MULTITRACK MD RECORDER Owner’s Manual L R L STEREO SUB IN R L STEREO OUT 1 R 1 MONITOR OUT 2 1 2 L 4 4 R AUX RETURN 3 GAIN 3 TRACK DIRECT OUT 3 MIC/LINE INPUT GAIN 2 GAIN AUX RETURN LINE HIGH MIC LINE HIGH MIC LINE HIGH MIC LINE HIGH MIC 1 2 GROUP ASSIGN 3 –12 MID +12 –12 MID +12 –12 MID +12 –12 MID +12 –12 LOW +12 –12 LOW +12 –12 LOW +12 –12 LOW +12 4 +12 –12 AUX +12 –12 AUX +12 –12 AUX +12 STEREO SUB IN 1 2 GROUP ASSIGN 3 4 LEVEL 0 LEV
FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.) 1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by Yamaha may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product. 2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product use only high quality shielded cables. Cable/s supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions.
• Explanation of Graphical Symbols CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. SEE BOTTOM OF ENCLOSURE FOR GRAPHIC SYMBOLS MARKING. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
iii Important Read the Following Before Operating MD4 Warnings • Do not locate MD4 in a place subject to excessive heat or in direct sunlight. This could be a fire hazard. • Do not place MD4 in a place subject to excessive humidity or dust. This could be a fire and electrical shock hazard. • Connect the supplied AC power cord only to an AC outlet of the type stated in this Owner’s Manual or as marked on the main unit. Failure to do so is a fire and electrical shock hazard.
iv Interference MD4 uses high-frequency digital circuits that may cause interference on radios and televisions placed close to it. If interference does occur, relocate the affected equipment. Copyright © 1996 Yamaha Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of the MD4 software or this Owner’s Manual may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written authorization of Yamaha Corporation. Trademarks MD DATA and MiniDisc are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
v Contents 1. Welcome to MD4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 MD4 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buying Discs for MD4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
vi Preparing for Ping-Pong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rehearsing the Ping-Pong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Performing the Ping-Pong for Real . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checking the Ping-Pong Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ping-Pong with Overdub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
vii Deleting Steps in a Tempo Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Saving a Tempo Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Loading a Tempo Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Tempo Map Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 9. MD4 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 One-Take Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Welcome to MD4 1 1 Welcome to MD4 Thank you for choosing the Yamaha MD4 Multitrack MD Recorder. MD4 is the world’s first multitrack recorder to use the MiniDisc format, with its superior sound quality and quick search capabilities. To take best advantage of your MD4, read this Owner’s Manual thoroughly. MD4 Features Mixer The mixer section is a four-input channel, four-group analog mixer.
2 Welcome to MD4 Buying Discs for MD4 It’s important that you buy the correct type of disc for use with your MD4. For 4-track recording and playback, you must use MD DATA discs. Normal MiniDiscs can only be used for 2-track recording and playback. MD DATA discs are used as a storage media for computers. MD4 uses the MD DATA audio format. MiniDiscs are also referred to as MD discs, although they are used only for music.
3 Touring MD4 2 Touring MD4 This chapter takes you on a tour of MD4, identifying the various parts to help you become familiar with your new recorder.
4 Touring MD4 Input Channels 1 GAIN control This rotary control adjusts the sensitivity of the MIC/LINE input so that both microphone and line-level signals can be handled with ease. 2 EQ controls 1 These rotary controls are used to boost and cut the high, middle, and low frequency bands independently. A flat setting (i.e., no boost or cut) can be set quickly using the control’s center detent.
Master Section 5 Master Section 1 AUX RETURN GROUP ASSIGN switches MASTER AUX RETURN 1 1 2 GROUP ASSIGN 3 4 STEREO SUB IN 1 2 GROUP ASSIGN 3 6 2 AUX RETURN LEVEL control 4 LEVEL LEVEL 2 7 0 10 MONITOR SELECT 1 0 10 1 These switches are used to select the signal source for the MONITOR OUT and headphones.
6 Touring MD4 Display 45 3 MASTER MTC 7 TOC EDIT REHE REC MIN. 3 4 SEC. ELAPSE REMAIN TOTAL MARKERS S 1 2 8 MD4 Song PITCH FIX VARI 2 1 6 5 6 7 A 9 +12 +9 +6 +3 0 –3 –6 –10 –20 CLIP –3 –6 –9 FRAMES –12 –15 –18 –27 –39 REPEAT MEMO A AUTO PUNCH MEMO B 8 E 1 ALL PRE IN OUT POST B 0 C dB 1 2 3 4 dB L R D Note: For explanation purposes, the illustration above shows most of the available indicators.
Display 7 6 Time Counter mode These indicators show the Time Counter mode. ELAPSE—This mode shows the time position within a song. REMAIN—This mode shows the time remaining for a song or when you are recording a new song, it shows the available time remaining for the song. TOTAL—This mode shows the time position within the entire disc. 7 Title and function display Disc titles, song titles, functions, messages, and other information appear here.
8 Touring MD4 Disc Transport Section H 6 7 89 5 TIME DISPLAY 0 1 2 REPEAT MEMO A/B PITCH 4 3 2 MARK SEARCH CLEAR ADJUST 3 4 REC SELECT MARK SELECT A B LAST REC SEARCH UTILITY – DATA C + IN OUT ENTER 1 AUTO PUNCH I/O REHE D SONG SEARCH PLAY REC PAUSE REVIEW FF CUE STOP TOC WRITE PHONES PUNCH I/O G F E 1 AUTO PUNCH I/O button This button is used to turn on the Auto Punch In/Out function.
Disc Transport Section 9 9 CLEAR button This button is used to cancel functions and delete characters in disc and song titles. 0 REC SELECT buttons These buttons are used to select tracks for recording. A MARK SEARCH buttons These buttons are used to locate song markers. B MARK button This button is used to enter markers during recording or playback. C LAST REC SEARCH IN/OUT buttons These buttons are used to locate the LAST REC IN and OUT points.
10 Touring MD4 Topside Connectors 1 L 2 R STEREO SUB IN L 3 R STEREO OUT 1 2 L 5 R 1 2 MONITOR OUT 3 MIC/LINE INPUT 4 3 4 TRACK DIRECT OUT 4 L R AUX RETURN AUX SEND 6 7 1 STEREO SUB IN These phono jacks are used to connect another mixer to MD4 to increase the number of available input channels. The stereo output signals from the other mixer can be mixed into the MD4 stereo mix or recorded to MD4 tracks. Connect them to the other mixer’s stereo outputs.
Front Connectors 11 Front Connectors 1 2 1 PHONES A pair of stereo headphones can be connected here for monitoring. The headphone signal is the same as the MONITOR OUT signal. 2 PUNCH I/O An optional footswitch, such as the Yamaha FC5, can be connected here for foot-controlled playback, rehearsal, recording, or punch in/out. Rear AC IN POWER ON/OFF 1 2 MIDI OUT 3 CAUTION TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
12 3 The First Session The First Session This chapter explains how to record and mix your first MD4 session. If this is your first time with a multitrack recorder, we recommend that you start with this chapter and follow all the procedures closely. When you’ve completed this chapter, have a look at subsequent chapters, which explain more advanced MD4 functions and require a basic knowledge of MD4 and multitrack recording techniques.
Connecting the Power Cord 13 Connecting the Power Cord 1. Connect the supplied power cord to the AC IN socket on the rear of MD4. 2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a suitable AC wall outlet. Turning On MD4 1. Press the POWER switch at the rear of MD4. The display lights up. POWER ON/OFF To turn off MD4, press the POWER switch again. Loading a Disc 1. Press the EJECT button to open the disc compartment. 2. Insert the disc into the compartment with the arrow pointing forward.
14 The First Session The following table show the relationship between the PAN control and Group/Tracks. GROUP ASSIGN 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 PAN Destination Group/Track Group/Track 1 L ODD R EVEN Group/Track 3 Group/Track 2 L ODD R EVEN Group/Track 4 6. Press the MONITOR SELECT [1–3] switch. This sets the monitor source to Track 1. 7. Set the MONITOR LEVEL control midway. 8. Raise Channel 1 fader to the 7–8 mark. You should now be able to hear the sound source.
Overdubbing 15 2. Press the MONITOR SELECT [1–3] switch. 3. Press the [CUE] MONITOR SELECT switch. 4. Set CUE LEVEL 1 midway. 5. Press the [PLAY] button to start playback. You should now be able to hear what was recorded. Adjust CUE LEVEL 1 as required. If you don’t hear anything, recheck the preceding steps. Overdubbing Overdubbing is the technique used to record new sounds to empty tracks while listening to the sounds already recorded on other tracks.
16 The First Session and what you are recording now. 15. Press the [STOP] button to stop recording (or Rehearsal). 16. Press the LAST REC SEARCH [IN] button. This returns to the point at which recording (or Rehearsal) started. 17. Press the [PLAY] button to play back what you‘ve recorded. If you just rehearsed the overdub, there won’t be anything to play back yet. 18. Use the CUE level controls to adjust the monitor level of each track. Repeat this procedure until you’ve recorded all tracks.
An Overview of Multitrack Recording 17 An Overview of Multitrack Recording This section describes the fundamental principles of multitrack recording. Basic Multitracking Monitoring—This is the process of listening to a sound as it’s being recorded or listening to recorded sounds as new sounds are recorded to other tracks. See About Monitoring on page 18 for more information. Recording the First Track—The first track to be recorded is typically the drum track.
18 The First Session About Monitoring MD4 features a flexible monitoring system, allowing you to monitor signals at various points. You can monitor sounds through a pair of stereo headphones connected to the PHONES jack, or through a monitor amplifier and speakers connected to the MONITOR OUT jacks. The MONITOR SELECT switches are used to select the monitor source, and the MONITOR LEVEL control is used to adjust the level. GROUP—These switches select the Group buses as the monitor source.
Recording & Mixing Techniques 4 19 Recording & Mixing Techniques This chapter explains MD4 recording and mixing techniques. Recording a New Song The NEW REC function is used to record new songs on a disc. Songs are recorded sequentially, as shown below. With a blank disc, simply pressing the [REC] button engages New Record mode. For a disc that already contains some songs, however, you must first locate the Blank Top area of the disc, as explained below.
20 Recording & Mixing Techniques 1. To set the Recording mode, press the [UTILITY] button and use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select the Rec Mode function. 2. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows 4TRX2TRXMONO 3. Use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select a Recording mode. Only the 2TR and MONO modes can be selected when a MiniDisc is loaded. 4. Press the [UTILITY] button to exit the Rec Mode function. Recording 1. Press the [REC] button to engage Record Pause mode.
Manual Punch In/Out 21 Manual Punch In/Out Punch in/out techniques allows you to rerecord specific sections of a track. This can be used to correct mistakes or record something new into silent sections of a track. If you’re operating MD4 and playing or singing the part to be recorded, you’ll find it much easier to use the Auto Punch In/Out function, which performs the punch in/out automatically. See Auto Punch In/Out on page 24 for more information.
22 Recording & Mixing Techniques Using the REC SELECT buttons 1. Locate to a position before the point at which you want to punch in. 2. Make sure that all track indicators are off (i.e., no tracks selected). 3. Press the [REC] button. The REC indicators flash, indicating Record Pause mode is engaged. Instead of pressing the [REC] button you could have pressed the [REHE] button to engage Rehearse Pause mode. Rehearse allows you to have a dry run before actually recording.
Manual Punch In/Out 23 Using a Footswitch 1. Connect an optional footswitch to the PUNCH I/O jack. 2. Locate to a position before the point at which you want to punch in. 3. Press the [REC SELECT] button of the track that you want to record. A circle flashes around the corresponding track indicator. 4. Press the [REC] button. The REC indicators flash, indicating Record Pause mode is engaged. 5. Press the footswitch to start playback. Playback starts and the PLAY indicators light up.
24 Recording & Mixing Techniques Auto Punch In/Out The Auto Punch In/Out function automates the punch in/out procedure, allowing you to concentrate on your playing or singing. Auto Punch In/Out uses the LAST REC IN and OUT points as the punch in and punch out points. So you must set these points first. Once set, you can rehearse the punch in/out repeatedly with accuracy. Setting the In/Out Points “On-the-Fly” 1. Locate to a position before the point at which you want to punch in. 2.
Auto Punch In/Out 25 Rehearsing Auto Punch 1. Press the [REC SELECT] button of the track that you want to record. A circle flashes around the corresponding track indicator. 2. Press the [AUTO PUNCH I/O] button. The Pre-Roll point is located automatically and the PRE indicator flashes. The REHE indicators flash and the display shows A.PNCHXREHE. The AUTO PUNCH and POST indicators appear. This is Auto Punch Rehearse Standby mode.
26 Recording & Mixing Techniques Performing Auto Punch for Real 1. Press the [REC SELECT] button of the track that you want to record. A circle flashes around the corresponding track indicator. 2. Press the [AUTO PUNCH I/O] button. The Pre-Roll point is located automatically and the PRE indicator flashes. The REHE indicators flash and the display shows A.PNCHXREHE. The AUTO PUNCH and POST indicators appear. This is Auto Punch Rehearse Standby mode. 3. Press the [REC] button.
Auto Punch In/Out 27 Auto Punch with a Footswitch An optional footswitch can be used to start the Auto Punch In/Out sequence. 1. Press the [REC SELECT] button of the track that you want to record. A circle flashes around the corresponding track indicator. 2. Press the [AUTO PUNCH I/O] button. The Pre-Roll point is located automatically and the PRE indicator flashes. The REHE indicators flash and the display shows A.PNCHXREHE. The AUTO PUNCH and POST indicators appear.
28 Recording & Mixing Techniques Setting the Pre-Roll & Post-Roll Times Pre-Roll and Post-Roll are used in conjunction with the Auto Punch In/Out function. Pre-Roll refers to the time before the IN point at which playback starts. Post-Roll refers to the time after the OUT point at which playback stops. The default time for both Pre-Roll and Post-Roll is 5 seconds. You can change the values independently using the PrePost Roll function, as explained below.
Ping-Pong Recording 29 Ping-Pong Recording The ping-pong recording technique (also known as bounce down) is used to free up tracks for further recording. This is accomplished by bouncing down (i.e., mixing and recording) one or two existing tracks to an unused track. Those tracks are then used for further recording. Although MD4 is a four-track recorder, effectively you can record more than just four tracks using this technique.
30 Recording & Mixing Techniques Preparing for Ping-Pong 1. Press the [ ] SONG SEARCH button to locate the beginning of the song. 2. Set the input select switches on the source track channels to PB. This sets the disc playback signal as the source for the channels. 3. Set the faders on the source channels to the 7–8 mark. 4. Use the ASSIGN switches and PAN controls on the source track channels to assign the signals to the destination track.
Ping-Pong with Overdub 31 Checking the Ping-Pong Operation 15. Press the [ ] SONG SEARCH button to locate the beginning of the song. 16. Press the MONITOR SELECT [GROUP] switch that you pressed previously to monitor the destination track. 17. Press the MONITOR SELECT CUE switch. 18. Set the CUE LEVEL control corresponding to the destination track to midway. 19. Press the [PLAY] button to start playback. You should now be able to hear the new combined track.
32 Recording & Mixing Techniques Pitch The Pitch function allows you to adjust the pitch for playback and recording. The pitch can be adjusted approximately ±6%. Normally, the Pitch function should be set to Fix, which means the pitch is fixed for normal operation. See Pitch on page 62 for some advanced applications of the Pitch function. When normal pitch is selected, PITCH FIX is shown on the display. When variable pitch is selected, PITCH VARI is shown. Adjusting the Pitch 1. Press the [PITCH] button.
Using a Footswitch 33 Using a Footswitch An optional footswitch can be used to control MD4. Apart from a few small differences, footswitch operation is essentially the same as pressing the MD4 [PLAY] button. Connect the footswitch to the PUNCH I/O jack at the front of MD4. The following is a summary of footswitch operations.
34 Recording & Mixing Techniques Applying Effects The AUX SEND and AUX RETURN allow you to connect an external effects processor and apply effects to MD4 signals. Effects can be applied when recording tracks, using ping-pong, or during mixdown. Typically, reverb and delay type effects, which are often applied to several sounds in a mix, are used with this type of connection. The input channel AUX controls are used to send signals to the effects processor.
Applying Effects 35 2. Set the effects processor as required. 3. To mix the processed signal back into the stereo mix, turn up the AUX RETURN LEVEL control. Use the AUX RETURN LEVEL control to balance the processed signal with the dry, unprocessed signal that is coming directly from the input channel. Use the input channel fader to adjust the level of the unprocessed signal. You can apply the same effect to other channels using the corresponding AUX controls. Applying Effects when Recording 1.
36 5 Quick Search Functions Quick Search Functions This chapter explains the quick search functions. Searching for Songs The [ ] and [ ] SONG SEARCH buttons can be used at any time except recording to locate songs. The [ ] SONG SEARCH button locates the previous song and the [ ] SONG SEARCH button locates the next song. When the [ ] SONG SEARCH button is pressed in the middle of a song, the beginning of that song is located.
Inserting Markers 37 Inserting Markers You can insert up to eight markers in a song during recording or playback. Markers are a convenient way to locate specific points within a song. They can be adjusted and erased. The Start and End markers, which are inserted automatically when recording, cannot be adjusted or erased. Markers can also be used to arrange sections of a song into a Cue List. See Cue List Playback & Copy on page 42 for more information. 1.
38 Quick Search Functions Adjusting Markers Once inserted, markers can be finely adjusted in one frame steps. The LAST REC IN and OUT points can also be adjusted. The Start and End markers cannot be adjusted. 1. Press the [ADJUST] button. The display shows ADJST: MARK 1 2. Use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select the marker that you want to adjust. IN and OUT refer to the LAST REC IN and OUT points. 3. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows ADJST Load..
Erasing Markers 39 Erasing Markers 1. Press the [ADJUST] button. The display shows ADJST: MARK 1 2. Use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select the marker that you want to erase. 3. Press the [CLEAR] button. The display shows CLR MARK 1? 4. Press the [ENTER] button to erase the marker. The marker is erased and existing subsequent markers are renumbered, as shown below. Before Erase [S] [1] [2] [3] [4] [E] [3] [E] Marker to be erased After Erase [S] [1] [2] 5.
40 6 Repeat, Cue List & Program Play Repeat, Cue List & Program Play This chapter explains the Repeat, Cue List, and Program Play functions. One Song Repeat One Song Repeat playback allows you to play one song repeatedly. One Song Repeat Song 1 Song 2 Song 3 Play Repeatedly 1. Use the [SONG SEARCH] buttons to select the song for repeat playback. 2. Press the [REPEAT] button. REPEAT 1 appears on the display. 3. Press the [PLAY] button to start playback. The selected song plays repeatedly.
A–B Repeat 41 A–B Repeat A–B Repeat playback allows you to play a specific section of a song repeatedly. Playback repeats between the specified A and B points. A–B Repeat Song 1 Song 2 A Point Song 3 B Point Play Repeatedly 1. Press the [PLAY] button to start playback. 2. Press the [MEMO A/B] button when you hear the beginning of the section that you want to repeat. REPEAT MEMO A appears on the display. Point A has been entered. 3.
42 Repeat, Cue List & Program Play Cue List Playback & Copy The Cue List function allows you to compile a cue list (i.e., a sequence of cues for playback) using markers. Cues are loaded into memory for continuous, uninterrupted playback. The Cue List can also be copied to create a new song. A Cue List can contain up to nine steps. You can specify the start marker, end marker, and the number of times the step is to repeat from 1 to 9.
Program Playback 43 Program Playback The Program Play function allows you to compile a program of songs for custom playback. The Program may contain up to 36 steps. Program S1: S2: S3: S4: S5: S6: S7: S8: S9: " " " Song Song Song Song Song Song Song Song Song " " 3 5 2 9 1 7 6 4 9 1. Press the [UTILITY] button and use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select the PRG Play function. 2. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows EDITXNEW 3. Use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select EDIT or NEW.
44 7 Editing Songs & Tracks Editing Songs & Tracks This chapter explains the edit functions that can be used with songs and tracks. Copying a Song The Song Copy function allows you to duplicate a song, including title, markers, and Tempo Map. This is useful for making a backup copy before performing a ping-pong or punch in/out operation. If the ping-pong or punch doesn’t turn out as expected, you can always go back to the duplicate version and try again. 1.
Dividing a Song 45 Dividing a Song The Song Divide function allows you to divide songs into several independent songs. Songs can also be arranged as a program for playback. See Program Playback on page 43 for more information. 1. Locate the position where you want to divide the song and press the [PAUSE] button. The PLAY indicators flash. 2. Press the [UTILITY] button and use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select the Song Divide function. 3. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows Divide EXE? 4.
46 Editing Songs & Tracks Combining Songs The Song Combine function allows you to combine adjacent songs that were divided using the Song Divide function. Songs that were recorded separately cannot be combined. 1. Press the [UTILITY] button and use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select the Song Combine function. 2. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows CmbnXXX*+XX* 3. Use the [–] and [+] DATA buttons to select the Songs that you want to combine. For example: CmbnXXX1+XX2 4.
Track-to-Track Copy 47 Track-to-Track Copy The Off Line Punch function allows you to perform track-to-track copies. The section of the source track to be copied is determined by the LAST REC IN and OUT points, and you must set these points before trying to use this function. As the copy operation is performed by the recorder, the mixer settings have no effect. The copy is recorded at the same volume level as the original. You can monitor the destination track while the copy is in progress.
48 Editing Songs & Tracks Erasing Tracks The Track Erase function allows you to erase individual tracks. 1. Press the [UTILITY] button and use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select the Track Erase function. 2. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows EraseX****Tr 3. Use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select tracks and the [–] and [+] DATA buttons to set tracks to be erased. For example: EraseX*2**Tr 4. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows Erase EXE? 5.
MD4 & MIDI 8 49 MD4 & MIDI MIDI sequencers and MIDI controlled musical instruments have become essential tools for modern recording. It’s common these days not to record MIDI instruments to tape until the final mixdown. This has the benefit of freeing up tracks for acoustic sounds and reduces the need for recorders with many tracks. MD4 is ideal for recording vocal, guitar, and other acoustic sounds and can easily be integrated into a MIDI system using either MTC (MIDI Timecode) or MIDI Clock.
50 MD4 & MIDI Setting Up a Synchronized MIDI System The following illustration shows how MD4 can be integrated into a MIDI-based recording system. In this example, acoustic sounds are recorded to the MD4 and MIDI devices are controlled by the MIDI sequencer, which receives MTC or MIDI Clock from MD4. This example also shows how the MD4 DIRECT TRACK OUTs can be used to output signals directly from the MD4 tracks.
Using MTC 51 Using MTC Setting MD4 for MTC Operation 1. Press the [UTILITY] button and use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select the MIDI Sync function. 2. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows OFFXMTCXCLK 3. Press the [®] SELECT button to select MTC. MTC appears on the display. 4. Press the [UTILITY] button. MD4 is now ready for synchronized operation. When MTC is on, MD4 stops playback at the end of each song. MTC is turned off automatically if the Cue List or Program Play function is used.
52 MD4 & MIDI Using MIDI Clock Setting the MIDI Sequencer The MIDI sequencer must be set to receive and synchronize to an external MIDI Clock source. Refer to your MIDI sequencer’s user manual for more information. Exact MIDI Clock operation depends on what external synchronization features your MIDI sequencer supports.
Using MIDI Clock 53 nined in step 8. To go to the tempo section of the Tempo Map, press the [CLEAR] button, press the [®] SELECT button, and then press the [ENTER] button. 11. Press the [UTILITY] button. The Tempo Map is not stored when MD4 is turned off, so you should save it to disc. See Saving a Tempo Map on page 55 for more information. Adding Tempo Changes to a Tempo Map 1. Press the [UTILITY] button and use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select the MIDI Sync function. 2.
54 MD4 & MIDI Inserting Steps in a Tempo Map The Tempo Map is sorted automatically when you press the [ENTER] button. So you can insert new meter or tempo steps in any order. The following example shows how sorting works when a new meter step is inserted. Current Tempo Map New Meter Step Sorted Tempo Map A 0 0 1 2/4 A 001 2/4 B 010 3/4 B 005 6/8 C 000 4/4 C 005 6/8 C 010 3/4 The following example shows how sorting works when a new tempo step is inserted.
Using MIDI Clock 55 Saving a Tempo Map 1. Press the [UTILITY] button and use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select the MIDI Sync function. 2. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows OFFXMTCXCLK 3. Use the [√] and [®] SELECT buttons to select CLK. 4. Press the [ENTER] button. The display shows MeterXTempo> 5. Press the [®] SELECT button twice. The display shows
56 MD4 & MIDI Tempo Map Chart Meter Tempo Step Measure Time Signature Step Measure -Beat A 001 / A 001–1 B / B C / C D / D E / E F / F G / G H / H I / I J / J K / K L / L M / M N / N O / O P / P Q / Q R / R S / S T / T U / U V / V W / W X / X Y / Y Z / Z MD4—Owner’s Manual Tempo
MD4 Applications 9 57 MD4 Applications This chapter shows how MD4 can be used for various applications. One-Take Recording The One-Take recording technique is ideal for live recording or recording bands that like to record with all members playing together. In the following system example, vocals, guitar, and drums are recorded using microphones, while the bass is connected via a DI connection.
58 MD4 Applications MIDI Home Studio In the following MIDI home studio system example, all instruments are recorded to MD4. Recording the MIDI instruments could be left until the final mixdown, since the MIDI sequencer provides repeatable playback and is synchronized to MD4 using MIDI Timecode. Having the entire project on an MD4 disc, however, does simplify media management. A monitor amp and speakers are used for monitoring, supplemented with a pair of stereo headphones.
59 Using MD4 with a Sub-Mixer Using MD4 with a Sub-Mixer The MD4’s four-channel mixer is flexible enough to handle most applications. If you need to expand the number of simultaneously available inputs, however, an external sub-mixer can be used. The stereo outputs of the sub-mixer can be connected to the MD4’s STEREO SUB IN jacks. The STEREO SUB IN signals can then be sent to the Stereo bus for mixdown or assigned to tracks for recording. The following illustration shows how to connect a sub-mixer.
60 MD4 Applications Recording a Stereo Source For stereo recording, MD4 can be set to the Stereo recording mode. This provides a total recording time of 74 minutes. See Setting the Recording Mode on page 19 for more information. The following system example shows two microphones being used for stereo recording. The actual source, however, could be any stereo device. For example, a stereo cassette deck could be connected for audio transfer from cassette tape to MD4.
61 Beyond the Basics 10 Beyond the Basics This chapter provides some advanced tips and techniques for MD4 recording. AUX RETURN You don’t have to use the AUX RETURN with an external effects processor. It can be used as an extra stereo input. It accepts line-level signals that can be assigned to tracks or sent to the stereo mix. Likewise, the STEREO SUB IN can be used as an extra stereo input. It also accepts line-level signals and has GROUP ASSIGN switches and a LEVEL control.
62 Beyond the Basics Pitch Adjusting the pitch is a common multitrack technique. It’s useful when recording instruments that are slightly out of tune. For example, you’ve recorded the drum and bass parts and now it’s time to record the acoustic piano part. However, the piano is a little flat. The easy way around this problem is to record the piano part at a lower pitch with the pianist playing a little slower.
Mixdown 63 Mixdown This section provides tips and techniques for achieving the perfect MD4 mix. • Balance levels—you should already have some idea of how you want your mix to sound. This will, obviously, depend on the application and the instruments being mixed. Start with all faders positioned at the 7–8 mark. This is an optimum setting with regard to mixer performance and leaves you with some headroom to increase levels later.
64 Q&A Section 11 Q&A Section This section is intended to answer your questions about MD4 and MD DATA discs. What’s the difference between MiniDiscs and MD DATA Discs? MiniDiscs were designed to store mono and stereo sound data. MD DATA discs were originally designed to store computer data. Ideal for use with digital cameras. However, they can also be used to store mono, stereo, and four-channel sound data. That’s how MD4 uses them.
Q&A Section 65 Is MD4 sensitive to knocks and vibration? Within reason, no. MD4 features a three-second sound buffer for uninterrupted operation. Do I have to clean the MD4 heads? No. In a cassette tape recorder, the head touches the tape. The MD4 heads, however, do not contact the disc. The MD4 heads are very sophisticated electronic devices. Do not interfere with them.
66 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting If you’re having difficulty operating MD4 or it doesn’t seem to work as expected, look up the symptoms in the following table and follow the advice provided.
Appendix 67 Symptom Advice REMAIN (available recording time) does not increase when a song is erased! REMAIN does not indicate the total amount of blank area on the disc (see “Searching for the Blank Top), and erasing a song does not necessarily increase the REMAINing time. However, if you erase a song, you can extend the previous song. You can also record data in the erased area if that area is the largest blank area.
68 Appendix Display Messages Message ADJST Abort A.
+12 –12 AUX 3 PB L ODD PAN 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 2 MIC/ LINE R EVEN 4 GROUP ASSIGN 1 +12 –12 LOW 10 +12 –12 MID 0 MIC LINE HIGH GAIN MIC/LINE INPUT AUX SEND R PHONES L MONITOR OUT L 0 4 10 LEVEL CUE STEREO GROUP 4 3 MIN 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 R 0 4 10 LEVEL 4 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 10 10 10 10 CUE LEVEL 3 GROUP ASSIGN 2 STEREO SUB IN 1 STEREO MAX MONITOR LEVEL 2 1 MONITOR SELECT 3 GROUP ASSIGN 2 AUX RETURN 1 L MASTER R AUX RETURN STEREO SUB I
70 Appendix Specifications Recorder Digital/Audio Rec/Play Locate Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz Compression: ATRAC Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz THD+N: 0.01% typ. (1 kHz) S/N: 85 dB typ. 4-track independent simultaneous record/play (Recording time: 37 min) Dubbing with 4-track playback Auto & Manual Punch In/Out (11.6 ms accuracy) Stereo or Mono record/play (Stereo: 74 min.
Block Diagram 71 L R CUE STEREO 1 2 3 4 AUX MIC/ LINE HA GROUP Block Diagram 1 EQ 1 MID HIGH LOW GAIN 1 CUE LEVEL PAN PB AUX Track-1 MIC/ LINE HA 2 EQ 2 HIGH MID LOW GAIN MIC/LINE INPUT 2 CUE LEVEL PAN PB AUX Track-2 TRACK DIRECT OUT MIC/ LINE HA 3 EQ 3 HIGH MID LOW GAIN 3 CUE LEVEL PAN PB AUX Track-3 MIC/ LINE HA EQ 4 4 HIGH MID LOW GAIN 4 CUE LEVEL PAN PB AUX Track-4 AUX SEND L LEVEL AUX RETURN R L STEREO STEREO OUT L R STEREO SUB IN LEVEL R
72 Glossary Glossary ATRAC—An acronym for Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding. This is the compression technique used to fit the same amount of data as that of a 120 mm CD on a 64 mm MiniDisc. Using the ATRAC system, the MD4 provides a four-track recording time of 37 minutes. ATRAC uses established psychoacoustic principles to compress audio data to approximately one-fifth of its original size, with virtually no loss in sound quality.
73 Low-Level Signal—A signal in the range from –100 dB to –20 dB. Microphone and electric guitar signals are in this range. MD4 MIC/LINE inputs support low-level signals. Contrast with Line-Level Signal. MiniDisc—A compact data storage medium designed to store music. MiniDiscs come in two varieties: playback only and recordable. MiniDiscs can only be used for 2-track or mono recording with MD4. MiniDiscs recorded on MD4 can be played on a normal MiniDisc deck.
74 Glossary Ping-Pong—A recording technique used to transfer (i.e., mix and rerecord) one or more tracks to other tracks to free up those tracks for further recording. MD4 allows you to record on all four tracks and then ping-pong (i.e., four-track playback with ping-pong). A feature unique to MD4. Pre-Roll Time—For Auto Punch In/Out, this is the time before the IN point at which playback starts. See Setting the Pre-Roll & Post-Roll Times on page 28 for more information.
Index Index A A.
76 Index input channel 4 master section 5 FF CUE button 9 First session 12 First track recording 13 FIX 6 Flow chart 69 Footswitch auto punch in/out 27 connector 11 definition 72 operation table 33 punch in/out operation 23 Frame, definition 72 G GAIN control about 4 setting 14 Group assign AUX RETURN 5 input channels 4 STEREO SUB IN 5 GROUP ASSIGN switches 4 GROUP MONITOR SELECT switches 5 Group, definition 72 H Headphone connector 11 Headphone volume control 5 HIGH EQ 4 I IN indicator 7 IN point sett
Index MONITOR LEVEL control 5 OUT connectors 10 SELECT switches 5 Monitoring about 18 beyond the basics 62 overview 17 MTC cabling notes 51 definition 73 indicator 6 sequencer setting 51 system setup 50 using 51 MTC OFF!, message 68 Multitrack recording overview 17 Multitracker, definition 73 Multitracking advanced 17 basics 17 N Naming discs & songs 20 New Record mode 67 New Record Pause mode 67 No Blank, message 68 No Disc, message 68 Nominal Level, definition 73 O ODD, pan 14 OffLinePunch function 47
78 Index REVIEW button 9 Review mode 67 S Save Err, message 68 Save Warn !, message 68 SaveProhibit, message 68 Searching by time 36 for blank top 19 for last rec IN/OUT 36 for markers 36 for Songs 36 SELECT buttons 8 Setting GAIN control 14 IN/OUT points 24 pitch 32 post-roll time 28 pre-roll time 28 Signal flow chart 69 Signal to noise ratio, definition 74 Song Combine 46 Song Copy 44 Song Divide 45 Song Erase 48 Song Position Pointers, definition 73 SONG SEARCH buttons 9 Songs combining 46 copying 44
YAMAHA [Multitrack Recorder] Date: 10 July 1996 MIDI Implementation Chart Model: MD4 Function...
VU39780 R2 1 IP 96 09 5000 CP Printed in Japan YAMAHA CORPORATION P.O.