Tascam X-48 User Manual

D00871101A

»

X-48

48 Track Digital Audio Workstation

OWNER'S MANUAL

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

2

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.

This ap p l i a nce ha s a se r i a l numb e r
located on the rear panel. Please record
th e mo del n umbe r and ser ial n umb e r
and retain them for your records.
Model number

Serial number

SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

For U.S.A.

TO THE USER

This eq u i p m ent ha s bee n teste d an d fou n d to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable prote cti o n
against harmful interfere nce when the equipment
is operated in a c o m m e r c i a l environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.

CAUTION

Ch ange s or mo difi cati ons to this equipmen t not
exp r e s s l y ap prove d by TE AC CORP O R AT IO N
for c ompliance could void the user's authority to
operate this equipment.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR

For the customers in Europe

WARNING

T h i s i s a C l as s A p r o d u c t . I n a d o m e s t i c
e n vi r o n m e n t , th i s pr o d u c t m a y c a u s e ra d i o
interference in which case the user may be required
to take adequate measures.

Pour les utilisateurs en Europe

AVERTISSEMENT

I l s' a g it d' u n pr o d u i t de Cl a s s e A . Da n s un
enviro n n e men t do m e stiqu e , c e t a p p a reil pe ut
pr ovo quer des in terfére n ces radi o, dans c e cas
l'utilisateur peut être amené à prendre des mesures
appropriées.

Für Kunden in Europa

Warnung

Dies ist eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstörung
nach Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann im
Wo h nbere i c h Funks tö r u n gen ver s u r sac h e n ; in
diese m Fa ll ka nn vom Betrieber verla ng werde n,
angemessene Maßnahmen durchzuführen und dafür
aufzukommen.

CE Marking Information

a) Applicable electromagnetic environment: E4
b) Peak inrush current: 20 A

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1 Read these instructions.

2 Keep these instructions.

3 Heed all warnings.

4 Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near water.

6 Clean only with dry cloth.

7 Do n ot bloc k any ventila tion op ening s. Inst a ll in

accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8 Do no t in s ta l l ne a r an y he a t so u rce s su c h as

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

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has t wo
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
typ e plug has two bla des and a th ird gro undi ng
pr o n g. Th e wi d e bl ade o r t h e th i rd pron g ar e
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does
not fit into your o utlet, co nsul t an ele ctri cian for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.

•

Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as

•
vases, on the apparatus.

Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such

•
as a book case or similar unit.

The apparatus should be located close enough to the

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

An apparatu s with Clas s I construc t i o n shall be

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

Batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) should

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

Excessive sound pressure from earphones and head-

•
phones can cause hearing loss.

The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power

•
from the AC ou t l e t wi t h its STAN D BY/ O N in the
Standby position.

10 Protec t t h e p o we r c o r d fro m b e i ng walke d o n

or pi n c hed pa r ti c u l arl y a t p l u g s, co n v e nien c e
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.

11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the

manufacturer.

12 Use only w ith the car t, st and, tripod, br acket, or

table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
movi ng th e cart/ap paratus combi nation to avoid
injury from tip-over.

13 Unplug this apparatus during lightnin g storm s or

when unused for long periods of time.

14 Refer all servicing to qualified ser vice personnel.

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

3

CERTIFICATION

COMPLIES WITH 21 CFR
1040, 10 AND 1040, 11 EXCEPT FOR DEVIATIONS PURSUANT
TO LASER NOTICE NO. 50, DATED JULY 26, 2001.

MANUFACTURED

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

Safety Information

This product has been designed and manufactured
according to FDA regulations "title 21, CFR, chapter
1, subchapter J, based on the Radiation Control for
Health and Safety Act of 1968", and is classified as
a class 1 laser product. There is no hazardous invis­ible laser radiation during operation because invis­ible laser radiation emitted inside of this product is
completely confined in the protective housings.
The label required in this regulation is shown at 1.

Rack-mounting the Unit

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

NOTE

Leave 1U of space above the unit for ventilation.

•

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

•
ventilation.

CAUTION

• DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING
USING A SCREWDRIVER.

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

• IF THIS PRODUCT DEVELOPS TROUBLE,
CONTACT YOUR NEAREST QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL, AND DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT
IN ITS DAMAGED STATE.

Optical pickup:

Type: SF-DS10L
Manufacturer: SANYO
Laser output: 108 mW max (CD), 66 mW max (DVD)
Wavelength: 782 nm (CD), 658nm (DVD

4

Table of Contents

Setup ................................................................................................. 9

Introduction...................................................................................... 9

Introduction..........................................................................................................9

Unpacking ............................................................................................................9

Read & Surf..........................................................................................................9

Manual Conventions...............................................................................................9

Required Equipment............................................................................................. 10

Guided Tour........................................................................................................ 11

I/O Card Installation....................................................................... 13

Analog Card........................................................................................................ 13

Digital Card ........................................................................................................ 13

Making Connections ........................................................................ 14

TDIF.................................................................................................................. 14

S/PDIF............................................................................................................... 14

AES/EBU ............................................................................................................ 14

ADAT................................................................................................................. 15

Digital Audio Clock............................................................................................... 15

Word Clock......................................................................................................... 15

Analog Audio ...................................................................................................... 15

Synchronization and Control.................................................................................. 16

MIDI.................................................................................................................. 16

Time Code.......................................................................................................... 16

Footswitch.......................................................................................................... 16

Remote (Sony 9-Pin)............................................................................................ 16

Video Reference (Tri Level Sync) ........................................................................... 17

Keyboard, Mouse & Monitor................................................................................... 17

Network............................................................................................................. 17

External Drives ................................................................................................... 18

Powering On / Off................................................................................................ 18

External Applications............................................................................................ 18

VST Plug-ins....................................................................................................... 19

Using the X-48 System Restore CD ........................................................................ 19

Configuration................................................................................... 20

Configuration .................................................................................. 20

Display Settings .................................................................................................. 20

Navigating the LCD Interface................................................................................. 20

Sample Rates...................................................................................................... 21

Digital Audio Clock............................................................................................... 22

I/O Settings........................................................................................................ 23

Analog I/O Operating Level................................................................................... 24

Control Mode ...................................................................................................... 24

MIDI Device ID ................................................................................................... 24

Sony 9-Pin.......................................................................................................... 25

Video Reference .................................................................................................. 25

Pull Up/Pull Down Sample Rates ............................................................................ 26

Networking......................................................................................................... 26

Checking Free Hard Drive Space............................................................................ 28

Drive Benchmarking Utility.................................................................................... 28

Formatting a New Drive........................................................................................ 28

Factory Defaults.................................................................................................. 29

Store/Recall User Settings .................................................................................... 29

Mixer Bypass ...................................................................................................... 30

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Table of Contents

Make a Default Project ......................................................................................... 30

Install VST Plug-Ins ............................................................................................. 30

Recorder.......................................................................................... 31

Working With Projects .................................................................... 31

Creating a New Project......................................................................................... 31

Opening a Project................................................................................................ 32

Saving a Project.................................................................................................. 32

Auto-Saving Projects............................................................................................ 33

Importing a Project.............................................................................................. 33

Exporting a Project .............................................................................................. 34

Copying a Project ................................................................................................ 34

Backing Up a Project to CD/DVD............................................................................ 35

Deleting a Project................................................................................................ 35

Load Last Project................................................................................................. 35

Transport Operations ...................................................................... 36

Local ................................................................................................................. 36

One-Button Record .............................................................................................. 36

TC Chase............................................................................................................ 37

Rehearse............................................................................................................ 37

Pre/Post Roll....................................................................................................... 37

Varispeed........................................................................................................... 38

Recording and Playing Back ............................................................ 38

Input Monitoring.................................................................................................. 38

Record Enable..................................................................................................... 39

Punch Crossfade Time.......................................................................................... 39

Undo/Redo ......................................................................................................... 40

Metering ............................................................................................................ 40

Using Markers..................................................................................................... 41

Loop Playback..................................................................................................... 41

Loop Mode.......................................................................................................... 41

Auto Punch......................................................................................................... 42

Loop Recording ................................................................................................... 43

Using the VGA Recorder Interface................................................... 43

Meters ............................................................................................................... 43

Naming Tracks.................................................................................................... 43

Scrolling............................................................................................................. 43

Timebar Format .................................................................................................. 43

Clip Properties..................................................................................................... 44

Navigating the Timeline........................................................................................ 44

Status Displays ................................................................................................... 44

Input Routing...................................................................................................... 44

Synchronization .............................................................................. 45

Requirements ..................................................................................................... 45

Sample Rate....................................................................................................... 46

Clock Source....................................................................................................... 47

BNC Clock In/BNC Clock Out ................................................................................. 47

BNC Word Clock Output Polarity ............................................................................ 48

Video Clock Frame-Edge Resolve ........................................................................... 48

Frame Rate......................................................................................................... 48

Control Mode ...................................................................................................... 49

Chase Freewheel ................................................................................................. 50

Chase Relock ...................................................................................................... 50

Chase Relock Threshold........................................................................................ 51

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Table of Contents

Timecode Offset .................................................................................................. 51

Chase Lock Deviation........................................................................................... 51

Timecode Output Muting....................................................................................... 52

Advanced Recorder Operations ....................................................... 52

Audio File Naming................................................................................................ 52

Track Key Punch.................................................................................................. 53

Editing ............................................................................................. 54

Edit Tools ........................................................................................ 54

I-Beam Tool............................................................................................. 54

Object Tool.............................................................................................. 54

Smart Tool .............................................................................................. 55

Magnify Tool............................................................................................ 55

Selecting & Editing.......................................................................... 55

Selecting Clips .................................................................................................... 55

Selecting Time .................................................................................................... 55

In and Out Points ................................................................................................ 55

Clip Properties..................................................................................................... 56

Snap to Grid....................................................................................................... 56

Cut, Copy, Delete, Paste....................................................................................... 56

Repeat Paste....................................................................................................... 57

Crop.................................................................................................................. 57

Insert Time......................................................................................................... 57

Delete Time........................................................................................................ 57

Split .................................................................................................................. 57

Play From Selection ............................................................................................. 57

History List......................................................................................................... 57

Audio Processing............................................................................. 58

Pitch/Time Stretch............................................................................................... 58

Consolidate......................................................................................................... 58

Mixer................................................................................................ 59

Mixer Interface ............................................................................... 59

Mixer Introduction ............................................................................................... 59

Mixer Bypass ...................................................................................................... 59

DSP View .............................................................................................. 59

Mixer Tabs.......................................................................................................... 60

Automation.............................................................................................. 60

External Control .................................................................................................. 60

Third-Party Plug Ins............................................................................................. 61

CPU Meter .......................................................................................................... 61

Routing.............................................................................................................. 61

Mixer Applications........................................................................... 61

Submixing.......................................................................................................... 61

Monitoring While Recording................................................................................... 62

Final Mix ............................................................................................................ 62

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Table of Contents

Specifications .................................................................................. 63

Audio I/O........................................................................................ 63

Miscellaneous I/O connections ....................................................... 63

Physical characteristics................................................................... 63

8

Setup

Introduction

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the TASCAM X-48 Digital Audio Workstation. You will find it a
powerful addition to your audio recording workflow. With normal use and attention to the
available documentation, the X-48 will provide many years of service. Enjoy!

Unpacking

The X-48 has been packed to ensure its safety during shipment. Inspect the unit for damage
immediately upon unpacking and contact the shipper or retailer if damage is discovered or
items appear to be missing. Please keep all boxes and packing material in case your X-48
needs to be shipped in the future. Inside the shipping carton, you will find the following:

• This Owner’s Manual

• Quick Reference Guide

• X-48 Unit

• Power Cable specific to the country you purchased it in

• System Restore CD

• Documentation CD

• Two white plastic spacers & screws for installation of digital cards(IF-AE24/IF­AD24)

Read & Surf

Setup

We know you’re eager to start recording right away. While you may get going by simply
reading the Quick Start Guide, it is strongly recommended that you read this Owner’s
Manual and check http://www.tascam.com for any software updates. Doing these two
simple things will go a long way towards making your experience with the X-48 an
enjoyable one.

Manual Conventions

The following typefaces will be used in this Owner’s Manual as indicated:

Bold is used for front panel controls

Italic is used for VGA controls

A Courier font is used for LCD display items

The following icons will be used in this Owner’s Manual as indicated:

This icon is for instructions that must be followed to avoid data loss or poor

performance.

This icon indicates a hint or tip on using the X-48.

9

This icon indicates instructions related to using the keyboard, mouse & monitor

interface.

This icon indicates instructions related to using the front panel of the X-48.

Required Equipment

While the X-48 is a comprehensive piece of professional audio gear, there are other things
you may need to take full advantage of its capabilities:

• A console with a minimum of 8 outputs (at least 24 is recommended) and enough
inputs to handle your expected track count.

• An optional IF-AN24X analog I/O card if connecting the X-48 to an analog console.
The IF-AN24X provides the X-48 with 24 analog inputs and 24 analog outputs.

• An optional digital I/O card (IF-AD24(X) or IF-AE24(X)) if connecting your X-48
to a digital console so equipped. These cards provide the X-48 with 24 digital inputs
and 24 digital outputs per card.

• Analog or digital cables appropriate to your console and choice of I/O format.

• In order to use the X-48’s editing, DSP and mixing capabilities, you will need a
VGA monitor (1024 x 768 minimum resolution), a two-button PC mouse (PS/2 or
USB) and a PC keyboard (PS/2 or USB).

Setup

10

Guided Tour

Here is an overview of the front panel. Refer to this diagram if the manual refers to a control
you can't locate:

Setup

1. Track meter – displays signal level from -60dBfs to -1dBfs and overload.

2. Track record arming button – puts that track into record ready unless "All Safe" is
turned on. Record Ready status is reported by a flashing red light directly above that
track's record arming button.

3. Status Lights – These lights flash when the X-48 is accessing the hard drive, busy
with a task, has MIDI input or encounters an error.

4. Sample Rate – these lights report the current sample rate. If the X-48 is set to 96kHz,
the "48kHz" and "2X" lights will be lit. If it isn't set to one of these standard rates
(i.e. 47952 Hz/48k pulldown), the "Non Std." light will turn on.

5. Timecode Rate indicator – Displays the current frame rate.

6. System Lights – Indicates sample lock to an external source, when destructive
recording mode is enabled and when varispeed is enabled.

7. Power – Turns the unit on and off. A system prompt will confirm shutdown. Holding
the button down for several seconds will shut the unit off without a confirmation.

8. Optical drive – the internal DVD optical drive for backup, import and export of files.

9. Transport buttons – See the Recorder chapter if you're unsure how to use these.

10. Menu buttons – These access menu groups like Project, Sync, Preferences, etc. You
can also change the input status, unmount a disk and more.

11. Enter button – Confirms menu selections. The Exit button is directly below it to
cancel a menu option.

12. Change button – Use this key to change a menu item in the Project, Sync, etc.
menus.

13. Up/Down buttons – Use these to scroll through menus and change their settings.

Now let's walk through the rear panel:

11

Setup

1. TDIF Inputs and Outputs – Each of these jacks transmits 8 channels of TDIF-format
digital audio input and output at up to 96kHz/24-bit. NOTE: to get all 8 channels of
audio input and output at 96kHz, the equipment connected to the X-48 must have the
latest TDIF capabilities, such as TASCAM’s DM-3200 and DM-4800 digital mixers.

2. Option card slot 1 – This card slots adds an additional I/O format for channels 1-24.
It's compatible with an interface card such as the IF-AN24X analog card, IF-AD24
ADAT optical card or IF-AE24 AES/EBU card (sold seperately).

3. Option card slot 2 – Adds an additional I/O format for channels 25-48. Cards 1 and 2
do not need to be the same, you can mix and match Analog and AES for example.

4. MIDI Input and Output – Used to generate and receive MIDI Timecode. Also used
to receive MIDI Machine Control commands.

5. Timecode Input and Output – Generates and receives SMPTE LTC timecode
through balanced 1/4" jacks.

6. Footswitch jack – Compatible with a momentary footswitch like the TASCAM RC­30P for punch in/punch out. NOTE: To operate correctly, as footswitch must be
connected before the X-48 is powered on.

7. Remote – Compatible with RS-422 / Sony 9-pin edit controllers for machine control

8. Video clock in/thru – Attach blackburst video reference to this BNC jack. There's
also an auto-terminating thru jack.

9. Mouse/Keyboard – PS/2-compatible mouse and keyboard inputs. You can also use a
USB mouse and keyboard if preferred.

10. Word Sync In/Out/Thru – Compatible with BNC word clock generators.

11. VGA output – Your monitor should be capable displaying a resolution of at least
1024x768 pixels at a refresh rate of at least 60 Hz. The maximum resolution of the
X-48's display output is 2048x1536 pixels.

12. Option – This jack doesn't do anything and never will. Just pretend it doesn't exist.

13. USB – Four USB 2.0 jacks for connecting a keyboard, mouse, flash drive or hard
drive.

14. Ethernet – There are two ethernet jacks. One is 10/100/1000 (Gigabit compatible)
and the other is 10/100. The Gigabit port is fully configurable while the 10/100 port
is set to DCHP. See the section on Networking for more information.

15. S/PDIF – Stereo coaxial digital input and output.

16. Firewire – A pair of FireWire connectors for connecting external hard drives

12

17. Cooling fan – make sure that this fan is not blocked off in a rack to prevent
overheating the system.

I/O Card Installation

I/O cards of different types may be installed in the X-48 simultaneously. For example, an
X-48 may have one analog card and one digital card installed, with independent I/O routing.
Each X-48 option card provides 24 channels of input and output.

• You will need a medium size Philips screwdriver.

• Power off and unplug the X-48 to avoid shock hazard.

• If rack mounted, remove the X-48 from the rack to gain access to the top panel.

Analog Card

1. Remove the six screws holding on the top panel (there is one on the rear).

2. Remove the top panel and set it aside. You will see two black connectors, one
labeled SLOT1 and one labeled SLOT2. On the back of the X-48, there are two
blank panels, one labeled SLOT1 (1-24) and one labeled SLOT2 (25-48).

3. Remove the blank panel corresponding to the black connector where the I/O card
will be connected. For example, if you are installing an analog card for channels 1­24, remove the blank panel for SLOT1.

4. Continue with this section to install an analog card. Otherwise skip to the next
section to install a digital card.

5. Connect the flat gray cable provided with the analog card to the appropriate slot
connector in the X-48.

6. Slide the analog card into the slot from the rear of the X-48. Near the black
connector on the card, you will see a screw hole. With the card slid all the way in,
under that hole is a chassis screw that must be removed then used to hold the rear of
the analog card in place.

7. Secure the analog card’s connector plate to the rear panel of the X-48 using the
screws you removed in Step 6.

8. Connect the other end of the flat gray cable to the black connector on the card.

9. Just behind the front panel you will find yellow/black/red cables with white
connectors. These are power cables for the analog card. Connect one of these to the
matching white connector on the analog card.

10. Replace the top panel.

Digital Card

Setup

1. Remove the six screws holding on the top panel (there is one on the rear).

2. Remove the top panel and set it aside. You will see two black connectors, one
labeled SLOT1 and one labeled SLOT2. On the back of the X-48, there are two
blank panels, one labeled SLOT1 (1-24) and one labeled SLOT2 (25-48).

3. Remove the blank panel corresponding to the black connector where the I/O card
will be connected. For example, if you are installing an analog card for channels 1­24, remove the blank panel for SLOT1.

4. Connect the flat gray cable provided with the digital card to the appropriate slot
connector in the X-48.

5. Slide the digital card into the slot from the rear of the X-48.

13

6. Secure the digital card’s connector plate to the rear panel of the X-48 using the
screws you removed in Step 2.

7. Secure rear of the digital card to the metal plate below it using a white plastic spacer
and screw originally provided with your X-48.

8. Connect the other end of the flat gray cable to the black connector on the card.

9. Replace the top panel.

Making Connections

You may not use all the connections provided on the rear of the X-48, but they are there if
you need them. Just skip over the sections below that don’t apply to your setup. For further
information on routing to & from these connectors, please refer to Section 'I/O Settings'
(page 23).

TDIF

The X-48 comes standard with six DB25 connectors, each one capable of carrying eight
channels of I/O at normal sample rates (44.1k, 48k) or double speed sample rates (88.2k,
96k).

NOTE: Eight channels of double speed sample rate I/O on a single TDIF connection is a
new development for TASCAM recorders and mixers. Please ensure that the equipment you
are connecting the X-48 to will support this by contacting the manufacturer of that
equipment.

Setup

Note: Use only cables that are specified by the manufacturer as "TDIF" cables.
Using incorrect cables can damage your equipment.

S/PDIF

The X-48 comes standard with two RCA jacks for S/PDIF I/O at both normal and double
speed sample rates.

Note: To ensure clean data transmission, use only cables specified by the
manufacturer as "S/PDIF" cables.

AES/EBU

When installed into an X-48 Slot, an AES/EBU digital I/O card will provide 24 channels of
I/O at normal sample rates (44.1k, 48k) or double speed sample rates (88.2k, 96k).

Note: Use only DB25 cables specified by the manufacturer as "AES/EBU" cables.
Many cables look the same on the outside.

The AES/EBU DB-25 pinout is pictured :

14

ADAT

When installed into an X-48 Slot, an ADAT digital I/O card will provide 24 channels of I/O
at normal sample rates (44.1k, 48k).

Digital Audio Clock

Any time multiple digital audio devices are connected together, or multiple digital audio
connections are used simultaneously on a single device, all the digital audio clock rates of
the connected devices must be locked together. If this is not done, or if it is done
incorrectly, clicks, distortion, or muted audio may result. The X-48 may act as the master
clock to other devices in a system, or it can lock its clock to an external device.

This section will only deal with the physical connections to achieve clock lock. For system
configuration, please refer to Section 'Digital Audio Clock'(Page 22). Note that all digital
audio clock related connections may be connected simultaneously, with the needed one
selected in the user interface.

If the X-48 is digitally connected to only one other device, the clocks may be locked via that
connection, requiring no other connection be made.

Word Clock

Setup

If the X-48 is digitally connected within a system of more than two digital devices, it is
recommended to use Word Clock from one master source, distributed to all devices. The X­48’s rear panel BNC Word Clock connectors have the following uses:

IN – This connector receives word clock from another device. When used, the X-48 should
be configured to lock to Word Clock.
OUT – This connector transmits word clock to other devices. When used, the X-48 should
be configured to Internal Clock.
THRU – This connector passes the Word Clock signal present at the Word Clock IN
through without adding any delay. This allows three devices to be locked in a daisy-chain
fashion in configurations where there is no way to directly distribute clock from a single
source.

Analog Audio

The IF-AN24X provides 24 channels of balanced analog inputs and 24 channels of balanced
analog outputs. The X-48 can be configured to one of five possible operating reference
levels by applying the appropriate software settings. Please refer to Section 'Analog I/O
Operating Level'(page 24) for details.

15

Note: Use only DB25 cables specified by the manufacturer as "Analog" cables.
Many cables look the same on the outside.

The analog DB-25 pinout is pictured below:

Synchronization and Control

Setup

This section will deal with the physical connections needed in various synchronized
applications. For details about the appropriate software settings, please refer to Section
'Synchronization'(page 45).

MIDI

There are two MIDI connectors on the rear of the X-48. These are used for MIDI Machine
Control (MMC) and MIDI Time Code (MTC).

IN – This connector receives MTC, which the X-48 can chase, or MMC, which the X-48
can respond to. The front panel MIDI LED will illuminate when valid MIDI signals are
present at this connector.

OUT – This connector outputs MTC any time the transport is in motion. That MTC output
follows the frame rate and output options set for LTC output.

Time Code

There are two ¼” TRS connectors on the rear of the X-48, used for sending & receiving
time code (LTC). These connectors are balanced to allow for long cable runs with minimal
interference. Please refer to page 48-52 for details on time code options.

Footswitch

A normally-open, momentary footswitch may be connected to this ¼” TS connector for
hands free transport and recording operation. NOTE: To operate correctly, as footswitch
must be connected before the X-48 is powered on.

Remote (Sony 9-Pin)

This is also known as “P2” or “Sony P2” or “RS-422”. Various recording consoles and
video controllers support this protocol for transport control and track record enable. This

16

Setup

requires a specifically constructed cable. If in doubt, pre-made RS-422 cables are readily
available.

1 : GND 6 : GNC
2 : TX- 7 : TX+
3 : RX+ 8 : TX­4 : GND 9 : FGND
5 : NC

Video Reference (Tri Level Sync)

IN – When the X-48 is used in a film/video post production environment, it may be
necessary to resolve a consistent sample range with the time code edge. A video reference
(blackburst) signal applied to this connector makes this possible. Please refer to page 48 for
details on configuring the use of signals present at this connector.

Tri Level Sync is the video reference signal used for High Definition Video. This connector
automatically senses the type of signal present.

THRU – The video reference signal present at the IN connector is passed through out this
connector without additional processing delay. This allows for daisy-chaining another
device, after the X-48, which requires a video reference signal.

Keyboard, Mouse & Monitor

A standard PC keyboard & mouse (or trackball) may be connected to the P/S2 or USB ports
on the rear of the X-48. To take full advantage of these peripherals, it is recommended that
a full keyboard with numerical keypad and a scrolling wheel mouse be used.

NOTE: The extra controls present on some multi-media keyboards, such as media player
transport controls, are not supported by the X-48. Similarly, a mouse or trackball that
depends on the installation of custom driver software is not supported by the X-48.

Your monitor should be capable displaying a resolution of at least 1024x768
pixels at a refresh rate of at least 60 Hz. The maximum resolution of the X-48's
display output is 2048x1536 pixels.

Network

The X-48 is equipped with two separate Network connectors on the rear panel. One is a
10/100 port and the other is a 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) port. The 10/100 port is pre-configured
as a DHCP port. The Gigabit port may be configured by the user in the X-48’s software.
Network cable used for these ports should be minimally CAT-5. While network hubs and
switches can be used with the X-48, such devices may reduce network throughput,
particularly on a network with much traffic.

When using the pre-installed MX-View software to control MX-2424 machines, the Gigabit
port must be used and configured to the correct IP address to communicate with the MX­2424s.

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For more details about software configurations to use the X-48 within a networked
environment, please refer to Section 'Networking'(page 26).

External Drives

External hard drives may be connected to the FireWire or USB 2.0 ports on the rear of the
X-48 to be used as record destination or copy destination drives.

When recording to any external drive, it is strongly recommended to run the
Drive Benchmarking utility to ensure the drive is fast enough for the desired number of
record tracks. For example, while FireWire itself is fast enough for high track counts,
the actual drive inside an external FireWire enclosure may be a low RPM drive, not
capable of high track counts.

USB Flash Drives, “Thumb Drives”, may be connected to an X-48’s USB port. Such drives
can be useful as source drives for copying material onto the X-48’s drive, copy destination
drives for moving material off an X-48, or for software updating. It is not recommended to
record directly to such a drive due to their slow write speeds.

External optical drives (DVD, CDR, CDR/W) drives are not supported.

Powering On / Off

Setup

Now that things are connected, it’s time to plug in the X-48 and power it on.

The X-48 is equipped with a universal power supply that is compatible with any country’s
voltage and frequency. It is not necessary to change any power settings when traveling
internationally with your X-48, though you may have to obtain an adapter to the local plug
configuration.

Momentarily press the POWER button on the front panel and the X-48 will boot up. The
boot process takes about 1 ¼ minutes to complete. When ready, the X-48 will display its
track screen on a connected VGA monitor and the currently loaded project with time code
on the front panel LCD display.

To power off the X-48, either select Shutdown from the File menu in the VGA UI or
momentarily press the front panel POWER button. In either case, you will be prompted to
save the currently loaded project then confirm the shutdown.

External Applications

While the X-48 is based on PC/Windows architecture, it is not configured for
general PC use. The Windows Embedded operating system used on the X-48 does not
include general use components. We strongly advise you not to install non-qualified
software on the X-48. Doing so could lead to undesirable results, including X-48
malfunction, requiring you to use the X-48 System Restore CD to restore it to its
original factory configuration.

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MX-View

Pre-installed on the X-48 is MX-View Version 1.40, for control of any existing MX-2424
machines you may have. For MX-View operational instructions, please refer to the MX­View Manual.

TASCAM Mixer Companion

Pre-installed on the X-48 is TASCAM Mixer Companion Version 1.30. This allows the X­48 to act as the host computer for TMC when connected via USB to a TASCAM DM-3200
or DM-4800 digital mixer.

TMC updates may be installed by running the TMC update installer by selecting Launch
External Application from the X-48’s File menu. The TMC update installer would have to
be on a piece of media that the X-48 has access to, such as a CD or USB flash drive.

Only Version 1.20 or higher (Windows version) is designed to operate on the X-

48. Earlier versions of TMC should not be installed on the X-48.

VST Plug-ins

Setup

At the time of this writing, the following plug-ins have been qualified for installation & use
on the X-48. Please check the TASCAM web site for updates.

• Waves 5 (using the iLok key)

• Antares Auto Tune 4

Using the X-48 System Restore CD

In the event it becomes necessary to use the X-48 System Restore CD to restore your X-48
to its original factory configuration, following the steps below will ensure a smooth restore
process:

1. Back up all audio data. This should already be done as part of a regular workflow.

2. Ensure you have backups of any X-48 software installers or patch updates you may

have downloaded from the TASCAM web site.

3. With the X-48 powered on, insert the System Restore CD then restart the X-48. The

VGA UI doesn’t have to be displayed, all that is required is power to open the drive
tray. If necessary, the X-48 can be forced to shut down by holding the front panel
power button for a few seconds.

4. The X-48 will automatically boot from the System Restore CD and run the X-48

Installer. Please follow the steps in the X-48 Installer screens.

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Configuration

Configuration

Configuration

This section helps you with the software settings you'll need to make in order for the X-48 to
work smoothly in your application.

Display Settings

Mouse/Keyboard Operation

Your monitor should be capable displaying a resolution of at least 1024x768
pixels at a refresh rate of at least 60 Hz. The maximum resolution of the X-48's
display output is 2048x1536 pixels.
You change the display resolution from the Windows menu:

• Click the Windows menu and select Display Settings...

• Move the slider to change the display resolution (the minimum resolution is 1024 x

768) and press Apply.

Navigating the LCD Interface

Front Panel Operation

To access menus and settings from the X-48 front panel, use the six buttons directly below
the LCD display:

• Press one of the seven menus on the bottom right corner of the unit: PROJ, DISK,

I/O 1-24, I/O 25-48, SYNC, PREF or SYS. See below for an explanation of each of
these menus.

• Press the Up/Down buttons to scroll through menus.

• When you find a setting you want to edit, press CHNG (Change).

• Press the Up/Down buttons to choose a setting.

• When you're finished, press ENTER to save or EXIT to cancel your edit.

• At any time, you can press HOME to get out of the menu system and back to the

main screen.

The seven menu keys are used to access the following functions:

• PROJ: Goes directly to the list of project management functions such as New, Open,

Save, Save As, Delete and Copy.

• DISK: Goes directly to the list of hard drive management functions such as a Free

Space display and disk formatting utility.

• INP 1-24: Goes directly to input routing menus for inputs 1 through 24. In most

cases, these will be left at their default settings since much output routing can be
done from a recording console. The choices presented in this menu allows the use of
consoles with less than 48 outputs.

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• INP 24-48: Goes directly to input routing menus for inputs 25 through 48. In most

cases, these will be left at their default settings since much output routing can be
done from a recording console. The choices presented in this menu allows the use of
consoles with less than 48 outputs.

• SYNC: Goes directly to the list of synchronization settings & functions such as time

code frame rate, digital audio clock settings and time code chase options.

• PREF: Goes directly to a list of general operating preferences for the X-48 such as

transport options, pre/post roll options, front panel UI options and external control
options.

• SYS: Goes directly to a list of system settings such as save/load of user

configurations and network settings.

Sample Rates

The X-48 supports the base sample rates of 44.1k, 48k, 88.2k and 96k. The sample rate for
your project should be set immediately after creating the project and before recording any
audio. New projects will be created at the currently set sample rate by default. A project’s
sample rate is stored as part of the project.

If a project’s sample rate is changed after recording audio into that project, a confirmation
dialog will be presented. Proceeding with the sample rate change will cause the project to
play back faster or slower than it was originally recorded.

You will notice many other sample rates in the list besides the four noted above. Those are
“pull up” and “pull down” rates for use in film and video applications. This will be covered
in Section 'Synchronization'(page 45).

To set the sample rate:

Configuration

Mouse/Keyboard Operation

• Click on the Windows menu and choose Settings...

• Click on the Sync tab.

• Click on the Rate pull-down menu under Sample Clock.

• You will see the currently selected sample rate with a check mark. Select another

sample rate by clicking on it.

Front Panel Operation

• Press SYNC

• Use the Up or Down Arrow key until you see Sample Rate

• Press CHNG

• Use the Up or Down Arrow key until you see your desired sample rate

• Press ENTER/YES

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