| Multitrack Recorder | |
| The
basic principle of a multitrack system is the availability of more than
one track each
of which can be recorded and played back independently of the others. This
is in distinction from two-track stereo recorders where the two tracks
cannot be recorded or played back independently.
Common formats in reel to reel systems use 4, 8, 16, and 24 tracks although up to 48 tracks are also in use. Cassette systems using 4 or 8 tracks are in wide use. The Modular Digital Multitrack format (MDM) uses eight track modules which can be combined to create larger bundles of digital tracks. |
| Multitrack recorders are designed to be used in combination with a mixer. The basic procedure involves two stages: |
| First the signals to be recorded are brought into the input section of the mixer and routed to the recorder . When the levels are set the signal is recorded on an enabled track of the recorder. Several tracks can be recorded at the same time or one at a time to build up a number of layers. | The second stage involves resetting the mixer to play back the recorder tracks. By manipulating the eq, panning, and level controls for each of the mixers input channels while the recorded tracks are being played back a complex mix of the recorded material can be achieved. A two track stereo recorder, such as a DAT connected to the master outputs of the mixer, can be used to record this mix for subsequent playback. |