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Tascam Midistudio 644 User Manual

Tascam Midistudio 644
56 pages
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Tascam Midistudio 644 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Number of Channels8
Number of Buses4
Phantom PowerYes
Built-in EffectsNo
MIDI InterfaceYes
Aux Sends2
Recording Tracks4
Tracks4
MIDI In/Out/ThruIn/Out/Thru
SyncMIDI Clock
Equalization3-band EQ
Inputs8
DisplayLED
Power SupplyAC

Summary

How to Use This Manual

Introduction to the Manual

Outlines the manual's structure and purpose, guiding the user through its sections.

Standard Operation Guide

Covers basic multitrack recording procedures, including effects and bouncing.

MIDI Operations Overview

Explains MIDI synchronization and automation features for advanced control.

Features and Controls Explained

Details the unit's physical components, controls, and indicators.

Introduction to the TASCAM 644

Dual Section Functionality

Describes the dual section's capabilities and uses as a monitor or additional input.

Mixer Functionality and Signal Flow

Assignment Board and Display Basics

Explains signal routing, input selection, and the assignment display.

Three Steps to Multitrack Recording

Details the fundamental processes of tracking, overdubbing, and mixdown.

MIDI Tape Synchronizer Functionality

Multitrack Recorder Operation

Precautions and Recommendations

Tape Compatibility and Format

Discusses tape types, speeds, and track formats for optimal performance.

Tape Length and Protection

Advises on cassette length and preventing accidental erase.

Memory Backup Battery Maintenance

Instructions for replacing the memory backup battery to preserve scene data.

The Recording System Explained

Understanding the Mixer's Role

Explains the mixer's function as the central control unit for the system.

Operations Section: Getting Started

Playing Back Prerecorded Tapes

Step-by-step guide for loading and listening to prerecorded cassettes.

Recording the First Track

Initial steps for setting up and recording the first audio track.

Setting Input, Output, and Monitor Levels

Initiating Recorder and Monitoring

Overdubbing Techniques

Overdubbing Setup and Monitoring

Adjusting levels for monitoring existing tracks and live input during overdubbing.

Mixdown Procedure

Steps for mixing down recorded tracks to a stereo master.

Mastering Recorder Preparation

Mixdown Recording and Monitoring

Advanced Operations and Techniques

Punch-In and Insert Recording

Overwriting specific sections of a track without re-recording the entire part.

Rehearsal and Auto In/Out Procedures

Automated setup for precise punch-in and punch-out recording.

Setting Automatic Punch Points

Performing Actual Auto Punch-ins

Punching In Best Practices

Bouncing Tracks (Ping-Pong)

Creating Custom Scenes

Understanding Switch Settings

Explains the function of various switches for scene configuration.

Scene Display Operation Guide

How to navigate and modify scene settings using the display.

Selecting Input Sources

Choosing signal inputs for main and dual channels.

Assigning Signals to Groups

Routing channel signals to output groups for recording or mixing.

Setting Channel Mutes

Linking Dual to Group Outputs

Managing Scene Settings

Saving Scenes to Data Tape

Backing up custom scene configurations to cassette tape.

Loading Scenes from Data Tape

Saving Scenes to MIDI Filer

Restoring Factory Default Scenes

Using Effects with the 644 Midistudio

In-line and Insert Effects Processing

Methods for connecting external effects units directly or via insert points.

Send/Return Mix Processing

Setting Effect Send and Output Levels

Connecting Effects Devices

Using the Dual Section as an Effect Send

MIDI Synchronization Section Overview

Introduction to MIDI Sync

Benefits and concepts of synchronizing MIDI devices with the 644.

Sequencer and MIDI Setup

Preparing the sequencer and MIDI connections for synchronization.

Recording System with MIDI Synchronization

Key Components for MIDI Sync

Explains the roles of sequencer, controller, and MIDI instruments in sync.

Procedures for MIDI Sync Recording

Preparing for MIDI Sync Recording

Setup steps for the sequencer and the 644 for sync.

Recording the Sync Tone

Capturing the FSK sync signal onto tape track 4.

Playing Sync Tone Back to Sequencer

Using the recorded sync tone to control the sequencer.

Mixer Operation During MIDI Sync

Using External Sync Devices

MIDI Automation Section

Transmitting Program Change Commands

Sending MIDI Program Change messages from the 644 to instruments.

Controlling Mutes with MIDI Notes

Using MIDI note messages to mute individual input channels.

Features and Controls Overview

Mixer Section Details

MIC TRIM Adjustment

Preamplifier gain control for microphone inputs.

Mixer Equalizer Controls

Adjusting tone with the three-band equalizer.

AUX Send Controls

DUAL Section Controls

Main Channel Fader and Pan

Effect Return Level Controls

SUM Switch Function

AUX and DUAL Master Volume Controls

Group Master Fader Operation

Monitor Section Controls

Monitor Level Adjustments

Adjusting group and AUX monitor levels for listening.

DUAL and Mono Monitor Switches

Scene Routing Display and Controls

Input Source Selection

Choosing signal inputs for main and dual channels.

Group Assignment Controls

Routing channel signals to output groups for recording or mixing.

Line, Tape, and Post Input Modes

Channel Mute Functionality

Display Modes and Channel Keys

Metering Input and Output Levels

Linking Dual Group Outputs

Managing Scene Settings

Saving and Storing Scenes

Storing custom scene configurations to memory locations.

Navigating and Recalling Scenes

Clearing Scene Data

Data Load/Save and Sync Modes

Recorder Section Overview

Record Function Controls

Explains the function of RECORD FUNCTION buttons and LEDs.

Tape Speed and Pitch Control

Adjusting tape speed and pitch for recording and playback.

Transport Control Buttons

Playback and Recording Functions

Details on operating PLAY, RECORD, and PAUSE controls.

Shuttle Button and Knob

Variable speed tape control for searching and cueing.

Counter Display and Autolocator Functions

Memory Point Setting and Recall

Setting and using MEMO points for autolocation.

Repeat Playback Function

Creating loop playback between two memory points.

Rehearsal Mode Operation

Automatic Punch-in/out Execution

Back Panel Connections

Group Output Jacks

Outputs for group mixes, used for mastering.

Input Jacks Explained

Descriptions of MIC, LINE, and INSERT input jacks.

MIDI and External Sync Jacks

Effect Return and AUX Output Jacks

DUAL and Monitor Output Jacks

Front Panel Connector Descriptions

Serial Interface and MIDI Capabilities

Care and Maintenance Procedures

Head and Tape Path Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning heads and tape guides for optimal performance.

Pinch Roller and Capstan Cleaning

Cleaning transport components like the pinch roller and capstan.

Demagnetizing the Tape Path

Understanding the dbx Noise Reduction System

Subsonics and Interference Filtering

MIDI Automation: Mute Control

Changing Scenes via MIDI Commands

Technical Specifications

Mechanical Characteristics

Physical dimensions, weight, and build specifications.

Mixer Section Electrical Specifications

Electrical properties of mixer inputs, outputs, and controls.

Recorder Section Electrical Specifications

Typical Performance Metrics

Mixer Section Performance

Measured performance data for the mixer section.

Recorder Section Performance

Measured performance data for the recorder section.

Channel Crosstalk and Erasure

Optional Accessories List

Block Diagrams Explained

Mixer Section Signal Path

Diagram illustrating the signal flow within the mixer section.

Monitor and Sync Signal Paths

Detailed Bloc Diagrams

Mixer and Recorder Signal Paths

Diagrams showing signal flow through mixer and recorder sections.

MIDI Signal Flow Diagram

MIDI Implementation Chart

Factory Preset Scene Configurations

Presets 01-04: Group Assignments

Description of factory presets 01-04 for tracking and overdubbing.

Presets 05-08: Dual Linking for Recording

Description of factory presets 05-08 for stereo recording.

Presets 09-12: Mixdown and Input Assignments

Description of factory presets 09-12 for mixdown and channel assignments.

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