Tascam CD-500B, CD-500 User Manual

D01136920A

CD -500/500 B

CD Player

OWNER'S MANUAL

2 TASCAM CD-500/500B

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

12 Use only with the car t, stand, tripod, bracket, or

table specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the car t/apparatus combination to avoid

injury from tip-over.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER­SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within 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.

The exclamation point within an equilateral
trian gle is i nte nded to ale r t the user to
the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Servicing is required when the apparatus has been

damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or

plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects

have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has

been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate

normally, or has been dropped.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

1 Read these instructions.

2 Keep these instructions.

3 Heed all warnings.

4 Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near water.

6 Clean only with dry cloth.

7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in

accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,

heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
ampliers) that produce heat.

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10 Protect th e power cord fr o m being wa l ked on

or pi n c h e d par t i c u l a r l y at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.

Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.

•

Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as

•
vases, on the apparatus.

Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such

•
as a book case or similar unit.

The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power

•
from the AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON

switch not in the ON position.

The apparatus should be located close enough to the

•
AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord

plug at any time.

The mains plug is used as the disconnect device, the

•
disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

Products with Class I construction are equipped with a

•
power supply cord that has a grounding plug. The cord

of such a product must be plugged into an AC outlet
that has a protective grounding connection.

If the product uses batteries (including a battery pack

•
or installed batteries), they should not be exposed to

sunshine, fire or excessive heat.

CAUTION for products that use replaceable lithium

•
batteries: there is danger of explosion if a battery is

replaced with an incorrect type of battery. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type.

Caution should be taken when using earphones or

•
headphones w ith the p roduct because excessive

sound pressure (volume) from earphones or head­phones can cause hearing loss.

In North America use only on 120V supply.

11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the

manufacturer.

TASCAM CD-500/500B 3

Pb, Hg, Cd

Safety Information

RACK-MOUNTING THE UNIT

ª

Use the supplied rack-mounting kit to mount the unit in a
standard 19-inch rack, as shown below.

Remove the feet of the unit before mounting.

NOTE

Leave 1U of space above the unit for ventilation.

•
Allow at least 10 cm (4 in) at the rear of the unit for

•
ventilation.

For U.S.A.

ª

TO THE USER

This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A digital device, 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 environment.
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.

CAUTION

Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly
approved by TEAC CORPORATION for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

For European Customers

ª

CE Marking Information

a) Applicable electromagnetic environment: E4

b) Peak inrush current: 11 A

Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment

(a) All electrical and electronic equipment should be

disposed of separately from the municipal waste
stream via collection facilities designated by the
government or local authorities.

(b) By disposing of electrical and electronic equipment

correctly, you will help save valuable resources and
prevent any potential negative effects on human
health and the environment.

(c) Improper disposal of waste electrical and electronic

equipment can have serious effects on the
environment and human health because of the
presence of hazardous substances in the equipment.

(d) The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

symbol, which shows a wheeled bin that has been
crossed out, indicates that electrical and electronic
equipment must be collected and disposed of
separately from household waste.

(e) Return and collection systems are available to end

users. For more detailed information about the
disposal of old electrical and electronic equipment,
please contact your city office, waste disposal service
or the shop where you purchased the equipment.

Disposal of batteries and/or accumulators

(a) Waste batteries and/or accumulators should be

disposed of separately from the municipal waste
stream via collection facilities designated by the
government or local authorities.

(b) By disposing of waste batteries and/or accumulators

correctly, you will help save valuable resources and
prevent any potential negative effects on human
health and the environment.

(c) Improper disposal of waste batteries and/or

accumulators can have serious effects on the
environment and human health because of the
presence of hazardous substances in them.

(d) The WEEE symbol, which shows a wheeled bin that

has been crossed out, indicates that batteries and/
or accumulators must be collected and disposed of
separately from household waste.

If a battery or accumulator contains more than the

specified values of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and/
or cadmium (Cd) as defined in the Battery Directive
(2006/66/EC), then the chemical symbols for those
elements will be indicated beneath the WEEE symbol.

(e) Return and collection systems are available to end

users. For more detailed information about the
disposal of waste batteries and/or accumulators,
please contact your city office, waste disposal service
or the shop where you purchased them.

WARNING

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this
product may cause radio interference in which case the
user may be required to take adequate measures.

4 TASCAM CD-500/500B

Safety Information

CAUTIONS ABOUT BATTERIES

ª

This product uses batteries. Misuse of batteries could
cause a leak, rupture or other trouble. Always abide by the
following precautions when using batteries.

Never recharge non-rechargeable batteries. The

•
batteries could rupture or leak, causing fire or injury.

When installing batteries, pay attention to the polarity

•
indications (plus/minus (+/–) orientation), and

install them correctly in the battery compartment as
indicated. Putting them in backward could make the
batteries rupture or leak, causing fire, injury or stains
around them.

When you store or dispose batteries, isolate their terminals

•
with insulation tape or something like that to prevent

them from contacting other batteries or metallic objects.

When throwing used batteries away, follow the

•
disposal instructions indicated on the batteries and the

local disposal laws.

Do not use batteries other than those specified. Do not

•
mix and use new and old batteries or different types of

batteries together. The batteries could rupture or leak,
causing fire, injury or stains around them.

Do not carry or store batteries together with small

•
metal objects. The batteries could short, causing leak,

rupture or other trouble.

Do not heat or disassemble batteries. Do not put them

•
in fire or water. Batteries could rupture or leak, causing

fire, injury or stains around them.

If the battery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on

•
the battery case before inserting new batteries. If

the battery fluid gets in an eye, it could cause loss
of eyesight. If fluid does enter an eye, wash it out
thoroughly with clean water without rubbing the eye
and then consult a doctor immediately. If the fluid
gets on a person’s body or clothing, it could cause skin
injuries or burns. If this should happen, wash it off with
clean water and then consult a doctor immediately.

The unit power should be off when you install and

•
replace batteries.

Remove the batteries if you do not plan to use the unit

•
for a long time. Batteries could rupture or leak, causing

fire, injury or stains around them. If the battery fluid
leaks, wipe away any fluid on the battery compartment
before inserting new batteries.

Do not disassemble a battery. The acid inside the

•
battery could harm skin or clothing.

The label required in this regulation is shown at 1.

Cautions:

DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING USING A

•
SCREWDRIVER.

USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR

•
PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE

SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS
RADIATION EXPOSURE.

IF THIS PRODUCT DEVELOPS TROUBLE, CONTACT YOUR

•
NEAREST QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL, AND DO

NOT USE THE PRODUCT IN ITS DAMAGED STATE.

Optical pickup

Type : SF-DS29LE2
Manufacturer : SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
Laser output : Less than 70 mW on the objective lens
Wavelength : 785 nm ( Typical)
Standard : IEC60825-1 : 2007

This appliance has a serial number located on the rear
panel. Please record the model number and serial
number and retain them for your records.

Model number ______________________________

CAUTIONS ABOUT LASER RADIATION

ª

This product has been designed and manufactured
according to FDA regulations “title 21, CFR, chapter 1,
subchapter J, based on the Radiation Control for Health
and Safety Act of 1968,” and is classified as a class 1 laser
product. There is no hazardous invisible laser radiation
during operation because invisible laser radiation emitted
inside of this product is completely confined in the
protective housings.

Serial number ______________________________

TASCAM CD-500/500B 5

Contents

1 – Introduction ..............................................7

Differences between the CD-500 and CD-500B

models ....................................................................................7

Features .................................................................................. 7

Included items .....................................................................8

About this manual .............................................................. 8

Trademarks ............................................................................8

Precautions for placement and use ..............................8

Connecting the power ...................................................... 8

Beware of condensation ...................................................8

Cleaning the unit .................................................................9

About discs ............................................................................9

Handling of compact discs .......................................9

Slot loading of discs ........................................................... 9

2 – Names and Functions of Parts ...............10

Front panel ..........................................................................10

Rear panel ............................................................................ 12

Display ...................................................................................13

Wireless remote control (TASCAM RC-500) .............14

3 – Preparation ..............................................16

Making connections ........................................................16

Preparing the remote control ...................................... 17

Inserting batteries ......................................................17

When to replace the batteries ............................... 17

Precautions about using batteries .......................17

Precautions about using the remote control ...17

Remote control reception settings .............................17

Panel lock function ..........................................................18

4 – Menu .......................................................19

Menu structure ..................................................................19

Menu operation basics ...................................................19

5 – Operation ................................................20

Compatible disc and file types ....................................20

Directories and tracks on data CDs ............................20

Loading discs .....................................................................21

Inserting a disc ............................................................21

Ejecting a disc ..............................................................21

Eject block function ........................................................21

Playing back a CD ..............................................................21

Selecting a track ................................................................21

Skipping to the next or previous track ...............21

Designating track numbers ....................................22

Selecting indexes and directories ..............................22

Using the SEARCH buttons ............................................22

Using the jog function to search .................................22

Playback modes .................................................................23

Selecting the playback mode ...............................23

6 – Various Playback Functions ...................24

Auto-cue function ...........................................................24

Setting the auto-cue level ......................................24

Auto-ready function .......................................................24

Resume function ...............................................................24

Call function .......................................................................25

Incremental play function ............................................25

Repeat playback ...............................................................25

Ordinary repeat playback ......................................25

A-B repeat playback ..................................................25

Intro check mode .............................................................26

Power on play function ...................................................26

Pitch control playback .....................................................26

Setting the pitch adjustment increment ...........27

Changing the playback speed without changing

the pitch (KEY ORIG) ........................................................27

Program playback ............................................................27

Program setting mode .............................................27

Checking the program ............................................28

Editing the program ..................................................28

Fade in/fade out playback .............................................28

Skip back playback ..........................................................29

Setting the skip back time ......................................29

Flash start function ..........................................................29

Relay playback ..................................................................30

7 – Other Functions ......................................31

Changing the playback time display mode .............31

Frame time display setting ...........................................31

End of track warning (EOM) ...........................................31

Interval time setting ........................................................31

Outputting in mono ........................................................32

Controlling the player with a foot switch ................32

Setting the foot switch ............................................32

Using the foot switch ................................................32

Foot switch mode settings .....................................32

Fader and event start ......................................................32

Fader start and stop ..................................................32

Event start ....................................................................33

Using the RS-232C connector ......................................33

Setting the baud rate ...............................................33

Restoring factory default settings ..............................33

Checking the firmware version ....................................33

User data settings (CD-500B only) ..............................34

Using the parallel control (CD-500B only) ................34

8 – Troubleshooting .....................................35

6 TASCAM CD-500/500B

Contents

9 – Error Messages ........................................36

10 – Specifications ........................................37

Media and formats ...........................................................37

Analog audio output ......................................................37

Digital audio output .......................................................37

Control input and output ..............................................37

Audio performance ..........................................................37

Backup memory ...............................................................37

General .................................................................................38

Dimensional drawings ....................................................38

TASCAM CD-500/500B 7

1 – Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing the TASCAM
CD-500/500B CD Player.

Before connecting and using the unit, please take time to
read this manual thoroughly to ensure you understand
how to properly set up and connect the unit, as well as
the operation of its many useful and convenient functions.
After you have finished reading this manual, please keep
it in a safe place for future reference.

You can also download the Owner's Manual from the
TASCAM web site (http://tascam.com/).

Differences between the CD-500 and CD-500B models

The CD-500 is the standard model and the CD-500B is
a model with additional professional features. These
additional features include XLR balanced analog output
connectors, an AES/EBU digital output connector (XLR)
and a parallel external control connector.

Features

10-second anti-shock memory prevents skipping

•
caused by vibrations, for example

Dedicated knob for ±16% pitch control

•
Plays ordinary audio CDs, CD-R and CD-RW discs,

•
including files in both MP3 and WAV formats

Cueing with one-frame precision

•
Support for fader start and event start control

•
Parallel control connector on CD-500B model

•
When using the parallel connector (CD-500B only), the

•
transport mode, including fader start and event start,

as well as flash start and direct start modes can be set

RS-232C serial connector can be used to connect a

•
computer or external controller to control the unit

Program memory can store information for up to 100

•
discs

Incremental play function

•
Auto-ready function can automatically pause playback

•
after track completes playing at the beginning of the

next track

Auto-cue function can ready the unit to start playback

•
of a track from the moment sound starts

Transport and pitch can be controlled using a TASCAM

•
RC-3F footswitch (sold separately)

Flash start function enables playback without delay

•
(tracks 1–20 or the first 20 tracks in the program)

Number buttons on the front panel can be used for

•
track selection and the flash start function

Skip back function can go back a few seconds (amount

•
can be set) during playback

TASCAM RC-500 wireless remote control included (can

•
be disabled using a setting on the main unit)

Gap between tracks during playback can be set

•
Balanced output level can be set by making an internal

•
adjustment (CD-500B only; requires servicing by

TASCAM technical support)

Panel buttons can be locked to prevent misoperation

•
Eject block function can be used to prevent discs from

•
being ejected during playback or when paused

Slot loading of discs

•
RCA unbalanced outputs

•
Coaxial digital output (S/PDIF)

•
Optical digital output (S/PDIF)

•
XLR balanced outputs (CD-500B only)

•
XLR AES/EBU digital output (CD-500B only)

•
Monophonic output possible

•
Playback modes include all tracks (ALL), one track

•
(SINGLE), program (up to 100 tracks) and random

Repeat modes include all tracks (ALL), one track

•
(SINGLE), tracks in the program and looping of an A-B

interval

Display can be set to show track elapsed time, track

•
remaining time or disc remaining time

CALL function can be used to return to the last point

•
where playback started

Intro check function

•
Fade in and fade out can be set from 0 to 10 seconds in

•

0.5-second intervals

Automatic playback when power turned on possible

•
Relay playback of multiple units possible

•
Index search (audio CD (CD-DA) only) and directory

•
search (MP3 or WAV file discs only) functions

Resume function remembers the last point when

•
playback stopped

Support for EOM display showing the end of a track

•
Headphones jack and level knob on the front panel for

•
monitoring

8 TASCAM CD-500/500B

1 – Introduction

Included items

The included items are listed below.

Take care when opening the package not to damage the
items. Keep the package materials for transportation in
the future.

Please contact the store where you purchased this unit
if any of these items are missing or have been damaged
during transportation.

Main unit• ........................................................................................ 1

Power cord• ....................................................................................1

Wireless remote control (TASCAM RC-500)• .......................1

AAA batteries for the remote control unit• .........................2

A rack-mounting screw kit• ....................................................... 1

A warranty card• ........................................................................... 1

Owner’s manual (this manual)

•

NOTE

The batteries are not supplied for Taiwan.

...............................................1

About this manual

In this manual, we use the following conventions:

Unless otherwise specified, references to the “CD-500”

•
also indicate CD-500B players.

The names of buttons and controls are given in the

•
following typeface: SHIFT.

Messages on the unit’s display are shown like this:

•
The CD-DA format may also be mentioned as • “audio

CD” format.

CDs on which MP3 or WAV audio files are recorded may

•
be mentioned as “data CDs”.

Additional information is introduced in the styles

•
below when needed:

TIP

Useful hints when using the unit.

NOTE

Explanation of actions in special situation and
supplement.

CAUTION

Instructions that should be followed to avoid injury,
damage to the unit or other equipment, and loss of data.

ON

Trademarks

TASCAM is a trademark of TEAC Corporation, registered

•
in the U.S. and other countries.

MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology licensed from

•
Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.

Other company names, product names and logos

•
in this document are the trademarks or registered

trademarks of their respective owners.

Precautions for placement and use

The operating temperature should be between 5°C and

•
40°C (41°F and 104°F).

Do not install in the following types of places. Doing

•
so could degrade the sound quality and/or cause

malfunctions.

Places with significant vibrations or that are

•

otherwise unstable

Near windows or other places exposed to direct

•

sunlight

Near heaters or other extremely hot places

•

Extremely cold places

•

Places with bad ventilation or high humidity

•

Very dusty locations

•
This unit can be installed at an angle of ±30°.

•
Do not place any object on the unit for heat dissipation.

•
Avoid installing this unit on top of any heat-generating

•
electrical device such as a power amplifier.

Connecting the power

Insert the included power cord into the • AC IN
connector completely.

Hold the power cord by the plug when connecting or

•
disconnecting it.

Beware of condensation

If the unit is moved from a cold to a warm place, or
used immediately after a cold room has been heated or
otherwise exposed to a sudden temperature change,
condensation could occur. Should this happen, leave the
unit for one or two hours before turning the unit on.

TASCAM CD-500/500B 9

Cleaning the unit

To clean the unit, wipe it gently with a soft dry cloth. Do
not wipe with chemical cleaning cloths, benzene, paint
thinner, ethyl alcohol or other chemical agents to clean
the unit as they could damage the surface.

About discs

In addition to commercially-available music CDs, this unit
can play CD-R and CD-RW discs that have been recorded
in audio CD (CD-DA) format, as well as CD-R and CD-RW
discs that have MP3 audio and WAV audio files recorded
on them.

NOTE

8-cm CDs cannot be used with this unit. If you insert an
8-cm CD, the unit will eject it automatically. If it does not
eject far enough to remove, press the EJECT button.

Handling of compact discs

Always insert the compact discs in the slot with their

•
label facing upward.

To remove a disc from its case, press down on the

•
center of the disc holder, then lift the disc out, holding

it carefully by the edges.

Do not touch the signal side (the unlabeled side).

•
Fingerprints, oils and other substances can cause errors

during playback.

To clean the signal side of a disc, wipe gently with a soft

•
dry cloth from the center towards the outside edge.

Dirt on discs can lower the sound quality, so clean
them and always store them in a clean state.

Do not use any record spray, anti-static solutions,

•
benzene, paint thinner or other chemical agents to

clean CDs as they could damage the delicate playing
surface. It may cause CDs to become unplayable.

Do not apply labels or other materials to discs. Do

•
not use discs that have had tape, stickers or other

materials applied to their surface. Do not use discs that
have sticky residue from stickers, etc. Such discs could
become stuck in the unit or cause it to malfunction.

Never use a commercially available CD stabilizer. Using

•
stabilizers with this player will damage the mechanism

and cause it to malfunction.

Do not use cracked discs.

•
Only use circular compact discs. Avoid using non-

•
circular promotional, etc. discs.

1 – Introduction

Music discs with copy control, a copy-protection

•
system, have been released form several record

companies in an attempt to protect the copyright.
Since some of these discs do not comply with the CD
specifications, they may not be playable on the unit.

Slot loading of discs

1 As shown in the illustration, hold the disc with the

labeled side up and insert it part way into the slot.

2 After you push the disc a little further, it will be

pulled in automatically just before it disappears
into the slot.

Trouble inserting a disc

If the disc becomes stuck during insertion, for example,
and is difficult to push, do not try to force the disc in. Pull
the disc out once and press the eject button and then
try inserting it again. (Trying to force the disc in could
damage the unit.)

10 TASCAM CD-500/500B

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Front panel

1 POWER switch

Press to turn the power on and off.

CAUTION

Before turning the power on, minimize the volume of
other equipment that is connected to this unit. Failure to
do so might cause sudden loud noises, which could harm
your hearing or result in other trouble.

2 Disc slot

After inserting a disc partway, it will automatically be
pulled in.

3 EJECT button

Press to eject a disc.

4 Display

Shows various types of information.

5 PITCH [MENU] knob

This is a multifunction knob that works as both a dial
and a button. Use this knob to set the pitch control
value, use menus, set the A-B repeat interval and as a
jog dial, for example.

Press this knob to turn the pitch control function on
and off. When it is on, turn this knob to adjust the
pitch. (See “Pitch control playback” on page 26.)

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is lit),
press this knob to open the menu.

When in menu mode, turn this knob to select items
and press it to confirm a selection. (See “Menu
operation basics” on page 19.)

When in jog mode, use this knob as a jog dial to search
one frame at a time. (See “Using the jog function to
search” on page 22.)

When using the A-B repeat function, press this knob
to set the A and B points. (See “A-B repeat playback” on
page 25.)

6 SKIP Â/¯ [INDEX/DIR SEARCH] buttons

Use these buttons for track selection (skipping).

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is lit),
use these to select indexes. When a data CD is loaded
however, use these to make directory selections
instead.

Set the auto-cue function to determine what happens
after selection. (See “Skipping to the next or previous
track” on page 21.)

In program setting mode, use these to select tracks for
the program.

7 SEARCH Ô/ [A.CUE/A.READY] buttons

During playback or when paused, press the Ô
button to search backward, and press the  button
to search forward. (See “Using the SEARCH buttons” on
page 22.)

When in program setting mode, use these to select the
program number. (See “Program playback” on page

27.)

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is lit),
press the Ô button to turn the auto-cue function on
and off. (See “Auto-cue function” on page 24.)

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is lit),
press the  button to turn the auto-ready function
on and off. (See “Auto-ready function” on page 24.)

8 PHONES jack/knob

Connect stereo headphones to this standard stereo
phone jack. Use the PHONES knob to adjust the
headphones output level.

CAUTION

Before connecting headphones, turn the PHONES knob
to minimize the volume. Failure to do so might cause
sudden loud noises, which could harm your hearing or
result in other trouble.

9 REMOTE jack (2.5-mm TS)

Use this jack to connect a TASCAM RC-3F foot switch
(sold separately). Use this remote control to start and
stop playback and other operations.

0 Remote control receiver

This receives signals from the included TASCAM RC­500 wireless remote control. Point the end of the
remote control toward here when using it.

q Number buttons

Use these number buttons to designate track numbers
to select songs. Input two digits for audio CDs and
three digits for data CDs. (See “Designating track
numbers” on page 22.)

TASCAM CD-500/500B 11

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is lit),

Ordinary

single

program

random

press the 1 [FLASH] button to turn the flash start
function on and off.

w CLEAR [1-10/11-20] button

Press this button to cancel the input of a number
button.

Press and hold when the program menu is open to
clear the program.

Press this button to switch between track and flash
start program numbers 1-10 and 11-20.

e DISPLAY [LOCK] button

Press this button when the playback time is shown to
switch the playback time display mode (track elapsed
time, track remaining time or total remaining time).
(See “Changing the playback time display mode” on
page 31.)

When in menu mode, press this button to exit menu
mode.

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is
lit), press and hold this button to turn the panel lock
function on and off. This function prevents the use of
the buttons to avoid misoperation.

r SHIFT button and indicator

Press this button to activate shift mode. When the
shift mode is active, the indicator lights and the shift
functions of other buttons are enabled. (Shift functions
are shown below buttons with white lettering on a
dark blue background.)

Press the SHIFT button again to deactivate the
shift mode. (The SHIFT indicator is not lit when
deactivated.)

Press this button when in menu mode to exit menu
mode.

t ª (stop) [INTRO CHECK] button

Press to stop playback.

If the incremental playback function is activated, press
this button during playback to pause at the beginning
of the next track.

When stopped, activate shift mode (SHIFT indicator
lit), and press this button to activate the intro check
mode. When this mode is activated, press the Á (play)
[REPEAT] button to play the first 10 seconds of each
track in succession. (See “Intro check mode” on page

26.)

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

u Á (play) [REPEAT] button and indicator

When stopped, press this button to start playback. (The
indicator lights during playback.)

When paused, press this button to resume playback.

During playback, press this button to return to the
point that was previously set. (See “Skip back playback”
on page 29.)

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is lit),
press this button to turn the repeat playback function
on or off. (See “Ordinary repeat playback” on page 25.)

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is lit),
press and hold this button for more than a second
during playback or when paused to turn the A-B
repeat function on. (See “A-B repeat playback” on page

25.)

i π (pause) [JOG] button and indicator

Press during playback to pause (indicator lights).

When the auto-cue function is on, press when stopped
to pause at the instant when sound begins in track 1.
When the auto-cue function is off, press when stopped
to pause at the beginning of track 1.

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is lit),
pause the unit to enable jog mode. (Alternatively,
activate shift mode when already paused.) (See “Using
the jog function to search” on page 22.)

NOTE

Even when shift mode is active (SHIFT indicator lit),
pressing this button during playback will stop playback.

y CALL [PLAY MODE] button

Press this button to return to the point where playback
was last started and pause.

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is
lit), press this button to switch the playback mode
(ordinary, single, program or random). (See “Playback
modes” on page 23.)

12 TASCAM CD-500/500B

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Rear panel

CD-500 rear panel

CD-500B rear panel

o CONTROL I/O START (RELAY IN) and DISC EOM

(RELAY OUT) jacks (3.5-mm mini-jacks)

Use these jacks for fader start and event start, as well
as for relay playback of multiple CD-500 and CD-500B
units. (See “Relay playback” on page 30 and “Fader and
event start” on page 32.)

p CONTROL I/O RS-232C connector

This is a D-sub 9-pin RS-232C serial control connector.
Connect an external controller, for example, here. (See
“Using the RS-232C connector” on page 33.)

a DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) connector

The digital CD playback signal is output in S/PDIF
format.

s DIGITAL OUT (COAXIAL) connector

The digital CD playback signal is output in S/PDIF
format.

NOTE

When playing back MP3 or WAV files, the sampling

•
frequency of this unit’s digital outputs is 44.1 kHz.

When using the pitch control function while playing

•
an audio CD or another disc with MP3 or WAV files, the

digital output is at a fixed sampling frequency of 44.1
kHz.

d ANALOG OUT (UNBALANCED) jacks

These are analog outputs for the CD playback signal.
The maximum output level is +6 dBV.

f ANALOG OUT (BALANCED) connectors (CD-500B

only)

These are balanced analog outputs for the CD
playback signal. The maximum output level is +20 dBu.
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)

g DIGITAL OUT (AES/EBU) connector (CD-500B only)

This is a balanced digital audio XLR connector that
outputs AES3-2003/IEC 60958-4 (AES/EBU) format.

NOTE

If the signal is not output from this connector correctly,
confirm that the “22 U-DATA” menu item is set to “OFF”. (See
“User data settings” on page 34.)

h CONTROL I/O PARALLEL connector (CD-500B only)

This is a D-sub 25-pin parallel control connector. Use
this to connect an external controller, for example. (See
“Fader start and stop” on page 32 and “Using parallel
control” on page 34.)

j AC IN connector

Connect the included power cord here.

TASCAM CD-500/500B 13

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Display

1 Track number

This shows the track number during playback and
track selection.

When an audio CD is loaded, a two-digit track number
is shown. When a data CD is loaded, a three-digit track
number is shown

When in menu mode, the menu number is shown
here.

2 TRACK indicator

This appears when a disc that has files that this unit
can play back is loaded.

3 MP3 indicator

This appears when an MP3 disc is loaded.

4 INDEX DIR number

During playback and selection, the index number
(audio CD) or directory number (data CD) is shown
here.

5 Playback time display mode indicator

When the time display is showing the playback time,
the following appears depending on the display mode.
(See “Changing the playback time display mode” on
page 31.)

When the playback time display mode is set to

•

remaining time,

When the playback time display mode is set to track

•

remaining time,

When the playback time display mode is set to

•

track elapsed time, nothing appears here. Likewise,
nothing appears when in menu mode or program
setting mode.

6 Time display

This shows the time of the current playback position.

When in menu mode, the menu item is shown. When
menu items are shown, the letters appear as follows.

T.REMAIN

RE MAIN

appears.

appears.

Program playback mode:

•
Random playback mode:

•

PGM

appears

RANDOM

appears

8 Repeat mode indicators

The repeat mode is shown. (See “Repeat playback” on
page 25 and “A-B repeat playback” on page 25.)

Repeat mode:

•
A-B repeat mode:

•

REPEAT

REPEAT

appears

and

A-B

appear

(Before the A and B points have been set, the indicator
shown here will vary depending on the status. For
details, see “A-B repeat playback” on page 25.)

9 PITCH indicator (and pitch adjustment)

When the pitch control function is ON,

PITC H

appears, and the amount of speed change is shown.
(See “Pitch control playback” on page 26.)

When in menu mode, the setting value of the menu
item is shown.

0 A.CUE (auto-cue) indicator

When the auto-cue function is on,

A.C U E

appears.

(See “Auto-cue function” on page 24.)

q A.RDY (auto-ready) indicator

When the auto-ready function is on,

A.RDY

appears.

(See “Auto-ready function” on page 24.)

w RELAY (relay playback) indicator

When the relay playback function is on,

RELAY

appears. (See “Relay playback” on page 30.)

e FADE indicator

When the fade in/out function is on,

FADE

appears.

(See “Fade in/fade out playback” on page 28.)

r MONO indicator

When the mono output function is on,

MONO

appears.

(See “Outputting in mono” on page 32.)

t RESUME indicator

When the resume function is on,

RESUME

appears.

(See “Resume function” on page 24.)

y INCR indicator (incremental play)

When the incremental play function is on,

INC R

appears. (See “Incremental play function” on page 25.)

u KEY ORIG (original key) indicator

When the original key function is on,

KEY ORIG

appears. (See “Changing the playback speed without
changing the pitch (KEY ORIG)” on page 27.)

7 Playback mode indicators

The current playback mode is shown.

Ordinary (all tracks)

•
playback mode:

Single playback mode:

•

Nothing appears

S

appears

14 TASCAM CD-500/500B

Ordinary

single

program

random

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Wireless remote control (TASCAM RC-500)

1 FLASH button

Press to turn the flash start function on and off.

2 DISPLAY button

Press this button to change the playback time display
mode shown (track elapsed time, track remaining time
or remaining time). (See “Changing the playback time
display mode” on page 31.)

When in menu mode, press this button to exit menu
mode.

3 PITCH and −/+ buttons

Press the PITCH button to turn the pitch control
function on and off. Use the – and + buttons to set the
pitch control value. (See “Pitch control playback” on
page 26.)

4 A.CUE/DEL button

Press this to turn the auto-cue function on and off. (See
“Auto-cue function” on page 24.)

Use this also to delete program tracks. (See “Program
playback” on page 27.)

5 A.RDY/INS button

Press this to turn the auto-ready function on and off.
(See “Auto-ready function” on page 24.)

Use this also to add program tracks. (See “Program
playback” on page 27.)

6 MENU button

Press this button to enter menu mode. When in menu
mode, press this button to exit menu mode. (See “Menu
operation basics” on page 19.)

7 ENTER button

When in menu mode, press to confirm a menu item
selection or setting value. (See “Menu operation basics”
on page 19.)

When using the A-B repeat function, press this to set
the A and B points. (See “A-B repeat playback” on page

25.)

8 Number buttons

Use these number buttons to designate track numbers
to select songs. Input two digits for audio CDs and
three digits for data CDs. (See “Designating track
numbers” on page 22.)

9 SKIP (Â/¯) buttons

Use these buttons for track selection (skipping).

Set the auto-cue function to determine what happens
after selection. (See “Skipping to the next or previous
track” on page 21.)

In program setting mode, use these to select tracks for
the program. (See “Program playback” on page 27.)

0 INDEX/DIR SEARCH (Ó/Á) buttons

Use these to select indexes on an audio CD or
directories on a data CD. Set the auto-cue function
to determine what happens after selection. (See
“Selecting indexes and directories” on page 22.)

q ª STOP button

Press to stop playback. If the incremental play function
is activated, press this button during playback to pause
at the beginning of the next track. (See “Incremental
play function” on page 25.)

w CALL button

During playback or when paused, press this button
to return to the point where playback was last started
and pause. (See “Call function” on page 25.)

e EJECT button

Press this to eject a disc.

r PLAY MODE button

Press this button to cycle through the playback modes.
Choose from ordinary, single, program and random.

t KEY ORIG button

Turn the original key function, which changes the
speed without changing the pitch, on and off. (See
“Changing the playback speed without changing the
pitch (KEY ORIG)” on page 27.)

y INTRO CHECK button

When stopped, during playback or when paused,
press this button to activate intro check mode. When
in intro check mode, press the Á PL AY button to play

TASCAM CD-500/500B 15

the first 10 seconds of each track in succession. (See
“Intro check mode” on page 26.)

u REPEAT button

Press to turn the repeat playback function on and off.
(See “Repeat playback” on page 25.)

Press and hold for more than one second to turn the
A-B repeat function on. (See “A-B repeat playback” on
page 25.)

i NEXT button

When in menu mode, press to select the next value
(menu item or setting value). (See “Menu operation
basics” on page 19.)

o PREV button

When in menu mode, press to select the previous
value (menu item or setting value). (See “Menu
operation basics” on page 19.)

p PGM button

Press to open program setting mode. (See “Program
playback” on page 27.)

a CLEAR button

Press this button to cancel the input of a number
button.

Press and hold when the program menu is open to
clear the program.

s SEARCH (Ô/) buttons

During playback or when paused, press the Ô
button to search backward, and press the  button
to search forward. (See “Using the SEARCH buttons” on
page 22.)

When in program setting mode, use these to select the
program number. (See “Program playback” on page

27.)

d JOG (−/+) buttons

When paused, press a JOG (+ or −) button to enter jog
mode. Press the + button to advance one frame, and
press the − button to go back one frame. (See “Using
the jog function to search” on page 22.)

f π PAUSE button

Press during playback to pause.

When the auto-cue function is on, press when stopped
to pause at the instant when sound begins in track 1.
When the auto-cue function is off, press when stopped
to pause at the beginning of track 1.

g Á PLAY button

When stopped, press this button to start playback.

When paused, press this button to resume playback.

When the incremental play function is on, press this
button during playback to start playback of the next
track. When the incremental play function is off, press
this button during playback to use skip back playback.

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

16 TASCAM CD-500/500B

USB

Computer

DIGITAL

IN

(COAXIAL)

DIGITAL

IN

(OPTICAL)

Digital input of
mixer, recorder,
amplier, etc.

ANALOG

IN

(UNBALANCED)

Analog input of
mixer, recorder,
amplier, etc.

ANALOGIN

(BALANCED)

Analog inputs of
mixer, recorder,
amplier, etc.
(CD-500B only)

DIGITALIN

(AES/EBU)

Digital input of mixer,
digital recorder,
digital amplier, etc.
(CD-500B only)

Headphones

Foot switch
TASCAM RC-3F
(sold separately)

External controller
(CD-500B only)

3 – Preparation

Making connections

The illustration below shows an example of connecting other equipment with a CD-500B.

Precautions before making connections

Before connecting other devices to the unit, read their manuals carefully.

•
Turn off the power (or put power into standby mode) for this unit and all equipment that will be connected to it.

•
Connect all the devices to the same power supply line. When using a power strip, for example, use a thick cable with a

•
high current capacity to minimize variation in the power voltage.

Connecting a foot switch

Connect a TASCAM RC-3F foot switch (sold separately) to
the REMOTE connector to enable it to control some unit
operations. (See “Controlling the player with a foot switch”
on page 32.)

Connecting headphones

Connect stereo headphones to the PHONES jack on the
front panel. Use the PHONES knob to adjust the volume.

CAUTION

Before connecting headphones, turn the PHONES knob
to minimize the volume. Failure to do so might cause
sudden loud noises, which could harm your hearing or
result in other trouble.

Connecting with a computer

Connect the RS -232C connector on this unit to a RS-232C
connector on a computer to allow serial control of this
unit from that computer.

After connecting the unit to a computer, make
transmission settings correctly on this unit. (See “Using
the RS-232C connector” on page 33.)

Connecting digital audio equipment

Connect the digital inputs of stereo amplifiers, mixers,
recorders and other digital equipment to this unit’s digital
output connectors.

TASCAM CD-500/500B 17

Remote sensor

15° 15°

Operation distance

Directly in front: Within 7 meters
15° left or right: Within 7 meters

3 – Preparation

Connecting analog audio equipment

Connect the analog inputs of stereo amplifiers, mixers,
recorders and other analog equipment to this unit’s
analog output connectors.

NOTE

Cables are not included with this unit

Using parallel control (CD-500B only)

To use an external controller for parallel control of the
CD-500B, use the CONTROL I/O PARALLEL connector
(D-Sub 15-pin). For the pin assignments of the PARALLEL
connector, see “Using the parallel connector [CD-500B
only]” on page 32.

Preparing the remote control

Inserting batteries

1 Open the cover on the back of the remote control.

Precautions about using the remote control

When using other devices controlled by infrared rays,

•
use of this remote control might operate these devices

by mistake.

Use the remote control within the following range.

•

2 Insert two AAA batteries with the correct ±

3 Close the cover.

NOTE

The batteries are not supplied for Taiwan.

When to replace the batteries

Replace both batteries with new ones when the range
of the remote control becomes short or if the buttons
become unresponsive.

orientations.

Remote control reception settings

Operation of the unit using the remote control can be
disabled in order to prevent misoperation.

Use the
can be operated by remote control (default value: ON).

•

•

15 IR

NOTE

If remote control reception has been set to

OFF

will appear on the display when any of the remote

control buttons are pushed.

The remote control reception setting (on/off) is saved
even if the unit’s power is turned off.

menu item to set whether or not the unit

OFF, IR

Precautions about using batteries

Misuse of batteries could cause them to leak, rupture or
otherwise be damaged. Please read and abide by the
precautions on the battery labels when using them. See
page 4 of this manual for additional precautions.

18 TASCAM CD-500/500B

3 – Preparation

Panel lock function

When in shift mode (when the SHIFT indicator is lit),
press and hold the DISPLAY [LOCK] button to turn the
panel lock function on or off. When it is on, all the buttons
on the front panel of the unit (except the SHIFT and
DISPLAY [LOCK] buttons) and the remote control are
disabled.
any of the buttons.

NOTE

•

•

LOCKED

Even when the panel lock function is enabled, the
unit can be controlled by a TASCAM RC-3F foot switch
connected to the REMOTE jack on the front panel
and external controllers connected to the RS-232C
connector and CONTROL I/O PARALLEL connectors
on the rear panel.

The panel lock setting (on/off) is saved even if the unit
power is turned off.

will appear on the display if you push

TASCAM CD-500/500B 19

Menu item number

Menu item name

Setting

4 – Menu

Use the unit’s menu system to make various settings.
Among the menu setting items are some that can also be
set using dedicated buttons on the remote control.

Menu structure

The menu structure of the unit includes the following
items.

Menu

number

01 Origin

02 EJECT Eject block Page 21

03 A-CUE Auto-cue level Page 24

04 Prog Program Page 27

05 FADE Fade in/out playback Page 29

06

07 P onPL Power on play Page 26

08 Mono

09

10 EOM

11 Inc-P Incremental play Page 25

12 P-STEP Pitch control steps Page 27

13 232C Baud rate Page 33

14 S-BAC Skip back Page 29

15 IR

16 INTVAL

17 FRAM Frame time display Page 31

18 REMOT Foot switch mode Page 32

19 FLASH Flash start Page 29

20 RESET

21 INFO View the firmware version Page 33

22 U-DATA

23 PARALL

Item Function set Reference

Original key Page 27

RELAY Relay playback Page 30

Mono output Page 32

RESUM

Resume Page 24
EOM (TRACK EOM) time
display

Remote control reception Page 17
Silent interval between
tracks

Restore unit to factory
defaults

User data settings (AES/
EBU, CD-500B only)
Set the parallel function
(CD-500B only)

Page 31

Page 31

Page 33

Page 34

Page 34

Menu operation basics

The basic procedures for making settings using the menu
system are as follows.

1 When the display shows the usual playback

information, activate the menu mode in which you
can select menu items by using the unit’s front
panel buttons or the included TASCAM RC-500
remote control.

When using the front panel buttons:• In shift mode
(when the SHIFT indicator is lit), press the PITCH
[MENU] knob.

When using the remote control:• Press the MENU

button.

The center area of the display shows the menu item
selected. The menu item that was selected the last
time that the unit was in menu mode appears.

2 Use the unit’s front panel buttons or the remote

control to conduct the following operation to select
the desired menu item.

When using the front panel buttons:• Turn the
PITCH [MENU] knob or use the number buttons to

select the menu item, and press the PITCH [MENU]
knob to confirm.

When using the remote control:• Use the PREV
and NEXT buttons, as well as the number buttons to
select the menu item, and press the ENTER button
to confirm.

NOTE

The menu item number blinks before it has been

•
confirmed.

When using the number buttons input two digits

•
to select menu items. For example, to select menu

number 06, press the 0 button followed by the 6
button.

The following step (3) applies to all items except

PROG, 19 FLASH, 20 RESET

and

21 INFO

04

. See
their explanations for instructions about how to use
these items.

3 Select the desired value.

When using the front panel buttons:• Turn the
PITCH [MENU] knob to select the value and press
the PITCH [MENU] knob to confirm the setting.

When using the remote control:• Use the PREV
and NEXT buttons to select the value and press the
ENTER button to confirm the setting.

NOTE

When a value different from the active setting is

•
selected, the value blinks. After the new setting is

confirmed, menu mode ends and the display shows
the usual playback information again.

To quit menu mode without changing a setting, press

•
the SHIFT button or DISPLAY [LOCK] button on the

front panel of the unit, or press the MENU button on
the remote control.

20 TASCAM CD-500/500B

(DIR 1)

: Directory (Folder)

: MP3/WAV le

An example of data CD structure

5 – Operation

Compatible disc and file types

This unit can play the following types of discs and files.

CD-DA format discs (audio CDs)

This unit can play commercially-available music CDs and
CD-R and CD-RW discs that have been recorded in audio
CD format. These types of discs are called “audio CDs” in
this manual.

This unit cannot play unfinalized CD-R or CD-RW discs.

CD-ROM format discs (data CDs)

This unit can play discs that have MP3 and WAV files and
use ISO 9660 Level 1, Level 2 or Joliet file system formats.
These types of discs are called “data CDs” in this manual.

NOTE

This unit can play back MP3 files that have sampling

•
frequencies of 32, 44.1 and 48 kHz and have bit-rates of

32–320 kbps or are variable bit-rate (VBR).

This unit can play back WAV files that have sampling

•
frequencies of 32 kH/44.1 kHz/48 kHz and are 16-bit.

CAUTION

When playing back MP3 or WAV files, the sampling

•
frequency of this unit’s digital outputs is 44.1 kHz.

When the pitch control function is enabled, output is
also digital, and some devices might not be able to
receive digital output from this unit.

This unit uses the “.mp3” file extension to recognize

•
MP3 files. Always add the “.mp3” extension to MP3 file

names. The player cannot play back MP3 files that do
not have the “.mp3” extension. In addition to having
the “.mp3” extension, the file must also be in the proper
MP3 data format to allow playback by this unit.

This unit uses the “.wav” file extension to recognize WAV

•
files. Always add the “.wav” extension to WAV file names.

The player cannot play back WAV files that do not have
the “.wav” extension. In addition to having the “.wav”
extension, the file must also be in the proper WAV data
format to allow playback by this unit.

Discs that contain more than 1000 files or 255

•
directories might not play back correctly.

Depending on the condition of a disc, this unit might

•
not be able to play it back, or skipping might occur.

Directories and tracks on data CDs

This unit treats all the audio (WAV and MP3) files on data
CDs as “tracks.” Some data CDs store files inside directories
(folders) in the same way that ordinary computers do. In
addition, directories can be stored inside other directories
creating a multilevel structure.

This unit assigns a directory number to each directory
to manage them. Directory numbers are assigned
sequentially starting with the directories at the highest
level followed by the directories (subfolders) inside them.
If the root directory of a data CD contains one or more
audio files, it will be numbered as the first directory.

Each audio file is also assigned a track number. Track
numbers are assigned in order starting from those in the
lowest numbered directory.

During ordinary playback of data CDs, tracks are played
back in the assigned numerical order just like those on an
audio CD.

Directories that do not directly contain audio files are not
given numbers. For example, in the illustration below the
directory that contains Directory 5 is not given a number.

TASCAM CD-500/500B 21

Loading discs

5 – Operation

Inserting a disc

Hold the disc with its label side up and insert it part way
into the disc slot. Push the disc in a little further and, just
before it disappears, it should automatically be pulled
into the player. After a disc is loaded, the player will read
its information. If it is an audio CD, the display will show
the total number of tracks and total playback time. If it is
a data CD, the display will show the total number of tracks
in the current directory.

CAUTION

You cannot load a disc when the power is off.

•
If the disc becomes caught or is otherwise difficult

•
to push, do not force it in. Press the EJECT button

and remove the disc once before trying to reinsert it.
(Forcing the disc into the player could damage the disc
or even break the player.)

If a disc other than an audio CD is inserted or a disc is

•
inserted upside down, it will automatically be ejected.

8-cm CDs cannot be used with this unit. If an 8-cm CD

•
is inserted, it will automatically be ejected. If it is not

automatically ejected completely, press the EJECT
button.

NOTE

The eject block function on/off setting is maintained even
when the player’s power is turned off.

Playing back a CD

The following procedures assume that the necessary
connections have been completed, the player’s power has
been turned on and a CD (audio or data) has been loaded.

To start playback, press the Á (play) [REPEAT] button on
the player or the Á PL AY button on the remote.

Stopping playback

Press the ª (stop) [INTRO CHECK] button on the player
or the ª STOP button on the remote.

Pausing playback
Press the π (pause) [JOG] button on the player or the π

PAUS E button on the remote.

To restart playback, press the Á (play) [REPEAT] button
on the player or the Á PL AY button on the remote.

NOTE

In this manual, unless stated otherwise, explanations
assume that continuous playback mode is enabled. (See
“Playback modes” on page 23.)

Selecting a track

You can move (skip) to the previous or next track, or you
can select a track directly by its track number.

Ejecting a disc

Press the EJECT button on the player or the remote to
eject the disc part way. Pull the disc out the rest of the
way by its edges.

CAUTION

The EJECT buttons on the player and the remote do not
function when the player’s power is off.

Eject block function

The eject block function allows you to disable the
operation of the EJECT buttons on the player and the
remote during playback and when paused in order to
prevent playback from being interrupted accidentally by
the pressing one of these buttons.

To turn the eject block function on, set the
menu item to BL.

02 EJECT

Skipping to the next or previous track

Press the SKIP Â/¯ [INDEX/DIR SEARCH] button
on the player or the SKIP Â/¯ button on the
remote to select a track. What happens after you use SKIP
buttons to select a track depends on whether the auto­cue function is on or off. (See “Auto-cue function” on page

24.)

When stopped

If the auto-cue function is off, playback starts after the
track is selected.

If the auto-cue function is on, playback pauses at the
instant when sound begins in the track. To start playback
after this, press the Á (play) [REPEAT] button on the
player or the Á PL AY button on the remote.

During playback

The selected track will start playing back.

22 TASCAM CD-500/500B

5 – Operation

When paused

If the auto-cue function is off, playback pauses at the
beginning of the selected track.

If the auto-cue function is on, playback pauses at the
instant when sound begins in the track.

NOTE

If you press the  button once during playback or
when paused, playback will skip to the beginning of the
current track. However, if playback is one second or less
from the beginning of the current track, pressing the Â
button will skip to the previous track.

Designating track numbers

Use the number buttons on the player or the remote to
directly designate track numbers.

With audio CDs

ª

Enter two digits. For example, if the track number is “9”,
enter “0” followed by “9”.

With data CDs

ª

Enter three digits. For example, if the track number is “105”,
enter “1”, “0” and then “5”. If the track number is “4”, enter “0”,
“0” and then “4”.

When stopped, use the number buttons to designate a
track number and,

If the auto-cue function is off, start playback of that

•
track.

If the auto-cue function is on, pause playback at the

•
instant when sound begins in that track.

Using the front panel buttons:

When in shift mode (SHIFT indicator lit) use the SKIP
Â/¯ [INDEX/DIR SEARCH] buttons to select them.

Using the remote control:

Use the INDEX/DIR SEARCH Ó/Á buttons to select
them.

When a data CD directory is selected, the first track inside
that directory will automatically start playing back (unless
the auto-cue function is on, in which case it will pause at
the instant when sound first begins in the first track).

When an audio CD index is selected, playback of the track
from the selected index will begin (unless the auto-cue
function is on, in which case it will pause at the instant
sound first begins in the designated index).

Using the SEARCH buttons

You can search forward and backward in a track while
listening to it.

1 Play or pause the desired track.
2 Press and hold a SEARCH Ô/ [A.CUE/

A.READY] button on the player or a SEARCH
Ô/ button on the remote to start searching

forward or backward.

3 Release the button that you are holding to stop

searching and return the player to the state it was
in before searching (playback or pause).

NOTE

The search function cannot be used with data CDs.

During playback, use the number buttons to designate
a track number and start playback of that track.

When paused, use the number buttons to designate a
track number and,

If the auto-cue function is off, pause playback at the

•
beginning of that track.

If the auto-cue function is on, pause playback at the

•
instant when sound begins in that track.

Selecting indexes and directories

You can select track indexes on audio CDs and directories
on data CDs.

NOTE

Audio CD indexes are divisions within tracks. In other

•
words, they are units that are smaller than tracks.

Data CD directories are folders that contain MP3 and

•
WAV files (tracks). In other words, they are units that are

larger than tracks.

Use the following procedures to select indexes and
directories.

Using the jog function to search

You can use the jog function to search a track one frame
at a time. However, this function cannot be used with data
CDs.

Using the front panel buttons:

When paused and in shift mode (SHIFT indicator lit), turn
the PITCH [MENU] knob to enter jog mode, and search
the track one frame at a time.

Using the remote control:

When paused, press a JOG (+/–) button to enter jog mode.

Press the + button to advance one frame, and press the −
button to go back one frame.

TASCAM CD-500/500B 23

NOTE

Ordinary
playback

single
playback

program
playback

ramdom
playback

In jog mode, if you stop searching, playback will pause,
but the sound at the current position will be output
continuously.

Playback modes

This unit has 4 playback modes.

The current playback mode is indicated on the display.

Continuous playback mode (default

ª

setting)

Nothing appears in the playback mode indication area at
the top of the display.

The tracks on the disc are played back in numerical order.

Single playback mode

ª

S

appears in the playback mode indication area at the top

of the display.

The selected track is played back once and then playback
stops.

5 – Operation

Program playback mode

ª

PGM

appears in the playback mode indication area at the

top of the display.

Tracks are played back in the order programed in advance.
(See “Program playback” on page 27.)

Random playback mode

ª

RANDOM

the top of the display.

Tracks on the disc are played back in random order.

appears in the playback mode indication area at

Selecting the playback mode

Use the following procedures to set the desired playback
mode using the controls on the player or the included
TASCAM RC-500 remote control.

Using the front panel buttons:

When in shift mode (SHIFT indicator lit), press the CALL
[PLAY MODE] button to cycle through the playback

modes.

Using the remote control:

Press the PLAY MODE button to cycle through the
playback modes.

NOTE

Playback mode settings are retained even when the
power is turned off.

24 TASCAM CD-500/500B

6 – Various Playback Functions

This chapter explains the various playback functions of
the unit.

Auto-cue function

If the auto-cue function is on and you select a track to
play, any silence at the beginning of the track will be
skipped, and the player will pause at the instant when a
sound signal is first detected. This means that sound can
be heard immediately when playback starts.

NOTE

When the flash start function is used for playback, the

•
auto-cue function is disabled.

If the auto-cue function is on and a track is selected

•
during playback, that track will play back from the

instant that sound begins in the selected track. If the
auto-cue function is on and a track is selected when
paused, the player will pause at the instant that sound
begins in the selected track.

Moreover, you can set the audio signal detection
threshold level (auto-cue level) that is used by the auto­cue function. Any signal higher than the set auto cue level
will be recognized as “sound,” and any signal lower than
this level will be treated as “silence.”

The following procedure describes how to use the menu
to turn the auto-cue function on/off and adjust the auto­cue level setting. (For details about using the menu
screen, refer to the “Menu operation basics” on page 19.)

These values represent auto-cue levels in dB. The point
when the signal level of the selected track first exceeds
the auto-cue level is recognized as the instant when
sound starts.

NOTE

The auto-cue level setting is retained even when the
power is turned off.

Auto-ready function

If the auto-ready function is on, after a track has finished
playing, playback will pause at the beginning of the next
track.

NOTE

If the auto-cue function is also on, playback will pause

•
at the instant when sound starts rather than at the

beginning of the track.

When using the flash start function for playback, the

•
auto-ready function is disabled.

Turning the auto-ready function on/off

ª

Using the front panel buttons:

When in shift mode (SHIFT indicator lit), press the
SEARCH  button to turn it on/off.

Using the remote control:

Press the A. R DY/I NS button to turn it on/off.

Turning the auto-cue function on/off

ª

Using the front panel buttons:

When in shift mode (SHIFT indicator lit), press the
SEARCH Ô [A.CUE] button to turn it on/off.

Using the remote control:

Press the A.CUE/DEL button to turn it on/off.

When the auto-cue function is on,
lower part of the display.

NOTE

The auto-cue function on/off setting is retained even
when the power is turned off.

A.C U E

appears in the

Setting the auto-cue level

To set the auto-cue function trigger level (auto-cue level),
use the

Options: 24 (default value), 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66,

72

03 A-CUE

menu item.

When the auto-ready function is on,
the lower part of the display.

NOTE

The auto-ready function on/off setting is retained even
when the power is turned off.

A.RDY

appears in

Resume function

When the resume function is on, the position where
playback stops is memorized. When playback is started
again playback resumes from that position. When this
function is used with a data CD, however, playback
resumes from the beginning of the track that was playing
when playback was stopped.

To turn the resume function on/off, use the
menu item (default value:

When the resume function is on,
lower part of the display.

OFF

).

RESUME

09 RESUM

appears in the

TASCAM CD-500/500B 25

6 – Various Playback Functions

NOTE

The resume function on/off setting is retained even when
the power is turned off.

Call function

During playback or when paused, press the CALL [PLAY
MODE] button on the player or the CALL button on the

remote to locate to the point when playback last started
and pause playback. However, when this function is used
with a data CD, playback pauses at the beginning of the
track that was playing when playback was last started.

Incremental play function

When the incremental play function is on, pressing the
Á PL AY button on the remote during playback will

start playback from the beginning of the next track, and
pressing the ª (stop) [INTRO CHECK] button on the
player or the ª STOP button on the remote will pause
playback at the beginning of the next track.

NOTE

When the incremental play function is on and playback

•

is paused, pressing the Á PL AY button on the remote
will start playback from that point, and pressing the

ª (stop) [INTRO CHECK] button on the player or the
ª STOP button on the remote stops playback.

During playback of the last track, if you press the • Á
PL AY button on the remote, playback of the first track
will start. If you press the ª (stop) [INTRO CHECK]
button on the player or the ª STOP button on the
remote, playback will pause at the beginning of the
first track.

Setting the CD-500B control I/O parallel connector pin

•
13 (PLAY) to ON has the same effect.

Receiving a stop command from the CD-500B control

•
I/O parallel connector pin 11 (FADER START/STOP) has

the same effect.

To turn the incremental play function on/off, use the

Inc-P

menu item (default value:

OFF

).

11

NOTE

The incremental play function on/off setting is retained
even when the power is turned off.

Repeat playback

You can repeatedly play back all tracks or repeatedly
play back a specified region within a track (A-B repeat
playback).

Ordinary repeat playback

When the repeat playback function is on, behavior
depends on the playback mode.

All track playback (ordinary playback) mode: the entire

•
disc is played back repeatedly

Single track playback mode: the current track is played

•
back repeatedly

Program playback mode: all the tracks in the program

•
are played back repeatedly

Random playback mode: all the tracks on the disc are

•
played back at random repeatedly

Use one of the following procedures to turn the repeat
playback function on.

Using the front panel buttons:
When in shift mode (SHIFT indicator lit), press the Á

[REPEAT] button.

display when repeat mode is activated.

Using the remote control:

Press the remote REPEAT button.
the top of the display when repeat mode is activated.

Use one of the following procedures to turn the repeat
playback function off.

When the player is in shift mode (• SHIFT indicator lit),
press the Á [REPEAT] button again until
disappears from the top of the screen.

Press the • REPEAT button on the remote until
disappears from the top of the screen.

NOTE

The repeat playback setting is retained even when the
power is turned off.

REPEAT

appears of the top of the

REPEAT

appears of

REPEAT

REPEAT

When the incremental play function is on,
in the lower part of the display.

INC R

appears

A-B repeat playback

You can specify a desired interval (A-B) within a track to be
played back repeatedly. Use the following procedures to
enable A-B repeat playback.

1 During playback or when paused, when the player

is in shift mode (SHIFT indicator lit), press and hold
the Á [REPEAT] button on the player or press and
hold the REPEAT button on the remote to activate
A-B repeat mode.

REPEAT

will blink at the top of

26 TASCAM CD-500/500B

MS

F

Appears

MS

F

Appears

MS

F

Current value

6 – Various Playback Functions

the display.

2 Press the PITCH [MENU] knob on the player or the

REPEAT button on the remote at the beginning of
the interval that you want to repeat (A point).

A-B

will blink at the top of the display.

3 Once again, press the PITCH [MENU] knob on the

player or the REPEAT button on the remote at
the end of the interval that you want to repeat (B
point).

Repeat playback between the A and B points will

begin, and

A-B

will stop blinking and continue to

appear at the top of the display.

4 To end A-B repeat playback, press the ª (stop)

[INTRO CHECK] button on the player or the ª STOP
button on the remote.

NOTE

A-B repeat playback cannot be used with a data CD.

•
Once playback reaches the B point, playback will restart

•
from the A point.

A-B repeat playback across more than one track is not

•
possible.

Intro check mode

NOTE

If you press the INTRO CHECK button on the

remote control during playback,
the right side of the display and intro check starts

INT

appears on

immediately.

2 If stopped or paused, press the Á PLAY button to

start intro check.

3 Press the ª STOP button to stop playback and

disable intro check mode.

Press the INTRO CHECK button again to disable

intro check mode and continue playback.

Power on play function

By using a commercially-available external timer, you
can make the player turn on at desired times and start
playback.

1 First, connect the power of this unit so that it

receives power from the timer.

2 Load the disc that you want played back.

3 Set the

value:

07 P onPL

OFF

).

menu item to ON (default

The Intro Check mode allows 10-second track beginnings
to be played in succession. Use the following procedures
to enable this mode.

Using the front panel buttons:

1 When stopped and in shift mode (SHIFT indicator

lit), press the ª (stop) [INTRO CHECK] button.

INT

appears on the right side of the display.

2 Disable shift mode (SHIFT indicator not lit) and

press the Á (play) [REPEAT] button to activate the
intro check mode starting from the next track.

3 Press the ª (stop) [INTRO CHECK] button again to

stop the play and disable intro check mode.

Using the remote control:

1 When stopped or paused, press the remote INTRO

CHECK button to enable intro check mode.

INT

appears on the right side of the display.

4 Leave the POWER switch of this unit set to ON, turn

the power off from the timer and set the timer to
turn on at the desired time. At the set time, the
timer should supply power to the player, turning it
on, and playback should begin automatically.

NOTE

The power on play function on/off setting is retained even
when the power is turned off.

Pitch control playback

Using its pitch control playback function, this unit can
vary the pitch (and speed) of playback.

Follow these procedures to use pitch control playback.

When this function is on,
appear in the PITCH display area on the right side of the
display.

PITC H

and the setting value

Using the front panel buttons:

Press the PITCH [MENU] knob to turn the pitch control
function on. Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob to adjust the
setting in the range between −16% and +16%.

TASCAM CD-500/500B 27

Track number

Program number

Track number

Program number

6 – Various Playback Functions

Using the remote control:

Press the PITCH button to turn the pitch control function
on. Use the + and − buttons to adjust the setting in the
range between −16% and +16%.

Setting the pitch adjustment increment

To set the adjustment increment for pitch control
playback (pitch step) use the

Options (%):

NOTE

The pitch step setting is retained even when the power is
turned off.

0 .1

(default value),

12 P-STEP

0.5, 1.0

menu item.

Changing the playback speed
without changing the pitch (KEY

Program setting mode

Use the following procedures to enter program setting
mode and add tracks to the empty program.

NOTE

You can add tracks to the program regardless of the

•
current playback mode.

You can add the same track to the program multiple

•
times.

The program setting is retained even when the power

•
is turned off or the disc is ejected. The player can

remember one program for up to 100 discs.

Using the front panel buttons:

1 When playback is stopped, select the

menu item, and press the PITCH [MENU] knob to
enter program setting mode. The display appears
as follows.

04 Prog

ORIG)

Ordinarily, when using the pitch control function, the
speed changes along with the pitch. When the original
key function is on, however, the pitch does not change
even when the playback speed is changed.

Use one of the following procedures to turn the original
key function on/off.

Press the • KEY ORIG button on the remote.

Use the

•

When the original key function is on,
at the bottom of the display.

NOTE

The original key function on/off setting is retained even
when the power is turned off.

01 O rigin

menu item (default value:

KEY ORIG

OFF

).

appears

Program playback

By setting a program in advance, you can set the unit to
play tracks in the order that you want. Up to 100 tracks
can be added to the program. To use program playback
to play tracks in the program order, set the playback
mode to program playback mode and start playback. (See
“Selecting the playback mode” on page 23.)

2 Use the number buttons or SKIP Â/¯ [INDEX/

DIR SEARCH] buttons to select the number of
the track that you want to add at the currently
displayed program number. The selected track
number blinks.

3 Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob to the right or press

the SEARCH  [A.READY] button to add the
selected track. The next program number is shown.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 to add tracks as desired.

NOTE

After selecting a track, turning the PITCH [MENU] knob to
the right or pressing the SEARCH  [A. READY] button
adds the track to the program. If you exit program setting
mode without doing this, the track selected just before
will not be added to the program.

5 When you are done adding tracks to the program,

press the PITCH [MENU] knob to exit program
setting mode.

Using the remote control:

1 When stopped, press the PGM button to enter

program setting mode. The display appears as
follows.

28 TASCAM CD-500/500B

6 – Various Playback Functions

2 Use the number buttons or SKIP Â/¯ buttons

to select the number of the track that you want to
add at the currently displayed program number.
The selected track number blinks.

3 Press the SEARCH  button to add the selected

track. The next program number is shown.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 to add tracks as desired.

NOTE

After selecting a track, pressing the SEARCH  button
adds the track to the program. If you exit program setting
mode without doing this, the track selected just before
will not be added to the program.

5 When you are done adding to the program, press

the PGM button to exit the program setting mode.

Checking the program

When playback is stopped, follow step 1 of “Program
setting mode” above to enter program setting mode and
then follow the procedures below.

Using the front panel buttons:

Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob or press the SEARCH

Ô/ [A.CUE/A.READY] buttons to select a program
number to confirm the track that it contains. The track
number is shown to the right of the program number.

Using the remote control:

Use the SEARCH Ô/ buttons to select a program
number to confirm the track that it contains. The track
number is shown to the right of the program number.

Editing the program

You can change the contents of the program.

When playback is stopped, follow step 1 of “Program
setting mode” above to enter program setting mode and
then follow the procedures below.

Changing program tracks

ª

Using the front panel buttons:

1 Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob or press the SEARCH

Ô/ [A.CUE/A.READY] buttons to select the
program number that you want to change.

2 Use the number buttons or SKIP Â/¯ [INDEX/

DIR SEARCH] buttons to select the desired track.

3 Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob to the right or press

the SEARCH  [A.READY] button to confirm the
change.

Using the remote control:
1 Use the SEARCH Ô/ buttons to select the

program number that you want to change.

2 Use the number buttons or SKIP Â/¯ buttons

to select the desired track.

3 Press the SEARCH  button to confirm the

change.

Inserting tracks into the program

ª

Using the front panel buttons:

1 Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob or press the SEARCH

Ô/ [A.CUE/A.READY] buttons to select the
program number where you want to insert a track.

2 Press the SEARCH  [A.READY] button while

pressing and holding the DISPLAY [LOCK] button.

3 Use the number buttons or the SKIP Â/¯

[INDEX/DIR SEARCH] buttons to select the track
that you want to insert.

4 Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob to the right or press

the SEARCH  [A.READY] button to insert the
track.

Using the remote control:
1 Use the SEARCH Ô/ buttons to select the

program number where you want to insert a track.

2 Press the A.RDY/INS button.
3 Use the number buttons or SKIP Â/¯ buttons

to select the track that you want to insert.

4 Press the SEARCH  button to insert the track.

Deleting tracks from the program

ª

Using the front panel buttons:

1 Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob or press the SEARCH

Ô/ [A.CUE/A.READY] button to select the
program number of the track that you want to
delete.

2 Press the SEARCH Ô [A.CUE] button while

pressing and holding the DISPLAY [LOCK] button to
delete the track from the program.

Using the remote control:
1 Use the SEARCH Ô/ buttons to select the

program number of the track that you want to
delete.

2 Press the A.CUE/DEL button to delete the track

from the program.

After editing the program

ª

Press the remote PGM button or the PITCH [MENU]

knob on the player to exit program setting mode.

Removing all tracks from the program

ª

Press and hold the CLEAR [1-10/11-20] button on

the player or the remote CLEAR button to remove
all tracks from the program.

Fade in/fade out playback

The player can be set to fade in at the beginning of
playback and fade out when playback is stopped or
paused. The fade in and fade out times, which determine
how many seconds fading in and fading out takes, can
be set independently. Use the
make fade in and fade out settings. The use of this menu

05 FADE

menu item to

TASCAM CD-500/500B 29

6 – Various Playback Functions

item differs slightly from the others. Use the following
procedures with this item.

1 Select the

Press the PITCH [MENU] knob to enter fade in/out

setting mode. The screen appears as follows.

2 Press the PITCH [MENU] knob or the remote ENTER

button to enter fade in setting mode.

3 Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob on the player or

use the PREV and NEXT buttons on the remote
to set the fade in time. The fade in time can be
set between 0.5 and 10 seconds in 0.5-second
increments (default value:

4 Press the PITCH [MENU] knob on the player or the

ENTER button on the remote to confirm the fade in
setting and enter fade out setting mode.

05 FADE

menu item.

OFF

).

Skip back playback

During playback, you can skip back by a preset amount of
time and continue playback.

During playback, press the Á (play) [REPEAT] button.

Setting the skip back time

To set the skip back time, use the

Options: 0–60 seconds (0.5-second increments, default
value: 3 seconds)

NOTE

When the incremental play function is on, it receives

•
priority and skip back playback is disabled when you

press the Á PL AY button on the remote. Use the Á
(play) [REPEAT] button on the front panel or turn the
incremental play function off.

Skip back playback is only possible with audio CDs.

•
Skip back playback is not possible with data CDs.

Skip back playback settings are retained even when the

•
power is turned off.

14 S-BAC

menu item.

Flash start function

5 Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob on the player or

use the PREV and NEXT buttons on the remote
to set the fade out time. The fade out time can
be set between 0.5 and 10 seconds in 0.5-second
increments (default value:

6 Press the PITCH [MENU] knob on the player or the

ENTER button on the remote to confirm the fade
out setting and exit menu mode.

The display returns to its usual appearance.

NOTE

FADE

•

•

•

•

appears at the bottom of the display whenever

fade in or fade out is set.

To set only the fade out time, in fade in/out setting
mode step 1 above, turn the PITCH [MENU] knob
on the player (or press the PREV or NEXT button on
the remote) until
[MENU] knob on the player (or the ENTER button on
the remote) to enter fade out setting mode.

To set only the fade in time, after step 4 above, press
the DISPLAY [LOCK] button on the player or the
MENU button on the remote to exit menu mode.

The fade in/out function settings are retained even
when the power is turned off.

OUT

OFF

).

blinks. Then, press the PITCH

The beginnings of up to twenty tracks can be pre-loaded
into memory, enabling their playback to be triggered
instantly

When tracks have been added to the program, the
beginnings of the first 20 tracks in the program will be
loaded into memory.

When no tracks have been added to the program, the
beginnings of the first 20 tracks on the disc will be loaded
into memory.

NOTE

The flash start function is only possible with audio CDs.

•
The flash start function is not possible with data CDs.

When playing back using the flash start function, the

•
auto-cue and auto-ready functions are disabled.

Using the front panel buttons:

1 Prepare the program as necessary.

2 When in shift mode (SHIFT indicator lit), press the 1

[FLASH] number button.

NOTE

Setting the
effect (default value:

19 FLASH

OFF

menu item to ON has the same

).

30 TASCAM CD-500/500B

RELAYIN

RELAYOUT

RELAYIN

RELAYOUT

RELAYIN

RELAYOUT

RELAYIN

RELAYOUT

6 – Various Playback Functions

3 While the beginnings of the tracks are being

loaded into memory, the word
the display. After loading completes,

01-1 0

appears on the display and the Á PLAY

FLASH

FLASH

blinks on

indicator blinks.

4 Press the number button for the program number

(when program set) or track number (when
program not set) that you want to play.

To select numbers between 11 and 20, press the

CLEAR [1-10/11-20] button, so that

20

appears on the display, and then press the

FLASH 11-

corresponding number button. Press the CLEAR [1­10/11-20] button again to return to

FLASH 1-10

Using the remote control:

1 Prepare the program as necessary.

2 Press the FLASH button.

3 While the beginnings of the tracks are being

loaded into memory, the word
the display. After loading completes,

01-1 0

appears on the display and the Á PLAY

FLASH

FLASH

blinks on

indicator blinks.

4 Press the number button for the program number

(when program set) or track number (when
program not set) that you want to play.

To select numbers between 11 and 20, press the

CLEAR [1-10/11-20] button, so that

20

appears on the display, and then press the

FLASH 11-

corresponding number button. Press the CLEAR [1­10/11-20] button again to return to

FLASH 1-10

By connecting two CD-500/CD-500B units in both
directions as shown in illustration below, alternating
playback between them is possible.

By connecting three or more CD-500/CD-500B units in
sequence (CONTROL I/O START (RELAY IN) to CONTROL

.

I/O DISC EOM (RELAY OUT)) as shown below, automatic

playback of one unit after the other is possible.

NOTE

The relay playback function on/off setting is retained even
when the power is turned off.

.

Exiting flash start mode

ª

Using the front panel buttons:

When in shift mode (SHIFT indicator lit), press the 1

[FLASH] number button to exit flash start mode.

Using the remote control:

Press the FLASH button to exit flash start mode.

Relay playback

Multiple CD-500 and CD-500B units can be used together
and set so that when playback ends on one unit, playback
can automatically start on another unit.

To do this, connect the CONTROL I/O START (RELAY IN)
connector on the rear panel of the CD-500/CD-500B to
the CONTROL I/O DISC EOM (RELAY OUT) on another
CD-500/CD-500B with a cable and enable relay playback
mode on both units.

To enable relay playback mode, set the
menu item to ON.

06 RELAY

TASCAM CD-500/500B 31

7 – Other Functions

MS

F

Changing the playback time display mode

You can select the playback time that is shown on the
display.

During playback or when paused, press the DISPLAY
[LOCK] button on the player or the DI SP LAY button on
the remote. Each press of the button cycles through the
three types of time display. The currently selected display
mode is shown in the playback time mode display area.

T.REMAIN

•

RE MAIN

•
displayed

Nothing: elapsed time of the current track is displayed

•

NOTE

When an audio CD is stopped, the total recording

•
time is always shown regardless of whether or not

T.REMAIN

For data CDs, neither the total time when stopped,

•
nor the remaining time or total remaining time during

playback are shown. (Only the number of tracks or
track number appears.)

In program playback mode, remaining time shows

•
the time until playback of the program ends. In single

playback mode, remaining time shows the remaining
time in the track.

In program playback mode, the total time shown is for

•
the program.

The playback time display mode setting is retained

•
even when the power is turned off.

: total remaining time is displayed

: remaining time of the current track is

or

RE MAIN

appears.

reaches that point, the “:” in the time display will begin
blinking.

Use the
the following options.

Options:

For values other than
number of seconds before the end of the track that the
warning begins. At the default value, the “:” begins to
blink 30 seconds before the end of the track.

The EOM function setting is retained even when the
power is turned off.

NOTE

10 EOM

OFF, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30

menu item to set the value from among

OFF

, the number indicates the

(default value),

35

Interval time setting

The player can be set to wait for a specified time (interval
time) after completing playback of one track before
starting playback of the next track.

To make the interval time setting, use the
menu item.

1 Select the

16INTVAL

menu item.

16 INTVAL

Frame time display setting

You can set whether or not the frame time is shown
during playback. To set the frame time display, use the

FRAM

menu item (default value: ON).

NOTE

The frame time display on/off setting is retained even
when the power is turned off.

End of track warning (EOM)

During audio CD playback, a warning indication can be
shown on the display when nearing the end of a track.
The end of track warning function does not work with
data CDs.

By setting in advance the number of seconds before
the track end that the warning is shown, when playback

17

2 Press the PITCH [MENU] knob to enter interval time

setting mode. The screen appears as follows.

3 Turn the PITCH [MENU] knob to set the interval

time, and press the PITCH [MENU] knob to confirm
the setting.

Setting range: 0–5 minutes (10-second increments,
default value: 0 seconds)

NOTE

The interval time setting is retained even when the power
is turned off.

32 TASCAM CD-500/500B

TASCAM RC-3F
foot switch (sold separately)

STOP

START

SLEEVE

SLEEVETIP TIP

CONTROL I/O

START

(RELAY IN) CONNECTOR

START

STOP

CONTROL I/O

PIN 8 GND

PIN 11
FADER STRAT/STOP

PARALLEL

7 – Other Functions

Outputting in mono

This player can output analog and digital signals in mono.

To make the player output in mono, set the
menu item to ON (default value:

When mono output is on,

OFF

MONO

appears at the bottom of

).

08 Mono

the display.

NOTE

The mono output on/off setting is retained even when
the power is turned off.

Controlling the player with a foot switch

You can connect a TASCAM RC-3F foot switch (sold
separately) to the REMOTE jack on the front panel and
use it to control the player.

Foot switch mode settings

The functions of the controls in each mode are as follows.

Footswitch controls

MODE

L (brief press) C (brief press) R (brief press)

L (long press) C (long press) R (long press)

1

2

3

4

Â
Ô

SKIP BACK PLAY/PAUSE CALL

Ô

PITCH (−) PLAY/PAUSE PITCH (+)

PITCH (−)

continuous

PAUSE PLAY STOP

– – – – – – – – –

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP

STOP

STOP PITCH (+)

¯




continuous

Fader and event start

Fader start and stop

By connecting an external fader switch, the player can be
started and stopped using a fader

Setting the foot switch

To set the foot switch, use the
assign the functions to the switch controls (pedals).

Options:

OFF, 1

(default value), 2, 3, 4

18 REMOT

menu item to

Using the foot switch

When you press the controls (pedals) on the foot switch,
they function according to the

18 REMOT

setting.

Using the CONTROL I/O START (RELAY IN)

ª

connector

Use a fader switch and 3.5-mm miniplug wired as shown
above. Connect the miniplug to the CONTROL I/O START
(RELAY IN) connector on the rear panel of the unit

Then, set the

Using the CONTROL I/O PARALLEL

ª

06 RELAY

menu item to

FDR

.

connector [CD-500B only]

Connect the fader switch and the CD-500B CONTROL I/O
PARALLEL connector as shown below.

TASCAM CD-500/500B 33

Version Build number

7 – Other Functions

For details about using the CONTROL I/O PARALLEL
connector, see “Using the parallel connector (CD-500B
only)” on page 33.

Event start

Using the

ª

connector

Wire the event output connector of another device with a

3.5-mm miniplug, and connect that 3.5-mm miniplug to

the CONTROL I/O START (RELAY IN) connector on the
rear panel of this unit.

Then, set the

Using the CONTROL I/O PARALLEL

ª

connector [CD-500B only]

With the CD-500B, when stopped or paused, playback
can be started by inputting a one-shot pulse signal from
outside. Input a one-shot pulse (active low, 30 ms or
longer) through pin 13 of the CONTROL I/O PARALLEL
connector.

CONTROL I/O START (RELAY IN)

06 RELAY

menu item to ON.

Using the RS-232C connector

Auto-ready function on/off

•
Auto-cue function on/off

•
Repeat function on/off

•
Various menu settings (original key, eject block, auto-

•
cue level, program, fade in/out, relay playback, power

on play, mono output, resume, EOM time, incremental
playback, pitch step, RS232C baud rate, skip back,
remote control receipt, interval time, frame display,
foot switch, user data, parallel mode)

To restore all settings to their factory defaults

1 Select the

2 Press the PITCH [MENU] knob.

-SURE-

3 Press the PITCH [MENU] knob on the main unit or

the ENTER button on the remote control to restore
the settings to the factory defaults stored in the
backup memory and exit menu mode.

The display returns to ordinary disc and track
information.

20 RESET

blinks on the display.

menu item.

The CONTROL I/O RS-232C connector (D-sub 9-pin, RS­232C compliant) can be used for serial control of this unit
by a computer or other external device.

Setting the baud rate

Use the

Select 96 (9600 bps, default value),

384

For further details, please contact TASCAM customer
support.

The baud rate setting is retained even when the power is
turned off.

13 232C

(38400 bps).

NOTE

menu item to set the baud rate.

19 2

(19200 bps) or

Restoring factory default settings

You can restore the unit to factory default settings that
are stored in the backup memory. The following default
settings are stored in the backup memory

Playback mode

•
Playback time display mode

•

Checking the firmware version

To check the firmware version, use the
item.

1 Select the

2 Press the PITCH [MENU] knob on the main unit or

the ENTER button on the remote control to show
the system firmware version on the display.

3 Press the PITCH [MENU] knob on the main unit or

the ENTER button on the remote control again to
return to menu item selection.

21 INFO

menu item.

21 INFO

menu

34 TASCAM CD-500/500B

1

8

9

15

PARALLEL

CONTROLI/O

7 – Other Functions

User data settings (CD-500B only)

You can set whether or not a USER DATA BIT is output
with the digital output from the DIGITAL OUT (AES/EBU)
connector. To set output of the USER DATA BIT, use the

U-DATA

NOTE

•

•

menu item (default value: ON).

If the signal output from this connector does not play
back correctly, set this item to

OFF

.

The user data setting is retained even when the power

22

is turned off.

Using the parallel control
(CD-500B only)

Using the CONTROL I/O PARALLEL connector, you can
use external parallel control to operate this unit. Two
types of parallel control (normal mode and direct play
mode) can be used with this unit. To set parallel control,
use the

23 PARALL

menu item.

9 PLAY Tally

10 PAUSE Tally FLASH LOAD Tally*** OUT

11

FADER START／STOP Track Play: 3*

12 STOP

13 PLAY

14 PAUSE

15 +5V

←

STOP／FLASH LOAD**
Track Play: 4*
Track Play: 5*

←

OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN: active low external command reception (operates
when ground 30 ms or longer)

OUT: signal for the display of transport status by open
collector (maximum voltage 15 V, maximum current 50
mA)

+5V: maximum supplied current 50 mA

* Track Play 1–5: plays the designated track. The track

played depends on the combination of Select: 1 (Pin

2) and Select: 2 (Pin 3) High (1) and Low (0) settings as
shown below.

** When stopped and the flash start function is on, if the

track beginnings have not yet been loaded, loading
starts. When playing back, playback stops.

*** When the flash start function is on, if the track

beginnings have been loaded completely, High (1)
results. If the track beginnings have not yet been loaded,
or are in the process of loading, Low (0) results.

Options:

1

Normal mode (default)

In addition to starting, stopping and skipping, fader
start/stop are controlled.

2

Direct play mode

Tracks 1–20 can be played directly.

The pin assignments are as follows

Pin

No.

1 STOP Tally

2

3

4 NO DISC Tally

5 EOM

6

7

8 GND

MODE: 1 MODE: 2

SKIP（Back） Select: 1
SKIP（Forward） Select: 2

SEARCH（Back） Track Play: 1*
SEARCH（Forward） Track Play: 2*

Function

←

←
←

←

IN/OUT

OUT

IN

IN

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

Pin

Mode 2

function

No.

2 Select: 1 0 0 1 1

3 Select: 2 0 1 0 1

6 Track Play: 1 Track 1 Track 6 Track 11 Track 16

7 Track Play: 2 Track 2 Track 7 Track 12 Track 17

11 Track Play: 3 Track 3 Track 8 Track 13 Track 18

13 Track Play: 4 Track 4 Track 9 Track 14 Track 19

14 Track Play: 5 Track 5 Track 10 Track 15 Track 20

NOTE

Select 1 and 2 combination

The parallel mode setting is retained even when the
power is turned off.

TASCAM CD-500/500B 35

Please check the following items if the unit is not
functioning properly. If you are still unable to resolve the
problem please contact the retailer where you purchased
the unit or TASCAM customer support.

Power does not turn on

ª

Make sure that the power plug is firmly inserted.

Unit cannot be controlled from the front

ª

panel

Make sure that the panel lock function is not on.

Unit cannot be controlled with the remote

ª

control.

Confirm that batteries are in the remote control and that
they have a charge.

No sound

ª

Confirm the unit’s connections to the monitoring system
and check the volume of the amplifier.

CD cannot be played back

ª

If it is a data CD, containing MP3 files, confirm that they

•
use a bit rate that this unit can handle.

Confirm that the disc is not scratched or dirty.

•

8 – Troubleshooting

Noise is heard

ª

Check whether a connection cable might have a bad
connection.

36 TASCAM CD-500/500B

9 – Error Messages

When one of the following error messages appears, refer to the response below and resolve the cause. If you are still unable
to resolve the problem please contact TASCAM customer support.

Message Meaning Response

Err01
Err09

Err10
Err13

TOC Read Error

Flash ROM Error

SDRAM Error

SYSTEM Error

Clean or change the disc.

If one of these errors appears, turn the power off and back on. If you are unable to turn
the power off, disconnect the power cord.

TASCAM CD-500/500B 37

10 – Specifications

Media and formats

Device type

CD player

Compatible discs

Compact discs (12-cm only)

Playable disc types

CD, CD-R, CD-RW

Playable disc and file formats

Audio CD (CD-DA), MP3, WAV

Number of channels

2

Quantization rate

16-bit

Sampling frequencies

32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz

Analog audio output

Analog out connectors (unbalanced)

Connector: RCA pin jacks

Output impedance: 1 kΩ or less

Standard output level: −10 dBV (0.32 Vrms)

Maximum output level: +6 dBV (2.0 Vrms)

Digital out connector (AES/EBU, CD-500B only)

Connector: XLR-3-32 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)

Supported signal format: IEC60958-4 (AES/EBU)

Output impedance: 110Ω

Control input and output

REMOTE connector

Connector: 2.5-mm TS jack

CONTROL I/O START (RELAY IN) connector

Connector: 3.5-mm TS jack

CONTROL I/O DISC EOM (RELAY OUT) connector

Connector: 3.5-mm TS jack

RS-232C connector

Connector: D-sub 9-pin

CONTROL I/O PARALLEL connector (CD-500B only)

Connector: D-sub 15-pin

Audio performance

Frequency response

20 Hz–20 kHz: ±0.5 dB (JEITA)

S/N ratio

95 dB or more (JEITA)

Analog out connectors (balanced, CD-500B only)

Connector: XLR-3-32 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)

Output impedance: 150 Ω

Standard Output level: +4 dBu (1.23 Vrms)

Maximum Output level: +20 dBu (7.75 Vrms)

PHONES connector

Connector: 6.3-mm (1/4”) standard stereo jack

Maximum output level: 45 mW + 45 mW or more

(THD+N 0.1% or less, 32Ω load)

Digital audio output

Digital out connector (optical)

Connector: optical

Supported signal format: IEC-60958-3 standard for

consumers (S/PDIF)

Digital out connector (coaxial)

Connector: RCA-pin jack

Supported signal format: IEC-60958-3 standard for

consumers (S/PDIF)

Output impedance: 75Ω

Output level: 0.5 Vp-p

Dynamic range

95 dB or more (JEITA)

Distortion

0.005% or less (JEITA)

Channel separation

95 dB or more (1 kHz, JEITA)

Backup memory

The following settings are backed up even when the
power is turned off.

Playback mode

•
Playback time display mode

•
Auto-ready function on/off

•
Auto-cue function on/off

•
Repeat function on/off

•
Various menu settings (original key, eject block, auto-

•
cue level, program, fade in/out, relay playback, power

on play, mono output, resume, EOM time, incremental
playback, pitch step, RS232C baud rate, skip back,
remote control receipt, interval time, frame display,
foot switch, user data, parallel mode)

38 TASCAM CD-500/500B

434.2 mm

482.6 mm

44 mm 1 mm

31.8 mm

280 mm14.5 mm

6 mm

465 mm

432.6 mm

41.1 mm

10 – Specifications

General

Power supply

AC 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz

Power consumption

10 W (CD-500), 11 W (CD-500B)

Dimensions (W x H x D)

482.6 x 44.9 x 300.5 mm

Weight

3.5 kg (CD-500), 3.7 kg (CD-500B)

Operating temperature range

5º–40° C

Installation tilt

Within 30°

Dimensional drawings

Illustrations in this manual might differ from the actual product.

•
In order to improve the product, specifications and appearance could be changed without prior notice.

•

TASCAM CD-500/500B 39

Notes

CD -500/50 0 B

TEAC CORPORATION

Phone: [phone]
1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan

TEAC AMERICA, INC. http://tascam.com/

Phone: [phone]
7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA

TEAC CANADA LTD. http://tascam.com/

Phone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone]
5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada

TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V. http://www.teacmexico.net/

Phone: [phone]
Río Churubusco 364, Colonia Del Carmen, Delegación Coyoacán, CP 04100, México DF, México

TEAC UK LIMITED http://www.tascam.co.uk

Phone: [phone]
Suites 19 & 20, Building 6, Croxley Green Business Park, Hatters Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 8TE, UK

TEAC EUROPE GmbH http://www.tascam.de/

Phone: [phone]
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany

http://tascam.jp/

Printed in China