Yamaha MT 400 Cassette Multitrack Recorder

Description

Yamaha MT400 Cassette Multi-track Recorder.
In a nutshell, the MT400 has a nice mixer containing Gain, Pan, and 3 bands of EQ. Then 4 tracks of individual recording on cassette tape - all in one direction. It even has pitch adjustment!
The MT400 consists of three major sections: a Mixer section that enables you to mix sounds(with eight inputs and one stereo output): a Recorder section that records and plays sound(with four tracks and four channels): and utility sections including meters, power switch, etc.Mixer• Continuously variable GAIN controls on Input Channels 1 through 4 allow the MT400 to handle any type of input source with ease, including microphone and line-level signals such as synthesizers.• Musical three-band EQ on each input channel, and INSERT I/O jacks on Input Channels 1 and 2 for external processor patching enable high-quality recording.• Two auxiliary sends for external reverb and other effects processor patching.• Two stereo input jacks for connecting a synthesizer and other line-level instruments that have stereo outputs. These jacks can be also used to return processed signals from external signal processors.• In-line configuration that allows you to control input signals and tape playback signals simultaneously. You can monitor track signals adjusted by the CUE controls, while making a recording on all four input channels. During mixdown, you can play back four-track signals via the input channels, while mixing input signals via the CUE controls.Recorder• DBX™ noise reduction system provides a signal-to-noise ratio in excess of 80 dB.• Punch in/out functions using a foot switch or the switch on the panel.• SYNC OUT outputs a sync track (Track 4) signal, providing synchronous operation between the MT400 and a MIDI sequencer. In SYNC mode, the
DBX
noise reduction can be turned off for Track 4, ensuring reliable synchronization.• Tape speed is switchable between 9.5 cm/second and 4.8 cm/second. The MT400 standard tape speed is 9.5 cm/second for greater sonic performance. A speed of 4.8 cm/second is the same speed as a normal cassette recorder, doubling the recording time relative to the MT400 standard speed. Pitch control enables you to fine-adjust the pitch in the range between –10%and +10%.
A bit of history in recording: I started with an Akai Monaural recorder, one channel each direction. Moved on to a Roberts and Akai stereo 7" units, that could perform sound on sound to continually layer new tracks on old ones. Then on to a Teac 3340S with distinct 4 channels of TRUE multi-tracking. Then finally to 1/2" tape Tascam 80-8 true 8 channel recording before finally succumbing to the computer version of DAW's and recording. I did however move lateral during my early computer work to a Fostex 8-channel 1/2" tape format with DAC recorders (2). The Fostex (and a few other brands) mixed tape and digital, recording audio in digital format, much the same as video was being recorded (on my Sony 8mm video recorder). The advantage to the digital is absolutely no loss when copying. The disadvantage is no headroom during recording.  These 1/2" tapes are in the format of VHS, and works very well. And VHS tapes are cheap...
Finally, the two worlds of recording - analog (tape) and digital (DAWs) both have pluses and minuses. With tape, you have a lot of headroom, which I really do miss these days. DAW's of course have unlimited channels and VST's. But truth be told, there's not much in the way of recordings that I can't do with 4 channels, or the MT400.
These pictures are all generic ones. My MT400 is in very good shape, but I still need to take my own photos and will in the next day or two...
You'll find quite a range of prices on MT400's on the net, bt it's all relative to their shape and usage. Mine has been used very little, and is in great shape! The user manual in pdf format is readily available online.