D01141720A TA-1VP Vocal Producer OWNER'S MANUAL
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ªª For European Customers CE Marking Information a) Applicable electromagnetic environment: E4 CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
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. •• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a book case or similar unit.
Safety Information ªª RACK-MOUNTING THE UNIT Use the supplied rack-mounting kit to mount the unit in a standard 19-inch rack, as shown below. Remove the feet of the unit before mounting. NOTE •• Leave 1U of space above the unit for ventilation. •• Allow at least 10 cm (4 in) at the rear of the unit for ventilation.
Contents IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...............2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.............3 Safety Information..........................................4 1 – Introduction...............................................6 Included items...................................................................... 6 About this manual............................................................... 6 Trademarks.............................................................................
1 – Introduction Thank you very much for purchasing the TASCAM TA-1VP Vocal Producer. Before connecting and using the unit, please take time to read this manual thoroughly to ensure you understand how to properly set up and connect the unit, as well as the operation of its many useful and convenient functions. After you have finished reading this manual, please keep it in a safe place for future reference. You can also download the Owner's Manual from the TASCAM web site (http://tascam.com/).
2 – Introducing the TASCAM TA-1VP Vocal Producer How to use this manual The TASCAM TA-1VP Vocal Producer (henceforth referred to as the TA-1VP) has a very friendly user-interface and is extraordinarily easy to use. However, to get the full benefit of its capabilities, we recommend that you give this manual at least a quick once over.
2 – Introducing the TASCAM TA-1VP Vocal Producer •• Really Easy To Use No scrolling though endless menus to find the parameter you want. Virtually every major function is only a single button press away. Auto-Tune Pitch Correction In 1997, Antares first introduced the ground-breaking Auto-Tune Pitch Correcting Plug-In for ProTools™ (eventually followed by most other plug-in formats).
2 – Introducing the TASCAM TA-1VP Vocal Producer intonation correction to be performed on all vocals and almost all instruments. Of course, the TA-1VP will not detect pitch when the input waveform is not periodic. As demonstrated above, the TA‑1VP will fail to tune up even a unison violin section. But this can also occasionally be a problem with solo voice and solo instruments as well. Consider, for example, an exceptionally breathy voice, or a voice recorded in an unavoidably noisy environment.
2 – Introducing the TASCAM TA-1VP Vocal Producer About the technology The models employed by the TA-1VP are not derived from theoretical considerations. They are generated by a proprietary analysis process that is applied to each physical mic modeled. Not only the sonic characteristics, but the behavior of other parameters such as low-cut filters or proximity effects accurately reflect the specific performance of each microphone modeled.
2 – Introducing the TASCAM TA-1VP Vocal Producer Limiting 1 TO 1 RATIO Examine the 99:1 curve in the above graph. This setting reduces all sounds above the threshold to the same loudness. This is called limiting. Limiting is usually employed to allow a dynamic signal to be recorded at a maximum level with no risk that transient peaks will result in overload. In this application, the threshold setting (usually set relatively high) determines the extent to which the peaks will be limited.
2 – Introducing the TASCAM TA-1VP Vocal Producer Used on a vocal track, this setting will compress only hot peaks in the voice, while gating out the room sounds, mike stand sounds, and breath noises in the track. Precisely what gets compressed and gated is a function of the compressor and gate threshold settings. The graph below shows a dynamic expander. In this application, the gate threshold and ratio are set to gently expand the program material at a 1 to 1.5 ratio. The compressor ratio is set to 1 to 1.
2 – Introducing the TASCAM TA-1VP Vocal Producer What is a De-Esser? Equalization When recording spoken or sung material, the sibilants (Ss, Ts, CHs, and SHs) in the track often sound louder than the rest of the signal. The effect is unnatural and often irritating. The solution to this problem is to compress only the sibilants, thereby lowering their level relative to the rest of the track. Processing a signal this way is called de‑essing.
2 – Introducing the TASCAM TA-1VP Vocal Producer Shelving Filters Peaking Filter Shelving filters are used primarily as “tone controls,” cutting or boosting whole regions of the spectrum. (You can think of them as fancy versions of the traditional “Bass” and “Treble” controls you’d find on home stereos or boom boxes.) A high shelf filter, for instance, acts by raising or lowering the part of the spectrum above the cut-off frequency.
3 – Setting Up the TASCAM Vocal Producer Setting up the TA-1VP is very straightforward. 1 Find a suitable location. The TA-1VP is designed to be mounted in a standard 19-inch equipment rack. 2 Connect an audio output to the LINE IN jack or connect a microphone to the front panel MIC IN jack (see Chapter 5 for details of patching the TA‑1VP into your system). 3 Connect a cable to the MAIN LINE OUT jack.
4 – Names and Functions of Parts Front panel 1 STANDBY/ON button Press this to switch the unit power between ON and STANDBY. When in STANDBY mode, the TA-1VP is not drawing power, but the AC Adapter will still be using a small amount (less than 1 Watt) 2 LCD An easy-to-read 20 character by 2 line display. You can set the optimum viewing angle in the Setup menu (See Chapter 5). 8 Á (Right Cursor) Press this button to move the cursor to the right on display pages with multiple data fields.
4 – Names and Functions of Parts is flat and that positive correction is being applied. Conversely, the yellow LEDs indicate that the input is sharp and that negative correction is required. i SCALE Press this button to select the scale to be used as target pitches for correction. o SPEED Press this button to set Auto-Tune’s pitch correction speed. ªª The COMPRESSOR/GATE Module p COMP Press this button to set the compressor’s ratio, threshold and makeup gain.
4 – Names and Functions of Parts Rear panel # MAIN Line Output The TA-1VP’s main audio output. It accepts a 1/4-inch TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) phone plug. $ DOUBLE TRACK Line Output If you have selected stereo double tracking, the second track is available at this output. It accepts a 1/4-inch TRS (tip-ring- sleeve) phone plug. % LINE IN Accepts a balanced line level signal on a 1/4-inch TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) phone plug.
5 – Operation Live or mixdown? The TA-1VP functions equally well processing audio during its original performance or later during the mixdown process. However, if you have the choice (which you typically will for everything but a live stage performance), we strongly recommend using the TA-1VP as an insert effect during mixdown. This will allow you to experiment with various settings while auditioning their effect in the context of the entire mix.
5 – Operation Controls and Display Screens With an instrument INSTRUMENT RECORDER TA-1VP CHANNEL 1 MASTER MODULE CHANNEL 2 LINE IN WITH AN INSTRUMENT MAIN LINE OUT DOUBLE TRACK LINE OUT OPTIONAL If you are recording directly to a tape deck or hard disk recorder, patch the output from an instrument into the TA‑1VP’s LINE IN and the TA-1VP’s MAIN LINE OUT into your recorder.
5 – Operation can be adjusted by the TA-1VP's Analog Trim function, the mixer channel trim (for a pre-fader insert effect), a channel fader (if using a separate channel as a return), or by an external preamp (if you have patched the TA‑1VP between the preamp and your mixer input). •• The TA-1VP’s front panel level meter is designed to give you a quick overview of input signal level. For precise level adjustment, see the Input Level Trim & Meter Page in the Setup section below.
5 – Operation ªª Audio Type Page ªª Auto-Tune Sensitivity Page Audio Type Auto-Tune Soprano Voice Sensitivity: 10 As a result of Antares research into the unique characteristics of various types of audio signals, the TA‑1VP Auto-Tune module offers a selection of optimized processing algorithms for the most commonly pitchcorrected inputs. Choices include Soprano Voice (default setting), Alto/Tenor Voice, Low Male Voice, and Instrument.
5 – Operation ªª MIDI Controllers Page MIDI Controllers Auto-Tune Speed ªª Footswitch Assign Page Footswitch Assign OFF This page allows you to assign MIDI Continuous Controllers to various TA-1VP functions. Using MIDI control messages, you can vary multiple TA-1VP parameters in real time using a MIDI fader box or automate dynamic parameter changes using a MIDI sequencer.
5 – Operation ªª MIDI Dump (export) Page The MIDI Preset Dump function allows you to archive one or more of your presets and/or your TA-1VP’s Setup Menu settings as a MIDI SysEx file that can then be reloaded into your TA-1VP at some later time. This function is also useful for organizing sets of presets, e.g., all of the presets used in a particular album project or set list.
5 – Operation If this happens to you, check to be sure that you have sent the TA-1VP the correct file from your sequencer. ªª LCD Contrast Page ªª Factory Preset Restore Page LCD contrast 3 to restore ## Preset Name If you have edited or replaced any of the factory presets and wish to restore one or more of them, use the Data Knob to select the desired factory preset.
5 – Operation MICROPHONE MODELER MODULE ªª Model Mic Page Pressing the MODEL button brings up this page: ªª Source Mic Page Pressing the SRC button brings up this page: Model Mic: Lg Dia condenser #1 Source Mic: Shure SM57 Use the Data Knob to select the desired type of mic model. Models include: Use the Data Knob to select a source mic. The Source Mic list includes both specific mics and generic mic categories. If you are using one of the specific mics, select that mic.
5 – Operation Source Mic Low Cut If you select a specific source mic and that mic is equipped with a low-cut filter, you can use the Data Knob to turn the filter ON or OFF (default setting). (If the specific mic does not have a low-cut filter, the display will default to “---.”) All generic mic categories include a low cut filter. If the source mic does include a low-cut filter, select the low-cut setting (ON or OFF) that was (or will be) used when capturing your audio.
5 – Operation (+1 or –1) signal levels. These levels represent the “rails” of the amplifier. As the Warmth Amount is increased, the amplification is increased. Any regions of the signal that increases beyond the rails generate distortion. (But instead of the usual ugly digital clipping, they are distorted the same way the tube pre-amp would distort the sound.) Because the maximum drive is limited to +12 dB, using the Tube Saturation model requires the original signal to be at a level greater than –12 dB.
5 – Operation note and therefore pulls the phrase up to the correct pitch. A NOTE ABOUT SCALE EDITS: While you remain in a preset, you can make edits to multiple scales and the TA-1VP will remember the edits and allow you to switch between the edited scales (e.g., to evaluate the effect of various scale settings on the correction of a particular performance). However, if you select another preset without first saving the first preset, all of your scale edits will be lost.
5 – Operation ªª Compressor Knee Page Pressing the KNEE button brings up this page: Compressor Knee: 40 (0 is hard) The Knee control adjusts the sharpness of the transitions between uncompressed and compressed signals. As a signal increases in level through the threshold, the compressor will begin to apply gain reduction. With a soft knee (100), that change in gain will be gradual and therefore less noticeable. The range of the control is from 0 (hard knee) to 100 (soft knee). (The default setting is 48.
5 – Operation De-esser Release ªª EQ #1 Page 200 ms The Release Time control adjusts the time it takes the compressor element’s gain to increase 6 dB after the signal coming from the highpass filter drops below the threshold. The range of the control is from 20 milliseconds to 2550 milliseconds. (The default setting is 120 milliseconds.
5 – Operation ªª Peaking Filter EQ1 Peaking f: 884 Q:2.4 Gn:-10 This is the traditional fully parametric EQ. The filter boosts or cuts the signal at frequency “f” by the Gain (“Gn”) amount (in dB). Additionally, you can vary the bandwidth of the peak or dip with the “Q” control (higher Q = narrower bandwidth). The default settings are: f: 6977 Q: .71 Gn: +3 ªª Notch Filter EQ1 Notch f: 3775 Q:5.
5 – Operation If you want both the main and double track to appear at the Main Output, use the Data Knob to select the amount of the double track you want in the mix. The range is from 1% (double track barely audible), to 50% (main and double track appear at the same volume).
6 – Get Creative Up to this point, the instructions in this manual have focused on how to use the TA-1VP for its primary purpose: creating traditionally gorgeous vocal tracks. But don’t let that limit you. We’ve purposely given the controls wide ranges to allow you to move beyond what might be considered useful for traditional processing. Try some of the following: Using the Auto-Tune Module •• Auto-Tune can be used to simulate other singing styles.
7 – Appendix TA-1VP Factory Presets 4 BalladVocal Large condenser mic model and tube warmth adds breadth and intimacy. Double track provides a stereo effect — adjust Auto-Tune Detune (in the Setup menu) to taste. 5 Breathless Suppresses breath sounds between phrases. Adjust Gate/ Comp thresholds to suit the track. 6 VocalSquash Heavily compressed pop vocal patch. Compression and deesser thresholds may need to be tweaked.
7 – Appendix ªª Drum Presets ªª Utility Presets 18 DrumAlert Adds weight and snap to drum kit, adjust model mic proximity to work kick sound, and Low Pass EQ to control high end. 32 LiveVoxFix Preset built around a live vocal track recorded at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas in the ‘60s. Mostly designed as damage control. 19 TiteSnare Adjust compressor threshold, EQ 1&2 gain to taste. 33 GateThatKick 20 KickEnhance Will give even a well-recorded kick drum some spectral enhancement.
7 – Appendix be a problem when your source mic has a substantial bass or treble roll-off and the modeled mic has a corresponding boost or, more likely, when your audio was recorded with a low-cut filter on the source mic and you do not use a low-cut on the modeled mic. In both of these cases, the models will apply substantial gain to the affected frequency ranges, raising the level of added noise along with the desired signal.
8 – Specifications Input Analog Trim: 0 dB - +30 dB AUTO-TUNE Chromatic and 24 diatonic scales, all user customizable Retune speed Pitch detection sensitivity MIC MODELER Source Mics: Specific mics: Shure SM58 Shure SM57 Shure Beta 58a Shure KSM 32 Audio Technica 3035 Audio Technica ATM31 Audio Technica ATM41a Audio Technica 4050 Rode NT1 Rode NT2 Rode NT3 CAD M177 CAD E200 CAD E350 Generic mics: Hand-held Dynamic Studio Dynamic Wireless Small Diaphragm Condenser Large Diaphragm Condenser Model Mics: Hand
8 – Specifications Line input (Balanced) Connector: Input impedance: Nominal input level: Maximum input level: General: 1/4” (6.3 mm) TRS phone jack (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND) 10 kOhm 8 dBu (1.947 Vrms) - 24 dBu (12.283 Vrms) 24 dBu (12.283 Vrms) Line output, Main (Balanced) Connector: Output impedance: Nominal output level: Maximum output level: Power: Power consumption: External dimensions (WxHxD): Weight: Operating temperature range: TASCAM PS-1225L AC adaptor (included) 4W 482.6 x 44 x 128.
8 – Specifications 40.4 mm 482.6 mm 20.7 mm 128.1 mm 436.8 mm 6.5 mm Dimensional drawing 44 mm 31.8 mm 465 mm •• Illustrations in this manual may differ in part from the actual product. •• Specifications and the external appearance may be changed without notification to improve the product.
8 – Specifications Level diagram TASCAM TA-1VP 41
Notes 42 TASCAM TA-1VP
Notes TASCAM TA-1VP 43
TA-1VP TEAC CORPORATION Phone: +81-42-356-9143 1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan http://tascam.jp/ TEAC AMERICA, INC. http://tascam.com/ TEAC CANADA LTD. http://tascam.com/ Phone: +1-323-726-0303 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA Phone: +1905-890-8008 Facsimile: +1905-890-9888 5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V. http://www.teacmexico.
