Tascam DA-88 - Introduction

Introduction
The TASCAM DA-88 is a digital audio multitrack recorder
designed for use in a variety of professional applications. It
records 8 channels of digital audio data on a readily available
standard Hi8 video cassette tape which is comparable in
handiness and compactness to conventional analog audio
cassette tapes. Other features of the DA-88 include the
following :
o Newly developed TASCAM-exclusive high performance/
high wear resistive rotary 4-head mechanism with
TASCAM original track layout.
o Synchronization of up to 16 DA-88s for a setup of 128
tracks simply by connecting them in series, without
having to use any synchronizer-controller.
o Synchronization with video or other audio recorders
(analog or digital) under SMPTE/EBU time code control
when the optional SY-88 Sync Board is installed.
o Analog inputs and outputs handled by both RCA jacks
(unbalanced) and 25-pin D-sub connectors (balanced), and
digital inputs and outputs by a 25-pin serial I/O port.
O CD quality sound ensured by 16-bit linear quantization
and 48/44.1 kHz sampling rate.
o Auto punch-in/out with rehearsal capability
O 2-point autolocator
o Variable speed playback (up to 6.0% in 0.1 % steps)
Backup Feature
The following are retained in a backup memory each time
the power is turned off (battery life is about 50,000 hours) :
o MEMO 1 and 2 points
o Pitch change
o Offset time
o Track delay time
o Crossfade time
o Punch-in and out points
o Preroll time
o DIGITAL IN on/off
o Monitor selection (ALL INPUT, AUTO INPUT and
INSERT)
o CHASE on/off
o CLOCK selection
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Precautions.2
Safety Instructions.3
Introduction.,....4
Precautions and Recommendations.5
Specifications...6
Optional Accessories.6
Features and Controls.7-12
Front Panel.>.8
Rear Panel.11
Note for U.K. Customers.12
Hookup.13
Formatting a Tape. s , . 1 3 -14
Audio Record and Playback.15-21
Initial Recording.14
Punch-in (Insert) Recording.16
Bouncing Tracks (Ping-pong).20
Entering a Track Delay Time.21
Variable Speed Playback.21
Autolocation Controls.22-23
Setting Locating Points.22
Repeat Play.22
Multiple-DA-88 System.23-25
Synchronization....23
Entering an Offset.24
Digital Dubbing.25
Error Messages.26
□ Using this manual
Before actually using the DA-88, please read this
manual thoroughly at least once, so you will know
where to return when you need answers. Even though
a quick glance will get you going, careful study will
ensure that misunderstandings won't slow you down.
Use of capital letters : In general, we use all upper case
type to designate a particular switch, control or connector
label, as in : Hold RECORD and press PLAY.
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