D00731500A Professional Control Surface / FireWire Audio-MIDI Interface OWNER’S MANUAL The following marking is located on the bottom of the unit: Ü ÿ Ÿ 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.
Important Safety Precautions IMPORTANT (for U.K. Customers) DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer. If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove the fuse and dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid a possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply.
Important Safety Instructions Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Head 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.
Table of Contents 1 – Introduction 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 – Introduction 1.1 Overview Thank you for choosing the TASCAM FW-1884. We designed the FW-1884 to be an all-in-one solution for your computer-based digital audio workstation system. Its integrated design incorporates a high-resolution professional multi-channel audio interface and integrated zero-latency input monitor mixer, a fully independent 4 x 4 MIDI interface and routing matrix, and a highly programmable, ergonomically designed control surface for your audio software.
1 – Introduction NOTE Despite the fact that you can connect and disconnect the FW-1884 to and from the computer with power turned on, we strongly recommend that all connections and disconnections are made without the DAW software using the FW-1884 running. If the DAW software is running when connections are made or broken, it may result in your computer crashing, or “freezing” and possible loss of data.
1 – Introduction 1.5 Nomenclature Used In The Manual 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. • The name of a control or connector on another unit is written in the following way: AUX IN. • When referring to the screen display of the host computer, we refer to any prompts, messages, etc. in the following typeface: Press any key to continue. 1.
2 – Controls And Indicators 8 TASCAM FW-1884 Owner’s Manual ! !" !! ! ! ! ' & % ' & % $ # ! " " # $ % & ' # $ Front Panel Illustration. ! " 2.
2 – Controls And Indicators # $ ! % & ' " Rear Panel Illustration 2.
2 – Controls And Indicators 2.3 Front Panel Control Descriptions 1. Trim Pots 1-8 – These are analog level controls for the input level of the Mic (XLR) and line inputs 1 – 8. Their function is the same regardless of the control surface mode selected. It’s important to note that the best signal-to-noise ratios are achieved by maximizing the level of analog inputs at the A/D converters. For the mic and line inputs of the FW-1884, the trim controls provide the means for optimizing these levels.
2 – Controls And Indicators 9. Channel Faders – In COMPUTER Control mode, the channel faders send continuous controller information to banks of eight channels in the host application’s software mixer. The current bank is selected by the BANK keys. In MON MIX mode, the channel faders control the monitor level of the audio inputs, as selected by the BANK keys: Bank 1 = analog inputs Bank 2 = ADAT inputs Bank 3 = S/PDIF inputs (channels 1 and 2 only. Channels 3-8 are inactive.
2 – Controls And Indicators MARKER/F5 – In COMPUTER Control Mode, this key is normally mapped to the host application’s Place Marker function. Refer to the Application Notes for your software for details. In MON MIX mode, this key has no function. In MIDI CTL mode, this key sends out specific MIDI controller commands. LOOP/F6 – In COMPUTER Control Mode, this key is normally mapped to the host application’s Activate/Deactivate Loop (repeat) mode function.
2 – Controls And Indicators 14. REC key – In COMPUTER Control mode, this is a modifier key. When pressed and held, it modifies the behavior of other selected keys. Its behavior is entirely dependent on the host application support. Typically, holding the REC key and pressing a channel SEL key will arm the selected DAW channel(s) for recording. Refer to the Application Notes for your software for details. In MIDI CTL and MON MIX modes, this key is inactive and sends no data. 15.
2 – Controls And Indicators COMPUTER Control mode key – Selects the Computer Control mode. In this mode, the FW-1884’s control surface modifies the control parameters of the host audio software. For more information, refer to section 4.1, “Computer Control Mode – (General Notes)”. MIDI output LEDs - These four LEDs show the status of the FW-1884’s four MIDI outputs. The presence of MIDI data at any of the FW-1884’s MIDI output ports will illuminate that port’s associated LED for about a quarter-second.
2 – Controls And Indicators ware. Typically, they are used to navigate through the GUI (Graphic User Interface) of the application screen. Refer to your software’s application notes for further details. parts by pre-set increments within an arrangement. The NUDGE y key moves the part forward, while the h NUDGE key moves it backward. Refer to your software’s application notes for further details. 29. SHTL key - The SHTL (shuttle) key always 32.
2 – Controls And Indicators 34. Master Fader – The Master Fader is a global control, functioning in the same manner regardless of which control mode is selected. Any movement of the master fader is always communicated simultaneously to the host computer, the MIDI control surface and the monitor mixer. There is always one and only one master fader for the entire system. 2.4 Additionally, the Master Fader can control the level of the ANLG 1:2 outputs of the computer.
2 – Controls And Indicators 9. FireWire (IEEE-1394) Connections – 10. MIDI Inputs 1-4 – MIDI inputs on standard These connect the FW-1884 to the host computer, providing audio, MIDI and control surface communication. Two connections are provided, making it possible to connect additional FireWire-compatible devices to the buss. The two connections are redundant; either one may be used to connect to your computer. 5-pin DIN connectors. MIDI Outputs 1-4 – MIDI outputs on standard 5pin DIN connectors.
3 – Functional Overview 3.1 Control Surface Modes The FW-1884 control surface is extremely versatile, and can be used to control a computer application, to control an audio input monitor mix, and to send MIDI messages to external devices via its MIDI outputs. The FW-1884’s control surface is always in one of three modes: Computer Control Mode, MIDI Control Mode or Monitor Mix Mode. Each mode has a dedicated illuminated key, labeled COMPUTER, MIDI CTRL, and MON MIX, respectively.
3 – Functional Overview 3.3 Dedicated Computer Controls Some surface controls are computer-dedicated; that is, they always send a MIDI data signal to the host computer (assuming it is connected), regardless of which control surface mode is currently selected. These controls are: • Transport keys (STOP, PLAY, REW, F FWD, RECORD) • DATA WHEEL and SHTL (shuttle) key • Arrow keys • m LOCATE , • SET • IN and OUT 3.
3 – Functional Overview Repeat this procedure for any other MIDI inputs whose routings you want to change. 4 While in MIDI routing mode, selecting any input key will display its selected MIDI outputs. Additionally, all MIDI indicator LEDs will glow steadily to display routing information. To exit MIDI routing mode, press the ROUTE key again. All LEDs will stop flashing and Function keys will return to normal mode. 3.
3 – Functional Overview 3.7 Monitoring and Metering Modes The FW-1884’s twelve-segment stereo LED meters monitor the stereo buss output, before the Monitor Level control. The signal source for the meters is selectable in MON MIX mode with the F7-F9 keys, as follows: • F7 – Computer only • F8 – Inputs only • F9 – Computer and Inputs (default setting) Refer to section 4.3, “Monitor Mix Mode – (General Notes)”, for more details on monitor source selection.
4 – Control Surface Modes and Operation As mentioned previously in this manual, the FW1884’s control surface actually functions in three different control modes: COMPUTER Control Mode, MIDI Control Mode or MONitor MIX Mode. While all three modes share certain global functions, each mode is quite different in its functionality and focus. Bank Switch Behavior Each mode has a dedicated illuminated key, labeled COMPUTER, MIDI CTRL, and MON MIX, respectively.
4 – Control Surface Modes and Operation To set the FW-1884 to Native protocol: 1 Open the FW-1884 Control Panel 2 Select the Settings tab 3 In the drop-down CONTROL PROTOCOL menu, select FW-1884 NATIVE. For more detailed information on specific implementation within the host application, please refer to the application notes for your software of choice. 4.1.2 Mackie Emulation Protocol The FW-1884 can be used to emulate the control messages sent by the Mackie Control.
4 – Control Surface Modes and Operation 4.1.3 HUI Emulation Protocol The FW-1884 can be used to emulate the control messages sent by the Mackie HUI (Human User Interface). When in HUI Emulation mode, the audio and MIDI functionality of the FW-1884 are unchanged, but the MIDI messages transmitted and recognized by most of the control surface are changed to closely pattern those of the Mackie HUI.
4 – Control Surface Modes and Operation It is important to note that some controls are dedicated computer controls, meaning that they always transmit a signal to the host computer, even in MIDI CTL mode. These controls are: • Transport keys (STOP, PLAY, REW, F FWD, RECORD) • DATA WHEEL and SHTL (shuttle) key • Arrow keys • m LOCATE , • SET 4.2.
4 – Control Surface Modes and Operation 4.2.2 Programming Keys If you press one of the keys used in MIDI CTRL surface mode, it will light up and the FW-1884’s control panel will display something like this: To change the MIDI channel: Use the up and down arrows of the Channel indicator box to change the MIDI channel. Alternatively, you can type in a MIDI channel number from 1 through 16.
4 – Control Surface Modes and Operation 4.2.3 Programming Encoders The eight channel encoders, as well as the three EQ encoders, can all be reprogrammed. To display the programmed message for an encoder, just turn it slightly. You will see a display something like this: To change the MIDI output(s): Checking or unchecking the four Port boxes will select or de-select the corresponding MIDI output.
4 – Control Surface Modes and Operation 4.2.5 Banking You can use the h BANK y keys to shift through the four banks of controls. As mentioned earlier, only the channel strip controls – faders, channel MUTE, SOLO and SEL keys, and channel encoders – are bankable. All other surface controls are unaffected by the banking commands. For specific information on the FW-1884’s MIDI Control Protocol, refer to section 5.1.3, “MIDI PROGRAMMING TAB” and the documentation supplied on the CD-ROM.
4 – Control Surface Modes and Operation 4.3.2 Monitoring Setups When the FW-1884 is in MON MIX mode, the F7, F8 and F9 keys determine what source you are hearing on Analog Outputs 1/L and 2/R. This is useful for isolating the audio coming from your DAW or from external inputs. When the MON MIX key is pressed, the F7, F8 or F9 key will light to show the currently selected input source: • F7 – COMPUTER – only the audio from the host computer is monitored.
4 – Control Surface Modes and Operation In Solo-in-Place, the Mute status of any soloed input can be toggled. Pressing the MUTE key of an unsoloed input has no effect. If you change banks, the flashing CLR SOLO key is a reminder that a Solo is still active. If you change Control Surface modes while an input Solo is active, the MON MIX key flashes unless the monitor source is set to COMPUTER output only. NOTE In MON MIX mode, SOLOs and MUTEs are activated by key-down actions.
5 – Host Computer Interfacing 5.1 Control Panel The FW-1884’s control panel is where you can display and adjust settings which determine how the FW-1884 communicates with your computer and other external devices. To open the Control Panel, press the CONTROL PANEL shortcut key on the FW-1884’s control surface. You can also open the Control Panel in Windows by clicking on Start – Control Panel and selecting the FW1884 Control Panel icon.
5 – Host Computer Interfacing Sample Rate This is where you select the expected incoming sample rate to the FW-1884’s digital input. It duplicates the function of the CLOCK and CLOCK RATE (READ/44.1, WRT/48, TCH/88.2 and LATCH/96) keys. Changes made on the FW-1884’s control surface are immediately reflected in this window. For more information on this function, refer to section 3.6, “Clock System Controls”. Audio Latency This setting is for selecting the buffer size of the FW-1884’s audio performance.
5 – Host Computer Interfacing 5.1.2 ROUTING TAB Duplicate of Coax Output (TOSLINK) – The audio output is the same as that being sent to the FW-1884’s analog outputs 1 and 2, and is sent out the lightpipe in two-channel TOSLINK protocol. This can be useful for sending a two-track mix to a mixdown recorder equipped with an optical two channel input. Coax Output Source This menu selects the source of the audio output appearing at the FW-1884’s coaxial digital output.
5 – Host Computer Interfacing 5.1.3 MIDI PROGRAMMING TAB The host driver senses the change in the subcode quadlet and the control panel displays its programming information, something like: Control: Mute 2 Bank: 2 X Note on/off103 (decimal) O Controller O Toggled Controller Channel: 12 Port 1 234 O OxO Now if you click the “up” arrow next to the channel number, the control panel updates to: This tab is used to program the FW-1884’s control surface in MIDI CTL mode.
6 – Troubleshooting and Support The FW-1884 is a complex device with a number of inter-related components. If you experience problems with your FW-1884, here are a few suggestions to check first: 6.1 Audio Issues I hear no sound, but the output meters display signal. You have a valid audio signal appearing at the FW-1884's output buss. Check your output connections and amplifier. I hear no sound and the output meters dislpay no signal.
6 – Troubleshooting and Support Incorrect Surface Response If you are running in Mackie Control Emulation or Mackie HUI Emulation protocol, do you have Mackie Control selected in your DAW application? Do you have the correct COMPUTER Control Sur-face protocol selected in the FW-1884’s Control Panel? 6.3 Contacting Us In the event you experience problems with your FW1884, please contact your dealer or your local TEAC/ TASCAM distributor.
7 – Appendices 7.1 Specifications Analog I/O Stereo / Surround monitor output (Balanced) Mic input 1-8 (Balanced) Connector: 3-pin XLR jack x 8 (1: GND, 2: Hot, 3: Cold) Input impedance : 2.2k ohm Adjustable Input range Maximum gain (Analog output terminal for Master / Monitor. In DAW Controller mode, Stereo / Surround Mode can be switched over from control panel on PC. Stereo L-R and Surround1-2 are used commonly.
7 – Appendices ADAT/Optical input (Light-pipe) ADAT optical format digital multi audio or 2CH serial audio signal input terminal. In the case of 2CH serial audio signal, DIGITAL IN (COAXIAL) is selectable.
7 – Appendices CODEC: AK4528 specifications DAC Resolution : 24 bit Dynamic range: 100 dB Fs=44.1kHz, A-weight, -60dB output Group delay : 19.1 samples Noise level (20Hz – 20kHz, TRIM max, 150 ohm) < -124 dBu (EIN) MIC IN to INSERT SEND < –64dBu LINE IN to STEREO OUTPUT < –64dBu LINE IN to SURROUND MONITOR OUTPUT Crosstalk (@ 1kHz) Signal delay < 1.5 ms Fs = 48.0kHz, LINE IN to STEREO OUTPUT < 0.75 ms Fs = 96.0kHz, LINE to STEREO OUTPUT Analog I/O THD (Level: +4dBu) < 0.
7 – Appendices 7.2 Dimensional drawing 481mm (18.9 in) 555mm (21.9 in) 582mm (22.9 in) 442mm (17.4 in) 7.3 14mm (0.6 in) 136mm (5.4 in) 481mm (18.9 in) FW-1884 “Hidden” Functions Listed below are the FW-1884’s “hidden” functions (that is, those functions not silk-screened onto the FW1884’s control surface. In MIDI CTRL mode: SHIFT+Encoder In all control surface modes: Fine (not coarse) control of MIDI controller output value SHIFT+CTRL+P.
7 – Appendices In MON MIX mode: Adjust touch fader sensitivity SELECT SHIFT+CTRL+F7 Display channel’s pan position on SELECT/REC LED’s Write all mixer parameters to FLASH memory (normally done at power-down) SHIFT+SELECT SHIFT+CTRL+F8 Set channel fader to unity Reset all the mixer parameters to default values SHIFT+CLR SOLO SHIFT+CTRL+F10 Clear mutes Set all monitor faders to unity SHIFT+GAIN Encoder TASCAM FW-1884 Owner’s Manual 41
FW-1884 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. 184, Colonia Granjes Esmeralda, Delegaacion Iztapalapa CP 09810, Mexico DF www.