Connecting a Teac A440S to a Model 2 mixer with MB-20

[BeatleFred]

The MB-20 manual has the diagram and the instructions showing how the connections are made between the meter bridge, mixer and the recorder, it wont be in the
2A or the A-3440 manual. If you get a bunch of rca-rca cables and just follow the diagram, its straightforward.

Just curious, is your 2A/MB-20 within the wood-style side panels which allow the meters to tilt upward? The other option is with a bracket instead that attaches between them.
Either way, the MB-20 is easy on the eyes, compared to some later models like the M-106 that only have two meters and lay flat down and you have to prop something underneath it to tilt it upward for better viewing. Even compared to a more advanced mixer like the M-30, the 2A has an upward slope to it for better ergonomics, whereas the M-30 does not have any tilt so that the controls and meters are at the same level (if you look and compare, you will see what I mean).

One thing to keep in mind, due to its age, the four meters on the MB-20 might need calibration so that they all read the same level, such as when being given a test tone signal. The service manual for the MB-20 would explain how to calibrate. If the MB-20 you have is already mounted within the side panels, it would need to be removed to do a calibration, so probably easier to do that before proceeding to hook up all the cables to it.

Are you planning to record your own music after you have it set up? One thing I suggest that I have found helpful when first starting out is to simply dub some music from cd's, presuming you have a collection of music cd's, onto the A-3440, to practice getting a feel for how to adjust the controls and route signals thru the 2A/MB-20 onto the A-3440. The cd already is the finished music, so you can just focus on getting familiarized with how the equipment operates, before you then start setting up mics and whatnot to figure out how to record your own music, but proceed whichever way suits you best.

If you do record music from cd's after the hookup, the thing to note is, there are only two line inputs on 5 & 6 on the 2A mixer to connect the cd player to, but that is all you need. The other line in's on 1-4 on the 2A are already in use from the hookup cables needed to connect the 2A, MB-20 and the recorder to each other.

 

[Papanate]

You can send the foldbacks anywhere you want but if all I had was a 4-track machine, Model 2, & MB-20, I'd use the MB-20 foldbacks to bring the machine abouts into the Model 2 line ins. A more complete setup would include a line level mixer such as the TASCAM Model 1 and a patch bay for improved flexibility and convenience.

So I think that Teac mislabeled the outputs - they aren’t foldbacks as much as they are busses - maybe master buses would be a better term.

 

[RRuskin]

So I think that Teac mislabeled the outputs - they aren’t foldbacks as much as they are busses - maybe master buses would be a better term.

They labeled everything correctly. It's your understanding that's incorrect.

 

[Papanate]

They labeled everything correctly. It's your understanding that's incorrect.

Well foldback has always meant monitors on stage in my world - and I’ve never heard of Foldback to describe busses on a mixer , patchbay or whatever.

From Google:

Foldbacks, also known as foldback monitors or stage monitors, are speakers used in live performances to allow performers to hear themselves and other sounds from the stage. They provide a separate mix tailored for the performers, helping them monitor their own sound during a performance.

Definition of Foldbacks​

Foldbacks, also known as foldback monitors or stage monitors, are essential audio devices used in live performances. They allow performers to hear themselves and other sounds from the stage, ensuring they can monitor their own sound effectively.

Purpose of Foldbacks​

Foldbacks serve several key functions:

• Self-Monitoring: They enable performers to hear their own voices or instruments, which is crucial for maintaining pitch and timing.
• Tailored Mix: The audio mix sent to foldbacks is often customized for each performer, allowing them to hear specific elements louder or softer as needed.
• Feedback Prevention: Properly set up foldbacks help minimize feedback issues that can occur when microphones pick up sound from speakers.

Types of Foldbacks​

Foldbacks can come in various forms, including:

Type	Description
Wedge Monitors	Wedge-shaped speakers placed on the stage floor.
In-Ear Monitors	Wireless devices that fit inside the ear, providing a personal audio feed.
Conventional Speakers	Standard speaker cabinets used for foldback purposes.

 

[BeatleFred]

Maybe it would be easier to understand if only one device was looked at, such as the Teac GE-20 eq. It has Foldback too, a set of rca jacks underneath the line inputs,
and there is also line out's and aux outs. I imagine the Foldback is not needed if someone is just recording music by themself, but if there were several musicians involved and
they want to hear the sound to their own preference without interfering with the main mix, the Foldback section would be useful for that.

Unlike a mixer, there are no busses on an EQ, yet Teac/Tascam still utilized the terminology, thus there a foldback on back of the MB-20, which is the meter bridge, not the actual mixer (The 2A), and also a foldback on some devices such as a GE-20, which I just brought up to use as an example. The MB-20 can be used with just about any device for metering purposes apart from the 2A, as its not hardwired to it, it can be used standalone.

Going back to the original post, the best thing to do is simply follow the hook up diagram in the MB-20 manual and he should be all set.

 

[RRuskin]

Well foldback has always meant monitors on stage in my world -

In your world which is only 1 aspect of pro audio.

and I’ve never heard of Foldback to describe busses on a mixer , patchbay or whatever....

I never said anything of the kind.

Type	Description
Wedge Monitors	Wedge-shaped speakers placed on the stage floor.
In-Ear Monitors	Wireless devices that fit inside the ear, providing a personal audio feed.
Conventional Speakers	Standard speaker cabinets used for foldback purposes.