Tascam GA-30CD User Manual

»

GA-3 0CD

Instrument Amplifier

OWNER'S MANUAL

D00966100B

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.

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 triangle is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.

This ap p l i a n c e has a s er i a l nu m be r
located on the rear panel. Please record
th e model num ber a nd s eria l numbe r
and retain them for your records.
Model number

Serial number

SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

For U.S.A.

TO THE USER

This eq u i p m e nt has be e n te st e d and fou n d to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are design e d to pr o vide reasonable prot e c tion
ag a in s t har m fu l in t er f er e nc e in a re s id e nti a l
installation. T his equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may c aus e harmful interference to r adio
communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off a nd o n, the user i s encoura ged 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 between the equipment

and receiver.

c) Conne c t the eq u i p m e nt into an ou t l e t on a

circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

d) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR

CAUTION

Ch ange s or m odif icat ions to this e quip ment n ot
exp r e ssl y ap p r ov e d by TE AC CO R POR ATI O N
for compliance cou ld void the user's authority to
operate this equipment.

In North America use only 120V power supply.

2 TASCAM GA-30CD

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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 n ot bl ock any venti lati on op ening s. In stall in

accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8 Do no t i n s tall ne a r an y he a t so u r ces su c h as

radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

or grounding-type plug. A polarize d plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
typ e plu g has two blades and a third groun ding
pro n g. Th e wi d e bl a de or th e th i r d p r o ng ar e
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult an electr icia n fo r
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

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 should be located close enough to the

•
AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord
plug at any time.

An apparatus with Class I c o n s t r u ct i o n shall be

•
connected to an AC outlet with a protective grounding
connection.

Batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) should

•
not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine,
fire or the like.

Excessive sound pressure from earphones and head-

•
phones can cause hearing loss.

The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power

•
from the AC outl e t with its STA N D BY/ O N in the
Standby position.

10 Prote c t the po w e r co r d from bein g wa lk e d on

or pi n c he d pa r ticul a r ly at pl u gs, co n ve n i e nce
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.

11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the

manufacturer.

12 Use only wi th the cart, stand, tr ipo d, b rac ket, or

table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a car t is used, use caution when
movi ng the cart /app aratus comb ination to avoi d
injury from tip-over.

13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

14 Refer all servicing to qualifie d 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.

TASCAM GA-30CD 3

Safety Information

DTA

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.
The label required in this regulation is shown at 1.

CAUTION

• DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING
USING A SCREWDRIVER.

• USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PER­FO RMANCE OF PRO CEDURES 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.

• WHEN USING THE GA-30 CD, USE ONLY TH E
SUPPLIED POWER CABLE.

• CLASS 1M INVISIBLE L ASER RADIATION WHEN
OPEN AND INTERLOCKS DEFE ATED. DO NOT
VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS.

The GA-30CD uses either a SONY or a SAMSUNG
transport.

Optical pickup:

Type: KSM-900AAA
Manufacturer: SONY Corporation
Laser output: Less than 1 mW on the objective lens
Wavelength: 775 to 816 nm

Type: CMS-M93BG6
Manufacturer: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
Laser output: Less than 0.4 mW on the objective
lens
Wavelength: 760 to 800 nm

4 TASCAM GA-30CD

Contents

1 – Introduction ...................................................... 6

Main features of the GA-30CD ................................ 6

Supplied accessories ................................................. 6

Understanding this manual ...................................... 6

Handling of compact discs ....................................... 7

Beware of condensation ........................................... 7

Precautions for placement and use ......................... 7

2 – Part names and functions ..........................8

Front panel.................................................................8

Top Panel ................................................................... 9

CD Trainer Section..................................................... 9

Effects Section ........................................................ 10

Rear panel ................................................................11

CD Trainer LCD .........................................................11

3 – Connections .................................................... 12

Guitar connection ................................................... 12

Headphones connection .......................................... 12

External sound source connection ............................ 12

4 – Using the guitar amp .................................. 13

6 – Using the CD trainer ................................... 16

Playing CDs .............................................................. 16

Changing the time display mode .............................. 16

Repeat playback of a selected loop ....................... 16

Stopping loop playback ........................................... 16

All track or single track repeat playback ............... 16

Setting the tempo ................................................... 16

Turning tempo control ON and OFF ...........................17

Changing tempo without changing key .....................17

Adjusting the key .....................................................17

Turning key adjustment ON and OFF ........................17

Canceling guitar sounds ..........................................17

Setting the Guitar Cancel function ............................17

7 – Tuner, oscillator and metronome .......... 18

Using the tuner ........................................................ 18

Calibrating the tuning frequency .............................. 18

Tuning in chromatic mode ...................................... 18

Tuning in guitar mode ............................................ 18

Using the oscillator ................................................. 18

Using the metronome ............................................ 18

Adjusting the volume and tone quality ..................... 13

Procedures to shape the guitar tone......................... 13

5 – Using effects ................................................... 14

Effects ...................................................................... 14

Selecting effects and setting parameters .................. 14

Restoring the factory effect presets .......................... 14

Effect controls ......................................................... 14

Choosing the output .............................................. 15

Reverb ...................................................................... 15

Effect banks ............................................................. 15

Changing banks ..................................................... 15

8 – Changing settings ........................................ 19

Playback mode selection ........................................ 19

Tuner settings .......................................................... 19

Tuner speaker output .............................................. 19

Initializing effect banks .......................................... 19

9 – Specifications ................................................. 20

Guitar amplifier ....................................................... 20

CD Trainer ................................................................ 20

Physical .................................................................... 20

Block diagram .......................................................... 21

Dimensional drawing .............................................. 21

TASCAM GA-30CD 5

1 – Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a TASCAM GA-30CD
instrument amplifier. This guitar amp has 30 watts of
total output from the 6.5-inch center speaker and two
3-inch stereo speakers. TASCAM’s unique NeoTube
technology and the high-quality built-in effects give
you the freedom to craft guitar tones without needing
additional external effects. You can also practice along
with your favorite music, play prerecorded backing

Main features of the GA-30CD

Guitar amp

15W output, 6.5-inch (16.5 cm) center speaker

•
3-band EQ allows flexible tone-shaping

•

Boost circuit allows you to switch between clean and

•
overdrive sounds with the press of a button

DSP effects

Two built-in TASCAM DSP effect units provide a

•
reverb and a choice of stereo delay, panning delay,
flanger, phaser, chorus, tremolo, auto-wah, or pitch
shifter effects
Effects can be output from the center speaker or from

•
the left and right side speakers for spacious sounds

tracks during performances and otherwise use the
built-in CD player as you like.

Please study this manual thoroughly before using the
amp so that you understand how to use it properly. We
hope that with this knowledge you will enjoy using the
GA-30CD and all of its features for many years. After
you have finished reading this manual, please keep it in
a safe place for future reference.

CD Trainer

Popular TASCAM CD Trainer built in

•
Playback pitch and tempo freely controllable

•
Variable Speed Audition (VSA) allows playback

•
speed to be changed without changing the pitch
Speed adjustment from –50% to +16%

•
Pitch adjustment up or down 6 semitones

•
Guitar Cancel function allows specified frequency

•
and stereo ranges to be cut during playback
Loop playback allows repetition of a selected passage

•
Independent stereo amp (7.5W + 7.5W) and two 3-

•
inch (7.6-cm) side speakers provide clear playback
Built-in guitar tuner for easy tuning

•
Built-in metronome and oscillator

•

Supplied accessories

In addition to this manual, the GA-30CD has been
packed with the items listed to the right.

Contact your TASCAM supplier if any of these items
are missing.

Understanding this manual

We use the following conventions in this manual:

The names of keys and controls are given in the

•
following typeface: REVERB.
Messages shown in the alphanumeric portion of the

•
LCD are given in the following typeface: TMOD.
If a preset indicator in the display (i.e. one that

•
cannot change, but is either on or off) is shown, this
is given as follows: TEMPO.
Selectable values (e.g. values of dB) and ON and

•
OFF selections are shown in the following typeface:

CHR. (e.g. VBR>ON)

Other features

Stereo line input jack for connection of external

•
sound sources
Headphone jack

•

• AC power cable .......................................................... 1

• Warranty ................................................................... 1

The GA-30CD has keys that function differently

•
depending on whether they are pressed briefly (less
than half a second) or pressed and held (more than
half a second). In this manual, instructions to press a
key , for example, “press VSA,” refer to brief presses,
while instructions to “press and hold the key” or, for
example, “press and hold OSC” refer to long presses.
The CD Trainer Control LCD usually shows the

•
elapsed track time, remaining track time or total
remaining CD time. In this manual, this is referred to
as the “time display.”

6 TASCAM GA-30CD

Handling of compact discs

CA UTI ON

1 - Introduction

The GA-30CD has been designed for the playback
of CD-DA (standard audio) format discs. In addition
to ordinary 3-inch and 3-inch CDs, it can also play
properly recorded CD-R and CD-RW discs.

Always place CDs in the tray with their labeled sides

•
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.

Avoid getting fingerprints on the signal side (the

•
non-label side). Grime and dust may cause skipping,
so keep discs clean and store them in their cases
when not being played. To clean the signal side of a
disc, wipe gently with a soft dry cloth from the cen­ter towards the outside edge.

Keep discs away from direct sunlight, and places of

•
high heat and humidity. If left in such places, warp­ing could result.

Do not affix any labels or stickers to the label side of

•
the disc. Do not write on the disc with ballpoint pens.

Do not use cracked discs.

•

Only use circular compact discs. Avoid using non-

•
circular promotional discs, etc.

The GA-30CD cannot play CD-R/RW discs that are

•
not finalized.

Several record companies have released music discs

•
that use Copy Control and other copy-protection
systems in an effort to prevent piracy. Since some
of these discs do not comply with the CD specifica­tions, the GA-30CD may not be able to play them.

After opening the CD player cover, if the CD is still

•
spinning, wait until it has stopped before removing it.

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. This may cause CDs to become unplayable.

Discs should be returned to their cases after use to

•
avoid serious scratches that could cause the laser
pickup to “skip.”

Beware of condensation

If the unit (or a compact disc) 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 correct

Precautions for placement and use

Do not place the unit in the following types of places.
Placement in such locations may cause malfunction or
reduce sound quality.

Unstable places or places with frequent vibrations

•

Near windows or in direct sunlight

•

Near heating devices or other extremely hot places

•

Extremely cold places

•

Damp or poorly ventilated places

•

Placing this amplifier near another power amplifier or
another device with a large transformer can cause hum.

Using commercially available CD stabilizers or printable
recordable discs with this player will damage the
mechanism and cause it to malfunction.

Never use a disc that has had a stabilizer mounted to it.
The residual adhesive may cause the disc to stick to the
turntable of the GA-30CD. If it sticks to the turntable,
you will need a technician to get it out.

operation impossible. To prevent this, or if this occurs,
let the player sit for one or two hours at the new room
temperature before using

Adjust the distance and angle between the devices if
this occurs.

Operation of the GA-30CD near a television or radio
may cause color distortion on the television screen
or noise in the radio signal. If this occurs, move the
GA-30CD farther away.

Use of mobile phones and other wireless devices near
the GA-30CD may cause the amp to produce noise
during use or when calls are made or received. If this
occurs, turn off the device or move it away from the
GA-30CD.

TASCAM GA-30CD 7

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1 2

3

4

5 6

7 8

9 0 wq

Side

speaker

Side

speaker

Center

speaker

2 – Part names and functions

Front panel

1 INPUT jack

Plug your guitar into this high impedence jack using
an ordinary guitar cable.

2 GAIN knob

Change the input gain to adjust the volume of the
guitar signal.

3BOOST switch

Turns the internal distortion circuit ON and OFF.

OFF: The input guitar sound is heard clearly

without distortion. The GAIN knob changes
the input signal volume.

ON: The activated distortion circuit produces a

more powerful guitar sound. When ON, the
indicator to the left of the BOOST switch
lights. The GAIN knob changes both volume
and the amount of distortion.

4 BASS knob

Adjust low frequencies.

5 MIDDLE knob

Adjust mid-range frequencies.

6 TREBLE knob

7 REVERB knob

Adjust the reverb signal output level.

The signal from the guitar preamp is sent to the
built-in reverb and output through the Center
speaker.

8 CENTER VOLUME knob

Adjust the volume of the total output signal sent
to the center speaker (6.5-inch). In addition to the
guitar preamp output, the effects output can also be
sent to the center speaker.

9 SIDE VOLUME knob

Adjust the volume of the total output signal sent to
the two side speakers (3-inch). In addition to the CD
Trainer output, the effects output can also be sent to
the side speakers.

The SIDE VOLUME level is set to play CDs that have
low overall volume at a sufficient volume level. For this
reason, some CDs that have a loud overall volume may
sound distorted when played back through the amp's
speakers or attached headphones at a high level. If this
happens, please adjust the SIDE VOLUME to stop the CD
sound from distorting.

Adjust high frequencies.

8 TASCAM GA-30CD

0 LINE IN stereo mini jack

Connect an external line level (-20 dBu) signal
from a synthesizer, guitar preamp, MD player or
other device. The signal from the external device is
output through the side speakers and its volume is
controlled by the SIDE VOLUME knob.

q PHONES jack

Connect standard stereo headphones to this 1/4"
jack to listen to CDs or practice alone.

Outputs the mix of CENTER VOLUME and SIDE

VOLUME signals along with the input signal from

the LINE IN jack.

When the PHONES jack is in use, the GA-30CD will not
output sound from its speakers.

wPOWER switch

Press to turn the power ON and OFF.

o

d

f

g h

i

e

r t y

p

a

s

u

Top Panel

2 – Part names and functions

CD Trainer section

In addition to standard CD player functions, the CD
Trainer also has a tuner, a metronome, an oscillator and
other features.

e CD player cover

Lightly press the ø mark at the front of the cover to
open the player.

r LOOP I/O key

Use for loop playback.

Press this key to set the loop IN point (starting
point) for the currently playing or paused CD. Press
this key again to set the OUT point (ending point)
and start loop playback automatically.

When IN and OUT points are set, press and hold
this key to turn loop playback between the IN and
OUT points ON and OFF.

When IN and OUT points are not set, press and hold
this key to turn single track or all track repeat ON
and OFF. (See “Repeat playback of a selected loop”
and “All track or single track repeat playback” on
page 16.)

t TUNER/SETUP key

Press this key to turn the tuner ON and OFF. Make
detailed tuner settings using the Setup menu. (See
“Using the tuner” on page 18.)

Press and hold this key to open the Setup menu
to adjust the time display mode as well as other
functions, including tuner settings. Once in the
Setup menu, press this key to cycle through setting
items. (See the “Changing settings” chapter on
page 19.)

y Setting adjustment keys

Use the three setting change keys to adjust settings.

DOWN: Reduce values, flatten the pitch or shift the

stereo position to the left.

CENTER: Restore the default value, cancel pitch

changes or reset the stereo position to the center.

UP: Increase values, sharpen the pitch or shift the

stereo position to the right.

u CD Trainer LCD

Shows information about CD playback, etc.

i GUITAR CANCEL key

Press this key to turn Guitar Cancel ON and OFF.
The indicator lights when ON and blinks when in
setup mode. Press and hold this key to open the
Guitar Cancel setting menu. In this menu, press this
key to cycle through setting items. (See “Canceling
guitar sounds” on page 17.)

o OSC key

Press this key to start the oscillator and output an
adjustable pitch signal from the side speakers. (See
“Using the oscillator” on page 18.)

Press and hold this key to access the Calibration
menu and set the standard tuning frequency. (See
“Calibrating the tuning frequency” on page 18.)

TASCAM GA-30CD 9

2 – Part names and functions

j

k l

z

; x

p TEMPO key

Press this key to turn tempo control ON and OFF.
The indicator above the key lights when ON and
blinks when settings are being adjusted. Press and
hold this key to open the Tempo setting menu. (See
“Setting the tempo” on page 16.)

a KEY key

Press this key to turn key adjustment ON and OFF.
The indicator above the key lights when ON and
blinks when settings are being adjusted. Press and
hold this key to enter the Key setting menu. (See
“Adjusting the key” on page 17.)

s VSA key

Press this key to activate Variable Speed Audition
(VSA). The indicator above the key lights when
ON. When ON, VSA keeps the original pitch of the
music even when the tempo is changed.

d TIME/ESC key

When a time is displayed, press this key to change
the time display mode.

When using a menu, press this key to return to the
time display.

f Track skip and search keys (∆/µ, ˚/≤)

Press ∆/µ and ˚/≤ during CD playback to
skip to previous or later tracks.

Press these keys when playback is stopped to select
a track to play. (Press PLAY (¥) to start playback.)

To fast forward during CD playback, press and hold

˚/≤. To rewind, press and hold ∆/µ.

Fast-forward and rewind speed gradually increases
as long as the key is held down.

g STOP (ª)/MTRO key

Press to stop CD playback. Press and hold this key
to open the Metronome menu. (See “Using the
metronome” on page 18.)

h PLAY/PAUSE key (¥/π)

Press to start playback of a stopped or paused CD or
pause a playing CD.

Effects Section

j EFFECT Knob 1

Adjust the first parameter of the selected effect. (See
“Using effects” on page 14.)

k EFFECT Knob 2

Adjust the second parameter of the selected effect.
(See “Using effects” on page 14.)

l EFFECT LEVEL Knob

Adjust the amount of the effect or the feedback level
of the selected effect.

; Effect selection keys (§, ¶)

Use these to select one of the effects – delay,
panning delay, flanger, phaser, chorus, tremolo,
auto-wah or pitch shifter. The indicator lights next
to the selected effect. When no effect is selected, no
indicators light.

zBank selection key

Select from the effects preset banks. (See “Changing
banks” on page 15.)

The indicator lights next to the selected bank.

10 TASCAM GA- 30CD

x OUTPUT key

Press this key to select the effect signal output –
the center speaker, the side speakers or all three
speakers. Each time you press this key, the output
destination setting changes and one or both of the
indicators (CENTER, SIDE) lights to show the
selected speakers.

Rear panel

MENU

b

v

n

m

.

,

/

#

$

!

@

NO TE

NO TE

c

CD Trainer LCD

2 – Part names and functions

c ~ IN

Use the supplied power cord to connect the amp
to an AC power outlet. Confirm that the voltage
matches that marked on the rear panel of your
GA-30CD amp.

v PLAY indicator

Appears during playback.

b PAUSE indicator

Appears when playback is paused.

n REMAIN indicator

When no track number appears, this indicates that
the remaining time of the entire CD is being shown
on the time display. When the track number also
appears, this indicates that the remaining time of
the currently playing track is being shown. (See
“Changing the time display mode” on page 16.)

m TUNER indicator

Appears when the tuner is in use. (See “Using the
tuner” on page 18.)

, SET UP/MENU indicator

Blinks when the Setup menu is active. (See
“Changing settings” on page 19.)

US models show the indicator MENU in this position
while European models show the indicator SETUP. The
function is the same.

. Tuning meter

Shows pitch during tuning. The center is the correct
pitch. The more the indicator lights to the left, the
flatter the pitch and the more it lights to the right the
sharper the pitch.

/ LOOP indicator

Appears when set to loop playback (ALL/SGL). (See
“Repeat playback of a selected loop” on page 16.)

! 1

Appears when set to single (SGL) repeat playback.

@ I-O

Blinks when the loop repeat IN point is set and
lights when the OUT point is set.

# Track number/time display

Shows the currently selected track number (above

TRACK) and time during playback in minutes (M) and

seconds (S). Also provides information when making
various settings.

$ ,

Shows pitch when key adjustment is ON.

Some models show these symbols as white on a
black background. The function is the same.

TASCAM GA-30CD 11

2 – Part names and functions

WARNING

Headphones

Guitar

Synthesizer,
audio device,
etc.

Portable audio player

3 – Connections

Guitar connection

Connect a guitar to the INPUT jack.

Turn the CENTER VOLUME and SIDE VOLUME knobs
to 0 position before connecting.

Headphones connection

Connect stereo headphones to the PHONES jack to
listen through headphones. Connection to the PHONES
jack mutes the GA-30CD speakers.

External sound source connection

Connect a synthesizer, audio equipment or other device
to the LINE IN jack to output its sound through the GA­30CD's speakers. The external sound source signal is
sent to the side speakers and the SIDE VOLUME knob
adjusts its volume.

Be careful when attaching external sound sources, as
very loud signals, especially at low frequencies, may
damage the GA-30CD's speakers or permanently
harm your hearing.

12 TASCAM GA-30CD

NO TE

Adjusting the volume and tone quality

2 – Part names and functions

4 – Using the guitar amp

The GA-30CD has a built-in boost circuit for creatingboost circuit for creating circuit for creating
distorted sounds. Push the BOOST switch to turn this
circuit ON. The indicator to the left of the switch lights
when it is active.

When the BOOST switch is OFF, the guitar input signal
is output as an undistorted sound.

The GAIN knob always adjusts the guitar input volume,
but when the BOOST switch is ON, this knob also
adjusts the amount of distortion.

Procedures to shape the guitar tone

1 Turn the CENTER VOLUME and SIDE VOLUME

knobs down to 0 (all the way to the left).

2 Connect a guitar.

3 Turn the BASS, MIDDLE and TREBLE knobs to 10

(all the way to the right).

The CENTER VOLUME knob adjusts the total output
volume from the 6.5-inch center speaker, including the
output of both the guitar amp and any active effect.

Adjust the BASS, MIDDLE and TREBLE knobs to alter
the tone quality (frequency characteristics) further.

The CENTER VOLUME knob adjusts the overall
volume of the output signal sent to the center
speaker (6.5-inch). If an effect is used, it will be
output along with the guitar amp output.

The BASS, MIDDLE and TREBLE knobs reduce the
levels of frequencies in specific ranges. At 10, a knob
does not cut its frequency band at all while at 0, it
cuts its band to the maximum effect.

Of course, you can adjust the knobs in any order that
you like, but we recommend that you always turn the

GAIN and VOLUME knobs down before starting and

before connecting a guitar.

4 Turn the GAIN knob to the middle (pointing up).

5 Turn up the CENTER VOLUME gradually while

playing the guitar until you reach the desired
volume.

6 Shape the tone by adjust i ng the GAIN , BASS,

MID D L E and TREBLE knob s and turni ng the
BOOST switch ON or OFF.

7 Ch o o s e an effect (see “S e l e c ting Effects and

setting Parameter” on page 14) and adjust the
three effect knobs to shape the tone further.

8 Adjust the CENTER VOLUME and SIDE VOLUME

knobs as necessary to achieve the volume balance
that you desire.

TASCAM GA-30CD 13

5 – Using effects

The GA-30CD has built-in effects (top panel) and
reverb (front panel). The guitar signal passes through
the preamp, including GAIN, BASS, MIDDLE and

TREBLE tone adjustments, before being processed by

the effects.

Effects

Selecting effects and setting parameters

Use the effect selection (§, ¶) keys to the left of the
effect parameter table to choose an effect – delay,
panning delay, flanger, phaser, chorus, tremolo,
auto-wah, pitch shifter – or turn the effects OFF.

Restoring the factory effect presets

To restore the effects to their factory settings, use the

FXRS item in the Setup menu. (See “Initializing effect

banks” on page 19 for details.)

Effect controls

Effect

FLANGER

PHASER

1 2 LEVEL

SPEED

Set modulation frequency
(0.1 –10 Hz).

SPEED

Set modulation frequency
(0.2 – 20 Hz).

DEPTH

Set modulation depth.

RESONANCE

Set resonance amount.

The effect indicators to the left of the effect names
show the active effect. No indicators light when the
effects are OFF. Use the three EFFECTS knobs (1, 2
and LEVEL) above the effect parameter table to adjust
the parameter amounts. Refer to the chart below for
details.

FEEDBACK LEVEL

Set feedback level.

LEVEL

Set effect amount.

CHORUS

TREMOLO

AUTO WAH

PITCH
SHIFTER

DELAY

PANNING
DELAY

SPEED

Set modulation frequency
(0.1 – 10 Hz).

SPEED

Set modulation frequency
(0.2 – 20 Hz).

SENSITIVITY

Set Auto Wah sensitivity.

PITCH

Set pitch shift amount up to ±1
octave. The center position is 0.

DELAY TIME

Set delay time (10 ms – 1.1 sec).

DELAY TIME

Set delay time (10 ms – 1.1 sec). Sent
to L and R side speakers alternately.

DEPTH

Set modulation depth.

WAVE TYPE

Set modulation wave shape. 0 is
triangle, center is sin, and 10 is
sawtooth.

Q

Set lter characteristic. Set higher to

increase the effect.

FINE

Set pitch shift amount up to ±50
cents. The center position is 0.

FEEDBACK LEVEL

Set feedback level.

FEEDBACK LEVEL

Set feedback level.

LEVEL

Set effect amount.

DEPTH

Set effect amount. Set higher to
increase modulation amplitude.

Not used. (Automatically set to
maximum.)

LEVEL

Set effect amount.

LEVEL

Set effect amount.

LEVEL

Set effect amount.

14 TASCAM GA-30CD

NO TE

Choosing the output

NO TE

You can choose the speaker(s) that output the effect
signal. Press OUTPUT to cycle through the settings.
Either or both the CENTER and SIDE indicators light
according to the setting. However, the side speakers
cannot be selected for the Auto-wah effect.

CENTER: Effect signal is output by the center speaker

along with the dry guitar signal (standard setting).

SIDE: Effect signal is output by the side speakers.

Sending the dry guitar signal and the effect signal to
different speakers can create a unique spacious sound.

Reverb

The GA-30CD’s built-in reverb simulates a classic
guitar amp spring reverb.

Use the REVERB knob to adjust the reverb signal

output level.

5 – Using effects

CENTER + SIDE: The effect is output by the center

speaker and the side speakers. Set the balance using the

SIDE and CENTER VOLUME knobs.

Output speaker selection greatly changes the sound.
Adjust the tone quality as you switch between
output settings to achieve a sound you like.

The knob position always determines the reverb setting.
It is not saved with banks.

Effect banks

The GA-30CD has 2 banks (A and B) to store effects
and reverb settings.

Bank settings are stored in built-in memory each time a
parameter is adjusted or the bank is changed.

Changing banks

Use the bank selection key to change between banks
A and B. You can recall different types of effects by
switching banks.

The indicator lights next to the active bank (A or B).

The effect settings made with the knobs are
automatically saved to the active bank, so no special
operation is necessary to save your changes.

When the unit is new, the A bank is set to CHORUS
and the B bank is set to DELAY. If you use the FXRS
item in the Setup menu, these effects and their settings
will be reset. (See “Initializing effect banks” on page 19
for details.)

When a bank is recalled, the indicator will show the
selected bank, but the position of the effect knobs
(1, 2 and LEVEL) will not change, therefore they
will not match the bank settings. Move any knob to
change the associated parameter value to the knob’s
current position.

The effect settings of a bank match the previously saved
state when recalled, so the knob positions may not show
the current parameter values. In such cases, moving a
knob will immediately cause the knob setting to effect
the parameter.

TASCAM GA-30CD 15

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

NO TE

NO TE

NO TE

6 – Using the CD trainer

Playing CDs

1 Press ø at the front of the CD player cover lightly

to open it.

2 Place a CD in the tray and close the cover.

3 Press ¥/π to start playback.

Press ª to stop playback.

Press ¥/π to pause playback.

Changing the time display mode

Press TIME/ESC to cycle through the three time display
modes to the right.

Elapsed time (track number, time) •

Repeat playback of a selected loop

Follow these procedures to repeat playback of a selected
part of a disc (loop playback).

1 Press LOOP I/O when a CD is playing or paused

to set the loop IN point (starting point). The I-O
indicator on the LCD blinks.

Stopping loop playback

Press LOOP I/O to stop loop playback, resume normal
playback and erase the IN and OUT point settings.
To retain the loop IN and OUT points, press and hold

LOOP I/O when turning loop playback ON and OFF.

Use µ(∆) and ≤(˚) to skip between tracks
and search through them. Press briefly to skip to
another track or press and hold to search a track.

Opening the cover stops playback.

Remaining track time (REMAIN indicator, track

•
number, time)
Remaining disc time (REMAIN indicator, time)

•

2 Press LOOP I/O again to set the loop ending point

and start loop playback between the IN and OUT
points. The I-O indicator appears on the LCD

during loop playback.

All track or single track repeat playback

Repeat playback of the current track or all tracks on the
disc is possible.

1 In the Setup menu, use the PLAY item to select all

track loop (ALL) or single track loop (SGL). The
default setting is ALL. (See “Changing settings” on
page 19.)

2 Press and hold LOOP I/O to start all track or

single track loop playback according to the above

PLAY setting.

Setting the tempo

Follow these procedures to set the tempo.

1 Press and hold TEMPO to open the tempo setting

screen opens. The indicator above the TEMPO key
blinks.

2 Use the DOWN, CENTER and UP keys to adjust the

tempo.

3 Press TIME/ESC after completing the setting to

return to the time display.

Changing the tempo value from 0 turns tempo control
ON, and playback speed adjusts to the new tempo.
The indicator above the TEMPO key lights when this
function is ON and set at a value other than 0.

Press ª to stop playback.

•

Press and hold LOOP I/O to stop loop playback

•
and resume normal playback.

Pressing LOOP I�O when IN and OUT points are setLOOP I�O when IN and OUT points are set when IN and OUT points are set
will erase these settings.

The tempo setting amount depends on whether Variable
Speed Audition (VSA) is ON or OFF. (See "Changing
tempo without changing key" on page 17.)

When VSA is ON, the possible settings are: –50, –32,
–16, –12, –8, –4, 0, +4, +8, +12, +16 (%).

When VSA is OFF, adjustment can be made freely
between –50% and +16%.

If the tempo value was set while VSA is OFF, turning
VSA ON changes the tempo value to the nearest of
the above settings.

16 TASCAM GA-30CD

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

NO TE

NO TE

NO TE

NO TE

Turning tempo control ON and OFF

6 – Using the CD trainer

Press TEMPO to turn tempo control ON and OFF..

The set tempo value is stored even when tempo control

Changing tempo without changing key

Turn ON the GA-30CD’s Variable Speed Audition
(VSA) function to change the tempo of a track without
changing its key.

Press the VSA key to turn this function ON and OFF.
When it is ON, the indicator above the VSA key lights.

Adjusting the key

1 Press and hold KEY to show the key setting

screen. The indicator above the KEY key blinks,
and the current setting with KEY indicator appear

on the LCD.

2 Change the key using the DOWN, CENTER and

UP

keys. The key can be raised or lowered up to 6

semitones ( 6– 6).

Changing the key (to any value besides 0) turns
key ad j u st men t ON and pl ay bac k ch an g es
accordingly. The indicator above the KE Y key
lights when this function is ON.

3 Press KEY again to make fine pitch adjustments.

is OFF. The next time it is turned ON, playback will
occur at the last set tempo value.

Turning VSA ON and OFF also turns tempo control
ON and OFF.

When the tempo is changed widely, the sound may
be heard as double.

4 Use the DOWN, CENTER and UP keys to adjust the

pitch in cents (1/100 semitone).

5 Press TIME/ESC to finish making the setting and

return to the menu.

When the key is changed widely, the sound may be
heard as it is trembling.

Even if no key change is made in step 2 above (the
value is set to 0), fine adjustment in step 3 turns key
adjustment ON.

Turning key adjustment ON and OFF

Press KEY to turn key adjustment ON and OFF. The
key setting value is retained even when turned OFF.

Canceling guitar sounds

Use the Guitar Cancel function to cut the sound of
recorded guitars during CD playback.

Press GUITAR CANCEL to turn the Guitar Cancel
function ON and OFF. The indicator above the GUITAR

CANCEL key lights when this function is ON.

Setting the Guitar Cancel function

Use these procedures to adjust the stereo region and
frequency range of the cancellation effect.

1 Press and hold the GUITAR CANCEL key. PART

appears on the LCD.

2 While listening to the playback, use the DOWN,

CENTER and UP keys, to select the stereo region

(L10 – R10) that reduces the g uitar sound the
most.

3 Press the GUITAR CANCEL key again. RNGE

appears on the LCD.

4 While listening to the playback, use the DOWN,

CE NTER and UP keys to select the fre que ncy

range (MID or ALL) that reduces the guitar sound

When key adjustment is turned ON again, the set key
value affects playback.

Depends on the condition of recorded audio, the
Guitar Cancel function may not be able to fully
cancel guitar sounds. In such case, as well as other
instruments’ sounds , setting the cancellation effect
may help to reduce the guitar sounds (see “Setting
the Guitar Cancel function” below).

most effectively. A LL w ill cut out high and low
sounds from other instruments in the same stereo

position.

5 Press TIME/ESC to finish making the setting and

return to the menu.

The values set here are retained even when the
Guitar Cancel function is turned OFF. When it is
turned ON again, the previously made settings will
be applied to playback again.

The Guitar Cancel function can not be used with the
audio recorded in mono, also this function may not
be effective to the guitar sounds with many effects.

TASCAM GA-30CD 17

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

NO TE

Flat Sharp

In tune

Flat Sharp

In tune

7 – Tuner, oscillator and metronome

Using the tuner

The GA-30CD has a built-in guitar tuner with 2 modes
–chromatic mode and guitar mode. In chromatic mode
(the default setting), the GA-30CD automatically detects
the input signal pitch. Guitar mode helps you tune

Calibrating the tuning frequency

The standard tuning frequency (A4) can be adjusted.

1 Press and hold OSC to start calibration. CAL

appears on the LCD.

2 Use the DOWN and UP keys to adjust the standard

tuning frequency from 435 Hz to 445 Hz. Press

Tuning in chromatic mode

1 Connect a guitar and press TUNER. TUNER appears

on the LCD along with the tuning meter shown to
the right. Play the guitar string you want to tune.
The LCD will show the name of the closest note.

2 Tune the guitar roughly until the note that you

want to tune to appears on the LCD.

strings to standard guitar tuning. (See the “Changing
settings” chapter on page 19 for details on setting the
tuner mode and sound output.)

the CENTER key to restore the default setting of
440 Hz.

3 Press OSC or ESC to finish calibration and return

to time display.

dots right of the center light. More dots light as
the string goes further out of tune.

4 When finished tuning, press TIME/ESC to return

to the time display.

3 Tune until only the meter's large central dot

lights. If the pitch is too low (flat), the dots left of
the center light. If the pitch is too high (sharp), the

Tuning in guitar mode

1 Connect a guitar and press TUNER. TUNER appears

on the LCD along with the tuning meter. 6E
appears on the right side of the LCD, indicating

that it is set to tune the 6th string.

2 Use the DOWN and UP keys to choose the string

(1E, 2B, 3G, 4D, 5A or 6E) you want to tune.

Using the oscillator

Use the built-in oscillator to output a sine wave through
the speakers. This wave can be set to any note in a
3-octave range between C3 and B5.

1 Press the OSC key. OSC appears on the LCD and

the oscillator starts.

2 Use the DOWN and UP keys to set the generated

pitch. The default setting is A4. The selected pitch
(C3–B5) appears on the screen.

3 Tune the string until only the large dot at the

center of the meter lights.

4 When finished tuning, press TIME/ESC to return

to the time display.

3 Press TIME/ESC to finish making the setting and

return to the time display.

Use the
oscillator.

The oscillator’s standard tuning frequency depends
on the calibration setting. (See “Calibrating the
tuning frequency” above.)

SIDE VOLUME

knob to adjust the level of the

Using the metronome

Follow these procedures to set the tempo and the
number of beats per measure for the GA-30CD’s built­in metronome.

1 Press and hold ª/MTRO to open the Metronome

menu. As the metronome is still OFF, METRO: OFF is
shown on the LCD.

2 Use the DOWN and UP keys to adjust the tempo

in a range of 40–220 bpm (beats per minute).
Adjusting the tempo turns the metronome ON.

18 TASCAM GA-30CD

3 Press ª/MTRO briefly. Use the DOWN and UP

keys to adjust the number of beats per measure
between 2 and 6.

4 Press TIME/ESC when finished using the

metronome to return to the time display.

Use the
metronome.

SIDE VOLUME

knob to adjust the level of the

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CA UTI ON

8 – Changing settings

Change the following GA-30CD settings by pressing
and holding TUNER/SETUP to open the SETUP (MENU)
screen.

Playback mode selection

•
Tuner mode selection

•
Tuner speaker output ON and OFF

•
Initialize effect bank settings

•

Playback mode selection

Use the PLAY item to select whether all tracks on a disc
(ALL) are played or only the currently selected track
(SGL) is played when using the loop playback function.
The default setting is ALL.

Tuner settings

Use the TMOD item to set the tuner mode. (See “Using
the tuner” on page 18.)

Press TUNER/SETUP again to cycle through the
setting items. Use the DOWN and UP keys to adjust the
values for each item and the CENTER key to restore the
default setting.

Press TIME/ESC to finish making settings and close
the SETUP (MENU) screen.

These settings are saved automatically.

CHR: chromatic mode (default setting)
GTR: guitar mode

Tuner speaker output

Use the TOUT item to set whether or not the guitar
signal outputs through the center speaker when the
tuner is turned on. The default setting is OFF.

Initializing effect banks

Use the FXRS item to restore all effect banks to their
factory settings.

NO appears on the LCD when you choose the FXRS

item. Press the DOWN or UP key and YES will appear.
Press and hold the CENTER key to restore all effect
banks to their factory settings.

After initialization is complete, DONE appears on the
LCD and the time display reappears.

Initializing effect banks erases all the preset bank
settings that have been made. Use this function
only if you are sure that you want to overwrite these
settings with the factory defaults.

TASCAM GA-30CD 19

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

9 – Specifications

Guitar amplifier

Rated output

CENTER

SIDE 7.5 W (RMS into 8 Ω) x 2

Speakers

CENTER

SIDE

Inputs

GUITAR INPUT Unbalanced 1/4" (6.3 mm) jack

Standard input level –10 dBu

Input impedance 1.0 MΩ

LINE INPUTS 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo minijack

Standard input level

Input impedance

15 W (RMS into 8 Ω)

6.5-inch
3-inch x 2

–20 dBu
>7 kΩ

Output

Built-in effects (mono/stereo)

CD Trainer

Playback characteristics

Physical

HEADPHONES 1/4" (6.3 mm) stereo phone jack

Output

Types Delay, panning delay, flanger, phaser, chorus, tremolo,

Presets

Playable discs 8-cm/12-cm CD, CD-R, CD-RW (audio CDs only)

DA 16-bit

Digital signal processing 32-bit

Frequency characteristics 20 – 20,000 Hz +1.0/–3.0 dB

Dynamic range > 80 dB

S/N ratio > 80 dB

THD < 0.1%

Power

Power consumption 36 W

Dimensions (W x H x D) 484 x 352 x 260 mm (19.1 x 13.9 x 10.2 inches)

Weight 13.8 kg (30.4 lbs.)

> 20 mW + 20 mW (into 32 Ω)

auto-wah, pitch shifter, reverb
2

USA/Canada 120 VAC, 60 Hz; UK/Europe 230 VAC,
50 Hz; Australia 240 VAC, 50 Hz

20 TASCAM GA-30CD

Block diagram

TREBLE

BASS

MIDDLE

GAIN

INPUT

HIGH GAIN

ADC

CENTER SP
(6.5inch)

MAIN
MASTER

SIDE SP L
(3inch)

SIDE SP R
(3inch)

Power AMP

Power AMP

SUB
MASTER

PHONES

DAC

CD Signal
Processing

CD MECHA

Tuner In

REVERB

DAC

EFFECT

Digital Signal Processing

Effect Control

1 2 3

Effect
Select

Bank
Select

Reverb

Output

Select

Source

Select

Output

Select

DRY Cut

OSC

Output

Select

Zin = 1Mohm

FET
Buffer
AMP

Boost/OverDrive
Circuit

15W / 8ohm

7.5W+7.5W / 8ohm

Speaker
Emulate
Circuit

50mW+50mW
/ 32ohm

FET
Buffer
AMP

FET
Source
Follower

LINE
SUMMING

EFFECT
SUMMING

-10dBu

LINE INPUT

-10dBV

484.0mm (19.1")

260.0mm (10.2")

352.0mm (13.9")

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

9 – Specifications

Dimensional drawing

TASCAM GA-30CD 21

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Notes

22 TASCAM GA-30CD

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Notes

TASCAM GA-30CD 23

»

GA-30CD

TEAC CORPORATION

Phone: [phone] www.tascam.com
3-7-3 Nakacho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8550 Japan

TEAC AMERICA, INC.

Phone: [phone] www.tascam.com
7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA

TEAC CANADA LTD.

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

TEAC MEXICO, S.A. De C.V

Phone: [phone] www.tascam.com
Campesinos No. 184, Colonia Granjes Esmeralda, Delegacion Iztapalapa CP 09810 Mexico DF

TEAC UK LIMITED

Phone: [phone] www.tascam.co.uk
Unit 19 & 20, The Courtyards, Hatters Lane Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 8TE U.K.

TEAC EUROPE GmbH

Phone: [phone] www.tascam.de
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany

Printed in China