Tascam 424MKIII Syncing MIDI-Tape−Using the Tascam MTS-30, Troubleshooting, Problem Solution

Syncing MIDI-Tape−Using the TASCAM MTS-30

MIDI clocks are themselves a computer type digital language and cannot be recorded on analog tape; it is necessary to convert them to recordable FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) signals using an appropriate converter, such as the MTS-30.

The MTS-30 is not a mere MIDI-FSK converter but translates MIDI clocks into an FSK sync signal containing score "bar" information or "Song Position Pointer", allowing the associated MIDI equipment to stay in sync and follow the tape no matter where you move the tape within a given song. The maximum stability or resolution of the synchronization is ensured by a TASCAM-exclusive error correction circuit in the MTS-30.

1.Connect the TAPE OUT of the MTS-30 to the SUB IN "R" of the 424 MKIII, and the TAPE OUT 4 of the 424 MKIII to the TAPE IN of the MTS-30.

2.Set the TRK 4 RECORD FUNCTION switch to BUSS R.

3.Locate the DBX NR switch on the back panel and set it to the SYNC position. This defeats the dbx encode/decode for track 4 only.

●When recording FSK signal, adjust the MASTER fader of the 424 MKIII to get a reading on the track 4 meter of from -10 to 0 dB.

We suggest that you input the "virtual" tracks from the MIDI system to

STEREO INPUTS 7 and 8. Set the ASSIGN switch of these inputs to

MON while recording, and to L-R position on mixdown.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause
Playback sounds dull	Dirty heads
Playback level is low	Dirty heads
Transport keys not effective	Power turned off, or tape not loaded
No tape motion	PAUSE pressed
	RECORD FUNCTION set to SAFE,
No recording	cassette tab broken, or REHEARSAL
	engaged
Wrong tracks recorded	PAN improperly set
Incorrect playback pitch	PITCH CONTROL set to a different
	position than during recording
Feedback occurs during ping-pong	Level is too high or EQ HIGH is
recording	excessively boosted

Problem	Solution
Old tracks are always recorded along	Use the TAPE CUE section instead of the
with new material.	main mixer for monitoring previous tracks.
	Make sure all mixer channel INPUT switches
	are in the OFF position except ones you are
Recording is noisy.	using. Also, increase the volume faders of
	the instruments themselves — the 424 MKIII
	channel and master faders should not have
	to be "full up" at any time.
Incorrect tape sync.	Try re-recording sync tones by adjusting
	the MASTER fader between –10 to 0 dB on the
	track 4 meter.

37 38