R Signal ow during mixdown monitor speakers, adjust the faders, PAN controls, and EQ controls on Input Channel Advanced Recording Techniques This chapter introduces you to various advanced recording techniques using the MT400. 05 A 4 to L and R respectively. 5 Stereo bus Signal ow during multi-channel mixing 6 STEREO fader to the 78 mark. Ping-Pong Recording 509 7 Overdubbing Overdubbing recording This section explains how to mix and record existing Tracks 13 data onto Track 4 as an example. 5 6 R CUE bus Stereo bus R Signal ow during ping-pong recording Multi-Source Mixing 1 INPUTs 1 and 2. 2 5 6 7 Stereo bus Signal ow during multi-source mixing 8 Using Effects Using INSERT I/O 29 Effects processor connection with an insert cable Effects processor 1 Effects processor 2 Outputs OutputsInput Input Connecting external effects processors to AUX SENDs 30 Applying Effects to Multiple Channels When Recording Page 32 Applying Effects to Only a Monitor Signal 39 The vocal will be directly recorded on Track 4. 1 33 Applying Effects at Mixdown 1 2 Tracks 14 signals are sent to Input Channels 14. Punch In/Out Recording 8AB 60 Mistakes Punch in Punch out 35 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 0 A LINE 4. B 2 MIDI Synchronization Synchronizing the MT400 with a MIDI Sequencer SYNC Signal Formats 38 Connecting the MT400 to a MIDI System FSK INFSK OUT SYNC OUT FSK/MIDI system SMPTE/MTC system MIDI tone generator MIDI OUT 1 LR SMPTE INSMPTE OUT 40 Recording a SYNC Signal on the Tape C5A 1 converter or the SMPTE/MTC converter as shown in the diagrams on pages 38 and 39. 41 9 converter. 0 The dbx reduction system is cancelled only on the sync track (Track 4). Page 43 Synchronized Mixdown 78 to external MTC or MIDI Clock. 1 Appendix Troubleshooting 45 Maintaining the MT400 Cleaning the Record-Play Head, Erase Head, Capstan, and Pinch Roller Demagnetizing the Record-Play Head Specications Tape Transport I/O Specications Mixer Recorder Dimensions Block Diagram 1234 Input Source: Input Source: Input Source: Input Source: Input Source: Input Source: Tracking Sheet + 4 3 2