Tascam RC-898 owner manual Introduction, Key features, Unpacking, About this manual

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Section 1.1 - Key features

1 – Introduction

The RC-898 is a fully-featured remote control unit, which allows you to control up to six DTRS units (DA-98, DA-88 or DA-38 units) with a sin- gle cable, as well as units implementing the Sony P2 protocol, or using parallel control. As an alter- native to parallel control, up to five GPI event- controlled units can be connected.

In addition to providing almost all functions avail- able from the front panels of the DTRS units, the RC-898 in some cases actually extends the capa- bilities of the basic DTRS system.

1.1 Key features

DTRS units controlled by the RC-898 are locked to sample accuracy, providing you with a “virtual” digital multitrack recorder, with up to 48 tracks.

Up to 99 location memories may be entered (or captured) and edited to frame accuracy, for marking important points in a recording project.

Timecode values are entered and edited using a positive-feel numeric keypad.

The DTRS units’ transport functions, including the shuttle control, are duplicated on the RC- 898. These transport controls may also be used to control the RS-422 or parallel external machine.

The RC-898 also features a jog dial, allowing frame-by-frame manual location.

The jog dial can also be used as a data entry control for the entry of location point and other values.

Auto-punch operations are fully supported. The RC-898 provides one-key operation for rehearsal and recording with automated punch points.

System settings, for the DTRS units and for the RC-898 itself, are made using a convenient menu system, and displayed on a clear backlit 20-character x 4-line display.

The most frequently-accessed setting menus can be assigned to function keys, so that they may be easily recalled.

Lighted indicators give an instant indication of the status of the most important functions.

All timecode formats are supported, as well as pull-up/pull-down, making the RC-898 the ideal choice for post-production work in both the movie and video fields.

Up to ten different setups can be stored and recalled, allowing instant re-configuration, not only of the RC-898, but also of all DTRS units connected to it.

1.2 Unpacking

The box contains the following.

RC-898 Remote Control Unit (x 1)

Accessories:

Remote/sync connection cable (x 1)

Remote/sync terminator (x 1)

This manual (x 1)

Warranty card (x 1)

1.3 About this manual

This manual is written in sections according to the function that you will be performing.

Section 1 - “Introduction”: This section.

Section 2 - “RC-898 features”: The front and rear panel features of the RC-898.

Section 3 - “Connections”: How to hook up the RC-898 with other equipment.

Section 4 - “Menu and basic operations”: How to use the menu system, and the basic princi- ples of operating the RC-898.

Section 5 - “Basic DTRS operations”: The main everyday transport and other operations that you will perform when using the RC-898 with DTRS units.

Section 6 - “Location functions”: Using the location functions of the RC-898.

Section 7 - “Making settings on the DTRS units”: more advanced DTRS settings, that you will probably not need to make every day.

Section 8 - “Timecode functions”: Functions related to timecode and DTRS units.

Section 9 - “External control and settings”: Other control functions, and control of units other than DTRS (P2, GPI, etc.).

Section 10 - “Menu and parameter reference”: A guide to the menu items, together with parameters and default values.

Please check both the Table of Contents and the Index when you are searching for a particular function or operation. There is also a guide to the different menu screens available on the RC-898 (10, “Menu and parameter reference”).

When describing a control, display or connector, the name of the control is emphasized, as: “Press the STR key [17]”, or “the CONFIDENCE indi-

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Contents RC-898 For U.S.A RC-898 features Table of Contents IntroductionConnections Menu and basic operationsExternal control and settings Table of Contents Making settings on the Dtrs unitsTimecode functions Menu and parameter referenceKey features Key featuresIntroduction UnpackingPrecautions and recommendations Precautions and recommendationsBattery backup Digital audio cablesReference clock in a digital studio AccessoriesAccessories Accessories RC-898 features Front panel Lock Status indicators Machine number indicators Through 6, E1, E2Vari indicators Time Mode indicatorsData INC/DEC key and indicator Preset keyRepeat key and indicator Front panel ENTER/LOAD keyRear Panel Contrast Rear Panel DIP switches 1Connection to Dtrs units ConnectionsConnection to Dtrs units Machine IDsConnections RS-422 Units Connections parallel unitsConnections parallel units Connections GPI event unitsMemory and batteries Memory and batteriesMemory and batteries Navigation Menu and basic operationsNavigation Invalid operationsFast setting of values Resetting values to zeroSetting values using the Value display Data entryCommonly-used menus Selecting the unit controlled by the menusStoring and recalling user setups Storing and recalling user setupsRecalling menus using the function keys Saving the current setupRecalling a user setup or restoring factory settings Storing and recalling user setups Transport controls Basic Dtrs operationsSelecting the unit to which operations refer Formatting tapesMonitoring Shuttle modeMonitoring Arming tracksShuttle muting Shuttle monitoringMonitoring Monitoring flowchart DA-88 and DA-38 Monitoring Monitoring tablesMonitoring Setting a relative time reference Setting the precisionLocation functions Reference modesABS setting ABS settingSelecting Time Mode Return-to-zeroLocation operations Setting the location pre-roll valueLocation operations Auto playEditing a location Manual entry of a location pointStoring the location in a memory Recalling a location memoryRepeating a section Repeating a sectionRepeated entry of location points Editing a location memoryPunch operations Crossfade times Performing the punch recording Setting pre-roll and post-roll timesRehearsing the punch recording Punch operations Track delay Making settings on the Dtrs unitsTrack operations Track operationsUnit-related functions Key ModeUnit-related functions Rec Mute functionAuto Offset function Chasing with an offsetClock selection Checking the offsetOutput timing From menu group E, move the cursor to eitherInput selection Varispeed pitch controlWord length DitherReference levels Unit-related functions Confidence modeMeter modes Sine oscillatorN e O s c i l l a t o r C h i n e Unit-related functions Primary timecode functions Timecode functionsPrimary timecode functions Selecting the timecode sourceSelecting a timecode type Setting the generator start timeRecording the timecode on a Dtrs timecode track Checking the generator progressRewind the tape to the beginning Start the timecode sourceChasing with a timecode offset Chasing to external timecodeAdvanced timecode functions Independent clock settingsAdvanced timecode functions Auto Timecode Offset functionRechase mode Error bypassSynchronization of timecode Pull up and pull downPark position Fast LTCMidi Timecode output Play the master unit Individual recording status while chasing timecodeVideo resolve D e o R e s o l v e C h i n e O f f E e Advanced timecode functions Controlling GPI devices External control and settingsControlling the parallel port device Controlling the serial port 9-pin Controlling the serial port 9-pinSelecting the serial port device Location pre-roll on the serial unitSerial unit timing source Split mode on the serial unitControlling recording operations on the serial unit Use the UP and Down keys to select between Split and NormalOther Dtrs control functions Other Dtrs control functionsChoosing a control protocol Track mapping functionsTimecode track mapping Recording delayRemote track arming Device emulationMMC ID Fast wind speedCue-up tally D I / B u s I D C h i n e C e i v e Other Dtrs control functions Menu group Menu and parameter reference Menu groupsMenu groups GPI Time value to Timecode type Output All parameters On, off 7, Midi Time Fast wind mode Menu group E Menu group aMenu group F Alphabetical list of menu items Alphabetical list of menu itemsSpecifications SpecificationsDimensions Dimensions Dtrs Index A-EABS 6-2,8-2 Index F-OIndex P-T Generator 8-1,8-2,10-5,10-6 Index U-ZRC-898