1 An introduction to the Porta02
5
and on A/V cue-equipped cassette record-
ers.
Notice that the stereo cassette arrange-
ment allows you to use both sides of the
cassette, by playing the tape in the other
direction. The Porta02, however, uses the
whole width of the tape. Notice also that
one pair of L and R tracks on the stereo
cassette take up the same positions as
tracks 1 and 2 on the Porta02. This can be
important for your recording projects, as
we will see later on.
1.1.2 Mixing down
Another advantage of multitrack record-
ing is that when you come to make the
final version (on CD, cassette, etc.), you
can adjust the level (volume) of each
track, so that the piece sounds the way
you want.
As well as adjusting the track levels, you
can also adjust the position of each track
with regard to the left and right speakers.
This is called “panning”, and the controls
used to do this are called “panpots”. By
using the panpots, you can make the
tracks appear to come from the left or the
right speakers or anywhere in the middle.
The technique of converting a multitrack
recording to a stereo recording is called
“mixing down” to a “stereo master” or
“mastering” recorder. The Porta02
includes a mixdown section which allows
you to mix to a stereo cassette or MD
recorder.
1.2
Some safety notes and precautions
•
Always use the PS-P2 power adaptor
supplied with the Porta02. If you use
any other adaptor, there is a risk of
damage, or even fire. Make sure that
the input voltage marked on the PS-P2
adaptor matches the power supply you
are using. If you are in any doubt, con-
sult your TASCAM dealer.
•
Turn off your Porta02 and remove the
cassette when you are not using the
Porta02. If you will not be using it for
an extended period of time, unplug the
PS-P2 adaptor.
•
When connecting or disconnecting the
Porta02 to or from any other equip-
ment, make sure the power to the
Porta02 and all other equipment is
turned off. This will avoid possible
damage to equipment.
•
Do not keep your Porta02 in a very
hot place. Remember that in sunny
weather, the inside of a parked car
heats up very quickly. Avoid leaving
your Porta02 in such a place.
•
Do not spill liquid onto your Porta02.
Avoid eating, drinking and smoking
near it (smoke particles are bad for
L
R
1
2
4
L
R
R
3
CUE
R
L
IEC (Philips) ste-
reo cassette
TASCAM 4Tr 4Ch
(Porta02 format)
TASCAM 4Tr 3Ch
(A/V cue format)
