4 Hints and advanced tips

4.1.3 Metering

In general, you should not try to record at

When playing back if one or both of the

too high a level, and the 

+6

 indicator

input channels has set to 

SAFE

, they will

should not be lit more than half the time

display the levels of the signal sent to the

(at the very most). 

left 

LINE OUT

 (channel and meter 1) or

the right 

LINE OUT

 (channel and meter

The meters display the input levels to the

2). If a signal is also received at the 

MIC/

channels at all times except when playing

LINE

 input jacks, this will be added to the

back with the input channels in 

SAFE

playback for metering.

mode.

4.1.4 When you're not recording

Try to get into the habit of always leaving

recording by accident (remember that

the 

REC FUNCTION

 switches in the 

SAFE

pressing 

RECORD

 with both channels

position unless you are actually recording

SAFE

 is the same as pressing 

PLAY

).

or rehearsing a take. This will stop you

4.2

Mixdown

What sounds good is something that

tant pieces of equipment that you have

depends on personal taste, but most pro 

are your ears! Train yourself to use them

fessionals try to avoid mixes with too

so that you can spot mistakes quickly,

much bass or high end (unless it's for a

and you know how to put them right, just

special effect). However, the most impor 

by listening. It's a useful skill!

4.2.1 Recording more than four tracks (i)

Although the Porta02 has only 4 tracks, it

2) Set both 

REC FUNCTION

 switches to 

is possible to produce a mix with more

SAFE

.

than four sounds. Here's one way, which

involves adding one or two more extra

3) Connect the source for the extra 

inputs to the four recorded tape tracks.

inputs to the 

MIC/LINE

 jacks and 

adjust the 

TRIM

 controls to match 

These extra inputs will be panned either

the level.

fully left or right (or one track will be in

the center) and the mix proceeds as the

4) Play back the tape, and use the 

extra inputs are recorded. This method is

OUTPUT LEVEL

 and 

PAN

 controls to 

therefore useful for adding a pre recorded

adjust the playback of the tape 

stereo backing to go behind the four

tracks.

recorded tracks.

5) Use the faders to adjust the levels 

1) Record on all four tracks of the 

of the input signals against the tape 

Porta02.

tracks.

4.2.2 Recording more than 4 tracks (ii)

For this method, there must be an ordi 

The four tracks of the Porta02 are mixed

nary stereo cassette recorder used as the

in the usual way onto a stereo cassette.

mastering recorder.

This cassette is then removed from the

mastering recorder and replaces the 4 

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