Tascam Digital Mixing Console DM-24 Owners Manual

							5 – Setting up the I/O—Channel-to-buss assignments (global)
 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual 41
(STEREO to AUX1-2 is assigned. or AUX1-2 to STEREO is 
assigned.
). Press ENTER again to dismiss the mes-
sage, then unlink the existing assignment, and retry 
the link of the new assignment.When the link is successfully made, the appropriate 
on-screen indicator is reversed.
Channel-to-buss assignments by channel
This method allows the setting of channel-to-buss 
assignments per channel. 
1Select a channel using the 
FA D E R  L AY E R 
keys and the 
SEL key of the channel (either 
SEL key if the channel is part of a stereo link 
pair).
2Use the 
CH ASSIGN keys to the left of the dis-
play to assign and de-assign channels to and 
from busses. If the assignment is not possible (for instance, 
no direct out is possible for channels 17 
through 32), the appropriate key is disabled.
If either the 
MODULE or the ASSIGN screen is dis-
played, changes made to the assignments using these 
keys will be reflected in the display.
Other module parameters
Phase, gate on/off, compressor on/off, pre- or post-
EQ compressor location, and EQ on/off can all be set 
in the 
PARAMETERS sub-screen of the ASSIGN display. 
Press soft key 4, or the 
ASSIGN key until this sub-
screen is displayed.Use POD 4 to select the type of parameter to be 
changed, and the cursor keys to move between the 
modules, as before.
The parameters selected by POD 4 are:
Note that channels 17 through 32 cannot have a gate 
assigned to them.
If a compressor has been assigned to any of the mas-
ter modules (aux or buss or stereo as described in 
“Master compressors” on page 43), this will appear 
at the bottom of the screen, otherwise, a gray box 
will be shown.
ΦPhase on and off (inverse signifies phase reversal)
GATGate switch on/off (inverse signifies on)
CMPCompressor switch on/off Inverse signifies on)
INS Compressor insert point (changes between PRE (pre-
EQ) and 
PST (post-EQ)
EQTurns EQ on and off (inverse signifies on) 
						

							5 – Setting up the I/O—Output assignments
42 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual
Output assignments
The buss settings and the aux sends 1 through 4 may 
be routed to the three internal TDIF slots, as well as 
to the ADAT output and any slot cards fitted.
The output grouping destinations are grouped in out-
put blocks of eight signals. Block sources (busses, 
direct outputs or aux sends) are mapped to these 
blocks. The blocks are grouped together, and the 
block sources are sent in parallel to all blocks in the 
group
The eight output busses are assigned on a one-to-one 
basis to the outputs within a block (that is, buss 1 will 
feed channel 1 of the output block, etc.isNOTE
The more recent models of TASCAM DTRS recorder have 
an internal patchbay which allows you to reassign 
inputs to tracks.
If a direct out has been selected in the assignments 
(“Channel-to-buss assignments (global)” on 
page 40), this will take priority over the buss outputs 
(the appropriate buss output will not be selected for 
the block/channel combination used by the direct 
outs).
The composition of the output blocks, and the 
choices for the block sources are:
In the 
I/O OUTPUT sub-screen, use the dial and 
ENTER key to select the source for each output 
block.
Digital outputs
The two DIGITAL OUTPUTs may output: the stereo 
outputs (
STEREO), a pair of busses (BUSS1–2, BUSS3–
4
, BUSS5–6, or BUSS7–8), a pair of aux sends (AUX1-2, 
AUX3-4, AUX5-6) or the control room signal (C.ROOM).
The XLR and RCA connectors for each output are 
fed in parallel with the selected signal, and the format is determined in the 
DIGITAL FORMAT screen (“Digital 
output” on page 26).
Move the cursor to the appropriate field (
DIGITAL 
OUT1
 or DIGITAL OUT2) on the left of the screen, Use 
the dial and 
ENTER key to select the desired output 
signal.
BlockOutput block 
groupsBlock Source options
1TDIF 1 (1–8)
Slot 1 (1–8)
Slot 2 (1–8)Buss 1–8 / Direct out 1–8 
Aux 1–4 Parallel (paralleled 
1->1&5, 2->2&6, etc.)
2 TDIF 2 (9–16)
Slot 1 (9–16)
Slot 2 (9–16)Buss 1–8 / Direct out 9–16
Aux 1–4 Parallel (paralleled 
1->1&5, 2->2&6, etc.)
3 TDIF 3 (17–24)
ADAT (17-24)
Slot 1 (17–24)
Slot 2 (17–24)Buss 1–8 / Direct out 1–8 
Buss 1–8 / Direct out 9–16 
Aux 1–4 Parallel (paralleled 
1->1&5, 2->2&6, etc.) 
						

							5 – Setting up the I/O—Assignable sends and returns
 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual 43
Assignable sends and returns
The four sets of analog I/O connectors may be used 
as either analog insert points for selected channels or 
as the send part of effect loops (
I/O display, ASSIGN 
SECT.
 sub-screen, accessed with soft key 4).
Move the cursor to the 
INSERT or SEND RETURN radio 
button and press 
ENTER to make the setting for the 
appropriate assignable connectors.If the insert mode is selected, move the cursor to the 
channel (
CH) column, and use the dial and ENTER 
key to select and confirm the channel (any channel 
from 1 through 32 can be entered here). There is also 
an “off” setting (all fields are filled with 
---).
The location of the insert can be selected (pre/post 
fader) in the 
POINT field and the insert loop turned on 
or off (
ON/OFF button) in the ON/OFF column.
If the send loop is selected (the 
SEND/RETURN radio 
button is selected), the send signal source (
AUX 1 to 
AUX 6) can be selected. To select the send signal 
source, move the cursor to the 
SEND SIGNAL field, 
then use the dial and 
ENTER key to select and con-
firm the source.
NOTE
The assignable returns can be assigned to the inputs in 
the first and second I/O screens (“Assigning inputs to 
channels” on page 38).
Master compressors
To assign up to six compressors (in three stereo pairs) 
to the 
STEREO L-R, the aux sends or the output busses, 
move the cursor to one of the pairs of 
MASTER fields 
(1-2, 3-4 or 5-6) at the right of the screen.Press 
ENTER, and use the dial to select an adjacent 
pair of aux sends or output busses. Confirm the selec-
tion with the 
ENTER key.
Set the compressor for each of the master pairs on or 
off using the 
ENTER key when the cursor is on the 
appropriate on-screen button (or using the 
ASSIGN 
PARAMETERS
 screen—“Other module parameters” on 
page 41). 
						

							44 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual
6 – Hookup
This section explains how to connect the DM-24 to 
other equipment, dividing the connections into ana-
log, digital and sync/control type connections.
These are not sample setups, but pointers to the capa-
bilities of the DM-24 when used with other equip-
ment in your setup.
NOTE
Always turn off the power to the DM-24 and other 
equipment when making and breaking connections. Reapply power in the direction of source to destination 
(for example, turn on any external effect units and elec-
tronic instruments or other audio source first, followed 
by the DM-24 and any recording devices, and finish 
with the monitoring system.
Refer to “Parts of the DM-24” on page 28 for details 
of the specific terminals and connectors named in 
this section, and to “Setting up the I/O” on page 36 
for details of how the internal assignments and patch-
ing are performed inside the DM-24.
Analog connections
MIC/LINE connections
The main analog inputs are the mic/line source con-
nections made to the 
MIC/LINE connectors at the top 
of the unit.
Both sets of connectors are balanced (though when 
unbalanced plugs are inserted into the 
LINE 1/4” 
jacks, these are used as unbalanced inputs).
NOTE
Only one connector of each channel (XLR or 1/4”) 
should be in use at any one time. Do not make connec-
tions to both the 1/4” jack and the XLR connector of a single channel). There is no way to switch between 
them.
The MIC XLR connectors can be supplied with phan-
tom power (+48 V). This is switched in blocks of 
four, with one switch controlling the phantom power 
supply to inputs 1–4, 5–8, 9–12, and 13–16.
NOTE
Always take care when switching the phantom power, 
to ensure that devices which may be damaged if phan-
tom power is supplied are not connected to XLR con-
nectors where phantom power is supplied.
MIC LINE IN INSERT ASSIGNABLE SENDS
ASSIGNABLE 
RETURNS
STEREO OUTPUT
2TR IN
STUDIO CR PHONESSTEREO OUTPUT 
INSERT
Studio monitoring 
systemControl room 
monitoring system
Dynamics processorEffector / Dynamics 
processor
Dynamics processor
Analog mastering 
recorder
IN OUT IN OUT
IN
OUT
IN 
(REC)
OUT 
(PLAY)DM-24 
						

							6 – Hookup—Analog connections
 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual 45
The way in which these inputs are used by the chan-
nel modules is described in “Setting up the I/O” on 
page 36.
Use the 
TRIM controls to adjust the gain of the MIC 
and 
LINE inputs.As explained in “OL/STATUS LED TYPE” on 
page 20, the LEDs by the faders can be used as signal 
level or overload indicators. Set the level at which 
they light to match your working conditions.
External dynamics processors and effectors
Use the MIC/LINE channel INSERT connectors for 
the connection of external dynamics processors for 
channels 1 through 16.
There is no software control to turn these on or off.
Note that the position of these inserts is fixed as post-
trim, and immediately before the AD convertor.The assignable sends and returns can be set up as 
insert loops or as send/return effect loops “Assign-
able sends and returns” on page 43).
When used as inserts, these are available for channels 
1 through 32.
When used as send/return loops, aux sends 1 through 
6 may be assigned to the sends, and the returns are 
made through any channel.
Analog monitoring and mastering
The main stereo buss signal is output from the 
STEREO OUT terminals, which should therefore be 
connected to the analog mastering machine.
Return the analog mastering machine into the 
2TR IN 
terminals. These are assigned by default to the 
SEL 3 monitoring selection key for easy monitoring of the 
two-track master in the control room.
Connect the two independent monitoring output 
sources (
CR and STUDIO) to the appropriate moni-
toring systems. 
						

							6 – Hookup—Digital connections
46 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual
Digital connections
The digital audio connections mentioned here refer 
to the standard (non-expanded) model and are all 
made on the rear panel of the unit.If expansion slot cards have been fitted, consult the 
appropriate documentation for these cards for full 
details of operations, etc.
DTRS recorder connections
WARNING
Only use TASCAM-supplied and TASCAM-approved 
cables when making digital audio and control con-
nections to the DM-24. Though the cables and con-
nectors may resemble computer cables, they serve 
different purposes, and meet a different set of 
specifications. The use of cables other than TAS-
CAM cables will at best cause the equipment to 
work erratically, and at worst cause damage to the 
equipment. If the use of cables other than TAS-
CAM cables causes or results in damage, the 
war-
ranty is voided.
Connect the appropriate TDIF interface of the DM-
24 to the TDIF interface of the DTRS unit using a 
TASCAM cable. The interface carries both input and 
output signals.Use an appropriate TASCAM remote cable to con-
nect the 
DTRS REMOTE CONTROL connector of the 
DM-24 to the REMOTE/SYNC IN of the first 
DTRS unit in a chain. Connect the SYNC OUT of 
this unit to the REMOTE/SYNC IN of the next unit 
in the chain, and so on. Remember to terminate the 
last unit in the chain.
Control the remote DTRS units as described in 
“External control” on page 87.
The TDIF signal can carry timing signals, but for 
reliability, it is suggested that a separate word con-
nection is made wherever possible, whether the DM-
24 will be acting as a word clock master or as a slave. 
This connection need only be made to the first DTRS 
unit in the chain (with the lowest ID). Other units in 
the chain receive their clock through the REMOTE/
SYNC connections.
TDIF-1 TDIF-2 TDIF-3
DIGITAL OUTPUT 1
DIGITAL INPUT 1
DIGITAL OUTPUT 2
DIGITAL INPUT 2
ADAT IN ADAT OUT
DTRS 1
ADAT unit
DTRS 2DTRS 3
Digital mastering 
recorder
Digital effector
SYNC REMOTE/SYNC IN SYNC
TDIF TDIF TDIF
DTRS REMOTE 
CONTROL
OUT IN
IN 
(REC)
IN 
OUT
OUT 
(PLAY)
DM-24 
						

							6 – Hookup—Synchronization and control connections
 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual 47
ADAT connections
Use two TOSLINK-type fiber cables to connect the 
ADAT device (
ADAT IN to OUT on the remote 
device) and 
ADAT OUT to IN on the remote device).
If the ADAT is to be controlled from the DM-24, a 
third-party device to convert MMC to ADAT sync commands will be necessary. Examples of such 
devices are the JL Cooper dataSYNC
2, or the MOTU 
MTP AV. These convert the ABS code from the 
ADAT to MTC, allowing synchronization for auto-
mation purposes.
Digital inputs and outputs
The two sets of digital inputs and two sets of digital 
outputs each comprise an XLR-type connector and 
an RCA pin jack. Typically, the XLR-type connector 
will be used for AES/EBU digital audio, while the 
RCA is used for SPDIF.
These inputs can be assigned to any of the channel 
modules (1 through 32). They can therefore be used 
as returns from digital effects units, etc. as well as 
source inputs from CD players, DAT decks, etc.
The DM-24 incorporates a sampling frequency con-
verter, allowing input from sources with a sampling 
frequency different from that of the DM-24.The DM-24 can output audio data from both the 
XLR and the RCA connectors of each digital output 
at the same time.
Each of these output pairs can be used as the stereo 
mastering outputs, as paired buss outputs, as paired 
aux sends, or as the feed to the control room monitor-
ing system. 
The sampling frequency of the digital audio from 
these outputs is always the system sampling fre-
quency of the DM-24.
Synchronization and control connections
RS-422
TO METER
MIDI
THRU/
MTC OUT    OUT     IN
TIME CODE IN
External timecode 
sourceMIDI equipmentMIDI equipment
P2-compatible 
equipment (e.g. VTR)
MU-24 To clock slave From clock master
OUT/THRU     IN
WORD SYNC
DM-24 
						

							6 – Hookup—Synchronization and control connections
48 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual
Word sync clock connections
NOTE
In every digital audio setup, there must be one, and 
only one, word sync source. If there is more than one 
source in a system, there is a risk of causing damage to 
the monitoring system (and your hearing).
The DM-24 can act as either a word sync clock mas-
ter or as a slave.
In the case of the DM-24 acting as a master for the 
system, make sure that the switch by the BNC word 
sync connectors is in the center position (75-ohm
 IN 
termination is 
OFF, and the DM-24 generates the 
word sync signal from the 
OUT terminal).
In the case of the DM-24 being a word sync clock 
slave, it is possible for the DM-24 to either retransmit the word sync to other units, or to act as the last unit 
in the word sync chain.
When retransmitting the sync, set the switch to the 
left position (75-ohm 
IN termination is OFF and the 
OFF/THRU setting is set to THRU). 
If the DM-24 is the last unit in the word sync chain, 
the switch should be in the right position (75-ohm
 IN 
termination is 
ON).
All input and output is at TTL level.
Select the word sync source using the 
CLOCK screen 
in the 
DIGITAL section (“CLOCK settings” on 
page 24).
NOTE
It is not recommended that any ADAT unit is set up to 
be a word clock slave.
MIDI connections
Make these connections following the usual MIDI 
standards
See “MIDI” on page 95 for details of how the DM-24 
uses MIDI.Also see “SYNC/TC” on page 23 for further details 
of MTC operation.
SMPTE/EBU timecode connections
SMPTE/EBU analog timecode is received at the 
TIME CODE IN connector on the rear panel
The timecode is needed when using the automated 
mix functions.Note that the DM-24 does not output analog time-
code, but can output MTC for use by other units.
See “SYNC/TC” on page 23 for details of setting up 
the DM-24 to use the timecode.
Meter unit
The optional MU-24/DM meter unit may be con-
nected to the 
TO METER connector.Consult the documentation with the meter unit for 
full details of installation and using the meters with 
the DM-24.
P2 connections
Devices which implement the P2 protocol can be 
controlled by the DM-24. See “Machine Control/Location” on page 80 for full 
details of control of other devices using the DM-24. 
						

							 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual 49
7 – Module operations
The DM-24’s modules are controlled by a series of 
screens which allow the viewing and control of the 
parameters which can be set for each module.
For the most part, modules have the same parameters 
available to them. If there are difference between 
module options, these are explained in the appropri-
ate section.
There are four module screens, accessed using the 
“soft keys” by the PODs. These screens control the 
channel dynamics processing, EQ, the aux sends, and 
general setup parameters.
There is also a “common area”, which is always visi-
ble, regardless of the module screen currently visible.
The different parameters visible on each screen are 
given here:On-screen controls are operated as explained in 
“User interface” on page 12 (the dial and cursor keys 
are used to navigate so that a control is highlighted, 
and the value changed with the PODs and the 
ENTER key).
Selecting modules
To select a module for editing using these module 
screens, press the 
MODULE key J to place the unit 
in module editing mode, followed by the 
SEL key n 
of the module to be edited. 
If two modules have been linked as a stereo pair, 
pressing the 
SEL key of either module of the pair will 
bring up the screen allowing control of both modules 
(see the section on “Linked modules” on page 60 for 
further details).
It is possible to reverse this order; that is, press the 
SEL key and then the MODULE key.In addition, even if the 
MODULE key has not been 
pressed (the DM-24 is not in module editing mode), 
it is possible to configure the DM-24 so that pressing 
and holding the 
SEL key of a module for more than 
two seconds will automatically select that module’s 
editing screen (“Select MODULE Return” on 
page 21).
It is also possible to select the module for editing 
(when the 
MODULE screen (or the DYNAMICS screen) 
is displayed) by touching the module’s fader, rather 
than pressing the SEL key (“Fader Auto MODULE 
Select” on page 21).
Screen Parameters
Common area Dynamics switch, compressor insert, 
phase switch, assignable insert switch, 
buss assignment, EQ switch, EQ graph
a, 
dynamics grapha, mute switch, fader, 
mute/fader groupinga, input sourceb, 
metera, metering point, digital trim, pan
DYNAMICSDynamics processor parameters
EQEQ parameters
AUXAux send levels, source select
SETUPChannel source, gate switch, aux 1–2 
source, compressor insert, compressor 
switch, assignable insert, assignable insert 
switch, phase, channel delay
a. Visible, but not editable
b. Editable on channels 1 through 24 only
Screen Parameters 
						

							7 – Module operations—Common area indicators and controls
50 TASCAM DM-24 Reference Manual
Common area indicators and controls
In addition to the parameters visible above, the com-
mon area also provides a way of viewing the current 
I/O assignment, together with a graphical view of the 
current EQ settings, as well as the current dynamics 
processor (with meter) and meter facilities.NOTE
Some of these parameters can be viewed and set glo-
bally for the whole console. See “Setting up the I/O” on 
page 36.
The on-screen controls available in the common area 
are:
Dynamics controls
The exact controls and display vary, depending on 
what channel has been selected (see “Dynamics pro-
cessors” on page 63 for full details of the availability 
of dynamics processors for the different modules of 
the DM-24):
Gate/Expander An on-screen button allows the 
gate/expander to be switched, with a gain reduction 
meter displayed.
Compressor An on-screen button allows the com-
pressor to be turned on and off (
ENTER key), with a 
dynamics graph. The gain reduction meter also 
applies to the compressor.
The appearance of this button changes, depending on 
what link option has been selected (see “LINK L-
>R” on page 64):
Compressor insert point The compressor can 
be inserted either pre- or post-EQ (channels). The 
master insert is pre-fader.
Simply press the 
ENTER key when PRE EQ or POST 
EQ
 is highlighted, to toggle between the two positions 
(the dial key acts as a cursor here).
Dynamics meter This meter shows the post-com-
pressor effect of the dynamics processor assigned to 
the module.
A graphical display of the settings is also provided 
(with attack, knee point, compression ratio, hystere-
sis, etc. displayed).
Gate switch
Compressor switch
Compressor insert point
Pan controls
Digital trim
Grouping indicators 
Dynamics meter
Stereo meter
Metering point
EQ and buss status
Phase control
Assignable insert control
Fader and level
Input selector
EQ graph
Link setting Shown as
Link off
Left channel acts as trigger
Right channel acts as trigger
Both channels act as triggers
Link setting Shown as