Tascam DA-88 User Manual

TASCAM

TEAC Professional Division

DA-88

Digital Multitrack Recorder

( OWNER'S MANUAL )

5700141001

Important Safety Precautions

A

CAUTION	A	CAUTION: TO		REDUCE	THE RISK OF ELECTRIC		SHOCK. DO	NOT	REMOVE COVER
		(OR	BACK).	NO	USER-SERVICEABLE	PARTS	INSIDE.	REFER	SERVICING	TO
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN		QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

A

The

lightning flash with arrowhead

symbol,

within

an

equilateral

triangle, is intended to alert the user

to

the

presence

of

uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the

product’s

enclosure

that

may be

of

sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

A

The

exclamation

point

within

an

equilateral

triangle

is

intended

to

alert

the

user to

the

presence

of

important

operating

and

maintenance

(servicing)

instructions

in

the

literature

accompanying

the

appliance.

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_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

— For U.S.A.

TO THE USER

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

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.

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.

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

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Precautions..............................................	2
Safety Instructions..............................................................	3
Introduction...................................................................	.....4
Precautions and Recommendations....................................	5
Specifications......................................................................	6
Optional Accessories..........................................................	6
Features and Controls.....................................................	7-12
Front Panel...................................................................	8
Rear Panel....................................................................	11
Note for U.K. Customers..................................................	12
H o o k u p .........................................................................	13
Formatting a Tape.....................................................	13-14
Audio Record and Playback.......................................	15-21
Initial Recording...........................................................	14
Punch-in (Insert) Recording.........................................	16
Bouncing Tracks (Ping-pong).......................................	20
Entering a Track Delay Time.......................................	21
Variable Speed Playback..................................................	21
Autolocation Controls.................................................	22-23
Setting Locating Points................................................	22
Repeat Play...................................................................	22
Multiple-DA-88 System..............................................	23-25
Synchronization............................................................	23
Entering an Offset.........................................................	24
Digital Dubbing............................................................	25
Error Messages.................................................................	26

□ 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.

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

designed for the NTSC or the PAL/SECAM television system, and therefore on the country where they are sold.

Labelled	Actual, available time
time	P6/E6 (NTSC)	P5/E5 (PAL/SECAM)
20	18	25
30	27	37
45	40	56
60	54	75
90	81	113
120	108	—
	P6/E6 or P5/E5 is labelled on the tape package.

□ 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.

□ 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%

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.

□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.

□ 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

12

3

4

5

6

14

13 15

32

18 19

26 20 27 21 28 22 29 23 30 24 25 1716 31

34

35

36

37

46

45

Skim through this section of the manual to get a bird's-eye- view 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.

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.

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.

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)