Tascam M-300 Series, Operation & Maintenance Manual, Page: 13 / 167

SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION
This manual presumes nothing about your
past experience with the multi-channel process
except a willingness to learn. An expert in the
field might see the significance of a control or
jack with just a simple statement of its location,
but in this manual we will point out "the
obvious".
There are numerous basic signal input connectors
on the M-308, M-312, and M-320 mixers, as
shown on this chart:
M-308 M-312 M-320
MIC{XLR) INPUT
8
12 20
LINE {1/4") INPUT
8
12 20
MUL TI.PURPOSE TAPE
8
8 8
RETURN INPUTS
EFFECT RETURN INPUTS 2
2 2
MULTI-PURPOSE
9 11 11
I NPUTS
Each specific feature and function is explained
in the FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS section.
Whenever possible, an explanation of when a
specific control would be used will
be
given.
Main Mix System
The MAIN MIX system is the most complex
of the submix systems. It is capable of accepting
a number of different types of signals and pro­
cessing them for a wide variety of applications.
This is the primary mixing system. It is used to
mix signal sources such as mics or tape playback,
and route them to the PROGRAM (PGM)
GROUPS and STEREO LEFT and RIGHT
BUSSES. These busses can be used to provide
signals to tape recorders, P.A. amplification
systems, video recorder or any other sound
system.
The EQ UALIZER (EO) network resides in the
input channel section of the MAIN MIX system
and is selectable. Since other
subsystems
may
derive their input from the channel, either PRE
(before) or POST (after) the EO section, it is
important to understand the various inter·
relationships of the multiple subsystems. In
some cases, the "where" or "how much" of
one subsystem may greatly affect the signal
sent to another.
1 1
Each channel has either two or three input
sources from which it may receive
its
input.
As we will see later, each source can be used
independently of the others, allowing the 300
Series to accept and mix multiple signals. For
now, the input source (don't worry about what
type of signal it is or where it comes from)
will proceed through the
channel strip.
After
processing, the signal is assigned to a BUSS or
BUSSES. These may be the PGM GROUPS
(1-4) or the STEREO LEFT and RIGHT or a
combination of both, depending on the applica­
tion. Multiple signals from the channels can be
mixed together either in the PGM GROUPS
or in the STEREO MASTERS, resulting in
the finished mix.
Auxiliary and Effects Submix Systems
On the channel strips are three controls marked
AUX 1, AUX 2 and EFF(ects). These represent
three separate submix systems, all of which can
perform various tasks. Think of these three sub­
systems as additional mixers; their respective
titles are for identification purposes. These are
handy for performing mixing duties separately
from the MAIN MIX, although, in some cases,
they derive their input from the channel itself.
The AUX 1 SUBMIX system derives its signals
from either the channel strip in which it resides
or from the corresponding LINE INput con­
nector. On the first eight inputs, if the LINE
INput is not used, the corresponding TAPE IN
jack is automatically connected to the LINE IN­
put circuit. The AUX 1 input source is de­
termined by the Ll N E switch located next to
the AU X 1 control. This determines whether the
AUX 1 system input is taken from the LINE IN­
put connector or from the channel. The AUX
systems are independent of the channel or
main mix system. Their input source choices
are the same, but their actual source selection
may
be
different. If the channel signal is selected,
the signal is taken post (after) the EO. If LINE
is chosen, the Ll N E INput signal is sent to the
AUX 1 control, bypassing the channel controls,
even if the same signal is selected to the channel.
Once sent to the AUX 1 BUSS, the signal is
combined with any other AUX 1 signals. This
composite signal is then controlled by the AUX
1
MASTER and sent to the AUX 1 OUTPUTs.