Fostex X-55 User's Manual
Contents
1. lt gt INPUT 1 INPUT 3 f INPUT 4 ENMU pe i Synthesizer E Bass E Guitar D Machine Sy Headphone 1 Connect the sound sources Connect each sound source to INPUT jacks 1 4 Electric bass gt INPUT 1 Electric guitar gt INPUT 2 Drum machine gt INPUT 3 Synthesizer gt INPUT 4 Sound sources for which you will need to make level adjustments should be connected to INPUT jacks 1 or 2 Balanced or Unbalanced so that you can set the LEVEL switch to a position appropriate for the output level of the sound source In this example set the LEVEL switches of channels 1 and 2 to MID 2 INPUT SEL switch settings 14 e Set the INPUT SEL switch of all channels to INPUT 3 MON SEL switch settings Set the MON SEL switch to STEREO as you did in STEP 1 4 REC SEL switch settings In this example we will be recording on tracks 1 and 2 so set the two REC SEL switches as shown below REC SEL switch upper gt 1 REC SEL switch lower gt 2 5 PAN knob settings Since we will be recording the signals connected to the channels 1 and 3 INPUT faders electric bass and drum machine on track 1 turn the PAN knobs of channel 1 and 3 to the full L position Since we will be recording the signals connected to the cha2. Power Amplifier For tape playback set channel 1 also to TAPE 6 819 INPUT 1 8 9 oe Tone B Headphone Connect the sound source e Connect sound source to INPUT jack 1 Balanced or Unbalanced You may use any INPUT jack 1 4 but in this example we will use INPUT jack 1 Set the LEVEL switch to a setting appropriate for the connected sound source 16 INPUT SEL switch settings e Set the channel 1 INPUT SEL switch to INPUT This will connect the signal from sound source B to the INPUT fader FB knob settings e In order to use FB to monitor the signal from track 1 gradually rotate the channel 1 FB knob to the TRACK side to adjust the volume of track 1 REC SEL switch settings Set only the lower REC SEL switch to 2 and the upper switch to OFF With these settings recording will take place only on track 2 PAN knob settings So that sound source will be recorded on track 2 rotate the channel 1 PAN knob to the far position Input signal adjustments Raise the MASTER fader to about 7 or 8 Set the METER
3. E z lt The words in square brackets refer to the printing on the front and rear panel Control panel Input faders INPUT 1 4 These faders adjust the level of the signals that are input from INPUT jacks 1 4 or the signal levels from tracks 1 4 The INPUT SEL switches determine which signal is adjusted by each fader 2 Level switches LEVEL Set these switches to settings appropriate for the output level of the sound sources connected to INPUT jacks 1 and 2 Balanced or Unbalanced The level can be adjusted in three positions HIGH MID and LOW HIGH 10 dBV High output level devices such as synthesizers or instruments that have been sent through an effect processor MID 30 dBV Electric guitars electric basses drum machines etc LOW 50 dBV Low output level devices such as microphones 8 Channel select switches INPUT SEL These switches select the signal that is sent to the INPUT fader of each channel INPUT The signal connected to the INPUT jack will be controlled by the INPUT fader TAPE The playback signal of the tape will be controlled by the INPUT fader Foldback knobs FB These knobs control the signal that is sent to the FB jack INPUT The input signal received at the INPUT jack will be sent to the FB jack without being affected by the INPUT fader pre fader TRACK The tape play
4. 5 2 Record a four person band The X 55 has four tracks and a different sound source can be recorded independently on each track Here s how you might record a four person band drums bass guitar and keyboard Record the drums on one track Then while you playback the drum part you recorded record the bass part on the second track This process is called overdubbing As shown below use the same procedure to record the guitar and then the keyboard on the remaining tracks to complete a four track recording v ab om anon Drum E Bass E Guitar Keyboard You can also use the X 55 to record a four person performance The four person band in the example above could be recorded on two tracks drums and bass on one track and guitar and keyboard on another track However there are some restrictions on which tracks can be recorded simultaneously On the 55 the following four combinations are possible Tracks 1 amp 2 Tracks 1 amp 4 Tracks 2 amp 3 Tracks 3 amp 4 Asshown above the 55 is not able to record simultaneously on two odd numbered tracks on two even numbered tracks or on all four tracks together Details are explained in chapter 3 Record a multi track performance by yourself If you are able to play more than one instrument a
5. not going all the way to the top If they are adjust the INPUT faders When you finish recording press the STOP button and the tape will stop Playback Press the REW button to rewind the tape Set the channels 1 and 2 INPUT SEL switches to TAPE In this example we are playing back tracks 1 and 2 so we will select the tape signal for channels 1 and 2 Press the PLAY button to start the tape Use the channel 1 and 2 INPUT faders to adjust the volume Leave the MASTER fader at about 7 or 8 To change the stereo location of the sound rotate the channel 1 and 2 PAN knobs To adjust the tone use the HIGH EQ and LOW EQ knobs 15 Basic operation Start recording STEP 3 Overdubbing As explained on page 4 overdubbing is the process of recording a new sound source on a track while you monitor the signal of a different previously recorded track In STEP 3 you will learn how to use basic overdubbing procedure to record many sound sources on four tracks STEP 3 1 While monitoring the signal from track 1 record sound source B on track 1 Record sound source A to track 1 as explained in STEP 1 yr In this example we will use FB to monitor the signal recorded on track 1 while you record an additional sound source on track 2 in the basic overdubbing procedure Before you begin initialize the controls of the X 55
6. 2k or higher Level 50 dBV 20k or higher Level 30 dBV 10 dBV Normal input level 10 dBV 30 dBV L 50 dBV Inputs 3 4 Input impedance Normal input level 10 dBV AUX RTN 1 2 L R Input impedance 5k or higher Normal input level 20 dBV INSERT 1 2 SEND tip Output load impedance Normal output level RETURN ring Input impedance Normal input level STEREO OUT L R Output load impedance Normal output level AUX SEND 1 2 Output load impedance Normal output level Foldback FB Output load impedance Normal output level Monitor output MON OUT L R Output load impedance Normal output level 10 dBV Tape output TAPE OUT 1 4 5 Output load impedance Normal output level Headphone output PHONES Output load impedance 16 Normal output level 20 mw 10 10 10 10 dBV 10 dBV 10 dBV 20k or higher 10k or higher or higher 20k or higher 10k or higher 10 or higher or higher 10 or higher 10k or higher Equalizer HIGH LOW Recording tape Record tracks Noise reduction Tape speed Wow flutter Fast wind time Pitch control Recording time Frequency response Mixer Recorder Signal noise ratio Crosstalk Erasure ratio Heads Rec Play Erase Power Requirement Weight Dimensions 10 kHz 10 dB shelving 100 Hz 10 dB shelving Less than C 90 Type II High CrO position
7. 4 tracks one direction si multaneous recording of up to two tracks possible Dolby B NR internal swit chable on off 9 5 cm s 0 17 IEC ANSI 120 seconds C 60 tape 12 22 5 minutes C 90 tape 20 Hz 20 kHz 40 Hz 14 kHz 58 dB Dolby NR IN 50 dB or higher 1 kHz 70 dB or higher 1 kHz 4 channel record playback 4 channel DC12V 12 16V 12W Fostex AC adaptor 2 6 kg exclude AC adaptor 405 W x 321 D x 105 Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for product improvement Dolby Noise Reduction is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation Dolby and the double D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation 31 Block Diagram Z NLH AGPOZ A POL Y ANNI Agpos Wa Aapoe ABPOL WANN 05 gt 1 ZXY 12 3 0
8. We will send the playback signals of tracks 1 4 to for monitoring Gradually rotate the FB knobs of channels 1 4 in the TRACK direction to adjust the playback signals from tracks 1 4 for monitoring 5 REC SEL switch settings Set the upper REC SEL switch to 1 and the lower REC SEL switch to OFF With these settings only track 1 will be recorded PAN knob settings Rotate the channel 1 PAN knob all the way to the L direction The channel 2 4 PAN knobs are not used gt Input signal adjustments Raise the MASTER fader to 7 8 While playing the electric guitar adjust the channel 1 INPUT fader so that the level meter L moves in the 0 area Playback the tape Immediately before the section you wish to punch in press the footswitch once When you press the footswitch track 1 alone will enter record mode and the sound of your guitar playing will begin being recorded on track 1 Until you punch in you will be monitoring the playback signal from track 1 After you punch in and until you punch out you will be monitoring the newly recorded signal Punch out When the section you wish to re record ends immediately press the footswitch once again Recording will end and you will once again be monitoring the playback signal from track 1 Leave
9. _ 2 DNAasipo 14 2 oe Hooe og z o dome oF gt nas 2 24010111 S3NOHd gt o xn T INONON gt EXON 198 9 3 84 15 138 NOW TH 034315 gt lt INANI 5 gt 148 0 O ne zA Hels xny HO LA 1 sag oy i 1 1 2 5 ANO 03 31 ba 10 HALSVA LHASNI Tas LNANI AGPOL WENT inani 32 the specified voltage range are as shown below Declaration of EC Directive This equipment is compatible with the EMC Directive 89 336 EEC Directive on approximation of member nation s ordinance concerning the electromagnetic compatibility and with the Low Voltage Directive 73 23 EEC Directive on approximation of member nation s ordinance connecting electric equipment designed to be used within The Affect of Immunity on This Equipment The affect of the European specification EN50082 1 coexistence of electromagnetic waves common immunity specification on this equipment by generation of noise in some cases the electrical fast transient b
10. 6 Input signal adjustments Raise the MASTER fader to 7 8 Adjust the playback signal volume of tracks 1 3 using the channel 1 3 INPUT faders Effect processing using AUX In this example we will apply an effect to the playback signal from tracks 1 3 Set the channel 1 3 AUX SEL switches to CH Gradually rotate the channel 1 3 AUX knobs toward AUX 1 As you do this pay attention to the effect output level and balance of the three tracks Gradually rotate the AUX 1 knob to the right to adjust the input level from the effect unit 8 Use the equalizer to adjust the tone e Use the channel 1 3 equalizer knobs to adjust the tone of the playback signals from tracks 1 3 9 Start pingpong recording When you finish adjusting the volume tone and effect for each track press the REW button to rewind the tape to the beginning of the song Press the REC button to start pingpong recording During recording watch the level meters and make sure that they do not go all the way to the top If they do adjust the levels and re do the pingpong recording Note Be aware that excessively high levels or excessively high equalizer settings can cause oscillation 10 Playback Press the REW button to rewind the tape e Set the channel 4 INPUT SEL switch to TAPE In this example we will use channel 4 to playback the signal that was recorded on tra
11. Foldback jack FB This jack outputs the signal controlled by the FB jack This jack can output the input signal unaffected by the INPUT faders or the playback signal from the tape Foldback is used mainly for providing a monitor sound for the musicians Stereo out jacks STEREO OUT L R These jacks output the stereo L and R signals During mixdown etc connect these jacks to the inputs of your master recorder 99 Monitor out jacks MON OUT L R These jacks output the monitor signal that is selected by the MON SEL switch Connect these Jacks to your monitor amp speaker system etc Tape out jack TAPE OUT 1 4 SYNC These jacks output the signals from tape tracks 1 4 Use these jacks when you wish to use an external mixer or for effect processing Jack 4 can also be used as a SYNC OUT jack to transmit a synchronization signal to a MIDI sequencer etc 9 10 Control panel and front and rear panels Power switch ON lt gt STANDBY This switch turns the X 55 s power on or off standby Note When the AC adaptor is connected to an outlet it will continue drawing a smail amount of AC power even if you turn the power switch off STANDBY If you will not be using the X 55 for a while be sure to disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet AC adaptor connector DC IN 12 V Connect the included AC adaptor to this connector 69 Input connector INPUT 1 2 These are balanced XLR
12. For example this manual may tell you to mixdown tracks 1 2 3 and 4 In other words the X 55 contains a four channel mixer section and a four track recorder section W GND al al a al e al al a fi 5 25 2 E E ENE 4 3 H Eoo 1 2 Track 1 4 Channel 1 4 About the PAN knobs and the stereo bus The X 55 contains a four channel mixer This means that you can mix four sound sources to stereo Itis not possible to see from the outside how the signals flow So we have included a diagram below that explains the signal routing of the X 55 The thick pipe in the diagram is called the stereo bus and the signals from each PAN knob are gathered here After the MASTER fader makes the final level adjustment the signals are output from the STEREO OUT L and R jacks The PAN knobs have the function of routing signals to the stereo bus The output of the stereo bus is also sent to the recorder section As shown in the diagram the output of the L side is sent to tracks 1 or 3 and the output of the R side is sent to tracks 2 or 4 For example if you wish to record the signals from all channels 1 4 on track 1 you should set only the upper REC SEL swi
13. Amplifier gt MON OUT 11 For tape playback lt gt PHONES INPUT 1 H Tone Connect the sound source and monitor headphones Connect set of headphones for monitoring to the PHONES jack Alternatively you can connect an amp speaker system to the MON OUT L and R jacks The volume of the monitor sound is controlled by the MON knob Connect the sound source to the channel 1 INPUT jack Balanced or Unbalanced Depending on the type of sound source set the LEVEL switch as follows ama Level switch setting examples Synthesizer HIGH 10 dBV Electric guitar or bass 30 dBV Mic LOW 50 dBV INPUT SEL switch settings The INPUT SEL switch selects the signal that will be connected to the INPUT fader In this example we want to connect the signal input from the 1 INPUT jack to the fader so set the switch to INPUT N MON SEL switch settings The SEL switch selects the signal that will be monitored In this example set the switch to STEREO 12 4 REC SEL switch se
14. front panel Remove the sound source connected to INPUT jacks 1 and 2 on the front panel Tape does not move 15 the cassette inserted correctly Inserted all the way Insert the cassette correctly Power does not come on MEMO Is the AC adaptor connected correctly Connect the AC adaptor correctly 29 30 Maintenance 1 Cleaning the exterior For normal cleaning use a soft dry cloth For stubborn dirt moisten a cloth in diluted detergent wring it out firmly and wipe the dirt off Then polish with a dry cloth Never use solvents such as alcohol thinner or benzene since these will damage the printing and finish of the exterior 2 Cleaning the head rollers and capstans Record playback head As the X 55 is used the record playback head will become coated with oxide residue from the tapes If this residue is allowed to build up recordings will contain more noise and dropouts may occur during playback To prevent this regular cleaning is important Use a commercially available cleaning kit etc to clean the head If cleaning the head does not restore the sound quality it is possible that the head is worn Contact an authorized service station for repair Capstans and pinch rollers The capstans and pinch rollers are important parts that hold the tape and move it along at the correct speed As with the head these p
15. input connectors that can be used instead of INPUT 1 and 2 on the front panel Note You cannot use these connectors and the unbalanced phone jacks on the front panel at the same time If you try to input signal to both front phone jacks and these connectors only the phone jacks will accept the signal If you wish to input signal to these connectors do not connect the front phone jacks 1 and 2 nS XLR connector pin assignment 1 Shield 3 Cold 2 Hot Basic operation Start recording One step at a time Now you are ready to actually begin using the X 55 This manual explains the operation of the X 55 in eight steps Once you have mastered the procedures of steps 1 4 you will be able to use nearly all of the X 55 s functions Steps 5 7 explain somewhat more advanced techniques When you are familiar with all the steps 1 7 you can go ahead and develop your own recording methods STEP 1 Record one sound source on track 1 see P 12 STEP 2 Record four sound sources on two tracks see P 14 STEP 3 Overdubbing see 16 STEP 4 Mixdown see P 20 STEP 5 Punch in out see 22 STEP 6 Pingpong recording see P 24 STEP 7 Orchestration using tape sync see P 26 Initial settings on the X 55 After completing one step you should set the sliders and switches back in order before proceeding to the next step Resetting the knobs and switches that were used in the previous step will prevent mistakes that ma
16. switch to MIXER While playing sound source gradually raise the channel 1 INPUT fader so that the level meter moves in the area of 0 monitor the sound through headphones or your monitor system rotate the MON knob to the right MON SEL switch settings Set the MON SEL switch to ST FB The signal from track 1 will be heard in the center and the signal to be newly recorded will be heard from the right Start recording Press the REW button to rewind the tape When you reach the location where you wish to begin recording press the RESET button to set the counter to 000 e Press the PAUSE button Then press the REC button and the X 55 will enter REC PAUSE mode The REC indicator will light Press the PAUSE button once again REC PAUSE mode will be canceled and the X 55 will begin recording Alternatively you can press the REC button without going through REC PAUSE When recording begins the signal from track 1 will be heard at the level determined by the FB knob setting Play along with the signal from track 1 From time to time check that the level meter is not going all the way to the top If it is adjust the channel 1 INPUT fader e When you finish recording press the STOP button and the tape will stop Playback e Press the REW button to rewind the tape Set the FB knob to 0 or set the MON SEL switch t
17. unsteady or interrupted Points to check Are the pinch roller or capstan dirty Clean the pinch roller and capstan Is the tape damaged Use a new good quality tape Sound quality or volume is significantly different than when recorded Is the head dirty Clean the head Are you using other than a high position tape4 Use high position tape Chrome type 11 Sound is distorted or noisy Are the INPUT faders and LEVEL switches set appropriately Are the level meters peaking or at an extremely low level Adjust the controls to appropriate level settings Playback pitch is different than when recorded ts the PITCH control at the same setting as when you recorded Set the PITCH control to the same setting as for recording No sound in the headphones Is the MON knob turned all the way to the left Turn the MON knob gradually to the right Cannot send sound to the desired track cannot record Are the REC SEL switches set correctly Are the PAN knob settings correct Set the PAN knob to the left for tracks 1 and 3 and to the right for tracks 2 and 4 Cannot record Are the record protect tabs of the cassette broken off Put sticky tape over the record protect depressions of the cassette sound source input from the balanced XLR input connectors 1 and 2 cannot be recorded Is any other sound source connected to INPUT jacks 1 and 2 on the
18. 18 40050 Quarto Inferiore BO Italy TEL 39 51 768576 FAX 39 51 768336 lt THE NETHERLANDS gt IEMKE ROOS AUDIO ADD Kuipergweg 20 1101 AG Amsterdam The Netherlands TEL 31 20 697 2121 FAX 31 20 697 4201 lt NORWAY gt NAME Siv Ing Benum A S ADD P O Box 145 Vinderen 0319 Oslo 3 Norway TEL 47 22 145460 FAX 47 22 148259 lt PORTUGAL gt NAME Caius Tecnologias Audio e Musica Lda ADD Rua de Santa Catarina 131 4000 Porto Portugal TEL 351 2 2084456 325400 FAX 351 2 314760 lt SPAIN gt NAME Multitracker ADD C Garcilaso No 9 Madrid 28010 Spain TEL 34 1 4470700 1 4470898 FAX 34 1 5930716 lt SWEDEN gt NAME TTS Tal amp Ton Studioteknik AB ADD Gelbgjutarevagen 4 S 171 48 Solna Sweden TEL 46 8 7340750 FAX 46 8 824476 lt SWITZERLAND gt NAME Audio Bauer Pro AG ADD Bernerstrasse Nord 182 CH 8064 Zurich Switzerland TEL 41 1 4323230 FAX 41 1 4326558 lt UK gt NAME SCV London ADD 3A 6 24 Southgate Road London N1 3JJ England UK TEL 44 171 923 1892 FAX 44 171 241 3644 Fostex FOSTEX CORPORATION 3 2 35 Musashino Akishima shi Tokyo Japan 196 FOSTEX CORPORATION OF AMERICA 15431 Blackburn Ave Norwalk CA 90650 U S A PRINTED IN JAPAN AUG 1997 8288 403 000 IF
19. E on track 3 on tracks 1 and 2 T E bea D E D E TRK2 25 G TRKI Result a total of 7 recorded parts A G yz In this section we will explain how tracks 1 3 can be combined and processed with an effect while being re recorded onto track 4 Before you begin initialize the controls of the X 55 Effect 1 0 Power Amplifier 4 MON O J a OO ING MR PHONES 10 4 Headphone Effect unit settings Connect the 55 to the effect unit Connect the X 55 s AUX SEND 1 jack to the effect unit s input jack and the effect unit s output jacks to the X 55 s AUX RTN 1 jacks INPUT SEL switch settings Set the channel 1 3 INPUT SEL switches to TAPE and the channel 4 switch to INPUT MON SEL switch settings Set the MON SEL switch to STEREO REC SEL switch settings Set only the lower REC SEL switch to 4 and set the upper REC SEL switch to OFF With these settings only track 4 will be recorded 5 PAN knob settings Rotate each of the channel 1 3 PAN knobs fully toward R N
20. IDI device regarding the appropriate level for the FSK signal The manual of your MIDI device will also give the required length of the pilot tone the high pitched pure tone of the FSK signal that indicates the standby condition before recording begins STEP 7 2 Tape sync playback 1 Effect 1 Master Recoder 4 TAPE OUT 4 Input finpuT2 INPUTS 1 MIDI 9 10 Seguencer A B 4 MIDI OUT 4 4 Headphone 1 _t Box MIDI Connections between the X 55 and the MIDI devices master recorder and effect unit Connect the X 55 to the MIDI devices master recorder and effect unit as shown in the diagram Connect the four MIDI sound sources to INPUT jacks 1 4 Connect the X 55 s TAPE OUT jack 4 to the MIDI device INPUT jack 27 Advanced operation 2 INPUT SEL switch settings Set each of the channel 1 4 INPUT SEL switches to INPUT With these settings the MIDI sound sources will be connected to the channel 1 4 INPUT faders 3 FB knob settings Gradually rotate the channel 1 3 FB knobs in the TRACK direction to adjust the signals from track 1 3 Set th
21. Owner s Manual Model 55 MULTITRACKER Levei moltitracken 55 MASTER 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 The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product s en closure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOIS TURE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1 Read Instructions All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated 2 Retain Instructions The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference 3 Heed Warnings All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to 4 Follow Instructions All operating and use instructions should be followed 5 Water and Moisture The appliance should not be used near water for example near a bathtub washbowl kitchen sink laundry tub in a wet basement or near a swimming pool and the like 6 Carts and Stands The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that
22. The appliance shouid be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance Grounding or Polarization The precautions that should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated Power Cord Protection Power supply cords should 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 appliance Cleaning The appliance should be cleaned only as recom mended by the manufacturer Nonuse Periods The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time Object and Liquid Entry Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings Damage Requiring Service The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when A The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged or Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the appliance or C The appliance has been exposed to rain or D The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance or E The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged Servicing The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in t
23. You can also use the XLR balanced connectors on the rear panel for INPUT 1 and 2 However you cannot use both Input 1 and 2 jacks and XLR connectors on the rear panel simultaneously The unbalanced phone jacks on the front panel always have priority Headphone jack PHONES A set of headphones can be connected to this jack for monitoring 96 Punch in out jack PUNCH IN OUT When using the punch in out function connect a Fostex 8051 foot switch sold separately to this jack For details on the punch in out function refer to chapter 4 STEP 5 Rear panel input output jacks Insert jacks INSERT 1 2 These jacks can be used when you wish to do independent effect processing of the signals that are input into channels 1 and 2 This capability is especially convenient when you are inputting an acoustic instrument or microphone to channel 1 or 2 and wish to process it with a compressor or effect unit Use a cable as shown in the following diagram Tip Send Ring Receive Sleeve Ground To Insert jack Receive Stereo Phone Plug Mono Phone Plug 08 AUX return 1 2 jacks AUX 1 2 The signal processed by effect units can be input to these jacks If you are using a device that has a mono output connect it to the L MONO jack AUX send 1 2 jacks AUX SEND 1 2 The output signal from these jacks can be sent to an effect unit etc Connect these jacks to the input jacks of your effect unit or other device
24. ack you are newly recording By setting the MON SEL switch to ST FB or FB you can monitor the FB signal through headphones or your monitor speaker For details on using FB refer to STEP 3 Overdubbing About cassette tapes for the X 55 Suitable types of cassette tape The 55 is designed to use high position cassette tapes Chrome type Il and will give the best performance when used with these tapes We recommend that you use either these tapes or other tapes of equivalent quality Since C 120 cassettes use thinner tape they are not suitable for multi track recording where repeated recording and playback takes place Avoid using anything longer than a C 90 with the 55 Using the erase protect tabs Cassette tapes have tabs that can be broken off to prevent valuable recordings from being accidentally erased Since the X 55 uses all four tracks as a single side break off the tabs for both side A and side B to prevent a completed recording from accidental erasure If you later decide to record over the tape you can put sticky tape over the broken off tab holes so that the tape can be re recorded 5 Control panel and front and rear U U UU
25. arts can also become dirty with oxide residue and dust which will cause increased wow or flutter or even damage the tape by pulling it out of the cassette Since cassette tape is very thin it is especially dangerous to use a cassette deck with dirty pinch rollers As with the head it is important to always keep these parts clean Clean them using a cotton swab or gauze soaked in cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol Never use organic solvents such as lacquer thinner since this will severely damage the pinch rollers 3 Demagnetizing the head After long periods of use the head begins to develop a magnetic field in addition to the oxide residue described above This can also occur if a magnet or a magnetized object scissors etc is allowed to come near the head or touch it If the head or capstans become magnetized frequency response will be degraded and noise will increase In extreme cases noise can be created on previously recorded tapes that you playback rendering them useless Once a month or so you should use a demagnetizer head eraser to demagnetize the head Carefully read and follow the instructions included with your demagnetizer and do not allow it to come near recorded tapes Specifications Inputs x4 Inputs 1 2 Unbalanced Microphone impedance Input impedance Less than 10 k Normal input level 10 dBV 30 dBV L 50 Inputs 1 2 Balanced Microphone impedance Input impedance Less than
26. back signal from tracks 1 4 will be sent to the FB jack Foldback FB is used mainly to monitor the tape playback signal during overdubbing Details are explained in the Operation section Panpot knobs PAN The panpot knobs have the following two functions 1 The panpot knobs are used to assign the sound sources connected to each INPUT jack to tracks 1 4 For this purpose the panpot knobs are turned either full right or full left 2 When playing back tracks 1 4 during mixdown etc the panpot knobs are used to place each track in the desired stereo location For this purpose the panpot knobs are turned to the desired location Low equalizer knobs LOW EQ These knobs control the low frequency range 100 Hz 10 dB of the input signal of each channel High equalizer knobs HIGH EQ These knobs control the high frequency range 10 kHz 10 dB of the input signal of each channel AUX send knobs AUX The AUX send knobs determine the level of the input signal or the FB signal selected by the AUX SEL switch that will be sent to an AUX SEND jack The signal adjusted by these knobs can be sent to external devices such as effect units At a position of 0 the signal will be sent to neither output AUX 1 Send the signal to the AUX SEND 1 jack AUX 2 Send the signal to the AUX SEND 2 jack AUX send select switches AUX SEL These switches select the signal that is sent to AUX send H The sig
27. ck 4 Set each of the channel 1 3 INPUT SEL switches to INPUT Press the PLAY button to start the tape Use the channel 4 INPUT fader to adjust the volume Leave the MASTER fader at 7 8 Rotate the channel 4 PAN knob to adjust the stereo location Use the channel 4 equalizer knobs to adjust the tone 25 Advanced operation STEP 7 Orchestration using tape sync What is tape sync Tape sync is a technique by which a performance recorded on tape can be synchronized to the automatic playback of a sequencer or drum machine or other MIDI device This provides the following advantages Since there is no need to record the sound of the MIDI device s playback on tape you can conserve tracks Since the MIDI instrument synthesizer drum machine etc is recorded directly to the master tape the sound retains its original dynamic range and high quality Additional advanced editing techniques are made possible such as overdubbing the automatic playback or rearranging drum machine rhythm patterns When you use tape sync one of the tape tracks is used to record and playback a synchronization signal known as a FSK signal The track containing the FSK signal performs a role similar to an orchestra conductor When the FSK signal is played back and sent to the sequencer or drum machine the sequencer or drum machine will playback in synchronization with the tempo map recorded in the signal an
28. cks to the master recorder s LINE IN jacks INPUT SEL switch settings Set the INPUT SEL switches of all channels to TAPE REC SEL switch settings Set both REC SEL switches to OFF 4 MON SEL switch settings Set the MON SEL switch to STEREO 5 PAN knob settings Rotate the PAN knob of each channel to the desired stereo location 6 Effect processing using AUX As shown in the diagram connect two effect units so that effects can be applied to the signals from each track as follows Track 1 gt Effect unit 1 Track 2 gt Effect unit 2 Track gt Effect unit 2 Track 4 gt Effect unit 1 Connect X 55 s AUX SEND 1 and 2 jacks respectively to the input jacks of the two effect units Connect the output jacks of the effect units to the X 55 s AUX RTN 1 and 2 jacks effect device has a mono output connect the output to the jack of the 5 AUX RTN 1 or 2 So that effect unit 1 will be applied to tracks 1 and 4 gradually rotate the channel 1 and 4 AUX knobs toward AUX 1 The AUX 1 level meter will indicate the output level to effect unit 1 e So that effect unit 2 will be applied to tracks 2 and 3 gradually rotate the channel 2 and AUX knobs toward AUX 2 The AUX 2 level meter will indicate the output level to effect unit 2 e Gradually rotate the AUX 1 and 2 knobs toward the ri
29. d or Unbalanced Set the LEVEL switches as appropriate for the sound sources you connect INPUT SEL switch settings Set the channel 1 and 2 INPUT SEL switches to INPUT FB knob settings So that you can use FB to monitor the signals from tracks 1 and 2 as you did in STEP 3 1 gradually rotate the channel 1 and 2 FB knobs toward the TRACK side to adjust the volume of tracks 1 and 2 lw 18 4 REC SEL switch settings Set only the upper REC SEL switch to 3 and set the lower switch to OFF With these settings only track 3 will be recorded 5 PAN knob settings So that the signals connected to channels 1 and 2 will be recorded on track 3 set both channel 1 and 2 PAN knobs all the way to the L position Input signal adjustments Raise the MASTER fader to about 7 or 8 Set the METER switch to MIXER While playing sound sources and D gradually raise the channel 1 and 2 INPUT faders so that level meter L moves in the area of 0 To monitor the sound through headphones or your monitor system rotate the MON knob to the right 7 MON SEL switch settings Set the MON SEL switch to ST FB With this setting the track 1 and 2 signals will be heard in the center and the newly recorded sound source will be heard in the left side 8 Start recording Press the REW button to rewind the tape Whe
30. d will cause the other connected MIDI devices to playback as well Some devices are not able to input or output FSK signals If this is the case with your MIDI device you will need a separate MIDI FSK converter For details consult the manual for your MIDI device In this example we will synchronize four MIDI sound source with the sounds recorded on tracks 1 3 to create an ensemble with seven sound sources STEP 7 1 Before you begin tape sync playback Recording the sync signal Far R position Far L position lt gt lt gt INPUT 4 PHONES INPUT 1 FSK signal OUT 26 Drum MIDI out Machine Sequencer Connections between the 55 and the MIDI devices Connect the X 55 to the MIDI devices as shown in the diagram 2 Record the FSK signal First you must create a rhythm program on your drum machine or sequencer and specify the tempo Next record the FSK signal from the drum machine or sequencer onto track 4 At this time record the sound of the drum machine onto track 1 to use as a reference track Be sure to record at an appropriate tempo since the tempo cannot be changed later Refer to the manual of your M
31. e track 4 FB knob to 0 center position 4 REC SEL switch settings Set both switches to OFF 5 PAN knob settings Use the channel 1 4 PAN knobs to adjust the stereo position of each MIDI sound source 6 MIDI device input signal adjustments Raise the MASTER fader to 7 8 While manually playing the MIDI devices gradually raise the channel 1 4 INPUT faders to adjust the overall balance Effect processing using AUX To apply effect to four MIDI sound sources set the all channel AUX SEL switches to So that the effect unit will be applied to tracks 1 2 and 3 set the channel 1 3 AUX SEL switch to FB To adjust the amount of effect rotate the channel AUX knobs toward AUX1 and rotate the AUX RTN 1 knob Set the channel 4 AUX knob to center to apply effect to each track 8 MON SEL switch settings Set the MON SEL switch to ST FB Rehearsal e Playback the X 55 and start the MIDI device Use the FB knobs to adjust the signal of tracks 1 3 and use the INPUT faders to adjust the volume balance of the MIDI sound sources 10 Mixdown the tape sync playback First start recording on the master recorder Playback the X 55 and start the MIDI device Use the MASTER fader to control the overall volume and to fade in or fade out 28 Troubleshooting Sound is
32. es or monitor system To change the stereo location of the sound rotate the channel 1 PAN knob To adjust the tone use the channel 1 HIGH and LOW EQ knobs 13 Basic operation Start recording STEP 2 Record four sound sources on two tracks In STEP 2 we will explain how to record four sound sources on two tracks In STEP 2 you will learn additional procedures and connections that will supplement what you learned in STEP 1 Before you begin initialize the controls of the X 55 x In this Step you will learn how four sound sources drum machine bass guitar and synthesizer being played simultaneously can be recorded on two tracks In this example the four sound source will be connected as follows and recorded on tracks 1 and 2 as shown below Drum machine amp bass Track 1 Guitar amp synthesizer gt Track 2 In this Step you will also learn how to connect an external effect device for effect processing 7 Effect gt Power Amplifier AUX SEND 1 AUX 1 MON OUT 7 A XAT AZ2 594 5 3 3 E For tape playback set 4 A channels 1 and 2 to TAPE 4
33. ght to adjust the input level from the effects device Master recorder settings Insert the tape on which the master recording will be made and rewind it So that you can check the master recorder s input level set it to REC PAUSE 8 Rehearsal Press the REW button to rewind the tape Press the PLAY button to start the tape Use the channel 1 4 INPUT faders to adjust the volume of each track Leave the MASTER fader at 7 or 8 e Use the PAN knobs of each channel to set the desired stereo location for each track e Use the equalizer knobs of each channel to adjust the tone e Use the AUX 1 and 2 knobs to adjust the input level from the effect units 9 Start the mixdown First start recording on the master recorder Press the X 55 s PLAY button to start the tape Use the MASTER fader to control the overall volume and to fade in or fade out 21 CHAPTER Advanced operation After you have mastered basic operation STEP 5 22 You have worked through Steps 1 4 and have learned the basic techniques of operating the 55 In this section you will learn more advanced multitrack recording techniques such as punching in out and using tape synchronization Punch in out What is punch in out Punch in out refers to a technique in which you re record only a specific part of a previously recorded track For example this tech
34. gnals used by the tape sync function Thus sounds and signals are collectively explained as input signals or output signals Overdubbing The process of playing back a previously recorded signal on one track while recording a different signal on another track is called overdubbing On cassette radio players or stereo cassette decks it is not possible to listen to the sound recorded on the left track while recording a new sound on the right track However the X 55 s overdubbing capabilities allow you to successively record new sounds on empty tracks Monitoring As explained above overdubbing includes the act of listening to a previously recorded sound This listening to a previously recorded sound is often referred to as monitoring The word monitor means to check or verify and in this manual s explanation of the recording process listening to a previously recorded track or checking the input signal to be newly recorded is referred to as monitoring The difference between Tracks and Channels The two concepts of Tracks and Channels are often confused but in this manual they mean different things Channels refer mainly to the input output system of the mixer section For example this manual tell you that the bass connected to channel 1 should be output from the Left channel Tracks on the other hand refer mainly to the input output system of the recorder section the tape
35. he operating instruc tions All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Fostex X 55 The X 55 is a multitrack recorder with four inputs two of which accept mic signals and can be specified as balanced or unbalanced inputs a multi function mixer and a high quality high speed 9 5 cm s four track cassette recorder The X 55 allows you to create multi track recordings using techniques such as track bouncing punching in and out by footswitch and using the AUX send return jacks for effect processing From tape sync to mixdown the X 55 provides advanced functionality with simple operation To take full advantage of the 55 please read this manual carefully before use and keep it for later reference Table of Contents Introduction Precautions please read before use CHAPTER 1 How to use the X 55 Here s what you can do with the X 55 Some important terms used in this manual About cassette tapes for the X 55 Control panel Input output jacks CHAPTER 3 Basic operation Start recording step at a 8 0 2 2 11 Initial settings on the X 55 STEP 1 Record one sound source on track 1 STEP 2 Record four sound sources on two tracks 14 Precautions please read before use Power supply When unplugging the AC adaptor from the outlet be sure to grasp the adaptor Attempting to unplug it b
36. is recommended by the manufacturer A appliance and cart combination should be mov d with care Quick stops excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn 7 Wallor Ceiling Mounting The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufac turer 8 Ventilation The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper venti lation For example the appliance should not be situated on bed sofa rug or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings or placed in a built in installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 CAUTION TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT FULLY INSERT ATTENTION POUREVITERLES CHOCS LECTRIQUES INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRE SPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQ AU FOND The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and mainte nance servicing instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance Heat The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators heat registers stoves or other appliances including amplifiers that produce heat Power Sources
37. multi track recorder can be a very valuable music making tool This is even more the case if you are able to use MIDI instruments since you can use the tape sync function to create large orchestral arrange ments This manual will explain first how to record one sound source on a single track and gradually move on to more complex possibilities Once you understand the basic principles multi track recording is really quite simple and easy Use professional recording techniques Another possibility is for you to record a favorite song by a professional musician and then record your own performance on a different track By using the pitch control to slow down the tape speed you can more easily figure out and learn how to play rapidly played phrases 3 How to use the 55 If you make a few mistakes these be easily corrected using the punch in out function Alternatively you can create your own music minus one tapes In this way the X 55 s multi track recording capabilities provide a wide variety of possibilities Some important terms used in this manual This section explains some of the important terms used in this manual which you need to understand in order to take advantage of the X 55 Sound source Instruments or microphones connected to the X 55 are collectively called sound sources Signal The 55 is able to record not only sound from sound sources but also synchronization si
38. n you reach the location where you wish to begin recording press the RESET button to set the counter to 000 Press the PAUSE button Then press the REC button and the X 55 will enter REC PAUSE mode The REC indicator will light Press the PAUSE button once again REC PAUSE mode will be canceled and the X 55 will begin recording Alternatively you can press the REC button without going through REC PAUSE When recording begins the signals from tracks 1 and 2 will be heard at the levels determined by the FB knob settings Play along with the signals from track 1 and 2 From time to time check that the level meter is not going all the way to the top If it is adjust the channel 1 and 2 INPUT faders When you finish recording press the STOP button and the tape will stop Playback Press the REW button to rewind the tape Set the FB knob to 0 or set the MON SEL switch to STEREO Set the channels 1 3 INPUT SEL switches to TAPE In this example we are playing back tracks 1 3 so we will connect the tape signal from tracks 1 3 to the channel 1 3 INPUT faders Press the PLAY button to start the tape Use the channel 1 3 INPUT faders to adjust the volume Leave the MASTER fader at about 7 or 8 To change the stereo location of the sound use the channel 1 3 PAN knobs To adjust the tone use the channel 1 3 equalizer knobs In this way yo
39. nal from the INPUT fader will be sent to AUX B The signal from FB will be sent to AUX Control panel and front and rear panels Pitch control knob PITCH This knob allows you to adjust the tape speed over a range of 12 When the knob is the center position 0 the tape speed will be normal GD AUX return 1 2 knobs AUX 1 2 These knobs control the input signal from external devices such as effect units connected to the AUX 1 and AUX RTN 2 jacks dd Monitor level knob MON This knob controls the volume of the external monitor or headphones 9 Monitor select switch MON SEL This switch selects the signal to monitor STEREO The signal that is output from the STEREO OUT L and R jacks will be monitored ST FB The signals from STEREO OUT L and R jacks and from the FB jack will be monitored together FB The signal from the FB jack will be monitored Master fader MASTER This fader controls the signal that is output from STEREO OUT L and 49 Record track select switches REC SEL These switches select the track s that will be recorded The signal assigned by the PAN knob to L or R will be sent to the track specified by these switches If these are set to OFF the signal will not be recorded on any track Meter select switch METER This switch selects the signal that is displayed in the meters MIXER The meters will display the output level of
40. nique can be used to re record just a few measures of a guitar solo You can playback the tape and when you reach the section you want to re record press a footswitch to enter record mode without having to stop the tape This is called punching in Then when you reach the end of the section you wantto re record press a footswitch to return to play mode This is called punching out To punch in out you will need a separately sold Fostex 8051 footswitch this section we will explain how to monitor the signals from tracks 1 4 and punch in out on a guitar solo recorded on track 1 The procedure is the same for other situations r Before you begin initialize the controls of the X 55 Power Amplifier gt gt INPUT 1 PUNCH PHONES IN OUT 8 9 Headphone FOSTEX 8051 Sound source connections Connect the electric guitar to INPUT jack 1 Set the LEVEL switch to INPUT SEL switch settings So that you can adjust the input signal of the electric guitar set the channel 1 INPUT SEL switch to INPUT MON SEL switch settings Set the MON SEL switch to FB FB knob settings
41. nnels 2 and 4 INPUT faders electric guitar and synthesizer on track 2 turn the PAN knobs of channel 2 and 4 to the full position Input signal adjustments Raise the MASTER fader to about 7 or 8 While playing each instrument gradually raise the corresponding INPUT fader so that the level meter is moving in the region of 0 Using AUX for effect processing You will need an effect processor unit e g a reverb unit Connect the input jack of the effect unit to the X 55 s AUX SEND 1 jack and connect the output jack of the effect unit to the X 55 s AUX RTN 1 jack Set the AUX SEL switches of all channels to CH In this example will use the effect unit to apply reverb to the electric guitar and synthesizer so rotate the AUX knobs of channels 2 and 4 gradually to the AUX 1 position The AUX 1 level meter will let you check the output level being sent to the reverb Gradually rotate the AUX RTN 1 knob to the right and adjust the input level from the effect unit Start recording Press the PAUSE button Then press the REC button and the X 55 will enter REC PAUSE mode The REC indicator will light Press the PAUSE button once again REC PAUSE mode will be canceled and the X 55 will begin recording Alternatively you can press the REC button without going through REC PAUSE From time to time check that the level meters
42. o STEREO Set the channels 1 and 2 INPUT SEL switches to TAPE In this example we are playing back tracks 1 and 2 so we will connect the tape signal from tracks 1 and 2 to the channel 1 and 2 INPUT faders Press the PLAY button to start the tape Use the channel 1 and 2 INPUT faders to adjust the volume Leave the MASTER fader at about 7 or 8 To change the stereo location of the sound use the channel 1 and 2 PAN knobs To adjust the tone use the channel 1 and 2 equalizer knobs 17 CHAPTER Basic operation Start recording STEP 3 2 While monitoring the signal from tracks 1 and 2 record sound sources C and D on track 3 In this Step we will monitor the signal recorded on tracks 1 and 2 sound sources A and B as we record two sound sources C and D on track 3 Before you begin initialize the controls of the X 55 59 Power Amplifier 3 29 For tape playback set channels 1 3 to 41 gt lt gt INPUT 1 INPUT2 PHONES 1 Tone D Headphone 1 Sound source connections Connect sound sources D respectively to INPUT jacks 1 and 2 Balance
43. re recorded many times the high frequencies may eventually begin sounding dull For this reason itis a good idea to boost the high frequencies a bit when recording 9 PITCH knob settings When recording set the PITCH knob at the center position 0 10 Start recording Press the PAUSE button Then press the REC button and the X 55 will enter REC PAUSE mode The REC indicator will light Press the PAUSE button once again REC PAUSE mode will be canceled and the X 55 will begin recording Alternatively you can press the REC button without going through REC PAUSE Begin playing your instrument or singing into the mic e From time to time check that the level meter for the L channel is not going all the way to the top If it is adjust the channel 1 INPUT fader If you are monitoring through headphones adjust the MON knob as necessary e When you finish recording press the STOP button and the tape will stop Playback listen to the recording you just made Press the REW button to rewind the tape Set the channel 1 INPUT SEL switch to TAPE In this example we are playing back track 1 so we will select the tape signal for channel 1 Press the PLAY button to start the tape Use the channel 1 INPUT fader to adjust the volume Leave the MASTER fader as it was Rotate the MON knob to the right and the recorded sound will be heard from your headphon
44. stereo out L and R and the output levels of AUX SEND 1 and 2 TAPE The meters will display the level of the signals recorded on tape tracks 1 4 Dolby noise reduction switch NR This switch turns Dolby B noise reduction on or off To enjoy recording and playing back high quality sound set this switch to the ON position Power indicator POWER This indicator will light when the power switch is turned on Recording indicator REC This indicator will light when one of the tracks is ready to record when the REC SEL switch is in a position other than OFF and the unit is in REC PAUSE mode or in recording Tape counter reset button RESET This displays the tape location To reset the counter to 000 press the reset button Transport control buttons Record button REC Play button PLAY Rewind button REW Fast forward button FF Stop button STOP Pause button PAUSE Meter display This display indicates the level of the signals selected by the METER select switch 03 Deck transport This is where the cassette tape is inserted Front panel input output jacks Input jacks INPUT 1 4 Sound sources you wish to input can be connected to these jacks INPUT jacks 1 and 2 are able to accept either line or mic signals and jacks 4 are able to accept only line signals For low output level mics or for instruments that require a switchable input level use INPUT jacks 1 or 2
45. tch 1 OFF 3 to 1 and set the PAN knobs for all channels to the far L position STEREO OUT es 0 e Stereo Bus 1 SH 22 Lon 2 or 4j Channel 1 2 4 SEL About the AUX system The AUX auxiliary system is an auxiliary or supplementary input system and is used mainly for effect processing The AUX signals are provided in addition to the stereo bus explained in the preceding note Since all channels 1 4 of the X 55 can send to the AUX system it is easy to perform effect processing It is also possible to send return foldback FB signals using the AUX send Foldback is explained in the following STEP 3 STEP 3 Record four sound sources on four tracks overdubbing As explained on page 16 overdubbing refers to the process of monitoring a previously recorded track while you record new tracks In STEP 3 you will learn how to use the basic procedures for overdubbing to record four sound sources on four tracks About foldback FB FB is used mainly to monitor the playback signal from the tape during overdubbing The reason for using FB for monitoring is that the signal from FB is sent neither to the stereo bus nor to the recorder section The FB signal is sent directly out the FB jack and can be monitored but not recorded This means that you can monitor the signal from a tape track without using up an input or allowing the monitored signal to get into the tr
46. the control panel settings as they are rewind the tape and playback If the results are not what you wanted try the punch in out procedure again 23 Advanced operation STEP 6 24 set channels 1 3 to INPUT and channel 4 to 2 For tape playback Pingpong recording What is pingpong recording Pingpong recording refers to a technique in which the playback from two or more previously recorded tracks is mixed and recorded onto a different track Pingpong recording can be used to free up tracks so that more sound sources can be recorded on them allowing you to create recordings with more parts than there are actual tape tracks Be careful about oscillation during ping pong recording During ping pong recording raising the gain too high may generate oscillation In this case stop recording immediately Monitoring sound with oscillation through head phones or external monitor devices may impair your hearing ability After you stop recording lower the output level Input faders 1 4 or Master fader on the X 55 to an appropriate gain level or use the HIGH EQ knob to attenuate the high frequency range and restart recording Example A seven part ensemble using pingpong recording Record A BandC Pingpong record RecordDandE Pingpong record D 5 Record F and G on tracks 1 3 on track 4 on tracks 1 and 2 and
47. ttings The REC SEL switch selects the tape track on which recording will be done In this example we will be recording only track 1 so set the upper REC SEL switch 1 OFF 3 to 1 Leave the lower REC SEL switch 2 OFF 4 set at OFF 5 Viewing the level meters Set the METER switch to MIXER so that you can check the level of the signal input at the INPUT jack To check the signal that is sent to track 1 you can set the X 55 to record or REC PAUSE 6 Adjusting the input signal Raise the MASTER fader to about 7 or 8 While playing your instrument or singing into the mic gradually raise the channel t fader until the level meter is moving in the area of 0 e If necessary change the setting of the LEVEL switch e If you are monitoring through headphones gradually rotate the MON knob to the right 7 PAN knob settings The PAN knobs are used to assign the input signal In this example we want to send the input signal to track 1 so be sure to rotate the PAN knob all the way to the L position The signal will be sent to odd numbered tracks when the PAN is in the L position and to even numbered tracks when in the position 8 LOW and HIGH equalizer settings e If you wish you may use one or both of the equalizer knobs to adjust the tone of the input signal Since in multitrack recording the sounds can be layered and
48. u can use FB to monitor the signal from the previously recorded tracks while you record new sound sources Now that you understand how the recorded and monitored signals are routed during overdubbing and how each switch functions you can take advantage of other types of recording technique 19 STEP 4 Basic operation Start recording Mixdown What is mixdown Mixdown refers to the process of playing back the signals recorded on two or more tracks combining these to a stereo or mono signal and recording the result on a separate master tape This is the final Step in creating a multitrack recording During mixdown you can make fine adjustments to the level balance of each track and add effect processing etc to create the musical result you want x In this Step you will learn how the signals from tracks 1 4 that you overdubbed in STEP be mixed down and sent to a master recorder Before you begin initialize the controls of the X 55 1 7 9 Master Recoder OO Power Amplifier 20 819 Connections between the 55 and the master recorder Connect the X 55 s STEREO OUT L and ja
49. urst requirements radiated electromagnetic field requirements and static electricity discharging environment this could be affected FOSTEX DISTRIBUTORS LIST IN EUROPE Including non EU countries underlined contracted distributors as of Jun 1 1995 lt AUSTRIA gt NAME ATEC Audio u Videogeraete VertriebsgesmbH ADD Im Winkel 5 A 2325 Velm Austria TEL 43 2234 74004 FAX 43 2234 74074 lt BELGIUM gt EML ADD Bijvennestraat 1A B3500 Hasselt Belgium TEL 32 11 232355 FAX 32 11 232172 lt DENMARK gt NAME SC Sound ApS ADD Malervej 2 DK 2630 Taastrup Denmark TEL 45 4399 8877 FAX 45 4399 8077 lt FINLAND gt NAME Noretron Audio ADD Olarinluoma 7 FIN 02200 Espoo Finland TEL 358 0 5259330 FAX 358 0 52593352 lt FRANCE gt NAME Musikengro ADD ZAC de Folliouses B P 609 01706 Les Echets France TEL 33 72 26 27 00 FAX 33 72 26 27 01 lt GERMANY gt NAME Studiosound amp Music GmbH ADD Scheppe Gewissegasse 8 D 35039 Marburg Germany TEL 49 6421 12071 FAX 49 6421 15522 lt GREECE gt NAME Bon Studio S A ADD 6 Zaimi Street Exarchia 106 83 Athens Greece TEL 30 1 3809605 8 3302059 FAX 30 1 3845755 lt ICELAND gt NAME LD elrf electronic Ltd ADD Armula 38 108 Reykjavik Iceland TEL 354 588 5010 FAX 354 588 5011 lt ITALY gt NAME Entel S L ADD 1 Maggio
50. wn to a level of 0 e When the AC adaptor is connected to an AC outlet itwill continue to draw small amounts of power even if the switch is set turned off STANDBY If you will not be using the unit for an extended length of time be sure to unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet Location Avoid using the unit in the following types of loca tion Locations of extreme low or high temperatures or extreme changes in temperature Locations with excessive moisture dust Locations where direct sunlight falls for an extended time or near a stove or other source of heat Locations where electrical voltage is not steady Unstable locations or where there is heavy vibration Near strong magnetic fields on top of a television or speaker How to use the 55 Here s what you can do with the X 55 Radio cassette players and stereo cassette decks record and playback stereo sound on each side side A and side As shown in the diagram a cassette tape is divided into four tracks Two are used for side A and two for side B However the 55 uses all four tracks at once i e as a single side and is able to record each track independently allowing you to record instruments or vocal parts separately This chapter will give some actual examples of things that are possible when using the X 55 and explain the basic concepts that you need to understand Standard Cassette Deck Model 55 Ae
51. y pulling on the AC cable may damage the wiring Itis hazardous to use a power cable which has been cut or frayed If the power cable becomes damaged immediately stop using it and have it repaired Do not plug in or unplug the AC adaptor when your hands are wet Doing so may result in dangerous electric shock Donotopen the unit or touch the parts inside Doing so may result in dangerous electric shock and may damage the unit Do not allow water or other liquids flammable materials or metal objects such as pins to get inside the unit These things may cause electrical shock and may damage the unit If the unit should become wet unplug the AC adaptor from the AC outlet and contact your authorized service station e When turning the power on turn this unit on before turning on other equipment connected to this unit Doing so will avoid possible damage to the other STEP 3 Overdubbing 16 STEP 3 1 STEP 3 2 STEP 4 20 CHAPTER 4 Advanced operation After you have mastered basic operation STEP 5 Punch in out STEP 6 Pingpong recording STEP 7 Orchestration using tape sync STEP 7 1 we STEP 7 2 Troubleshooting Maintenance Specifications 2 we 2 Block Diagram equipment Also when connecting or disconnecting cables to or from the unit s input or output jacks make sure that the INPUT fader and AUX volume of that channel are turned do
52. y result from inappropriate settings The process of setting the controls to the positions given in the following list is referred to in this manual as initializing Remember to initialize the controls before beginning each step How to initialize the controls Lower the INPUT faders of all channels and the MASTER fader Set all knobs to 0 set the PAN knobs to the center position Set the INPUT SEL switches of each channel to INPUT Set the AUX SEL switches of each channel to CH Set each of the REC SEL switches to OFF Set the METER switch to MIXER Set the Dolby NR switch to OFF 000000000 0000 N 11 Basic operation Start recording STEP 1 Record one sound source on track 1 In STEP 1 we will explain basic recording procedure on the X 55 In this section you will learn the roles and operation of the most important knobs and switches Turn on the X 55 power Before you begin initialize the controls of the X 55 Insert the tape you wish to record on and rewind it to the location at which you want to begin recording 1 Power
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