Tascam HS-20 User Manual

HS-20

2 Channel Audio Recorder

D01235620A

OWNER'S MANUAL

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.

CE Marking Information

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR

SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

For U.S.A.

a) Applicable electromagnetic environment: E4

b) The average half-cycle r.m.s. inrush current

1. On initial switch-on : 4.6 Arms

2. After a supply interruption of 5s : 3.6 Arms

TO THE USER

This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accor­dance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user
will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.

CAUTION

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

For Canada

THIS CLASS A DIGITAL APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH CANADIAN
ICES-003.

CET APPAREIL NUMERIQUE DE LA CLASSE A EST CONFORME A
LA NORME NMB-003 DU CANADA.

In North America use only on 120V supply.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We, TEAC EUROPE GmbH. Bahnstrasse 12, 65205
Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany declare in own
responsibility, the TEAC product described in this
manual is in compliance with the corresponding
technical standards.

For the customers in Europe

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

Pour les utilisateurs en Europe

AVERTISSEMENT
Il s'agit d'un produit de Classe A. Dans un environnement
domestique, cet appareil peut provoquer des
interférences radio, dans ce cas l'utilisateur peut être
amené à prendre des mesures appropriées.

Für Kunden in Europa

Warnung
Dies ist eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstörung
nach Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann im
Wohnbereich Funkstörungen versursachen; in diesem
Fall kann vom Betrieber verlang werden, angemessene
Maßnahmen durchzuführen und dafür aufzukommen.

TASCAM HS-20

2

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 not block any ventilation openings. Install in

accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

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

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

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

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

10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or

pinched particularly at plugs, convenience recep­tacles, and the point where they exit from the appa­ratus.

11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the

manufacturer.

12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table

specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the appa­ratus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving
the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.

The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power

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

switch not in the ON position.
The mains plug is used as the disconnect device, the

•
disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

Caution should be taken when using earphones or

•
headphones with the product because excessive sound

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

If you are experiencing problems with this product,

•
contact TEAC for a service eferral. Do not use the

product until it has been repaired.

CAUTION

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.
If the product uses batteries (including a battery

•
pack or installed batteries), they should not be

exposed to sunshine, fire or excessive heat.
CAUTION for products that use replaceable lithium

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

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

WARNING

Products with Class ! construction are equipped

•
with a power supply cord that has a grounding

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

8

RACK-MOUNTING THE UNIT

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

Remove the feet of the unit before mounting.

13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.

CAUTION

•

Leave 1U of space above the unit for ventilation.

•

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

TASCAM HS-20

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

8

For European Customers

Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment

(a) All electrical and electronic equipment should be

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

(b) By disposing of the electrical and electronic

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

(c) Improper disposal of waste equipment can have

serious effects on the environment and human health
as a result of the presence of hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment.

(d) The crossed out wheeled dust bin symbol indicates

that electrical and electronic equipment must be
collected and disposed of separately from household
waste.

(e) The return and collection systems are available to

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

8

For China

“仅适用于海拔2000m以下地区安全使用”

“仅适用于非熱帯气候条件下安全使用”

产品有毒有害物质或元素的名称及含量

机种：HS-20 有毒有害物质或元素

品名

1 CHASSIS部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
2 PCB Assy部份 × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
3 线材部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
4 附属品部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
5 LABEL部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
6 包装部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

铅

(Pb)

汞

(Hg)

镉

(Cd)

六价铬

(Cr6+)

多溴联苯

(PBB)

多溴二苯醚

(PBDE)

○：表示该有毒有害物质在该部件所有均质材料中的含有量均在 SJ/T11363-2006 标准规定的限量要求以下。
×：表示该有毒有害物质至少在该部件的某一均质材料中的含量超出 SJ/T11363-2006 标准规定的限量要求。
（针对现在代替技术困难的电子部品及合金中的铅 )

TASCAM HS-20

4

Contents

1 – Introduction ..............................................8

Features .................................................................................. 8

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

Conventions used in this manual ..................................8

Intellectual property rights ............................................. 9

Precautions for placement and use ..............................9

Beware of condensation ...................................................9

Cleaning the unit ...............................................................10

Cleaning the display ..................................................10

About USB flash drives, SD cards and CF cards ......10

Precautions for use ....................................................10

Note about confirmed media ................................ 10

SD card write protection .........................................10

About formats ............................................................. 10

2 – Names and functions of parts ................ 11

Front panel ..........................................................................11

Rear panel ............................................................................13

PARALLEL connector .................................................14

RS-232C connector ....................................................14

RS-422 connector (attached to optional SY-2

board) ............................................................................. 14

Home Screen ...................................................................... 15

In timeline mode ........................................................15

In take and playlist modes ......................................18

Flash start screen ........................................................20

3 – Preparation ..............................................21

Inserting and removing SD and CF cards .................21

Inserting SD/CF cards ................................................ 21

Removing SD/CF cards .............................................21

Security screws ...........................................................22

Protect switch for SD cards .....................................22

About the display ..............................................................22

Adjusting the display angle .................................... 22

Adjusting display and indicator brightness ......22

Cautions related to display use .............................22

Turning the power ON and OFF ...................................23

Setting the time of the built-in clock .........................24

Lock function ......................................................................24

Recording times ................................................................25

4 – Basic operation .......................................26

SD/CF card preparation ..................................................26

Card selection ..............................................................26

Formatting SD/CF cards ........................................... 27

Setting the master clock .................................................28

Setting inputs and outputs ...........................................28

Setting the inputs ......................................................28

Setting reference levels ...........................................28

Connecting headphones ........................................29

Recording operation limitations .................................29

5 – FILE LIST ...................................................30

Explanation of folder structure ....................................30

Folder structure ................................................................30

File names .....................................................................30

File formats ..........................................................................30

FILE LIST screen overview ..............................................30

Root folder selection screen ..................................30

Folder selection screen ............................................ 31

AES31 file selection screen .....................................31

Take selection screen ................................................32

Playlist selection screen ........................................... 32

Editing the name of a folder in the root

directory ........................................................................33

Loading a folder in the root directory ................33

Rebuilding folders in the root directory ............34

Deleting a folder in the root directory ...............34

Folder operations ..............................................................35

Creating new folders .................................................35

Loading a folder..........................................................35

Rebuilding folders .....................................................36

Exporting a folder ......................................................36

Deleting a folder .........................................................36

Moving between file list screens .................................37

6 – Overview of operation modes ...............38

Timeline mode functions ...............................................38

Take mode functions .......................................................38

Playlist mode functions ..................................................38

Selecting the operation mode .....................................38

7 – Timeline mode ........................................39

Preparing to record ..........................................................39

Basic preparations......................................................39

Creating new folders .................................................39

Recording mode settings ........................................39

Setting the file format ..............................................39

Other recording settings .........................................40

Recording in timeline mode .........................................40

Locate to the recording start position ................40

Record ............................................................................40

Stopping recording ...................................................40

Playback in timeline mode ............................................40

Selecting a folder .......................................................40

Setting input monitoring ........................................ 41

Locate to the playback start position ................. 41

Playback control in timeline mode ......................41

Using the call function in timeline mode .......... 41

Reading, saving and creating AES31 editing infor-

mation ................................................................................... 41

Loading AES31 editing information .................... 41

Saving AES31 editing information .......................42

TASCAM HS-20

5

Contents

Attaching a name to and saving AES31 editing

information...................................................................42

Creating new AES31 editing information ..........43

Importing all takes ..................................................... 43

Editing AES31 file names .........................................44

Deleting AES31 files ..................................................44

Editing the timeline .......................................................... 45

Selecting the range to copy/cut/delete .............45

Setting the editing start point...............................45

Setting the editing end point ................................46

Clearing the editing start/end points .................46

Selecting a complete region for editing ............46

Copying the data in the selection (Copy) ..........47

Cutting the data in the selection (Cut) ...............47

Erasing the data in the selection (Erase) ............48

Dividing the data at the set position (Divide) ..48
Inserting the data of the copy buffer

at the set position (Insert) .......................................49

Inserting a selected file into the set position

(Insert File) ....................................................................49

Inserting silence at the set position

(Insert Mute) .................................................................50

Pasting the copy buffer data

at the set position (Paste) ........................................51

Pasting the data of a selected file into the set

position (Paste File)....................................................51

Setting fades for the designated region (Fade

IN/FadeOut) ..................................................................52

Removing set fades (Remove Fade IN/Remove

FadeOut) ........................................................................ 53

Setting the playback level

in the selected region (Level) ................................53

Undoing the previous edit (UNDO) .....................54

Redoing an edit (REDO) ...........................................54

Bouncing ..............................................................................55

8 – Take mode ...............................................56

Preparing to record ..........................................................56

Basic preparations......................................................56

Creating new folders .................................................56

Recording mode settings ........................................56

Setting the file format ..............................................56

Other recording settings .........................................57

Recording in take mode ................................................. 57

Starting recording ...................................................... 57

Stopping recording ...................................................57

Playback in take mode ....................................................57

Selecting a folder/take .............................................57

Setting input monitoring ........................................58

Playback control in take mode ..............................58

Using the call function in playlist mode ............58

Using the flash start function in take mode .....58

Take operations .................................................................59

Editing take start times ............................................59

Exporting takes ........................................................... 59

Uploading takes to an FTP server ........................60

Deleting a take ............................................................60

Sorting takes ................................................................ 61

Changing the order of takes ..................................61

Editing take names .................................................... 61

Dividing a take ............................................................62

Combining takes ........................................................63

Undoing the previous take edit (UNDO) ...........64

Redoing the previously undone take edit

(REDO) ............................................................................64

9 – Playlist mode ...........................................65

Playlist operations ............................................................65

Loading a folder..........................................................65

Creating a new playlist ............................................. 65

Changing a playlist name later ..............................66

Loading playlists .........................................................67

Deleting a playlist ......................................................67

Editing a playlist (adding, clearing and editing

entries) ..................................................................................68

ENTRY list screen ........................................................68

ASSIGN File screen ..................................................... 69

Assigning a take to an entry ...................................70

Entry number page allocation...............................70

Clearing entry assignments ....................................71

Editing entry titles ......................................................71

Editing the playback starting and ending points
72

Editing the playback Start/End point using the

number buttons and mark list screen ................72

Editing the playback starting time ......................73

Editing fade-in/fade-out length and level ........ 74

Rehearsal playback .................................................... 74

Saving playlists ............................................................75

Naming a playlist and saving it .............................75

Playback in playlist mode...............................................76

Selecting a playlist .....................................................76

Playback control in playlist mode ........................76

Using the call function in playlist mode ............76

Using the flash start function

in playlist mode ..........................................................76

10 – Internal settings ....................................77

Menu screen .......................................................................77

Recording settings (REC SETUP) ..................................77

REC MODE page .........................................................77

REC MODE ..................................................................... 77

TASCAM HS-20

6

Contents

FILE FORMAT page .....................................................79

OPTIONS page .............................................................80

Playback settings (PLAY SETUP) ...................................80

GENERAL page ............................................................80

CONTROL page ...........................................................81

Sync and timecode settings (SYNC T/C) ....................81

CLOCK page .................................................................81

SYNC page ....................................................................82

T/C page .........................................................................82

SETUP page ..................................................................83

I/O page .........................................................................84

Remote settings (REMOTE SETUP) ..............................84

GENERAL page ............................................................84

PARALLEL page ...........................................................85

RS–232C page ..............................................................85

RS–422 page ................................................................86

NETWORK page ..........................................................86

FTP page ........................................................................ 87

Network functions (FTP server/telnet/VNC) ....88

Audio Signal Input and Output settings

(AUDIO I/O) ..........................................................................90

INPUT page ...................................................................90

OUTPUT page ..............................................................90

Level meter settings (METER SETUP) .........................91

System settings (SYSTEM SETUP) ................................91

PREFERENCES page ...................................................91

ANALOG Ref LVL ADJUST page .............................92

System setting backup and preset functions .. 92

CLOCK ADJUST page .................................................92

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME SETUP screen ..............93

SNTP SETUP screen .................................................... 93

Version information (VERSION INFO) .........................94

Viewing and working with folders and files

(BROWSE) ............................................................................. 95

Displaying a folder/file .............................................95

Displaying folder/file information ........................95

Copying a folder/file .................................................96

Deleting a folder/file .................................................98

Managing media (MEDIA MANAGE)...........................99

TIMER EVENT LIST screen ...............................................99

TIMER EVENT SETUP screen ........................................101

Playback file selection screen ..............................102

Operation mode selection

(OPERATION MODE) ...................................................... 104

Viewing mark information ................................... 106

Deleting marks ......................................................... 106

Editing mark positions ...........................................107

Editing mark names.................................................107

Manual locate function ................................................ 108

12 – Other functions ...................................109

Flash start function........................................................ 109

Operation using a computer keyboard ................. 109

Setting the keyboard type ................................... 109

Use the keyboard to input names ..................... 109

List of keyboard operations ..................................110

13 – Operation with timecode synchroniza-

tion ............................................................... 111

Playback synchronized with timecode ................... 111

Timeline mode .......................................................... 111

Take mode .................................................................. 111

Playlist Mode ..............................................................111

Basic operation ................................................................ 111

Timecode offset .............................................................. 111

Rechase ............................................................................... 111

Recording synchronized with timecode ................ 111

Timeline mode .......................................................... 111

Take mode .................................................................. 111

Playlist Mode ..............................................................111

14 – Loading files recorded on another

device .......................................................... 112

Preparation before importing .................................... 112

Using imported files on this unit ...............................112

15 – Troubleshooting.................................. 113

16 – Messages .............................................114

17 – Specifications ......................................123

Audio resolution ..............................................................123

Inputs and outputs .........................................................123

Analog audio inputs and outputs ......................123

Digital audio inputs and outputs .......................123

Control input/output ratings ...............................124

Audio performance ........................................................125

General ...............................................................................125

Dimensional drawings ..................................................125

Block diagram...................................................................126

11 – Mark and locate functions ..................105

Mark functions ................................................................ 105

Adding marks ........................................................... 105

Using keys to locate to marks ............................. 105

Mark list screen ........................................................ 105

Locating to marks ................................................... 106

TASCAM HS-20

7

1 – Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing the TASCAM HS-20
Two-Channel Audio Recorder.

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

You can also download the Owner's Manual from the TEAC
Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).

Features

•

Uses SD cards and CF cards as recording media (supports
ultra DMA)

•

Mirror recording possible using two cards in dual slots

•

Two-track simultaneous recording at resolutions up to
192kHz/24-bit

•

Three operation modes including timeline, take and playlist

•

Timeline mode is similar to a tape recorder and allows
recording and playback based on a timeline

•

Take mode allows playback in take units and flash starting

•

Playlist mode allows takes to be added to playlists and
played in order or flash started

•

File formats: BWF (Broadcast Wave Format)

WAV (Waveform Audio Format)

•

Flash starting is possible using a remote control (TASCAM
RC-HS20PD or RC-SS20 sold separately)

•

Flash starting is also possible using parallel control or a
keyboard

•

Auto cue, auto ready and incremental play functions

•

AES31 editing information can be read and written in
timeline mode

•

Playlist mode function supports reading and writing of JPPA
flash start playlist files

•

JOG/SHUTTLE functions

•

Color TFT touch panel with a graphical user interface
enables intuitive operation

•

Balanced analog XLR inputs and outputs

•

Unbalanced analog RCA inputs and outputs

•

XLR AES/EBU digital inputs and outputs

•

Coaxial S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs

•

Headphones output

•

BNC timecode input and output possible using optional
SY-2

•

BNC video reference (NTSC/PAL black burst and HDTV
Tri-level signals) and word clock input, output and thru

•

USB flash drives can be connected to copy files

•

LAN (gigabit Ethernet) function allows file transfer and
remote control over a network

•

Parallel remote control supported

•

RS-232C serial remote control supported

•

RS-422 serial remote control (based on 9-pin serial protocol)
supported using optional SY-2

•

Mounting in a rack possible (2U)

•

Can be used with TASCAM HS Editor

•

SNTP function allows time to be set using an NTP server

•

Recorded files can be automatically transmitted over a
network to designated servers

•

Automatic playback, recording and file transfer possible in
time mode using the timer event list

•

When SD cards and CF cards are inserted, folders necessary
for recording and playback are created automatically

Included items

This product includes the following items.
Take care when opening the package not to damage the items.
Keep the packing materials for transportation in the future.
Please contact TEAC if any of these items are missing or have

been damaged during transportation.

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

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

• Rackmount screw kit ........................................................................× 1

• Security screws ...................................................................................× 3

• Owner’s Manual

(this document including warranty at back) ...........................× 1

Conventions used in this manual

The following conventions are used in this manual.

•

When we refer to keys, connectors and other parts of this
unit and other equipment, we use a bold font like this:

MENU key.

•

“CompactFlash card” is sometimes abbreviated as “CF card”.

•

Additional information is provided as necessary as tips,
notes and cautions.

TIP

These are tips about how to use the unit.

NOTE

These provide additional explanations and describe special
cases.

CAUTION

Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury,
damage to equipment or lost recording data, for example.

TASCAM HS-20

8

1 – Introduction

Intellectual property rights

•

TASCAM is a trademark of TEAC Corporation, registered in
the U.S. and other countries.

•

CompactFlash is a US registered trademark of SanDisk
Corporation.

•

SDHC logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.

•

Other company names, product names and logos in this
document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.

Any DATA, including, but not limited to information,
described herein are intended only as illustrations of such
DATA and/or information and not as the specifications for
such DATA and/or information. TEAC Corporation disclaims
any warranty that any use of such DATA and/or information
shall be free from infringement of any third party’s
intellectual property rights or other proprietary rights, and
further, assumes no liability of whatsoever nature in the
event of any such infringement, or arising from or connected
with or related to the use of such DATA and/or information.

This product is designed to help you record and reproduce
sound works to which you own the copyright, or where
you have obtained permission from the copyright holder or
the rightful licensor. Unless you own the copyright, or have
obtained the appropriate permission from the copyright
holder or the rightful licensor, your unauthorized recording,
reproduction or distribution thereof may result in severe
criminal penalties under copyright laws and international
copyright treaties. If you are uncertain about your rights,
contact your legal advisor. Under no circumstances will TEAC
Corporation be responsible for the consequences of any
illegal copying performed using the recorder.

Precautions for placement and use

•

The guaranteed operating temperature range of this
product is 5º - 35º C (41º- 95º F).

•

Do not install in the following types of places. Doing
so could degrade the sound quality and/or cause
malfunctions.

o Places with significant vibrations or that are

otherwise unstable

o Near windows or other places exposed to direct

sunlight

o Near heaters or other extremely hot places
o Extremely cold places
o Places with bad ventilation or high humidity
o Dusty places

•

Make sure that the unit is mounted in a level position for
correct operation.

•

In order to promote the emission of heat, do not place
anything on top of this product.

•

Do not place this product on top of a powered amplifier or
other equipment that emits heat.

Beware of condensation

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

TASCAM HS-20

9

1 – Introduction

Cleaning the unit

Use a dry soft cloth to wipe the unit clean. Do not wipe with
chemical cleaning cloths, thinner, alcohol or other chemical
agents.

Doing so could damage the surface or cause discoloration.

Cleaning the display

Gently wipe the display with a soft dry cloth that does not shed
dust (e.g. a cleaning cloth).

Avoid wiping with a stiff cloth or rubbing with force. Doing so
will damage the surface of the LCD. Do not use benzene, thinner,
manicure remover, alcohol or similar substances.

About USB flash drives, SD cards and CF cards

This unit uses SD cards and CF cards for recording and playback.
In addition, you can connect USB flash drives and use them to

back up data from SD/CF cards and to save files to them.
A list of USB flash drives, SD cards and CF cards that have been

confirmed to work with this unit can be found on the TEAC
Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).

SD card write protection

In order to improve operational performance, this unit writes
track information to the media. Since track information cannot
be written to write-protected SD cards, performance will be
affected, including requiring more time to write to the media.

About formats

Always format SD and CF cards with this unit before using them
in it. Media formatted by this unit will be optimized to improve
performance with it.

If media that has been formatted by a computer or another
device is used with this unit, its operation might be affected.

Precautions for use

USB flash drives, SD cards and CF cards are delicate media. In
order to avoid damaging a flash drive or card, please follow
these precautions when handling them.

•

Do not leave them in extremely hot or cold places.

•

Do not leave them in extremely humid places.

•

Do not let them get wet.

•

Do not put things on top of them or twist them.

•

Do not hit them.

•

Do not connect or disconnect USB flash drives, SD cards
and CF cards when they are being accessed, including
during recording, playback and data transfer.

•

Always cover their connectors when transporting them. Do
not leave connectors exposed.

Note about confirmed media

This unit uses SD cards and CF cards for recording and playback
and USB flash drives to back up data from SD/CF cards and to
save files to them.

We recommend using genuine TASCAM CF cards, but you can
also use commercially-available CF cards.

Micro drives cannot be used with this unit.
Moreover, older SD/CF cards as well as some newer SD/CF cards

use slow memory components and internal buffers with low
capacity. Use of such SD/CF cards could affect the recording
performance of this unit.

Moreover, some older USB flash drives use slow memory
components or internal buffers with low capacity.

Use of such USB flash drives could increase the amount of time
necessary for reading and writing data.

Please refer to the list of USB flash drives, SD cards and CF cards
that have been confirmed to work with this unit on the TEAC
Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).

TASCAM HS-20

10

Front panel

2 – Names and functions of parts

1 POWER switch

Use to turn the power on and off.
This switch has a cover to prevent misoperation.
Open the cover from below to access and operate the

switch.

2 USB connector

By connecting a USB flash drive, for example, you can back
up data from SD/CF cards and save files to them.

By connecting a USB keyboard, you can input folder names,
for example.

By default, the unit is set to use Japanese keyboards, which
have a different layout from US keyboards.

To use a US keyboard, change the setting on the PREFER­ENCES page of the SYSTEM SETUP screen. (See “PREFER­ENCES page” on page 91.)

NOTE

Do not disconnect a USB flash drive when using it to copy
files.

You can connect and disconnect a USB flash drive at all
other times.

You can connect and disconnect USB keyboards at any time.
This unit is not compatible with USB hubs and other devices

with USB hub functions.

3 SD/CF card indicators

The indicator for the currently selected card slot lights.
When recording, copying or transferring files by FTP, it blinks

rapidly.
When no card is inserted in the current slot, it blinks slowly.

CAUTION

Do not remove a card from the slot when its indicator (SD
card or CF card) is blinking rapidly.

4 SD/CF card slots

Insert and remove SD cards and CF cards here. (See
“Inserting and removing SD and CF cards” on page 21.)

5 HOME key

Press to open the Home Screen. Press the MENU key while
pressing and holding the HOME key to open the LOCK
SETUP screen. (See “Lock function” on page 24.)

Turn the DATA dial when pressing and holding the HOME
key to adjust the brightness of the color display, the PAUSE,
REC and PLAY keys and the JOG [SHUTTLE], and SD and CF
indicators.

Push and turn the DATA dial while pressing and holding the
HOME key to adjust the brightness of only the color display.

6 MENU key

Press to open the MENU screen.
Press the MENU key while pressing and holding the HOME

key to open the LOCK SETUP screen. (See “Lock function” on
page 24.)

7 Color display

This 3.5-inch TFT color display has a 320 x 240 resolution.
It shows various types of information and is used for

numerous operations.

8 DATA dial

Turn to use as a DATA dial and press to use as an ENTER
key. When setting parameter values, press while turning to
change them in large increments (coarse mode).

When the take mode Home Screen is open and neither the
Flash Page knob nor the NEXT TAKE NAME screen number
section are selected, turn this to select the take.

When a pop-up window is open, this works as the OK or
CLOSE button.

Turn the DATA dial when pressing and holding the HOME
key to adjust the brightness of the color display, the PAUSE,
REC and PLAY keys and the JOG [SHUTTLE], and SD and CF
indicators.

Push and turn the DATA dial while pressing and holding the
HOME key to adjust the brightness of only the color display.

9 STOP key

Press to stop recording or playback.

0 PLAY key/indicator

When stopped or in playback standby, press this key to start
playback. This key lights during playback.

Press this key when in recording standby to start recording.
Both the PLAY and REC keys light during recording.

In timeline mode, press the PLAY key while pressing and
holding the REC key to start recording from that point. Both
the PLAY and REC keys light during recording.

q PAUSE key/indicator

Press this key when stopped or during playback to put the
unit in playback standby. This key lights when in standby.

Press this key while recording to put the unit in recording
standby. Both the PAUSE and REC keys light when in
recording standby.

w REC key/indicator

When a recordable card is installed and the unit is stopped,
press this key to put the unit into recording standby. Both
the PAUSE and REC keys light during recording standby.

TASCAM HS-20

11

2 – Names and functions of parts

In timeline mode, press the PLAY key while pressing and
holding the REC key to start recording from that point. Both
the PLAY and REC keys light during recording.

e PHONES knob/jack

Connect stereo headphones to this standard stereo phone
jack.

This jack outputs the signal from the internal monitoring
mixer.

Use the PHONES knob to adjust the headphones output
level.

CAUTION

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

r KEYBOARD connector

Connect an IBM PC-compatible keyboard with a PS/2
interface here.

You can use it to input the names of folders, for example.
By default, the unit is set to use Japanese keyboards, which

have a different layout from US keyboards. To use a US
keyboard, change the setting on the PREFERENCES page of
the SYSTEM SETUP screen. (“PREFERENCES page” on page

91.)

t FILE LIST key

Touch to open the FILE LIST screen. (See “FILE LIST screen
overview” on page 30.)

y EXIT/CANCEL [PEAK CLEAR] key

Press to cancel input or item selection.
When a pull-up or pull-down menu is open, press to close it.
On the Home Screen, when no pull-up/pull-down menu

is open, this key functions as a reset button for peak hold
marks shown on the level meters

When the MENU screen or FILE LIST screen is open, press this
to return to the Home Screen.

On other screens, press this to return to the previous screen.
When a pop-up window is open, press this to cancel an

operation.

u CALL [CHASE] key

Press to locate to and pause playback at the call point, which
is where playback last started from playback standby.

Press this key while pressing and holding the SHIFT key to
turn synchronization with timecode ON/OFF.

i LCD TILT button

Press this button to unlock the color display.
To adjust the angle of the color display, press this button to

unlock it and pull the bottom of the display outward.
To put the display away, press this button to unlock it and

push the bottom inward.

o m [ ] and , [ ] (search) keys

Press one of these keys to search.

m [ ] key: search backward
, [ ] key: search forward

Press one of these keys while pressing and holding the
SHIFT key to search at high speed.

p . / /[MARK. / /] (skip) keys

Use these keys to skip between regions, takes and entries.
Press these keys while pressing and holding the SHIFT

key to move to the previous/next mark. After moving, the
same playback state resumes (stopped/playback standby/
playback).

a MARK key

Press this key to add a mark at the currently located time.
The maximum number of marks, including automatic marks,

possible in a single timeline/take is 99. (See “Mark functions”
on page 105.)

s SHIFT key

When stopped/in playback standby/during playback:

o Press the . key while pressing and holding this key

to move to the previous mark, and resume the same
playback state.

o Press the / key while pressing and holding this key to

move to the next mark, and resume the same playback
state.

o Press the m[ ] or ,[ ] key while pressing

and holding this key to search at high speed.

o Press the JOG [SHUTTLE] key while pressing and holding

this key to activate the shuttle operation mode.

o Press the CALL [CHASE] key while pressing and holding

this key to turn timecode synchronization ON/OFF.

d JOG [SHUTTLE] key and indicator

Press to enable use of the JOG/SHUTTLE functions.
Press this key to enable the jog operation mode of the JOG/

SHUTTLE dial. When this mode is enabled, this indicator
lights.

Press this key while pressing the SHIFT key to enable the
shuttle operation mode of the JOG/SHUTTLE dial. When
this is enabled, this indicator blinks.

Press this key again to disable either mode.

f JOG/SHUTTLE dial

When in jog operation mode, turn this to change the
playback position by a corresponding amount.

When in shuttle operation mode, turn this to adjust the
playback speed according to the degree of rotation.

If you return to the original position when in shuttle
operation mode, the transport status is restored to how it
was before shuttle playback was begun.

TASCAM HS-20

12

Rear panel

2 – Names and functions of parts

g ANALOG IN L/R (UNBALANCED) connectors

These RCA pin jacks are analog unbalanced inputs (L/R)
The rated input level is −10dBV.

h ANALOG IN L/R (BALANCED) connectors

These XLR connectors are balanced analog inputs (L/R)
The rated input level is +4dBu. (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)

j DIGITAL IN (S/PDIF) connector

This connector is an unbalanced input for digital audio in
IEC60958-3(S/PDIF) and AES3-2003/IEC60958-4 (AES/EBU)
formats.

Sampling frequencies of 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz are trans­mitted at double speed, and 176.4 kHz and 192kHz are at
quadruple speed.

This unit is equipped with a sampling rate converter which
supports 32 kHz to 192 kHz.

k DIGITAL IN (AES/EBU) connector

This connector is an XLR balanced input for digital audio in
AES3-2003 / IEC60958-4 (AES/EBU) and IEC60958-3 (S/PDIF)
format.

Sampling frequencies of 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz are trans­mitted at double speed, and 176.4 kHz and 192kHz are at
quadruple speed.

This unit is equipped with a sampling rate converter which
supports 32 kHz to 192 kHz.

l REMOTE connector

Connect a TASCAM RC-HS20PD remote control (sold
separately) here.

NOTE

A protective cover is attached to this connector when
shipped from the factory. Remove the cover to use the
connector.

CAUTION

This is not an Ethernet connector (LAN, etc.). Never connect
this to a network using an Ethernet cable.

Doing so could damage this unit or equipment in the
network.

; RS-232C connector

This is a 9-pin D-sub connector for RS-232C serial control.
Connect an external controller, for example, here.

NOTE

It cannot be used at the same time as the RS-422 connector.
(See “RS–232C page” on page 85.)

z PARALLEL connector

This is a 25-pin D-sub connector for parallel control.
Connect a TASCAM RC-SS20 or another external controller

here.

x AC IN connector

Connect the included power cord here.

c ANALOG OUT L/R (UNBALANCED) connectors

These RCA pin jacks are analog unbalanced outputs (L/R).
Their rated output level is −10 dBV.

v ANALOG OUT L/R (BALANCED) connectors

These XLR connectors are balanced analog outputs (L/R).
Their rated output level is +6 dBu when Digital Ref. Level is

set to −9dBFs and +4dBu in other cases. (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3:
COLD)

b DIGITAL OUT (S/PDIF) connector

This connector is an unbalanced output for digital audio in
IEC60958-3(S/PDIF) format.

Sampling frequencies of 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz are trans­mitted at double speed, and 176.4 kHz and 192kHz are at
quadruple speed.

n DIGITAL OUT (AES/EBU) connectors

This connector is an XLR balanced output for digital audio in
AES3-2003/IEC60958-4 (AES/EBU) format.

Sampling frequencies of 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz are trans­mitted at double speed, and 176.4 kHz and 192kHz are at
quadruple speed.

m RS-422 connector (attached to optional SY-2 board)

This is a 9-pin D-sub connector for RS-422 serial control.
Connect an external controller, for example, here.

NOTE

This cannot be used at the same time as the RS-232C
connector. (See “RS–422 page” on page 86.)

, TIME CODE IN/OUT connectors (attached to optional

SY-2 board)

These BNC connectors are for SMPTE timecode input and
output.

. WORD/VIDEO IN connector

This BNC connector is for input of word clock and video
reference signals. Use this to input a word clock signal
(44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz)
or a video reference signal (NTSC/PAL black burst or HDTV
Tri-Level).

Use the switch to set whether or not to terminate with 75Ω.

/ WORD/VIDEO THRU/WORD OUT connector

TASCAM HS-20

13

2 – Names and functions of parts

This BNC connector is for output of word clock thru/out and
video reference thru signals.

Use this to output a word clock signal (thru, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz,

88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz) or a video reference
signal (IN connector signal thru only).

Use the THRU/WORD OUT switch to set the signal output.

! 75Ω OFF/ON and THRU/WORD OUT switch

Use this switch to make the following settings.

o Whether or not the WORD/VIDEO IN connector has a

terminator (75Ω)

o The WORD/VIDEO output THRU/OUT setting (OUT is only

for WORD)

@ ETHERNET connector

Use this Ethernet connector to connect to a network for file
transfer and to control this unit from an external source.

PARALLEL connector

The PARALLEL connector on the rear panel allows external
control of this unit. (A TASCAM RC-SS20 can also be connected.)

The pin assignments are as follows.

Pin

Normal

No.
1 GND GND
2 PLAY FLASH 1 I
3 STOP FLASH 2 I
4 RECORD FLASH 3 I
5 SKIP FWD FLASH 4 I
6 SKIP BWD FLASH 5 I
7 (Reserved) STOP I
8 FADER_START FADER_START I
9 (Reserved) (Reserved) O
10 TALLY_PAUSE TALLY_PAUSE O
11 TALLY_RECORD RESERVED O
12 TALLY_STOP TALLY_STOP O
13 TALLY_PLAY TALLY_PLAY O

REMOTE_SELECT,

14

H or Open
15 PAUSE FLASH 6 I
16 (Reserved) FLASH 7 I
17 AUX1, FF FLASH 8 I
18 AUX2, REW FLASH 9 I
19 AUX3, MARK FLASH 10 I
20 (Reserved) FLASH_PAGE I
21 (Reserved) (Reserved) O
22 TALLY_SD TALLY_SD
23 (Reserved) (Reserved) O
24 TALLY_CF TALLY_CF
25 +5V

I: Command input for transport control

O: Command output, for tally output

1For RC-SS20, assigned to CF indicator
2For RC-SS20, assigned to CD indicator

3

Internal circuit, +5V pull-up
Triggers from a low input level of 50 msec or more

The internal circuit is open collector
(10Ω output impedance)
Low command output when operating
20V dielectric strength, 35mA maximum current

RC-SS20 PonMode

REMOTE_SELECT, L I

1

2

3

+5V

I/O

O

O

3+5V: maximum supplied current is 50 mA

When REMOTE Select (pin 14) is set to high, it can be used as an
ordinary parallel controller.

When set to low, flash start mode is enabled.
In addition, depending on the high/low setting of the Flash
Page (pin 20), the key assignments are as follows.

Pin 14 Pin 20 Flash start take

Low
Low Low 11–20

The following example is of a connection that uses a fader to
start and stop playback of this unit.

For information about the assignment of AUX 1–3 (pins 17–19)
functions, see “PARALLEL page” on page 85.

High 1–10

NOTE

When controlling this unit with an external device that
is connected to the PARALLEL connector, if the unit is
stopped, you can start recording immediately by simultane­ously inputing PLAY and RECORD signals. In addition, by
simultaneously inputting PLAY and RECORD signals
during playback in timeline mode, you can start overwrite
recording.

RS-232C connector

The RS-232C connector on the rear panel can be connected to
an RS-232C connector on a computer to allow control of this
unit from that computer.

Make settings related to communication on the RS–232C page
of the REMOTE SETUP screen. (See “RS–232C page” on page

85.)

NOTE

Please contact TASCAM customer support for information
about this unit’s RS-232C command protocol.

RS-422 connector (attached to optional SY-2 board)

The optional SY-2 board is equipped with an RS-422 connector.
You can control this unit remotely by installing an SY-2 board in

this unit and connecting the RS-422 connector to a controller or
editor compatible with the SONY P2 protocol (RS-422).

Make settings related to operation on the REMOTE SETUP screen
RS–422 page. (See “RS–422 page” on page 86.)

NOTE

Please contact TASCAM customer support for information
about this unit’s protocol compatibility.

TASCAM HS-20

14

2 – Names and functions of parts

Home Screen

Press the HOME key to open the Home Screen.

In timeline mode

23 4561

7
8

9
0
q
w

e

opas df

1 NTP server time synchronization status

If an error occurs during synchronization with an NTP server,
an error icon will blink like this: § .

2 Repeat status

When repeat playback is on, the icon lights green.
When repeat playback is off, the icon appears unlit.

r
t

y

u
i

6 Audio synchronization status button/indicator

When synchronized to a Master clock, the
SYNC indicator appears green.

§

Touch this area to open the SYNC T/C screen. (See “Sync and
timecode settings (SYNC T/C)” on page 81.)

The SYNC indicator blinks when not synchro­nized to a Master clock.

7 Transport status indicator

This icon shows the current transport status.

Playing back or jogging playback (forward)

Jogging playback (reverse)

Playback standby

Stopped

Searching backward

Searching forward

Searching backward (high-speed)

Searching forward (high-speed)

The number shown when searching backward
(shuttle operation) changes with the current
speed: x2, x4, x8, x16, x32.
The number shown when searching forward
(shuttle operation) changes with the current
speed: x2, x4, x8, x16, x32.

Recording

Recording standby

3 Time counter (button)

The time displayed is the elapsed time or the timecode time.
Touch this area to change the time display mode.

4 Time mode (button)

This icon shows the current time display mode.
Touch this area to change the time display mode.

The time elapsed from the beginning of the
timeline is shown.

The timecode for the timeline is shown.

5 Timecode status button/indicator

When accurate timecode is input and recog­nized correctly, the TC indicator appears green.

When timecode is not recognized correctly, the
TC indicator appears unlit.

This shows the status when operation is synchronized to
timecode.

The CHASE indicator appears green only
when operation is synchronized with
external timecode or the built-in timecode
generator (selectable).
The CHASE indicator blinks when not

§

Touch this area to open the SYNC T/C screen. (See “Sync and
timecode settings (SYNC T/C)” on page 81.)

operating with timecode synchronization
and when synchronization is lost during
synchronized operation.

Touch this area to open the PLAY SETUP screen.

8 AES31 File name (button)

This shows the current active AES31 file name (AES31
editing information file).

A * appears when the timeline has not been saved after
editing (including the addition and removal of folder editing
marks)

Touch this area to open a pull-down menu.

START TIME EDIT button

This opens the START TIME screen where you can set the
timeline mode starting time. This can only be selected
when stopped.

REBUILD button

This rebuilds if files have been deleted or modified using
FTP.

This can only be selected when stopped.

SAVE button

Save the contents of the timeline.
This can only be selected when stopped.

TASCAM HS-20

15

2 – Names and functions of parts

SAVE AS button

This name and saves the content of the timeline.
This can only be selected when stopped.
(See “Saving AES31 editing information” on page 42.)

CREATE AES31 button

This opens the AES31 NAME screen where you can
create new AES31 files.

This can only be selected when stopped.
(See “Creating new AES31 editing information” on page

43.)

IMPORT ALL TAKES button

This imports all takes in the current folder.
This can only be selected when stopped. (See “Importing

all takes” on page 43.)

9 Input monitoring indicators

The indicators at the left end of the level meters show the
status of input monitoring. The indicator background colors
show the input monitoring status.

Playlist Mode

MON OFF

MON ON

Timeline mode
Take mode

0 Level meters

The input signal levels are shown when input monitoring is
on, during recording standby and when recording.

Each channel also has an overload indicator at its right end
that appears red when the input overloads.

During playback, track playback levels are shown when
input monitoring is off.

When the input source is set to a digital input, but there is
no input signal or if the input signal differs from the internal
setting, the channel meter display area appears gray and
one of the following messages appears.

Message Meaning

D-IN NO SIGNAL No input signal

D-IN UNLOCK

D-IN NOT AUDIO

D-IN Cbit ERROR

Input signal is not synchronized with
system
Cbit information of input signal is
not audio
Other Cbit information of input
signal differs from actual operation
mode

o Release time
o Overload indicator peak level
o Reference level line display on/off

q Time display area

This area shows 4 equal divisions of the timeline for the set
time display mode.

This area scrolls horizontally to correspond with the time
counter.

w Mark display area

Timeline marks appear here.
This area scrolls horizontally to correspond with the time

counter.

IN mark

OUT mark

Other types of marks

e Track display area

This shows the track regions.
The left track is on the top and the right track is on the

bottom.
Region fade-ins, fade-outs and cross-fades are shown in

light blue.
The status of each region is shown by color as shown below.

Normal White

Being recorded Red
Fade-in
Fade-out
Cross-fade area
Selected region Medium blue

Selected silent part Dark blue

This area scrolls horizontally along with the time counter.

Light blue

r EDIT MODE button

Touch this to turn editing mode on/off. In this mode you can
divide, erase, and trim regions, for example. (See “Editing the
timeline” on page 45.)

D–IN NO SIGNAL shown

The following settings can be made for the display of the
level meters on the METER SETUP screen from the MENU
screen.

o Metering point
o Peak hold time

TASCAM HS-20

16

t Recording media info button

This shows which of the card slots is being used and its
remaining recording time.

The background color is green during playback and red
while recording.

If there is no media in the card slot, No Media appears on a
light gray background.

If the card has no folders, "No Project"appears. When an
unformatted card is inserted, UNFORMAT appears.

When a card is inserted in the card slot that is not being
used for recording, UNMOUNT appears. When recording
stops, this will change to its ordinary appearance.

2 – Names and functions of parts

If the total number of entries, including files and subfolders,
inside a folder exceeds about 20,000, recording becomes
impossible and "Rec Limit" appears. For details, see
“Recording operation limitations” on page 29.

Press this area to open the MEDIA SELECT screen. (See “Card
selection” on page 26.)

Media status indicators

These indicators show whether media recording is possible,
not possible or not selected for recording.

The status will be displayed in timeline and take modes.
(Status is not displayed in playlist mode.)

o Indicators

Recording
possible

o Remaining media button examples

1 REC MODE set to Single

Recording Not recording

2 REC MODE set to Mirror

Recording Not recording

Recording not
possible

Not selected
for recording

Recording not
possible*

o INPUT MONITOR button

Touch this button to open a pull-up menu where you can
turn input monitoring ON/OFF.

When ON, sound input through the assigned input
connector is always output from this unit.

p BOUNCE I/O button

Touch this button to open a pull-up menu for bouncing.

3 REC MODE set to Mirror when mirroring not possible*

Recording Not recording

*See “Setting button appearance” on page 77 for more
information about when recording is not possible or
mirroring is not possible.

Recording not
possible*

y Zoom rate

This shows the track area zoom ratio and the amount of time
displayed.

Turn the DATA dial to the right to zoom in (reduce the
amount of time displayed) and turn it to the left to zoom out
(increase the amount of time displayed).

u Timeline cursor

This cursor shows the position of recording or playback. It is
always shown in the middle of the screen.

i Mark name

This is the name of the mark at the current time or the
nearest preceding mark.

Touch this part while a mark name other than the auto mark
is shown to open the mark name editing screen.

Bounce button

Touch this button to bounce. In the following circum­stances, this button appears gray and cannot be used.

o When both starting (IN) and ending (OUT) points have not

been set

o During playback or recording

SET IN button

Touch to set the current position as the bounce starting
(IN) point.

SET OUT button

Touch to set the current position as the bounce ending
(OUT) point.

CLEAR button

Touch to discard the currently set bounce starting (IN)
and ending (OUT) points.

For details about this button, see “Bouncing” on page 55.

a NEXT TAKE NAME button

Touch this button to open the NEXT TAKE NAME page where
you can set the name that will be given to takes or files
recorded in the future.

o First half of take names

The first half of the take name can be set to either the
User Word, Folder Name or Date/Time.

(Default: DATE/TIME)

CAUTION

The first half of the take name can only be changed when
the unit is stopped.

o User Word mode button

Use the user word for the first half of the take name.
Touch the EDIT button to open the screen where you

can change the user word. (This works the same as the
screen for editing the names of folders in the root folder.)

TASCAM HS-20

17

2 – Names and functions of parts

s INFO button

o Folder Name mode button

Use the folder name as the first half of the take name.

o Date/Time mode button

Use the date/time for the first half of the take name. (The
format is “y yyymmdd-hhmmss”.)

Example: If it was created at 3:10:20 PM on July 1,

2014, the first half of the take name will be
“20140701-151020”.

d Mark List button

f Manual Locate button

NOTE

If the first half of the take name or the letter in the second
half is different, a take that has the same three-digit number
in the second half can be created.

Touch this button to open an information display that shows
the file name of the region at the timeline cursor and the
current unit settings beneath the track display area.

The upper section shows the file name of the region at the
timeline cursor.

The lower section shows the current sampling frequency,
recording bit length and frame type settings.

Touch this button to open the mark list. (See “Mark list
screen” on page 105.)

Touch this button to open the MANUAL LOCATE screen. (See
“Manual locate function” on page 108.)

o Second half of take names

The second half of the take name is comprised of one
alphabetical letter and a three-digit number. Touch the
EDIT button to open the screen where you can change
the letter.

You can change the three-digit number with the +
and – buttons. You can also touch the numerical part to
highlight it in yellow and use the DATA dial to change
the number.

In the following cases, “---” appears and the value cannot
be changed.

o The current folder is not loaded.
o The selected card is unavailable
o When the numerical part of the file name of the

current take is 999

CAUTION

•

The Next Take Name setting is saved to the SC/CF card. If
you change cards, the setting on that card will be used.

(Even when using a card created on another HS series unit,
the setting will change when you change the folder.)

•

The numerical part of the second half of the take name can
be changed even during playback and recording.

(The first half of the take name and the letter in the second
half can only be changed when stopped.)

In take and playlist modes

g

hj

k
l
;

z

bn

In take mode

NOTE

When in playlist mode, the INPUT MONITOR, EDIT and NEXT
TAKE NAME buttons are not shown.

g Timer event function status button

This shows timer event function status. (Take mode only)

: Timer event function on

: Timer event function off

: Timer event has been edited, but not saved

m

x

c
v

TASCAM HS-20

18

2 – Names and functions of parts

Press this button to open the TIMER EVENT LIST screen. (See
“TIMER EVENT LIST screen” on page 99.)

h Take/entry number

The number of the currently selected take or entry is shown.
In recording standby, the file name of the take to be

recorded next will be shown. Take numbers are assigned in
the order that they are recorded within a folder.

j Time mode button

This icon shows the current time display mode.
Touch this area to change the time display mode.

Mode Details

The elapsed time from the beginning of the take
is shown.
Unless recording, the time remaining until the
end of the take is shown. When recording, the
time remaining until the maximum file size is
shown.
The elapsed time from the beginning of the
folder is shown.
Unless recording, the time remaining until the
end of the folder is shown. When recording,
the remaining recordable time on the currently
selected card using the current recording
settings is shown.
The timecode time of the file being recorded or
played is shown.

In take mode

TAKE List button

This opens the take selection screen (TAKE screen). On
the take selection screen displayed by using this button,
the folder selection screen will not open even if you
press the folder name display area.

(See “FILE LIST screen overview” on page 30.)

CIRCLE @ TAKE button

Touch this to add or remove “@” at the beginning of the
current take name.

(See “Deleting a take” on page 60.)

REBUILD button

This rebuilds if files have been deleted or modified using
FTP.

In playlist mode

k Time bar

This shows the current playback position. The appearance
depends on the time display mode.

Mode Details Bar display

The current playback
position relative to the
length of the take or
entry is shown.
The current playback
position relative to the
length of all the takes in
the folder or the entire
playlist is shown.

(White vertical lines
show the boundaries
between takes and
entries.)

Elongates from left end
to right end
Shortens from left end
to right end
Elongates from left end
to right end

Shortens from left end
to right end

Elongates from left end
to right end

NOTE

A red progress bar that extends from the left end to the
right end with a frequency of approximately five seconds is
shown during recording.

l Take/entry name button

This shows the name and icon of the currently active take or
entry.

In recording standby, the file name of the take to be
recorded next will be shown.

When in playlist mode, a “*” appears in the icon if the playlist
has not been saved after editing (including the addition and
removal of entries).

Touch this area to open a pull-down menu.

ASSIGN FILE button

This shows the ASSIGN screen where you can assign files.
(See “ASSIGN File screen” on page 69.)

ENTRY LIST button

This shows the entry list (ENTRY) screen. (See “ENTRY list
screen” on page 68.)

ADJUST ENTRY button

This opens the ADJUST ENTRY *** screen where you can
edit an entry.

(See “Editing entry titles” on page 71, “Editing the
playback starting and ending points” on page 72,
“Editing the playback starting time” on page 73 and
“Editing fade-in/fade-out length and level” on page

74.)

REBUILD button

This rebuilds if files have been deleted or modified using
FTP.

SAVE button

This saves the current playlist. This can only be selected
when stopped.

(See “Saving playlists” on page 75.)

SAVE AS button

This adds a name to the current playlist and saves it. This
can only be selected when stopped.

(See “Saving playlists” on page 75.)

TASCAM HS-20

19

2 – Names and functions of parts

CREATE PLAYLIST button

This opens the PLAYLIST NAME screen where you can
create a new playlist.

(See “Creating a new playlist” on page 65.)

; Level meters

These are the same as on the Home Screen in timeline
mode.

z Time display area

The appearance depends on the time display mode.

Mode Left end Right end

00:00:00:00

Total take or entry
length

00:00:00:00

Total folder or playlist
length

Starting time of folder
or playlist

When recording and in recording standby, however, the time
bar and division lines are not shown.

Total take or entry
length

00:00:00:00

Total folder or playlist
length

00:00:00:00

Ending time of folder
or playlist

x Flash Page number and knob

This shows the Flash Page number. Touch this area to enable
selection (yellow background), and turn the DATA dial to
change the page number (turn right to increase and turn left
to decrease).

Flash start screen

1. Press the HOME key when the Home Screen is already open
to open the flash start screen.

2. Use the DATA dial to select the page that contains the
takes or entries that you want to play after touching and
highlighting (yellow background) the operation/display
knob on the flash page.

NOTE

The flash start screen has five pages (PAGE 1–5) that can
each show 20 takes.

3. Touch a take or entry button that has a flash start indicator
lit orange on the display to use flash start playback. Flash
starting is also possible using a connected PS/2 keyboard
and devices connected to this unit’s remote connectors
(REMOTE, RS-232C and PARALLEL).

4. Touch the INFO button to open the information screen.
The contents of this screen are the same as the information
screen that opens by pressing the INFO button when the
Home Screen is open.

c Current time cursor

This cursor shows the playback position. This scrolls horizon­tally in correspondence with the time counter.

It is not shown when recording (take mode only).

v Mark name

This is the name of the mark at the current time or the
nearest preceding mark.

Touch this part while a mark name other than the auto mark
is shown to open the mark name editing screen.

b INPUT MONITOR button

These are the same as on the Home Screen in timeline
mode.

n EDIT button

Touch this button to open a pull-up menu for take editing.

m NEXT TAKE NAME button

These are the same as on the Home Screen in timeline
mode.

TASCAM HS-20

20

3 – Preparation

Inserting and removing SD and CF cards

Inserting SD/CF cards

Insert an SD/CF card into the SD card slot or CF card slot on the
front of the unit in order to use it for recording and playback.

NOTE

SD/CF cards can be inserted whether the unit is ON or OFF.

1. Pull the card slot cover forward to open it.

2. Insert the SD/CF card with the correct orientation.

With the labeled side up, insert the end with the connector
completely.

Removing SD/CF cards

Turn the unit OFF or stop operations before removing an SD/CF
card.

CAUTION

Never remove an SD/CF card during recording, playback or
any other operation that accesses the card. Doing so could,
for example, cause recording errors, loss of recorded data,
and sudden loud noises to be output through monitoring
equipment, which could result in damaged equipment and
hearing loss.

1. Pull the card slot cover forward to open it.

2. If using an SD card, press the card into the slot slightly and

release it to bring the card out.
If using a CF card, press the square button to the right of the

CF card slot to bring the button out. Press the square button
in again to partially eject the CF card.

3. Close the cover.

3. Pull the SD/CF card out by hand.

NOTE

If you cannot close the cover of the card slot, remove the SD/
CF card and then reinsert the card.

If using a CF card, remove the CF card, press the square
button to the right of the slot and then reinsert the card.

TASCAM HS-20

21

3 – Preparation

Security screws

The included security screws can be used to lock the CF card
slot covers.

Use a Phillips head screwdriver to install or remove the
screws.

Protect switch for SD cards

SD cards have write-protection switches.

About the display

Adjusting the display angle

Push the LCD TILT button to unlock the display, and then pull
the bottom of the display forward to adjust the angle.

Pull the bottom of the display until you hear a clicking sound.
To restore it to its flat position, push the LCD TILT button again

to unlock the display, and push the bottom of the display.
Push the bottom of the display until you hear a clicking sound.

CAUTION

Do not push the display screen itself.

Writable

If you slide the protection switch to the “LOCK” position, you
cannot record or edit files on it. Unlock the write-protection if
you want to record or delete files on it, for example.

Not writable

CAUTION

The unit will check all audio files on a write-protected SD
card every time the device is switched. As a result, it takes
longer to switch the device. Editing the timeline is not
possible, either.

Adjusting display and indicator brightness

Turn the DATA dial while pressing and holding the HOME key to
adjust the brightness of the color display, the PAUSE, REC and
PLAY keys, and the JOG [SHUTTLE], SD and CF indicators. Push
and turn the DATA dial while pressing and holding the HOME
key to adjust only the brightness of the color display.

Cautions related to display use

o The display can easily be scratched, so do not use pointed

objects, including fingernail tips, to touch it. Always touch
it with your fingers.

o Do not press the display forcefully with a finger or poke

it with a pen, toothpick or other pointed object. Doing so
could scratch the display or cause malfunction.

o The touch screen is made of film and glass. Do not apply

strong force to its surface. Doing so could break the glass.

o When using the display, do not put a hand on the panel or

push around the display forcefully. Doing so could prevent
accurate position detection.

o Do not place anything on top of the display or otherwise

put weight on the same place for a long time. Doing so
could cause the panel to warp or result in inaccurate
position detection.

TASCAM HS-20

22

3 – Preparation

o Do not apply a commercially-available screen protection

film to the display. Doing so could prevent normal
operation.

o Gently wipe the display with a soft dry cloth that does not

shed dust (e.g. a cleaning cloth). Avoid wiping with a stiff
cloth or rubbing with force. Doing so could damage the
surface of the LCD. Do not use benzene, thinner, manicure
remover, alcohol or similar substances.

NOTE

The display is produced with extremely high-precision
manufacturing technologies, and 99.99% or more of
the pixels are effective, but sometimes pixels might not
appear or might appear as red or black dots. This is not a
malfunction.

Turning the power ON and OFF

Open the front panel POWER switch cover and press the
POWER switch.

Start-Up Screen

Home Screen

To turn the power OFF, push the POWER switch on the front
panel again.

CAUTION

Never turn the power OFF during recording, playback,
or any other operation that accesses an SD or CF card.
Doing so could, for example, cause recording errors, loss
of recorded DATA, and sudden loud noises to be output
through monitoring equipment, which could result in
damaged equipment and hearing loss.

TASCAM HS-20

23

3 – Preparation

Setting the time of the built-in clock

1. Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU
screen.

2. Touch the SYSTEM SETUP button to open the SYSTEM SETUP
screen.

Lock function

Press the MENU key while pressing and holding the HOME key
on the front of the unit to open the LOCK SETUP screen. On
this screen you can turn on/off the lock function that disables
operation from the front panel and external devices.

3. Touch the CLOCK ADJUST tab to open the CLOCK ADJUST
page where you can set the built-in clock.

4. Touch the item that you want to change, and use the DATA
dial on the front panel to change the value.

The front panel is divided into two sections, which can be locked
and unlocked separately.

Types of external devices are also divided into two categories,
which can be locked and unlocked separately.

If you press the button for a section, it changes from UNLOCK to
LOCK (with a yellow background) and the locked area appears
dimmed.

Locked on LOCK SETUP screen

•

When the LCD section is set to LOCK:

o If the display is touched, the following pop-up message

appears when the display panel is locked.

5. Touch the SET button or push the DATA dial to confirm the
setting.

NOTE

After purchasing this unit, set the clock before making your
first recording. If you do not set the clock, the time stamps
on recorded files will be incorrect.

TASCAM HS-20

24

Display panel locked

3 – Preparation

o If one of the keys around the display is pressed, the

following pop-up message appears when the display keys
are locked.

Display keys locked

•

When Transport is set to LOCK, if one of the transport keys is
pressed, the following pop-up message appears.

Transport locked

•

When REMOTE/KEYBOARD is set to LOCK, if a remote
control or keyboard connected to a remote connector is
used, the following pop-up message appears.

Recording times

This table below shows the total amount of recording time (in
hours and minutes) possible on SD/CF cards of various capac­ities for each recording format.

File recording
format

16-bit, 44.1kHz 12:34 25:10 50:21

16-bit, 48kHz 11:32 23:07 46:16

24-bit, 44.1kHz 8:22 16:46 33:34

24-bit, 48kHz 7:41 15:24 30:50

24-bit, 88.2kHz 4:11 8:23 16:47

24-bit, 96kHz 3:50 7:42 15:25

24-bit, 176.4kHz 2:05 4:11 8:23

24-bit, 192kHz 1:55 3:51 7:42

o The recording times shown above are estimates. They

might differ depending on the card in use.

o The recording times shown above are not continuous

recording times, but rather they are the total possible
recording times for the card.

Card capacity

8 GB 16 GB 32 GB

Remote/Keyboard locked

•

When EXTERNAL CONTROL is set to LOCK, if an operation is
attempted using RS-232C, RS-422, PARALLEL or NETWORK
control, the following pop-up message appears.

External control locked

TASCAM HS-20

25

4 – Basic operation

In this chapter, we explain the basic operation procedures that
are the same in each operation mode.

The display on this unit functions as a touchscreen.
Operate the unit using its keys, switches and touchscreen

display buttons.
On every screen except the Home Screen, a

at the top left. Touch this button to return to the previous
screen.

button appears

NOTE

You can also return to the previous screen by pressing the

EXIT/CANCEL [PEAK CLEAR] key.

SD/CF card preparation

Card selection

1. Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU
screen.

2. Touch the MEDIA MANAGE button to open the MEDIA
MANAGE screen.

3 Touch the SELECT button from the MEDIA SELECT item to

open the MEDIA SELECT screen.

NOTE

You can also open the MEDIA SELECT screen by touching the
recording media info button on the Home screen.

4 Touch the button for the card that you want to use to select

it.
The background of the selected card appears yellow.

5 Touch the SET button to return to the MEDIA MANAGE

screen.

6. If you also want to format the card now, follow the
procedure starting with step 3 in “Formatting SD/CF cards”
next.

TASCAM HS-20

26

4 – Basic operation

Formatting SD/CF cards

CAUTION

•

Formatting an SD/CF card erases all the data on it.

•

Always format SD and CF cards with this unit before using
them in it. If an SD/CF card that has been formatted by
another device or PC is used, operation might be affected.

1 Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU

screen.

4. Click the OK button in the pop-up window. A reconfirmation
pop-up window appears.

5. Click the OK button in the pop-up window.
During formatting, the following pop-up message appears.

When formatting ends, the Home Screen opens.

2 Touch the MEDIA MANAGE button to open the MEDIA

MANAGE screen.

3 Touch the QUICK button next to the SD FORMAT or CF

FORMAT item, the following message appears on the
pop-up window.

NOTE

If no card is inserted in that slot, the following pop-up
message appears.

TASCAM HS-20

27

4 – Basic operation

Setting the master clock

1 Press the HOME key on the front panel to open the Home

Screen.

2 Touch the SYNC button to open the SYNC T/C screen.

Setting inputs and outputs

Setting the inputs

1. Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU
screen.

2. Touch the AUDIO I/O button to open the AUDIO I/O screen.

NOTE

You can also open the SYNC T/C screen by touching the
SYNC T/C button on the MENU screen.

3 Select the master clock that you want to use from the

MASTER item. (See “Sync and timecode settings (SYNC T/C)”
on page 81.)

On the INPUT page, make settings for input source. For
details, see “INPUT page” on page 90.

Setting reference levels

1. Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU
screen.

TASCAM HS-20

28

4 – Basic operation

2 Touch the SYSTEM SETUP button to open the SYSTEM SETUP

screen.

On the PREFERENCES page, set the digital reference level
(Digital Ref. Level).

(You can also select the type of keyboard.)
For details, see “PREFERENCES page” on page 91.

Connecting headphones

Connect headphones to the PHONES jack on the front panel.
Keep the headphones knob turned all the way to the left

(volume minimized) when connecting headphones.

Recording operation limitations

With this unit, recording in a folder becomes impossible when
the total number of files, subfolders and other items in that
folder becomes large. For this reason, the following things might
occur.

o When the total number of items in one folder

exceeds about 20000

Recording of a new take might not be possible even when
starting recording from a stopped state. When a folder is
loaded, recording to that folder might not be possible. In
these cases, the following pop-up message appears.

o When recording/editing is repeated in timeline

mode and the available memory runs short

Repeating recording/editing may greatly consume memory
to manage regions or editing history. In this case, recording
cannot be performed, and the following pop-up message
appears:

Headphones

CAUTION

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

In this case, the remaining recording time indicator for the
currently selected card on the Home Screen shows Rec Limit.

CAUTION

The total number of items inside one folder includes files
and folders not created by this unit.

Management files, system files and other files and folders
that are not ordinarily visible are also included in the total.

TASCAM HS-20

29

5 – FILE LIST

Explanation of folder structure

This unit manages audio files in audio folders.
Each SD/CF card has an "HS Files" folder that holds audio folders

that contain audio files (which are called "takes") in groups.

Folder structure

The folder structure is as shown below.
You can check the SD/CF card folder and file structure by

accessing it from a computer using a card reader, for example.
Be aware, however, if you change or erase files inside a folder,

or change any names, the unit might not be able to play the
contents of that folder.

NOTE

Other management files and folders are also created.

File names

The format used in naming files is as follows.
[Take name first half]-[letter][take number].wav

ROOT

├─

HS Files

│ │
│ ├─
│ │ │
│ │ ├─ defaultAES.adl
│ │ ├─
│ │ ├─ Audio001-T002.wav
│ │ │ :
│ │ ├─ Audio001.adl
│ │ │
│ │ └─
│ │ │
│ │ ├─ defaultPPL.ppl
│ │ ├─ Playlist01.ppl
│ │ ├─ Playlist02.ppl
│ │ │:
│ │ ├─ exportedPPLFile.ppl
│ │ │:
│ │ │:
│ │ ├─ PPLFileforImport.ppl
│ │ │:
│ │ │:

1

This AES31 file is automatically created

2

This PPL file is automatically created

Audio001

1

Audio001-T001.wav

_playlists

2

File formats

This unit can record and play files with the following types of
formats.

File formats: BWF/WAV*
Sampling frequencies: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz
Quantization bit depth: 16/24 bits
Number of tracks: 2

*This unit cannot record ordinary WAV files.
(It can only play them.)

FILE LIST screen overview

Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
AES31 file selection, take selection or playlist selection screen
according to the operation mode.

When one of these screens is open, press the FILE LIST key to
open the audio folder selection screen.

When the audio folder selection screen is open, press the FILE

LIST key to open the root folder selection screen.

Root folder selection screen

o Directory display

The current directory level and number of subfolders
within the root folder are shown.

(In the example above, the root directory of the SD card
contains two folders.)

o NUM OF FOLDER column

Shows the total number of folders in the root directory.

o Fs

Shows the sampling frequency setting used when
recording for each folder. The sampling frequency values
are abbreviated as follows.

Sampling frequencies: Fs abbreviation

44.1kHz 44k

47.952 kHz (48 kHz –0.1% pull-down)* 48k–

48.048 kHz (48 kHz +0.1% pull-up)* 48k+

88.2kHz 88k

176.4kHz 176k

*This unit is not compatible with 47.952/48.048kHz
recording/playback. When loaded, "Unsupported Fs."
appears in a pop-up and recording and playback are
disabled.

o ENTER button

Touch the e button for the current folder (the letter
“C” appears in the icon, which is also highlighted
yellow) to view its contents.

If you touch the e button for any folder other than the
current folder, a pop-up window will appear confirming
that you want to load that folder. Touch the OK button
to show the contents of that folder after it completes
loading.

o Folder Name button

TASCAM HS-20

30

5 – FILE LIST

Touch to select the corresponding folder. The letter “C”
appears in the icon, which is also highlighted yellow,
for the currently loaded folder.

o INFO button

Touch this button when a folder is selected to open a
pop-up window with information about that file.

If no folder is selected, press this button to show infor­mation about the entire card.

o MULTI SELECT button

Use this to enable the selection of multiple folders.

o MENU button

Touch to open a pull-up menu where you can select
LOAD, REBUILD, EDIT NAME and DELETE.

o Scroll buttons

Use these buttons to scroll to the beginning or end of
the folder list or scroll one page (five lines) forward or
backward. You can also scroll through the folder list one
line at a time using the DATA dial.

o Folder name at the top right of display

Touch this to open a screen according to mode as
follows.

Timeline mode Opens the AES31 file selection screen

for the current folder.

Take mode Opens the take selection screen for

the current folder

Playlist Mode Opens the playlist selection screen for

the current folder

Folder selection screen

Touch to select the corresponding folder. The letter “C”
appears in the icon, which is also highlighted yellow,
for the currently loaded folder.

o INFO button

Touch this button when a folder is selected to open a
pop-up window with information about that file.

If no folder is selected, press this button to show infor­mation about the folders in the currently selected root
folder.

o NEW FOLDER button

This shows the screen for creating a new folder.

o MULTI SELECT button

Use this to enable the selection of multiple folders.

o MENU button

Touch to open a pull-up menu where you can select
LOAD, REBUILD, EXPORT and DELETE.

o Scroll buttons

Use these buttons to scroll to the beginning or end of
the folder list or scroll one page (five lines) forward or
backward. You can also scroll through the folder list one
line at a time using the DATA dial.

o Folder name at the top right of screen

Touch to open the following screen according to mode.

Timeline mode Opens the AES31 file selection screen

for the current folder.

Take mode Opens the take selection screen for the

current folder

Playlist Mode Opens the playlist selection screen for

the current folder

o Folder display

This shows the current folder.
Touch this area to show the root folder selection screen.

o NUM OF TAKE (timeline and take modes)

This shows the number of takes in the folder.

o TOTAL TIME (timeline and take modes)

This shows the total time of the takes in the folder.

o NUM OF PLAYLISTS (playlist mode)

This shows the number of playlists in the folder.

o ENTER button

Touch the e button for the current folder (the letter
“C” appears in the icon, which is also highlighted
yellow) to view its contents.

If you touch the e button for any folder other than the
current folder, a pop-up window will appear confirming
that you want to load that folder. Touch the OK button to
show the contents of that folder.

o Folder Name button

AES31 file selection screen

The AES31 file selection screen is only shown when the
operation mode is timeline mode.

o Folder name column

This shows the current folder name.
Touch this area to open the folder selection screen.

o LOAD column

Touch the e button for the corresponding AES31 file to
import its editing information.

o AES31 file name buttons

Touch to select the corresponding AES31 file.

o INFO button

Touch this button when an AES31 file is selected to open
a pop-up window with information about the selected
file.

Press this button when no AES31 file is selected to show
information about the current folder.

o CREATE AES31 button

This shows the screen for creating a new AES31 file.

TASCAM HS-20

31

5 – FILE LIST

o MENU button

This shows a pull-up menu for selecting LOAD, EDIT
NAME and DELETE.

Take selection screen

The take selection screen is only shown when the operation
mode is take mode.

o Folder name column

This shows the current folder name.
Touch this area to open the folder selection screen.
Note, however, the folder selection screen cannot be

opened from a take selection screen that was opened by
touching the TAKE LIST button in the pull-down menu
that appears when you touch a take name button on the
Home Screen.

o LENGTH column

This shows the take length (time).

o ENTER column

Press a take’s e button to load that take.

o Take name buttons

Touch to select a take.
The letter “C” appears in the icon, which is also

highlighted yellow, for the currently loaded take.

o INFO button

When a take is selected, touch this button to open an
information pop-up for that take.

If no take is selected, press this button to show infor­mation about the current folder.

o CIRCLE @ TAKE button

Touch this button when a take is selected to add an “@”
to the beginning of that take’s name. If that take already
has “@” at its beginning, touch this to remove it.

o MULTI SELECT button

Touch to enable the selection of multiple takes.

o MENU button

This shows a pull-up menu for selecting LOAD, REBUILD,
EDIT TC, EXPORT, DELETE, SORT, MOVE and EDIT NAME.

o Scroll buttons

Use these buttons to scroll to the beginning or end of
the take list or scroll one page (five lines) forward or
backward. You can also scroll through the take list one
line at a time using the DATA dial.

Playlist selection screen

The playlist selection screen is only shown when the operation
mode is playlist mode.

o Folder name column

This shows the current folder name.
Touch this area to open the folder selection screen.

o LOAD column

Touch the e button to open a pop-up to confirm that
you want to load that playlist.

o Playlist name buttons

Touch to select a playlist.
The letter“C” appears in the icon, which is also

highlighted yellow, for the currently loaded playlist.

o INFO button

Touch this button to open a pop-up window that shows
information about the playlist that is currently selected.

If no playlist is selected, press this button to show infor­mation about the current folder.

o CREATE PLAYLIST button

This shows the screen for creating a new playlist.

o MENU button

Touch to open a pull-up menu where you can select
LOAD, EDIT NAME and DELETE.

o Scroll buttons

Use these buttons to scroll to the beginning or end of
the playlist or scroll one page (five lines) forward or
backward. You can also scroll through the playlist one
line at a time using the DATA dial.

TASCAM HS-20

32

5 – FILE LIST

Editing the name of a folder in the root directory

1. Select the folder with the name that you want to edit on
the root folder selection screen. The selected folder name is
highlighted in yellow.

2. Touch the MENU button on the root folder selection screen
to open the pull-up menu.

3 Touch the EDIT NAME button on the pull-up menu to open

the FOLDER NAME screen.

Use this to erase the character to the right of the cursor.

o Shift button

Touch this to switch between numerals and symbols and
uppercase and lowercase Roman letters.

o Caps button

Use to input uppercase letters.

o Space button

Use to input a space.

o <- / -> buttons

Use these to move the cursor.

o Enter button

Touch this to confirm the input name.

NOTE

When the Folder NAME screen is open, you can also use an
external keyboard to input names.

4. Touch the Enter button on the FOLDER NAME screen or
press the DATA dial to confirm the folder name.

Character input limitation

The maximum number of characters allowed is indicated
by the yellow background in the folder name display area.
Excess characters have a gray background and are discarded
when the Enter button is pressed.

NOTE

When multiple folders are selected, the EDIT NAME button
(to edit folder names) cannot be selected in the pull-up
menu.

CAUTION

Name input screens such as the FOLDER NAME screen
cannot show any characters other than alphanumeric
characters and symbols.

If any characters other than alphanumeric characters and
symbols are contained in the name, such characters will
be deleted when a name input screen such as the FOLDER
NAME screen is opened.

o Date button

Touch this button to change the folder name to the
date and time from the unit's clock in a “yyyy–mm–dd”
format.

If the same folder name already exists, an underscore (_)
followed by a number that has not been used is added.

NOTE

After pressing the Date button to change the name to the
date, you can further edit the name on this screen.

o Folder name display area

The input folder name is shown.
The maximum number of characters allowed is indicated

by a yellow background.

o Character buttons

Use to input the file name.

o BS button

Use this to erase the character to the left of the cursor.

o DEL button

Loading a folder in the root directory

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open
the AES31 file selection, take selection or playlist selection
screen.

Then, press the FILE LIST key again twice to open the root
folder selection screen.

2. Select the folder in the root directory that you want to load.

3. Touch the MENU button on the root folder selection screen

to open the pull-up menu.

4. Touch the LOAD button in the pull-up menu.

NOTE

When multiple folders are selected, the LOAD (folder
loading) item cannot be selected.

5 Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-

mation pop-up message appears.
After loading completes, the Home Screen opens.

TASCAM HS-20

33

5 – FILE LIST

Rebuilding folders in the root directory

Rebuilding should be performed whenever an inconsistency
occurs between the unit's management files and the audio files,
for example, after a file has been deleted via FTP.

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open
the AES31 file selection, take selection or playlist selection
screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key again twice to open
the root folder selection screen.

2. Select the folder that you want to rebuild.
You can touch the MULTI SELECT button on the root folder

selection screen to allow the selection of multiple folders.

3. Touch the MENU button on the root folder selection screen
to open the pull-up menu.

One folder selected

You can touch the MULTI SELECT button on the root folder
selection screen to allow the selection of multiple folders.

3. Touch the MENU button on the root folder selection screen
to open the pull-up menu.

One folder selected

Multiple folders selected

4. Touch the DELETE button in the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-

mation pop-up message appears.

Multiple folders selected

4. Touch the REBUILD button in the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-

mation pop-up message appears.

During rebuilding, a progress status pop-up appears. When
rebuilding completes, the pop-up disappears.

NOTE

If you select REBUILD when no folder has been selected on
the root folder selection screen, the entire selected card is
rebuilt.

Deleting a folder in the root directory

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open
the AES31 file selection, take selection or playlist selection
screen.

Then, press the FILE LIST key again twice to open the root
folder selection screen.

2. Select the folder that you want to delete.

During deletion, a progress bar is displayed on the pop-up
window.

When deletion completes, the pop-up disappears.

CAUTION

When you delete a folder in the root directory, all folders,
timeline data, takes and playlists in that folder are also

deleted.

TASCAM HS-20

34

5 – FILE LIST

Folder operations

Creating new folders

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open
the AES31 file selection, take selection or playlist selection
screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key again to open the
folder selection screen.

2 Touch the NEW FOLDER button on the pull-up menu to

open the NEW FOLDER screen where you can input the
folder name.

Input the folder name.
See “Editing the name of a folder in the root directory” on

page 33 for the input method.

Loading a folder

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open
the AES31 file selection, take selection or playlist selection
screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key again to open the
folder selection screen.

2. Press the e button next to the folder that contains the
folder you want to load.

3. Select the folder that you want to load.

4. Touch the MENU button on the folder selection screen to

open the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the LOAD button in the pull-up menu.

6. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-

mation pop-up message appears.

CAUTION

•

You cannot change folder names later.

•

You cannot use the “@” symbol at the beginning of a folder
name.

3. Touch the Enter button on the FOLDER NAME screen or
press the DATA dial.

4 Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when the confir-

mation message appears on the pop-up window to create a
new folder with the input name.

NOTE

•

If the input folder name already exists, "This name already
exists" appears in a pop-up window. Touch the CLOSE
button to return to the FOLDER NAME screen, and enter a
different name.

•

Immediately after a new folder is created, it becomes the
current folder (loaded folder).

The letter “C” appears in the icon to the left of the name
of the current folder on the folder selection screen.

After loading completes, the Home Screen opens.

NOTE

The letter “C” appears in the icon to the left of the name
of the current folder (loaded folder) on the folder selection
screen.

TASCAM HS-20

35

5 – FILE LIST

Rebuilding folders

Rebuilding should be performed whenever an inconsistency
occurs between the unit's management files and the audio files,
for example, after a file has been deleted via FTP.

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open
the AES31 file selection, take selection or playlist selection
screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key again to open the
folder selection screen.

2. Select the folder that you want to rebuild.
Touch the MULTI SELECT button to enable the selection of

multiple folders.

3. Touch the MENU button on the folder selection screen to
open the pull-up menu.

One folder selected

2. Select the folder that you want to export.
Touch the MULTI SELECT button to enable the selection of

multiple folders.

3. Touch the MENU button on the folder selection screen to
open the pull-up menu.

One folder selected

Multiple folders selected

4. Touch the REBUILD button in the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-

mation pop-up message appears.

During rebuilding, a progress status pop-up appears.
When rebuilding completes, the pop-up disappears.

NOTE

You can also rebuild a folder from that folder’s take
selection screen.

Multiple folders selected

4. Touch the EXPORT button in the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-

mation pop-up message appears.

During export, a progress status pop-up appears.
When export completes, the pop-up disappears.

CAUTION

If a folder with the same name already exists on the desti­nation media, a confirmation message will appear in a
pop-up window.

Touch the OK button or the DATA dial to export the folder
after deleting the folder on the export destination.

Exporting a folder

You can export from the selected medium to an unselected
medium (two media are necessary). When you export a folder,
the same directory structure is created at the export destination.

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open
the AES31 file selection, take selection or playlist selection
screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key again to open the
folder selection screen.

TASCAM HS-20

36

Deleting a folder

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open
the AES31 file selection, take selection or playlist selection
screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key again to open the
folder selection screen.

5 – FILE LIST

2. Press the e button next to the folder that contains the

folder you want to delete.

3. Select the folder that you want to delete.
Touch the MULTI SELECT button to enable the selection of

multiple folders.

4. Touch the MENU button on the folder selection screen to
open the pull-up menu.

One folder selected

Moving between file list screens

Press the ENTER button or a folder name button on a file list
screen (root folder selection screen, folder selection screen,
AES31 file selection screen, take selection screen, playlist
selection screen) to open a different screen as shown below.

Root folder selection screen

Multiple folders selected

5. Touch the DELETE button in the pull-up menu.

6. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-

mation pop-up message appears.

During deletion, a progress bar is displayed in a pop-up
window.

When deleting is complete, the pop-up window will
disappear.

CAUTION

When you delete a folder, all timeline data, takes and
playlists in that folder are also deleted.

Folder selection screen

In timeline
mode

AES31 file selection screen

In take
mode

Take selection screen

Playlist selection screen

In playlist
mode

TASCAM HS-20

37

6 – Overview of operation modes

This unit has the following three operation modes.

o Timeline mode

This mode provides a timeline-based working environment
similar to using a tape recorder. In timeline mode, two tracks
can be recorded and played back. Marks can also be edited.

o Take mode

This mode uses takes (files) as recording and playback units.
Two tracks can be recorded and one or two tracks can

played back. Marks can also be edited.

o Playlist Mode

This mode provides a playlist playback function.
One or two tracks can be played using playlist playback.

Timeline mode functions

The following functions can be used in timeline mode.

o Simultaneous recording and playback of up to two

channels is possible at all compatible sampling
frequencies.

o Mirror recording function utilizing dual slots.

o Recording and playback with timecode synchronization is

possible. (The optional SY-2 board is required.)

o A single file can be created from a designated time

interval in a timeline using the bounce function.

o Marks can be set, managed, edited and used for playback.

o Compatibility with the AES31 file standard allows import

and exchange of data with other devices.

NOTE

Since the AES31 file standard does not support sampling
frequencies of 176.4kHz and 192kHz, editing information
for those settings is created and saved in an original format
based on AES31.

In timeline mode, playback units are called “regions,” and their
extent is shown in the track area of the Home Screen.

o Compatibility with JPPA flash start standards enable the

exchange of playlists with other devices.

o Playback of up to two channels is possible for all

compatible sampling frequencies.

o Using a TASCAM RC-HS20PD or other remote controller,

flash start playback is possible (five pages of 20 keys each).

Selecting the operation mode

1. Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU
screen.

2. Touch the OPERATION MODE button to open the
OPERATION MODE screen.

Take mode functions

The following functions can be used in take mode.

o Simultaneous recording and playback of up to two

channels is possible at all compatible sampling
frequencies.

o Auto cue, auto ready and incremental play functions are

available.

o Using a TASCAM RC-HS20PD or other remote controller,

flash start playback is possible (five pages of 20 keys each).

o Marks can be set, managed, edited and used for playback.

o Automatic playback, recording and file transfer are possible

using the timer event list.

Playlist mode functions

The following functions can be used in playlist mode.

o Playlists can be edited and managed.

o Auto cue, auto ready and incremental play functions are

available.

TASCAM HS-20

38

3. Touch the button for the mode that you want to use to
select it.

The button for the selected mode appears yellow.

TIMELINE MODE

Timeline mode

TAKE MODE

Take mode

PLAYLIST MODE

Playlist mode

4. Touch the SET button to enable the selected mode and
return to the Home Screen.

7 – Timeline mode

In this chapter, we explain how to use the timeline mode. To
use this unit in timeline mode, set the unit’s operation mode to
TIMELINE MODE. (See “Selecting the operation mode” on page

38.)
Please refer to “4–Basic operation” when reading this chapter.

Preparing to record

Basic preparations

Refer to “4 – Basic operation” on page 26 and make the basic
preparations for recording.

Creating new folders

Create new folders as necessary.

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
AES31 file selection screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key
again to open the folder selection screen.

Recording mode settings

1. Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU
screen.

2. Touch the REC SETUP button to open the REC SETUP screen.

2. Touch the NEW FOLDER button to open the FOLDER NAME

page.

Follow the procedures “Editing the name of a folder in the
root directory” on page 33 to input the folder name.

NOTE

You cannot use the “@” symbol at the beginning of a folder
name.

4. Touch the Enter button or press the DATA dial.

5. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-

mation pop-up message appears.
When creation of the folder completes, the Home Screen

reopens.

For details about folder operations, see “Folder operations” on
page 35.

NOTE

If you want to record with a timeline that has a sampling
frequency different from the current one, follow the proce­dures in “Creating new AES31 editing information” on page
43 and create an AES31 editing information file for the
desired sampling frequency.

On the REC MODE page, you can select the recording mode.
The background color for the selected mode is light blue.
For more details, see “REC MODE page” on page 77.

Setting the file format

Touch the FILE FORMAT tab on the REC SETUP screen to open
the following screen.

On the FILE FORMAT page, set bit-length, maximum file size,
how files are treated when recording is paused, and the
recording sampling frequency. The selected items have a light
blue background.

For details, see “FILE FORMAT page” on page 79.

NOTE

In timeline mode, the recording sampling frequency cannot
be changed on this page.

If you want to record with a timeline that has a sampling
frequency different from the current one, follow the proce­dures in “Creating new AES31 editing information” on page
43 and create an AES31 editing information file for the
desired sampling frequency.

TASCAM HS-20

39

7 – Timeline mode

Other recording settings

Touch the OPTIONS tab of the REC SETUP screen to open the
following screen.

On the OPTIONS page, you can set the pre-recording time and
the use of auto marks. For details, see “OPTIONS page” on page

80.

Recording in timeline mode

Locate to the recording start position

Use the m[ ] and ,[ ] keys, jump to a mark or use
the manual locate function to locate to the time where you want
to start recording.

When timecode synchronization is ON, recording will occur
at the input timecode, so locating as described above is not
necessary.

NOTE

Recording can also be controlled using parallel control.

CAUTION

When in recording standby, the parallel control signals
output are high for TALLY_RECORD and low for TALLY_
PAUSE.

When in recording standby, the REC and PAUSE keys on the
front panel will be lit.

Stopping recording

To stop recording, press the STOP key.

Playback in timeline mode

Selecting a folder

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
AES31 file selection screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key
again to open the folder selection screen.

Record

When the unit is stopped, press the REC key to put the unit into
recording standby. At this time, the
transport status.

In recording standby, press the PL AY key to start recording
at the located point (current point). When synchronized to
timecode, recording starts at the time input by timecode at the
moment that the PLAY key is pressed.

The transport status display at the top left of the Home Screen
changes to recording status and part of the background
becomes red, indicating that the unit is recording. The time
counter starts at the same time.

When the elapsed time (ABS time) from the beginning of the
timeline reaches 23:59:59:MM (MM is the maximum number of
frames), “RECORD stopped. ABS time is over 24h” appears in a
pop-up message and recording stops.

NOTE

When stopped, pressing the PLAY key while pressing and
holding the REC key will also start recording.

icon indicates this

2. Touch a folder name button to select the folder you want to
play.

3. Touch the MENU button to open a pull-up menu and touch
the LOAD button.

The “Load selected folder?” pop-up appears.

4. Touch the OK button.
When loading completes, the Home Screen opens.

Overwriting a recording

During playback, pressing the PLAY key while pressing and
holding the REC key will start recording from that point.

TASCAM HS-20

40

7 – Timeline mode

Setting input monitoring

Turn input monitoring off during playback.
If input monitoring is on, sound from the input connectors will

be output through all the output connectors of this unit.

1. Touch the INPUT MONITOR button on the Home Screen to
open a pull-up with the input monitoring ON/OFF button.

2. If input monitoring is on (ON button blue), touch the OFF
button to turn it off (OFF button blue).

Locate to the playback start position

Use the m [ ] and , [ ] keys, jump to a mark or
use the manual locate function to locate to the time where
you want to start playback When timecode synchronization is
on, playback will occur at the input timecode, so locating as
described above is not necessary.

Reading, saving and creating AES31 editing information

Loading AES31 editing information

You can load AES31 editing information in the current folder to
the timeline.

The file path is as follows when you view a card on a computer.

{drive name of card}:\{HS files}\{folder name}\{AES31 editing
information}

NOTE

You cannot load an AES31 editing information file from a
folder other than the current folder.

NOTE

Since the AES31 file standard does not support sampling
frequencies of 176.4kHz and 192kHz, editing information
for those settings is created and saved in an original format
based on AES31.

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
AES31 file selection screen.

Playback control in timeline mode

Press the PL AY key to start playback.
Press the PAUSE key to start playback standby.
Press the PL AY key to end playback standby.
Press the STOP key to stop playback.
Press the . [MARK .] key or / [MARK /] key to

skip to the start of another region.
Press and hold the m [ ] key or , [ ] key to search

backward or forward.
Press the . [MARK .] or / [MARK /] key while

pressing and holding the SHIFT key to move between marks.
Press and hold the m [ ] key or , [ ] key while

pressing and holding the SHIFT key to search at high-speed.
While pressing and holding the STOP key, press the . [MARK

.] or / [MARK /] key to skip to the beginning of the
first region recorded or the end of the last region. (This only
works with the front panel keys.)

NOTE

Playback can also be controlled through the PARALLEL port.

Using the call function in timeline mode

Press the CALL [CHASE] key to locate to the point where
playback was last started from playback standby (call point) and
put the unit in playback standby mode.

2. If AES31 editing files are found in the folder, they appear in
the list.

TIP

•

If you touch the INFO button after selecting a file by
touching the filename area, the date and time last changed
and the file size of that file are shown.

•

The letter “C” appears in the icon for the currently
loaded AES31 file.

4. Press the e button next to the AES31 editing information
that you want to load.

5. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-
mation pop-up message appears.

TASCAM HS-20

41

7 – Timeline mode

When loading AES31 editing information, a progress status
pop-up appears.

When loading completes, the pop-up window disappears
and the Home screen is opened.

The loaded contents replace the contents of the timeline.

Saving AES31 editing information

You can save the current timeline as an AES31 file. The saved file
is created in the current folder.

CAUTION

When you edit the timeline, save the AES31 editing infor­mation as necessary. If you do not save it, the changes will
be deleted if other AES31 editing information is loaded, the
card is removed or the unit is turned off.

If you have not saved the information after editing, a “*”
mark will be shown on the AES31 file name button.

If you load other AES31 editing information when a "*" is
shown, create new AES31 editing information, or change
the operation mode, a pop-up message asking if you want
to save the current AES31 editing information will appear.

1. Press the HOME key to open the Home Screen.

2. Touch the AES31 file name button on the Home Screen to

open the pull-down menu.

3. Touch the SAVE AS button on the pull-up menu to open the
AES31 NAME screen where you can input the AES31 editing
file name.

Input the file name. Follow the procedures “Editing the name
of a folder in the root directory” on page 33.

4. Touch the Enter button on the AES31 NAME screen or press
the DATA dial to save the input name.

While the file is being created, a progress status pop-up
appears.

When file creation completes, the pop-up disappears.

3. When you touch the SAVE button on the pull-down menu,
the information will be saved on the selected card.

While saving, the progress status will be shown in the
pop-up window.

When saving is complete, the pop-up window will disappear.

Attaching a name to and saving AES31 editing information

You can attach a name and save the current timeline as an
AES31 file.

The file saved will be created in the current folder.

1. Press the HOME key on the front panel to open the Home
screen.

2. Touch the AES31 file name button on the Home Screen to
open the pull-down menu.

NOTE

If a file with the same name already exists, a pop-up window
opens to confirm whether you want to overwrite that file or
not. Touch the OK button to overwrite that file, or touch the
CANCEL button to return to the AES31 NAME screen.

TASCAM HS-20

42

Creating new AES31 editing information

You can create a new AES31 file in the current folder (loaded
folder).

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the AES31 file name button on the Home Screen to
open the pull-down menu.

3. Touch the CREATE AES31 button on the pull-down menu to
open theCREATE AES31 screen.

7 – Timeline mode

NOTE

If the entered file name already exists, "This name already
exists" appears in a pop-up window. Touch the CLOSE
button to return to the CREATE AES31 screen, and enter
another name.

NOTE

You can also create a new AES31 file by touching the CREATE
AES31 button on the AES31 file selection screen.

4. Touch the AES31 NAME button on the pull-up menu to open
the AES31 NAME screen where you can enter an AES31 file
name.

To input the AES31 file name follow the procedures “Editing
the name of a folder in the root directory” on page 33.

5. Touch the Enter button or press the DATA dial to return to
the CREATE AES31 screen.

6. If necessary, set the timeline starting time and sampling
frequency.

7. When you have finished making settings, touch the CREATE
AES31 button.

8. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when the confir-
mation message appears on the pop-up window to create a
new AES31 editing information file with the input name.

Importing all takes

NOTE

Each take is imported to the timeline at its set timecode. If
the timecode time is not set, the take is imported to 00 h 00
m 00 s 00 f.

The current timeline is cleared and the AES31 editing infor­mation for all takes in the current folder that have the same
sampling frequency are imported.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the AES31 file name button on the Home Screen to
open the pull-down menu.

3. Touch the IMPORT ALL TAKES button on the pull-down
menu item.

4. A confirmation message will appear on the pop-up window.

TASCAM HS-20

43

7 – Timeline mode

Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial to clear the
current timeline and import all the takes from the current
folder.

Touch the CANCEL button to return to the Home Screen.

Editing AES31 file names

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
AES31 file selection screen.

2. Select the AES31 file that you want to rename.
The background color of the selected AES31 file name will

become yellow.

3. Touch the MENU button to open the pull-up menu.

4. Touch the EDIT NAME button on the pull-up menu to open

the AES31 NAME screen where you can enter the AES31 file
name.

Follow the procedures “Editing the name of a folder in the
root directory” on page 33.

Deleting AES31 files

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
AES31 file selection screen.

2. Select the AES31 file that you want to delete.
The background color of the selected AES31 file name will

become yellow.

3. Touch the MENU button to open the pull-up menu.

4. Touch the DELETE button on the pull-up menu.

NOTE

If the loaded AES31 file is selected, you cannot select the
EDIT NAME button on the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the Enter button or press the DATA dial on the AES31
NAME screen.

NOTE

If the entered file name already exists, "This name already
exists" appears in a pop-up window. Touch the CLOSE
button to return to the AES31 NAME screen, and enter
another name.

NOTE

If the loaded AES31 file is selected, you cannot select the
DELETE button on the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when the confir-
mation message appears on the pop-up window.

When deletion completes, the pop-up disappears.

TASCAM HS-20

44

7 – Timeline mode

Editing the timeline

You can cut, erase and divide regions, for example.
The basic procedures for editing are as follows.
See the explanation of each function for detailed procedures.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

The EDIT MODE button becomes white with red lettering,
and the REC/MON, Bounce I/O and NEXT TAKE NAME
buttons disappear and are replaced with the EDIT, Fade/
Level and SET/SELECT buttons.

3. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

Selecting the range to copy/cut/delete

o When the editing start and finish points are set, the range

between the points is selected.

o When the editing start and finish points are not set, the

entire region at the time cursor is selected.

Editing start and stop points not set

o When the timeline cursor is on the borderline between

regions, the region to the right will be edited. If the region
to the right is muted, it will not be selected.

Setting the editing start point

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3 Use the m

timeline cursor at the position (time) where you want to
start editing.

4. Touch the SET/SELECT button to open the pull-up menu.

and

, keys, for example, to locate the

The pull-up menu has buttons used for editing, including
nine editing buttons (Copy, Cut, Erase, Divide, Insert, Insert
File, Insert Mute, Paste and Paste File) and UNDO and REDO
buttons.

CAUTION

If you do not save the AES31 editing information after
changing it, all changes will be cleared when you load
another folder or AES31 editing information file, remove a
card or turn off the unit’s power, for example.

NOTE

Repeated recordings or editing may greatly consume the
memory used in managing regions or editing history. In
this case, "Cannot Edit. System limit reached." appears in a
pop-up message

5. Touch the SET IN button on the pull-up menu to set the
editing start point (IN point)

The IN mark (
display area.

) appears at the current position in the mark

TASCAM HS-20

45

7 – Timeline mode

Setting the editing end point

6 Use the m and , keys, for example, to locate the

timeline cursor at the position (time) where you want to end
editing.

7. Touch the SET/SELECT button to open the pull-up menu.

8. Touch the SET OUT button on the pull-up menu to set the

editing end point (OUT point).
The OUT mark (

mark display area.

The range between the IN mark (
be edited, and is shown in light blue.

) appears at the current position in the

) and OUT mark (

) will

Clearing the editing start/end points

1. Touch the SET/SELECT button to open the pull-up menu.

Selecting a complete region for editing

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to the region to be edited.

4. Touch the SET/SELECT button to open the pull-up menu.

2. Touch the CLEAR button on the pull-up menu. When a

confirmation pop-up window is displayed, touch the OK
button or press the DATA dial.

The current IN and OUT points are deleted, and the IN mark (

) and OUT mark (

) disappear from the mark area.

5. Touch the SELECT Region button on the pull-up menu to
select the entire region at the timeline cursor. The beginning
of the region is set to the edit start (IN) point and the end of
the region is set to the edit end (OUT) point.

The IN (
beginning and end of the region in the mark area. The range
between the marks will be edited and is shown in light blue.

) mark and OUT mark (

) are shown at the

TASCAM HS-20

46

7 – Timeline mode

Copy buffer

Copying the data in the selection (Copy)

You can copy the selection.

NOTE

•

The copied data will be saved in the copy buffer.

•

When the whole fade (in/out) area is included, the fade
information will also be retained.

Selected range

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to the selection to copy.

4. Touch the SET/SELECT button and select the range that you

want to copy using the SET IN, SET OUT and SELECT Region
buttons on the pull-up menu.

Cutting the data in the selection (Cut)

You can erase the selection and move the following data
forward.

NOTE

•

The data cut is saved in the copy buffer.

•

When the whole fade (in/out) area is included, the fade
information will also be retained.

•

When the IN point or OUT point is within a region, the part
outside of the selection will become a new region.

•

When the IN point or OUT point is set within a fade-in or
fade-out, the fade information will be cleared.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to the area you want to cut.

4. Touch the SET/SELECT button and select the range that you

want to cut using the SET IN, SET OUT and SELECT Region
buttons on the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

6. Touch the Copy button on the pull-up menu. When copying

is complete, the Home Screen will open after a pop-up
window is shown.

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

5. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

6. Touch the Cut button on the pull-up menu. When cutting

is complete, the Home Screen will open after a pop-up
window is shown.

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

TASCAM HS-20

47

7 – Timeline mode

Erasing the data in the selection (Erase)

You can erase the selection to make an interval silent. The
positions of the following regions will remain unchanged.

NOTE

•

The erased data is saved in the copy buffer.

•

When the whole fade (in/out) area is included, the fade
information will also be retained.

•

When the IN point or OUT point is within a region, the part
outside of the selection will become a new region.

•

When the IN point or OUT point is set within a fade-in or
fade-out, the fade information will be cleared.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3 Move the timeline cursor to the selection to erase.

4. Touch the SET/SELECT button and select the range that you

want to erase using the SET IN, SET OUT and SELECT Region
buttons on the pull-up menu.

Dividing the data at the set position (Divide)

You can divide the region at the position of the timeline cursor.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to the time where you want to

divide the region.

4. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the Divide button on the pull-up menu. When

dividing is complete, the Home Screen will open after a
pop-up window is shown.

5. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

6. Touch the Erase button on the pull-up menu. When erasing

is complete, the Home Screen will open after a pop-up
window is shown.

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

TASCAM HS-20

48

7 – Timeline mode

Inserting the data of the copy buffer at the set position (Insert)

NOTE

•

All regions following the insertion point will move backward
by the time of the data inserted.

•

When inserting into a region, three regions will be created:
the part of the region that was before the timeline cursor,
the content of the copy buffer, and the part of the region
that was after the timeline cursor.

•

If the set position is located in a fade-in or fade-out, that
fade information will be cleared.

Copy buffer

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to the position where you want to

insert data.

4. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

Inserting a selected file into the set position (Insert File)

You can insert the entire contents of a 2-channel BWF/WAV file
at the set position.

NOTE

•

All regions following the insertion point will move backward
by the time of the file inserted.

•

When inserting into a region, three regions will be created:
the part of the region that was before the timeline cursor,
the content of the copy buffer, and the part of the region
that was after the timeline cursor.

•

If the set position is located in a fade-in or fade-out, that
fade information will be cleared.

bwf file

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to the position where you want to

insert a file.

4. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

Touch the Insert button on the pull-up menu.

NOTE

The Insert button is available only when the copy buffer
contains data.

5. When insertion is complete, the Home Screen will open after
a pop-up window is shown.

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

Touch the Insert File button on the pull-up menu to open
the BROWSE screen.

5. Touch the e button for the media containing the file to

insert on the BROWSE screen.

NOTE

If the top page of the BROWSE screen is not displayed, touch

on the screen. The media selection screen appears.

TASCAM HS-20

49

7 – Timeline mode

6. Select a file to insert on the BROWSE screen, and touch the
Insert File button.

7. When the pop-up window to select the insertion point
opens, touch either the Current Position or File T/C button to
start insertion.

Then, select the CANCEL button to return to the BROWSE
screen.

Inserting silence at the set position (Insert Mute)

You can insert silence at the set position.

NOTE

•

All regions following the IN point will move backward.

•

When inserting into a region, two regions will be created:
before the timeline cursor and after the timeline cursor.

•

When the set position is located in a fade-in or fade-out, the
fade information will be cleared.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3 Touch the SET/SELECT button and select the region where

you want to insert silence using the SET IN, SET OUT and
SELECT Region buttons on the pull-up menu.

NOTE

If the selected file contains no timecode information when
the File T/C button is touched, the file will be inserted at 00 h
00 m 00 s 00 f.

NOTE

If you select a file from other than the current folder, the file
is copied to the current folder and then inserted.

A "Cannot Copy." pop-up window appears when a file with
the same name exists in the current folder.

To change the file with the same file name, touch the
RENAME button, or touch the CANCEL button to cancel.

8 When insertion is complete, the Home Screen will open after

a pop-up window is shown and the EDIT pull-up menu is
closed.

5. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

6. Touch the Insert Mute button on the pull-up menu. When

mute insertion is complete, the Home Screen will open after
a pop-up window is shown.

TASCAM HS-20

50

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

7 – Timeline mode

Pasting the copy buffer data at the set position (Paste)

You can paste copied data at the set position.

NOTE

When the set position is located in a fade-in or fade-out, the
fade information will be cleared.

Copy buffer

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to the position where you want to

paste the copy buffer.

4. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

Pasting the data of a selected file into the set position (Paste File)

You can paste an entire 2-channel BWF/WAV file into the set
position.

NOTE

When the set position is located in a fade-in or fade-out, the
fade information will be cleared.

bwf file

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to the position where you want to

paste file data.

4. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

Touch the Paste button on the pull-up menu.

NOTE

The Paste button appears white and is available only when
the copy buffer contains data.

5. When pasting is complete, the Home Screen will open after
a pop-up window is shown.

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

Touch the Paste File button on the pull-up menu to open the
BROWSE screen.

5. Touch the e button next to the media containing the file

you want to paste on the BROWSE screen.

NOTE

If the top page of the BROWSE screen is not displayed, touch

on the screen. The media selection screen appears.

TASCAM HS-20

51

7 – Timeline mode

6. Select the file to paste on the BROWSE screen, and touch the
Paste File button.

7. When the pop-up window to set the pasting position opens,
touch either the Current Position or File T/C button to start
pasting.

Then, select the CANCEL button to return to the BROWSE
screen.

Setting fades for the designated region (Fade IN/FadeOut)

You can set a fade in and a fade out for a selected region.

NOTE

The fade-in/fade-out ranges are indicated in light blue.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to where you want the fade in to

end or the fade out to begin in the region.

4. Touch the Fade/Level button to open the pull-up menu.

NOTE

If the selected file contains no timecode information when
the File T/C button is touched, the file will be inserted at 00 h
00 m 00 s 00 f.

NOTE

If you select a file from other than the current folder, the file
is copied to the current folder and then pasted.

A "Cannot Copy." pop-up window appears when a file with
the same name exists in the current folder.

To change the file with the same file name, touch the
RENAME button, or touch the CANCEL button to cancel.

8. When pasting is complete, the Home Screen will open after
a pop-up window is shown and the EDIT pull-up menu is
closed.

o To set a fade in, touch the

o To set a fade out, touch the

5. When fade-in/fade-out setting is complete, the Home
Screen will open after a pop-up window is shown.

In this case, the

Fade/Level pull-up menu will remain open.

Fade IN button.

FadeOut

button.

TASCAM HS-20

52

7 – Timeline mode

Removing set fades (Remove Fade IN/ Remove FadeOut)

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to the region where you want to

remove fade-in/out.

4. Touch the Fade/Level button to open the pull-up menu.

o To remove the fade-in, touch the Remove Fade IN button.

o To remove the fade out, touch the Remove FadeOut

button.

5. When fade removal is complete, the Home Screen will open
after a pop-up window is shown.

Setting the playback level in the selected region (Level)

You can set the playback level for a region (after fade-in and
before fade-out).

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Move the timeline cursor to the region where you want to

change the playback level.

4. Touch the Fade/Level button to open the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the Level button on the pull-up menu.

The region at the timeline cursor is indicated in yellow, and
will be affected by the Level setting.

In this case, the

Fade/Level pull-up menu will remain open.

6 When the level knob is displayed above the Level button,

use the DATA dial to set playback level.
Setting range

−∞, −120dB to +10.0dB

7. Touch the Level button again to hide the level knob. (The set
playback level will be saved.)

TASCAM HS-20

53

7 – Timeline mode

Undoing the previous edit (UNDO)

You can undo the previous timeline edit.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

4. Touch the UNDO button on the pull-up menu. After the

edit is undone, the Home Screen will open after a pop-up
window is shown.

Redoing an edit (REDO)

After undoing an edit, you can redo it.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT MODE button to enter edit mode.

3. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

4. Touch the REDO button on the pull-up menu. When the edit

is redone, the Home Screen will open after a pop-up window
is shown.

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

NOTE

•

The UNDO button on the Fade/Level pull-up menu can also
be used to undo an edit.

•

If no editing has been conducted, the UNDO button is
disabled. The UNDO button appears with white letters when
it is possible to undo an edit.

•

The timeline mode can store up to 10 of the most recent
recording/editing operations. You can undo and redo
editing within this editing history range .

However, when the frequency of editing or the number of
regions increases, the number of operations that can be
stored might decrease to less than 10.

•

The timeline mode editing history will be erased by the
following actions.

•

Turning off the unit

•

Loading a folder

•

Loading AES31 editing information

•

Changing the operation mode

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

NOTE

•

The REDO button on the Fade/Level pull-up menu can also
be used to redo an edit.

•

If no edit has been undone, the REDO button is disabled. The
REDO button appears with white letters when it is possible
to redo an edit.

•

The timeline mode can store up to 10 of the most recent
recording/editing operations. You can undo and redo
editing within this editing history range .

•

However, when the frequency of editing or the number of
regions increases, the number of operations that can be
stored might decrease to less than 10.

•

The timeline mode editing history will be erased by the
following actions.

•

Turning off the unit

•

Loading a folder

•

Loading AES31 editing information

•

Changing the operation mode

TASCAM HS-20

54

Bouncing

You can output part of a region or an interval that crosses
multiple regions as a single take.

Setting the bounce starting point

1. Touch the HOME key to open the Home Screen.

2. Use the m and , keys, for example, to locate the

timeline cursor to the bounce starting point (time).

3. Touch the Bounce I/O button to open a pull-up menu.

4. Touch the SET IN button on the pull-up menu to set the

bounce starting point (IN point).
The IN mark (

display area.

) appears at the current position in the mark

7 – Timeline mode

Input the file name. Follow the procedures in “Editing the
name of a folder in the root directory” on page 33.

10. Touch the Enter button. When a confirmation message
pop-up appears, touch the OK button or press the DATA
dial.

While the file is being created, a progress status pop-up
appears.

When file creation completes, the pop-up disappears.

Setting the bounce ending point

5. Use the m and , keys, for example, to locate the

timeline cursor at the bounce ending position (time).

6. Touch the Bounce I/O button to open a pull-up menu.

7. Touch the SET OUT button on the pull-up menu to set the

bounce ending point (OUT point).
The OUT mark (

mark display area.

The range between the IN mark (
be edited, and is shown in light blue.

) appears at the current position in the

) and OUT mark (

) will

Bouncing the interval

8. Touch the Bounce I/O button to open a pull-up menu.

9. Touch the BOUNCE button on the pull-up menu to open the

BOUNCE NAME screen where you can input the bounce file
name.

NOTE

You can cancel a bounce by pressing the CANCEL button
while the progress pop-up window is open.

Clearing the bounce starting and ending points

11. Touch the Bounce I/O button to open the pull-up menu.

12. Touch the CLEAR button on the pull-up menu. When a

confirmation pop-up window appears, touch the OK button
or press the DATA dial.

The current IN and OUT points are deleted, and the IN mark (

) and OUT mark (

) disappear from the mark area.

TASCAM HS-20

55

8 – Take mode

In this chapter, we explain how to use the take mode. To use this
unit in take mode, set the unit’s operation mode to TAKE MODE.
(See “Selecting the operation mode” on page 38.)

Refer to “4 – Basic operation” on page 26 also when reading
this chapter.

Preparing to record

Basic preparations

Refer to “4 – Basic operation” on page 26 and make the basic
preparations for recording.

Creating new folders

Create new folders as necessary. You do not need to create a
new folder if you plan to record into an existing one.

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
take selection screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key again to
open the folder selection screen.

Recording mode settings

1. Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU
screen.

2. Touch the REC SETUP button to open the REC SETUP screen.

2 Touch the NEW FOLDER button on the pull-up menu to

open the NEW FOLDER screen where you can input the
folder name.

Follow the procedures “Editing the name of a folder in the
root directory” on page 33 to input the folder name.

NOTE

You cannot use the “@” symbol at the beginning of a folder
name.

3. Touch the Enter button or press the DATA dial.

4. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when the confir-

mation pop-up message appears.
When creation of the folder completes, the Home Screen

reopens.
For details about folder operations, see “Folder operations”

on page 35.

On the REC MODE page, you can select the recording mode.
The background color for the selected mode is light blue.
For details, see “REC MODE page” on page 77

Setting the file format

Touch the FILE FORMAT tab on the REC SETUP screen to open
the following screen.

On the FILE FORMAT page, set bit-length, maximum file size,
how files are treated when recording is paused, and the
recording sampling frequency. The selected items have a light
blue background.

For details, see “FILE FORMAT page” on page 79.

TASCAM HS-20

56

8 – Take mode

Other recording settings

Touch the OPTIONS tab of the REC SETUP screen to open the
following screen.

On the OPTIONS page, you can set the pre-recording time and
the use of auto marks. For details, see “OPTIONS page” on page

80.

Recording in take mode

Starting recording

When the unit is stopped, press the REC key to put the unit into
recording standby. At this time, the
transport status.

In recording standby, press the PL AY key to start recording.
The transport status display at the top left of the Home Screen

changes into the recording status display and part of the
background of the Home Screen becomes red, indicating that
the unit is recording. The time counter starts at the same time.

icon indicates this

Stopping recording

To stop recording, press the STOP key.

Playback in take mode

Selecting a folder/take

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
take selection screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key again to
open the folder selection screen.

NOTE

When stopped, pressing the PLAY key while pressing and
holding the REC key will also start recording.

NOTE

Recording can also be controlled using parallel control.
In take mode, even if you press the PL AY key while holding

the REC key during playback, you cannot overwrite a
recording.

CAUTION

When in recording standby, the parallel control signals
output are high for TALLY_RECORD and low for TALLY_
PAUSE.

When in recording standby, the REC and PAUSE keys on the
front panel will be lit.

2. Touch the e button for the folder that contains the take you
want to load to open the take selection screen.

If it is not the current folder, a pop-up window appears
confirming that you want to load it. Touch the OK button.

NOTE

To load a take from the current folder, instead of steps 1–4,
touch the folder name button at the top right of the FILE
LIST screen or touch the take name button on the Home
Screen, and touch the TAKE List button in the pull-down
menu to open the take selection screen for the current
folder.

3. Select the take that you want to load.

TASCAM HS-20

57

8 – Take mode

4. Touch the MENU button in the take selection screen to open
the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the LOAD button in the pull-up menu.

6. When a confirmation message pop-up appears, touch the

OK button or press the DATA dial.

After loading completes, the Home Screen opens and
playback will be paused at the start of the loaded take.

NOTE

You can also press the e button for a take to load it.
In this case, no pop-up window appears, and the take

selection screen remains open after loading (the Home
screen does not reopen.)

CAUTION

If the recording sampling frequency setting and the
playback file sampling frequency are different, the
following pop-up will appear while the unit switches to the
playback file sampling frequency.

Setting input monitoring

Turn input monitoring off during playback.
If input monitoring is on, sound from the input connectors will

be output through all the output connectors of this unit.

1. Touch the INPUT MONITOR button on the Home Screen to
open a pull-up with the input monitoring ON/OFF buttons.

2. If input monitoring is on (ON button blue), touch the OFF
button to turn it off (OFF button blue).

Playback control in take mode

Press the PL AY key to start playback.
Press the PAUSE key to start playback standby.
Press the PL AY key to end recording standby.
Press the STOP key to stop playback.
Press the . [MARK.] key or // [MARK/] key to

switch takes.
Press and hold the m [ ] key or , [ ] key to search

backward or forward.
Press the . [MARK.] or / [MARK/] key while

pressing and holding the SHIFT key to move between marks.
Press and hold the m [ ] key or , [ ] key while

pressing and holding the SHIFT key to search at high-speed.

NOTE

•

On the PLAY SETUP screen, you can set whether only the
currently selected take is played or whether all the takes
within the current folder are played. You can also enable
and disable repeat playback. (See “Playback settings (PLAY
SETUP)” on page 80.)

•

Playback functions can also be controlled through through
the PARALLEL connectors.

TASCAM HS-20

58

Using the call function in playlist mode

Press the CALL [CHASE] key to locate to the point where
playback was last started from playback standby (call point) and
put the unit in playback standby mode.

Using the flash start function in take mode

Using a TASCAM RC-HS20PD (sold separately) or other remote
controller, flash start playback is possible.

For details, see “Flash start function” on page 109.

Take operations

Multiple takes can be made in audio folders.
For details about folder operations, see “5 – FILE LIST” on page

30.
The following take operations are available.

o Editing take start times
o Exporting takes
o Uploading takes to an FTP server
o Deleting takes
o Sorting takes
o Changing the order of takes
o Editing take names
o Dividing takes (Divide)
o Combining takes (Combine)
o Undoing the previous edit (UNDO)
o Redoing an undone edit (REDO)

8 – Take mode

FRAME EDIT on

Editing take start times

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
take selection screen. Then, press the FILE LIST key again to
open the folder selection screen.

2. Touch the e button for the folder that contains the take you
want to edit to open the take selection screen.

If it is not the current folder, a pop-up window appears
confirming that you want to load it. Touch the OK button.

NOTE

To load a take from the current folder, instead of steps 2–3,
touch the folder name button at the top right of the FILE
LIST screen or touch the take name button on the Home
Screen. Then, touch the TAKE List button in the pull-down
menu to open the take selection screen for the current
folder.

3. Select the take for which you want to edit the start time.

4. Touch the MENU button in the take selection screen to open

the pull-up menu.

FRAME EDIT off

7. Use the number buttons to input the take start time.

o If you begin input without selecting a unit, input will start

from the smallest one.

o To input a specific unit, touch it to make its background

yellow, and then use the number buttons or the DATA dial
to enter two digits at a time.

o Touch the CLEAR button to erase all entered values.

8. Touch the ENTER button to confirm the setting.

TIP

This can also be input using a connected keyboard.
Press the keyboard’s ESC key to clear all the values.

9. When the confirmation pop-up window appears, touch the
OK button or press the DATA dial.

Exporting takes

You can export takes to the current folder on a different media
device.

1. Select the take you want to export on the take selection
screen.

2. Touch the MENU button on the take selection screen to
open the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the EDIT TC button in the pull-up menu to open the
TAKE TC screen.

6. On the TAKE T/C screen, use the FRAME EDIT button to set
whether or not to input the frame value.

TASCAM HS-20

59

8 – Take mode

3. Touch the EXPORT button on the pull-up menu to open the
following pop-up window. Touch the OK button or press the
DATA dial to export the selected take.

Touch the CANCEL button on the pop-up window to return
to the take list screen.

NOTE

•

If the target destination is empty (does not have a current
folder), the same folder structure as the source folder is
created there automatically during the export.

•

If the target destination contains a file with the same name,
a pop-up window stating “Selected Take Already exist in
Export destination.” appears and exporting does not occur.

•

When the total size of the EXPORT file exceeds the free space
in the export destination, a pop-up window stating “Cannot
EXPORT. Not enough space on xxx”* is shown before the
export starts, and exporting does not occur.

*xxx: SD/CF card(export destination media name)

NOTE

The file icon for a take that has been successfully uploaded

is shown like this: .
The file icon for a take that has failed to upload is shown like

this: .

Deleting a take

1. Select the take that you want to delete on the take selection
screen.

2. Touch the MENU button on the take selection screen to
open the pull-up menu.

Take selection screen with pull-up menu open

3. Touch the DELETE button on the pull-up menu.

4. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when the confir-

mation message is displayed on the pop-up window.

Uploading takes to an FTP server

This unit can upload takes to a designated folder on the FTP
server set on the FTP page of the REMOTE SETUP screen.

1. Select a take you want to upload on the take selection
screen.

2. Touch the MENU button on the take selection screen to
open the pull-up menu.

3. Touch the UPLOAD to FTP button on the pull-up menu to
open a confirmation pop-up window. Touch the OK button
or press the DATA dial to upload the selected take.

Touch the CANCEL button on the pop-up window to return
to the take list screen.

Confirmation message screen

5 Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when the recon-

firmation message is displayed on the pop-up window.

Reconfirmation message screen

During deletion, a progress bar is shown in a pop-up
window.

When deleting completes, the pop-up window will
disappear.

TASCAM HS-20

60

CAUTION

You can delete a take already in use in the timeline mode or
playlist mode.

If you delete such a folder/file, an error pop-up appears
when you attempt to play the corresponding region/entry.

Sorting takes

You can sort the order of take playback by name.

1. Touch the MENU button on the take selection screen to
open the pull-up menu.

Take selection screen with pull-up menu open

2. Touch the SORT button on the pull-up menu to open a
confirmation pop-up window.

8 – Take mode

4. Use the DATA dial and scroll buttons to move the selected
take.

5. Touch the MOVE button or press the ENTER key to move the
take to the order shown.

Touch the button at the upper left of the screen or press
the EXIT/CANCEL key to return to the take selection screen
without moving the take.

Confirmation message screen

3. Touch the OK button or press the ENTER key on the pop-up
window to sort the order of take playback by name.

Touch the CANCEL button to return to the take selection
screen.

Changing the order of takes

You can move a take to change the playback order.

TAKE-3TAKE-1 TAKE-2

TAKE-1 TAKE-2 TAKE-5

1. Select a take you want to move on the take selection screen.

2. Touch the MENU button on the take selection screen to

open the pull-up menu.

TAKE-3

TAKE-4

TAKE-4 TAKE-5

Editing take names

1. Select the take with the name you want to edit on the take
selection screen.

2. Touch the MENU button on the take selection screen to
open the pull-up menu.

Take selection screen with pull-up menu open

3. Touch the EDIT NAME button on the pull-up menu to open
the TAKE NAME screen.

Take selection screen with pull-up menu open

3. Touch the MOVE button on the pull-up menu to open the
TAKE MOVE screen.

TAKE NAME Screen

NOTE

When you have selected multiple takes, you cannot select
the EDIT NAME button on the pull-up menu.

4. Input the take name. Follow the procedures “Editing the
name of a folder in the root directory” on page 33.

TASCAM HS-20

61

8 – Take mode

5 Touch the Enter button on the TAKE NAME screen or the

DATA dial to confirm the take name and return to the take
selection screen.

CAUTION

It is possible to edit the name of a take already in use in
timeline or playlist mode.

If you edit the name of such a take, an error pop-up appears
when you attempt to play the corresponding region/entry.

Dividing a take

You can divide a take into two at a specified position.

TAKE-2

TAKE-1

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Move the timeline cursor to the position where you want to
divide.

3. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

Touch the Divide button on the pull-up menu.

4. When "-- Divide Mode --" appears, scrub playback mode will
become active. Use the following methods to set the exact
division position.

o Turn the JOG/SHUTTLE dial

o Press the m or , key (moves one sample at a time)

o Press the m [ ] or , [ ] key while pressing

and holding the SHIFT key (moves in 1ms intervals)

o Press the . [MARK.] or / [MARK/] key

while pressing and holding the SHIFT key (moves to the
next mark point)

TAKE-2bTAKE-2a

TAKE-3TAKE-1

TAKE-3

NOTE

•

The take names are given after division as follows.

First half: <Take name before division>_a
Second half: <Take name before division>_b

•

The first half and second half will be played in order.

•

The second half will become the current take.

•

Takes that followed the current take before division will
follow the second half.

•

The total number of takes increases by one after division.

•

If a mark point existed at the division point, it will be set as
the beginning of the second half.

NOTE

Example:
Take list: Scene001-T001 before division

Take list: Scene001-T001 after division

When the position is determined, touch the Divide button
at the lower-left of the screen. To cancel dividing, touch the
CANCEL button at the lower left of the screen, or press the
STOP or EXIT/CANCEL key.

If the file name given after division already exists and a take
cannot be divided, the "Cannot Divide." message appears.

5. When dividing is complete, the Home Screen will open after
a pop-up window is shown.

TASCAM HS-20

62

CAUTION

It is possible to divide a take already in use in timeline or
playlist mode.

If you divide such a take, an error pop-up will appear if you
try to play the corresponding region/entry.

Combining takes

You can combine a specified take with another one.

NOTE

You cannot combine takes in the following cases.

•

The bit lengths, the numbers of channels or the
sampling frequencies are different.

•

The file size after combining the takes exceeds the Max
File Size shown on the REC SETUP/FILE FORMAT screens.

•

The open capacity of the media is less than the file size
of the second take to be combined.

TAKE-1 TAKE-2 TAKE-3 TAKE-4 TAKE-5

8 – Take mode

6. While combining, a progress bar is shown in the pop-up
window.

When combining is complete, the pop-up window will
disappear.

TAKE-1

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Set the take that will be the first half of the combined take as
the current take.

3. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

Touch the Combine button on the pull-up menu.

4. When the take selection screen opens, touch the e button
of the take to be combined with the current take.

(The yellow icon indicates the first take to be used in the
combination, which was as selected in step 3.)

TAKE-3 TAKE-4 TAKE-5

NOTE

•

The file name of the first take is used for the combined take.

•

The timecode information from the first take is used in the
combined take.

•

If the combined number of mark points of the takes exceeds
100, the 101st and subsequent ones will be lost. These mark
points cannot be recovered with UNDO.

CAUTION

It is possible to combine takes that are already in use in
timeline or playlist mode.

If you combine such takes, an error pop-up appears when
you attempt to play the corresponding region/entry.

5. A confirmation message appears, and an interval of
4-seconds in total before and after the take combination
point will be played repeatedly.

Touch the OK button or press the ENTER key to combine the
takes.

Touch the CANCEL button or press the EXIT/CANCEL key
to stop the repeat playback and reopen the take selection
screen.

TASCAM HS-20

63

8 – Take mode

Undoing the previous take edit (UNDO)

You can undo the previous take edit.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

Touch the UNDO button on the pull-up menu.

3. When the edit is undone, the Home Screen will open after a
pop-up window is shown.

Redoing the previously undone take edit (REDO)

After undoing an edit, you can redo it.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the EDIT button to open the pull-up menu.

Touch the REDO button on the pull-up menu.

3. When the edit is redone, the Home Screen will open after a
pop-up window is shown.

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

NOTE

•

If no editing has been conducted, the UNDO button is
disabled. The UNDO button appears with white letters when
it is possible to undo an edit.

•

The take mode edit history will be erased by the following
actions.

•

Turning this unit off

•

Loading a folder

•

Changing the operation mode

•

Recording

In this case, the EDIT pull-up menu will remain open.

NOTE

•

If no edit has been undone, the REDO button is disabled. The
REDO button appears with white letters when it is possible
to redo an edit.

•

The take mode edit history will be erased by the following
actions.

•

Turning this unit off

•

Loading a folder

•

Changing the operation mode

•

Recording

TASCAM HS-20

64

9 – Playlist mode

In this chapter, we explain how to use the playlist mode. To
use this unit in playlist mode, set the unit’s operation mode to
PLAYLIST MODE. (See “Selecting the operation mode” on page

38.)
Please refer to “4 – Basic operation” on page 26 when reading

this chapter.

Playlist operations

Loading a folder

Takes/files can only be added to the playlist from the currently
loaded folder. When takes/files that are in other folders are
added to a playlist they are copied to the current folder. Load a
folder first.

1 Press the HOME key on the front panel to open the Home

screen.
Then, press the FILE LIST key again to open the folder

selection screen.

5. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-
mation pop-up message appears.

When loading completes, the last loaded playlist (or a
playlist created by default for a new folder) is automatically
loaded and the Home Screen reopens.

Creating a new playlist

You can create a playlist (JPPA PPL file) in the folder of the
current folder.

The file path is as follows when you view a card on your
computer.

{Card drive name}:\{HS Files}\{folder name}\{_playlists}\
{Playlist file}

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
playlist selection screen.

2. Touch a folder name button to select a folder.
Its background appears yellow.

3. Touch the MENU button on the folder selection screen to
open the pull-up menu.

4. Touch the LOAD button in the pull-up menu.

NOTE

You can also press the e button for a folder to load it. If it is
not the current folder, a pop-up window appears confirming
that you want to load it. Touch the OK button.

NOTE

When you create a folder, one JPPA PPL file is created
automatically.

2. Touch the CREATE PLAYLIST button to open the PLAYLIST
NAME screen.

Enter the playlist name.
To enter the playlist name, follow the procedures “Editing

the name of a folder in the root directory” on page 33.

3. Touch the Enter button or press the DATA dial.

TASCAM HS-20

65

9 – Playlist mode

4. When a confirmation message pop-up appears, touch the
OK button or press the DATA dial to confirm the playlist
name.

While the playlist is being created, a progress status pop-up
appears.

When playlist creation completes, the pop-up disappears.

NOTE

•

Immediately after a new playlist is created, it becomes the
current playlist (currently loaded playlist).

•

A new playlist can also be created by touching the CREATE
PLAYLIST button on the pull-down menu that appears when
an entry name button is touched on the Home Screen.

•

“C” (current) appears inside the icon of the currently
loaded playlist.

Changing a playlist name later

You can change playlist names later.

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
playlist selection screen.

2. Select the playlist with the name that you want to change.
The background of the selected playlist name appears
yellow.

3. Touch the MENU button to open a pull-up menu.

4. Touch the EDIT NAME button in the pull-up menu to open

the PLAYLIST NAME screen.

NOTE

The EDIT NAME button in the pull-up menu cannot be
selected if the loaded playlist is selected.

5. Input the playlist name. Follow the procedures “Editing the
name of a folder in the root directory” on page 33.

6. Touch the Enter button on the PLAYLIST NAME screen or
press the DATA dial to confirm the playlist name and return
to the playlist selection screen.

TASCAM HS-20

66

9 – Playlist mode

Loading playlists

You can load a playlist (JPPA PPL file) that is in the current folder.
The file path is as follows when you view a card on a computer.

{Card drive name}:\{HS Files}\{folder name}\{_playlists}\
{Playlist file}

NOTE

You cannot load a playlist file that is not in the current
folder.

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
playlist selection screen.

2. Select the playlist that you want to load.

3. Touch the MENU button on the Playlist selection screen to

open a pull-up menu.

4. Touch the LOAD button in the pull-up menu.

Deleting a playlist

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
playlist selection screen.

2. Select the playlist that you want to delete.

3. Touch the MENU button on the Playlist selection screen to

open a pull-up menu.

4. Touch the DELETE button in the pull-up menu.

NOTE

If you have selected the currently loaded playlist, you
cannot select the DELETE button on the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-
mation pop-up message appears.

NOTE

You can also load a playlist by touching its e button.

5. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when a confir-
mation pop-up message appears.

After loading completes, the Home Screen opens.

During deletion, a progress bar is displayed in a pop-up
window.

When deletion completes, the pop-up disappears.

TASCAM HS-20

67

9 – Playlist mode

Editing a playlist (adding, clearing and editing entries)

A playback unit in a playlist is called an “entry”.
A maximum of 100 entries can be added to a playlist.
Only takes (files) in the folder in which the playlist was created

can be added as entries.
When a take (file) that is in another folder is added to a playlist, it

is copied to the folder where the playlist was made.
Even during playback of a playlist, entries can be added to or

removed from it. Their names can also be changed.
The entry that is currently playing, however, cannot be changed.
Use the ENTRY list and ASSIGN file screens to edit playlists.

ENTRY list screen

To open this screen, touch a take or entry name button on the
Home Screen to open a pull-down menu and touch the ENTRY
LIST button, or touch the ENTRY g part of the ENTRY g t
ASSIGN button on the ASSIGN file screen.

4 Entry name button

Touch to select the corresponding entry.
Touch this button to open the take list on the right side.
When this list is open, you can touch a take name button

to assign that take to the selected entry name button.

Take list open

The entry number appears inside the icon.
The playlist verification status also appears inside the

icon. If the format of the file is different or the file does
not exist, its name appears in gray.

Currently loaded entry

Entry is okay

1 ENTRY g t ASSIGN button

Switches between the ENTRY list and ASSIGN file screens.
Touch the t ASSIGN part to open the ASSIGN file screen.

2 Playlist name display

This shows the current playlist name.

is shown if editing has been performed without saving.

3 START TC/LENGTH button

Touch this area to switch between showing the starting
time (START TC) and the length (LENGTH) in the START
TC/LENGTH column. The one shown in white is currently
displayed.

Entry is a format that cannot be played
back

File added for entry has been deleted
via FTP or on the BROWSE screen

No entry

5 INFO button

When an entry is selected, press this button to open an
information pop-up for that entry.

When an entry is not selected, press this button to show
information about the current playlist.

6 PLAY buttons

Touch to play the corresponding entry. These turn green
during playback of the corresponding entries. Touch one
during playback to stop playback of the corresponding
entry.

7 Scroll buttons

Use these buttons to scroll to the beginning or end of
the entry list, or to scroll one page (five lines) forward or
backward. You can also scroll through the entry list one line
at a time using the DATA dial.

8 START TC/LENGTH column

This shows the entry starting time or entry length (time). The
START TC/LENGTH button item shown in white is currently
shown.

TASCAM HS-20

68

9 MULTI SELECT button

Touch to enable the selection of multiple entries.

0 MENU button

Touch to open a pull-up menu where you can select
REBUILD, CLEAR, ADJUST, SAVE and SAVE AS.

9 – Playlist mode

ASSIGN File screen

To open this screen, touch a take or entry name button on the
Home Screen to open a pull-down menu and touch the ASSIGN
FILE button, or touch the t ASSIGN part of the ENTRY g t
ASSIGN button on the ASSIGN file screen.

q ENTRY g t ASSIGN button

Switches between the ENTRY list and ASSIGN file screens.
Touch the ENTRY t part to open the ENTRY list screen.

w Current button

Touch this button to open the take name list of the current
folder.

y Take name list/buttons

This is a list of the takes in the current folder.
After touching a key assign button, touch a take name

button to assign that take to that key assign button.
If you touch the current folder name button when the name

of a folder in the root folder is shown in it, a list of the folders
in the root folder will be shown.

Touch the button of the folder that you want to load to open
the list of takes in that folder.

u Scroll buttons

Use these buttons to scroll to the beginning or end of the
take list or folder list, or to scroll one page (five lines) forward
or backward. You can also scroll through the take list one
line at a time using the DATA dial.

i Page display and selection buttons

The current key assign button page is shown.
Touch the + or – button to change the page.

o INFO button

When a key assign button is selected, touch this button to
open an information pop-up for that key assign button.

When a take is selected, touch this button to open an infor­mation pop-up for that take.

When nothing is selected, touch this button to show infor­mation about the current playlist.

p MENU button

Touch to open a pull-up menu where you can select
REBUILD, CLEAR, ADJUST, SAVE, and SAVE AS.

e Folder name/playlist name

This shows the names of the current folder and playlist.

is shown if editing has been performed without saving.

r Key assign list/buttons

These buttons are for entry assignments.
The flash page number and flash key number are shown

separated by a “–”.
The playlist verification status also appears inside the

icon.
The icon for the currently playing entry is and its button is

highlighted in green.

Entry currently being played back

Entry is okay

Entry is a format that cannot be played back

File added for entry has been deleted via FTP or on
the BROWSE screen

No entry

After touching one of these buttons, touch a take name
button to assign that take to that button.

t Current folder name button

This shows the name of the folder that is shown in the current
take list display area.

Touch this button to show the folder list in the take list
display area.

TASCAM HS-20

69

9 – Playlist mode

Assigning a take to an entry

1 Press the HOME key on the front panel to open the Home

Screen.

2 Touch a file name or title name button to open a pull-down

menu and touch the ASSIGN FILE button.

Touch the t ASSIGN part to open the ASSIGN file screen.

6. Touch a take name in the take list to assign that take to that
button. When a take is assigned to a button, the button’s
icon changes from (no assignment) to .

NOTE

•

Only takes in the folder where the playlist is can be added to
the playlist.

•

If the take that you want to add does not appear, use the
scroll buttons or DATA dial to scroll through the list until the
take appears and then touch its name.

TIP

If the take that you want to add is in a different folder, touch
the current folder name button to open the folder list. Then,
touch the name of the folder that contains the take that you
want to add to open that folder’s take name list.

7. Repeat steps 3–6 as necessary.

8. After you have completed making assignments, save the

playlist as necessary.
To save a playlist, touch the MENU button on the ASSIGN file

or ENTRY list screen to open a pull-up menu. Touch the SAVE
button. You can also touch a file name or title name button
on the Home Screen to open a pull-down menu and touch
the SAVE button.

For details about saving, see “Saving playlists” on page 75.

TIP

You can also assign a take to an entry with a similar
procedure on the Entry List screen.

On the left side are the buttons that can receive assign­ments, and on the right side is the list of takes that can be
assigned.

NOTE

You can also touch the t ASSIGN button on the ENTRY List
screen to open the ASSIGN File screen.

3. First, select the key assign button of the take that you want
to assign.

4. Use the + and – buttons to open the page where you want
to assign a file.

5. In the key assign button list on the left, select the one
to which you want to assign a take. The selected button
appears light blue.

CAUTION

If you do not save the playlist, all changes will be lost when
another playlist is loaded, the card is removed or the unit's
power is turned off.

Entry number page allocation

The playlist entry numbers are allocated as follows.

Page number Entry number

1 1-20
2 21-40
3 41-60
4 61-80
5 81-100

NOTE

If you select a button that already has an entry assigned to
it, the corresponding take appears yellow in the take list.

TASCAM HS-20

70

9 – Playlist mode

Clearing entry assignments

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the ENTRY LIST button on the pull-down menu that is
opened by touching a file name or title name button.

This opens the ENTRY list screen.

3. Select the entry with the assignment that you want to clear.
Its background is highlighted in yellow and the take list is
shown on the right side.

When you select an entry to which a take has been assigned,
the background of that take on the take list is highlighted in
yellow.

NOTE

You can clear entry assignments by touching the take name
button highlighted in yellow.

4. Touch the MENU button on the Entry List screen to open a
pull-up menu.

Editing entry titles

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch the ADJUST ENTRY button on the pull-down menu
that is opened by touching a file or title name button.

The ADJUST ### screen opens. (“###” is the entry number.)

NOTE

You can also open this screen by touching the MENU button
and then touching the ADJUST button in the pull-up menu
when a take is selected on the ENTRY list screen or one of the
key assign buttons on the left is selected on the ASSIGN file
screen.

5 Touch the CLEAR button in the pull-up menu to clear the

entry.

NOTE

On the ASSIGN file screen, when a button on the left is
selected, you can clear its entry by touching the take name
that appears yellow in the take list on the right side or by
touching the MENU button and then touching the CLEAR
button on the pull-up menu.

ENTRY List Screen

ASSIGN File Screen

3. The title of the selected entry shown next to the TITLE
button. Touch the TITLE button to open the EDIT TITLE
screen where you can change the title of the entry.

Input the title name. Follow the procedures “Editing the
name of a folder in the root directory” on page 33.

4. Touch the Enter button on the EDIT TITLE screen or press the
DATA dial to change the entry title.

TASCAM HS-20

71

9 – Playlist mode

Editing the playback starting and ending points

1 Press the HOME key on the front panel to open the HOME

screen.

2. Touch the ADJUST ENTRY button on the pull-down menu
that is displayed by touching a file or title name button.

The ADJUST ### screen opens. (“###” is the entry number.)

NOTE

You can also open this screen by touching the MENU button
and then touching the ADJUST button on the pull-up menu
when a take is selected on the ENTRY list screen or one of the
key assign buttons on the left is selected on the ASSIGN file
screen.

3 This opens the Start End Point page.

4. When you touch a time display unit, its background will

appear yellow and its cursor will start blinking.
You can change the Start/End points using the DATA dial

when a time display unit has been selected.
Changing the selected unit past its natural limit will

increment or decrement the next higher unit.

5. You can select the unit according to the resolution you want
to change.

To change it with frame precision, select the frame unit. To
change it with sample accuracy, select the sample unit.

Editing the playback Start/End point using the number buttons and mark list screen

1. Touch the EDIT button to open the EDIT START POINT or
EDIT END POINT screen.

Use the FRAME EDIT button on the EDIT START/END POINT
screen to set whether or not you will edit the frame value.

2. Use the number buttons to input the playback Start/End
point.

o If you begin input without selecting a unit, input will start

from the smallest one.

o To input a specific unit, touch it to make its background

yellow, and then use the number buttons or the DATA dial
to enter two digits at a time.

o Touch the CURRENT b button to copy the current

playback position to the input value.

o Touch the SET MAX 5 button to set the end time on the

file as the input value.

o Touch the CLEAR button to clear all input values.

o Touch the Mark List button to open the mark list screen

where you can copy the time from a designated mark.

NOTE

•

Touch the CURRENT button to capture the current playback
position as the Start/End point.

•

Touch the RESET button to display a pop-up window
confirming that you want to reset the Start/End point to
the beginning/ending time of the file. Touch the OK button
on the pop-up window to reset the Start/End point to the
beginning/ending time of the file.

On this screen, touch the e button of a mark to copy its
time to the playback Start/End point and return to the
ADJUST ### screen.

NOTE

When you change the playback Start/End time, the set
values will be adjusted automatically so that the length of
playback is longer than the total lengths of the fade-in and
fade-out.

3. Touch the ENTER button to confirm the setting.

TIP

•

You can also use the PLAY key and other transport keys
while listening to the audio to find the location, and then
touch the CURRENT b button to input that value here.

•

You can also use a connected keyboard to edit values on the
EDIT START POINT and EDIT END POINT screens.

Press the keyboard’s ESC key to clear all the values.

TASCAM HS-20

72

9 – Playlist mode

Editing the playback starting time

1. Press the HOME key on the front panel to open the Home
screen.

2. Touch the ADJUST ENTRY button on the pull-down menu
that is opened by touching the file name button or the title
name button.

The ADJUST ### screen opens. (“###” is the entry number.)

NOTE

You can also open this screen by touching the MENU button
and then touching the ADJUST button on the pull-up menu
when a take is selected on the ENTRY list screen or one of the
key assign buttons on the left is selected on the ASSIGN file
screen.

3. Touch the Start TC Fade/Level tab to open the screen shown
below.

o Touch the CLEAR button to erase all entered values.

7. Touch the ENTER button to confirm the setting.

TIP

•

You can also use the PLAY key and other transport keys
while listening to the audio to find the location, and then
touch the CURRENT b button to input that value here.

•

This can also be input using a connected keyboard.
Press the keyboard’s ESC key to clear all the values.

4. Touch the EDIT button to open the EDIT START TC screen,
and use the number buttons to change the Start TC.

5. The value shown next to the Start TC item is the playback
starting time for the selected entry. Touch the EDIT button
for the START TC item to open the EDIT START T/C screen
where you can change the playback starting time.

Use the FRAME EDIT button on the EDIT START T/C screen to
set whether or not you will edit the frame value.

6. Use the number buttons to input the entry playback start
time.

o If you begin input without selecting a unit, input will start

from the smallest one.

o To input a specific unit, touch it to make its background

yellow, and then use the number buttons or the DATA dial
to enter two digits at a time.

o Touch the CURRENT b button to copy the current

timecode time to the input value.

TASCAM HS-20

73

9 – Playlist mode

Editing fade-in/fade-out length and level

1. Press the HOME key on the front panel to open the Home
screen.

2. Touch the ADJUST ENTRY button on the pull-down menu
that is opened by touching a file or title name button.

The ADJUST ### screen opens. (“###” is the entry number.)

3. Touch the Start TC Fade/Level tab to open the screen shown
below.

4. Select the Fade In, Fade Out or Level knob and use the DATA
dial to set the value.

Ranges

o Fade In/Out Length: 0 – 30 seconds

(0.1 second per step or 1.0 second per step when the dial
is pressed and rotated)

o Level: −∞ to +10dB

NOTE

•

After the length of a fade is changed, the value will be
automatically adjusted to a value that will fit within the
playback Start/End time interval.

•

The playback level is shown by a solid red line.

•

The reference level (0 dB) is shown by a dotted orange line.

Rehearsal playback

You can use the transport controls for rehearsal playback while
on the ADJUST ENTRY screen.

o The operation is the same as during normal transport

operation except that the . and / keys are used to
jump to the entry's file beginning, Start Point, End Point
and file end.

o If you change the Start Point or Fade In Length, the

playback position will move to the Start Point. If you
change it during playback, playback will continue after
jumping to the new playback position.

o If you change the End Point or Fade Out Length, the

playback position will move as follows. If you change it
during playback, playback will continue after jumping to
the new playback position.

When PREVIEW

off
When changing
End Point

When changing
Fade Out Length

o Touch the PREVIEW button to change the contents of the

rehearsal playback.

Rehearsal playback when PREVIEW is off

o The original audio is played back without fade in/out or

level adjustments applied.

o You can move out of the Start/End Point range.

o When the End Point is reached during playback, playback

jumps back to the Start Point and stops.

Press the PL AY key to start playback from the Start Point.
Use the . key, / key, SHIFT + / key and the

JOG/SHUTTLE dial to move playback to after the End
Point.

Rehearsal playback when PREVIEW is on

o Only the interval between the Start Point and the End

Point is played back.

Locating to a point outside of that range is not possible.

o The audio is played back with fade in/out and level adjust-

ments applied.

Two seconds

before End Point

Two seconds

before Fade Out

starts

When PREVIEW on

Two seconds before
Fade Out starts

Two seconds before
Fade Out starts

TASCAM HS-20

74

9 – Playlist mode

Saving playlists

The current playlist is saved in the current folder (loaded folder)
as a JPPA PPL file.

CAUTION

After editing a playlist, save it as necessary. If you do not
save a playlist after editing, all changes will be lost when,
for example, you load another playlist, remove the selected
card, or turn off the unit.

An “*” appears in the file name or title name button when
editing has occurred that has not been saved yet. When
an “*” is shown, a pop-up message asking if you want to
save the playlist will appear when you try to do something
that would clear the edits, including when loading another
playlist, creating a new playlist and changing the operation
mode.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2 Touch a file name or title name button to open a pull-down

menu and touch the SAVE button to start saving the playlist.

Naming a playlist and saving it

On the ENTRY List or ASSIGN File screen, after touching the
MENU button to open the pull-up, if you touch the SAVE AS
button instead of the SAVE button, you can name the playlist
before saving it.

1. Press the HOME key on the front of the unit to open the
Home screen.

2. Touch a file name or title name button to open a pull-down
menu and touch the SAVE AS button.

The PLAYLIST NAME screen where you can input new playlist
names opens.

3. Press to start saving.
While saving, a progress status pop-up appears.
When saving completes, the pop-up disappears.

NOTE

You can also save a playlist by touching the MENU button
on the ASSIGN file or ENTRY list screen to open a pull-up
menu and touching the SAVE button.

ENTRY list screen

3. Input the playlist name. Follow the procedures “Editing the
name of a folder in the root directory” on page 33.

4. Touch the Enter button on the PLAYLIST NAME screen or
press the DATA dial to save the playlist with this name.

While the file is being created, a progress status pop-up
appears.

When file creation completes, the pop-up disappears.

NOTE

When a file with the input name already exists, a pop-up
window to confirm whether you want to overwrite the file is
displayed.

Touch the OK button to overwrite that file, or touch the
CANCEL button to return to the PLAYLIST NAME screen.

Touch the OK button to overwrite that file, or touch the
CANCEL button to return to the PLAYLIST NAME screen.

TIP

You can also name and save a playlist by touching the
MENU button on the ASSIGN file or ENTRY list screen to open
a pull-up menu, and touch the SAVE AS button.

ASSIGN File Screen

TASCAM HS-20

75

9 – Playlist mode

Playback in playlist mode

Selecting a playlist

1. Press the FILE LIST key on the front of the unit to open the
playlist selection screen.

2. Touch the name of the playlist that you want to play to
select it. Its background becomes yellow.

3. Touch the MENU button on the Playlist selection screen to
open a pull-up menu.

Playback control in playlist mode

Press the PL AY key to start playback.
Press the PAUSE key to start playback standby.
Press the PL AY key again to resume playback.
Press the STOP key to stop playback.
Press the . [MARK.] key or / [MARK/] key to

switch entries.
Press and hold the m [ ] key or , [ ] key to search

backward or forward.
Press the . [MARK.] or / [MARK/] key while

pressing and holding the SHIFT key to move between marks.
Press and hold the m [ ] key or , [ ] key while

pressing and holding the SHIFT key to search at high-speed.

NOTE

•

On the PLAY SETUP screen, you can set whether only the
currently selected entry is played or whether all the entries
within the current playlist are played. You can also enable
and disable repeat playback. (See “Playback settings (PLAY
SETUP)” on page 80.)

•

Playback can also be controlled through the PARALLEL port.

Using the call function in playlist mode

Press the CALL [CHASE] key to locate to the point where
playback was last started from playback standby (call point) and
put the unit in playback standby mode.

Playlist selection screen pull-up

4. Touch the LOAD button in the pull-up menu to load the
playlist. A confirmation pop-up window will appear.

Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial. When loading
completes, the Home Screen opens.

NOTE

On the playlist selection screen, instead of touching the
MENU button followed by the LOAD button in the pull-up
menu, you can also touch the e button for the playlist that
you want to play to load it.

The same pop-up message as above appears. Touch the OK
button or press the DATA dial.

Using the flash start function in playlist mode

Using a TASCAM RC-HS20PD (sold separately) or other remote
controller, flash start playback is possible.

For details, see “Flash start function” on page 109.

TASCAM HS-20

76

10 – Internal settings

Menu screen

Press the MENU key on the front of the unit to open the MENU
screen shown below.

o REC SETUP button

Make recording settings.

o PLAY SETUP button

Make playback settings.

o SYNC T/C button

Make synchronization and timecode settings.

o REMOTE SETUP button

Make external remote controller settings.

o AUDIO I/O button

Make settings related to the input and output of audio
signals.

o METER SETUP button

Make level meter settings.

o SYSTEM SETUP button

Make system settings.

o VERSION INFO button

View the system version.

o BROWSE button

View and perform operations on folders and files on SD
cards, CF cards and USB flash drives.

o MEDIA MANAGE button

Perform operations on media

o TIMER EVENT LIST button

Add new events to the timer event list and edit and
delete existing events.

o OPERATION MODE button

Set the operation mode.

Recording settings (REC SETUP)

The REC SETUP screen has three tabbed pages: REC MODE, FILE
FORMAT and OPTIONS.

Touch the tabs at the bottom of the screen to open the corre­sponding page.

REC MODE page

Make settings related to the recording mode.

REC MODE

o Single (default): Recording on only the selected media

(current media).

o Mirror: Recording on two media simultaneously.

8

Setting button appearance

REC mode setting Button appearance

Single

Mirror

Mirror
(when Mirror recording is not

possible*1 or unavailable*2)

*1 Conditions that make mirror recording impossible

o Insufficient remaining space on the current media.
o The currently selected media is not loaded.
o The CF card set as current media is not compatible.

(PIO mode)

o The current media is not in a compatible format.

(Not FAT16 or FAT32.)

o A take numbered 999 already exists on one medium

with a name that matches the setting on the NEXT
TAKE NAME screen (opened from the Home Screen). (
“----“ is shown for the "NEXT TAKE NAME" number.)

o The total number of entries (total number of files and

folders) in the current folders of both media exceeds
the system limitation.
Repeat recording and editing in timeline mode has
occurred, so not enough capacity for managing
regions and edit history is available to record.
(RecLimit is shown on the media remaining space
button.)

*2 Conditions that make mirror recording unavailable

o Remaining space on the mirror media is insufficient.

(If the remaining space on the current media is
exhausted, mirror recording is also impossible.1)

TASCAM HS-20

77

10 – Internal settings

o The mirror paired media is not present

(If the current media is not present, mirror recording
is also impossible.1)

o The CF card not set as the current media is not

compatible. (PIO mode)
(If the current media is not compatible, mirror
recording is also impossible.1)

o The non-current media is not in a compatible format.

(Not FAT16 or FAT32.) (If the format of the current
media is not compatible, mirror recording is also
impossible.1)

o The CF card is not compatible with UDMA.
o One or both of the media has not been formatted by

this unit.
(The media has not been formatted with the cluster
size recommended for this unit.)

o The recording sampling frequency is set to 88.2, 96,

176.4 or 192 kHz.
If any of these conditions apply, mirror recording is
not possible and recording will occur only on the
current media.

NOTE

•

When set to Mirror, the same folder as the current folder of
the current media will be created on the other media.

If you start recording with Mirror set, takes with the same
name will be recorded in the matching folders on both
media.

•

When set to Mirror, no recording will be possible if
the current media cannot be recorded to, even if the
non-current media has space available.

•

In Mirror recording mode, if the time counter display mode
is TOTAL REMAIN, the recordable time for the media with
less remaining space is shown.

If either media runs out of space during mirror recording,
the recordable time for the media that continues recording
will be shown.

8

Various messages

3 One of the media has not been formatted by this unit

o If recording starts with Mirror unavailable, the following

messages are shown.

1 If the reason that Mirror is unavailable is anything other

than 2 and 3 below

2 The CF card is not compatible with UDMA

3 The CF card has not been formatted on this unit

o If the REC Mode setting is changed to Mirror when Mirror

is unavailable, the following messages are shown.

1 One of the media cannot be recorded to

2 The CF card is not compatible with UDMA

TASCAM HS-20

78

10 – Internal settings

o If the space on either of the media runs out or an error

occurs during recording with Mirror set, recording to the
media with no space remaining or to the media on which
an error has occurred will stop. Recording of the current
file to the other media will also stop, but recording will
continue as the next take in a new file.

Then, the message and media remaining space buttons
will be shown as follows.

1 If either of the media has run out of space

Media remaining space buttons

2 If a recording error has occurred with either of the media

The following pop-up window appears.
Press the CANCEL button to open a pop-up confirmation

window.

Setting buttons: Disable (default), Enable

Target Free SPACE

Setting range (in hours): 1h (default) to 24h

NOTE

Even if you delete files, it is possible that the time set for
the Target Free SPACE might not be made available for
recording with this function.

In this case, delete unneeded files manually.

FILE FORMAT page

Make settings related to the file format on this page.

Media remaining space buttons

8

Auto SPACE Check

You can set Target Free SPACE to a minimum time that will be
used to provide a warning when the amount of remaining
media space changes, for example, when recording stops,
the recording sampling frequency is changed or a download
completes.

If the remaining recordable time becomes less than the set time,
the following pop-up window appears.

Bit Length

Set the quantization bit rate for recording files using the
following buttons.

Setting buttons: 16bit (default), 24bit

Max File Size

Set the maximum size for recording files using the following
buttons.

Setting buttons: 640MB, 1GB, 2GB (default)

Pause Mode

Set whether or not to divide files when a recording is paused
using the following buttons.

Setting buttons: SPLIT (default), NO SPLIT

REC Fs

This shows the file recording sampling frequency.

Setting buttons: 44.1k, 48k (default), 88.2k, 96k, 176.4k, 192k

NOTE

In timeline mode, the recording sampling frequency cannot
be changed on this page.

If you want to record with a timeline that has a sampling
frequency different from the current one, follow the proce­dures in “Creating new AES31 editing information” on page
43 and create an AES31 editing information file for the
desired sampling frequency.

The following pop-up window appears.
Touch the OK button. Touch the OK button again when the

confirmation pop-up message appears to delete all files that
have already been uploaded to an FTP server.

If there are no uploaded files, the following pop-up window
appears:

“There are no uploaded takes to delete.”

TASCAM HS-20

79

10 – Internal settings

OPTIONS page

Make settings related to the pre-recording and auto marks on
this page.

PreREC Time

Turn this function ON or OFF and set the length of pre-recording
time.

(Default: OFF)
When PreREC Time is ON, the signal input during recording

standby is captured by the built-in memory for the set amount
of time, allowing a maximum of 5 seconds to be recorded before
recording is started manually.

To set the pre-recording time, touch the knob, and adjust the
value using the DATA dial.

Setting range: 1–5 seconds (default: 2 seconds)

Auto mark

Make settings related to auto marks.

o Audio Over:

Use this to add markers when the set audio level is
exceeded.

Use this to add markers when the set level is exceeded.
Turn this function ON or OFF and set the detection level.
(Default: OFF)
To set the detection level, touch the knob, and adjust the

value using the DATA dial.

Setting values: –0.20 dB (default), –0.17 dB, –0.13 dB,

–0.10 dB, –0.06 dB, –0.03 dB.

Range: -0.10 dB to -0.06 dB (default: -0.03 dB)

Settings made here are reflected in the Over Level
setting on the METER SETUP screen.

o Time Interval:

Use this to add marks at fixed time intervals. Turn this
function ON or OFF and set the time interval. (Default:
OFF)

To set the time, touch the knob, and adjust the value
using the DATA dial. The setting range is 1–10 minutes
(default: 5 minutes). (default value)

o Sync Unlock:

Use this to add a mark when synchronization with
the master clock is lost. Turn this function ON or OFF.
(Default: OFF)

o PRE/REC/END:

Marks can be added automatically at the pre-record
start, recording start and recording end points. Turn this
function ON or OFF.

(Default: OFF)

(In the example above, this would be when the level exceeds
the maximum level minus 0.20 dB.)

NOTE

The PRE/REC/END auto marks are only added to takes in
take mode. They do not appear on the timeline in timeline
mode.

NOTE

After an Audio Over or Sync Unlock auto mark has been
placed, the same type of mark will not be repeated until at
least 10 seconds has passed.

Playback settings (PLAY SETUP)

Make playback settings on this screen.

GENERAL page

Make various settings related to the playback mode on this
page.

Play Mode

Set how the playback of takes and entries is handled using
the following buttons. This setting affects all modes except
timeline mode.

One Take button:
(default)

All Take button: All the takes in the currently loaded

Repeat Mode

Turn repeat playback ON and OFF (default). (Default: OFF)

Only the currently selected take or
entry is played back.

folder or all the entries in the
playlist are played back.

NOTE

An "audio over" occurs when the level exceeds the maximum
level (full scale) minus the value set by the user.

TASCAM HS-20

80

10 – Internal settings

CONTROL page

Make various settings related to the playback functions on this
page.

Auto Cue

Turn the auto cue function ON or OFF (default).
If auto cue is ON, whenever a take is changed or loaded, the

unit will enter playback standby at the point where sound
first starts in the take. When Play Mode is set to One Take
and no sound is detected before the end of the take, the
unit stops at the start of the take. When Play Mode is set to
All Take and no sound is detected before the end of the take,
the unit tries to detect audio in the next take.

This setting affects all modes except timeline mode.
To set the auto cue start point detection level, touch the

knob area and use the DATA dial to change the value.

Setting values: –72dB, –66dB, –60dB, –54dB (default),

–48dB, –42dB, –36dB, –30dB, –24dB
LEVEL: −6dB, −12dB, −24dB, −48dB

Auto Ready

Turn the auto ready function ON or OFF (default).
If auto ready is ON, when playback of a take completes the

unit automatically pauses at the beginning of the next take.
This setting affects all modes except timeline mode.

Inc. Play

Turn the incremental play function ON or OFF (default).
When incremental play is ON, press the PL AY key during

playback to move to the beginning of the next take and
continue playing.

Press the STOP key during playback to put the unit in
playback standby at the beginning of the next take.

This setting affects all modes except timeline mode.

PLAY Inhibit Time

This sets a time interval during which playback of the same
take (entry) cannot be restarted.

The following keys and commands are disabled (excluding
flash start keys/commands for other takes/entries) for the
duration of this setting: PLAY key on the front of the unit,
the PLAY key, flash start keys and fader start function of
the TASCAM RC-HS20PD remote control (sold separately),
and play and flash start commands from external control
(RS-232C, RS-422, parallel, keyboard).

Setting range: 0 (default) – 1000 msec (100 msec intervals),
Inf (during playback the affected keys are disabled)

NOTE

When the PLAY Inhibit Time item is set to Inf, the incre­mental play function is automatically set to OFF and cannot
be switched to ON.

Sync and timecode settings (SYNC T/C)

Make various settings related to audio synchronization and
timecode on this page.

This screen has five pages: CLOCK, SYNC, T/C, SETUP and I/O.
Touch the tabs at the bottom of the screen to open the corre­sponding page.

CLOCK page

View various clock status information and select the clock used
for synchronization on this page.

STATUS

Current Fs

This shows the current sampling frequency.

CLOCK

This shows the clock synchronization status.

WORD/VIDEO

This shows WORD, VIDEO or TriLevel if a synchronization
signal is detected at the input.

D-IN

This shows the digital input signal status as follows.

Digital input signal status Indicator

Locked Locked (xx.xxx kHz)
When sampling rate conversion
is on
Unlocked Unlocked (xx.xxx kHz)
No signal Unlocked (no signal)
No audio signal present Not Audio
Other Cbit information differs
from the actual operation mode

MASTER

Use the buttons to select the master clock to use.

INT button (default):

Use this unit’s internal clock.

WORD button:

Synchronize with the word clock input through the

WORD/VIDEO IN connector.

VIDEO button:

Synchronize with the video clock input through the

WORD/VIDEO IN connector.

D-IN button:

Synchronize with the clock of the digital signal selected
as the input for DIGITAL IN.

You cannot select an input as the master clock if the
sampling rate converter is ON for that input.

On the second line of the button, the digital input signal
selected is shown.

Locked (xx.xxx kHz FsCnv)

Unmatched Cbit

TASCAM HS-20

81

10 – Internal settings

NOTE

•

A mark appears on the button of the currently active
master clock.

•

If synchronization from an external clock is interrupted,
the unit’s internal clock becomes active. In this case, the
mark appears on the INT button to show that it has become
the active clock, and the mark appears on the button of
the selected external clock that was lost.

SYNC page

Make settings related to synchronization on this page.

When ON, this function re-synchronizes when synchroni­zation with timecode becomes inaccurate during playback.
(Default: OFF)

When set to OFF, after synchronizing once, input timecode is
ignored and the unit operates in free run mode.

When set to ON, set the amount of inaccuracy that triggers
rechasing. To set the time, touch the knob, and adjust the
value using the DATA dial.

Select a value in frames of 1/3, 1, 2 (default), 5 or 10.

Master TC

Set whether the unit synchronizes with the built-in timecode
generator or with timecode input from another device.

Internal button: Synchronize with the built-in generator.
External button (default): Synchronize with timecode input

from another device.

T/C page

Make settings related to timecode on this page.

NOTE

If an optional SY-2 has not been installed, the items will be
shaded and cannot be set.

STATUS

Shows the current sampling frequency and clock synchroni­zation status.

TC Chase

Use to turn playback synchronized with timecode ON or OFF
(default).

Set it to ON when you want to match the timing of this unit’s
audio with a timecode master device (audio recorder, video
or built-in timecode generator).

You can also set the timecode offset (TC Offset) to be used
with the timecode master device. Touch the EDIT button to
open the CHASE Offset screen where you can set the offset
value in a range between −23:59:59.29 and +23:59:59.29.
(Default: 00:00:00.00)

NOTE

TC Chase can also be turned ON and OFF by pressing the

SHIFT and CALL keys at the same time.

TC Rechase

Set to free run

Set to jam sync (and free once)

NOTE

If an optional SY-2 has not been installed, the items will be
shaded and cannot be set.

STATUS

This shows the timecode generator mode of the unit and the
current timecode frame type.

GENERATOR

The top line shows the current timecode generator time.
The bottom line shows the user bits (UB).

TASCAM HS-20

82

10 – Internal settings

Touch the GENERATOR item EDIT button or the user bits (UB)
display area to open the T/C USER BITS screen.

When the timecode generator is in free run mode, touch
the RESTART button to reset the timecode of the timecode
generator to the start time.

TC IN

The top line shows the time of the input timecode and the
frame type. The bottom line shows the user bits (UB) of the
input timecode.

In FREE RUN mode, touch the CAPTURE button to capture
the current timecode and set it as the timecode of the
timecode generator.

If the timecode generator mode is FREE ONCE or JAM SYNC,
the capture status (WAITING) indicator lights green when
waiting for timecode, and it turns off after timecode is
captured.

START TIME

When you touch the GENERATOR item RESTART button, the
time when the timecode restarts is shown.

Touch the START TIME item EDIT button or the START TIME
display area to open the START TIME screen.

SETUP page

Make settings related to the timecode generator on this page.

o Turn the power on
o Set TC GEN MODE to this mode
o Reset the internal clock

JAM SYNC button:

When timecode is input, the unit synchronizes to it. If
timecode input is interrupted, the unit enters free run
mode.

REGEN button:

The unit synchronizes to the input timecode.

REC RUN button:

The timecode generator only functions during recording.
At all other times, the timecode generator stops.

Frame Type

Use to set the timecode frame type.
Setting buttons: 23.976F, 24F, 25F, 29.97DF (default),

29.97ND, 30DF, 30ND

STATUS

Set the current timecode frame type.

TC GEN MODE

Use theses buttons to set the timecode generator mode.

NOTE

If an optional SY-2 has not been installed, the items will be
shaded and cannot be set.

FREE RUN button:

The timecode generator runs on its own.

FREE ONCE button (default):

After the input timecode is captured once, the unit starts
free run mode.

TIME OF DAY button:

If you conduct any of the following operations, the time
will be captured from the internal clock and free run
mode will start.

TASCAM HS-20

83

10 – Internal settings

I/O page

View the synchronization signal status and set timecode output
on this page.

NOTE

If an optional SY-2 has not been installed, the items will be
shaded and cannot be set.

STATUS

This shows the status of synchronization signals.

TIMECODE IN:

When timecode is input, the timecode frame rate is
shown.

WORD/VIDEO IN:

This shows WORD, VIDEO or TriLevel if a synchronization
signal is detected at the input.

TC Out Mode

Use these buttons to set the timecode output mode.

GenOut button:

Timecode is output from the internal timecode
generator.

PlayOut button (default):

In timeline mode, the timecode time for playback and
recording is output. During playback in take and playlist
modes, the timecode recorded in the file is output.

Remote settings (REMOTE SETUP)

Make settings for the PARALLEL, RS-232C, RS-422, NETWORK
and FTP connectors on this screen.

The REMOTE SETUP screen has 6 pages: GENERAL, PARALLEL,
RS-232C, RS-422, NETWORK and FTP.

Touch the tabs at the bottom of the screen to open the corre­sponding page.

GENERAL page

Make the external remote controller settings on this page.

FADER MODE

Allows the fader on an external TASCAM RC-HS20PD remote
controller (sold separately) to be enabled or disabled. When
set to Disable, the internal fader is fixed at 0 dB.

Setting buttons: Disable, Enable (default)

FADER Start MODE

Set whether or not fader starting, which allows you to start
playback by raising the fader from ∞ when in playback
standby, is enabled when the fader start function of an
external TASCAM RC-HS20PD remote controller (sold
separately), for example, is on.

Setting buttons: Disable, Enable (default)

FADER Stop MODE

Set whether or not fader stopping, which allows you to put
playback into standby by lowering the fader to ∞ during
playback standby, is enabled when the fader start function
of an external TASCAM RC-HS20PD remote controller (sold
separately), for example, is on.

Setting buttons: Disable, Enable (default)

NOTE

If both the FADER Start MODE and FADER Stop MODE items
are set to Disable, the fader start function of the external
TASCAM RC-HS20PD remote controller (sold separately) will
be turned off automatically, and the FADER START indicator
will turn off. In this state, if you touch the Fader Start key
on the TASCAM RC-HS20PD remote controller, a “Cannot
Change Now. Fixed in current mode” warning appears in a
pop-up window.

RC-HS20PD ONLINE KEY RECORD

This sets whether or not the ONLINE key of a TASCAM
RC-HS20PD remote controller (sold separately) can be used
for recording operations.

Setting buttons: Disable (default), Enable

TASCAM HS-20

84

NOTE

When this is set to “Enable”

•

Press the RC-HS20PD ONLINE key when stopped to put
the unit into recording standby. The RC-HS20PD ONLINE
key lights when in recording standby.

•

In recording standby, press the RC-HS20PD PLAY key to
start recording.

•

When recording, press the RC-HS20PD PAUSE key to enter
recording standby.

•

When recording, press the RC-HS20PD STOP key to stop
recording. The RC-HS20PD ONLINE key becomes unlit
when recording is stopped.

When this is set to “Disable”

•

Use of the RC-HS20PD ONLINE key will be ignored.

•

In recording standby, pressing the RC-HS20PD PLAY key
will not start recording.

•

When recording, pressing the RC-HS20PD PAUSE key will
not put the unit into recording standby.

10 – Internal settings

RS–232C page

Make RS-232C serial control transmission settings on this page.

PARALLEL page

Set the AUX 1-3 functions of the PARALLEL connector on this
page.

AUX Assign

Touch a knob to select it, making the background yellow,
and turn the DATA dial to set the function.

The functions that can be selected include F.FWD, REW,
MARK, MARK SKIP–, MARK SKIP+,and CALL.

o AUX1 Function:

Set the function of PARALLEL connector pin 17 (AUX1)
(default: MARK SKIP+).

o AUX2 Function:

Set the function of PARALLEL connector pin 18 (AUX2)
(default: MARK SKIP–).

o AUX3 Function:

Set the function of PARALLEL connector pin 19 (AUX3)
(default: MARK).

Serial Mode

Set the serial connection mode with the following buttons.
Setting buttons: RS-232C (Default), RS-422

NOTE

•

Only the connector selected with this setting will function.
The RS-232C and RS-422 connectors cannot both be used
at the same time.

•

This setting is synchronized with the Serial Mode item on the
RS-422 page.

•

If an optional SY-2 has not been installed, this cannot be set
to RS-422.

Baud Rate (bps)

Set the transmission speed (baud rate) with these buttons.
Setting buttons (bps): 4800, 9600, 19200 and 38400 (default)

DATA Length

Set the DATA length in bits with these buttons.
Setting buttons (bits): 7 or 8 (default)

Parity Bit

Set whether or not there is a parity bit with these buttons.
Setting buttons: NONE (default), EVEN and ODD.

Stop Bit

Set the stop bit with these buttons.
Setting buttons (bits) 1 (default) and 2

TASCAM HS-20

85

10 – Internal settings

RS–422 page

Make RS-422 serial control transmission settings on this page.

NOTE

If an optional SY-2 has not been installed, the items will be
shaded and cannot be set.

Serial Mode

Set the serial connection mode with the following buttons.
Setting buttons: RS-232C (Default), RS-422

NOTE

•

Only the connector selected with this setting will function.
The RS-232C and RS-422 connectors cannot both be used
at the same time.

•

This setting is synchronized with the Serial Mode item on the
RS-232C page.

•

If an optional SY-2 has not been installed, this cannot be set
to RS-422.

Video Resolve

When slaving this unit to a VCR, video sync signals might be
used instead of word sync signals for the common standard
clock. In the same way as with word sync signals, you can
select whether the video clock is followed (synchronizing
the beginning of timecode frames with video signal frame
edges) or it is independent from the frame clock.

This must be turned ON to accurately control this unit from
a video editor.

ON (default): timecode frame edges synchronized with
video signal frame edges

OFF: Independent from video frame clock

NETWORK page

Make settings related to NETWORK communication on this
page.

STATUS

Shows the MAC Address of this unit and the current IP
Address.

Password

Press the Change button to open the CHANGE PASSWORD
screen.

IP MODE

Use these buttons to enable or disable network functions.
Setting buttons: Disable (default), Enable

IP SETUP

Use this section to set the IP Address, Subnet Mask and
Default Gateway.

AUTO: The IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default

Gateway are set automatically.
Use this setting when a DHCP server exists

on the network.

STATIC:
(default value)

IP Address/Subnet Mask/Default Gateway

When IP SETUP is set to STATIC, the IP Address, Subnet Mask
and Default Gateway are shown here.

Touch an area to open a corresponding setting screen.
Default: 0. 0. 0. 0.
Depending on the IP SETUP setting, the appearance of this

area will change as follows:

When setting AUTO

DNS SETUP

Set the DNS server IP address so that the IP address can be
looked up by server name.

AUTO: The DNS server IP Address is set automati-

STATIC:
(default value)

Set the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default
Gateway manually.

When setting STATIC

cally.
Use this setting when a DHCP server that

can return a DNS server IP address exists on
the network.

Set the DNS server IP Address manually.

When touching

TASCAM HS-20

86

DNS Address

When DNS setup is set to STATIC, this shows the DNS server
IP address. Touch it to open a setting screen.

Default: 0. 0. 0. 0.

Depending on the DNS SETUP setting, the appearance of
this area will change as follows.

10 – Internal settings

When setting AUTO

LINK SPEED

Set the network connection speed.

o AUTO (default): Connects using a link speed

adapted automatically to the connection environment.

o 100M: Operates with a fixed link speed of 100 Mbps

Changing the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway
and DNS Address settings

Touch the applicable area on the NETWORK page of the
REMOTE SETUP screen to open the corresponding setting
screen.

o Numbers are three digits.

(For those of two digits or less, you do not need to input
0 first.)

o The first digits are selected when the screen opens.

o If you touch the number button for the first number after

entering selection mode, only that number will be input.
After this, other numbers can be input like on a calculator.

o Touch the dot (.) button to move the selection to the next

number.

Example:

Shown on screen 192. 168. 1. 1

Input 1234 234.168. 1. 1

Input “ . ” 234 168. 1. 1

When setting STATIC

When touching

(The first “1” is pushed
out.)

Changing the password setting

Touch the Change button located near Password on the
NETWORK page of the REMOTE SETUP screen to open
the CHANGE PASSWORD screen where you can set the
password.

Up to nine characters can be entered.

FTP page

Make settings related to the FTP client function.

Target FTP Server

Set the FTP server to be connected.
Touch it to open a setting screen.

o FTP Address:

Set the address of the FTP server to be connected.

o Folder Name

Set the default folder for uploading to the FTP server and
downloading from FTP.

o User ID

Set the user ID used to connect to the FTP server.

o Password

Set the password used to connect to the FTP server.

o Access Test

Touch this button to test the connection with the set FTP
server. A pop-up message with the result will be shown.

Auto Upload Mode

Set whether or not files that have completed recording are
automatically uploaded to the FTP server.

o Disable (default): Files will not upload automatically.

o Enable: Files will upload automatically.

TASCAM HS-20

87

10 – Internal settings

Delete After Upload

Set whether or not files that have been uploaded are
automatically deleted.

o Disable (default): Uploaded files will not be deleted

automatically.

o Enable: Uploaded files will be deleted automatically.

Timing

Set the time when uploaded files will be automatically
deleted

Soon (default), at 00:00 – at 23:30 (in 30 minute increments)

NOTE

When set to Soon, files will be deleted soon after they
complete uploading.

With all other settings, the files will be deleted at the set
time.

Network functions (FTP server/telnet/VNC)

8

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server

Use an FTP client application to transfer files between this
unit and a computer. Connect with this unit and log in like
other FTP servers.

Connect with this unit and log in to view "A:", "B:" and "C:" in
the root directory. These correspond to the SD card, CF card
and USB flash drive, respectively.

If there is no media loaded, the contents of the corre­sponding directory (A, B or C) will not be shown.

NOTE

•

Use an FTP application which is compatible with Unicode if
you want to display Japanese characters.

•

Be sure to set the maximum simultaneous transfer number
of the FTP client application to "1" for best network perfor­mance.

•

Consult with TASCAM Customer Support for details on FTP
client applications that have been tested with this unit.

o Settings necessary to connect via FTP

The settings necessary to connect by FTP with this unit are
as follows.

IP Address: The IP Address of this unit is shown on the
NETWORK page of the REMOTE SETUP screen.

Port number: 21
User name: ”HS-20”

Uppercase and lowercase letters are distinguished. (You
cannot change this)

Password: The default password is “HS-20”.

Uppercase and lowercase letters are distinguished.
You can change the password with the Password

[Change…] button on the NETWORK page of the
REMOTE SETUP screen.

NOTE

•

If the EXTERNAL Control on the LOCK SETUP screen is set as
LOCK, you cannot connect via FTP.

•

If the External LOCK setting is enable when an FTP
connection is active, that FTP connection will be discon­nected.

•

If you change the setting on the NETWORK page of the
REMOTE SETUP screen when there is an FTP connection, it
will be disconnected.

o File operations using an FTP client application

1. Reading files from this unit.
Reading files from this unit is always possible.

2. Adding new files to this unit
Adding new files to this unit is always possible.

If a BWF file or WAV file is added to the current folder
during recording, it will be displayed in the list in the
order of already existing files, recorded files and added
files.

3. Overwriting existing files on this unit
Overwriting the current take is possible only when
stopped.

Takes that are being used on the ADJUST ENTRY screen
of the playlist mode cannot be overwritten. Overwriting
other existing files is always possible.

However, if the Play Mode is set to All Take on the
GENERAL page of the PLAY SETUP screen during
playback, overwriting the take that follows the current
take might not be possible depending on the timing.

CAUTION

If you overwrite a take assigned as a playlist entry in playlist
mode, a “?” mark is shown on the applicable entry icon on
the ENTRY list or file ASSIGN screen, and the entry will no
longer be playable. To play the overwritten file assign it to
the entry again.

CAUTION

If the size, number of channels, bit length or sampling
frequency of the new audio file is different from the
overwritten file, it might not be compatible with the existing
timeline or playlist.

If you attempt to start play back with such a mismatch, the
following error message might appear.

Perform the following to resolve the mismatch and avoid the
error message.

Timeline mode: Delete the applicable region
Take mode: Delete the applicable take from the card.
Playlist Mode: Assign the overwritten file on the entry

again.

CAUTION

Do not overwrite an existing audio file with a file with a
different sampling frequency. Doing so could make it impos­sible to resolve the mismatch.

TASCAM HS-20

88

10 – Internal settings

4. Deleting files on this unit
Deleting the current take is possible only when playback

is stopped.
Files other than the current take may always be deleted.
However, since inconsistencies will occur between the

unit's management files and audio files you need to use
the REBUILD function after deleting a file.

o After deleting a file (while stopped if during playback/

recording) use the REBUILD function when the following
REBUILD confirmation message appears.

o If you do not rebuild, the following message might

appear because of the inconsistencies between the unit's
management files and audio files.

o When rebuilding is necessary, a V mark is shown on the

following buttons.

Touch the REBUILD button on a menu to rebuild.

o File name buttons on the HOME screen
o FILE LIST screen MENU button
o REBUILD button on various menus

5. Adding new folders to this unit.
Adding a new folder to this unit is always possible.

6. Deleting folders on this unit
Deleting the current folder is possible only when

playback is stopped.
Deleting other folders is always possible.

7. Changing the names of files and folders on this unit
The names of files and folders on this unit can never be

changed.

NOTE

FTP transfer with USB flash drives is only supported when
the unit is stopped. Do not edit, load folders, skip or
otherwise operate the unit.

8

Remote control (Telnet)

This unit enables you to utilize remote control over the
Ethernet using Telnet via port 23.

o Settings necessary for Telnet connection

The setting values necessary to connect Telnet with this unit
are as follows:

IP Address: The IP Address of this unit is shown on the
NETWORK page of the REMOTE SETUP screen.

Port number: 23
Password: The default password is “HS-20”.

Uppercase and lowercase letters are distinguished.
You can change the password with the Password

[Change…] button on the NETWORK page of the
REMOTE SETUP screen.

o Connecting this unit with Telnet

1. Press the computer enter key after connecting to this
unit with Telnet using the above IP address and port
number.

2. Enter the above password and press the enter key when
Enter Password appears on the Telnet console.

3. When you have successfully logged in, "Login
Successful" appears on the Telnet console. Enter “exit”
and press the Enter key to disconnect Telnet.

NOTE

•

Only one Telnet connection is possible.

•

If EXTERNAL Control on the LOCK SETUP screen is set to
LOCK, you cannot make Telnet connections.

An active Telnet connection will be canceled if this is set to
LOCK.

•

An active Telnet connection will be canceled if you change
the settings on the NETWORK page on the REMOTE SETUP
screen.

•

Please consult with TASCAM Customer Support for the
Telnet command protocol of this unit.

8

VNC (Virtual Network Computing)

You can operate the system from a computer by using a VNC
viewer application to display the screen shown on this unit’s
LCD.

You can operate the unit as follows using a mouse in a VNC
viewer application.

Mouse left click: Functions in the same way as touching
the LCD of this unit.

Mouse wheel click: Functions in the same way as the
ENTER key of this unit.

Mouse wheel scroll: Functions in the same way as the
DATA dial of this unit.

Mouse wheel press and scroll: Functions to make coarse
adjustments in the same way as when you press and
turn the DATA dial of this unit (coarse mode).

TASCAM HS-20

89

10 – Internal settings

You can perform the following operations using the
computer keyboard when the VNC viewer application is
active.

F1 to F12 keys: Functions in the same way as an

external keyboard connected with
this unit.

See "List of keyboard operations"
in "Operation using a computer
keyboard" of “12 – Other functions”
in this manual.

HOME key: Functions in the same way as the

HOME key of this unit and opens

the HOME screen. Press the End
key while holding the HOME key to
open the LOCK SETUP screen.

End key: Functions in the same way as the

MENU key of this unit and opens
the MENU screen. Press the End
key while holding the HOME key to
open the LOCK SETUP screen.

PageDown: Functions in the same way as the

FILE LIST key of this unit and opens
the FILE LISTscreen.

Cursor 2 key:

Cursor x key:

Character input keys: Use to input characters when this

Functions in the same way as
turning the DATA dial of this unit
clockwise.
Functions in the same way as
turning the DATA dial of this unit
counterclockwise.

unit shows a keyboard screen.

o Settings necessary for VNC connection

The settings necessary to connect a VNC viewer application
to this unit are as follows.

IP Address: The IP Address of this unit is shown on the
NETWORK page of the REMOTE SETUP screen.

Password: The default password is “HS-20”.

Uppercase and lowercase letters are distinguished.
You can change the password with the Password

[Change…] button on the NETWORK page of the
REMOTE SETUP screen.

Audio Signal Input and Output settings (AUDIO I/O)

Change audio signal input and output settings on this screen.
The AUDIO I/O screen has two pages: INPUT and OUTPUT.
Touch the tabs at the bottom of the screen to open the corre-

sponding page.

INPUT page

Make input settings on this page.

INPUT SOURCE

You can set the input source. Select analog XLR input,
analog RCA input or digital input.

Setting buttons: Analog XLR (default), Analog RCA, Digital X
(“X” is either AES/EBU or S/PDIF)

DIGITAL SOURCE

You can select the digital input source.
Setting buttons: AES/EBU (default), S/DIF

Fs CONVERT

Turn the sampling frequency converter ON or OFF (default)
for each pair of inputs.

OUTPUT page

This shows the output settings and signal routes.

NOTE

•

Only one active VNC connection is possible.

•

If EXTERNAL Control on the LOCK SETUP screen is set to
LOCK, viewing in the VNC viewer application is possible, but
mouse and keyboard operations will be ignored.

•

If you change any setting on the NETWORK page of the
REMOTE SETUP screen while a VNC connection is active, it
will be disconnected.

•

Please consult with TASCAM Customer Support for infor­mation about VNC viewer applications that have been
tested with this unit.

•

VNC viewer application display and operation will not be
smooth when files are being transferred by FTP, or at high
system sampling frequencies (88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/1
92kHz).

TASCAM HS-20

90

METER buttons

Use these buttons to set whether the meter shows the
position before or after the fader.

Touch the button on the left to show the level before the
fader or touch the button on the right to show the level after
the fader on the meter.

Post/Pre Fader buttons

Use these buttons to set whether the headphone output is
from before or after the fader.

Pre Fader button:

Signals before the fader are output for headphones.

Post Fader button (default):

Signals after the fader are output for headphones.

Fader

10 – Internal settings

When an RC-HS20PD is connected, the RC-HS20PD fader
level is shown.

If one is not connected, this value is fixed at 0dB.

Level meter settings (METER SETUP)

Make level meter settings on this screen.

Metering Point

Set whether the meters show the signal before or after the
faders.

Meters show the signal before the faders
(default).

Meters show the signal after the faders.
In this case, the button appears light blue.

Ref. Level Line

Touch to turn the reference level line that appears on the
level meter ON (default) or OFF. (Default: ON)

NOTE

If you press the EXIT/CANCEL [PEAK CLEAR] key when the
Home Screen is open, the peak hold display resets.

System settings (SYSTEM SETUP)

Make system settings on this screen.
The SYSTEM SETUP screen has 4 pages: PREFERENCES, ANALOG

Ref LVL ADJUST and Backup/Preset and CLOCK ADJUST.
Touch the tabs at the bottom of the screen to open the corre-

sponding page.

PREFERENCES page

Set system preferences on this page.

KBD Type

Set the connected keyboard type to either US for English­language keyboards or JPN for Japanese keyboards.

Setting buttons: US, JPN (default)

Digital Ref. Level

Set the reference level for digital inputs and outputs to a
number of decibels below the maximum level (full scale).

Setting buttons: –9dB, –14dB, –16dB, –18dB,

–20dB (default)

Reference level line display ON

Over Level

Use this to set the level at which the overload indicator
lights. The peak indication level is this amount below the
maximum level (full scale).

Touch this knob and use the DATA dial to adjust the level.

Settings: –0.20 dB (default), –0.17 dB, –0.13 dB, –0.10 dB,

–0.06 dB, –0.03 dB.

This setting is reflected in the Audio Over setting of the Auto
Mark item on the OPTIONS page of the REC SETUP screen.

Peak Hold Time

Use this to set the peak hold time.
Touch this knob and use the DATA dial to adjust the time.

Settings: 0 sec, 1 sec, 2 sec (default) and inf (hold forever).

Release Time

Use this to set the release time.
Touch this knob and use the DATA dial to adjust the time.

Settings: Slow, Normal (default) and Fast

Screen Saver

The screen saver function can be set to turn the display off if
none of the following operations occur for 10 minutes.

After the display turns off, any of the following operations
will cause the display to turn on and light with the set
brightness.

o Touch panel operation

o Front panel key use

o Media connection

Setting buttons: OFF (default.), ON

TASCAM HS-20

91

10 – Internal settings

ANALOG Ref LVL ADJUST page

Use these to adjust the analog input and output reference levels
of each channel.

Use “IN x” to adjust the analog input level, and use “OUT x” to
adjust the analog output level (“x” is L or R).

Touch a knob to select it, making the background yellow, and
turn the DATA dial to set the level.

Turn the DATA dial to change it in 0.1dB increments, or press
and turn it to change it in 1dB increments. The values appear
beneath each knob.

Range: −6dB to +6dB (default value: 0dB)
If an analog input has not been set, a knob will not be shown

and “Analog IN not selected” will appear in the meter area.

Setting buttons

o Disable (default): The TC Chase setting is not backed

up. Every time the unit is turned
on, TC Chase will be set to OFF.

o Enable: The TC Chase setting is backed up.

The TC Chase setting in use before
the unit was turned off will be
restored when it is turned on

CLOCK ADJUST page

Set the time of the built-in clock.

Touch the item that you want to set, and use the DATA dial to
adjust the item. (See “Setting the time of the built-in clock” on
page 24.)

Touch the SET button on the CLOCK ADJUST page or press the

DATA dial to confirm the setting.

System setting backup and preset functions

You can import/export system files and load factory settings
using the Backup/Preset page of the SYSTEM SETUP screen.

System Backup

o You can write System Backup data to the selected card

using the Export button.

o You can read System Backup data on the selected card

using the Import button and write it to the built-in
memory.
If there are no System Backup files, a pop-up window
indicating that the import cannot be performed is shown.

Load Factory Preset

Touch the Load button to load Factory Preset data (the
setting values when shipped from the factory).

TC Chase Backup

Use to set whether or not the TC Chase setting is backed up.

NOTE

While setting the time, the clock stops and the “:” does not
blink.

When you touch the SET button, the clock starts again and
the “:” blinks.

DAYLIGHT SAVING button

Touch to open the DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME SETUP page.

SNTP SETUP button

Touch to open the SNTP SETUP screen.

TASCAM HS-20

92

10 – Internal settings

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME SETUP screen

Use this screen to set the internal clock to use daylight
saving time during the set period.

Daylight Saving Mode

Set whether or not the HS-20 follows Daylight Saving Time
changes.

o Disable (default): The HS-20 does not follow DST changes.

o Enable: The HS-20 follows DST changes.

Explanation Values

Sets the start and
end months for

Month

Daylight Saving
Time.
Sets the start
and end week for

Week

Daylight Saving
Time
Sets the start

Day of

and end day for

Week

Daylight Saving
Time
Sets the start
and end hour for

Time

Daylight Saving
Time

To make the above settings, touch a knob to select it,
making the background of the parameter yellow, and turn
the DATA dial to set it.

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr,
May, Jun, Jul, Aug,
Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th,
5th, Last

Sun, Mon, Tue,
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat

00:00-24:00
(01:00/step)

NOTE

This screen shows the local time setting, not Coordinated
Universal Time (UTC).

Offset Time

This is the amount of time that the clock is advanced during
daylight saving time.

Setting buttons: 30min, 60min
Default: 60min

START

default

Mar Nov

2nd 1st

Sun Sun

02:00 02:00

END

default

SNTP SETUP screen

Use the screen to set the SNTP function that allows the unit
to automatically synchronize the date and time with an
Internet time server.

STATUS

This shows the current status of the system in regards to
SNTP.

o Current Time: This shows the current date and time used

by the unit.

o Last Sync Time: This shows the time the unit last synchro-

nized with an NTP server.

o SNTP Connection: This shows the status of connection

with an NTP server.

Message Meaning

Successful update Time updated successfully
Successful update with
skew
Starting Up The connection is starting up
Accessing Server Connecting to server
Disabled SNTP function is disabled

Waiting for Network

Server Name not found

Server Name found

Server connection failed

Server refusing connections

SNTP MODE

o Disable (default): The SNTP function is not used.

o Enable: The SNTP function is used.

NOTE

To use the SNTP function, you must make the following NTP
Server setting and DNS server setting on the NETWORK
page of the REMOTE SETUP screen.

NTP Server

Shows the NTP server name (32 characters or less)

o Default: ntp.nict.jp

Touch this area to open the NTP SERVER name input screen
shown below.

Delay occurred but time was updated

Waiting to establish network
connection
The server name could not be found
from a DNS server
The server name was found from a
DNS server
There was no response from the
server
The server responded, but it is
refusing additional connections, so
choosing a different SNTP server
would be good.

TASCAM HS-20

93

10 – Internal settings

NOTE

•

Set this to +9:00 for Japan standard Time (JST).

•

For the United States, use the following settings.

Time Zone Setting

Pacific Standard Time (PST) −08:00
Mountain Standard Time (MST) −07:00
Central Standard Time (CST) −06:00
Eastern Standard Time (EST) −05:00

Touch the Preset button at the top right of the NTP SERVER
name input screen to open a pull-down menu that contains
options to input pre-selected NTP server names for Japan
and the USA.

Clock Update Timing

Set the timing with which the internal clock retrieves the
time information from the NTP server and updates its time.

Start Up: The internal clock retrieves the time

information from the NTP server and

updates its time when the unit starts up.
StartUp /24h cycle:
(default)

Update Time

This sets the time at which the unit retrieves the time infor­mation from the NTP server if ”Clock Update Timing” is set to
”StartUp/24h cycle”.

Touch a knob to select it, making the background of the
parameter yellow, and turn the DATA dial to set it.

Setting range: 00:00–00:09 to 23:00–23:09 (01:00/step)
Default: “00:00 - 00:09”

The internal clock retrieves the time

information from the NTP server and

updates its time when the unit starts up

and at the set Update Time in a 24-hour

cycle.

Version information (VERSION INFO)

This page shows the unit’s SYSTEM version.

Touch the bottom center of the screen to show internal device
data and the version of any TASCAM RC-HS20PD remote
controller (sold separately) connected to the unit.

NOTE

•

Since SNTP server access might be busier at the top of each
hour, this unit will access the SMTP server at a random time
during the first nine minutes of the hour.

•

We recommend setting this to a time band when no events
have been set using the timer event function.

Time Zone

Use this to set the time offset from Coordinated Universal
Time (UTC).

Touch a knob to select it, making the background of the
parameter yellow, and turn the DATA dial to set it.

Setting range: −12:00 to +14:00 (00:15/step)
Default: +09:00

TASCAM HS-20

94

10 – Internal settings

Viewing and working with folders and files (BROWSE)

This section describes how to work with folders and files on SD
cards, CF cards, USB flash drives and FTP servers.

o Displaying a folder/file

o Displaying folder/file information

o Deleting a folder/file

o Copying a folder/file

Displaying a folder/file

1 Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU

screen.

3. Touch the e

content.

4. To move to a subfolder, touch the e button by the folder's

name.

5. To move up one folder, touch the media name/folder name
button shown at the upper left of the screen.

button to move to the media/folder to see its

"Project01" folder

2 Touch the BROWSE button to open the BROWSE screen.

The media selection screen appears the first time.
The content of the last displayed media/folder appears the

second time and later.

SD card

NOTE

•

Touch the button to return to the media selection screen.

•

Touch the button to move to the current folder in the
current media.

•

The icon appears with a "C" and is highlighted yellow
for the current folder in the current media.

Displaying folder/file information

1 Move to the media/folder containing the folder/file for

which you want to view its information.

SD card

TASCAM HS-20

95

10 – Internal settings

2. Select a folder/file.

"Project01" folder

The selected folder/file is highlighted in yellow.

3 Touch the INFO button to show information about the

selected folder/file in a pop-up.

o If a folder is selected, the creation date and time are

displayed.

Copying a folder/file

1 Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU

screen.

2 Touch the BROWSE button to open the BROWSE screen.

o If a file other than BWF/WAV is selected, the update date

and time and file size are displayed.

o If a BWF/WAV file is selected, the following information is

displayed.

o File update date and time
o File size
o Sampling frequency
o Bit length/number of channels
o Length/START T/C

SD card

3. Move to the media/folder containing a folder/file that you
want to copy.

"Project01" folder

Select a folder/file to copy.
The selected folder/file is highlighted yellow.

4. Touch the MENU button to open the pull-up menu.

TASCAM HS-20

96

5. Touch the COPY button on the pull-up menu to change to
the copy destination folder selection screen.

6. Move to the copy destination folder.

10 – Internal settings

o The media selection screen appears for the first copy.

Touch the e button for the media containing the copy
destination folder.

First time media selection screen

o The last displayed copy destination folder selection screen

appears the second time or later.

For how to enter a name, see “Editing the name of a folder in
the root directory” on page 33.

To cancel copying, touch the CANCEL button.

8. A pop-up window appears during copying. When copying is
complete, the pop-up window disappears and the BROWSE
screen reopens.

CF card selected previously

NOTE

•

While the copy destination is being selected, the BROWSE
screen title changes to "SELECT FOLDER" and blinks.

•

If the CANCEL button or button is touched while selecting
a copy destination, the BROWSE screen reappears.

7. Touch the COPY button to display a confirmation message
in a pop-up window. If there are no problems, touch the OK
button or press the ENTER key to copy.

NOTE

•

If you copy an FTP server folder, only the files in the first level
of that folder will be copied.

Be aware that if there are files inside subfolders in the
selected folder, they will not be copied.

•

If a folder on an FTP server is selected as the copy source or
copy destination, the following screen will appear.

•

If the folder/file name already exists in the copy destination,
when you press the COPY button, a RENAME confirmation
will occur.

•

If the folder name already exists in the copy destination,
when you press the COPY ADD button, only the files in the
folder will be copied. If a file with the same name already
exists, it will not be copied.

•

If the folder/file name already exists in the copy destination,
when you press the COPY OVER button, all the files will be
overwritten when copying.

To cancel copying or change the copy destination, touch the
CANCEL button.

NOTE

If the folder/file name already exists in the copy destination,
"Cannot Copy Folder" or "Cannot Copy File" appears in a
pop-up window.

To change the folder/file name, touch the RENAME button.

TASCAM HS-20

97

10 – Internal settings

Deleting a folder/file

1. Press the MENU key on the front panel to open the MENU
screen.

2. Touch the BROWSE button to open the BROWSE screen.

4. Touch the MENU button to open the pull-up menu.

5. Touch the DELETE button on the pull-up menu.

6. Touch the OK button or press the DATA dial when the confir-

mation pop-up message appears.

7. When a reconfirmation message appears in a pop-up
window, touch the OK button or press the DATA dial to
delete.

SD card

3. Move to the media/folder containing a folder/file to delete.

"Project01" folder

Select a folder/file to delete.
The selected folder/file is highlighted in yellow.

To cancel deleting, touch the CANCEL button.

8. A pop-up window appears during deletion.
When deletion is complete, the pop-up window disappears

and the BROWSE screen reopens.

CAUTION

You even can delete a folder, file or management file
already in use in timeline or playlist mode.

If you delete such a folder/file, an error pop-up appears
when you attempt to play the corresponding region/entry.

TASCAM HS-20

98

10 – Internal settings

89 0q

NOTE

If an audio file of the current folder is deleted, a rebuild
confirmation message appears in the pop-up window.
Execute the rebuild. If the rebuild is not executed, a
"Play Error" pop-up message will appear because the
management and audio files will not match.

When rebuilding is necessary, a B mark appears on the
following buttons.

Touch the REBUILD button on a menu to rebuild.

•

File name buttons on the HOME screen

•

FILE LIST screen MENU button

•

REBUILD button on each menu

Managing media (MEDIA MANAGE)

You can manage SD cards, CF cards and USB flash drives with
this unit.

CAUTION

If you use any of the FORMAT or COPY commands, all data
on the subject media will be erased. Use these commands
only if you are absolutely certain that you want to erase the
media.

TIMER EVENT LIST screen

View and set timer events, which can be used to automatically
execute the following operations at set times, on this screen.

Event type Function

Playback

Repeat playback

Record

Stop

Download (from an FTP server)

Delete and download
(After all audio files in the current folder are

deleted, the unit will download from the FTP
server.)

CURRENT MEDIA

This shows the currently selected media name and its status.

MEDIA SELECT

This shows the MEDIA SELECT screen.
On this screen, you can select the media to use for recording

and playback.

FORMAT

Use to format the selected media.

QUICK button: This only formats the media management

information.

FULL button: This formats the entire media.

USB FORMAT

Use to format a USB flash drive.

QUICK button: This only formats the management

information of the USB flash drive.

FULL button: Initialize the entire USB flash drive

device

MEDIA COPY

This copies the media contents.

SDwCF/CFwSD

SDwUSB/CFwUSB

USBwSD/USBwCF

This copies all contents from the
selected card to the unselected card.
This copies all contents from the
selected card to the USB flash drive.
This copies all contents from the USB
flash drive to the selected card.

1

23 45

6

1 Active indicator

This shows the number of active events/total events.

2 Schedule button

This shows event execution date and time information.

o Top line: This shows the date or days of the week set for

the event.

If set for every day, this will be shown in this format:
"2014 *** 1".

If four or more days of the week are set, only the first
letter of the day will be shown (SMTWTFS).

Example: Monday to Friday would be shown as "_
MTWTF_".

o Bottom line: This shows the time that the event is

scheduled.

7

TASCAM HS-20

99

10 – Internal settings

3 Event Type button

This shows the event type.
See the Event Type/Function list above for the meanings of

the icons.

4 Timer event function switch (ON/OFF)

This button turns the timer event function on/off.
Touch this button to turn it ON/OFF.

5 Current date and time

This shows the current date and time of the built-in clock.

6 Event on/off switches

Use these buttons to turn individual events on/off.
An event is on when its button has a check mark.

7 Target button

This shows the file/folder that will be affected by the event.
This shows the name of the file that will be played for a

playback/repeat playback event.
This shows the name of the file/folder that will be used for

download/delete & download events.

8 ALL button

Touch this button to make it active and show all set events.

9 Display filter button

o Touch this button to make it active and show only events

for the shown date.

o Touch this button to open a date selection pull-up menu.

When the pull-up menu is open, touch this again to close
it.

Display filter pull up menu

q MENU button

o Touch this button to open a pull-up menu.

o When the pull-up menu is open, touch this again to close

it.

If a timer event has been edited, but not saved, a V icon
will appear on this button.

MENU button pull-up menu.

RELOAD button

Discard all changes and reload the timer event infor­mation file.

SAVE button

Save the timer event information file to the media.
If a timer event has been edited, but not saved, a V icon

will appear on this button.

ADD button

Open the Timer Event Setup screen where you can edit a
new timer event.

EDIT button

Open the Timer Event Setup screen where you can edit
the selected timer event.

DELETE button

Touch this button to delete the selected timer event.

Date setting area

Touch these to highlight them
yellow. When highlighted,
you can use the DATA dial to
adjust them.
Touch this button to switch to
the previous day.

Touch this button to switch to
the previous day.
Touch this button to switch to
the next day.

Touch this button to switch to
the next day.

Touch this button to switch to
today's date.

0 MULTI SELECT button

Press this button to activate a mode that allows the selection
of multiple events.

NOTE

•

Timer event functions are enabled only when in take mode.

•

A maximum of 100 events can be registered and executed.

•

For example, if 20 events that are each repeated 10 times
are registered, the total number of executed events would
be 200 (10 x 20). In order to keep the number of executed
events at 100 or less, only the first 10 events would be
executed. The latter 10 events would not be executed.

•

Events are automatically sorted by their starting time.

•

If there are two events at the same time, only the event
registered later in a list will be enabled.

•

Recording/repeat playback timer events will continue until
a stop timer event.

•

If the time of a recording/playback/repeat playback timer
event arrives during recording, recording will continue.

•

If the time of a recording/playback/repeat playback timer
event arrives during playback, that event will be executed.

•

If the time of a download timer event arrives during
recording/playback, recording/playback will continue
uninterrupted and the download event will be executed.

•

If the time of a recording/playback/repeat playback timer
event arrives during downloading, downloading will
continue uninterrupted and that event will be executed.

•

If a file downloaded by a download timer event has the
same name as a file in the current folder, it will overwrite
that file.

•

If the time of a delete & download timer event arrives during
recording/playback, recording/playback will continue

100

TASCAM HS-20