» 2488MK# Digital Portastudio OWNER'S MANUAL D00951210A
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1 Read these instructions. • Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes. 2 Keep these instructions. • Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. 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. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
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. CAUTION • DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING USING A SCREWDRIVER.
Contents 1 − Introductions................................ 8 Supplied accessories.................................8 Use with a personal computer.................8 About this User's Manual.........................9 Manual conventions.................................9 Precautions and notes for placement and use...........10 Handling of compact discs.............................. 10 Beware of condensation................................. 10 Never use a stabilizer or printable discs........
Contents Assigning mic effects......................................39 Selecting mic effects.......................................40 Editing mic effects...........................................40 Repeat......................................................55 Multi-effect............................................. 41 Setting the repeat interval.............................55 Auto punch operations...........................55 Saving single effects.......................................
Contents Reformatting TASCAM partitions..........76 Reformatting the FAT partition.............76 10 − File import/export.................... 77 USB mode . ..............................................77 Opening the USB connection ................77 Closing the USB connection............................77 USB import (mono WAV files)................78 USB import (stereo WAV files)...............78 USB import (SMF files)............................79 USB export (virtual tracks).....................
1 − Introductions Thank you for purchasing the 24-track TASCAM 2488MKII Digital Portastudio. With this all-in-one digital multitrack recorder, you can record, mix and master audio on an 80GB hard disk and make audio and backup CDs with the internal CD-RW drive. Before connecting and using the unit, please read this User's Guide carefully before operating the unit. After you have finished reading this manual, please keep it in a safe place for future reference.
1 − Introductions About this User's Manual This User's Manual is comprised of the following chapters. 1 – Introductions (page 8) In addition to an overview of the unit and information about CD-R/CD-RW discs and other features, this chapter explains the structure of this User's Guide and describes the conventions used in it. This chapter also includes important notices about copyright and liability. 2 – Setting up and basic knowledge (page 12) Read this chapter before operation.
1 − Introductions Precautions and notes for placement and use The 2488MKII may be used in most areas, but to maintain top performance, and prolong operating life, observe the following notes, precautions and environmental conditions: • Avoid exposing it to extremes of temperature and humidity and avoid mechanical shocks and vibration. • Keep the unit away from strong magnetic fields (TV sets, computer monitors, large electric motors, etc.).
1 − Introductions About CD-R and CD-RW discs CD-R discs can be recorded once only. Once they have been used for recording, they cannot be erased or re-recorded. However, if space is available on the disc, additional material can be recorded.
2 − Setting up and basic knowledge Setting up the 2488MKII First, find a flat level surface for the 2488MKII which is stable and cannot be jogged or jolted easily. Plug in and turn on the 2488MKII. The power switch is on the rear, by the power cord. This should be a hard surface. Do not put the 2488MKII on a carpet or furnishings, as this will block the airflow and possibly cause overheating. You should avoid moving the 2488MKII while it is switched on.
2 − Setting up and basic knowledge Shutdown You should always use the SHUT DOWN key before turning off the 2488MKII. 2 The 2488MKII contains a hard disk which is used to store your song data. If you simply turn off the unit using the power switch, there may be some data in the 2488MKII’s memory which hasn’t been written to disk and you will therefore lose that data when you turn off the unit. 1 Press the YES/ENTER key.
2 − Setting up and basic knowledge 2 Turn the JOG/DATA dial until the DISK item is highlighted, and then press the YES/ENTER key. The partition list appears on the screen. The open space in each partition appears on the right. The DISK menu appears. 4 3 Use the JOG/DATA dial until the SELECT item is highlighted, and then press the YES/ENTER key. Use the JOG/DATA dial until the partition you wish to use is highlighted, and then press the YES/ENTER key. The partition is now selected.
2 − Setting up and basic knowledge ª Direct access screens The keys listed below are keys dedicated to various functions and many allow direct access to related screens. Some of these keys, however, do not have dedicated screens for editing. Please see the related section for each function for details.
2 − Setting up and basic knowledge SHIFT key Many keys have two functions: the first is written in normal (white) type, and the second is written under this in white on a green background. To access these second shifted functions: 1 Press the SHIFT key so that the indicator lights. 2 Press the key whose second function you want to use. The SHIFT indicator goes out.
3 − Names and functions of the 2488MKII Top panel Mixdown section (Y-U) O Monitor section (u-p) Routing section (I) Access indicator section (d-f) Effects section (5-7) LCD display section (a-s) Input channel section (1-4) Utility section (g-l) A P Track mixer section (8-q) Sub mixer section (w-r) Stereo bus section (t-y) Channel section (v-m) Transport section (^-)) Mark/Title section (#-%) Locate section (,-@) Screen operation section (;-c) Transport keys (Q-T) Input channel section Controls
3 − Names and functions of the 2488MKII Effects section These 3 keys access effect functions. See “6–Effects” on page 39 for details. 5 MULTI (TUNER) key Press this key to open the MULTI EFFECT screen. To assign the multi-effect to an input or mixer channel, press and hold down this key and then press the INPUT or SELECT key of the desired channel. Press this key and the MICX4 key at the same time to change the active insert effect. Press this key with the SHIFT indicator lit to open the TUNER screen.
3 − Names and functions of the 2488MKII Monitor Section These controls adjust the output signal sent to the PHONES output jack on the front panel and the MONITOR OUTPUT jack on the rear panel. See “Monitoring” on page 36 for details. u MONITOR LEVEL knob Adjusts the level of the output signal. i MONITOR SOURCE (MONO) key/indicator Pressing this key cycles through the monitor sources. The indicator lights next to the selected monitor source (STEREO, SUB MIX, TO EFF LOOP, EFF SEND 1/2).
3 − Names and functions of the 2488MKII Channel section Opens screens for setting mixer channel functions. v EQ key Press this key to open the EQ screen of the currently selected channel (input channel, track channel or stereo bus). See “Digital pad/gain” / “EQ” on page 31 and “Stereo EQ” on page 33. b SEND key Press this key to open the EFFECT SEND screen of the currently selected channel (input channel or track channel). See “Effect send” on page 32.
3 − Names and functions of the 2488MKII Transport section This section has keys for auto punch recording, repeat, pitch control/SSA and other functions, and a jog mode indicator light. ^ AUTO PUNCH key/indicator Press this key to turn the auto punch mode ON and OFF (see “Auto punch operations” on page 55). & RHSL key/indicator Press this key to turn the rehearsal mode ON and OFF. Rehearsal is possible in auto punch mode as well as in normal recording. ( JOG indicator Lights when jog mode is active.
3 − Names and functions of the 2488MKII Routing section I QUICK ROUTING (MAP) key Use to recall and save routing assignment settings (see “Saving and loading assignments” on page 30). Press this key with the SHIFT indicator lit to open the ROUTING MAP screen where you can see the status of input channel assignments (see “Checking assingments” on page 30). Other keys O SHIFT key/indicator The shift function is operative when the indicator is lit. A SHUT DOWN key Turns the 2488MKII unit off.
3 − Names and functions of the 2488MKII Rear panel 1 q w 2 3 4 567 1� POWER switch Turn the 2488MKII power ON and OFF. Follow shut down procedures before turning power OFF (see “Shut down” on page 13). 2� ~ IN jack Connect the included power cord. 3� MIDI OUT jack Sends Program Change and Control Change, MMC commands, realtime messages (such as MTC), common messages and other MIDI messages to connected MIDI devices. 8 0 9 0 MIC/LINE (A–D) jacks Analog input jacks for inputs A–D.
4 − Recording Setting up your first song This example shows how to record a rhythm guitar, followed by recording an accompanying lead guitar. This is a simple recording, but the same procedures also apply to more complicated recordings, so please read this section carefully. New song To make sure we start with a “clean slate,” we will create a new song. 3 In the CREATE screen, press the SHIFT key followed by the TITLE key to enter titling mode.
4 − Recording Setting the tempo The 2488MKII has an internal metronome that can play a click according to the metronome settings or tempo map settings. The initial setting is a simple metronome mode (free metronome mode). Use the following procedures to set the metronome to 2/4 time with a tempo of = 100. 1 Press and hold the CLICK key. The CLICK indicator lights orange and the FREE METRONOME screen appears. 2 Use the cursor keys or JOG/DATA dial to make the settings below. TEMPO œ 100 TIME SIG.
4 − Recording Making the first recording We assume that you’re recording the rhythm guitar to start with, and that you will be recording it on track 1. Note that inputs on the 2488MKII are lettered from A through H. Tracks are numbered from 1 through 24. Input H is special on the 2488MKII—it is duplicated at the front of the 2488MKII with an input for electric guitars and basses (active guitars and basses should use a 1/4” LINE jack at the rear of the unit).
4 − Recording 8 Use the cursor keys and the dial to move around the display and change values. The settings are shown as numbers and as a graph. 11 To return to the zero position, where your song began, press and hold the STOP key, and press the REW key (marked as RTZ—“return to zero”). Use the on-screen SW on the left side of the display (or use SHIFT and YES/ENTER to turn the EQ on, and use SHIFT and NO/EXIT to turn the EQ off) to compare the sound with and without the equalization.
4 − Recording Lead line Now we can record the lead guitar line. We will add an effect to the lead guitar to make it sound a little more interesting. 6 Press the MULTI key again to bring up the MULTI EFFECT screen. 7 Press YES/ENTER to show the library choices, move the cursor to PRESET to select the preset multieffect library. TIP You can also perform audio edits, cutting, copying and pasting between tracks, etc. to correct small mistakes.
5 − Mixer Inputs and assignments The 2488MKII mixer is equipped with 8 inputs (A–H), 24 playback tracks, and 2 effect returns for a total of 34 channels. 4 of the 8 inputs (A–D) have combined MIC/LINE inputs that can accept both XLR jacks and standard 1/4” TRS jacks. These can also supply +48 V phantom power. Inputs E–H are standard balanced 1/4” jack MIC/LINE inputs. WARNING Never connect microphones to inputs A through D, or disconnect microphones from these inputs with phantom power turned on.
5 − Mixer Checking assignments When either an input key (or channel SELECT key) is pressed and held down it flashes, together with the channel (or input key) to which it has been assigned. Also, if the SHIFT key is pressed, followed by the MAP key, a screen is shown with the current assignments. The eight inputs are represented by horizontal lines, which are joined to the channel labels at the bottom of the screen by vertical lines when they are assigned to the channels.
5 − Mixer Channel functions In this section, we explain the channel functions of the 2488MKII’s mixer. The recorder track channels (1–24) and input channels have similar functions, so we explain them together as channel functions. Stereo bus functions are explained on page 33.
5 − Mixer Effect send There is one stereo “loop” send (using the internal effects) in addition two effect sends (using the external EFFECT SENDS jacks) for each channel. Please see “Single effect” on page 42 for details about the use of the internal single effect. Press the channel’s SELECT key, followed by the SEND key (this order can be reversed). For each effect send, there is a soft switch at the left side of the screen.
5 − Mixer Mute The MUTE keys for each channel also serve as solo keys (see “Soloing and toggle” on page 37). When a channel’s MUTE key is pressed (when soloing is not active), the orange indicator lights, and the sound from that channel is not sent to the stereo bus. The channel’s recording source is also muted. Linking channels Adjacent track channels and input channels can be linked.
5 − Mixer Stereo dynamics The stereo bus has a stereo dynamics processor (compressor or expander) available. 1 2 Press the YES/ENTER key. The DYNAMICS LIBRARY screen appears. 3 Use the Ó/Á cursor keys to select preset setting (PRESET) or the user setting (USER). With the SHIFT indicator lit, press the SELECT key. The STEREO DYNAMICS screen appears. The PRESET category contains factory preset settings, while USER can be used to save and recall custom settings.
5 − Mixer Direct output A pair of tracks can be routed for direct output through the analog STEREO OUT jacks (and the DIGITAL OUT). While the above screen is shown, if you use the JOG/DATA dial to select linked or paired tracks (1/2–23/24), the track signal bypasses the mixer and stereo faders and is output directly from the STEREO OUT jacks. Usually this function is OFF. NOTE The direct output signal is a track playback signal that does not pass through the mixer channel.
5 − Mixer Monitoring Monitoring is a vital part of the whole recording and mastering process. The 2488MKII provides stereo monitoring facilities through an external amplifier/speakers combination, as well as headphones. The level for these two monitoring systems is set using the MONITOR LEVEL control. This monitoring level is affected by the level from the STEREO fader, but does not affect the level of the stereo bus.
5 − Mixer Soloing and toggle If you press the SOLO key to the upper right of the STEREO fader, the indicator lights and solo mode activates. In solo mode, the track channel MUTE/SOLO keys function as SOLO keys, allowing you to monitor just the track channel signals of your choice. The MUTE/SOLO keys of any soloed channels flash while being soloed. Muted channels cannot be soloed or unmuted while solo mode is active. When soloing channels, the solo is “in-place.,” meaning that faders, pan controls, EQ, etc.
5 − Mixer If the fader matching setting is changed from the factory setting REAL, to JUMP or CATCH as described below, then fader data will be recalled together with scenes. Immediately after recall, though, the physical fader positions may not match the internal fader values and the initial effect of a moving a physical fader then depends on the fader matching mode. Change the fader matching setting with the FADER MATCHING item on the MIXER screen of the PREFERENCE menu.
6 − Effects This chapter explains the built-in insert effects that can be applied to individual mic and guitar inputs and the mixdown/mastering effects (single effect). In addition to insert effects and single effects, this unit also has a built-in dynamics processor for the stereo bus. Please see “Stereo dynamics” on page 34 for more information. Depending on the mode, insert effects can be used as either four mic effects and one multi-effect (guitar effect) or as eight mic effects.
6 − Effects Selecting mic effects 1 When the MICX4 key is pressed (regardless of whether eight or four mic effects have been selected), and the SELECT key of the input or track is pressed, the MIC EFFECT screen is shown: 4 Use the left and right keys to select either the preset (PRESET) library, the user library (USER) or save (SAVE) the current setting.
6 − Effects Multi-effect On the 2488MKII, a “multi-effect” is a chain of effects which can be used together as one insert effect for processing a guitar sound, for example. A multi-effect is made available together with the four mic effect setting. Selecting the multi-effect for use is done in the same way as selecting the four mic effects (see “Editing mic effects” page 40).
6 − Effects Saving multi-effect settings You can save an edited setting as a user setting in the library. 1 When the MULTI EFFECT screen is visible, press the YES/ENTER key to open the MULTI EFFECT LIBRARY screen. 2 Use the Ó/Á cursor keys to select SAVE . 3 Use the JOG/DATA dial (or the §/¶ cursor keys) to select a setting slot to store the new setting. 4 Rename the setting if you want (see “Titling” on page 15). 5 Press the YES/ENTER key to save the setting and return to the MULTI EFFECT screen.
6 − Effects Tuner This is not really an effect, but uses one of the effect keys. Press the shifted MULTI key to bring up the TUNER screen. The tuner is used with the signal from input H (reserved for guitars and basses). It cannot be used with any other input.
7 − Recorder First steps in recording (song management) These functions are not completely recorder-related, but they do have play important roles in the recorder operation. These are all accessed through the SONG menu from the main menu. Press MENU, navigate to SONG, and press YES/ENTER. Creating a song Before starting a new recording, you must follow these procedures to create a song. 1 Press the MENU key to open the MENU screen.
7 − Recorder Saving a song The function described here saves the song to disk. 1 Press the MENU key to open the MENU screen. Use the cursor keys to select the SONG item, and then press the YES/ENTER key. 2 At the SONG menu, use the cursor keys to highlight the SAVE option. Press YES/ENTER . As the song is saved, appropriate messages are displayed. The current song will be reloaded after it has been saved, and you can resume work on it.
7 − Recorder Copying songs As well as copying songs, so that you can work on another version of them, you can also use this menu item as a tool to back up songs to another partition (you can also back up to CD-R or personal computer, but this is a separate process). 1 2 Press the MENU key to open the MENU screen. Use the cursor keys to select the SONG item, and then press the YES/ENTER key. At the SONG menu, use the cursor keys to highlight the COPY option. Press YES/ENTER .
7 − Recorder Protecting a song You can protect a song to prevent accidental changes. When a song is protected, recording is not possible (the track REC keys are disabled), it cannot be edited using the track editing functions, and it cannot be erased, etc. using the SONG menu. It is also impossible to set or edit mark poits except the IN and OUT points for repeat operations, or to permanently reassign virtual tracks. Virtual tracks can be assigned for audition purposes, but not permanently saved.
7 − Recorder Jog positioning To position the playback point precisely, you can “jog” the playback position, using the dial. As you move backwards and forwards through the recording, you can hear the recorded sound at slow speed, either backward or forward, depending on the direction you are turning the dial. NOTE The 2488MKII can locate a position with an accuracy of 1/10 frame. The length of 1 frame depends on the frame rate (24–30 frames per second).
7 − Recorder Fast forward and rewind On a tape recorder, you can use the fast forward and fast rewind keys to spool through a tape. A disk recorder like the 2488MKII works in a somewhat different way.
7 − Recorder Hands-free recording You can also use a suitable foot switch (for example the TASCAM RC-30P) connected to the PUNCH jack on the front, to drop into record mode. When a track is armed, and playback is taking place, pressing the foot switch will change from playback mode to record mode. When recording, pressing the foot switch will drop out of record mode into playback mode. Undo recordings You can “undo” recordings, (unlike on a tape recorder).
7 − Recorder Editing the IN, OUT, TO and FROM points When the points have been set, it may be necessary to “trim” them, or to slip them backwards or forwards a little. NOTE These points cannot be edited when repeat mode is ON (the REPEAT indicator is lit). 3 Press the SELECT key of the track that you want to view. The display changes to the wave-form of that track. 4 Follow the instructions in “Jog positioning” on page 48 for zooming and moving the current jog position.
7 − Recorder Editing the active mark This process is sometimes referred to as trimming. This is a similar process to the jog positioning of the playback point (see “Jog positioning” on page 48), except that in this operation, the final position is stored as the position of the active mark. You can edit the active mark when playback is stopped. You cannot edit the active mark when recording or playing back. 1 Make sure that the mark you want to edit is shown on the home display and that playback is stopped.
7 − Recorder Using the mark list Every time a mark is stored, it is entered into the list, and every time a mark is deleted, it is removed from the list. Use the MARK LIST to locate, erase, and add titles to marks. Note that this list cannot be used to edit mark positions. To see the list, press the LOCATE key: ª 1 Erasing marks using the list Press the LOCATE key. The MARK LIST screen appears. 2 Use the JOG/DATA dial (or §/¶ cursor keys) to select the mark to erase.
7 − Recorder Direct location In this method, you use the cursor keys and the dial to locate to a specified position. There are three modes in which the time can be shown on the home screen: ABS (the absolute time), MTC (MIDI Time Code) and BAR. The BAR time display is based on an internal tempo source map, or such as a standard MIDI file (SMF). See “Tempo and MIDI” on page 87 for details of these. In the first two of these modes, you can locate to sub-frame accuracy.
7 − Recorder 6 When you change a value, the values on the top line will start to blink and will continue to blink for a few seconds. 7 Press YES/ENTER while the values are blinking to set the value, or PLAY to start immediate playback at that value. Also, if you do not press any keys or turn the dial for a few seconds, the values stop blinking, and the new time value that has been set becomes the current playback position.
7 − Recorder Setting the punch points The 2488MKII provides three different punch settings. 1 With at least one track armed (the REC indicator flashing), and playback stopped, press the AUTO PUNCH key: LAST REC This option sets the start and end points of the last recording (or recording rehearsal) as the punch in and punch out points. IN - OUT This uses the IN and OUT points as the punchin and the punch-out points.
7 − Recorder Recording the punch When you are happy with the rehearsed punch material, you record the punch in the following way: Press the RHSL key so that the indicator goes out. 1 2 Press and hold the RECORD key and press the PLAY key. • The display shows TAKE. • Playback starts at the pre-roll point. Both the input source and previously-recorded material can be monitored. • When playback reaches the punch-in point, the monitored signal on the armed track(s) is muted.
7 − Recorder Bouncing tracks Like many multitrack recorders, the 2488MKII allows you to “bounce” a collection of recorded tracks to a smaller number of tracks. This allows you to record more than 24 tracks (but once bounced onto a track or pair of tracks, the original tracks cannot be separated again). In bounce mode, the recording source track signals pass from the mixer channels, through the sub mix bus, to the bounce track.
7 − Recorder IN, OUT, TO and FROM The IN, OUT, TO and FROM points are used for editing operations (the IN and OUT points are also used for the previously described auto punch and repeat functions). See “IN, OUT, TO and FROM points” on page 50 for how to set and trim (adjust) these points. The IN point is the start of the section to be edited at the beginning of track editing. The OUT point is the end of the section to be edited at the beginning of track editing.
7 − Recorder COPY ® PASTE This function takes the section of a track or tracks marked by the IN and OUT points, copies it, and places it at the TO point on the chosen track or tracks. The original source is left unchanged. IN OUT TO IN OUT TO You can change the following values: Src.Trk This sets the source track or tracks from which the section is copied. Choose 1 through 24 to select an individual track. Choose 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 etc. to select a pair of tracks. Choose 1-24 to select all tracks. Dst.
7 − Recorder COPY ® INSERT This function takes the section of a track or tracks marked by the IN and OUT points, copies it, and places it on the chosen track or tracks, inserting it as new material, starting at the TO point. IN OUT IN OUT TO You can change the following values: Src. Trk This sets the source track or tracks from which the section is copied. Choose 1 through 24 to select an individual track. Choose 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 etc. to select a pair of tracks. Choose 1-24 to select all tracks. Dst.
7 − Recorder MOVE ® INSERT This function takes the section of a track or tracks marked by the IN and OUT points, and moves it to the chosen track or tracks, inserting it as new material, starting at the TO point. IN IN OUT OUT TO TO You can change the following values: Src. Trk This sets the source track or tracks from which the section is taken. Choose 1 through 24 to select an individual track. Choose 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, etc. to select a pair of tracks. Choose 1-24 to select all tracks. Dst.
7 − Recorder SILENCE This function is equivalent to recording silence between the IN and OUT points on the chosen track or tracks. IN OUT There is only one value that you can change: Src. Trk Select an individual track (1 through 8), a pair of tracks (1/2, 3/4, 5/6, etc.), or all the tracks (1-24). Press YES/ENTER to perform the operation or NO/EXIT to leave this screen. IN OUT No material is added or deleted, and the length of the result is therefore the same as that of the original.
7 − Recorder UNDO and REDO Unlike a tape recorder, but like most word-processors, you can undo your mistakes (the 2488MKII remembers up to the last 999 operations you perform in each song). What is more, you can undo your undo operations (redo). In addition, all these operations are stored as part of the song on the disk; even when you turn the machine off, the history of all the previous operations is stored ready for next time.
7 − Recorder An undo/redo example Here’s an extremely simplified example that extremely unlikely that you’d work this way, but it shows the principles involved: Lead vocal 3rd take Lead vocal 2nd take Lead vocal correction Lead vocal Retake of guitar solo bridge section Guitar solo Piano (second part) Piano Scratch vocal take Bass line Copy and paste drum loop Basic drum loop Start song This is the history of a recording session so far.
7 − Recorder Virtual tracks Up to now, we have described the 2488MKII as a 24-track recorder because it can playback up to 24 tracks simultaneously. In fact, however, each song may contain up to 250 tracks, which we call “virtual tracks.” Up to 24 of these virtual tracks may be assigned to playback tracks 1–24, which are called “physical tracks.” The 24 virtual tracks assigned to these physical tracks are available for recording and playback.
7 − Recorder virtual tracks that contain the bass takes to three physical tracks and then use the faders and MUTE/SOLO keys to listen to each of them in turn (for simplicity, these illustrations show only the first eight tracks). Alternatively, if you want to assemble a track for the whole song, you could assign the three different takes of the part to three different active tracks and use the track editing functions to copy and paste the good parts of each track to make a perfect whole.
7 − Recorder Varispeed operations (pitch and SSA) You can play back and record at speeds which are greater or less than the original (±6%) to allow for differences in tuning, etc. It is also possible to play back a selected pair of tracks at the same pitch, but slower than the original (the SSA—Slow Speed Audition feature). This allows you to rehearse tricky lead lines, etc. at a slower speed, and can be combined with repeat playback (“Repeat” on page 55) for easy rehearsals.
8 − Mastering and CD recorder Mixdown is the mixing of the audio from every track in a recording into a stereo pair. On the 2488MKII, writing this mixdown signal to a master stereo recorder is called ”mastering.” You can make an audio CD using the CD-R/CD-RW recorder built into the 2488MKII. However, before mastering (burning) a CD, the stereo mix must first be recorded to an internal stereo master track.
8 − Mastering and CD recorder Checking the master To check the recorded master track, use the master check mode. The transport controls work in the following way: • PLAY plays back from the current position to the end of the master track. • REW and F FWD keys rewind and fast-forward as normal, but the speed does not appear on the screen. • Press the STOP key to stop playback • Recording is disabled. • All location functions are disabled. • Jog, varispeed, SSA, repeat, etc. are disabled.
8 − Mastering and CD recorder Creating an audio CD You can create an audio CD by using the 2488MKII CD-RW drive to burn the master track to a CD-R/CD-RW disc. Three audio CD creation methods are available. Track At Once (TAO) burns CD tracks one at a time, while Disc At Once (DAO) burns multiple master tracks as CD tracks at one time. Furthermore, the 2488MKII has a Live Writer function that uses marks to burn one master track as multiple CD tracks.
8 − Mastering and CD recorder Finalizing the disc When you have recorded the last CD track on a disc, you must finalize it to make it playable on ordinary CD players. Before finalizing, you can check the recorded CD tracks using the 2488MKII’s CD PLAYER function. 2 finalize process. If you continue, the CD session is closed and the finalizing material (Table of Contents or TOC) is written to the disc. The CD-RW drive must contain an unfinalized disc before you start the process.
8 − Mastering and CD recorder 12 When all the gaps have been set, press YES/ENTER . A pop-up asks if you are sure. Use the YES/ENTER key to proceed with writing the CD or the NO/EXIT key to cancel the operation. 13 When you press YES/ENTER, a disk image is made of each song in turn, which is then written to the CD. CD writing begins. The disc is finalized after writing is finished. 10 Use the § and ¶ keys to move the cursor to the gaps between the songs on the CD.
8 − Mastering and CD recorder Playing CDs If an audio CD (either finalized or unfinalized) is inserted into the 2488MKII’s CD-RW drive, the 2488MKII can play it back. The 2488MKII transport controls are used to control playback of the CD, as explained here: • PLAY starts playback from the current playback position. When searching for a CD track, the PLAY indicator flashes. • STOP stops playback at the current position • REW and F FWD select CD tracks when stopped.
9 − Reformatting As noted in the section on “Basic Knowledge” (page 13), the 2488MKII hard disk is divided into a FAT-32 partition for audio file exchange, and multiple TASCAM partitions. You can reformat the entire hard disk or individual partitions. CAUTION discs or a computer’s hard drive, before starting this operation (see "Backup and restoration" on page 83). Do not turn off the power during formatting. This may lead to the loss of recorded data and/or not being able to restart the 2488MKII.
9 − Reformatting Reformatting TASCAM partitions In addition to formatting the entire hard disk as described above, you can also format individual TASCAM partitions. CAUTION When you perform this operation, all data on the selected partition is destroyed. This operation cannot be undone. Before performing this operation, make sure that all songs and data that you want to keep are backed up, either to disc or to a personal computer (see “Backup and restoration” on page 83).
10 − File import/export See “Use with a personal computer” on page 8 for conditions regarding the connection of a computer. The 2488MKII can import and export the following file types. WAV files When the 2488MKII imports a WAV file, the file is first stored on the FAT partition before you import it to a virtual track. Imported files must have a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz, and a bit depth of 16 or 24 bits. imported audio—the 2488MKII cannot magically recreate the extra eight bits.
10 − File import/export USB import (mono WAV files) When importing mono WAV files from a computer, they are first stored on the FAT partition (see “Hard disk and partitions” on page 13). 1 With the transport stopped, connect the 2488MKII and a computer using USB (see “Opening the USB connection” on page 77). 2 Drag and drop mono WAV files from your computer’s disk to the WAVE folder on the 2488MKII’s FAT partition.
10 − File import/export USB import (SMF files) You can also import Standard MIDI Files through the USB connection. For full details on how to use SMF files, see “SMF playback” on page 90. 1 With the transport stopped, connect the 2488MKII and a computer by USB (see “Opening the USB connection” on page 77). 2 Drag and drop SMF from your computer’s disk to the SMF folder on the 2488MKII FAT partition. You can drag and drop multiple files.
10 − File import/export USB export (virtual tracks) This is basically the reverse of the import procedure. First, select a virtual track and then export its contents to the FAT partition before connecting the 2488MKII to the computer and copying the file. 1 With the transport stopped, press MENU to open the MENU screen. 2 Select the WAVE IN/OUT and press YES/ENTER . The WAVE IN/OUT menu screen appears. 3 When USB EXPORT appears in inverse, press the YES/ENTER. 7 Press the YES/ENTER key.
10 − File import/export Exporting master tracks You can export one or more master tracks to a computer. The master tracks must all reside on the same TASCAM partition. Master tracks are converted to stereo WAV files, and sent to the FAT partition, from where they can be copied to the computer. Regardless of the master track bit depth, the exported stereo WAV file is 16-bit. 1 With the transport stopped, press the MENU key to open the MENU screen.
10 − File import/export Exporting to CD (virtual tracks) You can convert virtual tracks to WAV files and export them to a CD-R/CD-RW disc. Even if the song is recorded at 24-bit resolution, you can export 16-bit WAV files. 1 Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW into the CD-RW drive. 2 With the transport stopped, press the MENU key to open the MENU screen. 3 When WAVE IN/OUT appears in inverse, press the YES/ENTER key to open the WAVE IN/OUT menu. 4 Select CD EXPORT and press YES/ENTER .
11 − Backup and restoration Backup You can use the 2488MKII’s CD-RW drive to back up your work to disc. You can either use CD-R media (cheaper, but you can only use it once) or CD-RW media (slightly more expensive, but you can erase and reuse it many times). NOTE The operations all deal with songs on the currentlyselected partition.
11 − Backup and restoration Restoring from CD If you ever need to restore your data from a data backup CD or CDs, you basically reverse the process. Before you start restoring a song, make sure that you have all the discs that were used to back up the song. If some of the discs are missing, you will not be able to restore the song (you cannot load half a song). 1 Put the first (or only, if there is only one) disc of the backup set into the CD-RW drive. 2 With the transport stopped, press the MENU key.
11 − Backup and restoration Backing up If you do not understand the 2488MKII’s disk arrangement, you should read “Hard disk and partitions” on page 13. Backup to a computer connected via USB is a two-stage process. The first stage is copying the song data from a TASCAM partition to the FAT partition, and the second stage is copying it from the FAT partition to the computer. To backup: 1 7 Disconnect the 2488MKII and the computer (see “Closing the USB connection” on page 77).
11 − Backup and restoration Restoring This is basically the reverse of the backup process. The archived song data is copied from the computer onto the 2488MKII’s FAT partition and from there onto a TASCAM partition. 1 With the transport stopped, connect the 2488MKII and a computer using USB (see “Opening the USB connection” on page 77). 2 Drag and drop a song file from the computer’s disk to the BACKUP folder in the 2488MKII FAT partition.
12 − Tempo and MIDI The 2488MKII has tempo control functions that include a tempo map and a metronome. Furthermore, it supports many MIDI functions including synchronization with external devices through MTC and MIDI Clock, SMF playback, MMC remote control, and control over the 2488MKII’s mixer/effect parameters through program changes and control changes. Tempo/synchronization and other MIDI-related menu operations are accessed through the MENU’s SYNC/MIDI menu.
12 − Tempo and MIDI 2 Set the tempo with the TEMPO item between 20 and 250 BPM. 3 Set the time signature with the TIME SIG. item. NOTE The FREE METRONOME screen does not appear if the metronome mode is set to anything other than FREE or if the SMF player is ON (see "SMF playback" on page 90).
12 − Tempo and MIDI 2 Use the cursor keys to move the cursor around the screen, and use the JOG/DATA dial to set the values. 3 To add a time signature change, place the cursor on the time signature line that is after the location where you want to add a time signature change and press the INSERT key. 4 Press the YES/ENTER key when you are finished making settings. To erase a time signature change, select the line you want to remove with the cursor and press the DELETE key.
12 − Tempo and MIDI SMF playback The Standard MIDI File (SMF) format is used to exchange MIDI song data between sequencers, including sequencer software, and other MIDI devices. Follow the procedures explained in “USB import (SMF files)” on page 79 to transfer an SMF file from a connected computer to the 2488MKII’s FAT partition and then load it from the FAT partition to the SMF player. To open the SMF PLAYER screen, highlight SMF PLAYER from the SYNC/MIDI menu and press the YES/ENTER key.
12 − Tempo and MIDI MIDI remote control From the SYNC/MIDI menu, this REMOTE option allows the setting of a number of parameters connected with remote control of the 2488MKII. MIDI messages can be used for remote control of the 2488MKII’s mixer, effects and recorder. ª ª REMOTE CONTROL When PROGRAM CHANGE SCENE is ON, received Program Change messages change scenes on the 2488MKII. When PROGRAM CHANGE EFF is ON, received Program Change messages change the 2488MKII effects.
13 − General preferences There are four sets of general preferences that you can make in order to customize the 2488MKII to your working style. Access all of these through the PREFERENCE menu. Global preferences These all affect the overall operation of the 2488MKII. meters hold the value for a second or so and then drop back, or KEEP, where the peak value is always shown on screen until this value is changed. You can also press the HOME key when the SHIFT indicator is lit.
13 − General preferences “catch” the internal level), the physical level changes at that point. This ensures that there are no sudden leaps in volume due to a difference between the physical fader and the internal setting. NOTE Note that the setting made for this option will apply to the current song, and any songs loaded afterwards, until the setting is changed. ª Press the YES/ENTER key to confirm the setting.
TASCAM 2488MKII No Input SUBMIX (for Bounce) Input1..8 RECSRCSELECT On Track Mixer(x24) Meter TRK DIGITAL IN ANALOG INPUTS Meter Multi/Mic Insert 3-Band EQ Output Select Mute REC SOURCE MONITOR Pad/Gain 3-Band EQ On Solo Off Un-Select Track 1..
14 − Specifications, etc.
14 − Specifications, etc.
14 − Specifications, etc. Total Harmonic Distortion Inputs at Max, 20kLPF INPUTS A to H STEREO/EFFECT SEND/MONITOR: < 0.01% (trim at min.) Physical specifications, etc. Dimensions (w x d x h) 545 x 355 x 145 (mm), 21.5 x 14 x 5.7 (in.) Weight 8 kg (17.6 lbs) Power requirements USA/Canada U.K./Europe Australia Power consumption 41 W 120 VAC, 60 Hz 230 VAC, 50 Hz 240 VAC, 50 Hz 355 mm (14") Dimensional drawing 145 (5.7") 113 (4.5") 94 (3.7") 545 mm (21.
Appendix MIDI Control/Program change message The following are the MIDI Control Change messages accepted by the 2488MKII to control different settings. When used with an external sequencer, this provides a certain degree of automation for mixing, etc. Mixer Control Change parameters The Bank Select controller is used with channel 15 to choose which group of eight channels or inputs are affected.
Appendix Effect parameter change MIDI messages Use the following MIDI channels to send messages to the 2488MKII effects (see “Effects“ on page 39): Channels 1 through 8 are used for mic effects. The Bank Select controller is used with channel 14 to choose which group of eight channels or inputs is affected. Bank 0: Mixer channels 1 though 8 Bank 1: Mixer channels 9 through 16 Bank 2: Mixer channels 17 through 24 Bank 3: Inputs A through H Channel 9 is used to control the stereo dynamics processor effect.
Appendix Mic effects Mic effects are controlled by channels 1 through 8 (see “Effect parameter change MIDI message” on page 99 for channel/input assignments enabled through Bank Select). One of three different types of effect can be selected as a mic effect: compressor, de-esser, exciter or noise suppressor. Effect NRPN Parameter Values 00 00 Threshold 0 – 100 = –40.0, –39.6, –39.2, –38.8, –38.4, –38.0, –37.6, –37.2, –36.8, –36.4, –36.0, –35.6, –35.2, –34.8, –34.4, –34.0, –33.6, –33.2, –32.8, –32.
Appendix Stereo dynamics processor The dynamics processor inserted at the stereo master bus can be either a compressor or an expander. Use MIDI channel 9 to control this processor. Effect Compressor (CMP) Expander (EXP) NRPN Parameter Values 00 00 Threshold 0 – 32 = –32 – 0 dB 00 01 Ratio 0 – 14 = 1.0:1, 1.1:1, 1.3:1, 1.5:1, 1.7:1, 2.0:1, 2.5:1, 3.0:1, 3.5:1, 4.0:1, 5.0:1, 6.0:1, 8.
Appendix Effect Pitch Shifter (PIT) Flanger (FLG) Phaser (PHA) Gated reverb (GRV) NRPN Parameter Values 00 00 Pitch 0 – 12 – 24 = –12 – 0 – +12 00 01 Fine 0 – 50 – 100 = –50 – 0 – +50 00 02 FB Delay 0 – 500 = 0 – 500 (msec) 00 03 Feedback 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 04 Level 0 – 127 = 0 – 127 00 00 Rate 1 – 100 = 0.1 – 10.
Appendix Effect Effect chain # Distortion (DST) Overdrive (OD) NRPN Parameter Values 00 05 Distortion 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 06 Tone 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 07 Level 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 08 (reserved) 00 09 Switch 0, 1 = Off, On 00 05 Drive 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 06 Tone 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 07 Level 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 08 (reserved) 00 09 Switch 0, 1 = Off, On 00 05 Threshold 0 – 100 = –60.0, –59.6, –59.2, –58.8, –58.4, –58.0, –57.6, –57.2, –56.8, –56.4, –56.0, –55.6, –55.
Appendix Effect Effect chain # Flanger (FLG) Phaser (PHA) Chorus (CHO) 4 Exciter (EXC) Pitch shifter (PIT) Tremolo (TRM) Vibrato (VIB) 104 TASCAM 2488MKII NRPN Parameter Values 00 15 Speed 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 16 Depth 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 17 Resonance 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 18 Mix Level 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 19 Switch 0, 1 = Off, On 00 15 Speed 1 – 100 = 0.1 – 10.
Appendix Effect Effect chain # 4 5 Wah (WAH) Delay (DLY) NRPN Parameter Values 00 15 Attack 1 – 100 = 0.1 – 10.0 (Hz) 00 16 Sense 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 17 (reserved) 00 18 (reserved) 00 19 Switch 0, 1 = Off, On 00 20 Time 0 – 1000 = 0 - 1000 (ms) 00 21 Feedback 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 22 Hi Damp 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 23 Mix Level 0 – 100 = 0 – 100 00 24 Type 0 – 6 = OFF, Normal.
Appendix Preset mic effects Program Change Name shown on display Effect component 0 VOCAL-COMP Compressor (CMP) 1 DE-ESSER De-esser (DSR) 2 VOCAL-EXC Exciter (EXC) 3 VOCAL-NSP Noise Suppressor (NSP) Preset stereo dynamics effects Program Change Name shown on display Effect component 0 COMPRESSOR Compressor (CMP) 1 EXPANDER Expander (EXP) Preset Multi effects The first 32 effects are generic effects, and the rest are presets that you can use “as is” or as jumping-off points for your own
Appendix Preset single effects The types here are: REV: Reverb DLY: Delay CHO: Chorus PIT: Pitch shift FLG: Flanger PHA: Phaser GRV: Gate and reverb Program Name shown on Change display Type of effect 0 REVERB REV 1 DELAY DLY 2 CHORUS CHO 3 PITCH SHIFT PIT 4 FLANGER FLG 5 PHASER PHA 6 GATE+REVERB GRV TASCAM 2488MKII 107
Appendix MIDI Implementation chart TEAC [Digital Portastudio)] DATE : 28 February :2004 Model: 2488MKII Version : 1.
Appendix MMC Bit map commands Bit-map array of MMC commands Byte Bit7 Bit6 (40H) Bit5 (20H) Bit4 (10H) Bit3 (08H) Bit2 (04H) Bit1 (02H) Bit0 (01H) c0 –0 (05) REWIND (01) STOP (00) reserved –0 (09) PAUSE c2 –0 (14) (0C) COMMAND ERROR RESET (13) (12) (03) DEFERRED PLAY (0A) EJECT (02) PLAY c1 (04) FAST FORWARD (0B) CHASE (11) (10) (08) RECORD PAUSE (0F) (07) RECORD EXIT (0E) c3 –0 (1B) (1A) (19) (18) (17) (16) (15) c4 –0 –0 –0 –0 (1F) (1E) (1D) (1C) c5 –0 (26) (2
Appendix Bit-map array of Response/Information field Byte Bit7 Bit6 (40H) Bit5 (20H) Bit4 (10H) Bit3 (08H) Bit2 (04H) Bit1 (02H) Bit0 (01H) r0 –0 (06) GENERATOR TIMECODE (05) LOCK DEVIATION (04) ACTUAL OFFSET (03) REQUESTED OFFSET (01) SELECTED TIMECODE (00) reserved r1 –0 (0D) GP5 (0C) GP4 (0B) GP3 (0A) GP2 (02) SELECTED MASTER CODE (09) GP1 (07) MTC INPUT r2 –0 (14) (13) (12) (11) (10) r3 –0 (1B) (1A) (19) (18) (17) (08) GP0/LOCATE POINT (0F) GP7 (16) r4 –0 –0 –0
Appendix Warning and status messages The following is a list of warning messages that may be displayed by the 2488MKII, together with a note of their possible cause, and the actions you can take when they occur. No. Message 1 2 3 Cannot do this when not stopped. Stop the transport. Press [EXIT]. Cannot find digital input. Check your system set-up. Press [EXIT]. Can’t duplicate to the same track as the source. Press [EXIT] Digital input is selected. Cannot do this operation now.
Appendix No. Message 9 Import file not found. Use USB OPEN to import file. Press [EXIT]. Invalid Fs rate detected. Check your system 10 set-up. Press [EXIT]. Master track is too short. Use PRE-MASTERING 11 to correct it. Press [EXIT]. MTC slave mode selected. Cannot do this 12 operation now. Press [EXIT]. No file for import has been found. 13 Change CD [YES], else press [NO] No free hard disk space, Use DELETE UNUSED 14 to make space. Press [EXIT]. No LAST REC point. Use 15 IN-OUT instead. Press [EXIT].
Appendix No. Message No tracks have been armed. Arm at least one 18 track. Press [EXIT]. Non-linear audio detected. Check your 19 system set-up Press [EXIT]. Not enough free disk space. Use DELETE UNUSED 20 to make space. Meaning Action Before an auto-punch operation, you must have Press NO/EXIT and press the REC key of at at least one armed track. least one track on which you will be recording (once a track has been armed in auto-punch, the track arming status cannot be changed).
Appendix No. Message Meaning Time between IN and OUT is too short. Re-set 27 the points. Press [EXIT]. Too many locate markers. Use DELETE MARK to 28 delete some markers. 29 Repeat playback or auto-punch operations Press NO/EXIT, and re-enter or edit the IN and cannot be carried out because the time between OUT points so that the time between them is the IN and OUT locate markers is too short. longer, before attempting the operation again.
Appendix No. Message No CD divide markers have been set. Use 35 INSERT MARK. Press [EXIT]. 36 Track is too short. Insert and trim marker to correct it. Press [EXIT]. Time between TO and FROM is too short. Re-set 37 the points. Press [EXIT]. SMF player is selected. Cannot do this 38 operation now. Pres [EXIT]. No free metronome mode selected. 39 Use METRONOME to select.
» 2488MK# TEAC CORPORATION Phone: +81-422-52-5082 3-7-3, Nakacho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8550, Japan www.tascam.com TEAC AMERICA, INC. Phone: +1-323-726-0303 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 www.tascam.com TEAC CANADA LTD. Phone: +1905-890-8008 Facsimile: +1905-890-9888 5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada www.tascam.com TEAC MEXICO, S.A. De C.V Phone: +52-555-581-5500 Campesinos No.
