Tascam Portastudio MF-P01 Owner's Manual

Also see for Portastudio MF-P01: Supplementary guide

Contents

Tascam Portastudio MF-P01 Owner's Manual Manual pdf 4 page image

4 PORTASTUDIO MF-P01The TASCAM MF-P01 PORTASTUDIO allows youto perform multitrack recordings which are notpossible with an ordinary stereo cassette recorder.Multitrack recording - a briefintroductionThis section gives you a brief introduction to some ofthe terms and techniques used in recording. If you areunfamiliar with these terms, you may find it useful toread through this section so that you understand therest of the manual, which uses the terms explainedhere.Multitrack recordersThe MF-P01 allows you to record up to 4 tracks onType II (chrome) cassette tapes. It accepts an inputand feeds it into a recorder which can record tracksindependently of each other, and builds up the songby recording new tracks while listening to what hasbeen recorded before ("overdubbing").Ordinary cassetteMF-P01The illustration below shows you how tracks arearranged on an ordinary stereo cassette tape, as wellas on the MF-P01.Notice that the stereo cassette arrangement allowsyou to use both sides of the cassette, by playing thetape in the other direction. The MF-P01, however,uses the whole width of the tape. Notice also that onepair of L and R tracks on the stereo cassette take upthe same positions as tracks 1 and 2 on the MF-P01.This allows the MF-P01 to play back normal cassettetapes using tracks 1 and 2.Mixing downWhen you come to make the final version (on MD,cassette, etc.), you can adjust the level (volume) andthe stereo position (panning) of each track.The technique of converting a multitrack recording toa stereo recording is called "mixing down" to a"stereo master" recorder. The MF-P01 includes amixdown section which allows you to mix to a stereocassette or MD recorder.Some safety notes and precautions• Always use the PS-P2 power adaptor supplied withthe MF-P01. If you use any other adaptor, there is arisk of damage, or even fire. Make sure that theinput voltage marked on the PS-P2 adaptor matchesthe power supply you are using. If you are in anydoubt, consult your TASCAM dealer.• Turn off your MF-P01 and remove the cassettewhen you are not using the MF-P01. If you will notbe using it for an extended period of time, unplugthe PS-P2 adaptor.• When connecting or disconnecting the MF-P01 toor from any other equipment, make sure the powerto the MF-P01 and all other equipment is turnedoff. This will avoid possible damage to equipment.• Do not keep your MF-P01 in a very hot place.Remember that in sunny weather, the inside of aparked car heats up very quickly. Avoid leavingyour MF-P01 in such a place.• Do not spill liquid onto your MF-P01. Avoideating, drinking and smoking near it (smokeparticles are bad for audio equipment). If any liquidor any objects such as paperclips, guitar picks, etc.fall inside the MF-P01, do not try to operate it.Return it to a TASCAM service center for repair.• If the case of the MF-P01 becomes dirty, clean itonly with a damp (not wet) cloth, moistened with alittle detergent. Do not use solvents or thinners, etc.to clean the MF-P01, as these will damage thesurface.• There are no parts inside the MF-P01 that you canrepair by yourself. Do not open the MF-P01 case ortry to make any repairs. Return it to a TASCAMservice center for repair.Tape cassettes• Since the MF-P01 uses the whole width of acassette tape, you can use only one side of acassette for playing and recording. You should tryto use either side A or side B for all cassettes, toavoid confusion when changing tapes.• Only use Type II (chrome or high position)cassettes with the MF-P01.• Remember that because you are only using oneside of the cassette, the marked length of the tapewill be halved (that is, a C60 tape will run for 30minutes, a C40 for 20 minutes, etc.).• Always store cassettes in a safe place (away fromthe magnetic fields produced by speakers,television sets, computer monitors, etc.).An introduction to the MF-P01