Mackie MDR24/96 Operation Manual

MDR 24MDR 24

MDR 24/96

MDR 24MDR 24

Operation Guide

24 TRACK/24 BIT, DIGITAL AUDIO HARD DISK RECORDER

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN

ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L’USAGER. CONFIER

L’ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.

AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE OU

D’ELECTROCUTION, N’EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE

MDR 24/96

A LA PLUIE OU A L’HUMIDITE

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product’s enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Le symbole clair avec point de fl che l’int rieur d’un triangle

quilat ral est utilis pour alerter l’utilisateur de la pr sence l’int rieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isol d’ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d’ l ctrocution.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Le point d’exclamation l’int rieur d’un triangle quilat ral est employ pour alerter les utilisateurs de la pr sence d’instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et l’entretien (service) dans le livret d’instruction accompagnant l’appareil.

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read instuctions — Read, understand and follow all safety and operating instructions before using the MDR24/96.

2. Retain Instructions — Keep these safety and operating instructions for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings — Follow all warnings on the MDR24/96 and in these operating instructions.

4. Water and Moisture — Do not use the MDR24/96 near water – for example, near a bathtub, kitchen sink, garden hose, incontinent poodle, sweaty drummer, etc. – or when condensation has formed on the unit.

5. Heat and Ventilation — Locate the MDR24/96 away from heat sources such as radiators, campfires, compost pits, heliarc welders, magma flows, etc. Do not block MDR24/96 ventilation openings or install in spaces that prevent adequate air circulation to the unit.

6. Power Sources — Connect the MDR24/96 only to a power source of the type described in these operating instructions or as marked on the MDR24/96.

7. Power Cord Protection — Route power supply cords so that they are not likely to be walked upon, tripped over, or abraded by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit the MDR24/96.

8. Object and Liquid Entry — Do not drop objects or spill liquids into the MDR24/96. Clean only with a damp cloth; do not clean with liquid or aerosol cleaners.

9. Attachments — Use the MDR24/96 with only the accessories specified in this manual.

10. Damage Requiring Service — The MDR24/96 should be serviced only by qualified service personnel when:

A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. Objects have fallen onto, or liquid has spilled into the unit; or C. The unit has been exposed to rain or water; or D. The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked

change in performance; or

E. The unit has been dropped, or its chassis damaged.

11. Servicing — Do not attempt to service the MDR24/96. All servicing should be referred to the Mackie Service Department.

12. Lightning — Unplug the MDR 24/96 during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

13. Grounding and Polarization — To prevent electric shock, do not use the MDR24/96 polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure. Do not defeat the MDR24/96 grounding by plugging into an ungrounded receptacle or ground lift adapter.

This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada.

FCC Information

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply

with the limits for a Class A digital devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

This product has been tested and complies with the following standards and directives as set forth by the

European Union: * EN 55022 Radiated and Conducted Emissions * EN 61000-4-2 Electrostatic Discharge Immunity * EN 61000-4-3 RF Electromagnetic Fields Immunity * EN 61000-4-4 Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity * EN 60950/IEC 950 Electrical Safety Requirements

WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this

appliance to rain or moisture.

WARNING — Before applying power to the MDR24/96, make sure that the

Voltage Selector switch next to the AC inlet jack on the rear panel is set to the line voltage used in your region. Powering-on the MDR24/96 with the Voltage Selector switch set incorrectly will cause an electrical and fire hazard that may result in irreparable damage to the unit.

MDR 24/96

Contents

Operation Guide

Introduction ----------------------------5

Save your Box! -------------------------------- 5 How To Use This Guide --------------------- 5 Conventions ---------------------------------- 6 About “Tape” --------------------------------- 9 Overview -------------------------------------- 9

Setup and Configuration -------------10

Required Equipment ------------------------ 10 Installation------------------------------------ 10

I/O Cards and Cables ---------------------------- 11 Sync Card and Cables - Word Clock and Digital Synchronization ------------------------- 13 Mackie Media (Optional) ----------------------- 15 Remote 24 / Remote 48 (Optional) ---------- 16 Footswitch (Optional) --------------------------- 16

Power-Up-------------------------------------- 16 Configuration--------------------------------- 17

I/O Cards------------------------------------------- 17

Synchronization------------------------------ 19

Synchronization Options ----------------------- 19

Sample Clock ---------------------------------- 19 Sample Rate ------------------------------------ 19 Bit-Depth --------------------------------------- 19 Time Code Chase ------------------------------ 19 Time Code Source ----------------------------- 20 Time Code Frame Rate ----------------------- 20 MMC Device ID -------------------------------- 20 Send MMC -------------------------------------- 21 Pre-roll Time ----------------------------------- 21 Pre-roll Enable --------------------------------- 21 Generate SMPTE/MTC ----------------------- 22 Time Code Offset ----------------------------- 22 Word Clock Divisors (88.2/96 kHz operation only) -------------------------------- 22

Hookups ----------------------------------------23

Analog Hookup (AIO•8) ------------------------- 23 TDIF Hookup (DIO•8) ---------------------------- 25 ADAT Optical Hookup (DIO•8 or OPT•8) ---- 27 AES/EBU Hookup (PDI•8) ----------------------- 30

MDR24/96 Operation ----------------32

Project Management------------------------ 32

Creating Projects --------------------------------- 32 Opening Projects --------------------------------- 33 Saving Projects ------------------------------------ 33 Deleting Projects --------------------------------- 34 Purge Audio---------------------------------------- 34 Project Backup/Restore ------------------------ 35

Basic Transport Operations ----------------36

Play -------------------------------------------------- 36 Fast Wind------------------------------------------- 36 Stop ------------------------------------------------- 36 Record ---------------------------------------------- 36

Time Display ---------------------------------- 37 Locate Points and Looping----------------- 37 Recording ------------------------------------- 38

Virtual Tracks ------------------------------------- 38 Track Mutes ---------------------------------------- 39 Record Safe ---------------------------------------- 39 Auto Take ------------------------------------------ 40 Monitoring ----------------------------------------- 40

All Input----------------------------------------- 40

Auto Input -------------------------------------- 40 Metering and Setting Record Levels ---------- 41 Auto Punch ---------------------------------------- 42 Rehearse-------------------------------------------- 43 Footswitch Operation --------------------------- 43

Editing ----------------------------------------- 45

Delete Last ----------------------------------------- 45 Track Edit ------------------------------------------- 46 Cut --------------------------------------------------- 47 Join -------------------------------------------------- 47 Copy ------------------------------------------------- 48 Paste ------------------------------------------------ 48 Insert ------------------------------------------------ 49 Undo/Redo ---------------------------------------- 49

Editing Examples----------------------------- 51

Replacing a Multiple Track Chorus ----------- 51 Deleting a Section of Audio ------------------- 51 Making a Vocal Comp---------------------------- 52 Editing on a Computer -------------------------- 53

Disk Management ----------------------------53

Formatting Drives -------------------------------- 53 Verify Drive Performance ----------------------- 54 Mount/Refresh Drives -------------------------- 55

Operation Guide

Appendix A: Troubleshooting and Service----56

Appendix B: Specifications --------------------- 56

Appendix C: Upgrading the System Software - 57

Appendix D: Analog I/O Pinout ----------------58

MDR 24/96

Appendix E: Compatible Cables---------------- 59

Analog and Digital Multitrack Cables ----59

Horizon Music, Inc. ------------------------------- 59 Hosa Technology, Inc. ---------------------------- 59 Marshall Electronics ----------------------------- 60 Pro Co Sound, Inc. -------------------------------- 60

Other Cables---------------------------------- 60

Apogee Electronics Corporation -------------- 60 Canare ---------------------------------------------- 60 Whirlwind ------------------------------------------ 60

Appendix F: Networking (FTP) Setup --------- 61

Peer to Peer Networking------------------------ 61 Hardware Interconnection --------------------- 62 Network Configuration ------------------------- 62 System #1 Settings (MDR24/96)--------------- 63 System #2 Settings (second computer or other Ethernet device) -------------------------- 64

Windows 95/98 ------------------------------- 64 Macintosh OS 9.2.1 ---------------------------- 65

FTP Client Configuration------------------------ 66

Troubleshooting ------------------------------- 66 Networking Glossary ------------------------- 66

Please write your serial number here for future reference:

Purchased at:

Date Of Purchase:

Printed in the U.S.A.

MDR 24/96

Introduction

Save your Box!

Uncle Jeff’s Bottom Ten Reasons to Save the Box:

10. You think boxes grow on trees?

9. It’s actually a time capsule, packed with a biological code that can’t be decrypted until 2043.

8. Its festive graphics will cheer up those other boxes forgotten in your attic.

7. Impress your friends: tape it up and pretend that you actually have two MDR24/96s.

6. If you throw it away, bad people will know you have a studio in your house.

5. Someday, when paper costs more than steel, it could net you a fortune.

4. The MDR24/96 itself only costs $47.95. The balance is what you paid for the box.

3. Properly sealed, it can be used as a flotation device in the unlikely event of a water landing.

2. It’s a great place to hide your old digital 8-track recorder.

1. If you collect ten MDR24/96 boxes, Greg will come over for dinner (this offer does not apply to dealers or distributors).

Operation Guide

In the unlikely event that you should need to send the MDR24/96 back to Mackie for service, please use the shipping box it came in. This box has been specially designed to minimize damage to the MDR24/96 during shipping, so that it won’t end up more broken than when you sent it.

How To Use This Guide

Welcome to the cutting edge of affordable multitrack recording and editing! We know you’re feeling eager, but please take some time to read this Operation Guide before you jump into your first MDR24/96 session. The first part of this guide explains how to install and configure the various MDR24/96 I/O cards and connect the MDR24/96 to an analog or digital console. The second part describes how to start a session, operate the basic transport and monitoring controls, and explains the terms and conventions used to name, store, and retrieve projects on disk. Then the appendices contain information on troubleshooting and service, upgrading the software, cabling, and networking.

Updated manuals and the latest software releases can be obtained from Mackie’s website at:

www.mackie.com.

Operation Guide

MDR 24/96

Conventions

The MDR24/96 Quick Start Guide uses the following conventions to help you find information quickly:

Text Conventions

a) File or folder names (example: C:\HDR Projects\Ode To Masters\Ode

To Masters.hdr)

b) Software or hardware controls (example: Punch) c) Proper names of objects on front/rear panel (example: PLAY)

Icons

This icon identifies in-depth explanations of features and practical tips. Though not required reading, they do offer some choice tidbits of knowledge that will leave you wiser for the reading.

This icon identifies information that is critically important to the operation of the MDR24/96. So for your own sake, please read these sections.

Front Panel User Interface Conventions

Most of the buttons on the front panel need no explanation (don’t worry, we’ll explain them anyway). The display (LCD) and the buttons immediately below it control the computer that’s at the heart of the MDR24/96. Once you understand the functions, you’ll find them to be intuitive.

Originally we plopped all of the controls onto the MDR24/96 front panel and found that after a while, it was entirely filled with buttons. So we decided to lose a few along the way, and hide the ones that were used less frequently (as often as you visited Aunt Sadie) somewhere under an LCD menu. To make up for missing buttons and the need for a road map, we stuck in a few Go Here and Go There buttons and here’s what we came up with:

System Control Buttons

Most of the group of buttons immediately above the transport (“tape deck”) controls open menus in the LCD. These are the entry points to

TRACK/

DELETE LAST PROJECT BACKUP DISK UTIL SYSTEM DIGI-I/O SYNC DEC INC

EDIT

the LCD menus and are called System Control buttons.

Page Left and Page Right Buttons

The large < and > buttons are page navigators. If a menu consists of more than one page, the top line on the 24 character by 4 line LCD readout will display a ← or → in the upper left or upper right corner to indicate the direction in which you may page to find more choices within that menu.

SELECTSELECTSELECT

SELECT

Select Buttons

The four SELECT buttons under the LCD are aligned under text describing the choices available within that menu. Examples include Exit, confirmation (OK), increment or decrement a number, scroll through choices, or advance through operational tiers (“follow the signs, you won’t get lost”). Select buttons are soft buttons whose function changes depending on the operation you’re performing.

MDR 24/96

Pairs of SELECT buttons with << >> displayed above them are used to select

MINUTESHOURS

SECONDS FR AMES

TICKS

BEATS

BARS

among choices or move a cursor ‘v’ through a text field. The (–)DEC and (+)INC (decrement and increment) buttons scroll through choices in the active field. Sometimes they duplicate the << >> buttons and, at other times, they interact, where the << >> buttons select the character that will be changed by the DEC and INC buttons.

Pressing the SELECT button labeled OK in the display performs the menu operation in process. There’s usually a button labeled Cancel should you decide not to complete an operation. Pressing any menu button will also back out without performing the operation.

Front Panel Display and Controls

The (–)DEC and (+)INC (decrement and increment) buttons are used to modify an alphabetical or numerical parameter displayed in the LCD such as Project Name or Time Code Offset. If the red LEDs above the buttons are glowing, they’re active. Generally you can tell that a character can be edited with the (–)DEC and (+)INC buttons if it’s sitting above a pair of << >> characters. The Select buttons below the << >> characters move a ‘v’ cursor along numeric field, indicating which character will be changed by pressing the (–)DEC and (+)INC buttons.

Any time you’re working in a menu, LED’s will illuminate above any button that does something within that menu. Some operations, particularly those which could be disastrous like deleting data that can’t be recovered, offer you a Cancel option, allowing you to quit without changing anything.

Depending on the menu and how many layers it has, Exit or Cancel may bring you back to a previous menu or all the way back to the top. You can also leave the menu by pressing the button that got you there (its red LED will be lit to remind you where you are), or by pressing the left < button when the ← symbol isn’t displayed. You need not completely exit one menu before moving to another; just press another menu button to jump into a new menu.

Transport Controls

Transport operating controls are described in detail in other sections of this manual, so they won’t be repeated here. This section describes the front panel displays and the setup and system function buttons located below the LCD.

Current Time Display

Current transport time is displayed in either Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames (SMPTE time) or musical score position in Bars:Beats:Ticks (BBT) if you are working on a project brought over from an HDR24/96. The project must be displaying BBT when last saved on the HDR. The display cannot be changed from the MDR24/96 directly.

DEC INC

Note:Note:

Note: Whether or not a

Note:Note: “Cancel” or “Exit” prompt appears above a SELECT button, it’s okay to jump directly to one of the other top level menus without responding to a prompt. It’s a quick “bail out” in case you’ve discovered that you’re in the wrong menu for what you want to accomplish. Skipping an OK, Cancel, or Exit

prompt will not harm or hang the MDR24/96.

Operation Guide

In BBT mode, the front panel display only shows tick numbers when the transport is stopped. When running, the Ticks field contains hyphens (- -). Leading spaces in the Bars field are also filled with hyphens, as: - - 73:04:45. Bar numbers greater than 999 are displayed as hyphens. However, the display still counts beats (01 through 04) while the transport is running.

Operation Guide

Status LEDs

The group of LEDs to the left of the time code display indicates the state of several of the current setup options.

44.1k

48k

96k

MDR 24/96

• 44.1k, 48k and 96k LEDs indicate the selected sample rate.

• VARI indicates that the sample rate is controlled by an external word clock source or video sync signal.

• 16 BIT and 24 BIT indicate the selected word length.

• ERROR indicates a clock or synchronization error; for example, a word clock frequency that is out of range.

TC indicates that the transport is receiving acceptable time code. This LED is only active when the MDR24/96 is set to chase time code. The LED blinks when time code is expected but is either not present or at the incorrect frame rate. When everything is in order with time code synchronization, it will be on.

CLOCK indicates that a proper data clock signal is being received. It blinks if the MDR24/96 is expecting an external clock and it’s not present. If all is well, when Internal clock is selected, the CLOCK LED will be on.

VARI

ERROR

16 BIT

24 BIT

TC CLOCK

Front Panel Alphanumeric Display (LCD)

The front panel LCD, when not performing a setup or utility operation, is an informative summary of the current project. A screen saver blanks the display after ten minutes of display inactivity. To re-activate it, press one of the large < > buttons or any menu button.

Project Information Display

The following information is displayed on the MDR24/96 hardware front panel display after boot-up and whenever any front panel operation is exited.

PROJECT: [Name of the currently loaded project] PLAYLIST: [The currently loaded playlist version] DRIVE: [The disk drive containing the Project — Internal or External] AVAIL: [The amount of recording time left on the disk]

The MDR 24/96 allows only one playlist. If a project is brought from an HDR24/96, the last active playlist is used (you are not able to switch to other playlists from the MDR24/96).

PROJECT: Project#1 PLAYLIST: Playlist 1 DRIVE: C:Internal AVAIL: 01:35:00

Menu/Status Display

The LCD indicates menu choices and displays status information when a time-consuming operation, such as disk formatting or file copy is in process. The large < and > buttons scroll through the menu horizontally if there are more choices within the current level menu than can be displayed in the available display area. An arrow ← or → at the top corner of the display indicates that more choices are available, and in which direction to scroll in order to view them.

SYNC OPTIONS [1]->

Sample Time Code Clock Rate Source Rate

MDR 24/96

About “Tape”

No, you’re not reading the wrong manual. Our goal was to build a hard disk recorder that is comfortable for someone familiar with tape recording, but that doesn’t require you to get a brain transplant from a computer geek to use. When familiar terms such as Tape Inputs, Tape Returns, Transport, and the like are applied to the MDR24/96, they mean exactly what you expect them to mean. Where the well-worn shoe fits, we continue to wear it.

Overview

By combining traditional multitrack tape recording features with the power and flexibility of hard disk recording, the Mackie Designs MDR24/96 takes multitrack recording to a level never before achieved by a product in its price range. In addition to the standard battery of traditional tape-based features, the MDR24/96:

• Combines the familiarity of a multitrack tape machine with the security of nondestructive recording and non-degrading recording media.

• Records simultaneously on all 24 tracks at 44.1 or 48 kHz and on 12 tracks at

88.2 or 96 kHz. At 48 kHz the internal hard drive stores over 2200 track-minutes of 24-bit audio (90 minutes of 24 full tracks). That’s more than six reels of 2-inch tape at 30 inches per second! At 96 kHz the drive stores 1100 track-minutes of 24-bit audio (45 minutes of 24 full tracks).

• Has eight Virtual Takes per track, allowing you to record multiple passes without having to change routing and bussing assignments or use additional tracks.

Operation Guide

• Iinterfaces with any analog or digital console. The MDR24/96 uses the same I/O cards as the Mackie Digital 8•Bus console: the AIO•8 (24-bit analog A/D and D/A), DIO•8 (TDIF/ADAT Optical), PDI•8 (AES/EBU), OPT•24 and low-cost OPT•8 (ADAT Optical).

• Provides three convenient methods of backup: Mackie Media M•90, a removable hard drive (also capable of 24-track recording and playback), Mackie Media PROJECT, a removable drive using inexpensive, removable 2.2 GB ORB cartridges; and data transfer to another computer through the MDR24/96’s 100 Base-T Ethernet port via the built-in FTP server.

• Offers two optional remote control devices — the compact Remote 24 for smaller project studios, and the full-featured Remote 48 for controlling up to 48 tracks on two MDR24/96 recorders.

Record Ready

24TRACK/24BIT DIGITAL AUDIO HARD DISK RECORDER

REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC

Meter Display

REC

REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC

2019181716151413121110987654321

Status Display

MDR 24/

44.1k

7 10 15 20 25

30 35 40 50

242322212019181716151413121110987654321

242322

48k

VARI

16 BIT

ERROR

TC CLOCK

PROJECT: Little love

PLAYLIST: Playlist 1 DRIVE: C:Internal AVAIL: 01:35:00

Current Time Display

96k

24 BIT

HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO

44.1/48/96K SAMPLE RATES

MINUTESHOURS

BARS

SELECTSELECTSELECT

SECONDS FR AMES

BEATS

TICKS

SELECT

LCD Display

POWER

Media Tray Floppy Drive

LOC 2LOC 1 STORE

Locate & Loop

Monitoring & Record Safe

ALL

REC

LOOP

SAFE

1–2

AUTO

INPUT

TAKE

INPUT

Auto Take & Time code Chase

T-CODE

TRACK/

DELETE LAST PROJECT BACKUP DISK UTIL SYSTEM DIGI-I/O SYNC DEC INC

CHASE

EDIT

REWIND

FAST FWD

Transport

PLAY

STOP

System Control

LCD Control

Operation Guide

RECORD

MDR 24/96

Setup and Configuration

This chapter explains how to set up and configure the MDR24/96 for use in your studio. Two application examples show how to interface the MDR24/96 with analog and digital recording consoles.

Required Equipment

Of course, there’s more to a studio than a recorder and some musicians. At a minimum, you’ll need the following to make the MDR24/96 feel at home:

• Three Mackie 8-channel I/O (input/output) cards.

• A console with a minimum of 24 tape sends (buses or direct outputs) and returns (line inputs or monitor returns). If your analog console has only 8 tape sends, use Y-cord splitters to send Tape Out 1 to MDR24/96 Inputs 1, 9 and 17; Tape Out 2 to MDR24/96 Inputs 2, 10, and 18, and so forth.

• Cables to connect the MDR24/96 to the console: 3 or 6 multi-channel snakes or fiber optic cables, depending on your I/O setup.

• All the stuff that typically connects to a console: microphones, instruments, outboard equipment, control room monitors, and so on.

Installation

This section describes how to install the I/O cards and how to connect the MDR24/96 to your console. Before you begin, you should choose a location for your MDR24/96 considering the following:

• If you’re not using the Remote 24 or Remote 48, position the front panel within convenient reach of your normal recording/mixing position. Be aware that although analog and AES/EBU cables can be fairly long, TDIF and Remote 24/Remote 48 cables are limited to about 10 meters. ADAT Optical cables can reach up to about 15 meters.

• The MDR24/96 requires a reliable AC power source with a good ground. Do not use a ground lift adapter or plug the MDR24/96 into an ungrounded receptacle. Remember, this is a computer. Using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to power the MDR24/96 is a good idea to avoid an unexpected shutdown and protect it from transient line voltages.

Warning!

Before applying power to the MDR24/96, make sure that the Voltage Selector switch next to the AC inlet jack on the rear panel is set to the line voltage used in your region. Powering-on the MDR24/96 with the Voltage Selector switch set incorrectly can cause an electrical and fire hazard that may result in irreparable damage to the unit.

MDR 24/96

I/O Cards and Cables

While the MDR24/96 ships with AIO•8 cards already installed, three other flavors of I/O cards are also available. All I/O cards can be mixed and matched in any combination.

Operation Guide

AIO•8

• Each AIO•8 provides 8 analog line-level inputs and outputs on two 25-pin D-subminiature (DB25) connectors. These connectors are pin-for-pin compatible with the analog (not TDIF) DB25 connectors found on the TASCAM DTRS recorders. DB25 cables that break out to XLR or 1/4" TRS connectors for mating with your console are readily available.

DIO•8

• Each DIO•8 provides 8 digital inputs and outputs in two formats:

1. TASCAM Digital Interface (TDIF) provides 8 input and output channels

of digital audio on a single DB25 connector. It requires a TASCAM PW-88D or equivalent TDIF-compatible cable.

2. ADAT Optical provides 8 channels of digital audio on fiber-optic cable.

Two optical cables are required for each card, one for inputs, the other for outputs. Both cables must connect to the same device, creating a closed loop.

3. The DIO•8 also provides a TDIF word clock sync output for use with

older TASCAM equipment.

OPT• 8

• The OPT•8 is a low-cost, ADAT Optical-only version of the DIO•8 card. The previous ADAT information also applies to this card.

PDI• 8

• Each PDI•8 carries four stereo pairs (eight channels) of digital input and output on a single DB25 connector. This card supports the AES/EBU (IEC-958 Type 1) digital interfacing standard carrying two channels of digital audio on a single balanced cable. The PDI•8 can also be configured for the consumer (IEC-958 Type 2, or S/PDIF) data format if required. DB25 cables that break out to XLR connectors, and double-ended DB25 to DB25 AES/EBU cables for mating with your console, are readily available.

AIO•8

ANALOG I/O

OPT•8

INPUT OUTPUT

DIO•8

APOGEE

DIGITAL I/O

ADAT OPTICAL

PDI•8

TDIF

IN OUT

SYNC

AES/EBU I/O

The PDI•8 is the only Mackie I/O card that currently supports 88.2 or 96

kHz operation. At these sample rates, the PDI•8 card runs in “doublewide” (dual-wire) mode. In double-wide mode, the PDI•8 carries four mono channels of digital I/O by transmitting two consecutive 88.2/96k samples of the same channel on a single conductor.

Note: Different manufacturers use different wiring standards for DB25 interface cables (both analog and digital) that otherwise look the same. Make sure the cable you are using is the correct one. See Appendix E for a list of compatible MDR24/96 I/O card cables.

Operation Guide

PDI• 8

To replace the AIO-8 cards with different I/O cards:

1. If the MDR24/96 is plugged into AC power, unplug it.

2. Unscrew the thumbscrews at the top and bottom of each I/O card to be removed. Grasp one thumbscrew with each hand and gently pull the card out.

MDR 24/96

ANALOG I/O ANALOG I/O ANALOG I/O

INPUT OUTPUT

TAPE IN/OUTS

3. Before you take I/O cards from their bags, touch a grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity from your body.

4. Remove the new I/O card from its anti-static bag and put the I/O

card you just removed from the MDR24/96 into the bag.

5. Hold the new card so the component side faces left and line up the top and bottom edges with the white card guides. Push the card all the way into the slot until its faceplate is flush with the back panel.

6. Hand-tighten the thumbscrews at the top and bottom of the card. Do not use a screwdriver.

MDR 24/96

If you want to hook up the MDR24/96 I/O cables to your console right now, see the console hookup diagrams in the “Hookups” section (page 23). Be sure to come right back here when you’re done.

Note:Note:

Note: Always hand tighten the thumbscrews

Note:Note: at the top and bottom of all I/O cards before operating the MDR 24/96.

SMPTE Input/ Output

Termination Switch

Word Clock/ Video Input

Word Clock Output

Sync Card and Cables - Word Clock and Digital Synchronization

The Sync Card provides ports to synchronize the MDR24/96’s sample clock and time/transport position to other equipment. The functions of the jacks and switch, from top to bottom are:

• SMPTE Input / Output – This 1/4" TRS jack serves as an input when slaved to incoming SMPTE time code, and as an output when generating SMPTE time code to synchronize other devices with the MDR24/96.

• Termination Switch – This pushbutton switch selects the termination

impedance of the Word Clock / Video Input jack. When the switch is out, the impedance is 3.3kΩ (bridging); when in, the impedance is 75Ω (terminated).

• Word Clock / Video Input – This BNC jack receives either word clock, composite video, or video blackburst as determined by the MDR24/96

SYNC

Whenever digital audio connections are made between devices, the sample clock of every device must run at exactly the same rate. This is usually accomplished by selecting one device as the “master” clock source and distributing its word clock signal to all the “slave” devices in the system. The master is configured to run from its internal clock, and the slaves from external word clock. Some digital interfaces are self-clocking (such as the AES input on many DAT machines) and do not require a separate work clock connection. Others simply cannot be configured as slaves. The master/slave designation must be made correctly for each device to avoid the clicks and pops associated with asynchronous clocks.

Sample Clock setting. Use this input when the MDR24/96 is operating as a word clock slave.

• Word Clock Output – This BNC jack transmits word clock to other devices in the system when the MDR24/96 is configured as the clock master.

Operation Guide

Whenever time code (positional) synchronization is used, all the devices in a system, both analog and digital, must be synchronized to a common timing (speed) reference. This is often achieved by distributing video from a master video sync generator (sometimes called “house sync”) to all the slave devices in the system when word clock cannot otherwise be used. The MDR24/96, like many other digital devices, can synchronize its sample clock to a video signal. However, video does not provide enough timing precision to properly synchronize devices whose digital audio paths are interconnected; word clock must be used instead.

Generally it doesn’t matter which device in a system serves as the word clock master, except when synchronizing to time code or video. For example, if your MDR24/96 Inputs and Outputs are connected to the Tape Inputs and Outputs of a Mackie Digital 8•Bus console using TDIF, either the MDR24/96 or D8B can be the word clock master. However, if you later synchronize the MDR24/96 to time code from a VTR, you must lock the VTR and MDR24/96 to a master video sync source and lock the D8B (which can’t sync to video) to word clock from the MDR24/96. In this case the MDR24/96 becomes both a video slave and a word clock master. For more detailed information on setups involving video and time code synchronization, see the HDR24/96 Technical Reference manual, available to download at www.mackie.com.

Note: Note:

Note: For audio-for-video applications, the MDR24/96 can lock its word clock to

Note: Note: a video signal. In this configuration, there must be only one word clock dependent device (The MDR24/96) locked to the video source. The MDR24/96 then becomes the word clock master for the other digital devices in the system (for example, a digital mixing console). Do not attempt to lock multiple digital devices to the video signal, or you’ll get clicks.

Operation Guide

MDR 24/96

The following are recommended setups for establishing proper sample clock synchronization with the devices connected to the MDR24/96 digital I/O cards.

TDIF (DIO•8)

With the MDR24/96 as a master, connect Word Clock Out of the MDR24/96 to Word Clock In on the receiving device(s). If connecting to older TASCAM DTRS recorders, use the Sync Out port on the first DIO Word Clock Out. If there is more than one DTRS recorder in the chain, connect Sync Out to the word clock input of the first DTRS recorder only; the other recorders are synchronized through their interconnecting DTRS cables.

With the MDR24/96 operating as a slave to another TDIF device, connect the word clock output from the master TDIF device to Word Clock In on the MDR24/96.

•8 card instead of

ADAT Optical (DIO•8, OPT•8)

With the MDR24/96 as a master, set the receiving device(s) to derive sample clock from their ADAT Optical ports if the ports are self-clocking. In this case, no word clock connection is necessary. If the ADAT Optical ports on the receiving devices are not self-clocking, connect Word Clock Out of the MDR24/96 to Word Clock In on the receiving device(s).

With the MDR24/96 configured as a slave, connect the word clock out of the master ADAT Optical device to Word Clock In on the MDR24/96.

AES/EBU (PDI•8)

With the MDR24/96 as a master, set the receiving device(s) to derive their sample clock from the AES/EBU ports if the ports are self-clocking. In this instance, no word clock connection is necessary. If the AES/EBU ports on the receiving device(s) are not self-clocking, connect Word Clock Out of the MDR24/96 to Word Clock In of the receiving device(s).

With the MDR24/96 as a slave, connect the word clock out of the master AES/EBU device to Word Clock In on the MDR24/96.

Note:Note:

Note: Use 75 Ω coaxial cables when con-

Note:Note: necting word clock or video to the Sync Card Word Clock/Video input jack. If the

Termination Switch

Word Clock to other Slaves

MDR24/96 is at the end of a cable that’s connected to several devices, push the Termination Switch in; otherwise leave it

Word clock input jack

out and use a BNC Tee adapter to feed the signal on to the next device in the chain.

Note:Note:

Note: If you are using an MDR24/96 with the Mackie Digital

Note:Note:

SYNC

Word Clock From Master

8•Bus console, you may need to turn on the Digital 8•Bus first. The Clock I/O on the D8B prefers not to see an active signal at its Word Clock input when it powers up.

BNC-Tee adaptor

MDR 24/96

Mackie Media (Optional)

The MDR24/96 emulates the tape library tradition with Mackie Media M•90 and Mackie Media PROJECT drives. Both drives come complete with a plug-in tray for quick removal and a nifty storage case for shelving and transporting the drives. Trays can be purchased separately if you want to use your own UDMA IDE drives. The MDR24/96 can record or play directly off the M sessions as quickly as changing tape on a 24-track—no backup time required. PROJECT drives are for backup only and use removable 2.2GB ORB cartridges that fit in your pocket. Each can hold a couple of 5-minute 24-track masters.

Mackie Media Tray

Mackie Media Receiver

To install or remove a Mackie Media tray:

1. Power the MDR24/96 off whenever inserting or removing media trays.

If you have an active project, don’t forget to save it first!

•90 so you can change

24TRACK/24BIT DIGITAL AUDIO HARD DISK RECORDER

REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC

POWER

2 4

7 10 15 20 25

30 35 40 50

2 4

7 10 15 20 25

30 35 40 50

REC

REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC

LOC 2LOC 1 STORE

REC

LOOP

SAFE

1–2

242322212019181716151413121110987654321

ALL

AUTO

T-CODE

AUTO

INPUT

TAKE

CHASE

INPUT

HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO

MDR 24/

44.1/48/96K SAMPLE RATES

MINUTESHOURS

SECONDS FRAMES

44.1k

48k

96k

VARI

24 BIT

16 BIT

ERROR

TC CLOCK

BEATS

BARS

PROJECT: Little love

PLAYLIST: Playlist 1 DRIVE: C:Internal AVAIL: 01:35:00

DELETE LAST PROJECT BACKUP DISK UTIL SYSTEM DIGI-I/O SYNC DEC INC

REWIND

TICKS

SELECT

SELECTSELECTSELECT

TRACK/ EDIT

PLAY

FAST FWD

STOP

RECORD

Operation Guide

2. To remove a drive, first unlock it by inserting the key and turning it a quarter-turn counterclockwise. Two keys are packed with the recorder, and one with each M•90 drive.

3. Lift the bail handle to release the drive, and pull it out of the drive bay.

4. To install a new M•90 or PROJECT drive, slide the media tray into the front panel drive bay. Press it firmly into place, and latch it by pressing the bail handle downward until it’s fully seated.

5. Insert the key into the lock and turn it a quarter-turn clockwise. The key locks the drive into place and powers the tray.

6. The MDR24/96 will automatically detect the Mackie Media drive when you next power it up.

Note: Note:

Note: Mackie Media are hard drives, and as we all know, hard drives

Note: Note: involve some pretty intricate technology. So don’t shake the little darlin’, and if a tray has just come in from a freezing car or airplane cargo hold, do not install it until it has reached room temperature.

Operation Guide

Note:Note:

Note: The Remotes

Note:Note:

duplicate nearly all

of the front panel

operating controls.

MDR 24/96

When we describe a

front panel opera-

tion, you’ll probably

find it available on

the Remote also. If

you have a Remote,

try it both ways. If

you don’t have a Re-

mote yet, think of how convenient it

would be.

Remote 24 / Remote 48 (Optional)

Installing either remote is as simple as plugging in a telephone. Connect one end of the cable (supplied with the Remote) to the REMOTE jack on MDR24/96 rear panel, and the other end to the TO HDR REMOTE JACK jack on the Remote 24, or to the TO HDR jack on the Remote 48. It’s OK to plug or unplug either Remote with the MDR24/96 powered on. However, if you plug the Remote 48 into the MDR24/96 while both are powered on, you must power cycle the Remote 48 to reset the connection.

REMOTE 24

Remote connection

ANALOG I/O ANALOG I/O ANALOG I/O

WARNING

DO NOT PLUG INTO

ETHERNET

TO HDR/MDR

FOOT SW

REMOTE JACK

Footswitch

Note:Note:

Note: The MDR24/96 ‘REMOTE’ and Eth-

Note:Note: ernet jacks both accept CAT-5 Ethernet cables - don’t get them mixed up!

Back panel of the Mackie Remote 24

Footswitch

Ethernet Jack

Note:Note:

Note: If you are us-

Note:Note:

ing an MDR24/96

with the Mackie

Digital 8•Bus con-

sole, you may need

to turn on the Digi-

tal 8•Bus first. The

Clock I/O on the

D8B prefers not to

see an active signal

at its Word Clock

input when it

powers up.

INPUT OUTPUT

TAPE IN/OUTS

Footswitch (Optional)

For hands-free do-it-yourself punches and other frequently-used functions like Play/Stop, Punch In/Out, and Take Select, connect the cable of a momentary, normally open footswitch to the FOOT SWITCH 1/4" TS jack on the rear panel of the MDR24/96, the Remote 24, or Remote 48. If you have a Remote installed you can connect two foot switches, one to the MDR24/96 and one to the Remote. Each footswitch functions independently of the other. Footswitch functionality is assigned in the front panel System menu.

Power-Up

OK, NOW you can turn it on. Assuming you have already connected the MDR24/96 to your console, power up the MDR24/96 first, then the outboard equipment and console, and finally the power amplifiers or powered monitors. Audio equipment tends to generate unexpected clicks and pops when you power it up, so by powering up your monitoring system last, you’ll save your speakers and your ears.

Before you read the next section, take a quick, self-guided tour of the front panel display and controls to get a sense of where they are.

MDR 24/96

Note:Note:

Note: The front

Note:Note:

panel display’s back-

light sw it ches off

aft er several min-

utes of inactivity. It’ll

come back on auto-

matically when it’s

needed to display

new information, but

you can revive it at

any time by pressing

either the Page Left

(

<) or Page Right

(

> ) b ut to n below

the display.

Configuration

Before starting a Project, you will need to configure the MDR24/96 I/O card options and synchronization parameters. These parameters determine where the sample clock is coming from, how fast the sample clock runs, and how many bits are recorded in every sample. Some options, like sample rate and bit depth, will become “standards” that you won’t need to change very often. Others, like Time Code Source, you may need to change from project to project.

I/O Cards

Only the DIO•8 and PDI•8 cards require special configuration. If you are using AIO•8, OPT•8, or OPT•24 cards only, you can skip to the next section.

DIO•8 Card To set the DIO•8 input and output formats:

1. Press DIGI-I/O to enter the Digital I/O Card Setup menu.

DIGI-I/O

2. Select In.

The SETUP TAPE INPUTS menu shows you the current input settings for each of the three I/O cards.

3. Press the SELECT button corresponding to each DIO•8 card and toggle the selection between ADAT and TDIF.

4. Press the Page Left (<) button to return to the previous screen.

5. Now select Out.

The SETUP TAPE OUTPUTS menu shows you the current output settings for each of the three I/O cards.

6. For each DIO•8 card present, press the SELECT button to choose the desired output format. Or, select the TD–>AD or AD–>TD option to convert between formats, bypassing the MDR24/96 tape signal path entirely.

7. When done, press DIGI-I/O to exit the menu.

DIGITAL I/O Card Setup

Stat Rate In Out Bits Convert

(SETUP TAPE INPUTS)

1-8 9-16 17-24 ADAT ADAT ADAT

(SETUP TAPE OUTPUTS)

1-8 9-16 17-24 ADAT ADAT ADAT

Operation Guide

PDI•8 Card

The PDI•8 card options include sample rate conversion for each stereo AES/EBU input, and status bit control (pro/consumer mode) for each output. When a PDI•8 card is first installed, its default settings are for sample rate conversion Off, and channel status bits set to indicate the Pro (AES/EBU) format. In most circumstances you won’t need to change these settings. However, if the device(s) connected to the PDI•8 inputs cannot be made a clock master or slave (such as a CD player with a digital out), enabling sample rate conversion on each affected input will effectively re-clock the incoming data.

MDR 24/96

Occasionally you’ll run across a device that will not recognize the digital audio output from the PDI•8 card. Changing the status bits on the affected output(s) from Pro to Consumer (S/PDIF) may solve the problem.

Remember that with the AES/EBU format, channels come in pairs, so rather than eight settings, you have four, one for each pair of channels.

To set the PDI•8 card options:

1. Press DIGI-I/O to enter the

DIGITAL I/O Card Setup

menu.

DIGI-I/O

2. Select Rate Convert. The SAMPLE RATE CONVERT

menu shows you the sample rate conversion settings for inputs 1-8.

DIGITAL I/O Card Setup

Stat Rate In Out Bits Convert

SAMPLE RATE CONVERT ->

3. Press the SELECT button corresponding to the desired input channel(s) and toggle the selection.

On enables sample rate conversion, Off disables it (default).

4. Press the Page Right (>) button to scroll to channels 9-16. Repeat the procedure for channels 9-16 and 17-24. Press Page Left (<) until you return to the DIGITAL I/O Card Setup menu.

1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 ON OFF OFF ON

MDR 24/96

5. Select Stat Bits. The SETUP STATUS BITS menu shows you the

current status bit settings for outputs 1-8.

SETUP STATUS BITS

1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 Pro Pro Pro Consu

6. Press the SELECT button corresponding to the desired output channel(s) to toggle the selection between Pro (default) and Consu.

7. Press the Page Right (>) button to scroll to channels 9-16. Repeat the procedure for channels 9-16 and 17-24. Press DIGI-I/O to exit.

Synchronization

Synchronization Options

Sample Clock

The Sample Clock setting determines the source of the MDR24/96 sample clock. If the MDR24/96 is a clock master or is not connected to any other digital device(s), set it to Internal. If the MDR24/96 is a word clock slave, set it to Word Clock.

When Video is selected as the clock source, an additional parameter, the video frame rate is required. This is actually set as the Video Field Rate (twice as fast). Video Field magically appends itself to the list of Sync Options in the LCD display. However, you’ll have to hunt it down as there are normally 3 pages of Sync Options and Video Field appears on a new page 4. Video Field Rate options are B&W (60Hz), NTSC (59.94 Hz), and PAL (50 Hz). If you’re doing post in the U.S. then choose NTSC, and if you’re doing post (or music) in Europe then choose PAL. If you’re doing music in the U.S. and you’re just using a black burst generator to keep the clocking universal and solid for the studio, then set the field rate as well as the BB Generator to use 60 Hz. The integral number of frames per second will make you much happier than NTSC ever will. The 60 Hz setting can also be used in HDTV production, where many permutations of frame rate and raster lines are available.

SYNC OPTIONS [1]->

Sample Time Code Clock Rate Source Rate

SYNC

Operation Guide

Note:Note:

Note: The PDI·8 is the

Note:Note: only Mackie I/O card that currently supports

88.2 or 96 kHz operation. Do not operate

the MDR24/96 at

these Sample Rates

with AIO·8, DIO·8, or

OPT·8 cards installed.

Sample Rate

The Sample Rate determines how fast the MDR24/96 sample clock runs. Compact discs use a 44.1 kHz sample rate, while some DVD disks use 96 kHz. The video production folks prefer 48 kHz because their digital video recorders use 48 kHz. Even though the MDR24/96 supports four Sample Rates, you can only choose between two at any given time. The range of available rates is determined by the current Project’s Sample Rate mode. The Sample Rate mode determines whether a Project will be a 24-track 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz Project, or a 12-track 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz Project. To change the Sample Rate to a setting that is not available, first create or open a Project with the desired Sample Rate mode.

SYNC OPTIONS [1]->

Sample Time Code Clock Rate Source Rate

Bit-Depth

The Bit Depth setting determines how many bits are contained in each audio sample recorded to disk (the bit “resolution”). While 16-Bit audio takes up 1/3 less disk space than 24-Bit audio, 24-Bit audio offers the potential for greater dynamic range (the difference between the softest and loudest sounds that can be recorded) and captures a more accurate “image” of the sound.

<- SYNC OPTIONS [3]

Bit Generate TC Depth SMPTE MTC Offset

Note:Note:

Note: You must still select the MDR24/96’s Sample Rate even if it’s slaved to an-

Note:Note: other device’s clock. If you don’t set it correctly, the MDR24/96 time display will run at the wrong rate, even though audio will play at the right speed.

Operation Guide

Time Code Chase

If the MDR is set to slave to external time code (MTC or SMPTE time code), engaging the Time Code Chase mode causes the MDR24/96 transport to follow time code coming from an external master source. If disengaged, the MDR will go off line and will no longer follow the external time code. This function is enabled with the T. CODE CHASE button.

SYNC OPTIONS [1]->

Sample Time Code Clock Rate Source Rate

MDR 24/96

Note: Note:

Note: When oper-

Note: Note:

ating in sync with

external time code,

you’d nomally stop

the MDR24/96 by stopping the time

code master, not

the recorder. If

you’re recording

when chasing time

code, pressing Stop

or Play will punch

out of recording.

In the Time Code Chase mode, pressing the PLAY button causes the transport to wait in an armed state for time code to start. Start, stop, wind, and locate functions follow the time code master.

The MDR24/96 does not resolve its word clock to incoming time code, it only uses time code to synchronize transport time. Once the MDR24/96 transport has jumped to the time code time and started running, it runs on its internal clock, while continuously monitoring the incoming time code. It will stay locked as long as the time code doesn’t drop out or otherwise become corrupt for longer than its “flywheel” window of ten frames. If the time code problem is corrected within that window, the MDR24/96 will continue to chase. If not, it will drop out of time code chase mode and stop.

You can disengage TC Chase on the fly, however, without interrupting the MDR24/96’s operation. If you’re working with really poor quality time code, for example what might come from an inexpensive VCR, by disengaging TC Chase after the MDR24/96 has found its time code-related position, it will free-run and not sweat the unstable time code. Synchronization won’t be perfect, but this is a means of working with problem time code.

Time Code Source

The MDR24/96 can chase time code from either MIDI In or SMPTE In. Use Time Code Source to select either SMPTE or MTC.

Time Code Frame Rate

There are four standard time code frame rates, each developed for a specific application. In addition, two of the frame rates have variations called drop-frame, mostly used in broadcast applications to correct timing issues caused by the 29.97 frame rate. Use the Time Code Rate option to set the time code frame rate to one of the following settings: 30, 30 Drop, 29.97, 29.97 Drop, 25 and 24. If you’re not involved in video or broadcast applications, 30 frames per second (fps) is your best choice.

SYNC OPTIONS [1]->

Sample Time Code Clock Rate Source Rate

MDR 24/96

MMC Device ID

You can set the MMC (MIDI Machine Control) Device ID independently for each group of eight tracks. Most 24-track MMC control devices share the same Device ID for the three 8-track blocks.

<- SYNC OPTIONS [2]->

MMC Pre-Roll Device On Time On

Send MMC

Use MMC On/Off to toggle MIDI Machine Control at the MDR24/96 MIDI Out.

Pre-Roll Time

Preroll is the amount of time by which the transport location is offset when jumping to a locate point. If Preroll is other than zero, the transport will locate to a point earlier than the locate time by the amount of time set in the Preroll window. This is useful when you want the locator to accurately define a point in the song (like when the guitar solo begins), but when punching in at that point, you want to start rolling a few seconds before hand. The MDR 24/96 allows you to set a Preroll amount and then toggle the Preroll on or off as needed.

<- SYNC OPTIONS [2]->

MMC Pre-Roll Device On Time On

To set the Preroll amount:

1. Press the SYNC button and press the Right Arrow button to move to page two of the SYNC OPTIONS menu.

2. Press the Pre-Roll Time select button.

<- SYNC OPTIONS [2]->

MMC Pre-Roll Device On Time On

Operation Guide

3. Use the << and >> select buttons to select Hours, Minutes, Seconds, or Frames and use the (–) DEC and (+) INC buttons to set the amount for that field. Press the Zero select button to reset the Preroll amount to zero.

4. Press the OK select button to return to the SYNC OPTIONS menu when you are satisfied with the Preroll amount displayed.

Pre-Roll Enable

When Preroll enable is on, Locate points are offset by the Preroll time. When Preroll enable is off, there is no preroll offset.

To turn Preroll on or off:

1. Press the SYNC button and press the Right Arrow button to move to page two of the SYNC OPTIONS menu.

2. Press the Pre-Roll On select button.

3. Use the << and >> select buttons to turn Preroll on or off.

4. Press the OK select button to make your selection and to return to the SYNC OPTIONS menu.

<- SYNC OPTIONS [2]->

MMC Pre-Roll Device On Time On

Operation Guide

Note: It is not pos-

sible to generate and

chase SMPTE time

code simultaneously.

MDR 24/96

If Generate SMPTE is

selected as the time

code Source, an error

message will appear

Time Code Chase.

if you also select

Generate SMPTE/MTC

These options allow you to select whether SMPTE time code or MIDI time code (or both) are generated.

<- SYNC OPTIONS [3]

Bit Generate TC Depth SMPTE MTC Offset

Time Code Offset

This is the amount of time (hours, minutes, seconds and frames) that is added to the incoming time code value, and the resulting time is the Current Time of the MDR24/96 when in Time Code Chase. Negative can be selected to subtract the offset value from the incoming time code.

To set the TC Offset:

1. Select TC Offset from the SYNC OPTIONS menu.

2. Select Set.

Use the Select buttons to move the “vv” cursor among fields, and then use the Select buttons to change the value. Negative can be selected from the TC Offset menu.

To configure the MDR24/96 synchronization settings:

1. Press SYNC to enter the SYNC OPTIONS menu. Select Sample Clock. Select either Internal or Word Clock according to your setup using the (–)Dec / (+)Inc or << / >> buttons.

2. Select OK to return to the SYNC OPTIONS menu.

3. Select Sample Rate. Using the (–)Dec / (+)Inc or << / >> buttons, set the Sample Rate to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz (88.2 kHz or 96 kHz). Select OK.

4. Move to the third page of the SYNC OPTIONS menu with the Page Right (>) button.

5. Select Bit Depth. Set the Bit Depth to 16 Bit or 24 Bit using the (–)Dec / (+)Inc or << / >> buttons. Select OK.

Word Clock Divisors (88.2/96 kHz operation only)

Some devices that support double-wide AES at 88.2 and 96 kHz can only transmit or receive word clock at 0.5x the Sample Rate. The Word Clock divisors determine whether Word Clock In and Word Clock Out run at 1x or 0.5x the MDR24/96 Sample Rate. Both divisors can be set independently.

<- SYNC OPTIONS [4]

Video SR/2 SR/2 Field In Out

Sync Settings for 88.2/96 kHz operation only:

1. Move to the last page of the SYNC OPTIONS menu with the Page Right (>) button. Select SR/2 In.

2. Set the Word Clock Input divisor to On or Off using the (–)Dec / (+)Inc or << / >> buttons. Off selects 1x operation, On selects 0.5x operation.

3. Select OK, then Select SR/2 Out and set the Word Clock Output divisor to On or Off.

4. Select OK and press the SYNC button to exit the menu.

MDR 24/96

+ 50 hidden pages

Mackie MDR24/96 Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introduction

Save your Box!

How To Use This Guide

Conventions

Overview

Setup and Configuration

Required Equipment

Installation

I/O Cards and Cables

Sync Card and Cables - Word Clock and Digital Synchronization

Mackie Media (Optional)

Remote 24 / Remote 48 (Optional)

Footswitch (Optional)

Power-Up

Configuration

I/O Cards

Synchronization

Synchronization Options

Sample Clock

Sample Rate

Bit-Depth

Time Code Chase

Time Code Source

Time Code Frame Rate

MMC Device ID

Send MMC

Pre-Roll Time

Pre-Roll Enable

Generate SMPTE/MTC

Time Code Offset