Hardware Overview

The MMR-8 will directly play back material created on Digidesign Pro Tools™ or WaveFrame™ digital audio workstations, as well as OMF Compositions which reference Sound Designer II audio media files. The disk drive or drives containing edited Session, Project, or OMF files are simply “unplugged” from the workstation and then “hot-plugged” into the MMR-8, using the standard internal Kingston hard drive carrier, or otherwise connected to the MMR-8’s external SCSI port. Once the drive(s) are mounted by the MMR-8, tracks from one or more projects may be loaded as required for the mix session. Sound files of the same or different audio formats may thus be played back simultaneously from one or more drives.

When the MMR-8 is turned on for the first time, the system default operating parameters are installed, and the machine is placed into the Normal state (see the Functional Overview below). Users can also save up to ten settings files that have MMR-8 parameters “customized” or set for a particular application. These settings files are stored on the internal hard drive so that they can be used to instantly reconfigure the MMR-8 between mix sessions. The MMR-8’s operating parameters can be manually changed before or even during a mix session, through menu selections. Optional password protection may be used to prevent some parameters from being changed inadvertently.

The MMR-8 comes standard with one removable Kingston drive carrier. The Kingston carrier can hold a standard SCSI drive for recording and playback of audio tracks. An internal IDE hard drive holds the operating system, the MMR-8 software, and the parameter settings files. Additional external SCSI drives can be connected and (after power-up) accessed by the MMR-8. This eliminates having to pre-combine tracks from multiple drives onto a single drive. A list of approved media drives is given in Appendix B.

The MMR-8 is based on a standard Intel Pentium™ processor-based PC motherboard, with integral PCI and ISA bus slots running under an industry-standard operating system. The MMR-8 DSP, synchronization, and audio interface boards plug directly into this PC motherboard. There is a Lithium battery #CR2032 for the CMOS circuit on the motherboard. Caution: Battery May Explode if Mistreated. Do Not Recharge, Disassemble or Dispose of in Fire. The MIC (MMR-8 analog-to-digital Input Converter) and MOC (MMR-8 digital-to-analog Output Converter) boards are in their own shielded cage, connected to the AIO (Analog I/O) card via ribbon cables. The PRX (DSP) card performs the audio processing for the MMR-8. A standard Symbios SCSI-2 controller card also plugs into the PCI bus. The Sync card, the UI/B (User Interface/Biphase) card, the AIO (analog I/O) card, and the DIO (AES/EBU digital I/O) card are all plugged into the ISA bus. The Biphase Operations Board (BOB) occupies a slot on the back panel to provide connections for the system’s four Biphase inputs and one Biphase output. It is attached to the UI/B card via a ribbon cable and is not plugged into a slot.

Very high quality 20-bit converters on all analog inputs and outputs assure excellent audio fidelity. The MMR-8 uses 24-bit internal digital resolution for all digital audio processing. Recorded audio is stored in standard linear 16-bit or 24-bit sound files. The MMR-8 can read StudioFrame or WaveFrame sound files as well as Sound Designer II files, AIFC files, and .WAV files, all in either 16 or 24-bit resolution.

The MMR-8 front panel contains 45 soft-touch keys with most of the common dubber and audio playback functions available through one or two keystrokes. There are also seven large illuminated motion control buttons (Play, Stop, FF, Rew, Reverse Play, Record, Rehearse) for track playback and “play head” locating, and an Online button for setting the MMR-8 offline (as a local machine) or online (as a synchronized slave or a master machine). When the MMR-8 is the master and is online, then any number of external SMPTE/EBU, MTC or biphase devices will follow the MMR-8. When the MMR-8 is set as a slave, it can chase time code, biphase, a TimeLine Lynx™ module, or another MMR -8.

10 MMR-8 Tascam MMR-8 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information

MMR-8 specifications

The Tascam MMP-16 and MMR-8 are two innovative products designed to meet the specialized needs of audio professionals, offering advanced features and capabilities suitable for various recording and playback applications.

The Tascam MMP-16 is a versatile audio router and mixer that excels in different environments, from live sound to studio recording. One of its primary features is the 16-channel configuration, allowing for significant flexibility in signal routing. The MMP-16 supports multiple audio formats, including analog signals, making it adaptable to a wide range of setups. It boasts high-quality AD/DA conversion, delivering excellent audio fidelity and low latency performance.

Additionally, the MMP-16 is equipped with comprehensive digital processing capabilities, including EQ and dynamics processing on each channel. This makes it ideal for both mixing live performances and preparing recordings for post-production. The unit's user-friendly interface includes an intuitive display and physical controls that streamline operation, making it easy for both novice and experienced engineers to navigate.

On the other hand, the Tascam MMR-8 is a robust multi-track digital audio recorder that offers exceptional reliability for professionals who require high-quality audio capture. This 8-channel recorder shines in its ability to handle various digital audio formats, ensuring compatibility with different workflows. One standout feature of the MMR-8 is its solid-state recording technology, which enhances durability and reduces the risk of data loss, a crucial aspect in high-stakes recording environments.

The MMR-8 also provides comprehensive onboard monitoring options, allowing users to assess audio quality in real time. Its extensive connectivity options include digital and analog inputs and outputs, facilitating seamless integration with other studio equipment and live sound systems. The data management capabilities of the MMR-8 make it easy to organize and retrieve recordings, while its compact design ensures portability without compromising on performance.

Both the MMP-16 and MMR-8 showcase Tascam's commitment to innovation and quality in the audio industry. Their advanced features, coupled with solid build quality and ease of use, make them essential tools for audio professionals seeking reliable solutions for their recording and mixing needs. Whether utilized separately or in conjunction, these devices amplify creativity and enhance the overall audio production experience.