Reverb in Headphones for 246

[ksounds]

Does anyone know if/how I can track to the Tascam 246 with effects in my monitor mix (headphones) without the effects going to tape for mix down? I can't seem to find out through the manual, and so far I've not been able to accomplish this. Any help would be appreciated

 

[Beck]

You can do it a couple different ways. You can either return the effects to channels 5 & 6 using Line B or return the effects directly to BUSS 3 & 4 input for this example.

Recording vocal on track 1 using channel 1:

- Assign vocal channel to Buss 1 and only engage track 1 button in the record function section.
- Assign stereo effects returns to BUSS 3 & 4 if using inputs 5 & 6, or return them directly to BUSS 3 & 4 inputs.
- If using LINE B inputs make sure they aren’t assigned to BUSS 1 and they won’t record to track 1.
- Now you are using BUSS 3 & 4 just for monitoring the reverb. It won’t record to track 1 with the vocal, but it will be present in the phones.

If recording a stereo source, do the same thing as above but assign channels 1 & 2 to BUSS 1 & 2, and engage record function buttons 1 & 2.


Of course this will only work if recording one or two tracks at a time. If you are recording 4 tracks at once it can’t be done without an outboard submixer of some kind.

 

[ksounds]

Beck,
Thanks so much for the reply. I tried what you said, but I'm still not having success. Can the phones selection be in monitor mode, or do they have to be in PGM for this to work? Also, let's say I have Vocal track 1 with L/1 assigned and panned hard left with record function 1 pressed in. O.k. now, lets say I have my stereo effect L,R outs going into the back of the unit at PGM Buss IN 3&4. Now what? Can you be a little more specific? This is just an example as to how you could word it so that I can understand: Pull fader 4 up and press it's R/2 Assign button-pan hard right.

Something really basic like that explanation. Thanks in advance for your help. I thought I had it for a second there.

 

[Beck]

Lets just do one option. If you bring your stereo effects returns straight into BUSS 3 & 4 on the back (PGM BUSS IN) you will be controlling level with the master faders or volume control on the effects device itself.

Signals from the BUSS inputs go directly to the program master faders (red faders) and the monitor system, so those will also affect level control. The last level control in the chain is the headphone level knob.

It would be easiest to select “monitor” in the phones section and adjust levels with the rotary knobs in the monitor block to get the balance you want.

One important thing... study the manual and understand the function of the cue button. It could be the only thing preventing this to work as expected.

This can be done in either PGM or Monitor, but the devil is in the details with these buttons. Review what you already know carefully until you have a firm grasp of where everything can be routed and how.

So... plug your signal into channel 1 and adjust level and EQ to taste. Pan the signal hard-left. Next using one of the effects sends on channel one, send some of the signal into the effects buss and out into your reverb/effects unit. Next bring that back in through 3 & 4 PGM BUSS IN on the back.

With phones set to monitor, you will hear the signal being recorded to track 1 and the stereo effected (wet) signal through the monitor section. Knob #1 will control level and pan position of the signal going to tape, and Knobs 3 & 4 will control the same for the phantom signal that is not going to print on tape. You can adjust the overall level with the master monitor knob and finally the phones level knob right under the selection buttons.

You’re now working with three busses… the record buss, the effects buss, and the monitor buss. You can change levels all you want in the monitor buss and it won’t interfere with the sound going to tape.

Again beware the PGM/QUE button. If you think you have everything set right press that button down or up and see what happens.

 

[ksounds]

The Cue button! That worked. Thanks for your time Beck!