Tascam DA-78HR 5.1 Formatting a tape

TASCAM DA-78HR

5 - Basic operations

This section explains some of the basic operations

using the DA-78HR. Section 7, “Advanced opera-

tions” describes more advanced operations.

Most operations on a DA-78HR are similar to those

on a traditional analog multitrack recorder, but we

suggest that you read this section and the next to

learn about the features of the DA-78HR.

5.1 Formatting a tape

Before you use a tape in the DA-78HR, you must

first format it. This marks internal synchronization

patterns f or the servo to follo w on subsequen t passe s

through the tape as well as the subcode data (ABS).

The process also initializes the tape for recording at

either 16-bit or 24-bit resolution.

No audio data is normally recorded during a format-

ting operation (but see below).

5.1.1 Selecting a word clock source

1Use the CLOCK key to select a clock source.

NOTE

Remember that in your digital audio setup, only one

digital audio device should be set to be a clock mas-

ter. All other digital audio devices must derive their

clocks from it.

There are four options available:

• WORD (the WORD indicator lights)—this is the

word clock received at the WORD SYNC IN con-

nector. You may use this setting when recording

digital audio through the TDIF-1 input, if the

source of the audio is set to be a clock master.

• IN T (inter nal)—bo th the WORD and DIGITAL IN

CLOCK indicators light. You may use this setting if

other digital audio devices are to be word clock

slaves, or if the input signals are analog.

• DIGITAL IN —t his ref e rs to the SPDIF (COAXIAL)

input. Use this if the recording source is to be

received here, and the source device is a word

clock master.

• SYNC IN—this cannot be set using the CLOCK

key, but occurs automatically when the DA-78HR

is being controlled from another DTRS unit, and

the REMOTE IN/SYNC IN connecti o n has be e n

made (see 8.1, “Synchronization connections”).

Neither the WORD nor DIGITAL IN indicators will

light at this time.

5.1. 2 Forma ttin g

While formatting is proceeding, you cannot perform

any other transport operation except stopping the

tape.

You cannot change the sampling rate or the bit reso-

lution while formatt ing is in progress.

1Switch on the DA-78HR and load a tape into

the tape loading slot. As the tape is loaded and

threaded, the tape counter shows

“--LOAD--”.

For details of tapes that you can use in the DA-

78HR, se e 1.5, “R e comme nded ta p e s”.

2Press REW to tak e the tape to the begi n ni ng

and sto p the tape .

3Press the FORMAT/Fs key. The display sho ws

FORMAT (FORMAT).

4Press the FORMAT/Fs key agai n w ithin 5 s e c-

onds. The display will then show a flashing F,

followed by all dashes (F- -- -- --).

If you do no t press the FORMAT/Fs key twice

within 5 seconds the FORMAT message will dis-

appear. This is a feature designed to stop you

formatting a tape accidentally.

NOTE

If you do press the

FORMAT/Fs

key twice and you

then change your mind about formatting the tape,

use eit her th e

CLEAR

STOP

key to cancel the

operat ion.

5Select the sampling frequency (either 44.1kHz

or 48kH z), usin g the FORMAT/Fs key.

The sam p ling fr e quency t hat you se l e ct

depends on the eventual use for the recording.

For audio work, selecting 44.1kHz will allow

you to produce CD master tapes with no fre-

quency conversion.

NOTE

If a digital signal is received at the

DIGITAL I/O

jack

or at the SPDIF (

COAXIAL

) input, the DA-78HR’s

recording and playback sampling frequency is auto-

matically determined by the sampling frequency of

the input signal and you cannot change it.

6Select the recording mode using the HR MODE

key. When HR mode (24-bit recording) is

selected, the HR indicator to the left of the time

counter will light.

Remember that if HR mode is selected, the

tape must be replayed on an HR DTRS