Page 1
2 Safety Instructions 3
Introduction 4
The Recording System 5
The three steps to multitrack 5
Understanding the Mixer 6-7
Signal flow in the 424 MKIII mixer 6
Tape cue monitor system 7
Multitrack Cassette Recorder 8
Track Format and Tape Recommendations 9-10
PORTASTUDIO 424 MKIII Brief Guide 11-14
Step-By-Step Operations Guide 15-24
Let's try the 424 MKIII mixer 15
How to record on track 1 16
Track 1 playback through TAPE CUE 18
How to make an overdub on track 2 19
How to record tracks 3 and 4 20
How to record many sources onto a
single track 20
How to record a mix onto two tracks
simultaneously 21
Recording on more than two tracks
simultaneously : DIRECT 22
How to mix down 23
Using Memory Location Points 25-26
Loading MEMO points 25
Locating the tape 26
Repeat Play 27
PUNCH-IN or INSERT Recording 28-32
Preliminary 28
Rehearsal and auto in/out procedures 29
Manual punch-in 31
Bouncing Tracks (Ping-Pong) 33-34
Ping-pong procedure 33Using Effects with the
PORTASTUDIO 424 MKIII 35-36
Setting effect send levels 35
Setting the output level of effect devices 35
Setting the mix/balance control
on effect devices 35
How to connect your effects devices 36
Syncing MIDI-Tape-Using the
TASCAM MTS-30 37
Troubleshooting 38
Features and Controls 39-45
424 MKIII Mixer
Input section 40
Stereo input section 41
Monitor section 41
Master section 41
Output section 41
424 MKIII Recorder
Cassette loading and dbx system 42
Transport controls 43
Track controls 44
Displays 44
Autolocators 44
Optional Accessories 47
Care and Maintenance 48-49
How the dbx Works 49
Specifications 50-52
Block Diagram 53-54
Level Diagram 55
Table Of Contents
"© Copyright 1998, TEAC Corporation"
All rights reserved under international and Pan American copyright conventions.
This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by mimeograph or any other means,
without permission.
"The following marking is located on the bottom of the unit."
This appliance has a serial number located
on the rear panel. Please record the model
number and serial number and retain them
for your records.
Model number
Serial number WARNING: TO PRIVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to person.
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 appliance.
CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
Page 2
3
Safety Instructions
CAUTION:
·Read all of these Instructions.
· Save these Instructions for later use.
· Follow all Warnings and Instructions marked on the
audio equipment.
1) Read instructions - All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the product is operated
2) Retain instructions - The safety and operating instructions should
be retained for future reference
3) Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to
4) Follow instructions - All operating and use instructions shoud be
followed
5) Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners Use a damp cloth for
cleaning
6) Attachments - Do not use attachments not recommended by the
product manufacturer as they may cause hazards
7) Water and Moisture - Do not use this product near water _
for
example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a \
wet
basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like
8) Accessories - Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table The product may fall, causing serious injury to a
child or adult, and serious damage to the product Use only with a cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sol\
d
with the product Any mounting of the product should follow the
manufacturers instructions, and should use a mounting accessory
recommended by the manufacturer
9) A product and cart combination should be moved with care Quick
stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and ca\
rt
combination to overturn
10) Ventilation - Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for
ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to prot\
ect it
from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered The
openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa,
rug, or other similar surface This product should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is pro\
vided
or the manufacturers instructions have been adhered to
11) Power Sources - This product should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the marking label If you are not sure of
the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or lo\
cal
power company For products intended to operate from battery power, or
other sources, refer to the operating instructions
12) Grounding or Polarization - This procuct may be equipped with
a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wide\
r
than the other) This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way This
is a safety feature If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet,
try reversing the plug If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the polarized plug
13) Power-Cord Protection - Power-supply cords shoud be routed so
that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon\
or
against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience\
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product
14) Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If an outside antenna or cable
system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system\
is
grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and bui\
lt-
up static charges Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA
70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and\
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discha\
rge
unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit,
connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding
electrode
"Note to CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installers attenti\
on to
Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding\
and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected t\
o the
grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry a\
s
practical
15) Lightning - For added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time\
,
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable syste\
m
This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line
surges
16) Power Lines - An outside antenna system should not be located in
the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power ci\
rcuits,
or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits When installing an
outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from
touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fata\
l
17) Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or
integral convenience receptacles as this can result in risk of fire or e\
lectric
shock
18) Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into
this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points\
or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product
19) Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel
20) Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall
outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the foll\
owing
conditions:
a) when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged
b) if liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product
c) if the product has been exposed to rain or water
d) if the product does not operate normally by following the operating
instructions Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician t\
o
restore the product to its normal operation
e) if the product has been dropped or damaged in any way
f ) when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance _
this
indicates a need for service
21) Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be
sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards
22) Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this
product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determin\
e
that the product is in proper operating condition
23) Wall or Ceiling Mouting - The product shoud be mounted to a
wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer
24) Heat - The product should be situated away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including ampl\
ifiers)
that produce heat
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)
NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
Example of Antenna Grounding as per
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70
GROUND
CLAMP
