Eight Track Recording; Mixdown Procedure - Tascam M-300 Series Operation & Maintenance Manual

E ight Track Recording
Before we discuss the mixdown procedure, this
is an appropriate place to d iscuss another aspect
of the 300 Series' flexibility. By this time, you
should be familiar with the eight (8) outputs
labelled PGM OUT and eight (8) inputs labelled
TAPE IN 1 ·8. This would indicate that the 300
Series can perform eight track recording and
m ixdown, which, indeed, they can. Since the
300 Series is a four buss design, each buss
supplies signal to a pair of PGM RCA type
outputs. Each pair is controlled by a single PGM
fader and the signal is identical at either jack.
The pairs are grouped as follows: PGM 1, out­
puts 1 and 5, PGM 2, outputs 2 and 6, PGM 3,
outputs 3 and 7, and PGM 4, outputs 4 and 8.
By connecting an 8 track recorder in place of
the 4 track deck as we have described, the track
building process could be continued until all
8 tracks are recorded.

Mixdown Procedure

Once the multitrack master tape has been com­
pleted, the next step is to mix it down to a
standard two track stereo format. The procedure
is similar to the recording process; however
there is usually no need for the studio musicians
to be present unless overdubbing is going to
occur. The only additional equipment required
is a two track mastering recorder and any
auxil iary effects devices you feel may be needed .
The basic hookup
STE R EO LEFT and R I G H T O UTPUTS are
connected to the inputs of the 2 track while the
machine's output are connected to the E XTernal
1 Stereo L and R I Nput jacks. Any effects
devices requi red can be patched through the
various access points described on page 3 1 . I n
addition to these patch points, a fifth method
is possible. This technique is trickier but is
handy if the returning signal is subject to level
variations or requi res equalization. The input
of the effects device can be driven from any
appropriate access point or output. The output
of the device can then be connected to the L I N E
I Nput of any unused channel. The retu rning
signal can then be routed and controlled as i f
it were a normal input signal. Caution must be
exercised to prevent the returning signal from
being mixed with the original outgoing signal,
or a feedback loop wi ll be created. This will
cause a loud, howling sound and could cause
damage to your equipment.
is straightforward : the
Since the mu ltitrack machine's outputs are
connected to the TAPE I Ns, the mixdown can
be done entirely in the MON ITO R and STE R E O
MAST E R sections. Simply calibrate the equip­
ment, . select the desired tape returns, set the
tape return level and pan controls, set the
final stereo levels,
mixdown, and roll tape.
I f you need to re-equal ize a track, or use ex·
ternal effects, no re-patching is required. For
example, let's say track 1, our basic rhythm
track, needs more low frequency power or
"punch". Simply de-select the TAPE
switch on MON ITOR section 1. Make sure no
connector is plugged into channel 1 's Ll N E
I Nput jack, then press the L I N E switch on
channel 1 . This automatically routes the track
1 return to i n put channel 1 . By assigning the
channel directly to the LEFT and R I GHT
STE R EO busses, the remixed signal can be
re-introduced to the remain d er of the signals.
As with any recording session, once the mix­
down is completed, review the results before
you repatch or put the equipment away. If the
results indicate the need to make changes, go
back and do it again.
rehearse or preview the
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