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The mixer section of the Fostex FD-4 isnt totally conventional, but it isnt so unusual that a reasonably experienced recordist couldnt get used to it in about five minutes. A novice would take a little longer and I have to say that I worry slightly that such a person would expect all mixers to work in a similar way and then find out at the threshold of the next stage of their career that they dont. More on this shortly. As you might expect in a low cost and fairly simple unit, there isnt a gain knob at the top of the channel, but since the levels of equipment used in a domestic setting are fairly predictable this shouldnt be a problem. Channels 3 and 4 do in fact have a gain switch with three positions for High, Medium and Low output devices. The M position is also suitable for the direct connection of an electric guitar. Each channel is routed to the main left-right stereo buss via the pan control, so if you want to record on tracks 1 or 3 pan left, or pan right to record on tracks 2 or 4. To record from channel 1 to track 4, for example, you would set the Input Select switch of channel 1 to Input and pan right. The monitoring arrangements of the FD-4s mixer are simple to use but just a little bit more difficult to explain, but let me have a go. The mixer is of the in-line variety meaning that there are two signal paths in each channel, one for the input and one for the signal from the corresponding track of the recorder. During recording and overdubbing you would route an input signal through the channel fader via the master fader to the recorder. You can monitor any tracks already recorded via the monitor section in each channel which consists of level and pan controls. The outputs from these go only to the headphones and monitor outputs and not to the recorder. The net result is that you can record one track while listening to other tracks you have already recorded, which is exactly what you need to do! If you have used similar equipment before you will understand what I am saying. If you havent then its probably all a bit of a blur, but you can take my word that Fostex give you everything you need in the simplest way possible and youll soon get the hang of it. One peculiarity that I referred to earlier that sets the mixer section of the FD-4 apart from other mixers is in the monitor level controls. Rather than having a switch to select it between input signal and recorder track, the monitor level control has a zero position in the centre where it sends no signal. Turning it to the left increases the level of the input signal in the monitor, turning it to the right increases the level of the track signal. Its strange but it works.
Come on the FREE COURSE TOURThis course covers operations that are commonly performed in all digital audio workstation (DAW) softwares. The course is not DAW-specific - the techniques covered can be applied to any DAW. In conjunction with your DAW's manual, this course will guide you towards complete mastery of the digital audio workstation. Learn more...
Students are given a series of professionally produced multitrack recordings and are asked to replace certain instruments or vocals. In some assignments we ask for a replacement that is close in sound texture and performance to the original. In others we encourage the student to apply a high degree of creativity. Learn more...
The twelve modules or this course cover preparation for mastering, resolution of mixing errors and defects, equalization, compression, limiting, and harmonic enhancement. Applications include mastering for CD and download, meeting current market requirements for mastering, repurposing and mastering of compilations. Learn more...
Great home recording starts with a great home recording studio. It doesn't need to be expensive if you know how to select the right equipment for your needs.