MIXCAST 4 - How to Make your Podcast Sound with Realtime and Advanced Effects

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the advanced features of the TASCAM Mixcast 4, helping you create a professional-sounding podcast using real-time and advanced audio effects. By following these steps, you can enhance your vocal tracks and add creative elements to your podcast production.

Step 1: Access the Input Menu

• Power on your Mixcast 4.
• Navigate to the main menu.
• Select the Input Menu.
• Choose the microphone you want to affect (e.g., mic 1).

Step 2: Enable Real-Time Reverb Effects

• Locate the Effect Setting at the bottom of the screen.
• Touch this option to select real-time effects.
• Enable the Reverb feature.
  • A notification will remind you that effects can be applied to only one channel. Ensure you've selected the correct mic.
• Choose from three presets for reverb:
  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
• Adjust the wet/dry balance slider to control the reverb mix:
  • Closer to dry emphasizes the original audio.
  • Closer to wet increases the reverb effect.

Advanced Reverb Settings

• Select the Manual option for deeper customization.
• Tap the Tools icon to access detailed settings:
  • Choose from five room types: Hall, Room, Live, Studio, Plate.
  • Adjust parameters:
    • Reverb Time (tail duration in tenths of a second)
    • Pre-Delay (time in milliseconds before reverb starts)
    • Diffusion (controls echo density; higher values create thicker reverb)
• Use the Reset button to revert to default settings if needed.
• Utilize the Bypass feature to compare the affected and unaffected signals.

Step 3: Use the Voice Changer Feature

• Return to the Effect Setting Menu.
• Navigate to the Voice Changer Menu and enable it.
  • Remember, only one effect can be active at a time.
• Adjust the Pitch Shift:
  • Negative values lower the pitch.
  • Positive values raise the pitch.

Step 4: Assign Effects to Sound Pads

• Go to the Sound Pad Menu.
• Choose a blank sound bank to add effects.
• Touch to select a specific pad for the effect.
• Access the Pad Advanced Menu and select the Effect option.
  • This will rename the channel to "Effect."
• Assign a color to the sound pad and set the Play Method to Touch. This means the effect plays only while the pad is pressed.

Step 5: Apply Advanced Voice Adjustments

• Return to the Input Menu and select the microphone to be used.
• Access the Voice Setting option:
  • Enable Tone Selections with presets for Deep, Mid, and Bright.
• For manual adjustments, access the Tone Manual Settings:
  • Adjust High Shelf and Low Shelf frequencies and gain.

Enable the Exciter and Compressor

• Navigate to the Exciter Menu and enable this feature to enhance vocal clarity.
• Enable the Compressor with two presets:
  • Soft for gentle compression.
  • Hard for stronger compression.
• Access manual settings for detailed control over the compressor parameters.

Step 6: Set Up Noise Suppression and Ducking

• Return to the Processing Menu and enable:
  • De-Esser to reduce harsh sibilance.
  • Noise Suppression to minimize background noise.
  • Ducking (only available on mic 1) to lower other channel outputs when mic 1 is active.

Conclusion

You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to use the advanced effects and settings of the TASCAM Mixcast 4 to enhance your podcast production. Experiment with different effects and adjust settings to find the perfect sound for your style. For further exploration, consider checking additional tutorials or reaching out to TASCAM support for any specific questions. Happy podcasting!