Magma MDR 24-96 User Manual

MDR 24MDR 24

MDR 24/96

MDR 24MDR 24

QUICK START 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

Quick Start Guide

Introduction ----------------------------4

Save your Box! -------------------------------- 4 How To Use This Guide --------------------- 4 Conventions ---------------------------------- 5 About “Tape” --------------------------------- 5 Overview -------------------------------------- 6

Setup & Configuration ----------------7

Required Equipment ------------------------ 7 Installation------------------------------------ 7

I/O Cards & Cables ------------------------------- 8 Sync Card & Cables - Word Clock and Digital Synchronization-------------------------------- 10 Mackie Media (Optional) ----------------------- 12 Remote 24 / Remote 48 (Optional) ---------- 13 Footswitch (Optional) --------------------------- 13

Power-Up-------------------------------------- 13 Configuration--------------------------------- 14

I/O Cards------------------------------------------- 14 Synchronization ---------------------------------- 16

Hookups ----------------------------------------18

Analog Hookup (AIO•8) ------------------------- 18 TDIF Hookup (DIO•8) ---------------------------- 20 ADAT Optical Hookup (DIO•8 or OPT•8) ---- 22 AES/EBU Hookup (PDI•8) ----------------------- 25

Appendix A: Compatible Cables ----39

Analog and Digital Multitrack Cables ----39 Other Cables---------------------------------- 40

Troubleshooting and service --------42

Notes-------------------------------------43

Please write your serial number here for future reference:

Purchased at:

Date Of Purchase:

MDR24/96 Operation ----------------27

Opening Projects ---------------------------- 27 Time Display ---------------------------------- 28 Basic Transport Operations ----------------28 Locate Points and Looping----------------- 29 Track Editing ---------------------------------- 30

Cut / Join ------------------------------------------ 30 Copy ------------------------------------------------- 30 Paste / Insert-------------------------------------- 30 Undo / Redo -------------------------------------- 30

Creating Projects ---------------------------- 31 Monitoring ------------------------------------ 32 Metering and Setting Record Levels ----- 33 Recording ------------------------------------- 34 Footswitch Operation ---------------------- 35 Delete Last ------------------------------------ 36 Saving Projects --------------------------------36 Project Backup / Restore ------------------ 37 Purge Audio ------------------------------------38

Printed in the U.S.A.

Quick Start Guide

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).

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 a few minutes and read this brief Quick Start 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.

We have purposely excluded all the extra stuff from this guide to give you just the basic information you need to get going right away. For step-by-step tutorials, indepth feature descriptions, and endless technical details, see the MDR24/96 Technical Reference Manual on the companion CD-ROM. Updated manuals and the latest software releases can be obtained via Mackie’s website at: www.mackie.com.

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 in GUI or front/rear panel (example: Transport)

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.

Quick Start Guide

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.

Quick Start Guide

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

non-destructive recording and non-degrading recording media.

MDR 24/96

• 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” 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.

• 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), 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

POWER

Media Tray Floppy Drive

Meter Display

REC

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

Locate & Loop

LOC 2LOC 1 STORE

Monitoring & Record Safe

2019181716151413121110987654321

REC

LOOP

SAFE

1–2

ALL

AUTO

INPUT

TAKE

INPUT

Auto Take & Time code Chase

Status Display

MDR 24/

44.1k

VARI

10 15

ERROR

20 25

PROJECT: Little love

35 40

PLAYLIST: Playlist 1

DRIVE: C:Internal AVAIL: 01:35:00

242322212019181716151413121110987654321

242322

T-CODE

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

CHASE

REWIND

Transport

TRACK/

16 BIT

EDIT

48k

TC CLOCK

Current Time Display

96k

24 BIT

BARS

FAST FWD

System Control

HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO

44.1/48/96K SAMPLE RATES

MINUTESHOURS

SECONDS FR AMES

SELECTSELECTSELECT

STOP

LCD Control

BEATS

SELECT

PLAY

LCD Display

TICKS

RECORD

MDR 24/96

Setup & 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:

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

• A console with a minimum of 24 tape sends (busses 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.

Quick Start Guide

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 Optical 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 will cause an electrical and fire hazard that may result in irreparable damage to the unit.

Quick Start Guide

MDR 24/96

OPT•8

ANALOG I/O

INPUT OUTPUT

AIO•8

APOGEE

DIGITAL I/O

ADAT OPTICAL

PDI•8

I/O Cards & 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.

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

DIO•8

TDIF

IN OUT

SYNC

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

AES/EBU I/O

• 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.

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 A for a list of compatible MDR24/96 I/O card cables.

MDR 24/96

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.

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.

Quick Start Guide

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.

If you want to hook up the MDR24/96 I/O cables to your console right now, see the console hookup diagrams in Hookups. 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.

Quick Start Guide

SMPTE Input/ Output

MDR 24/96

Termination Switch

Word Clock/ Video Input

Word Clock Output

Sync Card & 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 correctly made 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.

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 Technical Reference manual.

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.

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.

Quick Start Guide

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

Quick Start Guide

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

2 4

7 10 15

20 25

30 35 40 50

REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC

POWER

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

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.

MDR 24/96

Note:Note:

Note: The Remotes

Note:Note:

duplicate nearly all

of the front panel

operating controls.

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

Quick Start Guide

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 pow-

ers 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. See the MDR24/96 Technical Reference Manual for more details.

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.

Quick Start Guide

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. The remaining synchronization options (for time code and video) are covered in detail in the Technical Reference manual.

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

(

<) or

(

> ) b ut to n below

Page LeftPage Left

Page Left

Page LeftPage Left

Page Page

RightRight

Page

Right

Page Page

RightRight

the display.

I/O Cards

Only the DIO•8 and PDI•8 cards require special configuration. If you are using AIO•8 or OPT•8 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 screen.

2. Select In.

The Setup Tape Inputs screen 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 screen 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 select 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.

DIGI-I/O

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

MDR 24/96

+ 30 hidden pages

Magma MDR 24-96 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual