Teac LA-80MKII User Manual

D01047820C

LA-80@#/81 @#

Unbalanced/Balanced Line Converter

OWNER'S MANUAL

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2 TASCAM LA-80/81MKII

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.

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.

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

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR

SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Thi s a p p lia n c e ha s a s e r ial n u m b er
located on the rear panel. Please record
th e m od el numbe r a nd ser ia l n umber
and retain them for your records.
Model number

Serial number

For the customers in Europe

WARNING

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment,
this product may cause radio interference in which
ca se the user may be req uired to take ade quate
measures.

Pour les utilisateurs en Europe

AVERTISSEMENT

Il s'a gi t d' u n pro d u it d e Cl as s e A. Da n s un
env i r o nnement do m e s t i que, cet ap p a r e il pe u t
pr ovoqu er d es i nterfé ren ces rad io, da ns c e ca s
l'utilisateur peut être amené à prendre des mesures
appropriées.

Für Kunden in Europa

Warnu ng

Dies ist eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstörung
nach Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann im
Wo h n bereic h Funkst ö r ungen ve r s u r sachen; in
dies em Fa ll kann vom Betriebe r ver lang werde n,
angemessene Maßnahmen durchzuführen und dafür
aufzukommen.

TO THE USER

This e q u ipment ha s b e e n te sted an d f o und to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are d esig ned to prov i de re asona ble pr ote c tion
against harmful interference when the equipment
is o p erat ed in a c omme r cial e nvi ronm e nt. T h is
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.

CAUTION

Changes or m odifi catio ns to thi s equipment not
expressly approved by TEAC CORPORATION for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate
this equipment.

For U.S.A.

CE Marking Information

a) Applicable electromagnetic environment: E4
b) Peak inrush current: 4.2 A

In North America use only on 120V supply.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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TASCAM LA-80/81MKII 3

1 Read these instructions.

2 Keep these instructions.

3 Heed all warnings.

4 Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near water.

6 Clean only with dry cloth.

7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Ins tall in

accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8 Do not install near any heat sou rc es such 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-t ype plug. A polarized plug has t wo
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
ty pe plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade o r the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10 Prote ct the p ower cord from b eing walked on

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

11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the

manufacturer.

12 Use only with the cart, sta nd, tripod, bracket, o r

table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus c ombinatio n to avoid
injury from tip-over.

13 Unplug this apparatus during lightnin g s torm s or

when unused for long periods of time.

14 Refer all se rvicing to qualifie d 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.

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 draws nominal non-operating power

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

switch not in the ON position.

The apparatus should be located close enough to the

•
AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord

plug at any time.

The main plug is used as the disconnect device, the

•
disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

An apparatus with Class I c onstruction shall be

•
connected to an AC outlet with a protective grounding

connection.

Batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) shall 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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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4 TASCAM LA-80/81MKII

Contents

1–Introduction ...................................................... 5

Overview .............................................................. 5

Supplied accessories ............................................5

Precautions for placement and use ..................... 5

Cleaning the unit .................................................. 5

Rack-mounting the unit .......................................5

2–Names and Functions of Parts ...................6

Front panel (LA-80MKII) ...................................... 6

Rear panel (LA-80MKII) ........................................ 6

Front panel (LA-81MKII) ....................................... 7

Rear panel (LA-81MKII) ........................................ 7

Bottom panel (LA-80MKII) ................................... 8

Bottom panel (LA-81MKII) ................................... 8

Block diagram (LA-80MKII) ................................. 9

Level diagram (LA-80MKII) .................................. 9

Block diagram (LA-81MKII) ............................... 10

Level diagram (LA-81MKII) ................................. 10

3–ADA Functions ................................................ 11

LA-80MKII ADA Functions .................................. 11

Example 1 (LA-80MKII) .............................................. 11

Example 2 (LA-80MKII) .............................................. 11

LA-81MKII ADA Functions .................................. 12

Example 1 (LA-81MKII) .............................................. 12

Example 2 (LA-81MKII) .............................................. 12

4–Specifications .................................................. 13

Inputs and Outputs ............................................ 13

Performance ....................................................... 13

Other specifications ........................................... 14

Dimensional drawings ........................................ 14

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TASCAM LA-80/81MKII 5

1–Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing a TASCAM
LA-80/81MKII. Please read this Owner’s Manual
carefully and understand how to operate the device
correctly before use. We hope that you will fully use

the features of this unit for many years to come. After
reading this manual, please keep it in a convenient
place for future reference.

The LA-80MKII has 8 internal circuits to convert
unbalanced inputs to balanced outputs. In addition, the

Audio Distributed Amplier (ADA) function allows

single inputs to be assigned to multiple outputs using
the INPUT LINK switches between each channel.

The LA-81MKII has 8 internal circuits to convert
balanced inputs to unbalanced outputs.

Moreover, LA-80/81MKII units also have the
following functions.

GND LIFT• switches to turn the ground ON and OFF

for each balanced connector

ALL LIFT• switch that turns the ground ON and OFF

for the entire unit
Each channel has an • INPUT/OUTPUT LEVEL switch

that allows input and output levels to be switched
between -20 dBu and +4 dBu

Level indicator LEDs that show signal presence •
Semi-fixed • TRIM controls for fine level adjustment

of ±12 dB
Rack mount brackets•

Three-prong AC power outlet (Not on EUR model)•

Overview

Supplied accessories

The following items are included with this product.

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

Power cord set• .............................................................1

Rack mount screw set• .................................................1

Owner’s Manual (this document)• ...............................1

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

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

Precautions for placement and use

Cleaning the unit

Use this unit within its operating temperature range •

of 5–40º C (40–104º F). In addition, please avoid

placement in locations that are very dusty or humid
because this could cause malfunction.

Do not give the unit a violent shock. This could •
cause damage to the internal circuitry or the case.

NOTE

Please be aware that, as a result of improvements or other
changes to the product, photographs, illustrations and
other depictions in the Owner’s Manual may differ from
the actual product.

Use a soft cloth to wipe the unit clean. Do not
clean it with chemical-based wipes, benzene,
thinner, alcohol or similar substances. This could
damage the surface or cause the color to change.

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.

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6 TASCAM LA-80/81MKII

2–Names and Functions of Parts

Front panel (LA-80MKII)

1 POWER switch and LED

Turns power ON and OFF.

2 LED indicators

Indicate the presence of input signals.

3 TRIM (UNBALANCED TO BALANCED) 1–8

These semi-fixed trim controls allow output signal
levels to be adjusted in a range of ±12 dB.

Rear panel (LA-80MKII)

4 INPUTS 1–8

RCA pin jack type input connectors with nominal

input levels of -10 dBV (0.3 V).

5 OUTPUTS 1–8

XLR type output connectors with nominal output

levels of +4 dBu (1.23 V) or -20 dBu (0.0775 V).

6 GND LIFT switches

In a studio or other place where multiple units are
connected, a ground loop can occur through the
wiring, and this loop can cause a hum or other
noise. If this occurs, engage GND LIFT switches to
cut ground loops from the (balanced) OUTPUTS 5.

NOTE

The GND LIFT switches do not cut the ground for the
INPUTS 4.

7 ALL LIFT switch

When other equipment is mounted in the same
metal rack, for example, a ground loop can occur
through the panel or chassis, and this loop can
cause a hum or other noise. If this occurs, engage
the ALL LIFT switch to cut the loop.

8 Level indicator LED switch

If this switch is ON, LEDs light when input signals
are present. If this switch is OFF, the LEDs do not
light regardless of the presence of input signals.

9 GND connector

When multiple pieces of equipment are connected,
use this to make the chassis of each piece of
equipment have the same electrical potential.

0 Power outlet (see NOTE below)

Use this three-prong outlet, which is not affected
by the power switch, to connect AC equipment
with a maximum power consumption of 400 W

(or 3A). This connector is convenient when using

multiple LA-80/81MKII units. The specifications
are displayed on the top of the unit.

NOTE

The EUR model does not have this power outlet, so the
panel here is blank.

q AC IN connector

Connect the included power cord.

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TASCAM LA-80/81MKII 7

Front panel (LA-81MKII)

1 POWER switch and LED

Turns power ON and OFF.

2 LED indicators

Indicate the presence of input signals.

3 TRIM (BALANCED TO UNBALANCED) 1–8

These semi-fixed trim controls allow output signal
levels to be adjusted in a range of ±12 dB.

2–Names and Functions of Parts

Rear panel (LA-81MKII)

4 OUTPUTS 1–8

RCA pin jack type output connectors with nominal

output levels of -10 dBV (0.3 V).

5 INPUTS 1–8

XLR type input connectors with nominal input

levels of +4 dBu (1.23 V) or -20 dBu (0.0775 V).

6 GND LIFT switches

In a studio or other place where multiple units are
connected, a ground loop can occur through the
wiring, and this loop can cause a hum or other
noise. If this occurs, engage GND LIFT switches to
cut ground loops from the (balanced) INPUTS 5.

NOTE

The GND LIFT switches do not cut the ground for the
OUTPUTS 4.

7 ALL LIFT switch

When other equipment is mounted in the same
metal rack, for example, a ground loop can occur
through the panel or chassis, and this loop can
cause a hum or other noise. If this occurs, engage
the ALL LIFT switch to cut the loop.

8 Level indicator LED switch

If this switch is ON, LEDs light when input signals
are present. If this switch is OFF, the LEDs do not
light regardless of the presence of input signals.

9 GND connector

When multiple pieces of equipment are connected,
use this to make the chassis of each piece of
equipment have the same electrical potential

0 Power outlet (see NOTE below)

Use this three-prong outlet, which is not affected
by the power switch, to connect AC equipment
with a maximum power consumption of 400 W

(or 3A). This connector is convenient when using

multiple LA-80/81MKII units. The specifications
are displayed on the top of the unit.

NOTE

The EUR model does not have this power outlet, so the
panel here is blank.

q AC IN connector

Connect the included power cord.

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8 TASCAM LA-80/81MKII

2–Names and Functions of Parts

Bottom panel (LA-80MKII)

Bottom panel (LA-81MKII)

w OUTPUT LEVEL switches 1–8

Switches that set whether the signal levels output
from the OUTPUTS 5 are +4 dBu (1.23 V) or -20

dBu (0.0775 V). This setting can be made for each

channel independently.

e INPUT LINK switches 2–8

These switches allow an input signal to be routed
to any higher numbered output. Two or more
inputs can also be assigned to multiple outputs in

sequence (see “3–ADA Functions” for examples.)

w

INPUT LEVEL switches 1–8

Switches that set whether the signal levels input
to the INPUTS 5 are +4 dBu (1.23 V) or -20 dBu

(0.0775 V). This setting can be made for each

channel independently.

e INPUT LINK switches 2–8

These switches allow an input signal to be routed
to any higher numbered output. Two or more
inputs can also be assigned to multiple outputs in

sequence (see “3–ADA Functions” for examples.)

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TASCAM LA-80/81MKII 9

2–Names and Functions of Parts

Block diagram (LA-80MKII)

Level diagram (LA-80MKII)

SW

S705

INPUT LINK

RCA JACK

S702

OUTPUT LEVEL

3

2

1

84

−

VR1

J702

NC3FAH1

2

3

1

R729
47k

AGND

AGND

SGND

AGNDAGND

AGND

RCA JACK

GND

LIFT

XLR OUT

+4dBu

-20dBu

+4dBu

-20dBu

LEVEL SHIFT

GND

LIFT

5

6

7

−

−

3

2

1

84

AMP with
TRIM function

BALANCED AMP

LEVEL

-10dBV

-9dBu

-10dB

-5dB

0dB

+5dB

+10dB

+15dB

-15dB

-20dB

-25dB

-30dB

-35dB

-40dB

-45dB

-50dB

+17dBu

+4dBu

-20dBu

+4dBV

-33dBu

(-2.2dB)

(-26.2dB)

+17dBV

-9dBV

0dBu=0.775V

0dBV=1V

-7dBu

UNBALANCED TO BALANCED

UNBALANCED TO BALANCED

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10 TASCAM LA-80/ 81MKII

2–Names and Functions of Parts

Block diagram (LA-81MKII)

Level diagram (LA-81MKII)

J102

NC3FAH1

2

3

1

SW

U805B

5

6

7

3

2

1

84

−

VR

SW

RCA JAC

K

AGND

AGND

AGND

GND

LIFT

GND

LIFT

XLR IN

BALANCED
INPUT
CIRCUIT

BALANCED AMP
with TRIM function

GAIN SWITCH AMP

+

+

+4dBu

−20dBu

−

LEVEL

-10dB

-5dB

0dB

+5dB

+10dB

+15dB

-15dB

-20dB

-25dB

-30dB

-35dB

-40dB

-45dB

-50dB

+4dBu

+2.1dBu

+8dBu

-18dBu

-31.8dBu

-20dBu

-29dBu

-16dBu

-42dBu

-10dBV

(+24dB)

-5dBu

0dBu=0.775V

0dBV=1V

(-7.1dB)

(-2.8dB)

+21.9dBu

(-7.1dB)

BALANCED TO UNBALANCED

BALANCED TO UNBALANCED

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TASCAM LA-80/81MKII 11

3–ADA Functions

LA-80MKII ADA Functions

By using the LA-80MKII INPUT LINK switches e, the
signals input from single connectors can be routed to

other channels and output as desired.

In this example, the signal input through channel 1 is
routed to channels 1–8.

1 Input a signal through the (unbalanced) INPUT 1 4.

2 Turn INPUT LINK switches 2– 8 e ON.

3 The signal input through channel 1 is output through

(balanced) OUTPUTS 1–8 5.

Input signal

( L )

Input signal

( R )

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

( L )

( R )

Outputs

1

5

In this example, a stereo pair of signals input through
channels 1 and 5 are output in parallel to 4 channels
each.

1 Connect the left stereo signal to the (unbalanced) INPUT 1

4 and connect the right stereo signal to the (unbalanced)
INPUT 5 4.

2 Turn INPUT LINK switches 2– 4 and 6 –8 e ON.

3 The left stereo signal input to channel 1 is output through

(balanced) OUTPUTS 1–4 5, and the right stereo signal
input to channel 5 is output through (balanced) OUTPUTS
5–8 5.

Example 1 (LA-80MKII)

Example 2 (LA-80MKII)

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12 TASCAM LA-80 /81MKII

3–ADA Functions

LA-81MKII ADA Functions

By using the LA-81MKII INPUT LINK switches e, the
signals input from single connectors can be routed to

other channels and output as desired.

In this example, the signal input through channel 1 is
routed to channels 1–8.

1 Input a signal through the (balanced) INPUT 1 5.

2 Turn INPUT LINK switches 2– 8 e ON.

3 The signal input through channel 1 is output through

(unbalanced) OUTPUTS 1–8 4.

( L )

( R )

11

2

3

4

55

6

7

8

( L )

( R )

Input signal

Input signal

Outputs

In this example, a stereo pair of signals input through
channels 1 and 5 are output in parallel to 4 channels
each.

1 Connect the left stereo signal to the (balanced) INPUT 1 5

and the right stereo signal to the (balanced) INPUT 5 5.

2 Turn INPUT LINK switches 2– 4 and 6 –8 e ON.

3 The left stereo signal input to channel 1 is output through

the (unbalanced) OUTPUTS 1–4 4, and the right
stereo signal input to channel 5 is output through the
(unbalanced) OUTPUTS 5–8 4.

Example 1 (LA-81MKII)

Example 2 (LA-81MKII)

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TASCAM LA-80/81MKII 13

4–Specifications

Inputs and Outputs

UNBALANCED TO BALANCED (LA-80MKII)

Inputs (8 unbalanced RCA pin jacks)

Input impedance 23 kΩ (when all INPUT LINK switches are OFF)

2.8 kΩ (when all INPUT LINK switches are ON)

Nominal input level -10 dBV ±1 dB

Maximum input level +4.8 dBV

Indicator detection level (unbalanced input) –38 dBV or more

(OUTPUT LEVEL switch set to +4 dB or –20 dB)

Outputs (8 balanced XLR type connectors) (Connector holes: 1 = ground, 2 = hot, 3 = cold)

Output impedance 94 Ω

Nominal load impedance 10k Ω

Minimum load impedance 600 Ω

Nominal output level +4 dBu ±1 dB (OUTPUT LEVEL switch set to +4 dB)

-20 dBu ±1 dB (OUTPUT LEVEL switch set to -20 dB)

Maximum output level +23 dBu

BALANCED TO UNBALANCED (LA-81MKII)

Inputs (8 balanced XLR type connectors) (Connector holes: 1 = ground, 2 = hot, 3 = cold)

Input impedance 54 kΩ (when all INPUT LINK switches are OFF)

6.7 kΩ (when all INPUT LINK switches are ON)

Nominal input level +4 dBu ±1 dB (INPUT LEVEL switch set to +4 dB)

-20 dBu ±1 dB (INPUT LEVEL switch set to -20 dB)

Maximum input level +30 dBu (INPUT LEVEL switch set to +4 dB)

+8 dBu (INPUT LEVEL switch set to -20 dB)

Indicator detection level (balanced input) –24 dBu or more (INPUT LEVEL switch set to +4 dB)

–48 dBu or more (INPUT LEVEL switch set to -20 dB)

Outputs (8 unbalanced RCA pin jacks)

Output impedance 200 Ω

Nominal load impedance 10 kΩ

Minimum load impedance 1 kΩ

Nominal output level -10 dBV ±1 dB

Maximum output level +18 dBV

Performance

TRIM range ±12 dB

S/N ratio (nominal input and output level) A-weighting lter + 20 kHz LPF: 90 dB

LA-80MKII (OUTPUT LEVEL switch set to +4 dB)

LA-81MKII (INPUT LEVEL switch set to +4 dB)

20 Hz HPF + 20 kHz LPF: 87 dB

LA-80MKII (OUTPUT LEVEL switch set to +4 dB)

LA-81MKII (INPUT LEVEL switch set to +4 dB)

Total harmonic distortion

(1 kHz, nominal input and output level)

0.007% or less

Frequency response

(nominal input and output level)

20 Hz–100 kHz ±3 dB

Crosstalk -90 dB or more (1kHz, nominal input and output level,

terminated with a 600 Ω load)

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14 TASCAM LA-80/81MKII

Other specifications

Power: 100-240 V~, 50/60 Hz

Power consumption: 6 W

Weight: 3 kg (main unit)

External dimensions (WxHxD): 482 x 44 x 280 mm

4–Specifications

Dimensional drawings

465mm

280mm

6mm

9mm

44mm

0.5mm

432.6mm

432.2mm

31.8mm

482.6mm

280mm

6mm

9mm

NOTE

In order to improve these units, their specifications •
and external appearance may be changed without
notification.

Please be aware that, as a result of product improve-•
ments, illustrations and other depictions in the Owner’s

Manual may differ in part from the actual product.

E_LA-80-81mkII_RevC.indd 14 08.12.19 1:07:28 PM

TASCAM LA-80/81MKII 15

Memo

E_LA-80-81mkII_RevC.indd 15 08.12.19 1:07:28 PM

TEAC CORPORATION

www.tascam.jp

Phone: [phone]
1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan

TEAC AMERICA, INC. www.tascam.com

Phone: [phone]
7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA

TEAC CANADA LTD. www.tascam.com

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

TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V. www.teacmexico.net

Phone: [phone]
Río Churubusco 364, Colonia Del Carmen, Delegación Coyoacán, CP 04100, México DF, México

TEAC UK LIMITED www.tascam.co.uk

Phone: [phone]
Suites 19 & 20, Building 6, Croxley Green Business Park, Hatters Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 8TE, UK

TEAC EUROPE GmbH www.tascam.de

Phone: [phone]
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany

Printed in China

LA-80@#/81@ #

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