Tascam US-4X4TP

Tascam US-4X4TP
A high-quality recording is necessary to translate the artistic perfection and sonic realism of a performance. Additionally, stereo recording techniques using multiple microphones further enhance the audio experience. TRACKPACK 4×4 is the perfect system to easily create professional stereo recordings from multi-channel sources with everything required audio interface US-4×4, two TM-80 microphones, and two sets of TH-02 headphones.

Create a recording of your favourite acoustic guitar using two condenser microphones for direct and ambient signals. Make a 4-channel stereo recording of a performance with two guitars using both microphone and instrument inputs. Utilise the two condenser microphones for a vocal and piano recording. Or record a drum kit in stereo using the two condenser microphones.

TRACKPACK 4×4 can capture any performance in stunning stereo clarity right out of the box.Place one microphone about 20 cm from the sound hole of the guitar. This is referred to as the ‘on-mic’ position. Make sure the microphone diaphragm is parallel to the guitar. If the sound is too boomy, shift the microphone away from the sound hole and closer to the bridge.

Place the second microphone about 5 feet in front of the guitar, and at a height of 5 feet off the floor. This is referred to a the ‘off-mic’ position. Make sure the diaphragm is facing the guitar. Another option is to have someone play the guitar while you place the mic where the guitar sounds the best in the room.

Connect the microphones to the balanced inputs on the US-4×4, then turn-on the +48V switch to supply phantom power. The TM-80 microphones require phantom power for operation.

Create two tracks in your DAW software in order to record each mic on its own track. Adjust the recording levels by using the GAIN controls of the US-4×4. Gradually increase the level without lighting the PEAK LED. Setting the DAW software to record standby allows you to check the level from the computer.

While in standby mode, listen to the sound of each microphone. You may need to make fine adjustments to the positions of the microphones. The closer the mic is to the sound source, the larger and more dynamic the low-pitched tones become. This phenomenon is called proximity effect. On the contrary, the farther away the microphone is, the smaller and milder the sound becomes.

After the mics are placed, start recording. Whether you choose to monitor the performance through headphones or not, the balance of the on-mic and off-mic can be changed later.
Another option is to use two mics as a ‘stereo pair’ in both the on-mic and off-mic positions. Using four mics in this manner provides a rich, fuller stereo sound. The capsules are placed as close together as possible one mic is panned left, and the other panned right.
In some cases, vocals and instruments are recorded separately. Here we will explain an example of how to use two mics to capture the live feel of a vocal and guitar performance.

For the guitar, place the mic in the ‘on-mic’ position as described previously. For the vocal, place the second mic about 20 cm from the mouth (a commercially available pop-guard is recommended to reduce p-popping).

Note that the vocal microphone can pick up the sound of the guitar as well as the vocal. To reduce the sensitivity to the guitar, adjust the angle of the microphone as pictured. The TM-80 microphone has a directional pickup pattern (cardioid), and turning the front of the mic away from the guitar will lessen the sensitivity to and volume of the guitar.