» MMR-8 Modular Multitrack Recorder MMR-8 POWER REC REC REC REC REC REC REC REC SAFE TRANSPORT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT INPUT DESTRUCTIVE REC TYPE CLIP CLIP CLIP CLIP CLIP CLIP CLIP CLIP MAX MAX +12 DIG IN MAX MAX MAX MAX MAX MAX +12 +12 +12 +12 +12 +12 +12 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 OMF TONE Pro Tools OTHER MIDI TIME CODE ERROR -12 -12 -12 -12 -12 -12 -12 -12 -25 -25
CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USERSERVICEABLE 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CONSIGNES DE SECURITE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE NORME DI SICUREZZA INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD VEILIGHEIDSVOORSCHRIFTEN TEAC CORPORATION
Important Safety Instructions CAUTION: • Read all of these Instructions. • Save these Instructions for later use. • Follow all Warnings and Instructions marked on the audio equipment. 1) Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. 2) Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3) Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
» MMR-8 TEAC CORPORATION 3-7-3, Nakacho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180, Japan Phone: (0422) 52-5082 TEAC AMERICA, INC. 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 Phone: (213) 726-0303 TEAC CANADA LTD. 5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada Phone: 905-890-8008 Facsimile: 905-890-9888 TEAC MEXICO, S.A. De C.V Privada De Corina, No.18, Colonia Del Carmen Coyoacon, Mexico DF 04100 Phone: 5-658-1943 TEAC UK LIMITED 5 Marlin House, Marlins Meadow, The Croxley Centre, Watford, Herts.
Tascam MMR-8 Owner’s Manual Chapter 1 General Information ........................................................................ 9 MMR-8 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 9 Hardware Overview ........................................................................................................................ 10 Functional Overview...........................................................................
Chapter 3 MMR-8 Operation...........................................................................33 MMR-8 Keys & Definitions .............................................................................................................33 MMR-8 Front Panel.........................................................................................................................35 Front Panel Indicators, Switches, and Displays ..............................................................................
Setup Menu Details.......................................................................................................................... 73 Control Mode............................................................................................................................................... 73 Local/Bus ................................................................................................................................................ 73 Time Code Chase....................................
Appendix D: MMR-8 Cable Information ........................................................................................97 PARALLEL TRACKS and PARALLEL TRANSPORT Connector.............................................................. 97 MIDI IN/THRU/OUT Connector pinout ...................................................................................................... 98 LYNX (Remote Controller) Connector pinout..........................................................................................
Chapter 1 General Information This chapter presents the main features and capabilities of the MMR-8 hardware and a functional overview of its Panel/Display states. MMR-8 product specifications are also included. MMR-8 Introduction Figure 1-1. MMR-8 Front View The MMR-8 is a non-linear digital replacement for the analog or digital tape machines found in recording studios and broadcast facilities, and for magnetic film dubbers found in film and video post-production facilities.
The MMR-8 will directly play back material created on Digidesign Pro Tools or WaveFrame digital audio workstations, as well as OMF Compositions which reference Sound Designer II audio media files. The disk drive or drives containing edited Session, Project, or OMF files are simply “unplugged” from the workstation and then “hot-plugged” into the MMR-8, using the standard internal Kingston hard drive carrier, or otherwise connected to the MMR-8’s external SCSI port.
A 40-character (two line by 20-character) LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) serves as the MMR-8 status and control text window. The top line typically shows the machine status and current time code or feet/frames location, while the bottom line shows various time code registers (memory, slip. etc.) and accepts input from the front panel. The entire display may also alert the operator to any machine or user error conditions.
Functional Overview The MMR-8 operates in any of eight different Panel/Display states (simply referred to as “states” for convenience). These states are distinguished by the nature of the information displayed in the LCD window and by which keys are functionally available while in that state. These MMR-8 Panel/Display states are described here. Normal state is the default Panel/Display state on power-up.
The MMR Backup state is accessed via the Load Track state by pressing SHIFT+SLIP after choosing (scrolling to) the desired Project while in the LOAD TRACK state. This state is similar to the Setup state in that it has two menu choices which are accessed by using the Up/Down arrow keys or the Wheel. The key choices available in the Backup state are the same as those in the Setup state, hence it exists at the same level of the hierarchy of panel/display states as the Setup state.
EErrrroorr V Veerriiffyy LLooaadd,, V Viieew w,, SSlliipp TTrraacckk SSeettuupp,, B Baacckkuupp N Noorrm maall Figure 1-3. MMR-8 Panel/Display State Hierarchy STATE NORMAL LCD WINDOW DISPLAY Shows current play head time on top and selected time register on bottom of display. SETUP LOAD TRACK VIEW TRACK SLIP TRACK VERIFY ERROR BACKUP COMMENT Default at startup. Allows direct access to SETUP and TRACK states, all keys functional.
System Specifications Analog Input and Output Level:+4 dBu balanced, +24 dBu clip, nominal levels trim pot adjustable Headroom:20 dB above nominal input level Analog Input / Output Impedance: 10k, balanced / <75 ohms, balanced Input / Output Adjustment Range: +10 dBu - +25 dBu, clipping / +18 dBu - +25 dBu, clipping THD+N:<.004 % @ 1 kHz, @ clip level -0.5 dB Dynamic range:>104 dB (10 Hz - 22 kHz, with A-weighted filter), including Record.
Electrical Ratings: 115 VAC @ 2A, 50-60Hz 230 W Max -OR230 VAC @ 1A, 50-60Hz 230 W Max Nominal temperature should be 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 35 degrees Centigrade). Relative humidity should be 30 to 90% (non-condensing) Analog input/output is 12.28 VRMS Max Weight is approximately 37 Pounds ( 16.78 Kilograms) with a hard disk loaded.
Chapter 2 Installation This chapter covers the physical installation of the Tascam MMR-8 as either a stand-alone recording/playback system or as part of a larger, multiple unit digital dubber system. Descriptions are given of the various connectors on the MMR back panel. Both general installation procedures and specific application installations are covered.
General Guidelines Mounting Rack Ears The MMR-8 is a self-contained eight channel digital playback and recording device designed to be mounted in a standard 19” (48.26 cm) IEC equipment rack in either the mix studio or a dedicated machine room in a professional audio recording facility. As such, each MMR-8 is housed in a steel chassis 19inches (48.26 cm) wide by 17 ¼ inches (43.81 cm) deep by 7-inches (17.78 cm) tall. Each MMR-8 requires 5U (7-inches or 17.78 cm) of rack space.
Installing Multiple MMR Units Multiple units can be mounted one on top of the other when forced air rack ventilation is provided. A oneinch clearance is required on both sides of the MMR-8. In facilities with raised computer room-style flooring, a ventilation opening in the floor is recommended. In no case should the internal rack temperature ever exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Centigrade) during normal operation (as measured at the rear of any of the MMR-8s in the system). Figure 2-2.
AC Mains and Grounding (Earthing) Considerations Each MMR-8 requires one AC mains connection. A standard six-foot (1.83 Meter) power cordset is included with each MMR-8, wired for the USA standard. A six-foot (1.83 Meter) AC Mains cordset for use in Europe, proper for the country of use will be supplied by your TASCAM dealer. The AC mains outlet must be capable of delivering 230 watts (2 amps) for each MMR-8 in the system. The main power supply has a 115/230 VAC switch on the back of the unit.
Figure 2-3. MMR-8 Back Panel MMR-8 Back Panel Connections The MMR back panel has connectors for the system analog and digital audio input/output, as well as various types of synchronization and control signals. The following MMR back panel connections are described in this chapter, and the pin outs for many of these connectors are given in Appendix D: Cable Information.
Audio Connections All audio inputs and outputs (both analog and digital) connect to/from the MMR-8 using DB-25 connectors. The pin configuration used on the DB-25 analog audio connectors is identical to that used for Tascam DTRS format digital tape machines such as the DA-88. Two female DB-25 connectors are used for the analog connections, one for input and one for output, as labeled on the MMR back panel. A single female DB-25 carries all eight channels of AES/EBU digital input and output signals.
Timecode and Video Reference Signals To accurately synchronize the MMR-8 to film or video, or with other audio playback equipment, some method of providing a stable timing reference must be used. Because the MMR-8 is very flexible, there are numerous methods one could use to connect film and video equipment. The best method depends upon the chosen method of sync, the other equipment that is being controlled, and whether the MMR-8 will be the master or a slave to the other equipment.
Biphase Connections Biphase is a control signal typically generated by a film projector and is traditionally used to interlock the operation of the film with sprocketed magnetic tape machines. The Biphase Operations Board (BOB) on the back panel of the MMR has four biphase input connections and one biphase output connection for synchronizing the operation of the MMR-8 to film transports. Use Setup Menu 100, Sync Group, to select which of the four Biphase inputs (Sync Groups) will control the system.
MIDI Connections The MMR-8 has MIDI (Music Instrument Digital Interface) In, Out, and Thru connectors. These are used for sending out MIDI Time Code and for controlling the transport functions of the MMR via MIDI Machine Control. The MMR MIDI OUT connector carries a MTC signal generated by the MMR-8 whenever the unit is in Play. To slave MIDI devices that can follow MTC (MIDI Time Code) to the MMR-8, connect the MMR MIDI OUT connector to MIDI In port of the external device.
Serial Transport Connection The TRANSPORT connection uses the industry-standard RS-422 Sony 9-pin P2 protocol (Ampex VPR-3 is also supported) for controlling external serial transports such as audio or videotape machines. It is intended for transport control of a single external device. This port will send out the appropriate transport commands when the transport functions of the MMR are engaged through the front panel or via the MMRC Remote controller.
For backing up files, and for ease of moving smaller projects around, we recommend using a “LIM/DOW” (Light Intensity Modulation / Direct Over Write) type optical disk. The LIM/DOW technology achieves better performance than is available on older types of Magneto-Optical media, which must execute an erase pass before they can write new data to the disk. The Nikon Beluga AV MO (Magneto-Optical) disk drive has been tested and rated to perform well when used with the MMR-8.
Powering Up the System The MMR-8 comes from the factory with the operating system and MMR-8 software pre-loaded onto the internal hard drive. At POWER ON, the front panel LCD should display the following message: Tascam MMR-8 © TimeLine 1996 - 97 If this message is not seen, the front panel is not operating correctly, and you should contact Tascam technical support for assistance. As the system software is loaded, the LCD will go blank, then after a few seconds will display the message “Mounting Volumes”.
4. Connect the MMR-8 to the applicable timing reference source and to the appropriate remote control interface a. To connect the MMR-8 to a film transport, connect the biphase sync output from the projector to one of the four biphase inputs. The four biphase inputs are numbered 1 - 4 from top to bottom. Any, or all, of the inputs can be connected. Use Setup Menu 100, Sync Group, to select which of the four Biphase inputs (Sync Groups) will control the system.
Factory Default Settings The MMR-8 is shipped from the factory using a pre-defined set of operating parameters. The factory default settings can be changed in the field at any time through a system of Setup menus that control the MMR-8 operating parameters. The new value settings will be automatically saved and used at system start-up as the normal operating parameters of the MMR-8.
6. If you wish, turn off Input Monitor on all tracks, by again pressing the Track 1-8 RECORD keys, thus disabling record and turning off the input monitor function on those tracks. Locate the transport back to the start of your recording (press SHIFT+8) and then press PLAY (>). You should now hear the playback of what was just recorded, and see a 0VU indication on all the meters. Press STOP (o).
32 Tascam MMR-8 User’s Guide • Chapter 3 • MMR-8 Operation MMR-8
Chapter 3 MMR-8 Operation MMR-8 Keys & Definitions Throughout this manual several abbreviations and written shortcuts are used to define user operations and machine functions. The following summarizes how these abbreviations and text shortcuts relate to the operational description: Keys Shift Key Refers to the colored front panel keys on the MMR-8. The gray keys are used to enter time code numbers (on the numeric keys) and to perform various other common functions.
34 Mode This term is used to refer to the active Control mode selected by Setup menu 000 and to refer to the Track Select Mode which governs the behavior of the SEL keys. It may also be used to refer to various operational modes such as Record, Loop, Trim, or Shift which change the meaning of other keys or controls as long as the mode is active. LCD Text To indicate the front panel LCD text, curly brackets are used to enclose the text. (e.g., {X.
MMR-8 Front Panel Key Groups and Displays Machine Status LEDs Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Configuration Status LEDs Assigned Machine Identification Track Status and Metering LEDs Track Group Headphone Output & Gain Transport Group Keypad Group Wheel Setup and Wheel Group Floppy Drive Removable Drive Bay
36
Front Panel Indicators, Switches, and Displays Collectively, all the front panel keys and the Wheel are called switches and the LEDs, eight motion control lamps, and the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) are called indicators. The MMR-8 is manually controlled through front-panel switches, while system status is shown via the indicators. The front panel switches are divided into five groups: the track group, the keypad group, the setup & wheel group, the wheel itself, and the transport (or motion control) group.
The bottom level LED (-25) is a green presence indicator. Any time there is signal on the track there will be an indication. The next three LEDs indicate signal levels of -12, -6 and 0 VU. The next two LEDs are yellow and indicate +6 and +12 VU. The final two LEDs are red to indicate the audio peaks are at MAX (3 dB below clipping) and CLIP, which means the signal has most likely exceeded the input capability of the digital converter and may be distorted.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) The LCD or “display” consists of two lines of twenty characters that show various operator messages (time code, user prompts, error messages and information, track data, and setup menu information) depending upon the active panel/display state. Both lines of the LCD can also show various system messages according to the operating state.
In the Normal state, the bottom line of the display shows time code (or feet & frames) that has been entered manually, captured, or recalled from one of the memory or special-purpose registers. There is a label in front of the time code (or feet & frames) to indicate what register is being displayed. The “Label” identifies the memory or register that is currently being displayed through these abbreviations: SYNC, OFST, RDR, TIME, FREE, HEAD, TAIL, IN, OUT, NEXT, PREV, and MEM n (where n = 0 - 9).
Slip Track State Display In the Slip Track state, the display will show the current time position in the top line of the display (the same as in the Normal state), while the bottom line of the display is used to show the contents of the slip register for the selected track. If more than one track is selected, all of their registers are active, but only the last selected track indexes slip register will be shown. 01234567890123456789 LCD character positions (left to right) Label HH:MM:SS:FF.
To move a loaded track from its current Track index position into the selected Track index or to load a currently unloaded track into the selected Track index, scroll through the list of available tracks until the desired track is located. The display will indicate your choice of both the selected track to be moved or loaded, and the destination Track index. Press the STO key to complete the operation and load the track.
Front Panel Key Groups The MMR-8 front panel keys and controls are divided into five functional groups, the Transport Group, the Setup & Wheel Group, the Wheel itself, the Track Group, and the Keypad Group. Transport Group These keys consist of the On Line, Rewind (<<), Reverse Play (<), Stop (o), Play (>), Fast Forward (>>), Rehearse (REH) and Record (REC) keys. These transport functions are analogous to those found on tape dubbers and recorders.
>> (FAST FORWARD) REH (REHEARSE) REC (RECORD) The Fast Forward key causes the current time code position to roll forward at approximately 18 times play speed. Fast Forward cancels any loop pending operation. There is no shifted function for this key. The Rehearse key allows the MMR to behave exactly as if a Record operation is taking place, except that audio is not actually recorded to disk and no existing material on any track is disturbed.
SHIFT+UP ARROW (TC/FEET) TRIM Toggles the LCD transport position and register display between time code or 35mm film feet/frames format. Activates a mode in which Wheel rotation and Up/Down arrow keys change the time code value in the currently active register. This allows fine control over incremental and decremental changes in a particular time code value. When TRIM is pressed, the MMR-8 goes into a Trim mode, indicated by the lit LED over the Trim key.
Although there is no shifted function of the Shuttle key, the alternate function of this key is the right-arrow, which is active in several different modes, and which typically scrolls the window to view parts of the display that may extend beyond the window. This key also moves the cursor to the right for selection of a digit within a time code that may need trimming, or for selecting a character value to alter in a Setup menu.
Note that arming a track for record also forces that track into Input Monitor, which lights the amber LED just under the REC LED on the meter panel. There are other input monitor modes which can be selected in Menu 501 (Auto Input). When the Safe LED is illuminated, the Record Safe mode is active. In this case, all of the Track record enables are locked out (to prevent accidental recording). There are no shifted functions for the track record arm keys.
Cut Cut removes the audio from the selected track(s) between the In point and the Out point and places it into the clipboard, while pulling up (slipping earlier in time) all subsequent events by an amount equal to the length of the cut track segment. In Out Before Cut After Cut Audio after Out is shifted earlier in time To Clipboard Copy Copy places a copy of the material that is between the In and Out points on the selected track(s) into the clipboard without altering the audio events on the track(s).
Insert Insert places the contents of the clipboard into the selected track(s) at the In point time, while moving all subsequent events “down stream” (later in time) by the length of the inserted event(s). Clipboard contents In Before Insert Out After Insert Audio after Insert is shifted later in time Open Open places a segment of silence into the selected track(s) equal to the time between the In point register and the Out point register.
EDIT Pressing this key (while in the Normal state) allows the SEL keys to select which track(s) will be later edited (using the SHIFT+SEL edit functions described above). The suggested sequence of keystrokes to follow for editing is: Press the EDIT key to enter the Edit Track Mode, then the SEL key for the track(s) to be edited. Set the In and Out points to define the range of material to be affected on the selected track(s). Press SHIFT + SEL for the desired edit function (Cut, Clear, Copy).
Edit Sync Mode The setting chosen in Setup Menu 221 - Edit Sync Mode – determines which point in the audio material to be pasted or inserted from the clipboard will be used as the sync reference point for the edit. This is a very important consideration, since the end result of the edit operation may be very different depending on the current setting of this menu parameter when the edit is performed. The two parameters for this menu are Sync at In Point and Sync at Playhead.
SHIFT+EDIT (EVENT) Loads the start and end of the event currently under the play head on the selected track(s) into the In point and Out point registers (also called “event capture”). MON Pressing this key while in the Normal state allows the SEL keys to select which track(s) will be monitored through the front panel headphone monitor output. This does not affect the rear panel Studio Monitor jack, which always presents a mono mix of all tracks.
As with the Setup menu system, the Wheel and arrow keys are used to navigate through the available selections at a given level. Unlike the Setup menu system, however, descending through the hierarchy of track information is accomplished by repeatedly pressing LOAD TRACK. Pressing LOAD TRACK while at the bottom or “track” level exits the Load Track state and returns the MMR-8 to the Normal state.
TRACK Pressing this key places the MMR into the View Track state to allow inspection of the currently loaded tracks. The Wheel, the Select keys, or the Up/Down arrow keys may be used to select and view a track index. If nothing is loaded in a selected Track index, the word “*Blank*” is displayed for that track. Pressing this key again while viewing tracks or pressing the CLR key exits the View Track state and returns the MMR-8 to the Normal state.
Keypad Group These keys are located in the central portion of the front panel, directly under the LCD.
OFFSET (SHIFT+1) This display-only register represents the time difference between the MMR-8’s time code and the time code being chased. When locked to the Lynx bus, this equals the time difference between the MMR-8’s time code and the Lynx master time code. In either case, the offset is equal to the MMR-8 time minus the time code being chased. READER (SHIFT+2) This display-only register shows the current time code being chased by the MMR-8.
HEAD (SHIFT+8) This read-only register shows the start time of the first edit on the currently loaded tracks. Tracks selected while in the EDIT track select mode govern the operation of this function. If no tracks are selected in the EDIT track select mode, the MMR will scan across all loaded tracks to find the first edit location.
SHIFT The yellow SHIFT key functions like a locking keyboard shift key. When active, it modifies those keys that have a shift function assigned to them (identified by the function name written above the gray keys). Pressing and releasing the yellow Shift key causes the shift LED to turn on, indicating SHIFT is active. Pressing a gray key with a shift function will then perform the shifted function and turn off the yellow Shift LED.
LOOP Pressing the Loop key prepares the MMR transport for performance of one of several possible types of loop sequences relative to the In and Out time code registers. To start looping after LOOP is pressed and the In and Out times are set, press the appropriate transport key (<, >, REH, or REC). To cancel Loop mode press LOOP again before pressing a transport key.
LOC (LOCATE) 60 This key causes the transport to locate to the active register (bottom line of the display) time code. The time code may be from a recalled register, a captured value or a value entered through the numeric keypad. An implicit (or automatic) locate to certain registers is done when a SHIFT+ numeric key is pressed. A locate operation always stops the transport if it is not stopped. There is no shifted function for this key.
Basic Operation Loading and Mounting Drives The MMR-8 will scan the SCSI bus when the system is powered up and will mount all available drives. The MMR is unable to access any drive address that was not present at power-up. Be sure that all drive bays holding removable drives contain fully-seated and engaged SCSI disk drives throughout the powerup and initialization process.
Loading a Project, Session, or Composition Press LOAD TRACK to show list of Projects, Sessions, or Compositions from all mounted drives. The list is shown in alphanumeric order. Example: To load 2B Project Use Arrows or Wheel to Scroll Project list in LCD display Project 2B Project A Project Dialogue Export 1.
Once a track is loaded into a track index, it is removed from the “pool” of tracks available for direct loading, but it may be moved from its current track index position to another track index position. If a track from the project is already loaded into a track index, then choosing (scrolling to) that track name in the list of tracks will cause the MMR to ask if you want to Move that track to the currently selected Track index.
Once the desired drive is selected press STO to select it and STO again after the prompt “Are You Sure?” appears. The drive will be initialized within a few seconds and is now ready for recording. To record a new project, first go to Setup menu 800 and create a name for the project using the Trim key and the Wheel or Up/Down arrow keys to spell the Project name. Press STO after inputting the name.
Trimming Time Code Values Any time a writeable register is shown in the bottom line of the display (usually by being recalled), it can be trimmed as required. There are two types of trimming: static and dynamic. Dynamic trim is desirable only in certain special situations, and differs from static trim in that the register values are sent to the transport immediately as they are changed. In static trim, register values are sent to the transport at the point where trim mode is exited.
Local & Studio Monitoring A front panel headphone jack allows the MMR-8 operator to locally monitor one or more tracks, right at the front panel, without affecting the output signals. The rear panel mini-jack output on the PRX card is designed for studio monitoring using a customer-supplied studio monitor amplifier and speaker.
Chapter 4 MMR-8 Setup Menus The Setup State & the Setup Menus Setup menus allows individual MMR-8 parameters to be changed, and if desired, saved to one of the ten User settings files. Parameters can also be changed within the current session without saving them to a specific User settings file. Changes made in this way are automatically stored in a system init file and will still be remembered even if the MMR-8 is powered down and restarted. To enter the Setup state, press SETUP.
When trimming is active (press TRIM), rotating the Wheel or pressing the Up/Down arrow keys scrolls through the available selections for the current menu. These selections also usually “wrap around.” If the menu requires a single numeric value, the wheel or arrow keys will increment or decrement the numeric value, but it will not “wrap around” once the top or bottom of the range is reached.
Setup Menu Chart This chart lists all of the Setup Menus and their parameters. Note that * indicates the default selection. MENU # MENU NAME PARAMETERS 000 Control Mode Local/MMR* Time Code Chase Biphase Chase Biphase Transport Serial Transport Editor Varispeed 001 Frame Reference Automatic* Video 002 Sample Reference Automatic* AES/EBU Input Ext Wordclock 003 Time Code Type 24/24 25/25 29.97/DF 29.
MENU # MENU NAME PARAMETERS 111 Ident Request Auto Assign* 01 (Range 01-100) 112 Ident Assigned 01* (Range 01–100 read-only display) 120 Lynx Bus Off* Slave/KCU Master 121 Lynx Address 1* Range: 0 through 127 122 Lynx V500 Mode Off* On 200 Record Mode Non-Destructive* Auto Cleanup Tape Mode 201 All Safe Off* On 202 Record Key Record+Play* Record 203 Rehearse key Rehearse+Play* Rehearse 210 Loop Mode Play Repeatedly* Play once and Cue Play once and Stop 211 Loop Record Repe
MENU # MENU NAME PARAMETERS 301 Biph Pulse Rate 2 ppf 4 ppf 10 ppf* 20 ppf 25 ppf 50 ppf 100 ppf 302 Biphase I/O Biphase* Tach + Dir Tach + Inverse Dir 320 Biphase Accel 8* Range: 4 through 32 321 Biphase Max Wind 5* Range: 1 through 20 times play speed 410 Parallel Trk Arm Pulse (toggle)* Pulse w/ Auto Rec Hold Hold w/ Auto Rec Pulse In + Out 500 Input Source Analog* Digital Rate Converter 501 Auto Input Rec Only Rec or Non-Play* Rec or Rec-Ready 510 Crossfade 10 ms* Range: 0 thro
72 MENU # MENU NAME PARAMETERS 610 Digital Out Delay Internal* OR Range: 1 through 255 samples 620 Rate Conversion Slow response* Fast Response 700 Disk Encoding Waveframe 16-bit* Waveframe 24-bit 710 Disk Inititalize Press STO 711 Disk Low Format Press STO 720 Disk Cleanup Press STO 800 Project Name MMR Project* 810 Track Prefix MMR Trk* 900 Store Settings User 1 User 2 User 3 User 4 User 5 User 6 User 7 User 8 User 9 User 10 901 Recall Settings Default User 1 User 2 User 3
Setup Menu Details This section contains detailed notes on the operation of some important Setup menu parameters. Control Mode The MMR-8 will always operate in one of seven Control modes. The default Control mode, which is how the MMR-8 starts up when the unit is first installed, is called the Local/Bus Control Mode. To change the Control mode, select Setup menu 000 (press SETUP to display the Setup menus). Whenever the MMR-8 is powered up, the first menu displayed will always be menu 000 (“Control Mode”).
Serial Transport Similar to Biphase Transport, this mode allows the MMR-8 to control an external audio or video transport connected to the 9-pin serial Transport connector. Video and audio decks using the P2 protocol can be controlled (including models from Accom, Alesis, Ampex, Fostex, JVC, Otari, Panasonic, Sony, and Tascam).
The Lynx Bus The Lynx bus allows control of the MMR via a TimeLine Lynx Keyboard Control Unit (KCU). Connect the KCU to one of the Lynx bus connectors on the back of the MMR. It is not necessary to have a Lynx 2 module as part of the system, since the MMR behaves as a Lynx synchronizer itself when connected to a KCU. Other Lynx modules may then be connected through the other Lynx bus connector and the entire system (up to a limit of six devices) controlled from the KCU.
In and Out timecode registers on tracks that have been armed/selected as described above (see Track Record Arm/Select). Upon pressing Slip, the – and + keys will highlight and the Wheel will be in Trim mode. Use the Wheel or keys to enter a trim value to indicate how far the selected region will be slipped. To end the operation and complete the Slip, press either the Trim key or the Slip key.
Record Mode Menu 200, Record Mode, allows for setting any of three different methods for recording. Non-Destructive When Non-Destructive record mode is active, each new recording operation (punch in/out) records the material into new audio files on the disk, and does not delete any previously existing audio material on the disk.
Recording new audio into a Tape Mode project while the Record Mode is set to either Auto Cleanup or Non-Destructive turns the Tape Mode project into a non -Tape Mode project. Once changed in this fashion, the mode cannot be reset to Tape Mode for this project. It is also not possible to set the Record Mode to Tape Mode if a non-Tape Mode track is loaded into any of the track indexes.
Chapter 5 MMR-8 System Applications This chapter offers more detailed information for using the MMR-8 with film and video applications. Setup Menu parameter selections, technical background information, and block diagram connections are also covered.
On older film transports that use a tach and a direction signal, the phase A connection comes from the direction signal and the phase B connection comes from the tachometer output. Setup Menu 302 allows the default setting (which is biphase) to be changed to tach+direction. If the transport controls seem to be “backwards” (i.e. Play runs the film in reverse), select the tach+inverse direction choice from Setup Menu 302.
Menu 300 is used to set the Biphase Frame Rate. In most applications in the USA the film frame rate will be set to 24 fps (the default setting). For some European applications this may need to be set for 25 fps, and for specialized film for video applications there is also the 30 fps rate available. Menu 301is used to set the Biphase Pulse Rate. The number of pulses per frame is determined by the model of film transport or dubber that is being used with the MMR-8. See Table 5.
MMR-8 Film Connections Although the MMR-8 can only be controlled by one film transport bus at a time, there are four film transport connections (biphase input) on the UI/B card on the rear panel. These connections allow a single MMR-8 to be switched between up to four projection/mix-down rooms when it is placed into a main machine room. The biphase input that the MMR-8 follows is set using the Sync Group menu 100.
Chapter 6 Maintenance & Service The MMR-8 requires little maintenance other than ensuring adequate airflow through the interior of the unit. Do not use alcohol or other common studio chemical cleaners on the front panel keys. The rear panel maintenance is to vacuum and/or brush off the fan opening area of the power supply if a build-up of dust occurs. System Input Level Calibration Using the Meter LEDs The LED meters are factory aligned for +4 dBu analog operating levels.
The MMR-8 has a built-in 1 kHz oscillator to check that the output levels are calibrated. To check the output levels, select Setup Menu 530 and select the 1 kHz setting. Press STO to turn on the internal oscillator. Make sure no tracks are selected in the Input mode, and then press the Play switch. Measure the output levels and verify that they match the calibration settings (+4 dBu nominal=1.228Vrms, measured at XLR pin 2(+) and 3(-) pins).
MIC Calibration Procedure Follow this step-by-step procedure to calibrate the MMR-8 Input Converters (MIC). 1. Get out of the Reference Tone mode by pressing the SETUP key. Go to menu 530. Press TRIM and use the Wheel to select the Off menu selection. Press STO to turn off the tone. Press the STOP switch. Press CLR to exit Setup mode. 2. Press INPUT and turn on all channels for monitor input by pressing SEL on each track (all eight Input LEDs should be turned on). 3.
Adding External Drives to the System Up to five additional SCSI drives can be added to each MMR-8. The drives must be assigned unique SCSI ID numbers. Two SCSI ID numbers (7 and 0) are already taken by the MMR-8 SCSI controller card and the removable drive in the internal Kingston carrier of the MMR-8. The external drives should be added to the system while the MMR-8 is powered down (off).
Chapter 7 Technical Support For technical support on the MMR-8 product line contact: TASCAM 7733 Telegraph Road Montebello, CA 90640 Tel (213) 726-0303 Ext 617 Fax (213) 727-7632 E-mail: tascamsupport@teac.com Technical assistance is only available to registered owners of MMR-8 products. Be sure to write down your serial number before installation for future reference, as you will need it, along with the software version you are currently running, when contacting technical support.
88 Tascam MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Appendix A • Control Panel Summary
Appendix A: Control Panel Command Summary Transport Group ONLINE ONLINE+o o (Stop) << (Rewind) < (Play Backwards) o (Stop) > (Play) >> (Fast Forward) REH (Rehearse) REC (Record) Toggles between offline and online. When lit, indicates unit is online. Unmounts all drives so they can be removed from the MMR-8. Moves all tracks in reverse at a high rate of speed with no audio playback. Plays audio backwards at the normal play speed. Stops audio playback; re-mounts drives after an unmount operation.
Keypad keys CLR 7 SHIFT+7 Enter digit, or selects 700 menus (in Setup) Locate to “In point” STO+7 Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 7. RCL+7 Recalls the time code in Memory register 7. 8 Enter digit, or selects 800 menus (in Setup) SHIFT+8 Locate to “Head of tape” – follows SEL key selection in EDIT mode STO+8 Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 8. RCL+8 Recalls the time code in Memory register 8.
SHIFT+6 Locate to Previous Edit point STO+6 Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 6. RCL+6 Recall Previous Edit time into the bottom line of display. STO 0 SHIFT+0 Used with the number keys to store the bottom line time code into another register; loads tracks in Track mode, selects in Setup mode, affirmative response in other modes Enter digit, or selects 000 menus (in Setup) Lynx sync register STO+0 Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 0.
Track Select Keys Red 1 - 8 EDIT+SEL (1 - 8) Select Edit Mode for Tracks 1 - 8 MON+SEL (1 - 8) Select Headphone Monitor, Tracks 1 - 8 INPUT+SEL (1 - 8) 92 Record enable for Tracks 1 - 8 Monitor Inputs 1 - 8 LOAD TRACK Enter Load Track mode TRACK Enter View Track mode SLIP Enter Slip Tracks mode SHIFT+SEL (1) Cut SHIFT+SEL (2) Copy SHIFT+SEL (3) Clear SHIFT+SEL (4) Paste SHIFT+SEL (5) Insert SHIFT+SEL (6) Open SHIFT+SEL (7) Undo SHIFT+SEL (8) Redo SHIFT+EDIT Sets in and Out tim
Appendix B: TASCAM MMR-8 Drive Compatibility Chart MANUFACTURER MODEL NIKON MO DRIVE (A/V) BELUGA SONY MO DRIVE MODEL NO. DD53-S1P SMO-F544 FIRMWARE DATE COMMENTS UNKNOWN. MFG 1/97 7/2/97 QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL MMR-8 SERIAL Nos. UNKNOWN. QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL S/W VERSIONS 1.04 & 1.
Tascam MMR-8 Approved Drives The Tascam Web site at http://www.tascam.com has the latest information on approved drives for use with the MMR-8. Use this page of the Owner’s Manual to note new drives that have been added to the approved drives list. MANUFACTURER 94 MODEL MODEL NO.
Appendix C: WaveFrame Compatibility This section contains information on using the MMR-8 in the film post production environment that heretofore has relied on a WaveFrame/StudioFrame system for playback on the mix stage. There are a number of considerations necessary to ensure compatibility between the MMR-8 and existing WaveFrame/StudioFrame projects. WaveFrame/StudioFrame systems require at least one fixed drive on the ‘A’ SCSI bus. On many StudioFrame systems, all drives are configured as “fixed” (i.e.
Go into the Track Rack. Move all left channel tracks to the ‘1B’ drive and move all right channel tracks to the ‘1A’ drive. Rebuild the database on both drives. StudioFrame Configuration Example B: 8-8-8 (8 track layout, tracks are in stereo pairs, two fixed drives). Sound was recorded as Tracks 1-4 to FA, Tracks 5-8 to FB. Edit your Autoexec.bat file and change the SCSI address of your drives as described above. Launch StudioFrame and mount the now-removable drives.
Appendix D: MMR-8 Cable Information PARALLEL TRACKS and PARALLEL TRANSPORT Connector 37-pin D Male TYPICAL INPUT VCC (+5V) 10K 1 INPUT PIN 10K 2 74HC14 TYPICAL OUTPUT OUTPUT PIN 2.7K 7.2K 3K DARLINGTON OUTPUT STAGE OF ULN2803A MAX RATINGS: 50V @ 500MA Note: I/O shares same logical ground Tracks Switch Tally 1. Trk 1 Input 21. 2. Trk 2 Input 22. 3. Trk 3 Input 23. 4. Trk 4 Input 24. 5. Trk 5 Input 25. 6. Trk 6 Input 26. 7. Trk 7 Input 27. 8. Trk 8 Input 28. Tracks Switch Tally 9. Trk 1 Rec 29.
MIDI IN/THRU/OUT Connector pinout PIN # Signal Description (IN, OUT, & THRU) 1 n/c 2 n/c 3 n/c 4 Signal + 5 NOTES: Signal - 1. DIN-5 connector - shield tied to case. 2. Signals are MIDI specification compliant.
TRANSPORT (Sony 9-pin) Connector pinout PIN # MSTR Signal SLAVE Signal Pin # MSTR Signal SLAVE Signal 1 Frame ground Frame ground 6 Frame ground Frame ground 2 Receive - Transmit - 7 Receive + Transmit + 3 Transmit + Receive + 8 Transmit - Receive - 4 Frame ground Frame ground 9 Frame ground Frame ground 5 Spare Fr Ck Spare Fr Ck NOTES: 1. 9-pin D-subminiature female connector (DB-9). 2. Signals are RS422 Compatible Frame Clock spare should not be used. 3.
ANALOG INPUT & OUTPUT Connectors pinouts PIN # Signal Description PIN # Signal Description 1 Channel 8 + signal 14 Channel 8 - signal 2 Channel 8 ground 15 Channel 7 + signal 3 Channel 7 - signal 16 Channel 7 ground 4 Channel 6 + signal 17 Channel 6 - signal 5 Channel 6 ground 18 Channel 5 + signal 6 Channel 5 - signal 19 Channel 5 ground 7 Channel 4 + signal 20 Channel 4 - signal 8 Channel 4 ground 21 Channel 3 + signal 9 Channel 3 - signal 22 Channel 3 ground 10 Ch
DIO (AES/EBU Digital Audio) Connector pinout PIN # Signal Description PIN # Signal Description 1 Digital Output 4 (ch 7&8) + signal 14 Digital Output 4 (ch 7&8) - signal 2 Digital Output 4 (ch 7&8) ground Digital Output 3 (ch 5&6) + signal 3 Digital Output 3 (ch 5&6) - signal 16 Digital Output 3 (ch 5&6) ground 4 Digital Output 2 (ch 3&4) + signal 17 Digital Output 2 (ch 3&4) - signal 5 Digital Output 2 (ch 3&4) ground Digital Output 1 (ch 1&2) + signal 6 Digital Output 1 (ch 1&2) - signal
TIMECODE IN Connector PIN # Signal Description TIP Time Code Reader + Ring Time Code Reader - Sleeve Ground NOTES: 1. 1/4” TRS Phonejack 2. 10K Ohm input impedance. Differential input. TIMECODE OUT Connector PIN # Signal Description TIP Time Code Reader + Ring Time Code Reader - Sleeve Ground NOTES: 1. 1/4” TRS Phonejack 2. Differential op-amp output circuit. WORD CLOCK IN Connector NOTES: 1. BNC, 75 Ohm Terminated. TTL logic levels. WORD CLOCK OUT Connector NOTES: 1.
VITC IN Connector NOTES: 1. BNC, 75 Ohm Terminated. SERIAL CONNECTORS NOTES: 1. These connectors are for factory diagnostics only. 2. 9-pin D-subminiature female connector (DB-9), connected to COM1 on the motherboard. 3. 25-pin D-subminiature female Connector (DB-25), connected to COM2 on the motherboard. SCSI Connector NOTES: 1. SCSI-2 Compliant. PRX Connector NOTES: 1. 3.5 mm Stereo Phonejack. 2. Same audio signal as on Headphone Monitor, but audio on tip (left channel) only.
104 Tascam MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Appendix E • Glossary
Appendix E: MMR-8 Glossary Abbreviations and Terms Definitions 24 frames The standard film frame rate per second. 25 frames The standard PAL and SECAM video frame rate per second. 29.97 frames The standard NTSC video frame rate for color broadcasting per second. 30 frames The standard audio-only and black and white video frame rate per second. AES/EBU Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union. The two main organizations that set the standards for audio production.
Abbreviations and Terms Definitions Control Mode The mode (menu 000) which sets how the MMR-8 is being controlled. Control Track The VTR speed control signal recorded onto the tape. It typically also has time code recorded in it. DF Drop Frame. A type of time code that compensates for color video tape (which runs at 29.97 frames per second) having 108 less frames per hour than black and white video (which uses 30 frames per second).
Abbreviations and Terms Definitions LCD Liquid Crystal Display. The twenty character by two line display used on the MMR-8 to display time code, Setup Menus, or machine status. LED Light Emitting Diode. Front panel indicators used to identify machine or key status. Local When the MMR-8 is Off-line it is said to be in local mode. Locate Jumps the MMR-8 (and any controlled machines) to a new time code location using the LOC key and one of the registers or memories.
Abbreviations and Terms Monitor Motion Controls Definitions The process of selecting one or more tracks to listen to in the headphones or rear panel studio monitor output. The “transport” keys on the MMR-8. MTC MIDI Time Code. Time code that is transmitted as part of a MIDI signal. Because there is not enough room for the complete time code to be sent at once, MTC counts in two frame increments.
Abbreviations and Terms Definitions for the audio and a frame reference to keep the audio timed correctly to the video or film frame. Register A memory that holds a time code position or other number. There are 11 dedicated registers (to hold such numbers as the Head, Tail, In and Out points, etc.) plus 10 memory registers (0 -9) in the MMR-8. Reshape The process of regenerating incoming time code so that the time code output is clean and free of noise or other signal distortions.
Abbreviations and Terms TC Generator TC Reader Tail Definitions Time Code Generator. A device to create the 80 bit time code signal for recording onto a video or audio tape. The MMR-8 contains a built-in generator which is always sending out TC when the MMR-8 is playing. Time Code Reader. The circuit in the MMR-8 that reads incoming time code from the VITC or time code inputs. Typically used to slave the MMR-8 to another time code generator’s output. The end of the track’s audio.
Index 2 24-BIT REC LED ...................................................................................................................................................................38 A AC Mains and Grounding .......................................................................................................................................................20 AC Power Cord .................................................................................................................................
D Delete.....................................................................................................................................................................................53 Deleting Tracks ......................................................................................................................................................................63 Delta (∆) Trim ........................................................................................................................
In Point...................................................................................................................................................................................56 Input.......................................................................................................................................................................................52 Input Level Calibration ...........................................................................................................
MMR Bus Request .................................................................................................................................................................78 MMR Bus Sync Cable ............................................................................................................................................................17 MMR Sync Bus Connections .................................................................................................................................
Reverse Play Key....................................................................................................................................................................43 Reversed Text.........................................................................................................................................................................33 Rewind Key......................................................................................................................................
Transport Group .....................................................................................................................................................................43 Trim .......................................................................................................................................................................................45 Trimming Time Code Values ...............................................................................................................
Tascam MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Index 117
