Conference napalm::commusic_v1

974.0. "Yamaha MT2X Cassette/Mixer Deck" by 16BITS::WAKE () Fri Oct 09 1987 16:52

         Hi-                                                   

    I'm interested in getting into some recording using one
    of the small cassette/mixer boxes.  The other night at
    Daddy's I saw Yamaha's MT2X version listed at $650.  

    How is Yamaha's reputation in this area?  Is this a good
    price (how much better can one do)?  Has anybody used
    one?  etc...

           --Bill Wake


    Basics specs:  6 inputs + stereo aux return, 4 tracks
    dbx (appear to be individually selectable), hi and low
    speeds.    (More follows...)


            MT2X 4-track cassette/mixer deck

      6 inputs, each with hi/lo eq faders and aux send level
         (2 inputs accept mike-level signals) 
      Input source is either front panel jack or tape output 
      Inputs can be panned L/R or sent directly to tape 
      Mono effects send and stereo effects return, 
         with faders for them

      LED meters either monitor tracks 1-4 or stereo mix
      Monitor mix of tracks 1-4 
      Headphones monitor stereo mix, monitor mix, 
         or a combination

      Track 4 can be reserved for sync purposes 
         (sync in and out jacks are on the back) 
      Tape has pitch control (+/- 10%), hi/lo speeds, 
         switchable zero-stop, switchable dbx
      Punch-in footswitch and MIDI sync box interface
         available (MIDI box YMC2 bolts right on)

      Inputs 1-6, headphones, and punch-switch have jacks on
         the front panel 
      Back panel has:  sync box interface, power cord, 
         power switch;  sync out, sync in, tape out (1-4), 
         stereo out L/R, aux send, and aux return L/R jacks

      Specs:
         EQ:  +/- 10 dB @ 10 kHz, +/- 10 dB @ 100 Hz
         Freq response:  
            20 Hz - 18 kHz +/- 3 dB @ 9.5 cm/sec (hi speed)
            40 Hz - 12.5 kHz +/- 3 dB @ 4.8 cm/sec (lo speed)
         S/N:  85 dB with dbx  (??? without)
         Channel separation:  >55 dB @1kHz
         Erasure ratio:  >70 dB @ 1kHz

         Tape type:  Chrome (70 microsec. EQ)
         Wow & Flutter:  < 0.05% WRMS
         Fast wind:  100 sec for C-60

         Input impedance:  10 k-ohms 
            :
            :
         Output impedance:  1 k-ohms
         Rated output level:  -10 dB into 50 k-ohms
    

	Don't know anything about the unit itself, but I can tell you a better
price (if you don't mind mail/phone order).

	Sam Ash   MT2X  $557.00

	Dan

The MT2X uses slider pots for just about everything.  The "other guys" use
rotary pots for effect sends, eq, and so on.

Now, in a pro board the linear faders are actually built using rotary
potentiometrs, connect by a clever mechanical artrangement to the sliding
knob.  Do cheap units use something else?  I think they must, as the mechanical
thing is kind of bulky.

I am concerned about dust getting in through the slot and making the pot
noisy.

    
    Re: mechanical linear faders

    That's pretty old tech. Slide pots, linear faders, sliders or whatever
    you want to call them are made just like rotary pots but in a linear
    fashion. The big manufacturers are Allen and Bradley, Alps, and
    Penny and Giles. The two major types, for pro use, are carbon and
    conductive plastic. Each has their good points and bad points. Carbon
    pots are generally less expensive, easily cleaned, and stay smooth
    throughout their life. They do wear out, and are prone to dropouts.
    Conductive plastic generally last longer than carbon, and the better
    ones are smoother. They have to be cleaned specially, are more
    expensive, and as they wear they tend to get jumpy.
    
    Good sliders have flap seals to guard against contamination. However,
    even the best can't keep out liquids completely. You need to use
    sealed rotary pots for that. Replacing faders is a pretty normal
    fact of life for a mixing board.
    
    CdH
    

So can anyone who actually has an MT2X report on the quality of those tiny
sliders?  Do they have flap seals?  I wonder if underneath they are all
soldered into place so they can't be easily replaced.

Sounds like dust covers would be a good investment, and a can of Cramolin.

    Can anyone give me subjective views about the MT2X.  How does it
    sound?  Is there anything particularly annoying about it?
    
    Thanks,
      Steph