5 - Basic operations
32
TASCAM DA-78HR
If you are unsure about the difference between moni-
toring modes as implemented on the DA-78HR, now
is a good time to read 6, “Monitoring”.
Obviously you will want to record while you listen to
the off-tape signals from previously-recorded tracks
and the input source on tracks where recording is tak-
ing place.
5.6 Punch-in and punch-out
There are a number of ways in which the DA-78HR
can be used to perform reliable punch-in and punch-
outs automatically. Punch points can be set and
edited to frame accuracy, either from a cue list or
“on-the-fly” in real time.
The DA-78HR provides a rehearsal mode which sim-
ulates the punching process, allowing the artists to
perfect the timing of the new material.
The mechanics of punching on a digital recorder
appear to the operator to be the same as on an analog
recorder.
Crossfading, however, is an important and useful
function on digital recorders, to ensure continuity
between original and punched material. In the case of
the DA-78HR, this crossfade time is adjustable from
10 milliseconds to 200 milliseconds (7.5, “Crossfade
times”).
The
AUTO MON
mode is essential here: in both
rehearsal and punch modes, the material prior to the
punch point is monitored off tape. The moni toring of
armed tracks changes to source while rehearsals and
punching are carried out and then changes to off-tape
again after the punch-out point See 6, “Monitor-
ing”for details of monitoring modes, including the
AUTO MON
mode.
NOTE
Though it is possible to perform punch recording in
ALL INPUT mode, the monitoring in this mode does
not make it easy to perform accurate punch opera-
tions. We suggest that you turn this mode off when
performing punch-ins.
5.6.1 Automatic punch point setting
Whenever recording takes place, the time when
recording begins is automatically stored as a punch-
in time, and the time when recording stops is stored
as a punch-out time.
This is not usually the way in which you will want to
set the punch points, however. There are several alter-
native ways in which you can set these points, as
described below:
5.6.2 Setting punch points “on the fly”
This method demands sharp reflexes (but you can
edit the punch points later as we show below).
NOTE
If an optional footswitch has been attached to the
rear panel
REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT
jack
X
, thi s
can be used in the following steps instead of the
RECORD
and
PLAY
keys (i.e. press the switch once
to set the punch-in point, and again to set the punch-
out point).
1
Press the
AUTO MON
key (the indicator will
light).
This is not strictly speaking necessary for set-
ting the punch points, but the
AUTO MON
is
necessary for punch operations, so we suggest
you turn it on here.
2
Use the
REC FUNCTION
key(s) to arm the
track(s) on which you will be recording.
3
Press the
RHSL
(rehearsal) key.
The indicator will flash, showing that the DA-
78HR is in “rehearsal learn” mode.
4
Rewind the tape to before where the punch is
to occur.
5
Start playing the tape (press
PLAY
).
You will monitor the off-tape signals.
6
At the point where the punch is to occur, press
RECORD
.
The
RECORD
key will flash, and the
REC
FUNCTION
indicator of any armed tracks will
light steadily. Monitoring will change to input
source recording for these tracks.
Pre-roll
point
Punch-in
point
Post-roll
point
Punch-out
point
Pre-roll time Post-roll time
Rehearsal learn
TAPE SOURCE TAPE
Rehearsal
TAPE SOURCE TAPE
AUTO IN/OUT
TAPE SOURCE TAPE
Replay check
TAPE TAPE TAPE