Tascam Digital Mixing Console DM-24 Basics Manual

TASCAM
  TEAC Professional Division
DM-24
Digital Mixing console
                    The DM-24 Basics 

DM-24 SIGNAL FLOW ........................................................................................ 3
INPUTS ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
RETURNS .................................................................................................................................................. 3
OPTIONS...

DM-24 SIGNAL FLOW
The first 24 channels of the DM-24 can accept “INPUTS” or “RETURNS.”  These
assignments are made on the I/O page.  Use the cursor keys to highlight the
virtual patch cable then use the data wheel to make the proper assignment.
In this example M/L 1 is an “input” and TDIF1-1 is a “return.”
Channels 25-32 are Input-only channels.  They cannot have “RETURNS”
assigned to them. TDIF I/O, ADAT lightpipe I/O and any option slot I/O are not
available to channels 25-32.  In mixdown mode channels...

TDIF 3 or ADAT
Once the preferred “return” interfaces have been selected, they can be assigned
to channels 1-24 in groups of eight.  For instance:
Slot 1 to channels 17-24
TDIF 2 to channels 1-8
ADAT to channels 9-16
OPTIONS
•
 IF-TD/DM (TDIF I/O) $249 (supported in version 2.0)
•  IF-AD/DM (ADAT lightpipe I/O w/ ADAT Sync (ADAT sync will be
supported in future frimware.) $249
•  IF-AE/DM (AES/EBU I/O on a D-25 connection) $299
•  IF-AN/DM (Analog I/O on two D-25 connections) $499
•  IF-CS/DM (Cascade...

•  The IF-CS/DM is a cascade card.   To cascade two DM-24s, you must put
one cascade card in “SLOT 1” of each DM-24.  See the section on
“cascading two DM-24s” for more info.
•  The MU-24 has 26 meters (24 channels plus the stereo buss) and a large
time code display.  There is a meter menu in the DM-24 that provides
access to all of the parameters for the meterbridge , such as meter
ballistics and pre/post metering.  The mounting brackets allow the MU-24
to be moved in front of or behind the input jacks...

available to use as tape returns. This presents a problem.  Here are a few ways
to deal with this scenario:
Using AUX 1&2 as the tape return path
The DM-24 can use AUX 1&2 as the tape return path for the first 16 channels in
a tracking situation for just this reason.  The way to handle this is to link Aux 1
and Aux 2.  This provides a level and a pan control for each tape return.  On the
Aux 1-2 page there is a “source” tab that would normally allow a setting of pre or
post fader.  The first 16 channels...

plugging this signal into the MX-2424 will register 6dB less then if a “balanced”
signal were sent to it.
To use this solution with other recorders we recommend that the manufacturer is
consulted as to what cable to use with their product.
For a DA-78HR or DA-38 use ¼” to RCA cables:
CU/SU302    6ft.
CU/SU303  10ft.
CU/SU304  13ft.
CU/SU305  16ft.
CU/SU307  23ft.
The DA-78HR and DA-38 have unbalanced inputs and we recommend that they
are used for this solution.
Tracking with channels 25-32
If only 8...

AUTOMATION
The DM-24 features very powerful, internal automation.  No computer required.
The internal automation of the DM-24 is actually more powerful and easier to use
then many large frame consoles used in professional studios.
The following mix controls of the DM-24 can be automated:
• Fader levels
• Mutes
• 
EQ settings:
•  Gain, Frequency, Q, EQ On/Off switching can be automated
• Individual EQ band 
TYPE switching between High/Low Pass Filter,
Peaking & Shelving
•  Auxiliary send levels and...

The idea behind the automation is “power without interference.”  When you’re
mixing, you want to be thinking about your mix not trying to remember the 28
steps it takes to make the automation function.  With the DM-24, as soon as the
basic mix settings are made, automation can be activated.  When automation is
enabled, all automatible parameters go into static mode.  As soon as the DM-24
receives time code and WRITE is pressed, the DM-24 is ready to write dynamic
automation.  Move a fader and release it....

On channels 1-32 you can program a different MIDI channel and MIDI controller
number for the fader, mute key and pan knob.  On the master layer you can do
this for faders and mutes only.  This allows the DM-24 to control other devices or
other devices to control the DM-24 via MIDI.  Again, this uses the “audio faders.”
There is also an external control page on the DM-24.  This is where you can set
up separate MIDI fader layers and controller pages.  Any combination of fader
layers and controller pages...