Filter
Top Products
Applications
X2 Reference Manual 49
tape deck’s left and right inputs. For more information on interfacing the X2 with a
mixdown deck, see page 27.
Assign all Channels, Monitors, Stereo Aux Returns and Groups being used to the L-
R MASTER FADERS, by making sure the L-R buttons for each is down. Then create
a mix using the Faders for the selected channels.
If there are any channels, monitors or aux returns you are not using, make sure their
L-R switches are up, to keep the noise floor to a minimum.
Creating a Dependable Mix
Creating a mix is easy; creating a great mix (one that jumps off the tape) is a lot
harder. There are those engineers who are in demand just for mixing because of
their sense of balance between instruments causes the mix to come alive with
excitement. Although outboard effects and tonal adjustments are important, you’d
be surprised at how good a dry (meaning no EQ or effects) mix can be if the
balances between parts are right. When you add effects and EQ, it will sound that
much better.
Since much of the art of mixing is totally subjective and up to the taste of the
engineer, a basic balance between instruments is necessary first before any tonal or
effect enhancements can really become effective. We’ve included a method to help
you quickly create a “dependable” mix; one that sounds good no matter what
speakers you mix or play back on. Although our example involves mixing the
instruments found in popular music, this method can be applied to any type of
music regardless of the instruments being used.
To create a dependable mix:
Note: This is only a reference or starting point. Each song is unique and calls for
different balances.
1 Begin with all the Channel FADERS in the “-” (down) position. Set the Stereo
Master FADERS to the “-10” point on their travel (about 75%).
2 Set the Meter Bridge to Tape Return mode by holding ALL/ALT and pressing
DISPLAY. This way, when you roll tape, the meters will light up (for those
tracks with audio) regardless of where the Channel Faders are.
3 Raise the Kick Drum Channel FADER until the LED meters read “-2.”
4 Mute the Kick Drum Channel by switching the MUTE button to the “On”
(down) position, so that the Kick can no longer be heard. DO NOT MOVE THE
FADER! Just mute the Kick Channel.
5 Raise the Snare Drum Channel FADER until the LED meter reads “0.” Mute the
Snare Drum Channel, the same as the Kick.
6 Raise the Hi-Hat Channel FADER until it reads “-15” on the LED meter. If any
cymbals (ride or crashes) occur in the song, set those Channels to “-15.” Mute
the Hi-hat and Cymbals Channels.