Tascam Minidisc Recorder/reproducer MD-301 Manual

							MD-301
Removable, re-recordable MiniDiscs
offer the convenience of DAT and
the quality of a digital recording
media. Plus, the MD format gives
you random access to audio, for
incredible speed and editing flexibil-
ity. If youÕre looking for a single
piece of gear that can record, edit
and playback digital audio,
MiniDisc is a perfect choice.
MINIDISC RECORDER/REPRODUCER _____________
6 Pages - Page 1
AFFORDABLE RANDOM ACCESS RECORDING
AND PLAYBACK FOR BROADCAST, THEATERS,
THEME PARKS, PROJECT STUDIOS, AND
AUDIO CONTRACTORS
A MiniDisc Primer
Before you learn about the exciting capabilities of the MD-301, you
might find it helpful to know more about MiniDisc technology. What is it?
The MiniDisc (MD) is a Òmagneto-optical device.Ó This advanced technol-
ogy uses the combination of a laser and a magnetic head to record and
play sound from a small, specially coated floppy-like disc Ñ the
MiniDisc. ItÕs similar to a CD with one big exception: your average CD is
not rewritable Ñ you canÕt re-record it. You can re-record a MiniDisc as
many times as you like.
MD-301 
						

							6 Pages - Page 2
MD-301
MINIDISC RECORDER________________________________________________________
Easy To Use. Easy To Store. Hard To Wear Out.
MiniDiscs have all the convenience of a cassette with all the quality
of a digital recording media. Like a cassette or DAT, you simply pop a
MiniDisc into your MD-301 and youÕre ready for exceptionally high-
quality digital recording, editing and playback. Like tape, MD technology
allows you to record and re-record over existing audio. WhatÕs more, you
can re-record your MiniDisc thousands of times Ñ with pristine audio
playback. So when your music or audio program is recorded on MiniDisc,
itÕs forever Ñ unless, of course, you decide to re-record.
 Go Tape One Better
Each recording format provides different tools for different jobs.
ThatÕs why itÕs important to think about what you want to do with your
equipment before you purchase. If your primary objective is to create
music demos (laying tracks and mixing to stereo), analog tape may be
your answer. If you need long format digital recording and playback,
DAT is a great tool.
Your Search Is Over
While tape is great for many jobs, itÕs linear in the way it accesses
your audio. That means it can only play back in a straight line Ñ as the
audio was recorded. If you want to hear or record another part of the
tape, you have to fast forward or rewind. And you canÕt change the order
of the material without physically editing the tape or transferring the
audio to another machine. This transfer process can cause a loss of
audio quality, especially with magnetic tape. ItÕs a fact in analog: the
more transfers (or generations), the less audio quality.
Because a MiniDisc provides random access retrieval of audio, that
is, itÕs not linear in playback, you can hear chosen tracks almost as fast
as you can cue them up. ThatÕs why MiniDisc is an exceptional choice for
broadcast, theater or other live performance venues. No more missed
cues, frantic rewinding, dead air or breaking your creative flow. Plus,
random access operation greatly speeds up your sessions. For example,
if you mix a song onto your MiniDisc recorder, you can hear the results
nearly instantly Ñ just cue and play Ñ with no waiting. Think of the time
youÕll save!
Are you looking for the perfect, affordable digital replacement for your
NAB cart machines? Do you want a dedicated piece of digital recording
gear with internal editing capabilities? And what about instant start, play
programming and random access operation? Now that you know a little
more about the benefits of MD technology, read on Ñ and find out why
TASCAM has the answers.
The big advantage of the MiniDisc
format is that it provides you with
random access to recorded material.
ItÕs the perfect choice if you want
digital recording, editing and
playback in a single dedicated unit.
Plus MiniDisc gives you important
extras like instant start capability
and flexible playback programming. 
						

							6 Pages - Page 3
MD-301
MINIDISC RECORDER________________________________________________________
THE NEWEST, MOST AFFORDABLE MEMBER
OF TASCAMÕS M
INIDISC FAMILY OF DIGITAL
RECORDING SYSTEMS
With the MD-301 MiniDisc Recorder/Reproducer, TASCAM brings
the power of random access recording, editing and playback to an
affordable new level. This hot, 2-channel MD recorder gives you 74
minutes (stereo) of pristine digital audio on re-recordable, easy-to-store
MiniDiscs. Its speed of operation combined with versatile programming
capability make the MD-301 a cutting-edge production tool for any
application where random access operation enhances performance. And
all this comes in a sleek, 2U, rack-mountable chassis.
Made For The Fast Lane
Although the MD-301 is as easy to use as a cassette deck, itÕs a
powerful and creative audio editing tool that helps you speed through
production. DIVIDE lets you divide a track into two; MOVE lets you move
a track to another location; COMBINE gives you the power to splice two
tracks together into one; and ERASE lets you quickly eliminate unwanted
tracks or programs. These editing features, combined with a variety of
programmable playback options, make the MD-301 a faster, better way
to record and manipulate your audio.
TASCAM thought of everything. YouÕll find the features you need for
live, pre-programmed, and hands-off operation. Create fade-ins/outs, cue
and re-cue on the fly, or program for shuffle or repeat play.  ThereÕs even
a TIMER RECORD/PLAY mode for unattended start/stop Ñ a must for
commercial installations. LetÕs say you have a theme park or convention
center and you want pre-recorded messages to run on the half-hour. In
TIMER mode, the MD-301 does the job like clockwork.
In addition to editing features, the MD-301 has an on-board sample
rate converter that makes digital transfers from other sources Ñ includ-
ing DAT tapes recorded at other sampling rates Ñ automatic. Fact is,
any format that speaks S/PDIF can be converted to MiniDiscÕs 44.1kHz
standard sampling rate by the MD-301.
For added control, the MD-301 comes standard with an RC-3
wireless infrared remote controller. The RC-3 gives you access to the
MD-301Õs abundant production features from any location in your broad-
ÒThe MD-301 is a great piece of
recording gear and the cost makes
it an incredible value Ñ the speed
alone is worth the price of admis-
sion. Because of the production
hours the station is saving, our
MD-301 will pay for itself within
a matter of months.Ó
A.W., Arlington, VA.
MD-301TIMERINPUT
RANDOM REMOTE
SENSOR
REPEAT MEMORY CLEAREJECT
RECORD
STOP PLAY READY
INPUT
SELECTOR
SEARCH
ANALOG DIGITAL 2
(COAXIAL)
PHONES
DIGITAL 1
(OPTICAL)DISPLAY
OFF
PLAY REC
EDIT/NOTRACKYES 
						

							6 Pages - Page 4
MD-301
MINIDISC RECORDER________________________________________________________
cast studio, theater audio booth or project studio. Using 74-minute stereo
MiniDiscs, the MD-301 is perfect for sound intensive productions. And
storage has never been easier. In fact, you can keep all your projects
and programs on separate discs for better management of your
audio archives.
The Ins And Outs Of Quality
The MD-301 will be at home in just about any audio environment.
RCA unbalanced analog inputs and outputs provide standard connec-
tions to and from your console or other gear. For digital input capability,
the unit offers both RCA coaxial S/PDIF and optical TOS connectors. For
digital output, the S/PDIF format is supported with an optical TOS port.
With these connections, youÕll keep your project in the digital domain
while recording from and to other digital sources.
For Broadcast
As a replacement for outdated NAB cart machines, the MD-301
gives you digital quality and more control over program material than you
dreamed possible at this price. With instant start capability and auto cue,
your live, on-air productions will be seamless. Your playlist, commercials,
bumpers, sound effects, promos, stingers and other audio tracks are
only a push button away. Add polish to your programs as you record with
programmable fade-ins and fade-outs. And with track and disc titling for
easy reference, you always know where you stand. The MD-301 is great
for telephone and in-studio interviews, too. Simply record, then edit with
DIVIDE, MOVE and ERASE functions. ItÕs great for the creation and
storage of production assets for every show in your lineup. With an
MD-301 in your rack, youÕve got a versatile, powerful digital audio tool
for your production studio.
On Stage
LetÕs say the director of your theater production wants you to change
the sound effects configuration of a particular scene. And he wants you
to do it for tonightÕs performance! No sweat. The on-board editing capa-
bilities of your MD-301 make it simple to reorder pre-recorded program
material. Its versatile playback options are great for rehearsals or provid-
ing music tracks for live performances Ñ especially when you need
things to happen right on cue.
In Your Project Studio
If you own a project or professional recording studio, the MD-301 is a
superb archiving tool that makes it easy to manage your work. Put each
project on a different disc Ñ your song ideas, music, voiceovers, SFX
 ÒWe use a lot of music and sound
effects in the show. One of the best
things about the MD-301 is its
cue and start capability. The
performers on stage know that
audio will be right on cue Ñ
everytime. And with the program-
ming and editing functions we
were able to fine tune backing
audio and cues during rehearsals.
And never missed a beat.Ó
 J.R., Cincinnati, OH 
						

							6 Pages - Page 5
MD-301
MINIDISC RECORDER________________________________________________________
and mixes are instantly accessible. The MD-301 is also the perfect
companion to your MD multitrack recorder such as the TASCAM 564
Digital Portastudio. The TOS optical digital I/O makes cross-platform
transfers a snap Ñ you can record material/songs from the 564 directly
to the MD-301 without ever leaving the digital domain. ItÕs an exceptional
way to archive your music projects.
In Your Industrial Strength Application
If your business is contracting audio installations for commercial
applications, you canÕt go wrong when you specify the MD-301. Because
itÕs TASCAM, you can count on industrial strength performance day-in,
day-out. The MD-301Õs PROGRAM PLAY, SHUFFLE PLAY and REPEAT
functions give your clients unlimited flexibility in playing back audio. ItÕs a
simple matter to program the unit to play music or pre-recorded mes-
sages in any order. The MD-301 also offers random playback and con-
tinuous looping. And for the ultimate convenience, the Timer mode
provides unattended operation. And of course, MiniDiscs are as easy as
cassettes to store and use, so changing background audio programs is
as simple as loading another MD.
Built To Last By TASCAM
TASCAM has been the choice for incredibly durable recording gear
for decades. The MD-301 is built with the same integrity for professional,
heavy-duty use. If you want affordable, stable, high-quality digital audio
recording and editing with random access operation, your search is over.
The TASCAM MD-301 Recorder/Reproducer is just what youÕve been
asking for.
TASCAM makes a full line of MD recorder/reproducers. The MD-501,
MD-801R and the 564 Digital Portastudio offer features and options that
will suit all your MiniDisc recording and editing requirements. Want more
information? Consult the FaxBack Product Index for appropriate docu-
ment numbers. To get the full MD picture, stop by your nearby TASCAM
dealer for a demonstration. And to get the scoop on the latest recording
innovations, be sure to visit TASCAMÕs web site at www.tascam.com.
All This In A 2U, 19-inch Rack Space
¥ Cost-effective professional grade 2-track MiniDisc
recorder/reproducer
¥ Versatile Edit functions (Divide, Erase, Move, Combine,
Track title, Disc title)
¥ Repeat Play function
¥ Timer Record/Play function
¥ Program Play mode
ÒIÕve been upgrading my project
studio to digital and the MD-301
provided the last piece of the
puzzle. ItÕs more than a mixdown
machine Ñ IÕm using the
MD-301Õs editing functions to
create killer demos. DIVIDE and
MOVE are now a part of my
creative routine.Ó
 J.Y., Whittier, CA 
						

							6 Pages - Page 6
MD-301
MINIDISC RECORDER________________________________________________________
Specifications
Format: MiniDisc
Channel: Stereo 2-channel
Recording System: Magnetic field modulation
overwrite system
Recording Time: 74 minutes stereo (with a
74-minute MiniDisc)
Compression System: ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform
Acoustic Coding)
Sampling Frequency: 44.1KHz
Modulation System: EFM (Eight to Fourteen
Modulation)
Error Correction System:
ACIRC (Advanced Cross
Interleave Reed-Solomon Code)
Frequency Response: 20Hz ~ 20kHz, ±1dB
Signal-To-Noise ratio: Better than 98dB
(Playback, A filter)
Dynamic Range:Better than 90dB (1kHz, -60dB)
Channel Separation: Better than 90dB (1kHz)
THD:Less than 0.008% (EIAJ)Wow and Flutter: Unmeasurable
Analog Inputs:RCA unbalanced, -10dBV, 50KW
Analog Outputs:RCA unbalanced, -10dBV, 600W
Digital inputs
Coaxial: RCA, IEC 958 Type II (S/PDIF)
Optical: TOS, IEC 958 Type II (S/PDIF)
Digital Output
Optical: TOS, IEC 958 Type II (S/PDIF)
Headphone: 35mW + 35mW, 33W loaded
Standard Accessory: RC-3 infrared wireless
remote controller
Power Consumption: 14W
Dimensions (WxHxD): 482 x 88 x 290 mm
Weight: 4.8 kg
Take advantage of our experience.
For More Information About Other TASCAM Faxback Literature,
Call 1-800-827-2268
© 1997 TEAC America, Inc. All rights reserved. FAXBACK Index #3320 10/97
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1
OPTICAL
L
R
IO1
COAXIAL
OPTION
TEAC CORPORATIONMADE IN JAPAN
MODEL NO. MD-301
¥ Shuffle Play mode
¥ Built-in sample rate conversion
¥ RCA unbalanced analog inputs and outputs
¥ Optical TOS and coaxial RCA digital inputs on the rear panel
¥ Optical TOS digital output connector on the rear panel
¥ ÒRC-3Ó infrared wireless remote controller as a standard accessory