10
TASCAM DM-4800
User’s Manual
1 – Introduction
This section provides an overview of the features and facilities provided by the DM-4800. It also includes an
overview of the operational procedures involved when using the unit. It is important to read this section to
gain a basic understanding of the way that the DM-4800 works before proceeding with setting up and using
the unit.
The DM-4800 provides you with a new and flexible
approach to mixing and recording.
Designed to integrate with the latest Digital Audio
Workstation (DAW) personal computer software as
well as with standalone recorders, it can form the
heart of any recording studio.
Full-sized motorized faders, twenty-four rotary
encoders with ring LED indicators, a dedicated “fat
channel” set of controls providing instant access to
the common channel settings, a large clear LCD dis-
play and ergonomically-placed dedicated system
controls help to make the DM-4800 intuitive, as well
as powerful, to use.
Computer (DAW) integration
The DM-4800 can be used with a computer system:
with the built-in USB port, which allows control of
the DAW by the DM-4800, emulating popular con-
troller hardware.
Additionally the optional FireWire expansion card
(IF-FW/DM) can be fitted, which provides all the
USB functionality, and also allows multi-channel
digital audio to be transmitted and received between
the DM-4800 and the DAW application.
In this second method, the DM-4800 may be used as
an outboard mixer, freeing the computer’s CPU from
this task, and reserving the DAW for audio editing,
etc.
In both cases, the TMCompanion software can be
used for management of the DM-4800. See the docu-
mentation accompanying the latest release of the
software for full details of the capabilities of the soft-
ware with the unit.
Other key points
Since the DM-4800 is designed with a working envi-
ronment in mind, full control-room and studio moni-
toring facilities, including two sets of control-room
monitor outputs, as well as talkback, are integrated.
The DM-4800 provides automation facilities which
are independent of any external computer. Mix
moves can easily be recorded, edited and replayed in
the DM-4800 in standalone mode, requiring only a
timecode source (including the internal generator).
Sony P2 9-pin protocols are also provided, allowing
control of other studio equipment from one central
unit.
Working in multiple locations is easier than ever
before, as the DM-4800 works the way you do; in
terms of projects where all information and settings
are stored together for future recall.
The data for projects is stored on industry-standard
CompactFlash cards for easy offline storage, archival
and transportation between facilities.
In addition, computer-aided librarian functions make
it simple to juggle the demands of a busy studio
schedule.
Top-quality internal effects reduce the need for large
outboard racks and allow still further for portability
of projects.
Timecode, word sync, MIDI, etc. are also provided
for the widest possible integration with other equip-
ment in your setup.
Please read this manual
Please take the trouble to read this manual carefully.
Although every attempt has been made to make the
DM-4800 as easy to use as possible, there are many
features that may not be immediately obvious.
A little time spent studying the manual now may
save you a lot of time and effort later on.
