Tascam Frontier FireOne Owner's Manual
D00963220B
»
FireOne
FireWire Audio/MIDI Control
OWNER'S MANUAL
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
2 TASCAM FireO ne
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to aler t the user to
the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended
to aler t the user to the presence of uninsulated “dange rous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of suff icient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
CAUTIO N : TO R EDUCE THE RISK O F ELECTRIC SHO CK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
This appl ianc e has a se rial numbe r loc ated on the
re ar pane l. Pl ease rec ord the mod el n umbe r a nd
seria l number a nd retain t hem for you r record s.
Model nu mber
Seria l number
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 th e FCC Rules . These limits are des igned to provide
re as on able pr ot ec ti on ag ai ns t h ar mf ul inter feren ce in
a r es i de n ti al i ns t al lat ion . T his equi pme nt gen era te s ,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
in st al le d a nd use d in ac co rdanc e wi th the instr uc ti on
manual, ma y c a u s e h a rm f u l in te r f e r e n c e to ra d i o
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that inter ference will not
occur in a particular in stallation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
wh i ch c a n be det e rmi ned by tur n ing th e equi p men t
off and on, the user is encou raged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures.
a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
b) Increase the separation bet ween the equipment and
receiver.
c) Co nn ec t the equi pm ent i nto an outlet on a c ir cu it
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
d) C o nsu l t th e de a ler o r an ex p eri e n c ed radi o / TV
technician for help.
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 U.S.A.
Declaration of Conformity
Model Number : FireOne
Trade Name : TASCAM
Responsible party : TEAC AMERICA, INC.
Address : 7733 Tel e g raph Road , M o nte bello ,
California, U.S. A .
Telephone number : 1-323-727-7663
This devic e c ompl ie s wi t h Pa r t 15 of th e FC C R u l e s.
Op era ti on is sub jec t to the follo wi ng two co ndi ti on s : (1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
devi ce mus t a cc ept any i nt er fer en ce re cieved, inclu di ng
interference that may cause undesired operation.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
TASCAM FireO ne 3
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 dr y cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
8 Do not install nea r any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifier s)
that produce heat.
9 Do n ot d efe a t the s afe t y purp o se o f the p o la r i ze d or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the othe r. A grounding type pl ug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
thi rd prong are p rov id ed for yo ur safety. If the prov ided
plug doe s not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked on o r pinched
pa rt ic ul ar ly at pl ug s, conven ie nc e receptacles, an d the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
11 On l y us e at tach ment s/ a cce ss ori e s sp ecif ied by th e
manufacturer.
12 Use on ly wi th th e c ar t , sta nd , t ri po d, br acket, or ta ble
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
Whe n a cart is used, use caution wh en moving the ca rt /
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13 Unp lug this app aratus du ri ng li gh tn in g storm s or wh en
unused for long periods of time.
14 Refer all ser vicing 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.Do not exposeDo 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 confin ed sp ace such as a
book case or similar unit.
The ap pa ra tus sh ould be located close e nough to the AC
outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord plug at any
time.
An apparatus with Class I construction shall be connected to
an AC outlet with a prote ctive grounding connection.
Batteries (b atte ry pack or batteries install ed) shou ld not be
exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
Excessive sound pressure fro earphones and headphones can
cause hearing loss.
The apparatus draws nominal non-operating powe r from the
AC outlet with its STAND-BY/ON in the Stand- By position.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
4 TASCAM FireO ne
Contents
1 - Introduction .................5
Overview .............................. 5
Features ...............................5
In The Box ............................ 5
Copyright, etc ...................... 5
Precautions and notes for
placement and use ........ 6
Beware of condensation .......6
Conventions used in this
manual ................................. 6
System Requirements ......... 6
Software Application
Guide .................................... 7
Updates ................................ 7
FireWire connection notes .. 7
2 - Features of the FireOne .. 8
Top panel .............................8
Rear panel .......................... 10
3 - Installation ................. 11
Control panel Installation ... 11
Windows XP .........................11
Mac OS X ............................... 11
4 - Control panel settings .. 12
Sample rate ........................ 12
Buffer size .......................... 12
Control Surface Mode ....... 12
Jog/Shuttle Display Mode ... 12
Sampling Rate Lock ........... 13
Input Mon Mono ............... 13
5 - Connections ............... 14
FireWire connections ........ 14
Audio connections ............ 14
Mic ........................................14
Guitar ....................................15
Keyboard/drum machine/sound
module/cassette deck/MD/CD
etc. (analog connection) .....15
Analog record player ........... 16
Speakers/headphones ......... 17
MIDI connections .............. 18
6 - Troubleshooting ......... 19
Host Connection trouble-
shooting ............................. 19
Control surface
troubleshooting .......... 19
Audio troubleshooting ..... 20
7 - Block diagram ............ 21
FireOne Block Diagram ..... 21
8 - Specifications ............. 22
FireOne Specifications ...... 22
Inputs / Outputs ...................22
Performance .........................23
Physical characteristics .......23
Dimensional drawing ........ 23
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
TASCAM FireO ne 5
Thank you for choosing the TASCAM FireOne. With an integrated design that includes professional-quality mic preampli-
ers, high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion, MIDI, and
control surface features, we have designed FireOne to be the
perfect addition to your computer-based digital audio workstation. With the ability to be powered from its FireWire interface
or from the included power adapter, FireOne is equally at home
in the studio or on the road.
FireOne is designed to be compatible with a wide variety
of audio software for Windows XP and Mac OS X. The
included Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) application software provides an incredibly rich music composition, record-
ing and editing environment. The FireOne’s high-denition
recording capabilities (up to 192 kHz, 24-bit) are supported
by DAW applications, giving you the immediately ability to
record audio with amazing clarity and resolution.
This owner’s manual will help you familiarize yourself with
FireOne’s features and operation. It will discuss how to
connect FireOne to your other equipment, and it will discuss
how to use FireOne with your computer. A troubleshooting guide will help identify and correct common problems.
Please read this guide carefully and keep it handy for future
reference.
Overview
Windows and Windows XP are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Macintosh, MacOS, MacOS X and FireWire™ are trade-
marks of Apple Computer.
i.LINK is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
HUI is a t rademark of LOUD Technologies Inc.
Pro Tools is a trademark of Digidesign, a division of Avid
Technology, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective
holders.
Copyright, etc
In The Box
The FireOne box contains the items listed below. When
opening the package please be certain all the items listed
are included. If any items are missing, please consult your
TASCAM supplier.
FireOne main unit
FireOne AC power adapter
6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable
A CD-ROM containing the Windows and Macintosh soft-
ware, control surface plug-ins for various audio recording
applications
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A second CD-ROM containing the DAW application software
This manual
A warranty card
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The FireOne’s audio input section provides the ability to
connect a wide variety of microphone, line, or instrument
signals. Conversion is fully 24-bit and you can select from
a variety of sample rates (up to 192 kHz). The quiet, lowdistortion mic preamps with switchable phantom power give
you the exibility to use virtually any type of microphone,
and the pad switches allow you to accom modate unusually
hot signals up to line-level sources. The second (B) input can
also be switched to “instr ument” mode, whereupon a highimpedance source such as an electric guitar or bass can be
connected to the ¼” phone jack conveniently located on the
front panel.
The output section offers left and right analog outputs on ¼”
TRS jacks. An output level control permits easy adjustment
of your speaker levels, while t wo front-panel headphone
outputs with individual out put level controls allow you and a
friend to comfortably listen to the FireOne’s audio outputs.
MIDI IN and OUT jacks are provided on the FireOne which
allow you to connect MIDI keyboard controllers, external
synthesizers, or anything else that makes use of the ubiquitous MIDI protocol.
FireOne’s unique complement of transport controls, function
keys, and a large weighted scrub/shuttle wheel offer instant
access to the software controls you need the most. The way
each audio software application deals with control surfaces
varies somewhat, so please refer to the Application Guide for
details on function key and wheel use in the various DAW
applications covered by that document.
Features
1 - Introduction
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
6 TASCAM FireO ne
1 - Introduction
System Requirements
FireOne is s uppor ted under Windows X P Ser vice Pack
2. No suppor t for earlier version s such as Windows 98 or
Windows ME is offer ed.
FireOne is supported by Macintosh OS X, version 10.4 and
later. Earlier versions of Macintosh operating systems are not
supported.
Beware of condensation
If the unit is moved from a cold to a warm place, or used
after a sudden temperature change, there is a danger of
condensation; vapor in the air could condense on the internal
mechanism, making cor rect operation impossible.
To prevent this, or if this occurs, let the unit sit for one or two
hours at the new room temperature before using.
Conventions used in this manual
Within this manual, the following typographic conventions
are used:
The name of a control or connector on the unit is written
in the following way: PHONES.
The name of a control or connector on another unit is
written in the following way: AUX IN.
When referring to the screen display of the host computer,
we refer to any prompts, messages, etc. in the following
typeface: Press any key to continue.
If you have to type something into the computer, we write
it this way: FIL ENAME.E XT.
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The names of keys to be pressed on the computer
keyboard are written in this typeface with square brackets
enclosing them [F1].
Keys that are to be pressed together are joined by a “+”
symbol, so that [Ctrl]+[F1] means “press and hold the
Control key and press the F1 key.”
Whenever we refer to the software application to control
and set up the FireOne, we refer to it as the “Control
Panel” or the “software Control Panel.”
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Precautions and notes for placement and use
Please use the FireOne only within its operating temperature
range of 5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F). Please avoid use or storage in dusty or humid environ ments because these conditions
can cause malfunction.
To maintain top performance, and prolong operating life,
observe the following notes, precautions and environmental
conditions:
Avoid exposing it to extremes of temperature and humidity and avoid mechanical shocks.
Keep the unit away from strong magnetic f ields (TV sets,
computer monitors, large electric motors, etc.).
Relative humidity should be 30 to 90 percent.
As the unit may become hot during operation, always
leave sufficient space above the unit for ventilation. Do
not operate this unit in a confined space such as a bookcase, and do not put anything on top of the unit.
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Avoid placing this unit on top of any heat-generating electrical device such as a power amplifier.
Always use the supplied AC adapter with the standard
home electrical power outlet. Use of other AC adapters
may damage the FireOne.
Use the unit on a table or rack that is level and sturdy.
Wipe dir t from the unit with a dry cloth. Never use thin-
ner, benzene or other solvents because they may cause
acrylic parts and coated surfaces to dissolve, labels to be
eroded or other damage.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
TASCAM FireO ne 7
1 - Introduction
FireWire connection notes
NOTE
Some manufacturers may use a different nomenclature
to refer to their FireWire™ connections, such as Sony’s
“i.LINK”, or simply “1394”).
FireOne comes with a high-quality 6-pin to 6-pin interface
cable. We strongly suggest you use this cable, or one of equal
quality, for optimum performance.
NOTE
If your computer possesses only a 4-pin type IEEE 1394
connector, you must use the FireOne’s external AC adapter,
as there is no bus power provided by a 4-pin connection.
FireOne is supplied with a 2 m (6-foot) cable. If you wish
to use a longer cable, the length should not be more than
3 m (9 feet) and the cable should be the best possible
quality available to avoid data loss, which results in
audio dropouts.
While the IEEE 1394 standard permits devices to be
“daisy-chained” via devices that contain more than one
FireWire port, not all such configurations may work
correctly, especially in the case of intermediate equipment being powered off. In any case where daisy-chaining is being used and one or more of the connected
devices is not functioning properly, we strongly
suggest recabling such that the FireOne is the only unit
connected to the associated FireWire port or buss on the
host computer. Always perform all FireWire connections
and disconnections with the power to both the FireOne
and the computer turned off. If connections are made or
broken with power to the FireOne or computer turned
on, this may result in your computer crashing, or “freezing” and possible loss of data. When turning the power
of the FireOne on and off while it is connected to the
computer, turn on the power before launching the DAW
software, and quit the software before turning off the
FireOne.
Updates
Since software applications and operating systems often
evolve and develop after their initial release, we suggest you
check the TASCAM site (www.tascam.com) regularly for
updated FireOne drivers.
Software Application Guide
Since much of the FireOne’s control surface operation
pertains directly to your DAW software, TASCAM has
prepared an Application Guide on using the FireOne with a
number of different DAW programs. This Application Guide
is available online in PDF format on the TASCAM Web site.
To read it, you will need an application capable of displaying PDF les, such as the Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 4
or above), available as a free download from the Adobe Web
site at www.adobe.com.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
8 TASCAM FireO ne
The controls and connectors of the FireOne are described in
the following sections. Note that the specic functionality of
the control surface buttons may vary with the application that
it’s being used with. Please refer to the Application Guide
for more details.
1 SIG and OL indicators
Each input has indicators located just above its associated
GAIN control to assist in setting the proper input signal
levels. The SIG indicator flashes green to indicate that
an audio signal is present at that input connector. The
OL indicator flashes red when a signal approaching the
FireOne’s clipping level is detected (the signal level that
causes OL to flash is -2.5dBFS).
When one of these indicators lights, it indicates an over-
loaded input, and you should reduce the level of the input
to the channel gradually, until the OL indicator stops
flashing.
WAR NING
If you ignore the OL indicator, peaks in the incoming
signal will be internally clipped at the A/D converter
input, resulting in distortion in the recorded signal!
2 GAIN controls
The GAIN controls allow the signals at FireOne’s input
jacks to be amplified or attenuated, such that the signal at
the input to the A/D converter can be optimized. Careful
optimization of the signal levels will maximize the
signal-to-noise ratio of the recorded signal, while preventing distortion due to overload. The signal level indicators
described below will help you to set the proper levels. In
the section on metering, we’ll also describe a way to use
FireOne’s stereo meters to help you set the input level
most accurately.
3 PHANTOM switches and indicators
The XLR connectors on the FireOne inputs can be used
to supply phantom power to microphones which require
its use. Each input has an associated PHANTOM pushbutton switch, and an LED indicator to indicates the status of
+48 V phantom power on the channel.
WAR NING
Microphones should not be connected to or disconnected from the FireOne with phantom power
switched on. Unbalanced ribbon microphones should
never be connected to phantom-powered connectors.
Top panel
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2 - Features of the FireOne
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