Tascam MMR-8 User Manual
TASCAM
MMR-8 Version 4.0
TEAC Professional Division
MMR-8
Modular Multitrack Recorder
OWNER’S MANUAL
TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual
Chapter 1 General Information.........................................................................12
MMR-8 Introduction.......................................................................................................................12
Hardware Overview ........................................................................................................................13
Internal Boards for Units with Serial Numbers up to 01608...........................................................................13
Internal Boards for Units with Serial Numbers of 01609 and above ............................................................... 13
Front Panel ..................................................................................................................................................14
Rear Panel ...................................................................................................................................................14
Accessory Products......................................................................................................................................15
ViewNet Audio.............................................................................................................................16
Functional Overview........................................................................................................................17
System Specifications.......................................................................................................................20
Chapter 2 Installation........................................................................................22
MMR-8 Materials Kit Box ..............................................................................................................22
General Guidelines ..........................................................................................................................23
Mounting Rack Ears .................................................................................................................................... 23
Installing Multiple MMR Units.................................................................................................................... 24
AC Mains and Grounding (Earthing) Considerations.................................................................................... 25
Audio Cables ....................................................................................................................................25
MMR-8 Back Panel Connections For Serial # Up To 01608..........................................................26
MMR-8 Back Panel Connections For Serial # 01609 And Above..................................................27
Audio Connections ...................................................................................................................................... 28
Analog In/Out Connections ...................................................................................................................... 28
Digital In/Out Connections ...................................................................................................................... 28
Monitoring Connections...........................................................................................................................28
Timecode and Video Reference Signals........................................................................................................ 29
Video In/Out............................................................................................................................................29
SMPTE/EBU Time Code In/Out..............................................................................................................29
Biphase Connections................................................................................................................................30
Digital Audio Sample Reference Connections .............................................................................................. 30
Word Clock.............................................................................................................................................30
AES/EBU Sample Rate............................................................................................................................ 30
MIDI Connections .......................................................................................................................................31
External Controllers & Bus Connections ......................................................................................................31
Lynx Bus / KCU Connection ................................................................................................................... 31
MMR Sync Bus Connections................................................................................................................... 31
Serial Transport Connection..................................................................................................................... 32
Serial Editor Connection..........................................................................................................................32
Parallel Transport ....................................................................................................................................32
Parallel Tracks.........................................................................................................................................32
Connecting External SCSI Media...................................................................................................33
SCSI Cables .....................................................................................................................................33
Cable Quality ............................................................................................................................................... 33
Cable Length and Device Support ................................................................................................................33
Cabling Wide and Narrow Devices in a System............................................................................................34
SCSI Termination ............................................................................................................................34
Kingston Frame Configuration.......................................................................................................34
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Wide SCSI Cards and Kingston Frames.........................................................................................35
Removing the Narrow Host Adapter (Symbios SYM 8600SP)...................................................................... 35
Installing the Wide Host Adapter (Symbios SYM8751SP)............................................................................35
Wide Kingston Drive Frames....................................................................................................................... 36
Approved SCSI Drives ....................................................................................................................36
DVD RAM Support.........................................................................................................................37
LIMDOW Optical Drives................................................................................................................37
Remote Controllers for the TASCAM MMR-8 ..............................................................................38
Keyboard Operation (with MM-RC option)...................................................................................38
Using the PC Keyboard................................................................................................................................ 39
Powering Up the System..................................................................................................................40
Verifying MMR-8 Installation.........................................................................................................40
Software Updates ......................................................................................................................................... 41
Factory Default Settings..................................................................................................................42
Testing Your Installation.................................................................................................................42
Chapter 3 MMR-8 Keys and Status Displays ...................................................44
MMR-8 Keys & Definitions.............................................................................................................44
MMR-8 Front Panel ........................................................................................................................46
Front Panel Indicators, Switches, and Displays..............................................................................48
LED Indicators ............................................................................................................................................48
Configuration Settings .............................................................................................................................48
Active Mode/Key Indicators ....................................................................................................................48
Track Status and Metering .......................................................................................................................48
Meter LEDs ............................................................................................................................................. 48
Machine Status LEDs .............................................................................................................................. 49
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)...................................................................................................................... 50
Normal State Display...............................................................................................................................50
Setup State Display..................................................................................................................................51
View Track State Display.........................................................................................................................51
Slip Track State Display...........................................................................................................................52
Load Track State Display.........................................................................................................................52
Backup State Display...............................................................................................................................53
Verify State Display.................................................................................................................................54
Error State Display...................................................................................................................................54
Front Panel Key Groups..................................................................................................................55
Transport Group...........................................................................................................................................55
Setup and Wheel Group ...............................................................................................................................56
Wheel..........................................................................................................................................................58
Track Group ................................................................................................................................................58
Keypad Group ............................................................................................................................................. 63
Chapter 4 MMR-8 Operation ............................................................................69
Loading and Mounting Drives ........................................................................................................69
Loading a Project.............................................................................................................................70
Loading Individual Tracks..............................................................................................................70
Viewing Tracks............................................................................................................................................71
Unloading Tracks.........................................................................................................................................71
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Deleting Tracks from the Disk......................................................................................................................71
Recording a New Project.................................................................................................................71
Default Record Drive...................................................................................................................................72
Disk Initialization and Low Format.............................................................................................................. 72
Formatting Macintosh Disks ........................................................................................................................ 72
Clip Names..................................................................................................................................................72
In & Out Points Set In Record......................................................................................................................72
Using the Backup Functions............................................................................................................73
Backup ........................................................................................................................................................73
Rename ....................................................................................................................................................... 74
TapeMode Convert ......................................................................................................................................74
Export..........................................................................................................................................................75
WaveFrame Export..................................................................................................................................75
OMF Export............................................................................................................................................ 75
To Import the MMP OMF Export File on Pro Tools................................................................................. 76
Crossfades in OMF..................................................................................................................................76
Tape Mode Export to OMF......................................................................................................................76
Pro Tools Export......................................................................................................................................76
Export As ....................................................................................................................................................77
Dynamic Backup Status Display...................................................................................................................77
Using Registers ................................................................................................................................77
Recalling Registers ......................................................................................................................................78
Capturing the Current Time Code ................................................................................................................. 78
Trimming Time Code Values....................................................................................................................... 78
Using the Entry Register ..............................................................................................................................78
Editing..............................................................................................................................................80
Local & Studio Monitoring .............................................................................................................85
Headphone Volume (LEVEL)......................................................................................................................85
Headphone Jack (PHONES).........................................................................................................................85
The Lynx Bus...................................................................................................................................85
Transport Control.........................................................................................................................................86
Track Record Arm/Select (MMR-8 Only).....................................................................................................86
Head/Tail.....................................................................................................................................................86
Slip Track/Region........................................................................................................................................86
Prev/Next.....................................................................................................................................................86
Undo/Redo...................................................................................................................................................86
Clear/Paste...................................................................................................................................................87
The MMR Bus .................................................................................................................................88
Chapter 5 MMR-8 Setup Menus.......................................................................89
The Setup State & the Setup Menus ...............................................................................................89
Setup Operation ...............................................................................................................................90
Setup Menu Chart...........................................................................................................................91
000 Basic Setup................................................................................................................................96
000 Control Mode........................................................................................................................................96
Local/Bus................................................................................................................................................ 96
Time Code Chase.....................................................................................................................................96
Biphase Chase .........................................................................................................................................96
Serial Transport.......................................................................................................................................97
Editor...................................................................................................................................................... 97
Varispeed ................................................................................................................................................97
Serial Editor Port Details..............................................................................................................................97
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Record Ready Tallies...............................................................................................................................97
Sony P2 Chase and Offset Commands...................................................................................................... 97
Serial Editor Port Active When Not ONLINE .......................................................................................... 97
Automatic ONLINE.................................................................................................................................97
Local Machine Response to Serial Record Commands..............................................................................97
Program Speed Play.................................................................................................................................98
Editor Mode Operation Without Video Reference.....................................................................................98
Hybrid Protocol on Serial Editor Port.......................................................................................................98
001 Frame Reference ...................................................................................................................................98
Automatic................................................................................................................................................ 98
Video.......................................................................................................................................................98
002 Sample Reference..................................................................................................................................98
Automatic................................................................................................................................................ 98
AES/EBU Input.......................................................................................................................................98
Ext Wordclock......................................................................................................................................... 99
003 Timecode Type......................................................................................................................................99
004 Sample Rate..........................................................................................................................................99
006 Varispeed Rate......................................................................................................................................99
100 Bus Control .............................................................................................................................100
100 Sync Group.........................................................................................................................................100
110 MMR Bus Request.............................................................................................................................. 100
111 Ident Request ...................................................................................................................................... 100
112 Ident Assigned .................................................................................................................................... 100
120 Lynx Bus ............................................................................................................................................ 100
121 Lynx Bus Address............................................................................................................................... 100
122 Lynx Bus V500 Mode ......................................................................................................................... 100
200 Transport ................................................................................................................................ 101
200 Record Mode.......................................................................................................................................101
Non-Destructive.....................................................................................................................................101
Tape Mode ............................................................................................................................................ 101
201 All Safe ............................................................................................................................................... 102
202 Record Key......................................................................................................................................... 102
203 Rehearse Key ......................................................................................................................................102
210 Loop Mode.......................................................................................................................................... 102
211 Loop Record ....................................................................................................................................... 102
212 Pre-roll................................................................................................................................................ 102
213 Post-roll.............................................................................................................................................. 102
220 Next / Previous Mode..........................................................................................................................102
221 Edit Sync Mode................................................................................................................................... 103
230 Tape Mode Start.................................................................................................................................. 103
231 Tape Mode Length.............................................................................................................................. 103
240 Dailies Mode ....................................................................................................................................... 103
250 Slip Commit........................................................................................................................................ 103
300 Biphase.................................................................................................................................... 103
300 Biphase Frame Rate.............................................................................................................................103
301 Biphase Pulse Rate..............................................................................................................................104
302 Biphase Input...................................................................................................................................... 104
400 Remote.....................................................................................................................................104
400 Editor Device ......................................................................................................................................104
TASCAM MMR-8.................................................................................................................................104
Sony PCM-7030.................................................................................................................................... 104
Sony BVU-950...................................................................................................................................... 104
401 Editor Auto EE.................................................................................................................................... 104
402 Editor Edit Field.................................................................................................................................. 105
Auto...................................................................................................................................................... 105
Field 1...................................................................................................................................................105
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Field 2...................................................................................................................................................105
403 Editor Track Arm................................................................................................................................ 105
Digital Audio ......................................................................................................................................... 105
Analog A1-A4.......................................................................................................................................105
Local [enbl+any]....................................................................................................................................105
Local [enbl+Aud] .................................................................................................................................. 105
Local [enbl+A1] ....................................................................................................................................105
Local [enbl+A2] ....................................................................................................................................105
Local [enbl+A3] ....................................................................................................................................105
Local [enbl+A4] ....................................................................................................................................106
404 Editor Chase........................................................................................................................................106
410 Parallel Track Arm..............................................................................................................................106
Parallel I/O Details..................................................................................................................................... 106
Dedicated Record/Rehearse ON/OFF pins .............................................................................................. 106
Lock Tally Out ...................................................................................................................................... 106
Record Punch to Local Only .................................................................................................................. 106
420 MIDI Device ID.................................................................................................................................. 106
500 Audio....................................................................................................................................... 107
500 Input Source ........................................................................................................................................ 107
501 Auto Input........................................................................................................................................... 107
510 Crossfade............................................................................................................................................ 107
520 Meter Reference Level ........................................................................................................................ 107
521 Meter Calibrate ................................................................................................................................... 107
522 Clip LED on Play................................................................................................................................ 107
530 Reference Tone................................................................................................................................... 107
540 Gapless Punchout................................................................................................................................108
550 Remote Meter Source.......................................................................................................................... 108
600 Digital I/O ...............................................................................................................................108
600 Digital Input Ref Track........................................................................................................................108
602 Digital Input Delay..............................................................................................................................108
610 Digital Output Delay ........................................................................................................................... 108
700 Disk.......................................................................................................................................... 108
700 Disk Encoding.....................................................................................................................................108
701 Record Disk SCSI ID ..........................................................................................................................108
710 Disk Initialize...................................................................................................................................... 109
711 Disk Low Format ................................................................................................................................109
720 Disk Cleanup ...................................................................................................................................... 109
790 Drives Mounted...................................................................................................................................109
800 Tracks/Project......................................................................................................................... 109
800 Project Name.......................................................................................................................................109
810 Track Prefix ........................................................................................................................................109
900 System .....................................................................................................................................110
900 Store Settings...................................................................................................................................... 110
901 Recall Settings .................................................................................................................................... 110
910 Set MM:DD:YY [Date].......................................................................................................................110
911 Set HH:MM:SS [Time] ....................................................................................................................... 110
912 Change Password................................................................................................................................ 110
920 LED Brightness................................................................................................................................... 110
940 Machine Name....................................................................................................................................110
950 IP Address...........................................................................................................................................111
Setting the IP Address............................................................................................................................ 111
Format of IP Addresses..........................................................................................................................111
951 IP Net Mask........................................................................................................................................ 111
952 IP Gateway.......................................................................................................................................... 111
Important Rules for IP Addresses ...............................................................................................................111
980 Serial Number.....................................................................................................................................112
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990 Software Version.................................................................................................................................112
995 Load Software.....................................................................................................................................112
Chapter 6 File Format Support........................................................................113
Show Project Format ..................................................................................................................... 113
Show Track Format, Drive ID ......................................................................................................113
Formatting Macintosh Disks......................................................................................................... 113
Delete and Disk Cleanup for Macintosh Volumes........................................................................114
Macintosh File System Errors.......................................................................................................114
Macintosh Files Created by the MMR ........................................................................................................ 114
Support for Pro Tools® Session Files ...........................................................................................115
Pro Tools Features Supported..................................................................................................................... 116
Pro Tools Features Not Supported.............................................................................................................. 116
Dynamic Voice Allocation ..................................................................................................................... 116
TDM Plug-Ins ....................................................................................................................................... 116
Voice Output Assignments..................................................................................................................... 117
Restrictions When Using the Pro Tools Session Format..............................................................................117
Pull Up / Pull Down ............................................................................................................................... 117
Frame and Sample Rates in Tape Mode..................................................................................................117
Limitations on Number of Tracks ........................................................................................................... 117
Session Start Time Restrictions..............................................................................................................117
Using TapeMode with ProTools Sessions ............................................................................................... 118
Pro Tools Volume and Mute Automation..................................................................................... 119
Volume Automation...................................................................................................................................119
Mute Automation ....................................................................................................................................... 119
Disabling Pro Tools Volume Automation................................................................................................... 120
Audio File Time Stamp Support ................................................................................................... 120
AIFF File Support .........................................................................................................................121
OMF Files ......................................................................................................................................121
Zaxcom DEVA Broadcast Wave File Support..............................................................................121
DEVA Files Naming Conventions.............................................................................................................. 122
Akai DD-8 Support........................................................................................................................122
Playback.................................................................................................................................................... 122
Export........................................................................................................................................................122
Editing File Formats not Written by The MM Series...................................................................122
Sonic Solutions File Support .........................................................................................................123
Using Sonic Lightspeed ............................................................................................................................. 123
Sonic SSP, USP, and HD System Support ..................................................................................................123
Sonic Fade Files......................................................................................................................................... 123
Format Chart ................................................................................................................................. 124
Chapter 7 MMR-8 System Applications.........................................................125
Film Post Production.....................................................................................................................125
Biphase Setup Menus ................................................................................................................................. 126
MMR-8 Film Connections ......................................................................................................................... 127
Video Post Production................................................................................................................... 127
The Lynx Bus ............................................................................................................................................127
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Chapter 8 Maintenance & Service.................................................................. 128
System Input Level Calibration Using the Meter LEDs............................................................... 128
MMR Input and Output Level Calibrations................................................................................................. 128
MOC Calibration Procedure.......................................................................................................................129
MIC Calibration Procedure ........................................................................................................................ 130
Adding External Drives to the System..........................................................................................131
Formatting Disks ...........................................................................................................................131
Using Removable Media................................................................................................................131
Chapter 9 Technical Support..........................................................................132
MMR-8 System Software ..............................................................................................................132
Appendix A: Control Panel Command Summary........................................................................133
Transport Group .................................................................................................................................... 133
Setup and Wheel Group......................................................................................................................... 133
Keypad keys.......................................................................................................................................... 134
Track Select Keys.................................................................................................................................. 136
Appendix B: TASCAM MMR-8 Drive Compatibility Chart ........................... 137
Approved SCSI Drives ............................................................................................................................... 137
Appendix C: WaveFrame Compatibility...................................................................................... 139
Appendix D: MMR-8 Cable Information .....................................................................................141
Parallel Tracks and Parallel Transport Connector Pinout.............................................................................141
MIDI IN/THRU/OUT Connector pinout..................................................................................................... 142
LYNX (Remote Controller) Connector pinout............................................................................................ 142
EDITOR Connector pinout......................................................................................................................... 142
TRANSPORT (Sony 9-pin) Connector pinout............................................................................................ 143
ANALOG INPUT & OUTPUT Connectors pinouts.................................................................................... 144
BIPH (Biphase) Connectors pinout............................................................................................................. 144
DIO (AES/EBU Digital Audio) Connector pinout....................................................................................... 145
SYNC (MMR-Bus) Connector pinout ........................................................................................................ 145
TIMECODE IN Connector......................................................................................................................... 146
TIMECODE OUT Connector.....................................................................................................................146
WORD CLOCK IN Connector ................................................................................................................... 146
WORD CLOCK OUT Connector...............................................................................................................146
VIDEO IN/OUT Connector........................................................................................................................146
SERIAL CONNECTORS .......................................................................................................................... 147
SCSI Connector......................................................................................................................................... 147
PRX Connector.......................................................................................................................................... 147
Appendix E: MMR-8 Glossary......................................................................................................148
Appendix F: Disk Time Chart ....................................................................................................... 154
Appendix G: Macintosh File System Error Messages..................................................................155
Macintosh File System Error Codes............................................................................................................ 156
Appendix H: MMR/MMP MIDI Machine Control Protocol .......................................................161
MMC Information Fields ........................................................................................................................... 162
MMR-8 MMC Signature............................................................................................................................ 163
MMP-16 MMC Signature ..........................................................................................................................163
MIDI Inquiry Message............................................................................................................................... 163
Index ..............................................................................................................................................164
MMR-8 Owner’s Manual Version 4.1 TRAINING
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Chapter 1 General Information
This chapter presents the main features and capabilities of the MMR-8 hardware and a functional
overview of its Panel/Display states. MMR-8 product specifications are also included.
MMR-8 Introduction
MMR-8 Front View
The MMR-8 is a non-linear digital replacement for the analog or digital tape machines found in recording
studios and broadcast facilities, and for magnetic film dubbers found in film and video post-production
facilities. The MMR-8 can play back and record eight tracks of material from one or more SCSI hard
drives or other removable media. Playback can be in exact or track-slipped synchronization to industrystandard film, video, and audio devices, whether they are mechanical tape-based or hard drive-based.
Audio files recorded on the MMR-8 consist of selectable linear 16-bit or linear 24-bit words at sample
rates of 48.0 kHz or 44.1 kHz, modifiable to a pull-up or pull-down rate, including conversion between
PAL, film, and video, making fourteen total discrete sampling rates. The analog I/O section uses
balanced +4 dBu analog connections on DB-25 connectors that are pin-compatible with the TASCAM
DA-88 and may use the same cables. The DIO (Digital I/O) connection provides digital audio inputs and
outputs which conform to the AES/EBU standard for direct digital recording and playback. The digital
I/O connector can use a standard DA-88 cable (the analog cable – not TDIF) to provide four stereo AES
inputs and four stereo AES outputs. See the Pin out drawing given in Appendix D for detailed
information. Any digital input can be selected as the sample clock reference source. Additionally, any one
of the four digital input signal pairs can be selected for routing through a sample rate converter.
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The MMR-8 will directly play back material created on many different digital audio workstation systems.
A format compatibility chart is given in the Functional Specifications section of this chapter. The disk
drive or drives containing edited Project (EDL and audio) files may be simply “unplugged” from the
workstation and then “hot-plugged” into the MMR-8, using the standard internal Kingston hard drive
carrier, or otherwise connected to the MMR-8’s external SCSI port. Optionally, files on a RAID may be
accessed via the external SCSI port as well. Once the drive(s) are mounted by the MMR-8, tracks from
one or more projects may be loaded as required for the mix session. Sound files of the same or different
audio file formats may be played back on the same unit simultaneously from one or more drives.
When the MMR-8 is turned on for the first time, the system default operating parameters are loaded, and
the machine boots into the Normal state (see the Functional Overview section in this chapter). There are
ten user settings files that may be stored to and recalled from the internal hard drive so that the MMR-8
setup parameters can be instantly reconfigured between mix sessions. The MMR-8’s operating parameters
can be manually changed at any time via Setup menu selections. Password protection may be used to
prevent some parameters from being changed inadvertently.
Hardware Overview
The MMR-8 comes standard with one removable Kingston drive carrier. The Kingston carrier can hold a
standard SCSI drive for recording and playback of audio tracks. An internal IDE hard drive holds the
operating system, the MMR-8 software, and the parameter settings files. Additional external SCSI drives
can be connected and accessed by the MMR-8. This allows loading tracks simultaneously from more than
one disk. A list of approved media drives is given in Appendix B.
The MMR-8 is based on a standard Intel Pentium™ processor-based PC motherboard, with
integral PCI and ISA bus slots running under an industry-standard operating system. The MMR-8
processing and interface boards plug directly into this PC motherboard. There is a Lithium battery
#CR2032 for the CMOS circuit on the motherboard. Caution: Battery May Explode if Mistreated. Do
Not Recharge, Disassemble or Dispose of in Fire. The MIC (analog-to-digital Input Converter) and
MOC (digital-to-analog Output Converter) boards are in their own shielded cage, connected to the AIO
(Analog I/O) card via ribbon cables. Very high quality 20-bit converters on all analog inputs and outputs
assure excellent audio fidelity. The MMR-8 uses 24-bit internal digital resolution for all digital audio
processing. Recorded audio is stored in standard linear 16-bit or 24-bit sound files.
Internal Boards for Units with Serial Numbers up to 01608
The PRX (DSP) card performs the audio processing for the MMR-8. A standard Symbios SCSI-2
controller card also plugs into the PCI bus. The Sync card, the UI/B (User Interface/Biphase) card, the
AIO (analog I/O) card, and the DIO (AES/EBU digital I/O) card are all plugged into the ISA bus. The
Biphase Operations Board (BOB) occupies a slot on the back panel to provide connections for the
system’s four Biphase inputs and one Biphase throughput. It is attached to the UI/B card via a ribbon
cable and is not plugged into a slot.
Internal Boards for Units with Serial Numbers of 01609 and above
Units with serial numbers of 01609 and above have a different set of internal processing boards.
Functionally, these units are identical to previous units. The change was made to facilitate a more
streamlined manufacturing process. Instead of separate boards for DSP processing, sync, remote control,
etc., these functions have been combined into a single board designated as the M2 board. Connectors on
the side of the M2 board have ribbon cables attached which break out to brackets and connectors serving
the same functions as the previous array of boards and connectors.
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Front Panel
The MMR-8 front panel contains 45 soft-touch keys with most of the common dubber and audio playback
functions available through one or two keystrokes. There are also seven large illuminated motion control
buttons (Play, Stop, FF, Rew, Reverse Play, Record, Rehearse) for track playback and “play head”
locating, and an Online button for setting the MMR-8 offline (as a local machine) or online (as a
synchronized slave or a master machine). When the MMR-8 is the master and is online, then any number
of external SMPTE/EBU, MTC or biphase devices will follow the MMR-8. When the MMR-8 is set as a
slave, it can chase time code, biphase, a TimeLine Lynx™ module, or another MMR-8.
A 40-character (two line by 20-character) LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) serves as the MMR-8 status and
control text window. The top line typically shows the machine status and current time code or feet/frames
location, while the bottom line shows various time code registers (In, Out, memory, slip. etc.) and accepts
input from the front panel. The entire display may also alert the operator to any machine or user error
conditions. Text can be scrolled horizontally or vertically, using the Wheel or arrow keys, for entering
Panel/Display state and setup information, or for finding and loading tracks.
As with other 8-track recorders, there are dedicated front panel LED peak meters that always display
monitor level information for the track outputs whether in audio input or playback. Each meter contains
seven green, yellow and red LEDs plus a CLIP/Hold LED for easy at-a-glance level monitoring. An
additional 74 status LEDs instantly identify current synchronization modes, bus control modes, sample
and frame reference settings, record format settings, transport status, and front panel input status.
Rear Panel
The MMR-8 rear panel contains all the audio and synchronization connections. To minimize connector
footprint, female DB-25 connectors are used for the audio connections. The eight analog audio inputs are
on one female DB-25 and the eight analog audio outputs are on another female DB-25. Each analog
connector mounts on a separate card within the chassis, and is labeled Input or Output. The connectors are
pin-compatible with the TASCAM DA-88 analog audio connector.
The DIO card allows direct digital audio transfers into and out of the MMR-8. Because it uses standard
AES/EBU digital signal conventions, there are four stereo digital inputs and four stereo digital outputs
with odd-even track pairs. Tracks 1+2 are on the first AES/EBU connection, tracks 3+4 on the second
AES/EBU connection, and so on. All eight tracks (four pairs of in and out) are on a single female DB-25
connector. Any of the digital inputs can serve as a sample rate reference and any of the input pairs can
also be routed through an on-board sample rate converter. Note that this connector carries AES/EBU
digital signals and is NOT pin-compatible with the TASCAM DA-88 TDIF digital audio format
connector.
Built-in biphase control allows the MMR-8 to automatically lock to and chase biphase devices
without having to use an external biphase to SMPTE LTC adapter. Up to four biphase input
signals can be simultaneously connected to the MMR-8. The active biphase input is linked to the active
Sync Group assignment and is determined by menu selection (Setup Menu 100). A biphase throughput
connector passes through the selected incoming biphase signal. Software Setup Menu 300 bank
parameters (frame rate, pulses per frame, input type) allow various biphase devices to be used with the
MMR-8. The biphase connector is not intended for public telecommunications network connection.
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Video post-production work can be done with any industry-standard playback device. The MMR-8
supports SMPTE/EBU Linear Time Code, Word Clock, Video sync, MIDI Time Code, MIDI Machine
Control input, and Sony 9-pin serial in and out (P2- protocol).
Accessory Products
The TASCAM MM-RC is a dedicated remote control unit designed specially for use with the MMR-8
and the MMP-16 sixteen-channel player unit. It connects directly to the UI/B board on the MMR back
panel and allows control of any combination of up to 100 MMR-8 or MMP-16 units.
The TASCAM MMU-16 is a multi-segment digital meter unit which can display sixteen channels of
audio level information. Two connectors on the back of the MMU-16 allow it to be connected to one or
two MMR-8 units, or an MMP-16 sixteen channel player. The MMU-16 can also be connected to the
MM-RC for displaying detailed level information for the MMR-8 or MMP-16 unit being accessed by the
MM-RC. The MMU-16 comes with standard rack ears for mounting in a standard 19” equipment rack
and also with mounting brackets for attaching the unit to an MM-RC.
The TimeLine Lynx Keyboard Control Unit (KCU) can function directly as a remote controller for up to
six MMR-8s without the use of dedicated Lynx-2 modules, since the MMR-8 contains the functional
equivalent of an integrated Lynx-2 synchronizer. Optionally, Lynx-2 modules can also be connected to
the Lynx port of the MMR so that other transports connected to the Lynx bus may also be controlled from
a Lynx KCU connected to the MMR-8. TimeLine offers a special software version for the Lynx KCU
(KCU 900 software) which includes special MMR support for some editing and event slip commands.
Other remote controllers can also be used for controlling the transport and track arm functions of the
MMR-8 through the two Parallel ports or via Sony P2 protocol through the 9-pin serial Editor port.
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ViewNet Audio
TimeLine’s ViewNet Audio is a graphical interface network option for the MM Series modular multitrack
machines which provides a Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) connection for the MM unit and the special
ViewNet Audio software application running on a computer attached to the network.
ViewNet Audio Project View Screen
ViewNet Audio is designed to allow system administration and control of setup parameters for all
machines from any computer on the network. Since ViewNet was written using the Java programming
environment, the software application can be run from computers running the Windows (95, 98, or NT),
Macintosh, or UNIX (Linux) operating systems. Administration and Server software is included with the
system to allow for setting levels of security in multi-room facilities. This helps to prevent operators from
accidentally controlling machines in other areas of the facility for which they do not have access
permission.
ViewNet provides a graphical editing environment for making changes to sound events at the mix. Multimachine edits and macros are also supported. Real time scrolling of sound events with clip names
provides a visual cue sheet for mixers. Complete access to all system setup parameters and the ability to
broadcast parameters to multiple sets of machines makes it easy for machine room operators to set up jobs
for different clients in different rooms. ViewNet is available from authorized TASCAM MM series
dealers and distributors.
MMR-8 TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information
17
Functional Overview
The MMR-8 operates in any of eight different Panel/Display states (simply referred to as “states” for
convenience). These states are distinguished by the nature of the information displayed in the LCD
window and by which keys are functionally available while in that state. These MMR-8 Panel/Display
states are described here.
Normal state is the default Panel/Display state on power-up. In this state, the LCD shows the current
system play time in the top of the display, and shows the active register (last requested register or function
time) in the bottom of the display. All keys are active while in this state, and will respond by performing
an action, accessing a register, or changing to the state written on the key. Shifted key functions are also
available by first pressing the SHIFT key, then pressing the key which corresponds to the desired shifted
function. Once the SHIFT key is selected, pressing the appropriate key to activate the desired shifted
function completes the SHIFT operation. The SHIFT state can be cancelled by pressing SHIFT again, or
by pressing CLR, to return the system to normal key selection.
Pressing the SETUP key activates the Setup state. This state gives access to the system setup menus,
where most of the operating parameters of the MMR-8 can be altered. Some parameters are changeable
only under certain operating conditions (non-record, stopped, etc.), although all are viewable at any time
in the Setup state. Once in the Setup state, you may return to the Normal state by pressing the SETUP key
again, or by pressing CLR.
There are three types of Panel/Display states that deal with MMR-8 track operations. These are Load
Track, View Track, and Slip Track. Pressing the LOAD TRACK, TRACK, or SLIP keys puts the
MMR-8 into one of these Track states. The SEL keys for each MMR track are used in conjunction with
these keys to identify the specific track to be loaded, viewed, or slipped.
There are also three keys to the left of the Track state keys labeled EDIT, MON, and INPUT. These keys
do not change the state of the MMR display, but are used to determine what status is being indicated for
each MMR track by the track selection LEDs when the SEL keys are pressed while in the Normal state of
operation. One of these keys is always active as the current Track Mode. Since these keys function along
with the Track state keys to identify the function being specified by the SEL keys, the entire group of six
keys (EDIT, MON, INPUT, LOAD TRACK, TRACK, and SLIP) are also referred to as the Track Mode
keys.
The Track states supersede the Normal state since they change the display and make certain keys
unavailable until the Track state is exited or cleared. To exit a Track state and return the MMR-8 to the
Normal state, it is necessary to either complete the selected track operation (by pressing STO to load a
Project, for example), or press the selected Track state key again, or press the CLR key to cancel the
operation. After exiting a Track state, the system will return to the Normal state and the last selected
Track Mode (EDIT, MON, INPUT).
Pressing the LOAD TRACK key activates the Load Track state. This state allows for loading
WaveFrame projects, OMF Compositions, or Pro Tools Session files from any mounted disk volume.
This state also allows loading of individual tracks from a Project, Composition, or Session (hence the
name of this key and state), and moving of tracks from one MMR channel to another. The shifted function
of LOAD TRACK allows for deleting WaveFrame Projects or Tracks. The MMR-8 software does not
currently allow OMF Compositions and Pro Tools Session Files to be deleted.
TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information MMR-8
18
The MMR Backup state is accessed via the Load Track state by pressing SHIFT+SLIP after choosing
(scrolling to) the desired Project while in the LOAD TRACK state. This state is similar to the Setup state
in that it has two menu choices which are accessed by using the Up/Down arrow keys or the Wheel. The
key choices available in the Backup state are the same as those in the Setup state, hence it exists at the
same level of the hierarchy of panel/display states as the Setup state.
Pressing the TRACK key activates the View Track state. This state allows for viewing the names of
loaded tracks, and unloading of tracks (the shifted function of the TRACK key) from the loaded track list.
Pressing the SLIP key activates the Slip Track state. This state allows for slipping one or more of the
already loaded tracks in time.
Verify state supersedes the Normal and Track states. The two most common Verify state functions are
confirmation (a Yes/No answer is required from the user) and password entry (a password must be
entered to complete the action request). Both of these requests override most other actions or do not allow
access to the Normal, Setup, or Track states until they are cleared or a valid response is entered. Verify
state, when cleared, usually drops the MMR-8 back into the previously active state.
Error state is the final level in the hierarchy of Panel/Display states. In this state, the ERROR status light
flashes and the user is asked to clear a condition by pressing the CLR key, or if that is impossible (as in
the case of a fatal error), to note the error information and possibly take some extraordinary action (such
as re-starting the MMR-8). Until the Error state is cleared, or a valid response is entered, access to the
Normal, Setup, or Track states is not allowed. The Error state, when cleared, may drop to another state, or
to any appropriate condition—depending on the type and severity of the error.
These states are hierarchical in the sense that some require a response or they require a state to be cleared
before certain keys or other states can be accessed. The Normal state is at the base of the hierarchy
because it is the default on startup and can always be accessed from any other state or by pressing the
CLR key as many times as is necessary to clear any other state. The track record arm function and the
transport keys can be accessed directly from any state, so the MMR can always record and playback,
regardless of what other functions or states are being accessed. The following diagram illustrates the
hierarchical relationship between the various states, based on the number of choices available from each
state.
MMR-8 TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information
19
LLo
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MMR-8 Panel/Display State Hierarchy
STATE LCD WINDOW DISPLAY COMMENT
NORMAL
SETUP
LOAD TRACK
VIEW TRACK
SLIP TRACK
VERIFY
ERROR
BACKUP
Shows current play head time on top and selected
time register on bottom of display.
Shows setup menus and parameter choices for
each menu item.
Shows disk directory list of projects,
compositions, sessions, and their tracks. Shows
other levels for WaveFrame projects. Backup
state can be accessed only while viewing name of
project while in this state.
Shows the name of each loaded track. Use wheel,
arrows, or press appropriate SEL key to choose
which track to view.
Shows Current Play position on top, Slip register
value for each track below, allows for slipping
tracks in time. All SEL keys have a SLIP
register, so numbers can be stored, recalled, or
cleared directly.
Asks for a response (usually requires pressing
Yes or No) to clear state and return to previous
state.
Shows Error message, usually requires pressing
CLR to clear and return to previous state.
Menu with two choices: BeginBackup to
(device#) or TapeMode Convert to (device#).
Only currently mounted devices will appear as
choices.
B
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p
,
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r
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Default at startup. Allows direct
access to SETUP and TRACK
states, all keys functional.
Press SETUP to enter state, press
TRIM to view parameters.
Press LOAD TRACK once to see
Project level, again to see
successive levels (tracks). Press
SHIFT+SLIP while in LOAD
TRACK to enter Backup state.
Press TRACK to enter state,
SHIFT+TRACK to unload track.
Press SLIP to enter state, use
wheel or arrows to change value,
or enter TC value on keypad &
press STO then SEL to enter
number directly.
Disallows most key entry or
switching to other states until
response is made.
Disallows most key entry or
switching to other states until
condition is cleared.
Accessed only via LOAD TRACK
state. Use Up/Down arrows or
wheel to choose Backup style,
press STO to begin backup
process.
MMR-8 Panel/Display State Chart
TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information MMR-8
20
System Specifications
Analog Input and Output Level:+4 dBu balanced, +24 dBu clip, nominal levels trim pot adjustable
Headroom:20 dB above nominal input level
Analog Input / Output Impedance:10k, balanced / <75 ohms, balanced
Input / Output Adjustment Range: +10 dBu - +25 dBu, clipping / +18 dBu - +25 dBu, clipping
THD+N:<.004 % @ 1 kHz, @ clip level -0.5 dB
Dynamic range:>104 dB (10 Hz - 22 kHz, with A-weighted filter), including Record.
S/N ratio:>108 dB (10 Hz - 22 kHz, with A-weighted filter)
Crosstalk:<-85 dB (between any channels, 20 Hz - 20 kHz)
Frequency Response:20 Hz - 20 kHz ±0.1 dB
Digital Conversion / Quantization:20-bit ADC and 20-bit DAC conversion
Sample length, Recording:16-bit, linear or 24-bit, linear
Sample Length, Internal: 24 bit
Timing Reference sources:Internal, Internal Varispeed, Follow time code in, Follow biphase signal input
(any one of four inputs), Video (either NTSC or PAL), AES/EBU digital clock input (optional), Word
clock input, MMR bus, Lynx bus
Internal Sample Rates in Hz: 42294 (44x23/25), 42336 (44x24/25), 44056 (44100-), 44100, 44144
(44100+), 45938 (44x25/24), 45983 (44x25/23), 46034 (48x23/25), 46080 (48x24/25), 47952 (48000-),
48000, 48048, (48000+),50000 (48x25/24)50050 (48x25/23)
External Sample rates:32 kHz - 51 kHz (via external sync input)
Time Code Type & Rate:30 Non drop frame (NDF) @ 30 frames per second
30 Drop frame (DF) @ 30 frames per second
PAL @ 25 frames per second (PAL default setting)
Film @ 24 frames per second
NTSC @ 29.97 frames per second NDF (NTSC default setting)
29.97 Drop frame(DF) @ 29.97 frames per second
Display Modes:SMPTE/EBU time code, with or without subframes
Feet & Frames, with or without subframes
Time Code Memories:ten (numbered 0 - 9)
Time Code Registers:IN (punch in point)
OUT (punch out point)
HEAD (jump to beginning of project)
TAIL (jump to end of project)
NEXT EDIT (jump to next track edit)
PREVIOUS EDIT (jump to last track edit)
TIME (for establishing 0 film feet and frames referenced to time code)
LYNX SYNC (Lynx bus offset time calculation)
OFFSET (Offset time for Lynx bus and time code chase)
READER (time code from LTC or Serial inputs)
FREE (available record time on current disk) lskdf
MMR-8 TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information
21
Electrical Ratings:
115 VAC @ 2A, 50-60Hz 230 W Max
-OR-
230 VAC @ 1A, 50-60Hz 230 W Max
PC Power supply rated at:
90-132VAC 6.2A @full load
180-265VAC 3.1A @full load
Nominal temperature should be 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 35 degrees Centigrade).
Relative humidity should be 30 to 90% (non-condensing)
Analog input/output is 12.28 VRMS Max
Weight is approximately 37 Pounds ( 16.78 Kilograms) with a hard disk loaded.
TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information MMR-8
Chapter 2 Installation
This chapter covers the physical installation of the TASCAM MMR-8 as either a stand-alone
recording/playback system or as part of a larger, multiple unit digital dubber system. Descriptions are
given of the various connectors on the MMR back panel. Both general installation procedures and specific
application installations are covered.
MMR-8 Materials Kit Box
Before connecting the MMR-8 hardware to your audio system and to your video or film playback
devices, verify that you have all the equipment required to complete the task. The following equipment is
included in the MMR Materials Kit Box:
Rack Ears Kit For rack mount installation, the two rack ears may be attached to the front sides of
the MMR-8 chassis using the six 8-32 x 3/8” Phillips head screws included in the
MMR-8 materials kit. The MMR-8 can be used without the rack ears for desktop
applications.
MMR Bus A three-foot sync cable for synchronizing the operation of multiple MMR
Sync Cable 8’s together via the rear panel MMR bus connectors.
RS422 Cable A 9-pin RS-422 (232) cable for attaching the COM port to a terminal for running
field diagnostics. Also may be used for 9-pin serial connections.
Kingston One Kingston removable drive carrier is included with the system. This
Removable carrier allows drives to be hot-swapped while the system is powered on. It
SCSI Drive is necessary to install a SCSI drive from the list of approved drives into the
Carrier Instructions Kingston carrier before you can record or playback audio using the carrier with the
MMR-8. The instruction manual for installing drives in the Kingston carrier is in
the MMR-8 materials kit.
AC Power Cord A six-foot (1.83 Meter) IEC AC Mains cord set is included with the MMR-8. The
mains connector for 115 VAC systems is USA standard. A six-foot (1.83 Meter)
AC Mains cord set for use in Europe, proper for the country of use will be supplied
by your TASCAM dealer. Attach the AC connector in accordance with local
requirements.
Toolkit As a convenience, a small tool kit consisting of a “tweaker” and a small
screwdriver is included in the zip-locked plastic bag in the materials kit. The
“tweaker” may be used for making any necessary adjustments to the analog trim
pots on the analog audio output board.
22 TASCAM MMR-8 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation MMR-8
23
General Guidelines
Mounting Rack Ears
The MMR-8 is a self-contained eight channel digital playback and recording device designed to be
mounted in a standard 19” (48.26 cm) IEC equipment rack in either the mix studio or a dedicated machine
room in a professional audio recording facility. As such, each MMR-8 is housed in a steel chassis 19inches (48.26 cm) wide by 17 ¼ inches (43.81 cm) deep by 7-inches (17.78 cm) tall. Each MMR-8
requires 5U (7-inches or 17.78 cm) of rack space.
Integral rack ears are provided with the chassis. If the unit is not rack-mounted, the rack ears do not need
to be installed onto the MMR-8 chassis. For rack mounting, install one rack ear to the front of each side of
the MMR-8 (three Phillips screws per side are supplied for fastening the rack ears to the chassis).
Rack Ear Installation
MMR-8 TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation
Installing Multiple MMR Units
Multiple units can be mounted one on top of the other when forced air rack ventilation is provided. A oneinch clearance is required on both sides of the MMR-8. In facilities with raised computer room-style
flooring, a ventilation opening in the floor is recommended. In no case should the internal rack
temperature ever exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Centigrade) during normal operation (as
measured at the rear of any of the MMR-8s in the system).
Multiple MMR-8 Rack Installation
24 TASCAM MMR-8 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation MMR-8
25
AC Mains and Grounding (Earthing) Considerations
Each MMR-8 requires one AC mains connection. A standard six-foot (1.83 Meter) power cord set is
included with each MMR-8, wired for the USA standard. A six-foot (1.83 Meter) AC Mains cord set for
use in Europe, proper for the country of use will be supplied by your TASCAM dealer. The AC mains
outlet must be capable of delivering 230 watts (2 amps) for each MMR-8 in the system. The main power
supply has a 115/230 VAC switch on the back of the unit. This switch should be set to match the facility
power level.
An unswitched female IEC convenience outlet is located on the rear panel of each MMR-8. In normal use
there is no connection to this outlet, although other electronics equipment using IEC plugs, and drawing
less than 120 watts total, can be connected to this outlet using the appropriate male-to-female IEC power
cord (like those used with computer monitors).
A facility-wide UPS system is recommended for protecting the MMR-8, and all your audio equipment,
from power line spikes, surges, brownouts, and line failure. If a facility-wide UPS is not available, each
MMR-8 should be connected to a home computer-type surge/spike protection system (of 250 watts
minimum) which is then plugged into an isolated ground AC outlet.
Caution: Grounding (Earthing)
Do not defeat the AC cord U-ground as this will present a potentially dangerous operator
hazard. Using an isolated ground outlet ensures the proper chassis grounding to the
mains “power company” ground. Using only isolated ground outlets throughout a facility
will prevent audio ground loops caused by AC outlets with different ground potentials. A
Ground Stud is provided on the back panel for chassis grounding of the MMR-8.
Audio Cables
Analog I/O Cables All analog input and output on the MMR-8 is done through a pair of 25-pin
D-sub connectors which are pin-compatible with the TASCAM DA-88 connector.
TASCAM DA-88 DB-25 to XLR cables, with either male (output) or female
(input) XLR connectors, are available from your authorized TASCAM dealer.
Digital I/O Cables Analog I/O cables can be adapted for use as Digital I/O cables using 4 XLR gender
adapters. This arrangement provides four stereo AES/EBU digital inputs and four
stereo AES/EBU digital outputs using a standard DA-88 cable.
MMR-8 TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation
Figure 2-3. MMR-8 Back Panel
Not intended for public
•
•
MMR-8 Back Panel for Serial Numbers up to 01608
MMR-8 Back Panel Connections For Serial # Up To 01608
The MMR back panel has connectors for analog and digital audio I/O, as well as various types of synchronization and control signals. The following
MMR back panel connections are described in this chapter, and the pin outs for many of these connectors are given in Appendix D: Cable Information.
• Analog audio in
• Analog audio out
• Digital audio I/O
• Biphase in (BOB)
• Biphase out (BOB)
• Mono mix audio out (PRX)
• SCSI
• Remote control (UI/B)
telecommunication network connection
26 TASCAM MMR-8 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation MMR-8
MMR bus (Sync)
• Word clock in
• Word clock out
• Video in
• Video out
• Midi in
• Midi out
• Midi thru
Time code in
• Time code out
• Lynx (2 connections)
• Editor (Sony 9-pin)
• Transport (Sony 9-pin)
• Parallel Tracks
• Parallel Transport
27
MMR-8
Not intended for public
network
•
•
MMR-8 Back Panel for Serial Numbers 01609 and above
2.0 / 1.0 A,
MODEL NO.
230 W
50 - 60Hz
MADE IN USA
MODULAR MULTITRACK RECORDER
TEAC CORPORATION
115 / 230 ~,
SERIAL NO.
R
LISTED
14DK
UL1950
E177247
PARALLEL TRACKS
WORD CLOCK
VIDEO
MIDI
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE
FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND
(2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT
MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.
TIME CODE
LYNX EDITOR TRANSPORT
PARALLEL TRANSPORT
IN
115/230~VAC 1/0.5 A
AUXILIARY OUTLET
OUT
ANALOG IN
IN IN
OUT
ANALOG OUT
OUT
REMOTE
THRU
DIAG
BOB
IN
OUT
BLANK
NETSCSI M 2 BLANK BLANK
ADIF
1-8
MMR-8 Back Panel Connections For Serial # 01609 And Above
MMR units with serial numbers starting at 01609 and higher have a different arrangement for back panel connectors than previous units. The arrangement
of connectors for serial numbers 10609 and above are shown in the drawing above and are listed here.
• Analog audio in
• Analog audio out
• AES Digital audio I/O (labeled ADIF 1-8)
• Biphase In (BOB)
• Biphase Thru (BOB)
telecommunication
• Mono mix audio out (M2)
• SCSI
• Remote control
• MMR bus (M2)
Word clock in
• Word clock out
• Video sync in
• Video sync out
• Midi in
• Midi out
• Midi thru
• Time code in
Diagnostic port (service tech only)
• Lynx (2 connections)
• Editor (Sony 9-pin in)
• Transport (Sony 9-pin out)
• Parallel Tracks
• Parallel Transport
• Network (for OPTIONAL 100Mbit
Ethernet)
MMR-8 TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation
Audio Connections
All audio inputs and outputs (both analog and digital) connect to/from the MMR-8 using DB-25
connectors. The pin configuration used on the DB-25 analog audio connectors is identical to that used for
TASCAM DTRS format digital tape machines such as the DA-88. Two female DB-25 connectors are
used for the analog connections, one for input and one for output, as labeled on the MMR back panel. A
single female DB-25 carries all eight channels of AES/EBU digital input and output signals.
Analog In/Out Connections
All analog inputs and outputs use balanced signals designed to mate with standard 600-ohm devices using
+4 dBu levels. Internal trim pots are available to set the exact input levels, as required to match external
equipment, although the MMR-8 is factory set to a nominal +4 dBu in and out. The inputs can also be set
for a nominal -10 dBu level for unbalanced consumer and semi-pro equipment signal levels.
Analog audio processing is done on two separate 20-bit Analog to Digital and Digital to Analog converter
cards mounted within the MMR-8. These converters are mounted in a special shielded cage within the
MMR and are attached via ribbon cable to a card (labeled A I/O) plugged into one of the system ISA bus
slots on the PC motherboard. These A/D and D/A boards have their own power supply separate from the
main PC power supply. Maximum load is 12.28 vrms.
Digital In/Out Connections
A single female DB-25 connector is used to provide four stereo digital inputs and four stereo digital
outputs. TASCAM DA-88 analog I/O cables can be adapted for use as Digital I/O cables by using 4 XLR
gender adapters. Digital input 1 is the default reference track for the AES/EBU reference. This can be
changed to use digital input 3, 5, or 7 from one of the other three digital input pairs using Setup Menu 600
(Dig In Ref Track).
NOTE: The digital clock signals coming from any external device connected to the AES/EBU inputs will
force the MMR-8’s internal clock to try to lock to it when digital input is selected (Setup Menu 500). This
can cause playback and record problems if the clock source is not accurate. If this occurs set that track to
use the sample rate converter in Setup Menu 500 (Input Source).
Monitoring Connections
For monitoring at the MMR-8 there is a mono headphone jack on the front panel (compatible with stereo
headphones of either low or high impedance). For studio Cue or remote monitoring there is a rear panel
line level mono mini phone jack. It is an unbalanced output designed to be connected to external
amplification.
The front panel headphone monitor jack is controlled by the LEVEL control located next to the jack on
the front panel. Press the MON key and select the desired tracks using the Track Select keys to choose
which of the MMR-8 tracks will be summed to appear at the headphone jack output. The rear panel jack
is a pre-LEVEL control, so it is a fixed line level output (-10 dBu), and it always presents a summed
output of the audio channels selected using the MON function on the front panel.
28 TASCAM MMR-8 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation MMR-8
29
Timecode and Video Reference Signals
To accurately synchronize the MMR-8 to film or video, or with other audio playback equipment, some
method of providing a stable timing reference must be used. Because the MMR-8 is very flexible, there
are numerous methods one could use to connect film and video equipment. The best method depends
upon the chosen method of sync, the other equipment that is being controlled, and whether the MMR-8
will be the master or a slave to the other equipment. This section covers the various reference signals
available on the MMR-8 system and their applications.
Video In/Out
Most video post houses have a common house sync signal to lock all the audio and video equipment in
the facility to a standard video reference signal. This insures that all devices receiving the house sync
signal will lock together to the edge of the video frame. The house sync signal can be black burst,
composite sync, or color bars in NTSC or PAL format. The house sync video reference signal should be
connected to the VIDEO IN connector on the back of the MMR-8. To loop the connection through the
MMR, connect the MMR VIDEO OUT to the next device that will use the house sync signal. If there is
not a loop through connection then the VIDEO OUT may need to be terminated, depending upon the
facility signal design. To set the MMR frame reference to use this video input, choose setup menu 001,
Frame Reference, and set the value of this parameter to be Video Reference.
SMPTE/EBU Time Code In/Out
The MMR has two stereo phone jack connections using ¼” Tip/Ring/Sleeve connectors (with the tip
being + and the ring being - on a balanced signal) for synchronizing the operation of the MMR to other
devices using SMPTE/EBU Longitudinal Time Code (LTC). To synchronize the MMR to an external
device which outputs SMPTE/EBU LTC, connect the time code audio output of the master device to the
MMR TIME CODE IN jack. The MMR-8 can also generate a stable SMPTE/EBU time code output
(equivalent to a time code track signal) that can be used to synchronize external equipment or to stripe
time code onto tape. The TIME CODE OUT jack will always output SMPTE/EBU LTC when the MMR
is playing.
MMR-8 TASCAM MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation
Biphase Connections
Biphase is a control signal typically generated by a film projector and is traditionally used to interlock the
operation of the film with sprocketed magnetic tape machines. The Biphase Operations Board (BOB) on
the back panel of the MMR has four biphase input connections and one biphase throughput connection for
synchronizing the operation of the MMR-8 to film transports. Use Setup Menu 100, Sync Group, to select
which of the four Biphase inputs (Sync Groups) will control the system. The biphase connections use
6-pin modular RJ-12 connectors (like those used on commercial phone systems) and twisted multi-pair
cabling (Category 5 Ethernet). Up to 100 feet of cable can be typically run from a biphase device to the
MMR-8 or vice versa. The pinout diagram for these connectors is given in Appendix D: Cable
Information.
Unlike time code, Biphase gives only speed and direction and does not contain an absolute
address. To set the MMR to lock to biphase, use Setup Menu 000, Control Mode. The various
biphase parameters such as frame rate, pulse rate, acceleration, etc. are set in the 300 series Setup Menus.
Not intended for public telecommunication network connection.
Digital Audio Sample Reference Connections
In combination with a frame reference for video and film, there may also be a sample reference for the
audio. The sample reference can be taken from one of the digital inputs, the frame reference, the Word
Clock input (if there is an active signal on that input), or the system’s internal clock source. These
connections are described here in more detail.
Word Clock
Word Clock is a digital reference signal used by many digital editors and digital tape machines. This
permits two digital audio devices to synchronize their sample clocks to facilitate digital audio transfers
between machines, and to insure that they are running at precisely the same sample frequency. The signal
is transmitted on an unbalanced coaxial cable that terminates into a BNC connector at the MMR-8 end.
The MMR-8 has both a digital WORD CLOCK IN and a digital WORD CLOCK OUT connection using
BNC connectors.
When an external tape machine is to control the sample rate of the MMR-8, connect the Word Clock
output from that machine to the WORD CLOCK IN on the MMR-8. When the MMR-8 is to control the
sample rate of an external machine connect the WORD CLOCK OUT from the MMR-8 to the Word
Clock In on the controlled machine. The maximum practical cable distance is up to 100 feet. Use setup
menu 002 to select the sample reference for the MMR-8 system. Normally this is a 48 kHz TTLcompatible (5 volt) signal.
AES/EBU Sample Rate
When using AES digital audio input, the audio sample reference for the MMR-8 can be taken from one of
the four AES digital inputs. Use setup menu 002 to select the sample reference for the MMR-8 system.
Setup Menu 600 selects which AES/EBU digital input pair will be used for the reference signal (input
1+2, 3+4, 5+6, or 7+8).
30 TASCAM MMR-8 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation MMR-8
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