tascam series M224 : FLB

[nirmel21]

well,I have used this mixing console for several cd, but I'm musician and not really sound enginiering.
you can listen to the result at http://merlinproductions.fr for those who wonder what sound it gives aproximatively (some title contain one or two nanoverbs and a compression smson scom plus that I just acquired, some are passed by a zoom mrs4b for final equalisation, and sound has been taken with a rode nt1a).
SO MY QUESTION IS...
on the m224, ther are 16 rca to input a recorder. ok.
but ther is a FLB potentiometer with a jack output beside the AUX jack output, without any jack return. and there is a FLB potentiometer at each pist, with a TAPE button...
SO: what is the real function of the FLB and what does it mean (in english or in french, I live in france)? How and what do you connect in FLB?
AND: how to use the TAPE button associated with the FLB potentiometer at each pist?
For the moment, I connect either a reverb or the compressor on the FLB out as send and the second AUX return as return for FLB, but I know the normal use is not this, even if it works.

 

[Beck]

The Foldback (FLB) is an auxiliary send. It is pre-fader, which means moving the main fader for that channel will not affect its level. This is handy to feed a separate monitor mix for stage monitors, or for the talent in the studio. It has no returns like the EFF (Effect) send because it is not intended to be returned to the board.

However you can use it as a second effect send, but if you try to attenuate the channel fader the effect won’t fade with the signal. You can work around it by turning the FLB knob at the same time as the fader. It can also be an interesting effect in its own right… the main signal fades into echo or reverb, etc. I use the FLB send on my M200 mixers as an effect send. Since I work alone I have no use for a mono monitor mix.

I use a stereo line mixer, the Tascam M-1B so I can return several processors to the effect returns on the M-216.

Below is a block diagram to give you a better idea of what’s going on inside your mixer. As you can see the mic and line inputs go through the pad and trim pot. The Tape input bypasses this circuit and goes either directly to the EQ stage or straight to the FLB send pot, depending on which buttons are engaged. The tape input is the cleanest input path and you can use it for line level instruments like keyboards as well as for tape input.

Also note that the EFF send is tapped right after the main fader so moving the fader will also change the level going to the effects processor.

The second Tape button (next to the FLB trim pot) gives you the option of taking the tape signal through the EQ circuit or straight to the Foldback control pot. The M-200 series mixers are a bit shy in the effect send department, so I’m planning to rewire the FLB post-fader just like the effect send… if I ever find the time.

~Tim