Setting The Recording Levels - Yamaha MT8X Operation Manual

Checking the finished mixdown
5. When recording is finished, rewind the master tape in the tape deck and play back it.
By changing the MONITOR SELECT switch from STEREO to 2TR IN, you can monitor mixed-down signals (or
audio signals just before mix-down) with headphones.
* If you will use a graphic equalizer or compressor connected between this unit's STEREO OUT jacks and the tape
deck, you had better monitor sound signals with the MONITOR SELECT 2TR IN switch "on" from the step of
"Getting ready to record".

SETTING THE RECORDING LEVELS

Setting optimum recording levels is vitally important to obtain the best possible recording quality. If the level is too low,
tape noise will be more noticeable, and if the level is too high, the sound will become distorted. Thus, the recording
level should ideally be set to the highest level at which distortion does not occur. This unit is equipped with level meters
which indicate the peak values of the levels for each track and the stereo signal levels. In addition, a complete range of
monitoring is possible by the use of the MONITOR SELECT GROUP (1,3/2,4), STEREO, 2TR IN and CUE switches.
Use the level meters in conjunction with the various monitoring functions to set the recording level. (See "Monitor" on
page 14.)
About the level meters
If a level meter display goes over the normal limit for a very short instant, this is not a sign of a problem. The reason is
because human ears can hardly detect distortion which lasts for only a short period of time. However, if the level meter
display is over the normal limit all the time, you must decrease the level.
Procedure
1 . Set the channel faders to a nominal value of 7 to 8.
2. Adjust the GAIN controls so that the CLIP indicators light momentarily.
3. Select any tracks using the REC SELECT switches and press the REC/PAUSE button to adjust the GROUP
MASTER controls.
• When dbx is off, set the level so that the level meter occasionally illuminates at the +3 dB mark.
• When dbx is on, set the level so that the level meter occasionally illuminates at the +9 dB mark.
4. Turn on CUE and set the CUE LEVEL fader of the recording track at the optimum value of 7 - 8. While
monitoring the sound of each instrument, adjust the level balance between channels using the channel faders.
5. If the recording level is varied by the influence of the adjustment in step 4, re-adjust the level using the GROUP
MASTER controls.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 alternately.
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