Yamaha DIGITAL MIXING STUDIO 01X - Manual (Page 43)

01X Owner’s Manual
43
Before Using
Basics Section
Appendix
Getting Started
Reference
Getting Started
■ Sound Mixing 101: The Fundamentals
Mixing is a skill, but it’s also an art. Making a good
recording and creating a good mix is more than simply
plugging in a microphone and moving a couple of faders.
In this section, you’ll learn some of the basics of mixing,
from setting up to tips on how to use effects and how to use
the 01X to create a well-balanced mix.
For absolute mixing neophytes, this is an invaluable guide
to the mixing/recording process. Even experienced pros
may find it useful as a refresher course, since it may help to
jog your memory on certain points. For all 01X users, it
shows you concisely how to get the most out of this versa-
tile console.
■ Before Recording:
● Reset all controls
Very simple. Call up Scene (Library) number 00, which
instantly returns all settings to their zero or default values.
However, make sure to manually reset all Gain knobs for
the MIC/LINE INPUTs and turn the MONITOR/PHONES
level down.
● Connect your sources (page 21)
Plug in your microphones, keyboards, guitars and what-
ever to the rear panel, but make sure you use the right con-
nector for each. Inputs 1 and 2 feature balanced XLR
connectors for microphones, with a phantom power
switch. Inputs 3 to 8 are TRS balanced phone jacks for
line sources, such as keyboards and tone generators.
There’s even a Hi-Z input on channel 8 for connecting an
electric guitar or bass.
● Set up your monitor
If you’re monitoring via headphones or the monitor out-
puts, turn up the MONITOR/PHONES knob. (Make sure
you’ve set up a suitable amp/speaker system, too.) Set the
STEREO fader to or near the maximum of 0 dB. The 01X
features two selectable (and adjustable) monitor settings,
switchable with the [MONITOR A/B] button or from the
Utility mode — allowing you to toggle monitoring
between the DAW’s sound via mLAN or the internal
sounds (pages 72, 96).
● Optimize the input levels (page 46)
This is a crucial operation, so take time and care in getting
these levels right. Listen to each channel separately, and
use the GAIN knobs (the top knobs on the console) to opti-
mize the input signal level. In general, set the channel
fader to around 0 dB, and while singing into the micro-
phone or playing the instrument, slowly bring up the GAIN
knob so that the sound is loud but not distorting. You can
visually monitor this with the meters in the display of 01X
and Studio Manager. (For details, see page 9 and the Stu-
dio Manager PDF manual.)