Tascam DA-88 User Manual
TASCAM
TEAC Professional Division
DA-88
Digital Multitrack Recorder
( OWNER'S MANUAL )
5700141001
Important Safety Precautions
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT REMOVE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
A
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
A
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user
A
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 triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of
A
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
Serial number
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
— For U.S.A.
TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against interference in a residential
area. This device generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, it may cause interference to radio or TV reception. If this unit does cause interference with TV or radio
reception you can try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
b) Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
c) Plug the equipment into a different outlet so that it is not on the same circuit as the receiver.
If necessary, consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for additional suggestions.
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.
THIS DIGITAL APPARATUS DOES NOT EX
CEED THE CLASS B LIMITS FOR RADIO
NOISE EMISSIONS FROM DIGITAL APPARA
TUS AS SET OUT IN THE RADIO INTER
FERENCE REGULATIONS OF THE CANADIAN
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS.
LE PRESENT APPAREIL NUMERIQUE N'EMET
PAS DE BRUITS RADIOELECTRIQUES DE
PASSANT LES LIMITES APPLICABLES AUX
APPAREILS NUMERIQUES DE CLASSE B
PRESCRITES DANS LE REGLEMENT SUR LE
BROUILLAGE RADIOELECTRIQUE EDICTE
PAR LE MINISTERE DES COMMUNICATIONS
DU CANADA.
THE APPLIANCE CONFORMS WITH EEC DIREC
TIVE 87/308/EEC REGARDING INTERFERENCE
SUPPRESSION
CONFORME AL D.M. 13 APRILE 1989
DIRETTIVA CEE/87/308
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION:
• Read all of these instructions.
• Save these instructions for later use.
• Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
audio equipment.
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow liYstructions — All operating and use instructions
should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture — The appliance should not be used
near water — for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming
pool, etc.
6. Carts and Stands — The appliance should be used only with
a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
6A. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with
care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may
cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.
13. Cleaning — The appliance should be cleaned only as recom
mended by the manufacturer.
14. Power Lines — An outdoor antenna should be located away
from power lines.
15. Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside antenna is
connected to the receiver, be sure the antenna system is
grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage
surges and built up static charges. Section 810 of the
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70 — 1984, pro
vides information with respect to proper grounding of the
mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in
wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding con
ductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding
electrode. See Figure below.
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING
AS PER NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting — The appliance should demount
ed to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manu
facturer.
8. Ventilation — The appliance should be situated so that its
location or position does not interfere with its proper venti
lation. For example, the appliance should not be situated
on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation,
such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of
air through the ventilation openings.
9. Heat — The appliance should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Power Sources — The appliance should be connected to a
power supply only of the type described in the operating in
structions or as marked on the appliance.
11. Grounding or Polarization — The precautions that should
be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an
appliance is not defeated.
12. Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinch
ed by items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the appliance.
16. Nonuse Periods — The power cord of the appliance should
be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long
period of time.
17. Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that
objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the en
closure through openings.
18. Damage Requiring Service — The appliance should be ser
viced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the
appliance; or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure dam
aged.
19. Servicing — The user should not attempt to service the
appliance beyond that described in the operating instruc
tions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified
service personnel.
Introduction
The TASCAM DA-88 is a digital audio multitrack recorder
designed for use in a variety of professional applications. It
records 8 channels of digital audio data on a readily available
standard Hi8 video cassette tape which is comparable in
handiness and compactness to conventional analog audio
cassette tapes. Other features of the DA-88 include the
following :
o Newly developed TASCAM-exclusive high performance/
high wear resistive rotary 4-head mechanism with
TASCAM original track layout.
o Synchronization of up to 16 DA-88s for a setup of 128
tracks simply by connecting them in series, without
having to use any synchronizer-controller.
o Synchronization with video or other audio recorders
(analog or digital) under SMPTE/EBU time code control
when the optional SY-88 Sync Board is installed.
o Analog inputs and outputs handled by both RCA jacks
(unbalanced) and 25-pin D-sub connectors (balanced), and
digital inputs and outputs by a 25-pin serial I/O port.
o CD quality sound ensured by 16-bit linear quantization
and 48/44.1 kHz sampling rate.
o Auto punch-in/out with rehearsal capability
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Precautions..............................................2
Safety Instructions..............................................................3
Introduction
Precautions and Recommendations....................................5
Specifications......................................................................6
Optional Accessories
Features and Controls.....................................................7-12
Front Panel
Rear Panel
Note for U.K. Customers..................................................12
Hookup
Formatting a Tape
Audio Record and Playback
Initial Recording...........................................................14
Punch-in (Insert) Recording
Bouncing Tracks (Ping-pong)
Entering a Track Delay Time.......................................21
Variable Speed Playback..................................................21
Autolocation Controls
Setting Locating Points
Repeat Play...................................................................22
Multiple-DA-88 System..............................................23-25
Synchronization............................................................23
Entering an Offset.........................................................24
Digital Dubbing
Error Messages.................................................................26
...................................................................
..........................................................
...................................................................
....................................................................
.........................................................................
.....................................................
.......................................
.........................................
.......................................
.................................................
................................................
............................................................
13-14
15-21
22-23
.....4
8
11
13
16
20
22
25
6
o 2-point autolocator
o Variable speed playback (up to 6.0% in 0.1 % steps)
Backup Feature
The following are retained in a backup memory each time
the power is turned off (battery life is about 50,000 hours):
o MEMO 1 and 2 points
o Pitch change
o Offset time
o Track delay time
o Crossfade time
o Punch-in and out points
o Preroll time
o DIGITAL IN on/off
o Monitor selection (ALL INPUT, AUTO INPUT and
INSERT)
o CHASE on/off
o CLOCK selection
□ Using this manual
Before actually using the DA-88, please read this
manual thoroughly at least once, so you will know
where to return when you need answers. Even though
a quick glance will get you going, careful study will
ensure that misunderstandings won't slow you down.
Use of capital letters : In general, we use all upper case
type to designate a particular switch, control or connector
label, as in : Hold RECORD and press PLAY.
Precautions and Recommendations
□ Environmental conditions
The DA-88 may be used in most area, but to maintain top
performance and prolong operating life, observe the
following environmental limitations :
1) Nominal temperature should be 5 to 35 degrees Celsius
(41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit).
2) Relative humidity should be 30 to 90% (non
condensing).
3) Strong magnetic fields should not exist nearby,
o Install the unit in an area with proper ventilation.
Beware of Condensation ; When the DA-88 is moved
from a cold to a warm place or used after sudden temperature
change, there is the danger of condensation ; water vapor in
the air could condense on the internal mechanism, making
correct operation impossible and causing damage to the
tape. If condensation occurs, and you attempt to load a tape,
this will automatically be ejected. To prevent this, if you
are going to use the unit in a condition where condensation
could occur, leave the unit for 1 or 2 hours with the power
turned on, then turn the power off before turning it on
again. Do the same when condensation has occurred too.
□ Recommended tapes
The DA-88 transport mechanism is aligned prior to
shipment for SONY Hi8 tapes (MP and ME) to provide
optimum recording and playback performance. As of
October 1993 the following brands and types of Hi8 tape
have proved satisfactory in operation.
MP: SONY, TDK, FUJI, BASF, 3M, DENON,
KONICA
ME: SONY, TDK, MAXELL, BASF
TASCAM cannot assume responsibility for problems
which may arise from inconsistencies in tape or shell
manufacturing quality. Frequent illumination of the DA-88
ERROR LED may indicate the possible presence of taperelated dropouts. Should this occur we recommend that the
tape in use be changed before recording continues.
designed for the NTSC or the PAL/SECAM television
system, and therefore on the country where they are sold.
Labelled
time
20 18 25
30
45 40 56
60 54
90
120
P6/E6 (NTSC) P5/E5 (PAL/SECAM)
P6/E6 or P5/E5 is labelled on the tape package.
Actual, available time
27 37
81 113
108
75
—
□ Cleaning the heads
After long periods of use, the heads may become dirty.
They should be cleaned after every 50 hours (or so) of
operation.
Be sure to use a dry cleaning tape designed for 8 mm
video.
First, if the machine is turned on, turn it off.
1. Press and hold both the ▲ and ▼ keys and press the
POWER switch.
"CLEAning" will flash in the display to indicate that the
machine is put into Cleaning mode.
2. Insert your cleaning tape.
Cleaning will start and, about 15 seconds later, the tape
will automatically be ejected, the machine quitting the
cleaning mode.
o You cannot let the cleaning tape run by means of any
transport control buttons. Never try to rewind it for reuse
by any means. Use a new cleaning tape only once thru,
o Excessive cleaning causes premature wearing of the
heads. Don't repeat cleaning 5 times or more at a stretch,
o To maintain performance of the machine, besides head
cleaning (50 hours), a routine maintenance check is
recommended approximately every 500 hours.
CAUTION
Never use tapes longer than 120-minute tape of NTSC
(P6-120, E6-120) or 90-minute tape of PAL/SECAM
(P5-90, E5-90). Also never use tapes which have been
used previously for video recording.
o The DA-88 senses the thickness of tapes inserted, and if
you attempt to load longer tapes than P6-150/E6-150
(NTSC) or P5-120/E5-120 (PAL/SECAM), they will
automatically be ejected.
□ Available record/play time
When used with the DA-88, Hi8 video tapes provide
different record/play times depending on whether they are
□ Others
o To avoid electric shock or other accidents, don't open the
unit to clean inside or perform internal adjustments. The
user should not attempt at any servicing which is not
contained in this Owner's Manual,
o Before turning off the unit, be sure to remove the tape
from the unit. Leaving it in the unit for a long time
could cause damage to the tape,
o Don't cut tapes for any editing purposes. Such tapes
could make correct operation impossible or result in
accumulation of dirt on, or damage to, the heads,
o If a hum or ground loop develops, check the AC power
connection. If necessary, consult a person familiar with
studio grounding techniques.
Specifications
Optional Accessories
Transport
Recording Format: 4-rotary head digital recording
Tape : Hi8 video tape
Number of Channels : Eight plus subcode area
Recording Time : 108 minutes using P6/E6-120
tape/113 minutes using P5/E5-90 tape
Tape Speed : 15.9 mm per second
Fast Forward/Rewind Time : Approximately 80 seconds
using P6/E6-120 tape/85 seconds using P5/E5-90 tape
(100 times play speed)
Shuttle Speed : 1/4 to 8 times play speed
Inputs and Outputs
Digital I/O : TDIF (TEAC Digital Interface Format), 25
pin D-sub xl
Analog Input : 25 pin D-sub connector xl, +4 dBm,
10k ohms (balanced)
RCA jack x8, -10 dBV, 50k ohms
(unbalanced)
Output: 25 pin D-sub connector xl, +4 dBm,
75 ohms (balanced)
RCA jack x8, -10 dBV, 250 ohms
(unbalanced)
Sync Input: 15 pin D-sub connector xl
Output: 15 pin D-sub connector xl
Word Sync Input: BNC connector xl
Output: BNC connector x 1
Remote Input: 8 pin DIN connector xl
Remote Punch In/Out: 1/4" phone jack xl
Typical Performance
Sampling Rate : 44.1/48 kHz
Quantization : 16 bit linear
Pitch Control: +1-6% in 0.1 % increments
Frequency Response (Record and Play) :
20 Hz to 20 kHz,+/-0.5 dB
Dynamic Range : Better than 92 dB
Wow and Flutter : Less than measurable limits
Total Harmonic Distortion : 0.007%
□ RC-848 Full-function Remote Control Unit
o 99-point autolocator functions
o ACCESSORY 1 and 2 connectors for controlling
TASCAM (or other) audio machines
o RS-422 connector for controlling VT machines
o Jog/shuttle wheel for locating a specific point at variable
speeds
o Keypad-entered time locations
o Menu-selectable controls of the optional SY-88
synchronizer
□ RC-808 Basic Transport Remote Control Unit
Has duplicates of REC FUNCTION, ALL INPUT, AUTO
INPUT, REHEARSAL, AUTO IN/OUT, CLEAR,
REPEAT, MEMO and LOC in addition to the transport
controls.
□ SY-88 Sync Board
o All SMPTE/EBU time codes supported : Drop 29.97
fps, Non Drop 29.97 fps, 30 fps, 25 fps (EBU), and 24
fps (Film).
o Offset sync with sub-frame accuracy
o Automatic offset entry
a PW-88S Sync Cable
For connecting multiple DA-88s in series when one serves
as the master and others as slaves. One cable establishes
connection between two DA-88s.
□ PW-88D (1 m)/PW-88DL (5 m) Dubbing Cable
For connecting two DA-88s through their digital I/O port
when one serves as the source machine and the other as the
target.
□ MU-8824 24-channel Meter Unit
Allows metering three DA-88s.
□ PW-88M Meter Cable
For connecting the MU-8824 meter unit to the DA-88.
General
Power Requirements :
USA/Canada : 120 V AC, 60 Hz
Europe : 230 V AC, 50 Hz
U.K./Australia : 240 V AC, 50 Hz
Consumption : 74 Watts
Dimensions (WxHxD): 482 mm x 176 mm x 377 mm
Weight: 14 kg
CF Changes in specifications and features may be made
without notice or obligation.
□ IF-88AE Interface Unit
For data communication between the DA-88 and other
digital machines with AES/EBU digital FO or SPDIF.
□ IF-88SD Interface Unit
For data communication between the DA-88 and other
digital machines with SDIF-2.
□ RC-30P Punch-in Footswitch
Features and Controls
9 8 7 1 10 11
18 19 26 20 27 21 28 22 29 23 30 24 25 1716 31 34
12 3 4 5 6 14 13 15 32
35 36 37
46
45
Skim through this section of the manual to get a bird's-eyeview of the DA-88, that way you will be able to locate
information whenever you need. It is not necessary to
memorize all what is here nor to try to build up details into
a systematic whole to get started.
03" Functions available only when the optional SY-88
Sync Board is installed are not explained here.
Information on them is provided in the SY-88's manual.
6. FORMAT key
To format a tape is to record it with subcode data, of which
ABS (absolute) time is one. This ABS data express the
elapsed time from the beginning of the tape, not from any
optionally selectable intermediate point : hence the name
"absolute."
Formatting a tape erases whatever is previously recorded on
it. To prevent formatting from starting accidentally, the
FORMAT key is not actually activated unless you press it
twice.
FRONT PANEL
1. POWER switch
Controls the power to the DA-88. See also page 4, "Backup
Feature."
2. Tape loading window
NOTE
Don't use any Hi8 tape which was once used for video
recording. No audio recording can correctiy be made on
such tapes.
3. CASSETTE IN LED
Lights when a cassette is inside the deck.
4. EJECT key
When pressed, the cassette is ejected.
EJECT can operate during stop only.
5. Fs (sampling frequency) switch
Toggles two sampling frequencies (or rates) for your choice.
When formatting a tape you have to select 48 kHz or 44.1
kHz depending on the applications. During play the deck
will automatically switch to the rate at which the recording
was made, and either of the two LEDs will light
accordingly.
NOTE
If you attempt to record additional material to augment
the original one, and the incoming sampling rate is not
the same as that is previously recorded on the tape,
one of the Fs indicators will flash, warning you that
recording cannot correctly be done.
IMPORTANT
Audio can be recorded while formatting. But it's wise of
you to format the tape from the beginning all the way to
the end before recording audio. This insures against
noise and discontinuity of absolute time data. If you
want to record audio and format a tape at one time,
don't stop recording by stopping the tape with STOP or
PLAY. Press REC FUNCTION instead, which allows the
tape to be continuously formatted up to the end.
7. VARI SPEED switch
When pressed, "PITCH" will show in the display and you
can use the T and A keys to change the play (or the record)
speed up to +/-6.0 % in 0.1 % steps.
CAUTION
The pitch change affects the record speed also. Check
to see that the VARI SPEED LED is turned off unless
you are using the function intentionally.
8. DIGITAL IN switch
Selects either the analog or the digital input. Pressing this
switch to turn on its LED activates the DIGITAL I/O port.
Turning off the LED selects the analog inputs (RCA jacks
or multipin connector) as the source of the deck.
9. REMOTE switch
When this switch is pressed, and the associated LED lights,
the DA-88 is submitted to the optional RC-848 remote
control unit, and all controls are locked out except
DISPLAY (item 10), ▼ and A (item 11), and STOP.
10. DISPLAY switch
Each time you press this switch, the following will show
in the digital display window in sequence, as confirmed by
the corresponding LEDs being lit next to the display :
(1) ABS (absolute) time (elapsed time from the beginning
of the tape up to the current position)
Loading...