Tascam 788 Brochure

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

TASCAM's 788 Digital Portastudio brings together an 8 track hard
disk recorder, a full featured and flexible digital mixer, plus two
assignable effect processing engines. The hard disk recorder
offers 250 virtual tracks per song, and non-destructive editing
with 999 levels of undo and redo; this gives you complete
freedom to experiment without fear of losing anything. The
mixing section offers complete routing flexibility. The 8 tracks,
6 analog inputs, and 2 stereo effects can be mixed together
for an 18 input mixdown. The effects can serve as stereo
effects, dynamics, or even as a multi-effect processor for
guitar effects. At the end of the session, an approved SCSI
CD-R or CD-RW drive can be connected for data back-up
and creating audio CDs directly from the 788 itself. For more
tracks, multiple 788s can lock together with MIDI Time Code.

Technical Documentation

• Records 8 Tracks to Internal or External Hard Drive

• Digital Mixing Section Offers 8 Full Featured Channels,

Plus 6 Input Submixer and 8 Channel Cue Mix

• 2 Built-in Assignable Effect Engines

• Non-Destructive Editing with 999 Levels of Undo/Redo

• Waveform Views with Scrubbing

• 250 Virtual Tracks Per Song

• Auto Punch with up to 99 Hands-Free Takes

• 24 Bit A/D and D/A

APPLICATIONS

The 788 Digital Portastudio is a complete recording solution from first
concept to final product. The powerful production features and simple
user interface make this a wonderful recorder for users of all levels.

Home Studio • Project Studio

With pristine, uncompressed digital fidelity, the 788 will make your
project shine with all the brilliance you put into it. The 788 takes
complete advantage of the hard disk medium, offering non-destructive
editing with 999 levels of undo/redo and 250 virtual tracks, giving you
the flexibility to experiment with different parts or try new edits without
fear of exceeding your undo history limit.

The digital mixing section offers a 3 band EQ with high and low shelf
bands and a parametric mid, 2 stereo aux sends, and a user friendly
virtual patchbay. Add to all of this 2 built in effect engines, complete
MIDI control and sync implementation plus built-in support for an
approved CD-Recorder for creating session back-up and archival CDs
or creating standard audio CDs.

Live Shows • One Man Band

The compact size of the 788 is a natural for portable applications.
Whether you're playing over backing tracks or recording your show live,
the 6 analog inputs in addition to the 8 tracks will allow plenty of space
for your instruments. Plus, with built in effects and scene recalls,
you can save yourself a couple rack spaces of processors, as well as
from having to set-up the mix every night. Just recall it.

Guitar Players • Bass Players

The built-in instrument-level input and multieffect processors allow you
to simply plug your instrument into the 788 and pick your sound.

• Uses approved CD-R and CD-RW drives for data

back-up, restoring, and CD mastering.

• Input "D" Switchable to Guitar Level Input with

Guitar Effect Processing

• 6 Analog Inputs

• ±6% Varispeed Control and Slow Speed Audition

• Advanced MIDI Implementation with MTC, MMC

and MIDI Clock

• Lock Multiple 788s together with MTC

SPECIFICATIONS

Performance Specifications:

Frequency Response:
Dynamic Range:
Channel Separation:
Total Harmonic Distortion:
Internal Hard Drive:
Maximum Record Time:

Input Specifications:

Inputs A-D:

Aux Input:

Stereo Output:

Monitor Output:

Aux Output:

Headphone Output:
Remote Port:
MIDI Ports:
SCSI Port:

General Specifications:

Standard Accessories:

Optional Accessories:

Power Consumption:
Weight:

Dimensions:

* See Approved CD-Recorders on page 3 for details of drives approved for use with the 788.

20Hz~20kHz ±1dB
> 82dB
> 80dB
< .01% (1kHz tone)

7.5GB
1 hour, 52 minutes (24 bit, 8 tracks at a time)
3 hours, 18 minutes (16 bit, 8 tracks at a time)

1/4" TRS connectors

-50dBu ~ +4dBu @ 4kOhms
(2) 1/4" Phone connectors

-10dBV @ 15kOhms
(2) RCA connectors

-10dBV @ 820 Ohms
(2) RCA connectors

-10dBV @ 820 Ohms
(2) 1/4" Phone connectors

-10dBV @ 820 Ohms
1/4" TRS, 60mW per side, 30 Ohms
1/4" Phone, Accepts TASCAM RC-30P Punch-In Pedal
(2) 5 pin DINs
SCSI-2, 50 pin

(2) XLR-TRS adapters
3' SCSI-2 (50 pin) to Centronics (50 pin) SCSI cable
TASCAM CDR-788 External CD-Recorder, or other
788 approved TEAC CD-R drive*
TASCAM RC-30P Punch-in Pedal
26W
Main Unit: 3.1kg (6.9 lbs)
Power Supply: 1.55kg, (3.4lbs)

16.3" x 3.7" x 11.3" (413.5x95.1x287.8mm)

7733 Telegraph Road • Montebello, CA 90640 • [phone] • http://www.tascam.com

All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact your local TASCAM representative for the latest information.

Page 1 of 4

788_TECHDOC.pdf

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TOUR OF THE 788

788 Technical Documentation

Whatever your project, the TASCAM's 788 Digital Portastudio will
have the tools you need. With top quality sound, flexible routing
and editing, deep processing
capabilities, advanced mixdown
functions, plus the ability to add a
CD-Recorder for data back up or
mastering audio CDs, the 788 can
take you from start to finish of
most any project all by itself.

Ins and Outs:

The input section of the 788 is very flexible. Inputs A-D offer
TRS plugs that can accept mic or line levels, balanced or
unbalanced. Input D also has a toggle switch to accept a guitar
level input, allowing direct connection of your guitar or bass
which can be used with built-in guitar processing. There is also
a stereo Aux Input, which offers two phone jacks for plugging
in stereo sources like drum machines, synths, effect processors,
etc. Any of these inputs can be assigned to any mixer channel
easily from the surface of the 788 by simultaneously pressing
the buttons for the input and the channel.

AUX INPUT

PHONES REMOTE

AUX OUTPUT

STEREOMONITOR

INPUT DMIC / GUIT INPUT CR L INPUT B

INPUT A

There are separate outputs for the monitor section and the stereo
mix, allowing you to monitor different points or adjust the volume
without affecting the recording or mixdown. For external digital
devices, the stereo output is also available as SPDIF digital out.
A stereo Aux Send output allows integration of external effect
processors, the creation of additional headphone cue mixes, or it
can double as a stage monitor mix output for a live band application.

Recording Section:

The audio is all recorded with TASCAM's own hard disk recording
engine, providing 8 tracks of uncompressed, high fidelity recording
and playback. Controls for locate points are provided on the surface
of the unit, along with standard project navigation keys like Return
to Zero and Last Recording Point. When you need to overdub and

punch in on tracks, single button
punching in and out makes the process
easy. If you want a hands free
approach, try using a punch-in pedal,
or even using the Auto Punch feature.

Auto Punch will punch in exactly where
you select every time. The points can

be selected by either setting the IN
and OUT locate points around the area you want to punch in on, or
the 788 can be told to simply punch-in on your last recording. (So,
you can perform the punch manually, then have Auto-Punch
duplicate that timing exactly.) Once engaged, the Auto punch will
perform up to 99 takes which you can individually audition and
select which one you want. If you decide later that you may have
perferred one of the other takes, the Last Take Load function allows
you to recall your last Auto-Punch session so you can audition
them all over again!

If editing is your bag, you'll appreciate having the most common
editing functions (COPY, MOVE, and SILENCE) all on the surface

of the 788. More advanced editing functions are accessible in the
TRACK EDIT menu. Plus, the ability to edit across tracks, or on
multiple tracks at the same time makes the process easier than
ever.

The addition of track scrubbing
and waveform displays (with multiple
zoom controls) will help you find the
edit points faster. Plus, with 999
levels of undo / redo, you can feel
free to experiment with different
edits without fear of losing anything.

For users who need to integrate into other systems, the 788 can
generate MIDI Clock or MIDI Time Code (MTC) for locking up
drum machines, sequencers, or other studio devices. For those
who collaborate with other musicians, the 788 can chase MIDI
Time Code, which means it can be locked to another 788, an
MX-2424, a DA-78HR, or even recorders and personal studios
from other manufacturers.

Mixing Section:

The mixing section in the 788 offers a powerful environment for
shaping, routing, and combining the sound the way you want.
The EQ on the main channels offers a 3 band EQ with high and

low sweepable shelf bands and a
parametric mid band with "Q"
control. The Effect and Aux Sends
can be assigned as pre or post
fader, for optimal set up for effect
and monitor routing purposes. Plus,
with separate routing and scene
memories, the 788 can store and
recall your favorite settings.

For those who need more inputs on mixdown, the 788 offers
an input submixer, which can be used to bounce tracks live, or
it can be used to bring in more inputs on mixdown. Using the
input submixer, you can hear your 8 tracks, 6 sources from the
analog inputs plus the two stereo effects built in to the 788 for
a grand total of 18 sources on mixdown.

Built-in Effects

The 788 has two high quality effect engines built-in that are
assignable to different tasks. Both effect engines can be assigned
as stereo effect processors on sends. Effect 1 can also serve as a
multi-effect processor, designed to produce fantastic guitar
processing. Effect 2 can be assigned as a dynamic processor on
the stereo output, or as a bank of
dynamics - one for each channel
on the main mixer.

When the effects are assigned as
stereo effects, they operate as
processors on the Effect Send and
Aux Send. The processors are both
capable of producing a wide range
of high quality effects including
reverb, delay, chorus, pitch shifter. flanger, phaser, and reverb +
gate. A library of user definable presets holds 128 patches for
recall at any time.

Effect 1 can be switched to operate as a multieffect processor
which will provide up to five simultaneous effects. The effects
are tailored for guitar and bass, although can be used for other

7733 Telegraph Road • Montebello, CA 90640 • [phone] • http://www.tascam.com

All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact your local TASCAM representative for the latest information.

Page 2 of 4

788_TECHDOC.pdf

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