1 - Care of MD media
1–2
TASCAM MD-801R/P Mk II
disk from the user, and a file appears as one contigu-
ous block of data (even though it may be spread over
many tracks and sectors of the disk), the MD player
allows separated audio data to appear as a continuous
audio track.
The MD-801 allows the creation and reading of a
User Table of Contents (U-TOC) on recordable
discs, which contain instructions to the player on the
logical arrangement of the tracks, where to find the
next audio segment to be played, etc. This is similar
to the directory tracks provided as part of a computer
disk operating system.
The random access facilities provided by the MD-
801 are significantly better than those to be found on
consumer MD decks. The effective start time can be
effectively zero, compared with hundreds of milli-
seconds on consumer units.
1.1.4 Track titling, etc.
In common with other forms of digital audio media,
the MD medium allows other data to be recorded
alongside the audio data. In the MD medium, this is
used to provide alphanumeric disc and track titles,
which are shown on the display of the player.
In the case of the MD-801R/P Mk II, this information
may be conveniently entered through a standard
computer keyboard (PS/2 compatible), or through the
controls of the main unit.
In addition, a realtime clock allows date- and time-
stamping of tracks recorded on the unit or created or
edited through TOC editing functions.
These times will be displayed when the disc is
replayed on any one of the MD-801 series.
1.2 Care of MD media
The MD medium has been designed to be robust, and
the integration of the disc into a cartridge protects the
recorded surface from the worst effects of dust, fin-
gerprints, and scratches.
Even so, there are some commonsense precautions
that you should take when storing and handling
MiniDiscs.
• Do not open the shutter and touch the surface of the
disc.
• Do not keep MiniDiscs in excessively dusty loca-
tions, in direct sunlight, in areas subject to high
temperatures, or high levels of humidity.
• If the cartridge becomes dirty, clean it with a dry,
soft cloth. Do not use any solvents or other liquids.
1.3 About the MD-801R/P Mk II
The MD-801R/P Mk II, based on the TASCAM MD-
801 series of MD recorder/players, and designed to
meet the requirements of audio professionals,
includes the following features:
• Full editing functions to divide, erase and combine
tracks, etc.
• Auto cue function, allowing the playback point to
be automatically cued to the first frame of a track,
using a selectable sensitivity level
• Auto ready function, allowing the playback point
to be “parked” in the play ready mode at the start of
each track
• A resume function, which holds in backup memory
the point where playback stopped, or the power
was disconnected
• Incremental play mode, allowing cueing of the
playback point to the start of the next track, as
determined by a selectable audio threshold level,
when playback is stopped
• “Soft mute” eliminates clicks, etc. when pausing
and restarting playback
• Dual time display
• Three playback modes: normal (whole disc), track
play, and A-B play (between two defined points)
• 3-point autolocation facility
• Repeat (disc, track, A-B)
• Either stereo or monaural playback may be
selected
• Pitch change ±9.9% in 0.1% steps
• Shuttle operations up to 100 x normal speed, and
jog to single-frame accuracy
• Digital outputs in COAXIAL (SPDIF) and AES/
EBU
• Word clock synchronization for inclusion of the
MD-801 in an all-digital audio setup
• Two sets of analog outputs: –10 dBV unbalanced
MONITOR
(RCA) and +4 dBu balanced
LINE
(XLR-type). The
LINE
outputs may be trimmed
for precise signal matching with other equipment
• Output selectable (using remote controllers) from
either
MONITOR
or
LINE
• High-quality DA convertor for optimum analog
audio quality
• Level 4.5 ATRAC system
• PS/2-compatible computer keyboard connector
allows titling and other remote control operations
