Tascam Digital Portastudio 564 Manual

							DIGITAL AUDIO MULTITRACK
page 1 of 6
The Digital 4 Track With A Whole Lot More
YouÕve heard all the hype. Digital this. Digital that. All of 
it beyond the scope of your wallet. No more! TASCAMÕs
all-new 564 Digital Portastudio delivers digital audio
recording, flexible and intuitive signal routing, MIDI
Machine Control (MMC) capability and the operational
ease-of-use that TASCAM Portastudios have long been
famous for Ñ all in a cost-effective package that will keep
you smiling project after project. 
Geared toward the musician who desires fast and 
flexible editing control, this exciting new MiniDisc recorder
provides numerous random access functions including 
instantaneous locate capability, erase, copy, Black Out,
Bounce Forward and a multitude of additional new fea-
tures to make those recording sessions hassle-free and
better sounding than ever. Of course, the new 564 comes
with TASCAM quality, reliability and innovation. ItÕs built
tough, ÒIt always worksÓ Ñ itÕs what musicians have come 
to rely on from TASCAM.
MD Data Ñ The New Media For The 
Next Generation 
MiniDisc (MD) is rapidly becoming the media of choice for
numerous professional audio applications including broadcast,
multimedia, theatrical and music environments. The MD Data 
format is a highly robust, optical media capable of handling
140MB (megabytes) of digital data Ñ great for all your multitrack
recording needs. And, itÕs highly transportable Ñ youÕll be able 
to remove, transport and archive your work as easily as working
with tape. No complicated off-loading to free up a hard disk for
the next project Ñ simply pop in another MiniDisc and youÕre
ready for that next session! Each inexpensive MD Data disc 
provides roughly 37 minutes of 4-track recording time.
The Only MD Multitrack With A Transport
Designed For Multitrack Recording
Unlike other MD multitrack recorders, the 564 uses a custom
designed transport optimized for multitrack recording. You wonÕt
find a PAUSE key on the 564 because itÕs not needed! The 564
is always in ÒReadyÓ mode! This custom transport delivers faster
data loading, better shuttle capability and the ability to reposition
564Digital PortastudioPRELIMINARY 
						

							DIGITALAUDIO MULTITRACK
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index points without the buffer limitation imposed by other units.
This unique transport mechanism is also the reason that numer-
ous editing functions exist on the 564 and nowhere else. Your
work will proceed faster and with far less interruption of the 
creative process. When your music is on the line, why settle 
for anything less?
The Functionality of a Pro Studio
All the features youÕd expect to find in the 564 Digital Portastudio
are here. Auto Punch In/Out with rehearsal, 3-band EQ with
sweepable mids, two AUX sends, two Insert points for additional
signal processors, 4 mono channels, 4 stereo channels, balanced
XLR inputs for use with high quality, professional, low impedance
microphones plus a rotary control for jog and data entry func-
tions. WeÕve got more XLRs, more flexible EQ, more AUX sends
and the first four channels enable you to double the number of
mix positions at mixdown. With the 564, you even get a dedicated
2 track return. Check the facts Ñ you wonÕt find these features
elsewhere! 
The 564Õs integrated mixer provides a truly musical 3-band EQ
with sweepable mids that let you zero in on exactly the frequency
youÕre looking to alter. Add to this 4 mono channels and 4 stereo
channels Ñ and youÕve got inputs-a-plenty. YouÕll certainly appre-
ciate the 4 balanced XLR mic inputs for use with that profession-
al microphone youÕve had your eye on Ñ other MD multitracks
either have none or only two. 
With the 564Õs Auto Punch capability, you can replace small 
segments of material hands-free while the recorder does all the
work! This great feature keeps you focused on the creative task
as opposed to being distracted by having to operate the recorder.
You can rehearse to your heartÕs content, and when youÕre ready
to give it your best shot, one more button press makes it all 
happen. Should you change your mind as you work, youÕll really
appreciate the 564Õs UNDO/REDO capability. With the 564 you
can exercise this capability any time you deem necessary. DonÕt
like that take? Undo it! Change your mind? Redo it! ItÕs that easy!
Making precision edits or naming songs and patterns couldnÕt be
easier. While weÕre on the subject of naming, the 564 even gives
you more characters than other MD multitracks as well as 10
User Words. User Words are preset names (all of which are
editable) to save you time while naming song elements! The 564Digital Portastudio provides you with a big, easy-to-get-your-
hands-on Jog/Data control that makes your work fast and effort-
less. ItÕs easy to name all your various song components and
keep tabs on all your musical elements. Name songs, the disc,
patterns (segments of a track) Ñ youÕre in control. Bottom 
line Ñ the 564 has all the right stuff!
MD Delivers Editing Control You Never 
Dreamed Possible
MiniDisc technology enables users of the 564 Digital Portastudio
to have tremendous editing control over their recordings. The 564
provides the ability to locate to any point instantly. Unwanted
material can easily be erased. By placing an index marker, you
can ÒdivideÓ one segment into two, or even ÒcombineÓ two seg-
ments into one by removing the index marker. Songs can be
divided into as many as 20 Patterns by placing a series of Index
markers throughout the song. ThatÕs more index points than
youÕll find on other MD multitracks. 
All patterns and songs can be named, and you can even
rearrange your music with a hot new feature called Index
Programming. Index programming lets you reorder the series of
patterns youÕve created within your composition. With our Index
Programming, youÕve got 99 elements with which to rearrange
your song. You wonÕt find this elsewhere! Turn a four measure
intro into an 8 measure intro or shorten a guitar solo Ñ with the
564, you call the shots. With the Black Out feature, you can
instruct the 564 to terminate playback at any position just prior to
an index marker to create a new ending Ñ without destroying the
remaining data.
Creative flexibility abounds with the 564. YouÕll love the fact that
when using Auto Punch, the 564 enables you to record up to 5
ÒtakesÓ of a given track. Imagine capturing as many as five takes
of a guitar solo before you decide which one is best. Now, you
can sit back, listen to all 5 takes plus the original performance,
and then commit the best performance to a track. Not all MD
multitracks offer this 5 take capability! While youÕre rehearsing a
section of material, the 564 even provides you with the ability to
define the Repeat Interval so that you can get ÒrepositionedÓ prior
to each new loop. Again Ñ the 564 gives you the best tools for
the job!
1
MIC/
LINE IN
2
MIC/
LINE IN
3
MIC/
LINE IN
4
6810122
5
/
MONO7/
MONO9/
MONO11/
MONO1
MIC/
LINE INSTEREO INPUTSTEREO INPUTSTEREO INPUTSTEREO INPUTEFFECT SENDSCUE OUTPUT
TRACK OUTPUTS OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT INSERT INSERT1 MONITOR LR LINE LR 2TR LR234
564 Back Panel 
						

							DIGITALAUDIO MULTITRACK
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Conventional Ping Pong Ñ Of Course! 
Bounce Forward Ñ WOW!!
The 564 Digital Portastudio provides conventional Ping Pong
Recording as well as the all new Bounce Forward function.
Bounce Forward enables you to create a series of submixes, 
complete with effects and EQ, and carry that stereo mix ÒforwardÓ
to the next song location on disc. Should you later decide to go
back to the original tracks, youÕll be glad to know that they are 
still on disc in the original location!
Alimitation of earlier cassette multitrack recorders was the 
necessity of bouncing (or ping-ponging) multiple tracks down 
to one for the purpose of freeing up additional track space for
more musical parts. While this function works well and serves
many useful purposes, the creation of a single mono track reduces
oneÕs freedom in terms of stereo imaging. On the 564, you have
the ability to ping-pong tracks when they are musically similar and
likely to share the same position in the stereo field, but you also
have the flexibility to create a series of submixes, complete with
EQ and effects to preserve the stereo imaging of your composition
at its current state of development. Each MD Data disc has the
capacity to handle 5 songs (or file names). These five files can be
completely different songs or they can be five versions of the
same project Ñ and this is where the Bounce Forward function
enters the picture.
Think of Bounce Forward as the ability to perform a series of 
submixes, complete with EQ and effects to contour your sound.
Perhaps youÕve just completed your basic rhythm tracks (piano,
bass, drums, rhythm guitar) on tracks 1 - 4. Rather than ping-
pong, you can mix (or bounce forward) your rhythm tracks to a
stereo mix on tracks 1 and 2 of file #2. In the process, youÕve
freed up two more tracks for further recording while retaining the
stereo mix and the original stereo imaging of each individual track.
The Bounce Forward function has the capability of providing 12
first-generation musical parts by the completion of the fifth song
file while retaining access to all original tracks.
Remember, you can easily rehearse the mix as much as you like
before recording it to the tracks Ñ so thereÕs plenty of opportunity
to listen and get it right. If, however, you decide you want to start
over, just return to file #1 and retrieve the original four tracks.
YouÕve lost nothing! The creative possibilities for conventional
ping-pong recording and the new Bounce Forward function make
multitrack recording on the new 564 exciting and ripe with opportu-
nity for artistic expression.
MIDI Users Take Note Ñ Support For MIDI
Machine Control
If youÕre a MIDI user, you can use your MMC (MIDI Machine
Control) capable sequencer to control numerous functions of 
the 564. Finally, your recorder and MIDI system are locked and
controlled from one convenient station Ñ and you wonÕt sacrifice 
a track for sync code! The 564 Digital Portastudio provides MIDI
In, Out and Thru jacks for flexible integration into any MIDI envi-
ronment.
All the major software-based MIDI sequencing applications now
support MMC. Regardless of computer platform, you can now integrate your MIDI system with the 564 and control the entire 
system right from the computer! Instruct your sequencer to locate
to measure #67 and the 564 positions itself accordingly. When you
reach the end of the song, the computer stops both the 564 and
the MIDI system. MMC makes the integration of recorder and MIDI
system a breeze Ñ enabling you to take advantage of the
strengths of each system.
The new 564 Digital Portastudio also has provisions for tempo
map programming with full support for multiple time signatures
and MIDI Song Position Pointer. Now you have the freedom to
create tempo and meter changes in either the 564 or your
sequencer Ñ whichever best suits your method of working. 
YouÕll be able to start from any position within your composition
and feel confident knowing that your MIDI sequencer or drum
machine is locked up and playing the correct data Ñ regardless 
of song position. 
INDEXEDIT
DIRECT
SAFE
BUSS L
TRK 
1
DIRECT
SAFE
BUSS R
2
DIRECT
SAFE
BUSS L
3
DIRECT
SAFE
BUSS R
4
RTZ
0
3
9
15
30
45OVER TRK 1234MONITORLR
0
3
9
15
30
45OVER0
3
9
15
30
45OVER0
3
9
15
30
45OVER
RECRECRECREC
STOPPLAYRECORD INDEX SONG
SELECTMENURHSL
EXEC
REPEATPITCH CONTRECORD FUNCTION
JOG 
INSERTNOYES
MODE
DELETE
JOG/DATA 
CLEAR
TRIM
SET
SHUTTLE REDO
UNDOTOC EDIT
TITLEMIDI
CLOCK MIDI
TIME CODE
EJECT
BOUNCE FWDAUTO IN/OUTEDIT
564 Right Panel 
						

							DIGITALAUDIO MULTITRACK
page 4 of 6564 Digital Portastudio
RTZ
0
3
9
15
30
45OVER TRK 1234MONITORLR0
3
9
15
30
45OVER0
3
9
15
30
45OVER0
3
9
15
30
45OVER
RECRECRECREC
126mm(4-15/16)
115mm(4-1/2)
403mm(15-3/8)
444mm (17-1/2)
564 Dimensions
L
PAN
R
1
2EFFECT–
LOW
+
–+
250
MED
5k
–
EQHIGH
1
+
LINE
TRIM
INPUT
MICMIC/LINE
MIC/LINER
DISC
L
PAN
R
1
2EFFECT–
LOW
+
–+
250
MED
5k
–
EQHIGH
2
+
LINE
TRIM
INPUT
MICMIC/LINE
MIC/LINER
DISC
L
PAN
R
1
2EFFECT–
LOW
+
–+
250
MED
5k
–
EQHIGH
3
+
LINE
TRIM
INPUT
MICMIC/LINE
MIC/LINER
DISC
L
PAN
R
1
2EFFECT–
LOW
+
–+
250
MED
5k
–
EQHIGH
4
+
LINE
TRIM
INPUT
MICMIC/LINE
MIC/LINER
DISC
L
PAN
R
1
2EFFECT–
LOW
+
–
EQHIGH
5-6
+
ASSIGNMAINOFF
MIC/LINER
CUEMAINOFFCUEOFFCUEL-R L-ROFFCUE
L
PAN
R
11
2
3
4
2EFFECT–
LOW
+
–
EQHIGH
7-8
+
ASSIGN
MIC/LINER
1
2EFFECT
MSTR
DISC CUE
9-10LEVEL
ASSIGN
MIC/LINER
2
MONITOR
LINE L
LINE R
EFFECT 1
EFFECT 2
CUE
2TR IN LEVELCUE MASTER
11-12
12345-67-8
MASTER11-12
LEVEL
ASSIGN
MIC/LINER
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
010
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
010
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
010
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
010
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
010
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
PHONESREMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT
564 Channel Strips and Master Section 
						

							DIGITALAUDIO MULTITRACK
page 5 of 6564 Digital Portastudio
Never Sacrifice a Track for Sync Code!
The 564 takes the systemÕs Absolute Time (ABS) and outputs 
it as MIDI Time Code or MIDI Clock. Depending on the synchro-
nization capabilities of the external device (drum machine,
sequencer, etc.), the 564 gives you everything you need to get
your MIDI equipment talking to the 564. Best of all Ñ youÕll never
have to sacrifice an audio track for your sync code!
Keeping Your Work In The Digital Domain
The 564 Digital Portastudio is the only MiniDisc based multitrack
recorder that provides an S/PDIF digital output. Now you can
archive digitally to DATÑ all the while preserving the high-end 
clarity and punch of the original recording.
As DATis arguably the most popular format for mastering these
days, the 564 Digital Portastudio provides a digital output con-
forming to the Sony/Phillips Digital Interface protocol. Now you
have the ability to transfer your compositions not only to DAT, 
but also to hard disk editing systems, MD Audio (2 channel 
format) or even CD-R (Compact Disc - Recordable).
Flexible, Versatile and Compact
The new TASCAM 564 Digital Portastudio puts random 
access recording technology and operational ease into 
one compact, feature-laden package at a price that 
makes sense.
¥ MD Data format for approximately 37 minutes of 4 track
recording
¥ Sampling frequency of 44.1kHz
¥ S/PDIF Digital Output
¥ Bounce Forward function for multiple stereo submixes
¥ Conventional Ping Pong recording
¥ Support for MIDI Machine Control (MMC)
¥ Outputs either MIDI Clock or MIDI Time Code (MTC) 
without sacrificing an audio track
¥ 5 Virtual tracks (takes) per track
¥ Jog/Data control for editing functions
¥ Auto Punch In/Out with Rehearsal
¥ 4 balanced XLR mic inputs
¥ Instantaneous locate capability
¥ Index programming
¥ 4 mono, 4 stereo inputs
¥ 3-band EQ with Mid sweep on mono channels
¥ 2 AUX sends
¥ Backlit LCD display
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
Usable discsMD DATA(Record/Play),
MD AUDIO (Play)
Recording format:MD DATASystem Audio Data Format
Playback formats:MD DATASystem Audio Data Format
MiniDisc System
Pitch control:±9.9%
Dimension (WxHxE):444 x 126 x 403mm
(17-1/2 x 4-15/16 x 15-7/8)
Weight:6 kg (13.2 lbs)
ELECTRIC
[Mixer block]
I/O channels:
12 inputs:MIC/Line x 4 STEREO INPUTx 4
5 outputs:LINE OUTL/R, EFFECTOUTx 2,
CUE OUT
4 track outputs:TRACK OUTx 4
Digital outputs 
(S/PDIF):DIGITALOUTPUTX 1
MIC/LINE inputs (1/4 phone jack x 4, XLR x 4)
Input impedance:10 kohms
Nominal input level:-65 dBV (0.56 mV)/MIC
10 dBV (0.3 V)/LINE
Max. input level:+6 dBV (2.0V)/TRIM in min. position
STEREO inputs CH 5 to 8 (1/4 phone jack x 4)
Input impedance:20 kohms
Nominal input level:-10 dBV (0.3 V)
Max. input level:+6 dBV (2.0 V)STEREO inputs CH 9 to 12 (1/4 phone jack x 4)
Input impedance:8.2 kohms
Nominal input level:-10 dBV (0.3 V)
Max. input level:+6 dBV (2.0 V)
INSERT(1/4 phone jack x 2)
Input (RING)
Input impedance:10 kohms
Nominal input level:-10 dBV (0.3 V)
Max. input level: +6 dBV (2.0 V)
Output (TIP)
Output impedance:100 ohms
Nominal output level:-10 dBV (0.3 V)
Min. load impedance:2.0 kohms
2TR inputs (RCApin jack x 2)
Input impedance:22 kohms
Nominal input level:-10 dBV (0.3 V)
Max. input level:+6 dBV (2.0 V)
LINE outputs (RCApin jack x 2)
Output impedance:100 ohms
Nominal output level:-10 dBV (0.3 V)
Min. load impedance:2.0 kohms
EFFECToutputs (1/4 phone jack x 2)
Output impedance:100 ohms
Nominal output level:-10 dBV (0.3 V)
Min. load impedance:2.0 kohms 
						

							DIGITALAUDIO MULTITRACK
page 6 of 6564 Digital Portastudio
TRACK outputs (RCApin jack x 4)
Output impedance:100 ohms
Nominal output level:-10 dBV (0.3 V)
Min. load impedance:2.0 kohms
CUE Output (1/4 stereo phone jack x 1)
Output impedance:1.0 kohms
Nominal output level:-10 dBV (0.3 V)
Min. load impedance:10 kohms
MONITOR outputs (RCApin jack x 2)
Output impedance:220 ohms
Nominal output level:-10 dBV (0.3 V)
Min. load impedance:2.0 kohms
PHONES output (1/4 stereo phone jack x 1)
Nominal load impedance:30 ohms
Max. output level:100 mW
Equalizer
HIGH (Shelving)
Standard frequency:12 kHz
Variation range:±12 dB
MID (Parametric)
Frequency:250 Hz to 5 kHz
Variation range:±14 dB
LOW (Shelving)
Standard frequency:80 Hz
Variation range:±12 dB
Frequency response
MIC input to 
LINE output:20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
LINE input to 
LINE output: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
LINE input to 
EFFECToutput: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
Line input to 
PHONES output:40 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
S/N (20 Hz to 20 kHz, with BPF)
DIN AUDIO / IHF-A
Input (-65 dBV: MIC level)
1 MIC to LINE output:60 dB / 65 dB
4 MIC to LINE output:55 dB / 59 dBInput (-10 dBV: LINE level)
1 LINE to LINE output:78 dB / 82 dB
ALLASSIGN to 
LINE output:76dB / 80 dB
Distortion (22 kHz LPF = IHF-A)
1 MIC input to 
LINE output:0.01% or less (+6 dB input)
1 LINE input to 
LINE output: 0.01% or less (+6 dB input)
Crosstalk:67 dB (1 kHz, measures using 30 kHz
LPF at nominal input level)
[MD recorder block]
Record/play channels:4/4
4-track recording:37 minutes
Max. recorded songs:5 songs
Sampling frequency:44.1 kHz
Quantization bits:16 bits
Audio Compression:ATRAC
Error correction:ACIRC
Overall frequency 
Response:20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
Overall S/N:More than 87 dB (22 kHz LPF + IHF-A)
Distortion:0.009% or less (1 kHz input, 1 kHz 
BPF + IHF-A)
Channel separation:More than 75 dB (1 kHz input, 1 kHz 
BPF + IHF-A)
Power requirements:
U.S.A./CANADA:120V AC, 60Hz
U.K./EUROPE:230V AC, 50Hz
AUSTRALIA:240V AC, 50Hz
Power consumption:28 watts
Optional Accessories:
Punch-in Footswitch
PW-4Y/ PW-2YInsertion Cable
In these specifications, 0 dBV = 1V -10 dBV = 0.316 V 
(which is approximated to 0.3 V)
Specifications and features subject to changes without notice or
obligation.
For more information about other TASCAM 
FAXBACK literature, call 1-800-827-2268.
©1997 TEAC America, Inc. All rights reserved. 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, CA90640 (213) 726-0303
TEAC Canada Ltd., 5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8 Canada (905) 890-8008
TEAC Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Priva de Colina #18, Colonia del Carmen, Coyoacan, Mexico, D.F. 04100 (525) 658-1943
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