Tascam MD-801R-P Mk II User Manual

D00414800A

»

MD-801R@#/
MD-801P@#

MD Recorder/Player

OWNER’S MANUAL

Ü

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert

ÿ
Ÿ

This appliance has a serial number
located on the rear panel. Please record
the model number and serial number
and retain them for your records.

Model number
Serial number

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.

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.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Important Safety Precautions

IMPORTANT (for U.K. Customers)

DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment.

If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your
home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then
obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or
consult your dealer.

If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove the
fuse and dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid
a possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the
mains supply.

If this product is not provided with a mains plug, or one has
to be fitted, then follow the instructions given below:

IMPORTANT:

accordance with the following code:

GREEN-AND-YELLOW :
BLUE :
BROWN :

WARNING:

The wires in this mains lead are coloured in

EARTH
NEUTRAL
LIVE

This apparatus must be earthed.

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 residental 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.

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus
may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying
the terminals in your plug proceed as follows:

The wire which is coloured GREEN-and-YELLOW must be
connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the
letter E or by the safety earth symbol ç or coloured GREEN
or GREEN-and-YELLOW.

The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured
BLACK.

The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to
the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured
RED.

When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type
should be used and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover.

IF IN DOUBT — CONSULT A COMPETENT
ELECTRICIAN.

For the consumers 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 is 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.

US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

2

–– TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS

(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)

NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

Example of Antenna Grounding as per

National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70

GROUND
CLAMP

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION:

Read all of these Instructions.
Save these Instructions for later use.
Follow all Warnings and Instructions marked on the audio
equipment.

1) Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should

be read before the product is operated.

2) Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should

be retained for future reference.

3) Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating

instructions should be adhered to.

4) Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should be

followed.

5) Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning.

Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for clean­ing.

6) Attachments — Do not use attachments not recommended by the

product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

7) Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water — for

example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet
basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.

8) Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,

tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a
child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold
with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufac­turer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by
the manufacturer.

A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart com­bination to overturn.

10) Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ven-

tilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it
from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The
openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa,
rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided
or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

11) Power Sources — This product should be operated only from the

type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of
the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local
power company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or
other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

12) Grounding or Polarization — This product may be equipped with a

polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than
the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.

13) Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should be routed so

that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

14) Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside antenna or cable

system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is
grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built­up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA
70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge
unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, con­nection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding elec­trode.

"Note to CATV system installer:

This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to

…

…

…

9)

e)

a)

b)

c)

d)

Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding
and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as
practical.

15) Lightning — For added protection for this product during a lightning

storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line
surges.

16) Power Lines — An outside antenna system should not be located in

the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits,
or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an
outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touch­ing such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

17) Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or

integral convenience receptacles as this can result in risk of fire or electric
shock.

18) Object and Liquid Entry — Never push objects of any kind into

this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points
or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.

19) Servicing — Do not attempt to service this product yourself as open-

ing or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

20) Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall

outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following
conditions:

when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
if liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
if the product has been exposed to rain or water.

if the product does not operate normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to its normal operation.

if the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.

f ) when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance – this

indicates a need for service.

21) Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be

sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.

22) Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this

product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine
that the product is in proper operating condition.

23) Wall or Ceiling Mounting — The product should be mounted to a

wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

24) Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such

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

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II ––

3

SAFETY INFORMATION

This product has been designed and manufactured according to FDA regulations "title 21, CFR, chapter 1, subchapter J, based on the Radiation
Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968", and is classified as class 1 laser product. There is not hazardous invisible laser radiation during oper­ation because invisible laser radiation emitted inside of this product is completely confined in the protective housings.
The label required in this reguration is shown

… CAUTION

- DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING USING SCREWDRIVER.

- USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZ­ARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.

- IF THIS PRODUCT DEVELOPS TROUBLE, MAKE A CONTACT WITH OUR SERVICEMAN, AND DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT IN A
TROUBLED STATE.

1.

For U.S.A.

1

CERTIFICATION

THIS PRODUCT COMPLES WITH DHHS
RULES 21 CFR SUBCHAPTER J APPLI­CABLE AT DATE OF MANUFACTURE

TEAC CORPORATION
3-7-3 NAKA-CHO, MUSASHINO-SHI, TOKYO, JAPAN
MANUFACTURED TIF

Optical pickup: Type : KMS-190A or KMS-190B

Manufacturer: SONY Corporation
Laser output: 0.25 mW Min. (Play),

5.0 mW Max. (Record)
Wavelength: 780 nm ±20 nm

…

CAUTION … ACHTUNG … OBSERVERA … ADVARSEL

2

ADVARSEL - USYNLIG LASERSTRÅLING VED ÅBNING, NÅR

SIKKERHEDSAFBRYDERE ER UDE AF FUNKTION.
UNDGÅ UDSÆTTELSE FOR STRÅLING.

VAROITUS! SUOJAKOTELOA EI SAA AVATA. LAITE SISÄLTÄÄ

LASERDIODIN, JOKA LÄHETTÄÄ (NÄKYMÄTÖNTÄ)
SILMILLE VAARALLISTA LASERSÄTEILYÄ.

ADVARSEL - USYNLIG LASERBESTRÅLING NÅR DENNE DELEN ER

ÅPEN OG SIKKERHETSSPERREN ER UTKOBLET.
UNNGÅ UTSETTELSE FOR STRÅLING.

CAUTION - INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN AND

INTERLOCKS DEFEATED. AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.

VORSICHT! UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNGTRITT AUS.

WENN DECKEL GEÖFFNET UND WENN
SICHERHEITSVERRIEGELUNG ÜBERBRÜCKT IST.
NICHT DEM STRAHL AUSSETZEN !

VARNING - OSYNLIG LASERSTRÅLNING NÄR DENNA DEL

ÄR ÖPPNAD OCH SPÄRR ÄR URKOPPLAD.
STRÄLEN ÄR FARLIG.

1

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE
KLASS 1 LASERAPPARAT

1

THIS LABEL IS ATTACHED TO THE PLACE AS ILLUSTRATED TO
INFORM THAT THE APPARATUS CONTAINS A LASER COMPO­NENT.

DIESE AUFKLEBEMARKE IST AN DEM IN DER ABBILDUNG

1

GEZEIGTEN ORT ANGEBRACHT UM DARAUF HINZUWEISEN,
DASS IM INNERN DES GER

1 PÅSKRIFTEN SITTER PÅ APPARATEN SOM VISAS SOM UPPMAN-

ING OM ATT APPARATEN OMFATTAR EN INBYGGD LASERKO­MPONENT.

1 DETTE MÆRKAT ER ANBRAGT SOM VIST I ILLUSTRATIONEN

FOR AT ADVARE BRUGEREN OM AT APPARATET INDEHOLDER
EN LASERKOMPONENT.

2 DETTE MÆRKAT ER SOM VIST PÅ ILLUSTRATIONEN ANBRAGT

PÅ INDERSIDEN AF TOPDÆKSLET FOR AT ADVARE BRUGEREN
OM AT YDERLIGERE FREMTRÆNGEN VIL VÆRE FORBUNDET
MED FARE FOR AT UDSÆTTE SIG FOR LASERSTRÅLING.

ADVARSEL — BETJENING AF ANDRE KONTROLLER OG REGULA­TORER ELLER BENYTTELES AF ANDRE FREMGANGSMÅDER
END BESKREVET HERI ER FORBUNDET MED FARE FOR UDSÆT­TELSE FOR LASERSTRÅLING.

VARING: APPARATEN INNEHÅLLER LASER KOMPONENT MED
STRÅLNING ÖVERSTIGANDE KLASS 1.

"ADVARSEL: USYNLIG LASERSTRÅLING VED ÅBNING NAR
SIKKERHEDSAFBRYDERE ER UDE AF FUNKTION. UNDG
UDSAETTELSE FOR STRÅLING"

"VAROITUS! SUOJAKOTELOA EI SAA AVATA. LAITE SIS
LASERDIODIN. JOKA L
VAARALLISTA LASERS

ADVARSEL: USYNLIG LASERBESTRÅLING NÅR DENNE
DELEN ER ÅPEN OG SIKKERHETSSPERREN ER UTKOBLET
UNNGÅ UTSETTELSE FOR STRÅLING.

–– TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

4

Table of Contents

1 - Introduction

1.1 About the MiniDisc format ................1-1

1.1.1 ATRAC compression.......................... 1-1

1.1.2 Buffer memory .................................... 1-1

1.1.3 Random access and U-TOC...............1-1

1.1.4 Track titling, etc. ................................. 1-2

1.2 Care of MD media...............................1-2

1.3 About the MD-801R/P Mk II................1-2

1.3.1 Unpacking the unit.............................. 1-3

1.3.2 Rack-mounting the unit......................1-3

1.3.3 Care of the unit.................................... 1-3

1.3.4 Backup memory.................................. 1-4

1.4 About this manual..............................1-4

2 - Front and rear panel features

2.1 Front panel..........................................2-1

[1] POWER switch........................................2-1

[2] Disc drive ................................................ 2-1

[3] EJECT key............................................... 2-1

[4] TRACK keys............................................ 2-1

[5] STOP key.................................................2-1

[6] PLAY key and indicator ......................... 2-1

[7] READY key and indicator ...................... 2-1

[8] RECORD key and indicator ................... 2-1

[9] PHONES jack and level control.............2-2

[10] CALL key............................................... 2-2

[11] JOG key and indicator ......................... 2-2

[12] JOG/DATA dial......................................2-2

[13] SHUTTLE wheel.................................... 2-2

[14] Display...................................................2-2

[15] MENU key.............................................. 2-2

[16] TITLE key............................................... 2-2

[17] TIME key................................................ 2-2

[18] EDIT key ................................................ 2-3

[19] TOC WRITE key and indicator.............2-4

[20] AUTO READY key and indicator......... 2-4

[21] AUTO CUE key and indicator.............. 2-4

[22] PLAY MODE key................................... 2-4

[23] MEMO IN/CAPS key and indicator...... 2-4

[24] LOC A/DEL & LOC B/INSERT keys

and indicators ........................................... 2-4

[25] PITCH CONT key and indicator........... 2-4

[26] REPEAT key and indicator .................. 2-4

[27] INPUT LEVEL controls......................... 2-5

[28] INPUT selection switch........................ 2-5

[29] DIGITAL INPUT switch......................... 2-5

[30] REC MODE switch................................ 2-5

[31] ANALOG INPUT switch........................ 2-5

2.2 Display ................................................2-5

(1) RESUME indicator................................. 2-5

(2)

(3) CAPS indicator ...................................... 2-5

(4) EDIT indicator........................................ 2-5

(5) DATE indicator....................................... 2-5

(6) TRACK TITLE indicator......................... 2-5

(7) DISC TITLE indicator............................. 2-6

(8) TRACK NO. display and indicator........ 2-6

(9) Time display and indicators................. 2-6

indicator.................................. 2-5

(10) PGM NO................................................. 2-6

(11) Dot-matrix alphanumeric display ....... 2-6

(12) TOC EDIT indicator.............................. 2-6

(13) EOM....................................................... 2-6

(14) Peak level meters................................. 2-6

(15) REPEAT indicator ................................ 2-6

(16) SINGLE indicator.................................. 2-6

(17) A–B indicator........................................ 2-6

2.3 Rear panel.......................................... 2-6

[32] DIGITAL INPUT (AES/EBU)...................2-6

[33] DIGITAL OUTPUT (AES/EBU)...............2-6

[34] DIGITAL INPUT (COAXIAL) ..................2-7

[35] DIGITAL OUTPUT (COAXIAL) ..............2-7

[36] ANALOG INPUTS and trimmers

(BALANCED)..............................................2-7

[37] ANALOG INPUTS (UNBALANCED)......2-7

[38] ANALOG OUTPUTS (MONITOR)..........2-7

[39] Analog output function DIP switch

bank............................................................2-7

[40] ANALOG OUTPUTS (LINE) and

trimmers.....................................................2-7

[41] WORD SYNC IN.....................................2-8

[42] WORD SYNC THRU...............................2-8

[43] MODE SET DIP switch bank.................2-8

[44] KEYBOARD connector.........................2-8

[45] REMOTE (SERIAL) connector..............2-8

[46] REMOTE CONTROL connector............2-8

[47] REMOTE (PARALLEL) connector........2-8

[48] ~ IN (power in connector).....................2-8

3 - Menu items

3.1 Basic principles of menu operations3-1

3.2 Pitch control....................................... 3-1

3.3 Auto cue............................................. 3-1

3.4 Frame display .................................... 3-1

3.5 Jog loop length.................................. 3-1

3.6 Resume setting.................................. 3-2

3.7 EOM disc............................................ 3-2

3.8 EOM track........................................... 3-2

3.9 Timer-controlled playback................ 3-2

3.10 Incremental play.............................. 3-3

3.11 Serial communications................... 3-3

3.11.1 Baud rate............................................3-3

3.11.2 Word length........................................3-3

3.11.3 Parity...................................................3-3

3.11.4 Stop bits.............................................3-3

3.12 Check items ..................................... 3-3

3.12.1 Spindle motor time............................3-4

3.12.2 Laser pickup time..............................3-4

3.12.3 System software version..................3-4

3.13 Auto track numbering level............ 3-4

3.14 Copy ID............................................. 3-4

3.15 Post-script recording...................... 3-4

4 - Basic operations

4.1 Inserting and ejecting discs............. 4-1

4.2 Playback of discs .............................. 4-1

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

–i

Table of Contents

4.2.1 Playing back a whole disc.................. 4-1

4.2.2 Playback outputs ................................ 4-1

4.2.3 Monaural playback.............................. 4-1

4.2.4 Playing back a single track................ 4-2

4.2.5 Entering the A and B location points 4-2

4.2.6 Playback between two location

points ......................................................... 4-2

4.2.7 The CALL function..............................4-2

4.2.8 Relative time display .......................... 4-2

4.2.9 Repeat playback.................................. 4-3

4.2.10 Track search operations .................. 4-3

4.2.11 Cueing the next track automatically 4-3

4.2.12 Cueing to the first audio position in

a track ........................................................ 4-3

4.2.13 Varispeed mode ................................ 4-3

4.2.14 Jog mode........................................... 4-3

4.2.15 Shuttle mode ..................................... 4-4

4.2.16 Displaying track titles during

playback..................................................... 4-4

4.2.17 Displaying the recording date ......... 4-4

4.2.18 Setting the time and date ................. 4-4

4.3 Recording operations........................ 4-4

4.3.1 General notes on recording using the

MD format .................................................. 4-5

4.3.2 Rebuilding the TOC ............................ 4-5

4.3.3 Basic recording...................................4-5

4.3.4 Track number incrementing............... 4-6

4.3.5 “Post-Script” recording...................... 4-6

4.3.6 Replace recording............................... 4-6

4.3.7 Sound synchro recording .................. 4-7

4.3.8 Digital recording ................................. 4-7

4.3.9 Analog recording ................................ 4-8

4.3.10 Track title copying together with

audio .......................................................... 4-8

5 - Editing operations

5.1 Basic editing operations................... 5-1

5.1.1 Cancelling an edit operation..............5-1

5.1.2 Editing without saving the edits to

disc.............................................................5-1

5.2 Dividing tracks................................... 5-1

5.3 Erasing a track................................... 5-2

5.4 Combining tracks ..............................5-2

5.5 Moving tracks..................................... 5-3

5.6 A and B point erase operations........ 5-3

5.6.1 Normal A-B erase.................................5-4

5.6.2 Erasing to the end of a track ..............5-4

5.6.3 Erasing from the start of a track ........5-4

5.6.4 Erasing more than one track at a

time .............................................................5-4

5.6.5 Retaining a track title for use by the

second track after a division....................5-5

5.7 Moving an A-B point..........................5-5

5.8 Restoring erased material.................5-6

5.9 Changing track attributes..................5-6

5.10 Erasing a complete disc..................5-7

5.11 Track and disc title entry.................5-7

5.11.1 Deleting characters ...........................5-8

5.11.2 Inserting characters ..........................5-8

5.11.3 Changing characters.........................5-8

5.11.4 Editing existing titles.........................5-8

5.11.5 Viewing titles......................................5-8

5.11.6 Copying disc and track titles............5-9

6 - Use of a keyboard with the MD-801

6.1 General transport operations............6-1

6.2 Edit operations, etc............................6-1

6.2.1 Entering programmed playback.........6-1

6.2.2 Checking and editing a programmed

sequence....................................................6-2

6.2.3 Time-based location............................6-2

6.3 Flash start...........................................6-2

6.4 Direct track entry................................6-3

6.5 Track and disc title editing with the

keyboard ................................................6-3

7 - Remote control of the MD-801

7.1 REMOTE (PARALLEL) connector.....7-1

7.1.1 Tally indicators ....................................7-1

7.1.2 Fader start............................................7-2

7.1.3 Sequential playback and recording...7-2

8 - Specifications, etc.

8.1 Error messages and troubleshooting

guide.......................................................8-1

8.2 Specifications.....................................8-2

8.2.1 General MiniDisc .................................8-2

8.2.2 Analog I/O.............................................8-3

8.2.3 Digital I/O..............................................8-3

8.2.4 Other connections...............................8-3

8.2.5 General and electrical .........................8-3

8.3 Dimensional drawing.........................8-4

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

–ii

1 - Introduction

This manual covers the two models of the MD-801
Mk II product line: the MD-801R Mk II, which is
capable of recording and playing back on MiniDisc
media, and the MD-801P Mk II, which is for play­back only of such media. Apart from the recording
and associated facilities provided on the MD-801R,
the functionality and specifications of the two units
are identical. For brevity, the unit will be referred to
as the “MD-801” in instances where there is no dif­ference between the recording and playback models.

When a section of this manual describes a function
which is included as part of the MD-801R only, the
section will be marked as below:

3.12.2Laser pickup time

R

This indicates how long…
There are no features which are unique to the MD-

801P model.

1.1 About the MiniDisc format

Full explanations of the principles of magneto-opti­cal recording may be found in a number of excellent
reference works, but briefly, during the recording
process, the disc is exposed to a strong laser beam
which heats the disc’s magnetic medium so that a
magnetic field can be applied to change the orienta­tion of the magnetic particles. On cooling, this orien­tation is permanently fixed, unless the disc is
reheated and re-recorded.

The MD format therefore provides the convenience
and durability of an optical disc format with the reus­abilty characteristics of tape.

1.1.1ATRAC compression

If a MiniDisc were to be recorded using exactly the
same techniques as a CD, the playback time would
be only 15 minutes of stereo playback.

However, using a technique known as ATRAC
(Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding), 74 minutes
of stereo audio at 44.1 kHz sampling frequency with
a 16-bit word length can be recorded on an MD.

This section provides some basic information regard­ing the MiniDisc format. If more detailed informa­tion is required, the reader is referred to one of the
many books on the subject. John Wilkinson,

of Digital Audio

an excellent reference source, particularly Chapter
12, which deals with the use of optical discs in audio
applications.

The MiniDisc format (MD) is a convenient form of
digital audio media, using optical playback, similar
to CDs.

The format of the MD is substantially smaller than
that of the CD, and the disc itself is housed in a car­tridge with a shutter, similar to that of a 3.5” floppy
disc drive. The disc platter should never be removed
from this cartridge.

Pre-recorded MDs, which are manufactured in the
same way as commercial CDs, using a stamper pro­cess, are read using a laser beam to read the pits
stamped onto the disc.

Recordable MDs are also available, and the technol­ogy used for recording on a recordable MD is
magento-optical, allowing the disc to be re-used
many times. Shutters on both sides of the disc allow
access to the disc surface by the recorder’s laser and
magnetic head.

There is a third kind of MD, the hybrid, which con­tains pre-recorded pits at the center of the MD,
together with an area reserved for user recording.

2nd ed. Oxford: Focal Press, 1994 is

The Art

ATRAC uses two important pyscho-acoustic princi­ples to reduce the size of the recorded data: the
greater sensitivity of the human ear to mid-range sig­nals, relative to bass and treble signals, and the
“masking” effect, whereby quieter signals are hidden
by louder ones.

The ATRAC used in the MD-801R/P Mk II is a very
recent version of this encoding scheme (4.5), result­ing in an almost inaudible loss of signal quality.

1.1.2Buffer memory

The ATRAC compression scheme has an additional
advantage, as a RAM buf fer must be provided for the
compressed data, before it is decoded and sent to the
D/A converters.

On the MD-801R/P Mk II, this buffer memory holds
about 10 seconds’ worth of data. The advantage is
that, unlike a CD player, the MD-801R/P Mk II is not
vulnerable to mechanical shocks and vibration, etc.,
which can cause a CD player playback pickup to
jump and cause audible skipping.

1.1.3Random access and U-TOC

The format of a recordable MD is much closer to that
of a computer disc than of conventional audio media.
The random access nature of the disc media allows a
logical “track” to be composed of sections of audio
data recorded at different points on the disc.

In the same way that a computer’s operating system
hides the details of the way that data is stored on the

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

1–1

1 - Care of MD media

disk from the user, and a file appears as one contigu­ous block of data (even though it may be spread ov er
many tracks and sectors of the disk), the MD player
allows separated audio data to appear as a continuous
audio track.

The MD-801 allows the creation and reading of a
User Table of Contents (U-TOC) on recordable
discs, which contain instructions to the player on the
logical arrangement of the tracks, where to find the
next audio segment to be played, etc. This is similar
to the directory tracks provided as part of a computer
disk operating system.

The random access facilities provided by the MD­801 are significantly better than those to be found on
consumer MD decks. The effective start time can be
effectively zero, compared with hundreds of milli­seconds on consumer units.

1.1.4Track titling, etc.

In common with other forms of digital audio media,
the MD medium allows other data to be recorded
alongside the audio data. In the MD medium, this is
used to provide alphanumeric disc and track titles,
which are shown on the display of the player.

In the case of the MD-801R/P Mk II, this information
may be conveniently entered through a standard
computer keyboard (PS/2 compatible), or through the
controls of the main unit.

In addition, a realtime clock allows date- and time­stamping of tracks recorded on the unit or created or
edited through TOC editing functions.

These times will be displayed when the disc is
replayed on any one of the MD-801 series.

1.2 Care of MD media

The MD medium has been designed to be robust, and
the integration of the disc into a cartridge protects the
recorded surface from the worst effects of dust, fin­gerprints, and scratches.

Even so, there are some commonsense precautions
that you should take when storing and handling
MiniDiscs.

• Do not open the shutter and touch the surface of the
disc.

• Do not keep MiniDiscs in excessively dusty loca­tions, in direct sunlight, in areas subject to high
temperatures, or high levels of humidity.

• If the cartridge becomes dirty, clean it with a dry,
soft cloth. Do not use any solvents or other liquids.

1.3 About the MD-801R/P Mk II

The MD-801R/P Mk II, based on the TASCAM MD­801 series of MD recorder/players, and designed to
meet the requirements of audio professionals,
includes the following features:

• Full editing functions to divide, erase and combine
tracks, etc.

• Auto cue function, allowing the playback point to
be automatically cued to the first frame of a track,
using a selectable sensitivity level

• Auto ready function, allowing the playback point
to be “parked” in the play ready mode at the start of
each track

• A resume function, which holds in backup memory
the point where playback stopped, or the power
was disconnected

• Incremental play mode, allowing cueing of the
playback point to the start of the next track, as
determined by a selectable audio threshold level,
when playback is stopped

• “Soft mute” eliminates clicks, etc. when pausing
and restarting playback

• Dual time display

• Three playback modes: normal (whole disc), track
play, and A-B play (between two defined points)

• 3-point autolocation facility

• Repeat (disc, track, A-B)

• Either stereo or monaural playback may be
selected

• Pitch change ±9.9% in 0.1% steps

• Shuttle operations up to 100 x normal speed, and
jog to single-frame accuracy

• Digital outputs in COAXIAL (SPDIF) and AES/
EBU

• Word clock synchronization for inclusion of the
MD-801 in an all-digital audio setup

• Two sets of analog outputs: –10 dBV unbalanced

MONITOR

(XLR-type). The
for precise signal matching with other equipment

• Output selectable (using remote controllers) from
either

• High-quality DA convertor for optimum analog
audio quality

• Level 4.5 ATRAC system

• PS/2-compatible computer keyboard connector
allows titling and other remote control operations

(RCA) and +4 dBu balanced

LINE

outputs may be trimmed

MONITOR

or

LINE

LINE

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

1–2

1 - About the MD-801R/P Mk II

to be conveniently carried out using a standard k e y­board

• Remote control possible from dedicated TASCAM
remote control units (RC-801, RC-FS10/20, and
RC-8), or through industry-standard parallel or
serial interfaces

• T ally signals sent to controlling de vice at the end of
each track played back

• Optional RAM buffer expansion module (B U-801)
allows flash start of track playback

In addition, the MD801R Mk II provides the follow-

R

ing features:

• 20-bit A/D converter for increased audio quality
when recording

• Selectable Copy ID modes, including the SCMS
standard

• Integral sampling frequency converter, allowing
digital recording from material recorded at fre­quencies other than 44.1 kHz (48 kHz and 32 kHz)

• Digital inputs in both SPDIF and AES/EBU
formats

• The ability to record in monaural mode, doubling
the recording time available on a disc.

• Analog inputs in both +4 dBu balanced (XLR­type) and –10 dBV unbalanced (RCA) formats.
The balanced inputs may be trimmed to match
input signal levels

• Replace recording function, allowing recording to
be carried out in the middle of a track, while retain­ing the track title

• Sound sync function to allow the unit to start
recording automatically when a selectable audio
threshold level is exceeded

• Title dubbing from another MD-801 unit (requires
optional connecting cable PW-1XMD)

• Realtime clock for date- and timestamping
recorded material

1.3.1Unpacking the unit

When you unpack the unit, as well as the unit itself
and this manual, you should find:

1.3.2Rack-mounting the unit

The MD-801 is equipped with integral rack-mount
ears, and may be installed in any standard vertical
19” rack.

Remove the feet from the MD-801 using a Phillips
screwdriver before installing the unit.

In addition to the 3U of space required for the MD­801 itself, we strongly suggest leaving at least 1U of
empty rack space above the MD-801 for ventilation
purposes.

1.3.3Care of the unit

The commonsense precautions that you should take
with any piece of precision electronic equipment also
apply to the MD-801. In particular:

• Do not subject the unit to severe shocks or vibra­tion. Despite the buffer mechanism mentioned
above, there is a risk of data loss, particularly while
recording.

• Do not use the unit in very dusty or smoky en viron­ments. If the optical lens or the head becomes dirty
as the result of such use, use a commercially-avail­able MD lens and head cleaner to clean the lens.

• The exterior of the unit may be cleaned with a soft
dry cloth, or a cloth barely dampened with a mild
detergent solution. Do not use any solvent, thinner
or alcohol-based cleaning agents to clean the unit.

The date and time clock (for timestamping of record­ings and edits) is powered by a lithium battery. We
suggest that this battery is changed about every two
years.

• Power cord

• Rack-mount kit

• Warranty card
If any items are missing, contact your TASCAM

dealer.

NOTE

Do not attempt to change this battery by your­self. Get an authorized TASCAM service cen­ter to perform this operation for you.

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

1–3

1 - About this manual

1.3.4Backup memory

When the unit is powered down, the following set­tings are memorized.

• AUTO READY status (see

• AUTO CUE settings and status (see

• The last used PLAY mode (see

• The two LOC points (A and B) (see

• Pitch control settings and status (see

• REPEAT status (see 4.2.9, "Repeat playback")

• Menu settings (see 3, "Menu items")

• If the resume function is turned on, the resume
point is memorized

[20]

)

[22]

[21]

)

[24]

[25]

1.4 About this manual

This manual has been organized so that you should
be able to find the section you need relatively
quickly. We suggest that you familiarize yourself
with at least the Table of Contents, so that you know
where to look if you need information on a particular
aspect of the unit’s operation.

An index is also provided, which should assist you in
locating the desired section.

As mentioned earlier, when a section of this manual
describes a function which is included as part of the
MD-801R only, the section will be marked as below:

3.12.2Laser pickup time

R

This indicates how long…
There are no features which are unique to the MD-

801P model only.

When characters are shown on the unit’s dot-matrix
display, the following typeface is used:

. Alternatively, the alphanumeric display itself

Mon

may be shown:

)

If a “preset” word or phrase is shown on the display,

)

)

this is shown as follows:
Track times, program numbers, as shown in 7-digit

numbers, are shown as
If a front panel control or rear panel connection is

mentioned, the following typeface is used (a little
larger than that used for preset display words):

WRITE

given in 2, "Front and rear panel features", may also
be given, e.g.

If a front panel control or rear panel connection of
another unit is specifically named, the folloiwng
typeface is used:

When an optional PS/2-compatible keyboard is con­nected to the MD-801, the keyboard keys are repre­sented in the following typeface:

Press

F1

If two keys are to be pressed together (i.e. the first­named key is to be pressed and held down while the
second is pressed), this is represented as:

SHIFT

Press
function.

•d

TITLE ?

TRACK TITLE

034

, etc.

. The number of the control or connection, as

[5]

.

WORD IN

to go back by one track.

+ F1 to enter the erase track editing

.

Input

.

TOC

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

1–4

1.5 Hookup Examplel

1 - Hookup Examplel

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

1–5

2 - Front and rear panel features

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

2–1

2 - Front and rear panel features

This section, as well as giving a description of the
controls and features of the MD-801, also provides
many descriptions of basic operations.

The section on the rear panel also contains advice on
setting up and connecting the MD-801 as part of an
audio system.

2.1 Front panel

The following provides details of the basic functions
associated with the front panel controls of the unit. If
further information on the use of a particular control
is provided elsewhere in the manual, this is indicated.

[1] POWER switch

Press once to turn on the unit, and again to turn the
unit off.

NOTE

You should not turn the unit off while the U­TOC (1.1.3, "Random access and U-TOC") is
being written. If power is disconnected from
the unit the U-TOC is being written, the disc
data will be corrupted, and the disc may
become unreadable.

Always remember to press the
key

[19]

before turning off power to the unit, in

order to save your edits to disc.

[2] Disc drive

Insert MiniDiscs into this slot, label uppermost, and
with the arrow pointing into the drive.

Use the

EJECT

key

[3]

to eject discs.

[3] EJECT key

Press this key to eject discs from the drive.

NOTE

If you press the

WRITE

indicator
there are edits that have been made, but not
yet saved to disc as part of the U-TOC, the
display will show
press the
disc, but all edits made since the last U-TOC
writing operation will be lost. If you want to
save the edits to disc, press the
key.

EJECT

EJECT

[19]

key when the

is lit, indicating that

TOC Edited!

key again, y ou can eject the

TOC WRITE

TOC

. If you

TOC WRITE

[4] TRACK keys

These keys are used to move the playback position
backwards or forwards a track at a time. Their use is
detailed in 4.2, "Playback of discs".

[5] STOP key

This key stops playback or recording (MD-801R
only). It is also used to cancel other operations.

[6] PLAY key and indicator

Used to start playback or recording (MD-801R only).
When the operation is taking place, the key’s indica­tor lights.

[7] READY key and indicator

Used to put the unit into play ready or record ready
(MD-801R only) mode. The indicator lights when
the unit is ready.

To start the operation, press the
If recording is taking place while the

R

pressed, the unit goes into record ready mode. The
current track number is incremented by one, to show
that the next recording will start a new track, if Post­script recording is turned on (see 3.15, "Post-script
recording").

To cancel a ready operation, press the

[8] RECORD key and indicator

R

If the unit is stopped, pressing the
will enter “input monitor” mode (the
indicator lights) and
the display. This is valid whether or not a disc is
loaded in the drive.

In input monitor mode, the signals received at the
appropriate connectors, as selected with the input
switches (
puts for monitoring as well as to the

[9]

, and the unit’s meters are used to display the sig­nal levels. If the selected digital signal is not avail­able, the
displayed.

The input level of the signals input at the analog
jacks may be adjusted using the
controls

If the
the
ready mode (a disc must be in the drive). Both the

RECORD

[28], [29]

D-IN UNLOCK!

[27]

.

RECORD

READY

key is pressed, the unit enters record

and

Input Mon

and

[31]

key is pressed and held down, and

READY

indicators will light.

PLAY

key

READY

STOP

RECORD

RECORD

appears on

) are routed to the out-

PHONES

message is

INPUT LEVEL

[6]

key

key

.
key is

[5]

jack

.

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

2–2

2 - Front panel

To start recording, press the
recording, press the
key has been pressed, the words
on the display, which will also show

Writing

To cancel record ready mode, press the

[5]

.

STOP

as the U-TOC is written to disc.

PLAY

key

key

[6]

[5]

. After the

TOC EDIT

UTOC

STOP

will flash

[9] PHONES jack and level control

Connect a pair of standard stereo headphones to this
1/4” jack. Adjust the level with the
The maximum output power is 50 mW per channel,
and the impedance is 32 Ω.

LEVEL

[10]CALL key

This key allows you to return to the point where the

READY

in play ready mode. The unit will return to this point,
and enter play ready mode (
cators lit). See also 4.2.7, "The CALL function".

The MD-801R also automatically sets the call point

R

at the point where recording last started. This enables
easy return to the point where the recording started,
using the

key

CALL

[7]

was last pressed while the unit was

READY

key, in order to check a take, etc.

and

PLAY

. To stop

STOP

key

control.

indi-

continuous.
The further the shuttle wheel is turned from the cen-

ter position, the faster the shuttle playback speed.
When the unit is in menu mode, this wheel is used in

the MD-801’s menu system. Turning it clockwise
generally confirms an action, and turning it counter­clockwise acts as an “escape” action. It is also used
as a cursor control in titling operations.

[14]Display

See 2.2, "Display" below for details of the different
components that make up the display.

[15]MENU key

The

MENU

menus that allow the setting of different parameters
affecting the operation of the MD-801. See 3, "Menu
items" for full details of the menus and the different
options available in them.

key is used to cycle through the dif ferent

[16]TITLE key

The

TITLE

titles. It is also used to display the date and time
when the

key is used to show both disc and track

MEMO IN/CAPS

key indicator

[23]

is lit.

It may also be used to locate to the point which has
been located with the

JOG

dial

[12]

.

[11]JOG key and indicator

Use this key for precise positioning of the playback
point, in combination with the
When the jog mode is active, the
above this key is lit.

JOG/DATA

JOG

indicator

dial

[12]

[12]JOG/DATA dial

When the
tions as a jog dial, allowing precise positioning of the
playback point (confirmed with the

[7]

). See 4.2.14, "Jog mode" for full details of this

process.
When the

a data entry dial for entering values, titling charac­ters, etc. Typically, turning this dial clockwise
increases the data value, and turning it counterclock­wise decreases the value.

JOG

indicator

JOG

indicator is not lit, the dial is used as

[11]

is lit, this dial func-

READY

key

[13]SHUTTLE wheel

This wheel can be used for shuttle playback (for­wards or backwards) when the unit is in play or play
ready mode. Since the MD-801 is a digital audio
device, the sound output during shuttle play is not

See 4.2.16, "Displaying track titles during playback"
and 4.2.17, "Displaying the recording date" for
details.

[17]TIME key

The

TIME

.

time display modes on the upper 7-segment numeric
indicators of the display during playback or in play
ready mode:

• (no indication)—the time elapsed from the start of
the current track

•

REMAIN

rent track

•

TOTAL

disc

•

TOTAL REMAIN

disc

It is also possible to make a time display which is rel­ative to a “zero point” (see the section on 4.2.8, "Rel­ative time display").

When the unit is in record or record ready mode, the

R

meanings change slightly, as shown below:

• (no indication)—the time elapsed from the start of
the track currently being recorded

key is used to cycle through the folloiwng

—the playback time remaining in the cur-

—the total elapsed time from the start of the

—the total time remaining on the

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

2–3

2 - Front panel

REMAIN

•

—the total time remaining on the disc for
further recording (the length of the blank portion of
the disc)

•

TOTAL

—the total elapsed time from the start of the

disc

•

TOTAL REMAIN

disc for further recording (the same as

If the

MEMO IN/CAPS

is in play or play ready mode, and the

—the total time remaining on the

indicator

REMAIN

[23]

is lit, the unit

TIME

)

key is
pressed, the lower (alphanumeric dot-matrix) part of
the display may be used to give timing information.
This is represented as follows:

•

—the time elapsed from the start of the cur-

elp

rent track

•

rem

—the playback time remaining in the current

track

•

tel

—the total elapsed time from the start of the

disc

•

•

—the total time remaining on the disc

tre

—the time relative to a user-settable “zero

rel

point” (see 4.2.8, "Relative time display")

to display the following:

•

aay bbm ccd
bb

is the month, and cc is the day of the date

—where aa is the year,

according to the MD-801’s internal clock.

•

eeh ffm ggs

—where ee is the hour (in
24-hour format), ff the minutes and gg the sec­onds of the time of day according to the MD-801’s
internal clock.

If the internal clock needs to be adjusted, follow the
procedure described in 4.2.18, "Setting the time and
date".

[18]EDIT key

The

EDIT

key is used to access various data and disc

editing modes, as detailed below.
When the

[12]

options as detailed below.
When an editing mode is shown, followed by a ques-

tion mark, turning the
wise will enter that editing mode.

EDIT

key is pressed, the

JOG/DATA

is used to cycle through the various editing

SHUTTLE

wheel

[13]

clock-

dial

When the unit is in record or record ready mode, and

R

the

MEMO IN/CAP

TIME

key is pressed, the lower (alphanumeric dot-

indicator

[23]

is lit, and the

matrix) part of the display may be used to give tim­ing information. This is representated as follows:

elp

•

—the time elapsed from the start of the track

currently being recorded

•

—the total time remaining on the disc for

rem

further recording (the length of the blank portion of
the disc)

•

tel

—the total elapsed time from the start of the

disc

•

•

—the total time remaining on the disc for

tre

further recording (the same as

—the time relative to a user-settable “zero

rel

rem

)

point” (see 4.2.8, "Relative time display")

It is therefore possible to have two separate time indi­cators shown simultaneously. Note that if both the
upper and lower parts of the display are set to the
same time indication, there may be occasions where
the two values shown do not always match exactly.

To turn off the time display in the lower part of the
display, press the

TIME

key until the disc or track

title is shown, rather than the time display.
In the play and play ready, as well as the record and

record ready modes, the

TIME

key can also be used

To exit the editing mode, the
be turned counterclockwise, the
pressed once again, or the

SHUTTLE

EDIT

STOP

key

wheel can

key can be

[5]

can be

pressed.
The following is a list and brief description of the

editing functions available. Full details are given in
5, "Editing operations":

•

DIVIDE?—Divides a track into two tracks

•

ERASE TRK?—Erases a track

•

COMBINE?—Joins two tracks into one

•

MOVE?—Moves tracks in a sequence

•

ERASE A-B?—Erases data between the A

and B points

•

INSERT A-B?—Commits an insertion to

disc

RESTORE?—Restore an erased track or sec-

•
tion (can be regarded as an “undo” function)

•

TRK ATTR?—Sets track attributes

•

ERASE DISC?—Erases the contents of the

disc

•

TITLE?—Enters a track or disc title

NOTE

It is possible to perform editing operations on
pre-recorded (read-only) discs. However,

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

2–4

2 - Front panel

these edits cannot be committed to disc using
the

TOC WRITE

function (see below).

[19]TOC WRITE key and indicator

After an edit operation has been selected and per­formed from the
indicator will light, and the
display will be lit. This is a reminder that the disc
should not be ejected before the U-TOC has been
written to disc.

Press the
be written to disc, during which time the
indicator in the display will flash.

See the explanation of the
of how to eject a disc without writing the U-TOC, if
this is required.

TOC WRITE

EDIT

key

[18]

, the

TOC WRITE

TOC EDIT

key, and the editing data will

EJECT

indicator in the

key

[3]

TOC EDIT

for details

[20]AUTO READY key and indicator

Use this key to put the unit into auto ready mode (the
indicator will light). The auto ready mode provides
automatic “track at a time” playback.

•

SINGLE

back mode is selected

• (blank)/
disc, from the start to the end

•

A-B

been set (see
these points

Once a playback mode has been selected, the

REPEAT

of the disc being played back (track, disc or A-B
portion).

/

SINGLE MODE

CONTINUE

/

A-B MODE

[24]

), playback will loop between

key

[26]

can be used to repeat the portion

—Single-track play-

—Continuous play of a

—If the A and B points have

[23]MEMO IN/CAPS key and indicator

This key is used for a variety of functions: entering
memory location points, acting as a “caps lock” key
when entering disc and track titles, and as a display
mode selector (see

Its uses are described more fully in the various sec­tions dealing with the functions that it controls.

[17]

), etc.

[24]LOC A/DEL & LOC B/INSERT keys

and indicators

When in auto ready mode, the unit will go into play
ready mode when the start of a track is reached in
playback. See 4.2.11, "Cueing the next track auto­matically" for full details.

[21]AUTO CUE key and indicator

Use this key to put the unit into auto cue mode (the
indicator will light). The auto cue mode allows the
elimination of “dead time” at the start of tracks,
allowing easy pre-cuing of commercials, jingles,
Foley effects, etc.

When the unit is in auto cue mode and stopped, and
the

READY

forward for the first audio frame above a given
threshold level, and cue itself to that location. It will
then enter play ready mode.

A similar process occurs when a track search opera­tion has occurred.

See 4.2.12, "Cueing to the first audio position in a
track" for further details.

key

[7]

is pressed, the unit will search

[22]PLAY MODE key

Use this key to cycle between the different playback
modes. This key is enabled in the stop and the play
ready modes.

Both the display preset indicators and the alphanu­meric part of the display are used to show the current
playback mode status, as follows:

These keys are used to set memory location points,
which are used for location, repeat play, editing pur­poses, etc. These points are retained until the disc is
ejected (including at power-of f). See 4.2.5, "Entering
the A and B location points" for details of how to set
these positions.

These keys may also be used for locating to the
points which have been set.

In title editing mode, the A and B keys are used to
delete and insert characters, respectively. See 5.11,
"Track and disc title entry".

[25]PITCH CONT key and indicator

Use this key to enter the pitch control mode (the indi­cator lights when this mode is active). When pitch
control is active, the speed (and pitch) of playback
can be altered by ±9.9%.

NOTE

Pitch control is not possible when the MD-801
is receiving its word clock from an external
source (see

The exact amount of pitch control is set through a
menu item (see 3.2, "Pitch control" for details).

[43]

).

[26]REPEAT key and indicator

Use this key to start repeat play of the selected play­back portion of the disc (see

[22]

). When in repeat

TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II

2–5