Tascam Digital Mixing Console DM-24 Owners Manual

							16 – Options—TDIF-1 card
 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual 121
High sampling frequency considerations
NOTE
When cascading, all units must either be in high sam-
pling frequency mode or all units must be in normal 
sampling frequency mode.
Because of the reduced number of aux sends, the cas-
cade screen changes when the high-frequency mode 
is selected, as shown here:
TDIF-1 card
The optional TDIF-1 card provides an additional 
eight channels of I/O (four in high sampling fre-
quency mode).As with the built-in TDIF-1 connectors, data can be 
accepted using 16, 20 or 24 bit word lengths to match 
the connected device. The card takes its values for 
these input parameters from the settings made in the 
MULTI I/O section of “The FORMAT screen” on 
page 26.
The output parameters cannot be changed (fixed at 
24-bit, with the emphasis status echoing that of the 
input).
ADAT card
The optional ADAT card provides an addition eight 
channels of digital audio I/O using a “lightpipe” 
TOSLINK fiber connection.
Any word sync connection from an ADAT connected 
via this card must be made through the on-board 
WORD SYNC connector, as the card is not fitted 
with a word sync input.
The clock can be set as in the same way as for the 
built-in ADAT connection (“CLOCK settings” on 
page 24).All other parameters (word length and sampling fre-
quency) are determined by the ADAT device, and 
may not be set on this screen.
NOTE
This card cannot be used in high sampling frequency 
mode. A message is displayed in the appropriate part of 
the screen if the card is fitted and high sampling fre-
quency mode is selected. 
						

							16 – Options—AES3 card
122 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual
AES3 card
This card allows for the connection of up to four AES 
input and four output lines.In normal sampling frequency mode, this provides 
eight audio channels in each direction, and in high 
sampling frequency mode, it provides four channels 
in each direction.
Input options
The inputs may be selected as return sources for 
channels (“Assigning inputs to channels” on page 38) 
and the outputs of the cards may be selected as either 
buss or aux send destinations (“Output assignments” 
on page 42).
The inputs may be set to be normal sampling fre-
quency (
NORMAL), in normal sampling frequency 
mode. In dual sampling frequency mode, the choices 
are dual line (
DUAL-WIRE) or high speed (HIGH-
SPEED
)1.The word length can be set to be 24 or 20 bits long.
The on-screen 
DETAIL button provides information on 
the signal currently being received if the cursor is 
moved to the button, and 
ENTER is pressed. 
This information includes: format, contents of the 
data, emphasis status, channel mode, sampling fre-
quency word length, etc. Dismiss the popup with the 
ENTER key.
The incoming format is automatically detected.
The 
MUTE DEFEAT checkbox allows overriding of the 
automatic mute function. This mute function is usu-
ally activated when data is received that does not 
conform completely to the AES audio standards. 
However, some units output audio data which is actu-
ally correct, but one or two bits in the audio cause it 
to be interpreted as invalid. If you are using one of 
these units as an input to the DM-24, you may check 
these boxes to allow the audio to be input to the DM-
24.
NOTE
These checkboxes should only be enabled if you are sat-
isfied that the device from which the data is being 
received actually is outputting the correct form of audio 
data.
Output options
In high sampling frequency mode, the options for the 
output format are 
DUAL-LINE or HIGH-SPEED, as for 
the input options.
In normal sampling frequency mode, only the 
NORMAL option is available.
If an attempt is made to select an inappropriate trans-
fer mode, a pop-up error message appears.
Note that unlike the inputs, the format must be 
selected for all outputs together. It is not possible to 
make independent settings for each output.
The word length (
WORD) can be selected as 24-bit or 
20-bit).Each of the outputs can be selected (normal sampling 
frequency) to transmit either 
SPDIF or AES/EBU. In 
high sampling frequency mode, only AES/EBU is 
meaningful.
In high-speed mode, only inputs 1 and 3 are used (2 
and 4 are unused).
When a 
DETAIL button is pressed, the details of the 
audio data currently being output are displayed in a 
popup button. 
Details include: format, contents, emphasis, SCMS 
status, category, generational status, and sampling 
frequency. Dismiss the popup with the 
ENTER key.
1. For definitions, see “Constraints on other 
devices” on page 112 
						

							16 – Options—AD/DA card
 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual 123
The NORMAL option is not available for either input 
or output in this mode.AES/EBU is the only available output format.
AD/DA card
This card provides eight balanced channels of analog 
input and eight balanced channels of analog output, 
converted at up to 24-bit resolution (the resolution is 
displayed here, but cannot be changed).The eight output tracks associated with this card can 
be selected (1-8, 9-16, 17-24).
Remember that if this card is selected for output from 
the eight busses, it can be used to drive a surround 
multi-speaker monitoring system.
Timecode display
The timecode display shows either the timecode or 
location point, as selected from the main unit 
LOCATE 
DISPLAY MODE
 option (“SETUP” on page 20).The 
TC and LOCATE indicators light to show the 
current status of the timecode display, either time-
code or location point, respectively.
When the timecode from a connected MTR is locked, 
the 
LOCK indicator lights. 
						

							124 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual
17 – Specifications
This section provides technical information about the 
DM-24.
Analog audio I/O
All specifications are given with the factory reference 
level of –16 dBFS.
MIC inputs (channels 1 through 16)
Balanced XLR-type female connectorsa
Adjustable input level (–56 dBu (TRIM max) to –2 dBu (TRIM min))
Input impedance 2.2k
Ω
PHANTOM (+48V)+48 V phantom power. Switchable in blocks of 4 channels 
(1–4, 5–8, 9–12, 13–16)
LINE IN (BAL) inputs (channels 1 through 16)
Balanced 1/4” jacksb
Adjustable input level (–42 dBu (TRIM max) to +12 dBu (TRIM min))
Input impedance 10k
Ω
INSERT connections (channels 1 through 16)
1/4” TRS jacksc
Send: nominal output level –2dBu, maximum output level +20 dBu, impedance 
100
Ω
Return: nominal input level –2dBu, headroom 16 dB, impedance 10 kΩ
ASSIGNABLE RETURNS (BAL) (1 through 4)Balanced 1/4” jacks
Nominal input level: –2 dBu
Headroom: 16 dB
Input impedance: 5 k
Ω
ASSIGNABLE SENDS (1 through 4)Quasi-balanced 1/4” jacks
Nominal output level: –2 dBu
Maximum output level: +14 dBu
Output impedance: 100
Ω 
2 TR IN (L/R)2 x RCA pin jacks
Nominal input level –10 dBV
Headroom: 16 dB
Input impedance: 10 k
Ω
STEREO OUTPUT (L/R)Balanced XLR-type male connectors
Nominal output level: +4 dBu
Maximum output level: +20 dBu
Output impedance: 100
Ω
Stereo INSERT (L/R)1/4” TRS jacks
Send: nominal output level –2 dBu, maximum output level +14 dBu, impedance 
100
Ω
Return: nominal input level –2 dBu, headroom 22 dB, impedance 10 kΩ
MONITOR OUTPUTS (CR (BAL))Balanced 1/4” jacks
Nominal output level: +4 dBu
Maximum output level: +20 dBu
Output impedance: 100
Ω
MONITOR OUTPUTS (STUDIO)RCA pin jacks
Nominal output level –10 dBV
Maximum output level: +6 dBV
Output impedance: 100
Ω
PHONES2 x 1/4” stereo jacks
120  mW + 120 mW totald
33Ω
a. all XLR-type connectors are wired 1=ground, 2=”hot”, 3=”cold”
b. all balanced 1/4” jacks are wired sleeve=ground, ring=cold, tip=hot
c. all TRS 1/4” jacks are wired sleeve=ground, ring=return, tip=send
d. Maximum 120 mW + 120 mW with both PHONES jacks driven at maximum 
						

							17 – Specifications—Digital audio I/O
 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual 125
Digital audio I/O
Miscellaneous I/O connections
DIGITAL INPUTS (1, 2)2 x XLR-type female connectors (input impedance 110Ω)
2 x RCA pin jacks (input impedance 75
Ω)
AES3-1992 or IEC60958 data format (automatically detected)
24-bit word length
Switchable sampling frequency conversion available
DIGITAL OUTPUTS (1, 2)2 x XLR-type male connectors (output impedance 110Ω
2 x RCA pin jacks (output impedance 75Ω)
AES3-1992 or IEC60958 data format (software selectable)
24-bit word length
TDIF-1(1, 2, 3)3 x 25-pin D-sub connectors (metric lock screws)
Conform to TDIF-1 standard 
24-bit word length
ADAT IN/OUT2 x “Lightpipe” optical connectors 
Conform to ADAT OPTICAL specifications
24-bit word length
Sampling frequencies Internal 44.1 kHz/48 kHz, 88.2 kHz/96 kHz (high sampling frequencies)
External ±6.0% 
WORD SYNC INBNC connector
Switchable 75
Ω termination
TTL level
WORD SYNC OUT/THRUBNC connector
Switchable between through and output
TTL level
MIDI IN, OUT, THRU/MTC OUT3 x 5-pin DIN connectors—conform to MIDI specifications 
TIME CODE INRCA pin jack
Conforms to SMPTE specifications
DTRS REMOTE OUT15-pin D-sub male (metric lock screws)
Conforms to DTRS SYNC standard
EXT SW1/4” mono jack
TO METER25-pin D-sub connector (non-metric lock screws) 
For use with the optional MU-24/DM
RS-422 (for Sony 9-pin)9-pin female D-sub connector (non-metric lock screws) 
wired to RS-422 standards
GPI (for Machine start)9-pin female D-sub connector (non-metric lock screws) wired for GPI control
Pin 1=GPI1, Pin 2=GPI2, Pin 3=GPI3, Pin 4=GPI4, Pin 5=GPI5, Pin 6=GPI6, 
Pin 7=GPI7, Pin 8=GPI8, Pin 9=ground 
						

							17 – Specifications—Equalization
126 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual
Equalization
All filters are fitted with “gain flat” switches
System performance
Physical characteristics
EQ switchOn/Off
HIGH filterGain: ±18dB, 0.5dB resolution 
Frequency: 31 Hz to 19 kHz
Q: 0.27 to 8.65
Type: Hi-shelving, Peak, LPF
HI MID filterGain: ±18 dB, 0.5 dB resolution
Frequency: 31 Hz to 19 kHz
Q: 0.27 to 8.65
Type: Peak, Notch
LO MID filterGain: ±18 dB, 0.5 dB resolution
Frequency: 31 Hz to 19 kHz
Q: 0.27 to 8.65
Type: Peak, Notch
LOW filterGain: ±18 dB, 0.5 dB resolution
Frequency: 31 Hz to 19 kHz
Q: 0.27 to 8.65
Type Low-shelving, Peak, HPF
THD (nominal level) 20 Hz – 20 kHz LINE IN to INSERT SEND
1 kHz LINE IN to STEREO OUTPUT< 0.1%
< 0.013%
Frequency response 
(nominal level)+0.5 dB/–1.5 dB, MIC/LINE IN to INSERT SEND
+0.5 dB/–1.0 dB, LINE IN to STEREO OUTPUT
+0.5 dB/–1.0 dB, LINE IN to BUSS/AUX OUTPUT
+0.5 dB/–1.5 dB, 2TR IN to MONITOR OUTPUTS20 Hz – 25 kHz
20 Hz – 20 kHz
20 Hz – 20 kHz
20 Hz – 25 kHz
Noise level (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 
TRIM:max, 150
Ω, –60 dBMIC IN to INSERT SEND
MIC IN to STEREO OUTPUT (BAL)
MIC IN to STEREO OUTPUT (UNBAL)
MIC IN to BUSS/AUX OUTPUT
2TR IN to MONITOR OUTPUT< –128 dBu
< –68 dBu
< –74 dBu
< –74 dBu
< –80 dBu
Crosstalk @ 1 kHz STEREO/BUSS/AUX OUTPUTS
MONITOR OUTPUTS> 80 dB
> 70 dB
Displays Backlit 320 x 240 LCD with contrast control
2 x 12-segment LED meters
Faders 17 x 100 mm stroke, motor-driven touch-sensitive faders
Maximum overall dimensions (w x d x h) including rest 582 x 657 x 198 (mm) 22.9 x 25.9 x 7.8 (in)
Weight 20.5 kg (45.1 lbs)
Voltage requirements 120 VAC, 60 Hz
230 VAC, 50 Hz
240 VAC, 50 Hz
Power consumption 82 W
Peak inrush current 8A
Applicable electromagnetic environment E4
Supplied accessories Power cord, warranty card 
						

							17 – Specifications—Dimensional drawing
 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual 127
Dimensional drawing
Messages and troubleshooting
This provides a list of the messages that you may see 
on the DM-24, which provide information on the 
operation that you are performing.
Not all of these messages are error messages. 
“Information” messages, i.e. those which pop up 
briefly and provide information about a change in 
status, etc., are marked with a ●.“Confirm” messages, where a response may be nec-
essary (usually confirm with the 
ENTER key or can-
cel with the cursor keys) are marked with a 
✔.
Error messages demanding action other than a simple 
confirmation are shown with a (
✖), but even these do 
not necessarily indicate an error. 
TASCAM
93 mm
(3.7 in)
582 mm (22.9 in)
574 mm (22.6 in)  
657 mm (25.9 in)                               t
198 mm (7.8 in)
Action Message Explanation
✔     Flash Write Count
EQ Library:   aaaa
Gate/Expand  Library:   bbbb
Comp Library:  ccccc
Effect Library:  dddddd
Snapshot    Area 1:  eeee
Area 2:  fffff
Area 3:  gggg
Area 4:
     Press ENTER to continue.The message displayed when the library flash memory usage is checked. The 
“aaaa” etc. values are replaced by real numbers (“FLASH Info.” on page 22).
✔     Copy OK?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when about to copy parameters in the UTILITY PARAM. COPY screen 
(“UTILITY copying” on page 62).
✖     Reboot after 
System Data All has been loaded.
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown after ALL System Data has been received (“Bulk transfer of data to the 
DM-24” on page 96).  The DM-24 should be rebooted. Turn down the volume of 
all other devices and press ENTER. 
✖    Can’t load data.
Unexpected data type.
    Load data type:
[DM-24 SNAPSHOT SNGL]
Press ENTER to continue.Shown if the data type being loaded by MIDI Bulk Dump transfer does not 
match the expected type (“Bulk transfer of data to the DM-24” on page 96). 
						

							17 – Specifications—Messages and troubleshooting
128 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual
✖95% of automation memory has been used.
Please back up automation data now.
Press ENTER to continue.Shown if the automation memory area is too full for future use. Back up 
unwanted automation banks using MIDI Bulk Dump (“Bulk transfer of data from 
the DM-24” on page 95), and delete them.
●Already assigned.Shown when an attempt is made to add a device already in the Machine Con-
trol List to the list.
✔Assignable send/return 1 is INSERT MODE
Press ENTER to continue.An attempt has been made to assign a channel input from an assignable return 
which is currently assigned as an insert loop (“Assignable sends” on page 37).
✔Automation Bank Memory is full.
Check the Bank memory.
Press ENTER to continue.Shown if the automation memory area is full. Back up unwanted automation 
banks using MIDI Bulk Dump (“Bulk transfer of data from the DM-24” on 
page 95), and delete them.
✔Automation Bank01 Recalled.Shown after recalling an automation memory bank.
●AUTOMATION Screen [Page: CONFIG Setup]
Individual module setup...
Individual parameter setup...Shown when automation mode setup is turned off
✔Aux1-2 to STEREO is assigned.
   Press ENTER to continue.In the master buss assignment, this warning appears if an attempt is made to 
override an existing assignment (“AUX 1-2” on page 40).
●Can’t recall snapshot99.
   Different Fs mode.An attempt has been made to recall a snapshot which was stored in a different 
sampling frequency mode from the current mode (“Library functions” on 
page 99).
✔Can’t Select Normal
  Different Fs mode
Press ENTER key to continue.An attempt has been made to select the normal transmission in high sampling 
frequency mode (must be “dual-line” or “high-speed”)—“High sampling fre-
quency” on page 112.
✔Can’t select Normal
 Different Fs mode
Press ENTER to continue.An attempt is made to select the normal format in high sampling frequency 
mode (“High sampling frequency” on page 112).
●Can’t store from Master Module.
 There are no EQ parameters.An attempt has been made to store an EQ library entry from a master module 
(which cannot accept these parameters) (“Library functions” on page 99).
●Can’t recall to Stereo Module.
Comp is not inser ted.An attempt has been made to load compressor settings from the library to a 
master module where a compressor has not been inser ted (“Library functions” 
on page 99).
●Can’t store from Stereo Module.
Comp is not inser ted.An attempt has been made to store compressor settings to the library from a 
master module where a compressor has not been inser ted (“Library functions” 
on page 99).
●Can’t store from Chxx
GATE/EXP is not inserted.An attempt has been made to store gate/expander settings to the library from a 
module where a gate or expander has not been inserted (“Library functions” on 
page 99).
✔Can’t use RS-422 port.
Serial Out: MTC OUT
Setup with MIDI/MC[SETUP]
Press ENTER to continue.The serial port has already been assigned to use MIDI Timecode, and therefore 
cannot be used for control (“Serial output” on page 84).
✖Can’t Load MIDI Sys Ex data.
SysEx filter is set in MIDI/MC
[SETUP] screen]
Press ENTER to continue.Shown if a MIDI filter has been set up preventing MIDI System Exclusive recep-
tion (“MIDI filtering” on page 84) and an attempt is made to load data.
●Can’t recall Master Module.
There are no EQ parameters.An attempt has been made to recall an EQ library entry to a master module 
(which cannot accept these parameters) (“Library functions” on page 99).
Action Message Explanation 
						

							17 – Specifications—Messages and troubleshooting
 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual 129
✖Can’t do MIDI Bulk Load
with timecode runningShown if an attempt is made to load Bulk Data with timecode running (“Bulk 
transfer of data to the DM-24” on page 96)
✔Can’t assign fader grouping layer.Shown when an invalid fader grouping is attempted (“Grouping layers” on 
page 71).
✔Can’t assign mute grouping layer.Shown when an invalid mute grouping is attempted (“Grouping layers” on 
page 71).
✔Can’t Dump MIDI Sys Ex data.
SysEx filter is set in MIDI/MC
[SETUP] screen]
Press ENTER to continue.Shown if a MIDI filter has been set up preventing MIDI System Exclusive trans-
mission (“MIDI filtering” on page 84) and an attempt is made to dump data.
●Can’t Recall COMP Libraryxxx.The compressor library entry xxx cannot be recalled as it does not exist (no 
data has been written to that library entry) — “Library functions” on page 99
●Can’t Recall Effect U1-xxx.The user effect 1 library entry xxx cannot be recalled as it does not exist (no 
data has been written to that library entry) — “Library functions” on page 99
●Can’t Recall EQ LibraryxxxThe EQ library entry xxx cannot be recalled as it does not exist (no data has 
been written to that library entry)—“Library functions” on page 99
●Can’t recall GATE/EXP Libraryxxx.The gate/expander library entry xxx cannot be recalled as it does not exist (no 
data has been written to that library entry (“Library functions” on page 99)
●Can’t recall Snapshotxxx.The snapshot xxx cannot be recalled as it does not exist (no data has been writ-
ten to that library entry)
●Can’t recall to Chxx.
GATE/EXP is not inserted.An attempt has been made to load gate/expander settings from the library to a 
module where a gate or expander has not been inser ted (“Library functions” on 
page 99).
✔Can’t select dual-line
   Different Fs mode
Press ENTER key to continue.An attempt has been made to select dual-line transmission in normal sampling 
frequency mode (must be “normal”)— “High sampling frequency” on page 112.
✔Can’t select dual-line
 Different Fs mode
Press ENTER to continue.An attempt is made to select the dual-line format in normal sampling frequency 
mode (“High sampling frequency” on page 112).
●Can’t STORE Automation Bank01.Shown if there is a problem overwriting a protected memory bank (automation)
✖Cascade connection broken!
Press ENTER to continue.Shown on cascade master when an existing cascade connection has become 
disconnected or is otherwise inoperative (“Cascade card” on page 119).
✔Ch parameters Setup?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when a global screen has been used to make changes to a range of 
channels at one time (for instance aux sends, digital delay, etc.), (“Module oper-
ations” on page 49.) 
●CH x is already inser ted.An attempt has been made to assign a second insert loop to a channel which 
has already had an insert loop assigned to it (“Assignable returns” on page 36).
✔Clear all fader grouping layers ?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when the on-screen CLEAR button has been pressed to clear all fader 
groups (“Grouping layers” on page 71).
✔Clear all muting grouping layers ?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when the on-screen CLEAR button has been pressed to clear all mute 
groups (“Grouping” on page 69).
✔Clear Current Automation Event Data?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown in automation, when the current data is to be cleared (using soft key 2)
Action Message Explanation 
						

							17 – Specifications—Messages and troubleshooting
130 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual
✔Clear all current automation data?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when attempting to clear all current automation memory.
✔Clear this fader grouping?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when the SEL key of a group master is pressed. Pressing ENTER will 
clear the group (“Grouping” on page 69).
✔Clear this fader grouping?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when an assigned fader grouping master group’s SEL key is pressed 
(“Grouping layers” on page 71). ENTER will clear the group.
✔Clear this mute grouping?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when the SEL key of a group master is pressed. Pressing ENTER will 
clear the group (“Grouping” on page 69).
✔Clear this mute grouping?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when an assigned mute grouping master group’s SEL key is pressed 
(“Grouping layers” on page 71). ENTER will clear the group
✔Clock check Results
Current Fs: 48kHz
Sources
Word      :  44.1kHz  0.0%
Digi In 1 :  Out of Range
Digi In 2 :  Unuseable
TDIF1    :  44.1kHz  0.0%
TDIF2   :  44.1kHz  0.0%
TDIF3 :  Unuseable
Slot1   :  48kHz + 1.0%
Slot2    :  Unuseable
Press ENTER to continue.A sample popup shown when a clock check is performed (“CLOCK settings” on 
page 24).
●COMP Libraryxxx Recalled
            to CHy.The compressor library entry xxx has been successfully recalled, and the set-
tings applied to channel y — “Library functions” on page 99
●COMP Libraryxxx is Read Only! An attempt is being made to overwrite a read-only compressor library entry 
(“Library functions” on page 99).
✔Confirm LIST Auto Detect?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when the on-screen LIST AUTO DETECT button is pressed (“Auto-
detection of devices” on page 81).
✔Confirm TRA Auto Detect?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a curser key to cancel.Shown when the on-screen button is pressed to start an automatic search for 
transport control devices (“Auto-detection of devices” on page 81).
✔Copy Ch Fader level->Aux level?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.From the global aux screens, the channel fader levels are being copied to the 
specified aux level (“Aux sends (global)” on page 55).
●Copy from Ch2 Automation config.Shown in automation setup parameter copy operations
✖Data Load Error.
(sequence or checksum)
MIDI Bulk Load canceled.
Press ENTER to continue.Shown if the Bulk Data sent to the DM-24 is corrupt or cannot otherwise be 
received successfully (“Bulk transfer of data to the DM-24” on page 96).
✔Delete Automation Bank01?
Press ENTER to confirm,
or a cursor key to cancel.Shown when requesting the deletion of an automation memory bank.
✖Device is not active.Shown if a device has been selected in the Machine Control List (“Selecting 
devices for control” on page 80), but is not switched on or connected or is other-
wise unavailable.
Action Message Explanation