User manual TASCAM DM-4800

» DM-4800 Digital Mixing Console D00936910B OWNER'S MANUAL ­IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS : For U.S.A TO THE USER This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residental area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. CAUTION Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by TEAC CORPORATION for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. For the consumers in Europe WARNING This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. Pour les utilisateurs en Europe AVERTISSEMENT Il s'agit d'un produit de Classe A. Dans un environnement domestique, cet appareil peut provoquer des interférences radio, dans ce cas l'utilisateur peut être amené à prendre des mesures appropriées. Für Kunden in Europa Warnung Dies is eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstörung nach Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann im Wohnbereich Funkstörungen versursachen ; in diesem Fall kann vom Betrieber verlang werden, angemessene Maßnahmen durchzuführen und dafür aufzukommen. CE Marking Information a) Applicable electromagnetic environment: E4 b) Peak inrush current: 8A In North America use only on 120V supply. Ü ÿ Y This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel. Please record the model number and serial number and retain them for your records. Model number Serial number 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 an 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. WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 2 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. Grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. 13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. · 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 switch in the off 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. · An apparatus with Class I construction 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. TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 3 Contents 1 : Introduction Computer (DAW) integration ............................... 10 Other key points ...................................................... 10 Please read this manual ......................................... 10 EQ settings.............................................................24 Module levels and AUX sends .............................. 25 Dynamics settings..................................................25 Other settings........................................................25 Encoder behavior (fine and coarse) ..................... 26 "Fat channel"..........................................................27 Dynamics processors ...............................................27 EQ controls ................................................................28 Aux send levels ........................................................28 Pan control ................................................................28 Copy and paste of parameters .................... 29 To copy channel parameters ................................ 29 To paste channel parameters ............................... 29 To paste only the gate parameters ...................... 29 To paste only the compressor/expander parameters..........................................................29 To paste only the EQ parameters......................... 29 The SCREEN key.....................................................29 UTILITY copying ....................................................30 Copying within a module ......................................30 Copying between modules ...................................31 Protecting parameters ............................................31 CF cards......................................................................32 Formatting a new card ...........................................32 Shutting down the DM-4800 ........................ 33 IMPORTANT CAUTION!!! ......................................33 How to shut down the DM-4800.......................... 33 Starting up the DM-4800 .......................................33 About projects and libraries ......................... 34 Setting the date and time......................................35 Naming the DM-4800..............................................35 Creating a new project ...........................................35 To set up a new project from scratch .................. 36 Using a template ...................................................36 Managing projects...................................................36 Loading a project ..................................................36 Copying a project ..................................................36 Deleting a project .................................................36 Renaming a project ...........................................37 Protecting a project ..............................................37 Saving project data .................................................37 Library management .........................................38 Using library banks................................................38 Viewing library entries..........................................39 Recalling library entries ........................................39 Storing library entries ...........................................39 Deleting library entries .........................................39 Library utilities .........................................................39 Target parameters.................................................40 Source parameters ................................................40 Naming library entries......................................41 About the DM-4800 ........................................... 11 Inputs ..................................................................... 11 Channel modules .................................................. 11 Channel destinations ............................................ 12 Outputs.................................................................. 12 Effects......................................................................... 12 Unpacking the DM-4800.................................. 12 About the manual ............................................... 13 What's in the manual ............................................. 13 1, "Introduction" (page 10).................................. 13 2, "Basic operational concepts" (page 17) .......... 13 3, "Connections" (page 48) .................................. 13 4, "Routing & assignment" (page 58).................. 13 5, "Channel modules" (page 71).......................... 13 6, "Effects" (page 94) ........................................... 13 7, "MIDI" (page 96)............................................... 13 8, "Remote operation" (page 105) ...................... 13 9, "Specifications" (page 118).............................. 13 Notes and warnings ................................................ 13 Before you start ................................................... 14 Special notes for touch-sensitive faders 14 Copyright, etc. ....................................................... 14 The features of the DM-4800 ....................... 15 Control section ......................................................... 16 Monitoring section .................................................. 16 Module & fader layer control section ................. 16 Encoder section ........................................................ 16 Modifier section (SHIFT & CTRL keys) ................. 16 Library section and CF card slot ........................... 16 Machine control section......................................... 16 Analog input section .............................................. 16 2 : Basic operational concepts What's on the screen? ...................................... 18 Jumping to commonly-used screens ........ 18 Setting a USER screen............................................. 19 Fader layers ............................................................. 19 Smart keys ............................................................... 19 Other global modifier keys ........................... 20 Special controls ..................................................... 20 The PODs ................................................................... 20 Encoders.................................................................... 22 Flipping the encoders ............................................. 22 Encoder mappings .............................................. 23 Reading the encoder indicators ........................... 24 Pan settings ........................................................... 24 4 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual Contents Options.......................................................................42 SETUP screen .............................................................42 UPPER BAR DISPLAY ..............................................42 LOCATE DISPLAY mode.........................................42 ENCODER OPERATION mode ................................42 LIBRARY DIRECT KEY OPERATION........................42 OL/STATUS LED TYPE.............................................42 FADER SENSITIVITY................................................43 PREFERENCES ............................................................43 Fader Auto MODULE Select ..................................43 CH SOLO Key Auto MODULE Select .....................43 Select MODULE Return..........................................43 ST Link by SEL key..................................................43 SEL Key Follows Fader Layer Status ......................43 Meter Follows SEL key...........................................43 Automation fader OFF ..........................................44 Balance Level CENTER:0dB ....................................44 AUX Mute follows CH Mute .................................44 Encoder Mode Follows Current Screen ................44 Current Screen Follows Encoder Mode ................44 BUSS PAN Follows ST PAN.....................................44 BUSS Link/BUSS PAN Mode are Linked.................44 SOLO ...........................................................................44 MODE SELECT ........................................................44 SOLO LINK ..............................................................44 SOLO TYPE .............................................................44 INPLACE SOLO DEFEAT..........................................44 Utilities .......................................................................45 Monitoring (STUDIO (BAL)).................................. 50 Digital connections ............................................ 50 Digital audio I/O...................................................... 50 TDIF I/O.................................................................. 50 ADAT "lightpipe" OUT & IN ................................ 50 CASCADE ............................................................... 50 Digital inputs and outputs ................................... 50 Digital I/O setup ...................................................... 51 Digital inputs ........................................................ 51 Mute Defeat.......................................................... 51 Stereo output........................................................ 51 Slot card configuration.................................... 52 IF-AN/DM............................................................... 52 IF-AE/DM ............................................................... 52 IF-TD/DM ............................................................... 52 IF AD/DM ............................................................... 52 IF-FW/DM............................................................... 52 IF-SW/DM............................................................... 52 Cascade configuration ..................................... 53 Master/slave setting.............................................. 53 Making the cascade connection........................... 53 Setting up the cascade........................................... 53 Using the cascade.................................................... 54 Interlocked settings .............................................. 54 Interlocked operations ......................................... 54 Other connections .............................................. 55 MIDI connections (IN, OUT and THRU)................ 55 RS-422 serial control terminal.............................. 55 GPI terminal .......................................................... 55 TIME CODE ............................................................ 55 WORD SYNC (IN and OUT/THRU)......................... 55 TO METER.............................................................. 55 FOOT SW ............................................................... 55 USB ........................................................................ 55 Power input .......................................................... 55 Clock setting........................................................... 56 Fs MODE ................................................................ 56 Checking the clock................................................ 56 Varispeed clocking................................................ 56 Clock change action ............................................. 56 Changing the clock............................................... 57 Clock phase ........................................................... 57 OUT SPEED ............................................................ 57 SWITCH utility...........................................................45 Talkback .................................................................45 Machine Control ....................................................45 Other functions......................................................45 Polarity ...................................................................45 GPI settings................................................................45 Making connections ..............................................46 Setting the GPI.......................................................46 GPI CONFIG section................................................46 Selecting the type..................................................46 ON/OFF setting.......................................................47 TIME EVENT section...............................................47 Selecting the port ..................................................47 Setting the time.....................................................47 Setting the type .....................................................47 ON/OFF setting.......................................................47 Editing the GPI EVENT LIST ...................................47 4 : Routing & assignment Routing...................................................................... 59 Input routing............................................................ 59 Batch routing ........................................................ 60 Flipping the channels ........................................... 60 Loopback options ................................................. 60 Digital input selection .......................................... 60 Output routing ........................................................ 61 Slot card outputs .................................................. 61 Insert patching......................................................... 61 Send/return linking............................................... 62 3 : Connections Analog connections............................................49 Mic/line connections ...............................................49 Channel inserts ......................................................49 2 TR IN ....................................................................49 ASSIGNABLE RETURNS...........................................49 Analog outputs.........................................................50 STEREO OUT...........................................................50 ASSIGNABLE SENDS ...............................................50 Monitoring (LARGE (BAL) & SMALL (BAL)) ..........50 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 5 Contents Channel-to-buss assignment ........................ 63 Assignment using the front panel....................... 63 Using the assignment screens .............................. 63 Pan switch.............................................................. 64 Surround assignments .......................................... 65 Non-channel assignments..................................... 65 Bulk assignment .................................................... 65 Buss panning ......................................................... 65 Monitoring .............................................................. 66 Selecting the CR source.......................................... 66 Studio cue source .................................................... 67 Talkback, etc. ............................................................ 68 Talkback source..................................................... 68 Slate definition...................................................... 68 Oscillator and noise generator............................. 68 Oscillator destination............................................ 68 Meters ........................................................................ 69 Meter ballistics ...................................................... 69 On-screen meter selection.................................... 69 Metering points .................................................... 69 Soloing ....................................................................... 70 Gate attack time....................................................76 Hysteresis (HYST) ....................................................76 Gate hold time (HOLD) ..........................................76 Gate decay time (DECAY).......................................76 Compressor/expanders ..........................................76 COMP/EXPAND ......................................................76 Insert point (INS PNT) .............................................76 Threshold ...............................................................76 Compression/expansion ratio ............................... 76 Attack time ............................................................76 Release time ..........................................................76 Auto make-up .......................................................76 Output gain ...........................................................77 Library jump buttons ............................................77 Preset dynamics library entries ............................ 77 Compressor/expander library entries ................... 77 Gate library entries ...............................................78 Trigger settings ........................................................78 EQ..................................................................................79 Encoders and EQ ...................................................79 EQ library...................................................................80 Aux and buss setup............................................81 Aux send screens (unlinked) .................................81 Copying settings between aux sends and channel levels ...................................................................81 Batch setting..........................................................81 Source selection.....................................................82 Aux send pan/balance screens (linked) ................ 82 Using the encoders................................................82 Using the "fat channel"........................................82 5 : Channel modules General principles.................................................... 71 ASSIGN PARAMETERS screen................................ 71 Global module settings.................................... 72 Input and return display....................................... 72 EQ display and button .......................................... 72 GATE display and button...................................... 72 COMP/EXP display and COMP button.................. 72 Compressor/expander point button .................... 72 Meters and pick-off point button........................ 72 Fader ...................................................................... 72 MUTE button......................................................... 73 PAN (BALANCE) control........................................ 73 PAN follow button................................................ 73 INSERT button ....................................................... 73 Phase button ......................................................... 73 AUX1-2 button ...................................................... 73 STEREO button ...................................................... 73 Group assignment displays................................... 73 Fader control ............................................................ 73 Setting levels in blocks.......................................... 73 Master screen ........................................................ 73 Dynamics processors ......................................... 75 LINK........................................................................ 75 Trigger mode (TRG MOD) ...................................... 75 Trigger selection ................................................... 75 Gates (input channels 1­48).................................. 76 GATE ...................................................................... 76 Threshold (THRESH)................................................ 76 Range (RANGE)....................................................... 76 Module setup.........................................................83 INPUT/RETURN selection .......................................83 GATE switching .....................................................83 AUX 1-2 SOURCE ...................................................83 Dynamics insert point ...........................................83 Dynamics on/off ....................................................83 Assignable insert position.....................................83 Phase control .........................................................83 Module delay.........................................................83 Digital trim ............................................................84 Dithering (stereo buss module only).................... 84 Pan and balance settings ......................................84 Phase/trim/delay......................................................84 Phase ......................................................................84 Digital trim ............................................................85 Delay ......................................................................85 Stereo linking ...........................................................85 Balance...................................................................86 Linked dynamics ....................................................86 Mute groups .............................................................86 Clearing groups .....................................................87 Grouping groups ...................................................87 Linking fader groups to mute groups.................. 87 6 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual Contents Surround operations..........................................88 Changing surround mode ......................................88 Buss assignments ...................................................88 To use a transport mapping ............................... 108 Viewing the transport mappings ...................... 108 Editing a mapping................................................. 108 Assigning channels to surround busses..............88 Surround panning....................................................89 Module screen .......................................................90 Pattern panning.....................................................90 Using the cursor keys.............................................90 Jump keys...............................................................90 Pan mode off .........................................................91 Machine control setup ................................... 109 Edit Frames ............................................................. 109 Cueing mode .......................................................... 109 Play Mode ............................................................... 109 AUTO ................................................................... 109 DEFERRED............................................................ 109 IMMEDIATE ......................................................... 109 Play Command Type............................................. 109 Record Command Type........................................ 110 Locate Preroll ......................................................... 110 MIDI Control by the DM-4800 ................... 111 MIDI controllers ..................................................... 111 MIDI faders ............................................................. 112 MIDI Mixer .............................................................. 112 DAW controllers .................................................... 113 HUI....................................................................... 114 Sonar ................................................................... 114 Digital Performer................................................ 114 Logic .................................................................... 114 Steinberg............................................................. 114 Location memories........................................... 115 Selecting the location point display ................. 115 Storing a location memory "on the fly" .......... 115 LFE level......................................................................91 Snapshots .................................................................92 Snapshot library management .............................92 Storing snapshots ....................................................93 Information about a snapshot..............................93 6 : Effects Routing the effects .............................................94 Setting up the effects........................................94 Effect libraries........................................................95 7 : MIDI MIDI port switching and filtering ..............96 Program Change messages and the DM-4800 .................................................................97 Setting the MIDI channels.....................................97 Batch setup ............................................................97 MIDI Implementation Charts.........................97 MIDI IN and OUT ports............................................98 MTC OUT port ...........................................................99 USB MIDI Control Port (1).....................................100 USB MIDI Interface port (2)..................................101 USB MIDI Control Port (3).....................................102 USB MIDI Program Change Port (4) ...................103 USB MIDI Remote Port (5, 6, 7) ...........................104 Manually entering and editing a location memory................................................................. 115 Location to a location memory .......................... 116 Viewing a list of location memories ................. 116 Manual location..................................................... 116 Repeat play............................................................. 116 Auto punch operations........................................ 117 ALL INPUT and AUTO MON................................. 117 8 : Remote operation Selecting devices for transport control 105 Deleting devices from the list .............................106 Auto-detection of devices....................................106 Selecting the control type for the devices .......106 STATE....................................................................106 DEVICE..................................................................106 ID ..........................................................................106 CHASE...................................................................107 TRA .......................................................................107 REC........................................................................107 All safe..................................................................107 9 : Specifications Analog audio I/O............................................... 118 Digital audio I/O ................................................ 119 Miscellaneous I/O connections ................. 119 Equalization.......................................................... 120 System performance ....................................... 120 Physical characteristics................................... 120 Dimensional drawing ..................................... 121 Messages and troubleshooting................ 121 Block diagram...................................................... 136 Level diagram...................................................... 137 Transport mapping memories.............................107 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 7 List of Figures and Tables 1 : Introduction Fig. 1.1: Basic logical components of the DM-4800 ............................................................ 11 Fig. 1.2: Overview of the DM-4800 .................... 15 Fig. 2.34: Library screen (gate library shown as example) ............................................................38 Fig. 2.35: Library selection pull-up menu ...........38 Fig. 2.36: Library utility screen ............................40 Fig. 2.37: Setting and editing titles and memos ...............................................................41 Fig. 2.38: The SETUP option screen ....................42 Fig. 2.39: Display top line set to SYSTEM ...........42 Fig. 2.40: The PREFERENCES screen ....................43 Fig. 2.41: Layer/SEL key matching .......................43 Fig. 2.42: SOLO options .......................................44 Fig. 2.43: UTILITY external switch settings .........45 Table 2.4: GPI pin assignments (output level: 5V) ............................................................46 Fig. 2.44: GPI setting screen ................................46 Table 2.5: GPI fader event types .........................46 Table 2.6: GPI key event types ............................47 Fig. 2.45: GPI pulse types .....................................47 2 : Basic operational concepts Fig. 2.1: Screen mode selection keys .................. 17 Fig. 2.2: Cursor and data wheel keys ................. 17 Fig. 2.3: Explanation of the top line of screen displays .............................................................. 18 Fig. 2.4: Global modifier keys ............................. 20 Fig. 2.5: POD controls ......................................... 20 Fig. 2.6: POD knobs used in a multi-control screen ................................................................ 21 Fig. 2.7: POD knob 4 used as list selector .......... 21 Fig. 2.8: POD keys 2 through 4 used as soft keys .. 21 Fig. 2.9: POD 1 used with a pull-up menu list ... 21 Fig. 2.10: POD keys used to select sub-screens .. 21 Fig. 2.11: POD keys 2 and 4 used to jump to other screens (library screens) ......................... 21 Fig. 2.12: Encoder functions ............................... 22 Fig. 2.13: Setting the encoder mode ................. 22 Table 2.1: Stereo encoder modes ....................... 23 Table 2.2: Surround encoder modes .................. 23 Fig. 2.14: Encoders in pan mode ........................ 24 Fig. 2.15: Encoders in EQ gain mode ................. 24 Fig. 2.16: Encoders in EQ frequency selection mode ................................................................. 24 Fig. 2.17: Encoders in frequency Q adjustment mode ................................................................. 25 Fig. 2.18: Encoders used to make module level and aux send adjustments ............................... 25 Fig. 2.19: ENCODER OPERATION menu item ..... 26 Fig. 2.20: Dynamics processor controls .............. 27 Table 2.3: Dynamics processor control assignments ...................................................... 27 Fig. 2.21: Equalization controls .......................... 28 Fig. 2.22: Aux send controls ............................... 28 Fig. 2.23: PARAMETER EDIT in the "fat channel" ............................................................ 29 Fig. 2.24: Pasting channel parameters ............... 29 Fig. 2.25: UTILITY copy screen. ........................... 30 Fig. 2.26: Formatting a CF card .......................... 32 Fig. 2.27: Shutting down the DM-4800 ............. 33 Fig. 2.28: Powering up the DM-4800 with no previous shutdown ........................................... 33 Fig. 2.29: Project structure .................................. 34 Fig. 2.30: Setting the date and time .................. 35 Fig. 2.31: The NEW PROJECT page ..................... 35 Fig. 2.32: The project management page ......... 36 Fig. 2.33: Storing a project ................................. 37 3 : Connections Fig. 3.1: Overview of rear panel features ..........48 Fig. 3.2: Analog channel inputs and controls ....49 Fig. 3.3: DIGITAL SETUP screen ...........................51 Fig. 3.4: IF-AN/DM (at left) and IF-AE/DM (at right) ............................................................52 Fig. 3.5: IF-TD/DM (at left) and IF-AD/DM (at right) ............................................................52 Fig. 3.6: IF-FW/DM (at left) and IF-SM/DM (at right) ...........................................................52 Fig. 3.7: CASCADE screen ....................................53 Fig. 3.8: PROJECT CLOCK screen .........................56 Fig. 3.9: Checking the clock sources ...................56 Table 3.1: Clock options in normal and high-speed modes .............................................57 4 : Routing & assignment Table 4.1: Module facilities on the DM-4800 .....58 Fig. 4.1: Routing inputs .......................................59 Table 4.2: Input sources ......................................59 Table 4.3: Destination layers ...............................59 Fig. 4.2: Routing outputs ....................................61 Fig. 4.3: Routing inserts .......................................62 Fig. 4.4: Assignment keys ....................................63 Fig. 4.5: Buss assignment screen (linked busses) ................................................................64 Fig. 4.6: Surround channel assignment screen ...65 Fig. 4.7: Monitoring and metering controls .......66 Fig. 4.8: Monitor parameters screen ..................67 Fig. 4.9: Monitor oscillator and communication screen .................................................................68 Table 4.4: Meter selection ...................................69 Fig. 4.10: Metering screen (1st 24 channel module meters) .................................................69 8 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual List of Figures and Tables 5 : Channel modules Fig. 5.1: Assign parameters screen (first 48 channel modules) ..............................................71 Fig. 5.2: Assign parameters screen (channel modules 49­64 + master modules) ...................71 Fig. 5.3: Common "global" module settings .....72 Table 5.1: Available metering points .................72 Fig. 5.4: Channel fader screen .............................73 Fig. 5.5: Master fader screen ...............................74 Fig. 5.6: Unlinked DYNAMICS screen (channels 1 through 48) .......................................................75 Fig. 5.7: Linked DYNAMICS screen (channels 1 through 48) .......................................................75 Table 5.2: Gate decay times ................................76 Table 5.3: Compressor/expander release times ..76 Table 5.4: Compressor/Expander preset library entries ................................................................77 Table 5.5: Gate/Expander preset library entries ................................................................78 Fig. 5.8: Assigning dynamics processor triggers .78 Fig. 5.9: Module EQ screen ..................................79 Fig. 5.10: EQ library .............................................80 Table 5.6: EQ library presets ...............................80 Fig. 5.11: Module aux and buss screen ...............81 Fig. 5.12: Aux send screen (unlinked) .................81 Fig. 5.13: Aux pan/balance screen (linked) .........82 Fig. 5.14: Channel module SETUP screen ...........83 Table 5.7: Channel delay .....................................84 Fig. 5.15: Linked pair balance controls ...............84 Fig. 5.16: Digital trim setting ..............................85 Fig. 5.17: Channel delay screen ...........................85 Fig. 5.18: Master delay screen .............................85 Fig. 5.19: Linking modules ..................................86 Fig. 5.20: Stereo linking screen ...........................86 Fig. 5.21: Mute grouping ....................................86 Fig. 5.22: Clearing a group ..................................87 Fig. 5.23: Grouping groups .................................87 Fig. 5.24: Fader grouping ....................................87 Fig. 5.25: Selecting surround mode ....................88 Table 5.8: Buss assignments in surround mode .88 Fig. 5.26: Surround assignment ..........................89 Fig. 5.27: Surround overview ..............................89 Fig. 5.28: Module surround panning ..................90 Fig. 5.29: Surround panning (pan mode on) ..... 90 Fig. 5.30: Surround screen (pan mode off) ........ 91 Fig. 5.31: LFE level ............................................... 91 Fig. 5.32: Snapshot library .................................. 92 Fig. 5.33: Storing a snapshot .............................. 93 6 : Effects Fig. 6.1: Internal effect send and return routing ............................................................... 94 Fig. 6.2: Effect library screen .............................. 94 Fig. 6.3: Effect setting ......................................... 95 Table 6.1: Common effect parameters .............. 95 7 : MIDI Fig. 7.1: MIDI setup ............................................. 96 Fig. 7.2: MIDI Program Change screen ............... 97 8 : Remote operation Fig. 8.1: Adding external devices for control by the DM-4800 .......................................................... 105 Table 8.1: Machine control methods ............... 105 Table 8.2: Current device support .................... 105 Fig. 8.2: Machine control setup parameters .... 109 Fig. 8.3: External Control .................................. 111 Fig. 8.4: MIDI Controllers .................................. 111 Fig. 8.5: MIDI Faders setup screen .................... 112 Fig. 8.6: MIDI Mixer screen ............................... 112 Fig. 8.7: MIDI control change screen ................ 113 Fig. 8.8: Machine control setup for DAW transport control ............................................................. 113 Fig. 8.9: HUI emulation ..................................... 114 Fig. 8.10: Sonar control .................................................. 114 Fig. 8.11: DP control .......................................... 114 Fig. 8.12: Logic control ...................................... 114 Fig. 8.13: Steinberg control .............................. 114 9 : Specifications Fig. 9.1: Dimensional drawing (including optional MU-1000 meter bridge) .................................. 121 Table 9.1: Popup messages ............................... 121 Fig. 9.2: Block diagram ...................................... 136 Fig. 9.3: Level diagram ...................................... 137 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 9 1 ­ Introduction This section provides an overview of the features and facilities provided by the DM-4800. It also includes an overview of the operational procedures involved when using the unit. It is important to read this section to gain a basic understanding of the way that the DM-4800 works before proceeding with setting up and using the unit. The DM-4800 provides you with a new and flexible approach to mixing and recording. Designed to integrate with the latest Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) personal computer software as well as with standalone recorders, it can form the heart of any recording studio. Full-sized motorized faders, twenty-four rotary encoders with ring LED indicators, a dedicated "fat channel" set of controls providing instant access to the common channel settings, a large clear LCD display and ergonomically-placed dedicated system controls help to make the DM-4800 intuitive, as well as powerful, to use. Computer (DAW) integration The DM-4800 can be used with a computer system: with the built-in USB port, which allows control of the DAW by the DM-4800, emulating popular controller hardware. Additionally the optional FireWire expansion card (IF-FW/DM) can be fitted, which provides all the USB functionality, and also allows multi-channel digital audio to be transmitted and received between the DM-4800 and the DAW application. In this second method, the DM-4800 may be used as an outboard mixer, freeing the computer's CPU from this task, and reserving the DAW for audio editing, etc. In both cases, the TMCompanion software can be used for management of the DM-4800. See the documentation accompanying the latest release of the software for full details of the capabilities of the software with the unit. Other key points Since the DM-4800 is designed with a working environment in mind, full control-room and studio monitoring facilities, including two sets of control-room monitor outputs, as well as talkback, are integrated. The DM-4800 provides automation facilities which are independent of any external computer. Mix moves can easily be recorded, edited and replayed in the DM-4800 in standalone mode, requiring only a timecode source (including the internal generator). Sony P2 9-pin protocols are also provided, allowing control of other studio equipment from one central unit. Working in multiple locations is easier than ever before, as the DM-4800 works the way you do; in terms of projects where all information and settings are stored together for future recall. The data for projects is stored on industry-standard CompactFlash cards for easy offline storage, archival and transportation between facilities. In addition, computer-aided librarian functions make it simple to juggle the demands of a busy studio schedule. Top-quality internal effects reduce the need for large outboard racks and allow still further for portability of projects. Timecode, word sync, MIDI, etc. are also provided for the widest possible integration with other equipment in your setup. Please read this manual Please take the trouble to read this manual carefully. Although every attempt has been made to make the DM-4800 as easy to use as possible, there are many features that may not be immediately obvious. A little time spent studying the manual now may save you a lot of time and effort later on. 10 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 1 ­ Introduction : About the DM-4800 About the DM-4800 The DM-4800 provides a fully comprehensive range of I/O facilities. Almost all inputs and internal busses are "soft", allowing connections to be patched internally (naturally, routing configurations may be stored and recalled). expansion card for direct high-speed bidirectional communication between a DAW and the DM-4800. Channel modules The DM-4800 provides 64 channel modules. These may be freely assigned internally to the 24 buss modules. Of these 64 channel modules, 48 are "full-function" modules with 4-band EQ, digital trim and phase, and full dynamics processing with compressor/expanders and gates. The other 16 are more basic in the facilities provided, but still provide full buss assignment and aux sends. The first 48 EQ-enabled channels can have two sources (input and return), which may be freely assigned, and can be switched, depending on whether the project is in the recording or tracking stage. See the section on assignments ("Routing & assignment" on page 58) for details of how channel sources are assigned. Inputs For analog input, the DM-4800 provides twenty-four balanced inputs, with both high-quality mic amps, and balanced line connections as well as analog insert points (both mic and line connections may be made to the same channel at the same time, but only one may be used at a time). There are also eight assignable send outputs and inputs for external loop effects. The digital side comprises three TDIF I/O ports, as well as ADAT "lightpipe" I/O, and two pairs of stereo S/PDIF or AES/EBU inputs and outputs. Four TASCAM-standard card slots provide I/O expansion capabilities, with a variety of digital or analog options being available, including a FireWire Mic/Line inputs with inserts (x24) Assignable returns (x 8) Digital stereo inputs (x 2) Assignable internal inserts (x 16) -- not "simple" channels TDIF (x 24) AD AT (x 8) Assignable sends (x 8) Option slots 48 full-function channels Channel destinations TDIF inputs (x 24) AD AT inputs (x 8) Option slots Cascade 2-track in Aux sends (x 12) Busses (x 24) Outputs (hardware) Inputs (hardwarte) Mixer channels Direct outs (x 48) Cascade Stereo outs (analog & digital) CR outs Studio outs 16 "simple" channels Stereo buss Figure 1.1: Basic logical components of the DM-4800 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 11 1 ­ Introduction : Unpacking the DM-4800 Channel destinations There are 24 busses, 12 aux busses, and 16 assignable inserts (not to be confused with the "hard-wired" analog inserts on the input pre-amps) as well as the stereo buss module. Outputs from the channels can be assigned to these. Furthermore, even when working at a sampling frequency of 88.2kHz or 96kHz, the DM-4800 retains the same number of channels and facilities as when operating at "conventional" sampling frequencies. Physical outputs available include the built-in TDIF outputs (3 sets of eight outputs each), and eight channels of ADAT "lightpipe", as well as two stereo digital and one stereo analog sets of outputs. Since buss outputs can be assigned to the TDIF and ADAT ports, this allows all the channels of a surround mix to be recorded together. The option slot cards typically provide outputs as well as inputs. Outputs The sources for the outputs (built-in and optional slot) are then assigned to the actual physical outputs. Effects The DM-4800 incorporates two high-quality digital effects, including a digital reverb programmed by TC Works. Signals may be routed internally to these effects using busses or aux sends, and the returns fed back to mixer channels for inclusion in the mix. Alternatively, the assignable inserts may be used to insert an effect into the signal path of a channel module. External effects can be looped through the assignable analog sends and returns (the returns can then be assigned to channels), or kept in the digital domain by using the stereo digital I/O facilities. In addition, channels 1 through 48 can use built-in dynamic processors to provide compression or expansion either pre- or post-EQ. Gates can be inserted at the inputs, with a wide range of triggering options. There are also analog inserts associated with each mic/line input, which allow additional processors to be inserted, before the DA converters. These insert points can also be used to bypass the DM-4800's internal mic amps and patch in external mic amps. Unpacking the DM-4800 The DM-4800's box contains the items listed below. When opening the package please be certain all the items listed are included. If any items are missing, please consult your TASCAM dealer. · The DM-4800 · AC power cable · A CF card, pre-formatted, and installed in the card slot of the DM-4800. · A USB cable · A CD-ROM containing the utility software and documentation for the DM-4800 (Windows and Mac compatible). · This manual · The Quick Reference Guide · A guide to the use of the utility TM Companion software · A guide to the use of the DM-4800's automation features · Warranty card. WARNING The DM-4800 is a large and bulky piece of equipment. We strongly suggest that you get someone to help you lift it out of the carton and locate it in the position where it will be used. Lifting properly--When lifting, be sure of your footing and grip. Bend your legs to get close to the DM-4800, keeping your back straight, and then lift by straightening your legs. Hold the unit close to your body. Avoid twisting or turning your body while lifting or carrying the DM-4800. 12 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 1 ­ Introduction : About the manual About the manual Pushed controls on the DM-4800 are referred to as "keys". Their virtual equivalents displayed on screen are referred to as "buttons". Within this manual, the following typographic conventions are used: · The name of a control or connector on the unit is written in the following way: LINE/MIC. · Messages and text shown on the display of the DM-4800 are shown as follows: DIGITAL IN 1. · The name of a control or connector on another unit is written in the following way: AUX IN. What's in the manual 1, "Introduction" (page 10) This section, providing an introduction to the DM-4800. This section also contains information on using the DM-4800 in surround modes. 2, "Basic operational concepts" (page 17) This is important--it gives you basic information on the way in which you use the DM-4800's controls and menu systems, etc. as well as providing an explanation of way in which the DM-4800 stores data. 6, "Effects" (page 94) The parameters controlling the built-in effects of the DM-4800 are described here and a list of the preset libraries may also be found in this section. 7, "MIDI" (page 96) This provides information on the MIDI capabilities provided by the DM-4800. 3, "Connections" (page 48) Provides information on how to connect the DM-4800 to other equipment in your setup. 4, "Routing & assignment" (page 58) Since the DM-4800 is a "soft" console, with many patches and assignments made through software rather than physical connections, you should read this section to understand how the inputs and outputs of the DM4800, as well as the internal connections, are linked together. 8, "Remote operation" (page 105) The DM-4800 is capable of acting as a remote control unit for a wide variety of external devices, including DAW systems. This section explains how to use these capabilities. 9, "Specifications" (page 118) Specifications of the DM-4800, together with a guide to the popup messages that appear on screen. Also note that there are two separate publications in addition to this manual and the printed Quick Reference Guide: these cover the automation features of the DM-4800 and the TMCompanion software, which are provided as electronic publications in PDF format. 5, "Channel modules" (page 71) This section describes the modules which form the basic "building blocks" of the DM-4800. Most of the mixing work you do on the DM-4800 will use the functions described here. Notes and warnings TIP CAUTION We give hints and tips on using the DM-4800 in this way. NOTE Cautions show that you may lose data or performance may suffer if the instructions are not followed. WARNING These notes provide additional explanations for special cases, etc. These warnings should be taken very seriously. They describe situations which can cause injury, or damage to equipment if the instructions are not followed. TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 13 1 ­ Introduction : Before you start Before you start The DM-4800 organizes your settings in projects. Projects include snapshot data, effect settings, dynamics processing and EQ settings, as well as automation data, and are stored on the CF card. Until you create your first project, you cannot store your own settings. TIP Create a project before you first start work with the DM-4800, so that you can make full use of the library and automation functions. Details of how to create and manage projects are provided in "About projects and libraries" on page 34. Special notes for touch-sensitive faders The usual rules regarding precision electronic equipment naturally apply to the DM-4800. In addition, note the following that apply to the touch-sensitive faders: · The faders need a human finger to operate their touch-sensitivity. Do not use a pencil, ruler, etc. to operate them. Even using your fingernails may not activate the touch-sensitivity. · The humidity and temperature of your environment affects the touch-sensitivity of the faders. Under normal working conditions you should experience no issues. However, extremes of temperature and/ or humidity may sometimes cause operational problems. Copyright, etc. Windows and Windows XP are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh, MacOS, MacOS X and FireWire are trademarks of Apple Computer. HUI and Mackie CONTROL are trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. 14 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 1 ­ Introduction : The features of the DM-4800 The features of the DM-4800 This section describes the different areas of the DM4800 as well as providing a guide to hooking up other equipment for use in your studio setup. The front surface of the DM-4800 may seem a little intimidating at first, but it is actually remarkably simple, considering the functionality built into the unit. Controls are logically grouped, depending on their function: Analog input section Monitoring section Routing SHIFT & CTRL keys Library & CF card slot "Fat channel" controls Control section Encoders and encoder control Modules and fader layer section Automation Machine control Figure 1.2: Overview of the DM-4800 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 15 1 ­ Introduction : The features of the DM-4800 Control section This section contains the screen, the dedicated function keys, and the PODs, as well as the cursor keys and the data wheel. The operation of this section is described in more detail in "Basic operational concepts" on page 17, which you should read in order to gain an understanding of how the PODs, etc. are used. Monitoring section This section contains the controls for the control room and studio monitoring and cueing controls, as well as the talkback microphone and slate controls. The main stereo meters are also in this section. See "Monitoring" on page 66 for details of this section's operation. Module & fader layer control section The faders and module control keys are in this section, together with the keys used to select the different layers. See "Fader layers" on page 19 for details of how the fader layers are used on the DM-4800. The SEL keys are used to select the modules to be edited. This can also be done with the touch-sensitive faders. Encoder section The use of the encoders is described in "Encoders" on page 22. See this section for a complete description of how the indicators surrounding the encoders are lit when the encoders perform different functions. Modifier section (SHIFT & CTRL keys) These are keys which when pressed and held, affect the behavior of other keys. Library section and CF card slot These keys perform recall, etc. of library entries. The CF card slot is used with a CF card to store projects and the data associated with these project. Machine control section These controls are used to control a device (external hardware recorder, or DAW) connected to the DM4800 using MIDI, USB or the 9-pin serial control protocol. See "Remote operation" on page 105 for details of how to set up and use these controls in your projects. Analog input section These are the built-in mic/line inputs and inserts. See the details later in this section ("Mic/line connections" on page 49) for details of how to connect and use them. 16 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 2 ­ Basic operational concepts This section introduces the basic ways in which you should use the controls of the DM-4800 to achieve your desired goals. NOTE Please take the time to read and understand this section, so that you understand how basic navigation and parameter editing operations are performed. Dedicated screen mode selection keys provide access to the different screens shown on the LCD display: Many screens accessed with these keys include subscreens or "pages". These sub-screens can be accessed using the POD keys ("The PODs" on page 20) or repeated presses of the same control key will cycle through these pages. Figure 2.2: Cursor and data wheel keys Use the cursor keys to navigate around the screen (sometimes, the wheel can also be used to navigate). Radio buttons (exclusive-or options) or checkboxes (options) are set and unset using the ENTER key when the cursor highlights the option. When a parameter is selected, the wheel is usually used to change the value. For non-numerical values changed using the wheel, usually ENTER should be pressed to confirm the entry. Note that while the parameter is being edited, the displayed parameter blinks on screen, and the cursor cannot be moved until the new value is confirmed with the ENTER key. The cursor keys are often used as "escape" keys to leave a screen without changing the value. For a few parameters (chiefly connected with the remote unit location facilities), the number keys can also be used when the number is selected using ENTER. Confirm the entry of a value made in this way by pressing ENTER. Figure 2.1: Screen mode selection keys Press one of these keys to access the screen marked above the key in "normal" (for example, key 4 is used to select the AUX 7-8 screen). For the alternative screen available from many keys, press the ALT key so that the ALT indicator lights (see "Smart keys" on page 19 for details of the behavior of this key), and then the appropriate key to select the screen whose title is written in inverted characters above the key. For example, key 5 normally brings up the AUX 9-10 screen, but using this key with the ALT key brings up the LIBRARY screens. TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 17 2 ­ Basic operational concepts : What's on the screen? What's on the screen? For almost all the screens displayed by the DM4800, there are two common areas. The first is at the top, and we explain that area here (the second is the row of labels which identify the POD functions (described in "Special controls" on page 20)). These top and bottom areas are for display, and their contents are automatically determined (they cannot be edited). On the top row of the top section, the left side shows (on top) the current encoder mode (see "Encoders" on page 22) and immediately below that, the currently-selected module or modules. To the right of this, the current automation settings (on or off, or global mode) are shown. Current encoder mode Automation engine on and automation write status Screen display name Current library entry Current timecode value selected by direct recall and source Currently-selected module Figure 2.3: Explanation of the top line of screen displays To the right of this, the name and number of the current library entry selected with the direct library functions are shown, and immediately below that, in larger letters, the title of the current screen. Finally, on the right, the current timecode value (with the source as set up as preference) is displayed. NOTE The timecode displayed can be changed as a setup option. See "UPPER BAR DISPLAY" on page 42. Jumping to commonly-used screens Within a project, it's likely that you'll find yourself using some screens more than others. One of the main such screens is the module screen, allowing you to view and change a module's parameters at a glance. For this reason, a dedicated MODULE key, with indicator, is pro- vided to the right of the number keys. The module parameters shown are those of the module selected using the SEL keys. The three USER keys are used to set up three commonly-used shortcuts to screens used frequently within a project. 18 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 2 ­ Basic operational concepts : Fader layers Setting a USER screen 1 Bring up the screen to which you want to make a shortcut, 2 Press and hold the SHIFT and CTRL keys (to the left of the unit). 3 While holding down these keys, press one of the USER keys. A popup telling you that the screen is assigned to the user key appears. 4 Release all the keys. Next time you press that USER key (without the SHIFT and CTRL keys), the display shows the screen you set previously. Fader layers The DM-4800 has 24 channel faders and encoders, but is capable of controlling 64 channels, in addition to the 12 master aux sends and 24 buss levels. The faders (and the encoders, when the encoders are associated with channels) are therefore arranged in layers, allowing different groups of faders to be accessed. Use the LAYER STATUS keys (which light when the appropriate layer is active) to select these layers. These keys are located to the right of the master fader. When these keys are pressed, the faders move to the appropriate positions, reflecting the new fader layer. The first three keys are used to select the channel modules (1 through 24, 25 through 48 and 49 through 64). NOTE In the CH 49-64 mode, faders 17 through 24 are disabled. The BUSS 1-24 key selects the 24 busses. The next key selects the aux sends, and uses the first 12 faders for this purpose (faders 13 through 24 are disabled here). The faders may be used for remote DAW control, etc. in REMOTE mode. Smart keys The DM-4800 features five "smart keys": the ALT key and four "talkback" keys (DIM, MONO, TO SLATE and TO STUDIO). When the status of any of these keys is off, and the key is then pressed very briefly and released, the status of the key, as shown by the indicator, is changed to on after the key is released (latching). If the status of the key is off, and the key is pressed and held down, the status is only changed as long as the key is held down (non-latching). Note that if the status of one of these keys is on, the length of the key press makes no difference--the key status changes to off when the key is released. TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual 19 2 ­ Basic operational concepts : Other global modifier keys Other global modifier keys There are two other global "modifier" keys which are used to add additional functions to other keys outside the key area. These are the CTRL and SHIFT keys located at the left of the top panel. These are used to change the function of certain keys located outside the screen mode selection key block as well as for other specialized functions (for example, see "Setting a USER screen" on page 19). SHIFTed keys are marked with their shifted functions written underneath in white on a blue background, and keys modified with the CTRL key have their modified labels underneath, with the lettering in blue on a white background. Figure 2.4: Global modifier keys Special controls The DM-4800 incorporates a few controls that are not found on every digital mixer and which therefore may be a little unfamiliar. These are the PODs, which are located immediately below the display, and the 24 encoders, located above the channel strips. The PODs The DM-4800 has four unmarked encoder/key combinations (referred to as PODs) below the display. The function of these pods varies according to the current screen display. Figure 2.5: POD controls Very often, in a screen with many controls displayed, the up and down cursor keys are used to move a highlighting box around the screen. These boxes highlight a maximum of four on-screen rotary controls, which are then controlled by the corresponding POD encoders (immediately below the on-screen controls). Note also the contrast control to the right of the PODs. 20 TASCAM DM-4800 User's Manual