Tascam TM-D4000, Operation Manual

Building An Automated Mix

4.1 Getting Started

This section introduces important concepts and techniques relating to 

writing and editing fader moves, cuts, and other automated mix events in 

real time (while program material is playing and time code is being 

received).  Please read this section carefully as there are details to 

building an automated mix that, if skipped, will cause mix moves to be lost 

or limit the power of dynamic mix automation.

NOTE:  We will be dealing with two types of automation data:  1) Static 

data (settings that will not change during the length of the mix) and 2) 

Dynamic data (settings that will be changed by the mix moves written 

into the automation software during the mix).

You should become familiar with the 

Automation Items window available 

under the Edit Menu of the 

automation software.  It is in this 

window that it is possible to write 

enable some parameters (like faders 

or EQ) while leaving other parameters untouched.  Think of this as arming 

one track of a multitrack recorder for an overdub while leaving others in 

playback.

1. Launch the automation software and the Time Code 

Window.  Turn off time code reception in the Time Code 

Window by clicking on the T.C. icon in the upper left corner.

2. Set all mixer channels to Manual Mode and set up the basic mix as 

much as possible without automation. (Basic levels, panning, EQ, effects, 

etc.)

3. Save your mix as a snapshot in the TM-D4000 as a backup.

4. Turn on time code reception in the Time Code Window and select 

Write Mode for all channels by pressing WRITE then ALL on the Automation 

section of the TM-D4000.  Be sure that all parameters are write-enabled in 

the Automation Items window of the automation software.

5. Under the Edit Menu of the automation software, select Clear Initial 

Status and confirm your action by clicking OK in the alert window that 

is displayed.

6. Also under the Edit Menu, select Capture Initial Status and confirm 

your action by clicking OK in the alert window that is displayed.

7. Play the time code from the beginning of your recording 5 to 10 

seconds before the start of audio until the readout in the time code 

window turns black.  This sets the initial static position of all settings on the 

mixer within the automation software.  Do not make any adjustments 

during this short pass.

8. Stop the recording and select manual mode for all channels.

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