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1 – Introduction : Setup
TASCAM DM
Automation Guide
5
requiring constant attention from you. Of course, the
TASCAM DM’s automatic mode switching may be
over-ridden at any time for “power user” operation.
The automation is synchronized to timecode. This
could be external Linear Timecode (LTC or com-
monly referred to as SMPTE/EBU) or MIDI Time-
code (MTC) from either the
MIDI IN
port or through
the USB connection.
Alternatively, the TASCAM DM’s own internal
timecode generator can be used to synchronize the
automated mix moves and slave the external
recorder.
The event resolution for mix moves on the TASCAM
DM is one event per quarter timecode frame. At a
timecode rate of 30 frames per second, non-drop, this
equates to about 8 milliseconds per event.
A Note on Touch-Sensitive Faders
When using the touch-sensitivity of the faders in
automation, you should always use your fingers to
touch the faders. If you use a pencil or ruler, etc. or
even your fingernails to touch them, the fader will
not register as having been touched.
Setup
There are two possible sources of timecode to which
the TASCAM DM’s automation can lock. Both are
equal in functionality and accuracy. Your choice will
depend on what you have available in your situation.
The choices are listed here:
Timecode
There is an RCA jack (
TIMECODE IN
) on the back of
the TASCAM DM which accepts SMPTE/EBU time-
code.
To use this timecode with the automation system, go
to the
AUTOMATION
display, and then select
TC IN
as
shown below in Figure 1,
Timecode source selection
(showing USB MTC selected)
.
If you don’t see this screen, press the POD 1 switch
and use the POD 1 encoder and
ENTER
key to select
SETUP
from the popup menu.
MTC
This refers to MIDI Timecode being received at the
TASCAM DM’s MIDI IN or through the USB port.
The source of MTC could be a Digital Audio
Workstation (DAW) that does not support LTC, or
any other source of MTC.
Use the
AUTOMATION SETUP
screen to select either
MTC
(USB)
or
MTC (MIDI IN)
, depending on the source of the
MIDI timecode received.
Figure 1: Timecode source selection (showing
USB MTC selected)