Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder AG-HPX370P AG-HPX371E Operating Instructions

							
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Chapter1Overview

Chapter 1  Overview
The AG-HPX370P/AG-HPX371E P2 memory card camera-recorder features a camera unit equipped with a newly 
developed 1/3-inch 2.2-megapixel 3MOS sensor and a recording and playback unit that provides AVC-Intra 100 
compression recording as standard to offer HD full pixel and full sampling for high sensitivity, superb image quality, and 
high-quality video.
It handles multiple HD and SD formats: AVC-Intra, DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV compression recording. 
The P2 card provides a reliability, speed and IT functionality that no other media can match and is destin\
ed to revolutionize 
recording and editing paradigms.
    Multiple HD/SD formats
The camera supports both the HD and SD video formats making it ready for news gathering, program production 
and film making in a wide range of professional applications and content production. In 1080i/720P HD recording for 
broadcasting, the camera uses the highly reliable AVC-Intra or DVCPRO HD codec while also supporting SD multi-
codec (DVCPRO50, DVCPRO or DV) recording capability.
The AG-HPX370P/AG-HPX371E provides high quality and uncompressed, 16-bit, 48 kHz, 4-channel recording of audio 
in all formats.
    Variable frame rate makes speed effects possible (in the 720P format)
The AG-HPX370P/AG-HPX371E comes with the variable frame rate feature developed for the VariCam HD Cinema 
camera. In 720P mode *1, the frame rate can be set to any of 20 steps between 12P and 60P (50P\
). This puts features 
such as undercranking (dropping frames) and overcranking (high frame rate) for quick motion and slow motion cine-like \
effects at the disposal of the camera crew.
    Native mode/over 60P (50P) mode selectable
  Nativemode:
Playing back a recording made at a frame rate set in the camera at the normal rate provides speed effects without 
using a frame rate converter.  Native mode also extends the recording time of a P2 card.
  70Pover60P(50P)mode:
Use of a DVCPRO HD recorder such as the AJ-HD1400 or the AG-HPG20 P2 portable recorder allows you to make 
backup recordings of DVCPRO HD streams output from the DVCPRO/DV connector. *2
    1080/480 24P advanced mode
Recording 1080/24P or 480/24P makes it possible to select 24PA (advanced) mode *3. Using 2:3:3:2 pulldown, the 24PA 
mode performs 60i conversion to enable nonlinear editing *4 maintaining an image quality that is better than normal 24P 
(2:3 pulldown). Recording at 30P applies a 2:2 pulldown.
Camera Unit Features
    Progressive 3MOS sensor
The AG-HPX370P/AG-HPX371E is equipped with a newly developed 1/3-inch 2.\
2-megapixel 3MOS sensor that enables 
high-sensitivity HD full pixel recording for high-resolution video.
    14-bit digital circuit
The high-performance DSP (Digital Signal Processor) in the camera offers 14-bit signal input and 20-bit internal 
processing. It handles gamma settings and other adjustments for each R/G/B\
 color in 1080/60i (50i) video as well as 
conversion to all HD/SD formats (P/I conversion, line conversion and down conversion). Because of\
 this high-quality 
images can be produced in all video formats.
    Seven gamma curves including cine-like gamma
To expand camera capabilities, the AG-HPX370P/AG-HPX371E offers seven gamma curves including cine-like gamma 
to easily produce recordings with the characteristic warm tone of film.
 *1  1080 and 480 (576) recording is performed at a fixed frame rate of 24P/30P (25P).
 *2  The AVC-Intra mode does not allow the output of a DVCPRO HD stream from the DVCPRO/DV connector.
 *3  Not available with the AVC-Intra codec.
 *4  For details on compatible systems, visit the support desk at the following website.
  http://pro-av.panasonic.net/
  24P and 30P indicate recording at 23.98P and 29.97P, respectively, while 60P and 60i indicate recording at 59.94P and 
59.94i, respectively. 
						

							
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Chapter1Overview   Slow, synchro and high speed shutter
The shutter speed can be set from a slow speed of 1/6 s up to a maximum speed of 1/7200 s *1. Combined with the 
variable frame rate functions, this allows you to create blurring or stop motion effects. The AG-HPX370P/AG-HPX371E 
also features a synchro scan function that is ideal for capturing screen shots from a computer monitor.
    Scene file dial
This dial allows you to instantly retrieve settings that suit shooting conditions. Six preset files are provided, and you can 
change the file names and their settings as desired. You can also save up to four files to an SD or SDHC memory card 
(both referred to as “SD memory card” below) and load files from an SD memory card.
    Shooting assist functions
  USERbuttons:
Three USER buttons each of which can be assigned a frequently used function for immediate access.
  Focusassist:
Magnifies the center portion of the image and displays a focus bar to facilitate focusing.
  Eightfilesforcompensatinglenschromaticaberrationandfourfilesforcorrectingshadingforinterchangeablelenses
areprovided.
  Variablecolortemperature:
Allows fine adjustment after setting the white balance.
  RECREVIEW:
Provides a quick check of the last few seconds of the most recently recorded clip.
  4-positionopticalNDfilterprovided.
    Chromatic aberration compensation (CAC)
This function automatically corrects the registration error caused by the slight chromatic aberration that the lens cannot 
compensate for, in order to minimize color bleeding into surrounding image areas.
    Remote control support
This camera supports the AJ-RC10G remote control unit (optional accessory) and the AG-EC4G extension control unit 
(optional accessory). The remote control allows you to adjust camera image and recording controls at a distance while 
viewing what you are shooting.
    Auto Tracking White Balance (ATW)
Automatically adjusts the white balance of the subject in real-time, a convenient function for quick adjustment in 
recording situations where there is no time for normal white balance adjustment.
    DRS (Dynamic Range Stretcher) function
This function compresses the video signal level while maintaining contrast to extend the dy\
namic range making it 
possible to correctly render highlight areas without overexposure and loss of detail that would otherwise occur. *2
    Camera extension system support
This camera can be connected to the AG-CA300G camera adapter (optional \
accessory) and the AG-BS300 base 
station (optional accessory) to enable camera extension system recording. For details on connections to these devices, 
refer to the connection instructions and precautions found in the instruction manuals for the AG-CA300G and AG-
BS300, and observe the instructions for the AG-HPX300P/AG-HPX301E.
 *1  This is the shutter speed value when 3.0d is configured for the synchro scan mode.
 *2  The DRS function is not available in 1080/30P, 1080/24P (1080/25P) modes. 
						

							
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Chapter1Overview
Recording and Playback Features
   A variety of interfaces
  USB.0connector(HOST/DEVICE)
A USB 2.0 connection to a computer or other device allows you to use P2 \
cards in the camera as mass storage.
The USB host function makes it possible to save P2 card data to an external hard disk connected via USB 2.0 and 
clips stored on the hard disk can be viewed and written back to a P2 card.
  DVCPRO/DVinputandoutputprovidedasstandardfeature
IEEE1394 compliant external devices can be connected to enable output and input via the digital \
interface.
Connect a 6-pin plug to this connector. Note that the connector does not support bus power.
Input and output via IEEE1394 is not available when the AVC-Intra codec is selected.
    P2 cards for high capacity, high speed and high reliability
In addition to exceptional resistance to shock, vibration and temperature fluctuations, the P2 (Professional Plug-in) card 
has a reliability that guarantees long-term repeated recording/initialization that a tape or hard disk system with their 
moving parts could never match.
The connectors are professional grade to withstand long-term continual insertion and removal.
The P2 card stores the AV data for each shooting session as a single file that is immediately \
accessible for nonlinear 
editing or transfer over a network without digitizing. Transfer speeds far surpassing those of optical disks also help to 
speed up production processes. The P2 card complies with PC card standards and can be directly plugged into the PC 
card slot on a computer. *1
The two P2 card slots allow continuous recording on two P2 cards and also offer the following recording capabilities in a 
memory card camera-recorder.
  Cardselection:
In standby status, you can instantly select (switch to) the slot of th\
e card you wish to record on *2 Recorded content 
can be quickly passed on to editing or transferred to minimize interruptions in recording making it far more efficient 
than systems where tapes or disks have to be exchanged.
  Hot-swaprecording:
Cards can be replaced during recording. A full memory card can be replaced while recording is made on another 
card. Successively swapping cards in this way gives you virtually unlimited recording capacity.
  Looprecording:
Setting the camera for consecutive overwriting, you can repeatedly rerecord on the inserted P2 cards, always 
maintaining a recording of the most recent, specific period of time.
    Immediate startup and reliable data protection
When you press the REC button in standby mode, the camera instantly finds a blank\
 area on the P2 card and begins 
recording. Unlike a VTR system, there is no need to locate a blank section before recording. It can begin recording 
immediately even when you are using it to preview video. In normal use, there is no chance of accidentally deleting a 
recording. Recordings will not be erased unless you intentionally delete a file or ini\
tialize the card.
 *1  This requires the installation of a P2 card driver (provided with each device). For details on the system requirements of 
the P2 card driver, visit the support desk at the following website.
  http://pro-av.panasonic.net/
 *2  This assumes that the SLOT SEL function is assigned to a USER button (U\
SER MAIN, USER1 or USER2). 
						

							
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Chapter1Overview
   Other features
  Pre-rec:
This function provides a way to capture moments you otherwise would have missed. In the standby mode, the came\
ra will 
store video and audio for up to 3 seconds in HD and 7 seconds in SD. When yo\
u press the REC button, the three or seven 
seconds of immediately prior video data stored in internal memory is added at the beginning of the clip you record.
  One-shotREC:
Convenient for producing animation, this mode records for a set time (from 1 frame to 1 second) each time you 
press the REC button.
  IntervalREC:
Recording one frame at a time at set intervals (from 2 frames to 10 minutes), this mode is useful for monitoring, 
supervision and special ultra undercranking effects.
  One-clipREC:
Instead of creating a new clip for each recording session (i.e., operation from REC start to stop), this mode compiles 
images from multiple recording sessions into a single clip. This allows you to handle the compiled\
 recordings as 
a single clip during thumbnail operations and editing, making it easier \
to transfer and copy recordings. Up to 99 
recording sessions can be compiled as a single clip.
  Proxyrecording(withAJ-YAX800Ginstalled):
Installing an optional video encoder card (AJ-YAX800G) in P2 slot number 2 makes it possible to record MPEG4 format 
video, time code data and other real-time data to P2 cards or SD memory cards simultaneous with camera recording 
of video and audio.  This is a convenient feature for checking clip content and speeding up editing work flow.
    Clip thumbnail preview
The camera records each cut as a clip (file) and automatically attaches a thumbnail \
image and file information to it. To 
preview a clip on the LCD monitor or to check clip data, simply choose the\
 clip you want from the list of thumbnails. 
These thumbnails and the file data can be viewed on a PC (P2 Viewer *1) or processed in a nonlinear editing program.
    Shot marker and text memo
If desired, you can add a simple OK/reject shot marker to each clip either during or after recording. When a P2 card is 
mounted in a PC (P2 Viewer), the PC will display only marked clips. 
A text memo function is also provided. Pressing the USER button to which the text memo function has been assigned\
 
anywhere in a clip during recording or in preview mode allows you to attach empty post-it like text memos (up to 10\
0) 
that can later be filled with text on a PC (P2 Viewer).
Using the camera copy function, you can create a new clip by stripping out the desired frames from a clip by copying 
data between text memo labels.
    SD memory card slot
The camera provides an SD memory card slot for saving and loading scene files and user settings. A metadat\
a upload file 
(created using P2 Viewer) containing the name of the person who shot the video, the name o\
f the reporter, the shooting location 
or a text memo and other information can be saved to an SD memory card. This data file can be loaded as clip metadata.
    HD/SD SDI output and downconverter supported
Video line outputs (3 BNC connectors) are provided as standard. These outputs can flexibly handle both monitor and 
line recording. A down-converter is also built-in. Aspect mode can also be selected.
  SDIOUT(HD/SD)1system,outputs:
The HD-SDI outputs allow you to make backups on an external VTR (with HD-SDI input) in synch with REC button 
operation. SD-SDI can also down convert and output HD content.
  VIDEOOUT:
Outputs down converted SD video (composite video).
    Fine adjustment of sound recording level
The camera features a front-mounted control for fine adjustment of the sound recording level. This control is particularly 
useful for adjusting the sound level when you have to control both video and audio recording. The control can be disabled.
    Unislot wireless receiver compatible
The AG-HPX370P/AG-HPX371E is designed to work with optional slot wireless receivers. (page 104)
The camera supports 2-channel wireless receivers.
 *1  “P2 Viewer” is a Windows® PC viewing software that can be downloaded free of charge by P2 card users. 
						

							
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Chapter1Overview
Outline of operations
The AG-HPX370P/AG-HPX371E records video on P2 cards. Excelling at high transfer speeds, the P2 card enables high 
vision recording and smooth editing and dubbing.
Saving and editing on external devices
Using USB DEVICE mode to connect an external 
device via the USB 2.0 connector (Page 149)
Computer/Memory card recorder
External hard disk
ComputerP2 card
USB2.0 (DEVICE)
USB2.0 (HOST)
DVCPRO/DV (IEEE1394)
(Windows/Macintosh)
Using USB HOST mode to connect an external 
device via the USB 2.0 connector (Page 150)
Connecting an external device via the 
DVCPRO/DV connector (IEEE1394 connector) (Page 155)
Video equipment/Monitor
BNC cable
(composite/SDI)
The contents can be transferred as a 
data stream (digital dubbing).
• IEEE1394 (SBP-2*) not supported.
The data (file) is transferred for nonlinear editing on your computer \
or other unit.
The unit directly controls the external hard disk drive, and transfers 
the data (file) to it.
* Serial Bus Protocol-2 
						

							
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Chapter1Overview

AG-HPX370P/
AG-HPX371E
External power supply
NP-L7
Remote control cableAJ-C10050G
Extension control unit
AG-EC4G
BT-LH80W, BT-LH900 etc.USB2.0 compatible devices
DVCPRO/DV standard device complying with the IEEE1394 standard
AJ-RC10G
FUJINON, CANON
SD Memory cards *3
P2 Cards *3
AG-MC200GAJ-MC700P
AJ-HT901G
SHAN-RC700AJ-SC900
SHAN-TM700
Shotgun microphone(Phantom +48 V)
Lens *2
(Bayonet type)
Rain cover
Battery
Soft carrying case
Hard carrying case
Tripod adapter
Video encoder cardAJ-YAX800G *4
Remote control unit *5
*1
Unislot wireless microphone receiver
PROPAC14, TRIMPAC14HYTRON50/140
DIONIC90/160
V-mount 
type battery plate
Holder 
plate *6NP battery holder
LCD monitor
ENDURA E-7/7SENDURA E-10/10S

*1 The camera is equipped with a battery holder as standard.
*2 The camera comes with a Fujinon lens.
*3  For the latest information on P2 cards and SD memory cards not available in the Operating Instructions, visit the support 
desk at the following website. 
http://pro-av.panasonic.net/
*4 For details, refer to the AJ-YAX800G User’s Guide on the supplied CD-ROM.
*5 For details, refer to the AJ-RC10G User’s Guide on the supplied CD-ROM.
*6 Attach the NP battery holder to the holder plate before fixing it to the V-mount type battery plate.
System Configuration 
						

							
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Chapter1Overview
Standard accessories
Eye cup
 
For details, refer to 
[Attaching the Eye Cup] 
(page 107).
Shoulder belt
 
For details, refer to 
[Attaching the Shoulder 
Strap] (page 106).
FRONT AUDIO LEVEL knob 
(screw included)
 
For details, refer to 
[Attaching the FRONT 
AUDIO LEVEL Control 
Knob] (page 107).
Mount cap *1
XLR connector cap *1BNC cap *1CD-ROM
*1 This component is part of the camera. 
   Accessories manufactured by Fujinon Co., Ltd.
Lens
 
For details, refer to 
[Mounting the Lens] 
(page 98).
Front lens cap *2Rear lens cap *2Zoom lever *2
Connector cap *2Lens hoodLens hood cap *3
*2 This component is part of the lens. 
*3 This component is part of the lens hood.
  NOTE
•   Be sure to appropriately dispose of the packing material when you have unpacked the product.
•   Consult your supplier regarding purchases of accessories. For information on the accessories manufactured by Fujinon Co., 
Ltd., consult Fujinon supplier or representative. 
						

							
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ChapterPartsandtheirFunctions

Chapter 2  Parts and Their Functions
Power Supply and Accessory Mounting Section
165148
97111210
6
14315
213617
1  POWER switch
Use to turn the power on and off.
2  Battery holder
A battery from Anton/Bauer is mounted here.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Battery and Setting 
the Battery Type] (page 95).
3  DC IN (external power input) socket (XLR, 4P)
Connect this camera to an external DC power supply.
For details, refer to [Use of the external DC power 
supply] (page 97).
4  BREAKER switch
This switch is located on the camera base.
When an excessive amount of current is fed through 
the video camera recorder, due to a malfunction, the 
breaker automatically turns off the power to protect the 
device. Press this button after conducting an internal 
inspection or repair. The camera will power up if it is 
working normally.
5  Light shoe
A video light or similar accessory can be attached here.
(Size of holes for securing screws)
• 1/4-20UNC (6 mm or shorter screws)
6  Shoulder strap fittings
The shoulder strap is attached here. 
For details, refer to [Attaching the Shoulder Strap] 
(page 106).
7  Lens mount (1/3-bayonet mount)
The lens is attached here.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Lens] (page 98).
8  Lens lever
Tighten this lever to lock the lens to the lens mount.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Lens] (page 98). 9 
Mount cap
To remove the cap, raise the lens lever. Replace the 
cap when a lens is not mounted.
10  Lens cable/microphone cable clamp
This clamp secures the lens and microphone cables.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Lens] (page 98).
11  Tripod mount
To mount the camera on a tripod, attach the optional 
tripod adapter (SHAN-TM700) here.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Camera on a Tripod] 
(page 106).
12  Lens jack (12-pin)
The lens connection cord is connected here. For 
a detailed description of your lens, refer to the 
manufacturer’s instruction manual.
13  Battery release lever
Pull down the release lever to release the battery.
14  Viewfinder left-right positioning ring
For details, see [Adjusting Right and Left Viewfinder 
Position] (page 87).
15  Light control switch
For details, refer to [Power Supply] (page 95).
16  Cable holder
Used to secure the light and microphone cables.
17  Accessory mounting hole
Accessories can be attached here. Do not use this hole 
for purposes other than attaching accessories. 
(Size of holes for securing screws)
• 1/4-20UNC (10 mm or shorter screws)
• 3/8-16UNC (10 mm or shorter screws) 
						

							
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ChapterPartsandtheirFunctions

Audio (input) Function Section
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354
8
1 MIC IN (microphone input) jack (XLR, 3-pin)
•  Connect a microphone (optional accessory) to this 
jack.
•   A phantom-powered microphone may be connected. 
To use a phantom-powered microphone, set the menu 
option F.MIC POWER to ON in the AUDIO SETUP 
screen.
For details, refer to [Preparing for Audio Input] 
(page 104).
2  AUDIO LEVEL CH1/CH2 (audio channel 1/2 
recording level adjustment) controls
•  With the AUDIO SELECT CH1/CH2 switch positioned 
to MAN, these controls can be used to adjust the 
recording levels for audio channels 1 and 2.
•   Note that the controls are designed to be locked. For 
adjustment, each control must be depressed while 
turning.
3  AUDIO SELECT CH1/CH2 (audio channel 1/2 
automatic/manual level adjustment selector) switch
Use this switch to select recording level control mode 
for Audio Channels 1 and 2.
AUTO:     Recording level automatically controlled.
MAN:   Recording level manually controlled.
For details, refer to [Adjusting Recording Levels] 
(page 62).
4  AUDIO IN (audio input selector) switch
Use this switch to select signals recorded through 
audio channels 1 – 4.
FRONT:     Records signals from a microphone 
connected to the MIC IN jack.
W.L.(WIRELESS):
   Records signals from a wireless receiver.
REAR:    Records signals from audio devices or 
microphones connected to the AUDIO IN 
CH1/CH2 connectors.
 NOTE
To record 2-channel wireless input, switch both CH1 and CH2 to W.L. position and set the menu option WIRELESS TYPE in the AUDIO SETUP screen to DUAL.
5  AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 (audio channel 1/2) connectors (XLR, 3-pin)
Audio devices or microphones may be connected here.
For details, refer to [When Using Audio Devices] 
(page 105).
6  LINE/MIC/+48V (line input/mic input/mic input +48V) 
selector switch
Use to select audio signals input to the AUDIO IN CH1/
CH2 connectors.
LINE:     Line input for audio signals input from an 
audio device
MIC:     Audio signal input from microphone with 
internal power supply (the camera does not 
supply power to a phantom microphone).
+ 48V:     Audio signal input from a microphone 
that requires an external power supply 
(the camera supplies power to a phantom 
microphone).
 NOTE
Power is supplied when the menu option R.MICPOWER in the AUDIO SETUP screen is set to ON.
7  FRONT AUDIO LEVEL (audio recording level adjustment) control
•  This control adjusts the recording level of audio 
channels 1 and 2.
•   With the AUDIO SELECT CH1/CH2 switch positioned 
to MAN, this control can be used to adjust the 
recording levels for audio channels 1 and 2.
•   Use the menu options FRONT VR CH1 and FRONT 
VR CH2 in the AUDIO SETUP screen to select the 
input connector this control will be used for.
8  Wireless slot
A Unislot wireless receiver (optional accessory) may be 
attached here. 
						

							
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ChapterPartsandtheirFunctions

Audio (output) Function Section
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34
26
1 MONITOR SELECT (audio channel) CH1/2, CH3/4 
selector switch
Use this switch to select the audio channel whose 
signals are output to the speaker, earphones or AUDIO 
OUT connectors.
CH1/2:   Signal output of audio channels 1 and 2.
CH3/4:   Signal output of audio channels 3 and 4.
The channel indications of the audio level meters in the 
viewfinder and on the LCD monitor show the channels 
selected with this switch.
2  MONITOR SELECT (audio selection) CH1/3, ST, 
CH2/4 selector switch
This switch and the MONITOR SELECT CH1/2, CH3/4 
switch select the audio signal output to the speaker, 
earphones and AUDIO OUT connectors.
MONITOR SELECT 
switch (left)
MONITOR SELECT switch (right)
CH1/2CH3/4
MONITOR 
SELECT
CH1/3Audio Channel 1Audio Channel 3
ST
Stereo signals 
from Audio 
Channels 1 and 2*1
Stereo signals 
from Audio 
Channels 3 and 4*1
CH2/4Audio Channel 2Audio Channel 4
*1   MIX in the menu option MONITOR SELECT in the 
AUDIO SETUP screen allows you to change stereo 
signals to a mixed signal.
3  MONITOR (volume) control
Use to control the alarm sound volume and volume of 
sound output from the monitor speaker and earphones.
4 Speaker
The speaker outputs EE sound during recording and 
reproduced sound during playback. The speaker emits 
an alarm sound when the warning lamp and indicator 
light or blink. EE sound and reproduced sound are not 
output during alarm sound output.
When earphones are connected to the PHONES 
connector, the sound from the speaker is automatically 
muted.
5  PHONES (earphones) jack (mini jack)
This connector is designed for audio monitoring (stereo) 
earphones.
6  DC OUT (DC power supply) output socket.
This is a 12 V DC output socket that provides a 
maximum current of 1.5 A.
 NOTE
Be sure to check polarity before connecting an external 
device as incorrect connection could lead to damage.
7  AUDIO OUT connector
•   This connector outputs audio signals recorded on 
audio channels 1/2 and 3/4.
•   Use the MONITOR SELECT CH1/2, CH3/4 selector 
switch to select output signals.