Tascam TSR-8 User Manual

Introduction
A RTD I TE ST fa TE 2 TE LS ETE
The TSR-8 is an exceptionally reliable and versatile
high-performance 8-track, 8-channel tape recorder/
reproducer that uses 1/2-inch wide tape on 10-1/2-inch
reels and operates at tape speed of 15. ips (38 cm/s).
The TSR-8 features 8-bit microcomputer control
for error-free tape operation. Each channel has its own
4-bit microcomputer to contro! record in/out circuitry,
allowing gapless punch in and out. The transport is the
“full servo’’ type: the capstan motor is FG servoed,
and each DC brushless reel motor is under control
of the 8-bit microcomputer. The tension arms have
non-contacting detectors that constantly send the micro-
computer information on tape tension; the microcom-
puter then adjusts the torque of each reel motor. The
result is smooth operation, gentle tape handling, and the
capability in edit mode of moving both reels manually
with one hand,
The TSR-8 has three different external control
interfaces. It has a parallel input port, for connection
to SMPTE/EBU based synchronizers (such as_ the
TASCAM ES-50/51); and RS-232C serial synchro-
nizers with serial control (such as the TASCAM
MIDiiZER); and a remote control port for the RC-408
remote
control
unit.
The
TSR-8
automatically
senses
when it is under external synchronizer control, switching
the servo system between the external source or its
internal reference, Track 8 is fitted with a Syne Lock
feature that assures high-quality time code or FSK
signals (such as those generated by the TASCAM MTS-
30 MIDI Tape Synchronizer) can be recorded and
played back without interruption and without dbx
processing.
The digital fluorescent tape counter is tach driven,
displaying in ‘minutes and seconds the distance the
tape has moved from a Zero reference point.
The Rehearsal and Auto In-Out features allow
automated control of punch-in and out times without
external computer control. When used’ as the first
- stage of the Automated punch-in/out operation, the Re-
hearsal feature programs the TSR-8 to repeat a punch-
in/out sequence as many times as you wish before
actually executing it on tape. The distance between
the erase and record heads is automatically compensated,
for gapless ‘inserts’.
In addition to a conventional return-to-zero function,
the TSR-8 is equpped with a two-point auto locator,
which also provides a repeat playback over the desired
segment of the tape.
Other features include various EDIT and spot erase
features; AUTO INPUT which facilitates communication
between studio and control room through the tape
returns, and more.
This manual has been designed to help you as you
learn
how
to
use
those
features.
Please
read
it
thor-
oughly and keep it handy as you learn the machine.
Taking
the
time
to
use
this
manual
now
will
save
you
time later on.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 2.0... 62 cee eee ee ee thieves. Cf
Control Signal Block Diagram .............+.. 5
Specifications ....... age ial Aisi dive, he: Whee leg as 6
Audio Signal Block /Level Diagram ..........- 8
Installations. 2... 2 ee ee ee te 9
Operation
1. Setting the Record Level .............. 15
2. Setting the Monitor Level............-. 15
3. Recording the First Track ....... Pe ewes 15
4. Overdubbing .......... 0.2.2 eee eee 16
5. Punch-in or Insert Recording ........... 17
6. Rehearsal Programming and Auto-in/out
Procedures .....-.....00 eee eee ee 18
7. Bouncing Tracks (Pingpong) .......--.+ 20
8. Mixdown (Remix) ..........80000 82> 22
9. Recording with Tape Sync ...........--- 23
Features and Controls ..........-.+2e-e 280 25
How the dbx Works ....... 000 c eee eee eee 31
Care and Maintenance ........-0 22 e+e ence 31
Optional Equipment ........... 0000 eee eee 32
(As for the contents of the Maintenance section, which
provides service instructions for use by qualified per-
sonnel, see the first page of that section.)

Tascam TSR-8 Specifications

General

Brand	Tascam
Model	TSR-8
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English