Yamaha MT2X Owner's Manual - Page 18

MULTITRACK RECORDING TECHNIQUES n ONE EXAMPLE OF A MULTlTRACK RECORDING PROCESS Multitrack recording is usually used to record a rhythm section, with overdubbing and ping-ponging operations assisting in mixing the parts of the various musicians in the proper balance. Finally, the tape is mixed down to produce a stereo master tape. These are the steps in our example: Record the drums on track 1 Record the bass on track 2 Record the rhythm guitar on track 3 Ping-ponging tracks 1 -- 3 onto track 4 (freeing tracks 1 - 3) Record the keyboards on track 3 Record the lead guitar on track 2 Record the vocals on track 1 Mixdown tracks 1 - 4 to produce a stereo master tape Track 1 Track 2 Track 3 Track 4 Mixdown n BEFORE RECORDING RECORDING LEVEL In making a good recording, the most important step is setting the ideal recording level. If the level is too low, the recording will contain a lot of noise and hiss; if the level is too high, the recording will sound distorted and unclear. The MT2X is equipped with peak level meters which show the level of each track, as well as the level of the stereo output signal. Use these meters to help you set the ideal recording level. If the level meters "peak out" (show the maximum reading) briefly, it's not a problem. However, if they're peaking out for more than a second or two, then distortion may become a problem. dbx SYSTEM Keep the dbx switch "ON" to expand dynamic range and to reduce inherent tape noise. SELECT THE BEST TAPE SPEED The MT2X gives you a choice of two tape speeds. The low speed gives you about double the record/playback time of the high-speed mode - at the expense of reproduction quality. Use the low-speed mode when making test recordings or simply trying out ideas. Use the high-speed mode when you need the best possible sound quality - when recording an important demo, for example. PLAN CAREFULLY FOR MICROPHONE RECORDING Since the MT2X only permits microphone recording via channels 1 and 2, one or both of these channels must be kept available if you plan to record with microphones. STEREO POSITIONING It's important to think about the acoustic "position" of all the instruments well before you start your multitrack recording. Here's one example of acoustic positioning. Set the bass drum and the snare drum in the center, with the tomtoms and high hat set off to either side to bring out the "stereo" effect. The bass and other "heavy" instruments should be in the center, with the keyboards to the left and the guitar to the right. Solo instruments and voices should span both right and left. Solo instruments with a stereo output can have their left channel connected to a delay machine, while the right channel is recorded directly. You can probably think of many other different ways to "arrange" the soundstage. EQUALIZATION AND EFFECT PROCESSING Equalization and effect processing are usually added at the ping-pong and mixdown stages. In multitrack recording, these types of signal processing can be decided on later, and employed to any degree necessary. However, the MT2X is limited in the number of effects which can be used during mixdown, so it's best to use them during the initial recording stages. MONlTORlNG In addition to circuits for signal recording, this unit also features a separate monitor circuit to allow the performer to monitor the levels of the recording in progress through a pair of headphones. In this case, set the PHONES SELECT switch to the "MONITOR" position. Adjust the volume level of each track with its MONITOR LEVEL controls. In addition, powered monitor speakers can be directly connected to the ST OUT jacks or the AUX SEND jack. 16