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TASCAM DA-78HR
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5 - Basic operations
This section explains some of the basic operations
using the DA-78HR. Section 7, “Advanced opera-
tions” describes more advanced operations.
Most operations on a DA-78HR are similar to those
on a traditional analog multitrack recorder, but we
suggest that you read this section and the next to
learn about the features of the DA-78HR.
5.1 Formatting a tape
Before you use a tape in the DA-78HR, you must
first format it. This marks internal synchronization
patterns for the servo to follow on subsequent passes
through the tape as well as the subcode data (ABS).
The process also initializes the tape for recording at
either 16-bit or 24-bit resolution.
No audio data is normally recorded during a format-
ting operation (but see below).
5.1.1 Selecting a word clock source
1
Use the
CLOCK
key to select a clock source.
NOTE
Remember that in your digital audio setup, only one
digital audio device should be set to be a clock mas-
ter. All other digital audio devices must derive their
clocks from it.
There are four options available:
• WORD (the
WORD
indicator lights)—this is the
word clock received at the
WORD SYNC IN
con-
nector. You may use this setting when recording
digital audio through the TDIF-1 input, if the
source of the audio is set to be a clock master.
• INT (internal)—both the
WORD
and
DIGITAL IN
CLOCK
indicators light. You may use this setting if
other digital audio devices are to be word clock
slaves, or if the input signals are analog.
• DIGITAL IN—this refers to the SPDIF (
COAXIAL
)
input. Use this if the recording source is to be
received here, and the source device is a word
clock master.
• SYNC IN—this cannot be set using the
CLOCK
key, but occurs automatically when the DA-78HR
is being controlled from another DTRS unit, and
the
REMOTE IN/SYNC IN
connection has been
made (see 8.1, “Synchronization connections”).
Neither the
WORD
nor
DIGITAL IN
indicators will
light at this time.
5.1. 2 Formatting
While formatting is proceeding, you cannot perform
any other transport operation except stopping the
tape.
You cannot change the sampling rate or the bit reso-
lution while formatting is in progress.
1
Switch on the DA-78HR and load a tape into
the tape loading slot. As the tape is loaded and
threaded, the tape counter shows
“
--LOAD--”.
For details of tapes that you can use in the DA-
78HR, see 1.5, “Recommended tapes”.
2
Press
REW
to take the tape to the beginning
and stop the tape.
3
Press the
FORMAT/Fs
key. The display shows
FORMAT (
FORMAT
).
4
Press the
FORMAT/Fs
key again within 5 sec-
onds. The display will then show a flashing
F,
followed by all dashes (
F- -- -- --).
If you do not press the
FORMAT/Fs
key twice
within 5 seconds the
FORMAT message will dis-
appear. This is a feature designed to stop you
formatting a tape accidentally.
NOTE
If you do press the
FORMAT/Fs
key twice and you
then change your mind about formatting the tape,
use either the
CLEAR
or
STOP
key to cancel the
operation.
5
Select the sampling frequency (either 44.1kHz
or 48kHz), using the
FORMAT/Fs
key.
The sampling frequency that you select
depends on the eventual use for the recording.
For audio work, selecting 44.1kHz will allow
you to produce CD master tapes with no fre-
quency conversion.
NOTE
If a digital signal is received at the
DIGITAL I/O
jack
or at the SPDIF (
COAXIAL
) input, the DA-78HR’s
recording and playback sampling frequency is auto-
matically determined by the sampling frequency of
the input signal and you cannot change it.
6
Select the recording mode using the
HR MODE
key. When HR mode (24-bit recording) is
selected, the
HR
indicator to the left of the time
counter will light.
Remember that if HR mode is selected, the
tape must be replayed on an HR DTRS