Tascam Professional Digital Surround Monitor Controller DS-M7. 1 Owners Manual

							Professional Digital Surround Monitor Controller
OWNER’S MANUAL
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE  COVER (OR BACK).  NO  USER-SERVICEABLE  PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the pres-
ence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying  the  appliance. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
This appliance has a serial number
located on the rear panel. Please record
the model number and serial number
and retain them for your records.
Model number
Serial number
Ü
ÿ
Ÿ
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
D00671100A 
						

							2  TASCAM DS-M7.1 Owner’s Manual
Important Safety Precautions
IMPORTANT (for U.K. Customers)
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment.
If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or
the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an
appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer.
If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove th
e fuse and dispose
of the plug
 immediately, to avoid a possible shock hazard by
inadvertent connection to the mains supply.
If this product is not provided with a mains plug, or one has to be
fitted, then follow the instructions given below:
IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are coloured in
accordance with the following code:
GREEN-AND-YELLOW: EARTH
BLUE :NEUTRAL
BROWN :LIVE
WARNING: This apparatus must be earthed.
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may
not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals
in your plug proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN-and-YELLOW must be
connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the letter
E or by the safety earth symbol ç or coloured GREEN or GREEN-
and-YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal
which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type should
be used and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover.
IF IN DOUBT — CONSULT A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN.
TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residental area
is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipment not
expressly approved by TEAC CORPORATION
for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.
For the consumers in Europe
WARNING
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this
product may cause radio interference in which case the user
may be required to take adequate measures.
Pour les utilisateurs en Europe
AVERTISSEMENT
Il s’agit d’un produit de Classe A. Dans un environnement
domestique, cet appareil peut provoquer des interférences
radio, dans ce cas l’utilisateur peut être amené à prendre
des mesures appropriées.
Für Kunden in Europa
Warnung
Dies is eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstörung nach
Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann im Wohnbereich
Funkstörungen versursachen ; in diesem Fall kann vom
Betrieber verlang werden, angemessene Maßnahmen
durchzuführen und dafür aufzukommen.
 For U.S.A
 For Canada
AC POWER CORD CONNECTION
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
CORDE DE CONNEXION CA
ATTENTION:
POUR ÉVITER LES CHOCS ÉLEC-
TRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA
PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA
BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA
PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND.
The equipment draws nominal non-operating power from the
AC outlet with its POWER switch in the off position. 
						

							  TASCAM DS-M7.1 Owner’s Manual 3
CAUTION:
…Read all of these Instructions.
…Save these Instructions for later use.
…Follow all Warnings and Instructions marked on the audio
equipment.
1) Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should
be read before the product is operated.
2) Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should
be retained for future reference.
3) Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.
4) Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should be
followed.
5) Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning.
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for clean-
ing.
6) Attachments — Do not use attachments not recommended by the
product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
7) Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water — for
example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet
basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.
8) Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a
child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold
with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by
the manufacturer.
9) A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart com-
bination to overturn.
10) Ve n til a ti on — Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ven-
tilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product  and to protect it
from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The
openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa,
rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided
or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.
11) Power Sources — This product should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of
the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local
power company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or
other sources, refer to the operating instructions.
12) Grounding or Polarization — This product may be equipped with a
polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than
the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.
13) Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should be routed so
that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
14) Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside antenna or cable
system is connected to the product, be  sure the antenna or cable system is
grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-
up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA
70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge
unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, con-
nection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding elec-
trode.Note to CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to
Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding
and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as
practical.
15) Lightning — For added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line
surges.
16) Power Lines — An outside antenna system should not be located in
the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits,
or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an
outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touch-
ing such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
17) Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or
integral convenience receptacles as this can result in risk of fire or electric
shock.
18) Object and Liquid Entry — Never push objects of any kind into
this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points
or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.
19) Servicing — Do not attempt to service this product yourself as open-
ing or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
20) Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall
outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following
conditions:
a)when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b)if liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
c)if the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d)if the product does not operate normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to its normal operation.
e)if the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
f )when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance – this
indicates a need for service.
21) Replacement Parts — When replacement  parts are required, be
sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. 
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.
22) Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this
product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine
that the product is in proper operating condition.
23) Wall or Ceiling Mounting — The product should be mounted to a
wall or ceiling only  as recommended by the manufacturer.
24) Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)
NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODEELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
Example of Antenna Grounding as per
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70
GROUND
CLAMP
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 
						

							Table of Contents
4  TASCAM DS-M7.1
1 – About the unit
Installing the DS-M7.1.................................6
2 – Parts of the DS-M7.1
Front panel...................................................8
Function keys .................................................. 9
Rear panel ....................................................11
3 – Connections
Connecting the console ..............................13
Connecting the tracking recorder ..............13
Connecting the mastering (stem) recorder14
A note on the word clock ...........................14
Inverting the word clock................................ 15
Word clock errors ........................................... 15
Inserts ...........................................................16
Monitor connections ...................................16
Other monitoring settings ............................. 17
Control room stereo inputs ........................17
Dimmer and mute control connections .....18
4 – Routing and patching
Choosing the surround format...................19
A note on LCRS ............................................... 20
Configuring the Input Summing Router ....... 20
Matching output channels to 
surround channels....................................... 20
5 – Using the DS-M7.1
Muting and soloing .....................................21
Soloing ............................................................ 21
Bass management .......................................21
Type 1 bass management...............................23
Type 2 bass management...............................23
High speed operation ................................. 23
6 – Note on DS-M7.1 usage
7 – Downmixing
A note on the mono downmix ......................25
7.1 formats .................................................. 26
6.1 format .................................................... 28
5.1 format .................................................... 30
LCRS format................................................. 32
LR format ..................................................... 33
8 – Specifications
Analog connections ........................................34
AES/EBU connections......................................34
Specifications .............................................. 35
I/O specifications.............................................35
Analog monitor section ..................................35
Analog CR inputs (stereo) ..............................35
Audio performance .........................................36
Analog outputs ...............................................36
Analog inputs ..................................................36
General specifications.....................................37
Dimensional drawings ....................................37
Making up a remote control cable ............ 38
Standard cable ................................................38
Extended cable ................................................38
Block diagram ............................................. 39 
						

							  TASCAM DS-M7.1 5
1 – About the unit
The TASCAM DS-M7.1 is designed to help you 
manage the monitoring of mixes of surround sound 
projects.
All major surround formats are supported, from 
LCRS to 7.1.
Providing flexible switching and routing facilities 
between a digital recording console such as the TAS-CAM DM-24 and digital multitrack (tracking) 
recorders as well as the multitrack recorder being 
used to master the surround mix (the stem recorder), 
the DS-M7.1 can be used for monitoring of the mix 
as it comes off the console, as well as the recorded 
mix from the mastering recorder, with the push of 
one front panel key.
The signals are switched and routed in the digital 
domain, allowing the highest possible quality to be 
maintained throughout the system.
Monitoring signals are output in both digital and ana-
log format, and either can be selected as best suits the 
needs of the facility in which the DS-M7.1 is 
installed.
Downmixing is an important part of the surround mix 
process, and the DS-M7.1 allows the operator to select from a very wide range of downmix options 
and settings.
Bass management for monitoring comparisons with 
consumer-oriented systems which lack a dicrete LFE 
channel is well supported, with user-selectable cross-
over and level settings, etc.
Connections are made using industry-standard 
cables, and the slots for up to three optional 
TASCAM expansion cards provide great flexibility, 
DS-M7.1
Surround
Monitoring
System
Digital Mixing ConsoleConsole I/O TRK
Recorder
I/OMaster
Recorder
I/O
In
Out
Recorder
ReturnsBuss
OutputsNote that mastered tracks
(with or without Insert)
are monitored as RTN.
Inputs from the console
 are monitored as BUS
Tracking
Recorder
In Out In Out
Mastering
Recorder
Input Summing Router
Insert Device
(e.g. Surround
Encoder/Decoder)
BUS/
RTN
Output Router 
						

							1 – About the unit
6 TASCAM DS-M7.1
allowing almost every common industry format to be 
supported by the DS-M7.1.
Full calibration facilities are provided, with a built-in 
pink noise generator, to allow for quick, easy and 
accurate setup of the unit. Channel delay is provided 
to compensate for acoustic delay when surround 
speakers are used in a large space.
An analog or digital insert can be placed in the moni-
toring path, in order to hear the surround mix through 
a surround encoder. This is useful for hearing the 
effect of the encoding process.
Muting and soloing of individual channels, with flex-
ible soloing options, allows checking of any desired 
combination of surround channels.
SPL indication and control is available from the front 
panel, allowing the surround monitoring to be carried 
out accurately, according to the different guidelines 
and standards within the industry.
A dedicated pair of analog stereo inputs can be fed 
from the console’s main control room outputs, allow-
ing the same speaker/amplifier system to be used for the L and R channels in both surround and stereo 
operation modes. The last pair of the surround speak-
ers (channels 7 and 8) can also be dedicated as small-
alternative stereo speakers when the primary 
surround application is 5.1 or LCRS.
For flexibility, the front panel controls can be 
removed and connected to the main unit in the 
machine room, allowing full control to be maintained 
from the listening position.
The unit itself is simple and easy to use, taking 
advantage of a menu-driven 20x4 alphanumeric dis-
play and rotary encoder system, with important mode 
keys illuminated for quick verification of their status.
This manual accompanies the unit, together with a 
Setup Guide, which should be used when you are 
first setting up and calibrating the unit.
For best results we recommend that you follow these 
procedures regarding level and delay adjustment 
whenever you make a substantial change to your 
monitoring environment.
Installing the DS-M7.1
When you unpack the DS-M7.1, you should find, in 
addition to this manual:
 A rack-mounting kit
 A standard power cable whose plug should match 
the one for your region.
 A Setup Guide
 Warranty information, etc.
If any of these is missing, contact your TASCAM 
distributor.
The DS-M7.1 is designed to fit into 3U of standard 
19” rack space. Remove the feet before installing it 
in a rack. We suggest that you leave at least 1U of 
space above the unit to allow for cooling.Do not install the unit in an enclosed space (book-
case, etc.).
Always check that the power requirements printed on 
the rear panel of the unit match those available in 
your working environment. If they do not, or if you 
are in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
Temperature considerations The ambient 
operating temperature should be between 5°C and 
40°C (41°F and 104°F).
Connections All connections to and from the DS-
M7.1 should be made and broken with the power 
turned OFF. 
						

							1 – About the unit
  TASCAM DS-M7.1 7
Using the front panel as a remote control 
unit 
When you use the front panel as a remote con-
trol unit, you have the choice of using either the front 
or rear 9-pin D-sub connector. If the DS-M7.1 is to 
be installed in a machine room some distance from 
the mixing location, we suggest using the rear con-nector, where the cable may be routed more conve-
niently.
Follow the instructions given here (“Making up a 
remote control cable” on page 38) when making up a 
cable for use with the remote control. If you do not 
follow these instructions, there is a risk of incorrect 
operation, or even damage to the unit. 
						

							8  TASCAM DS-M7.1 
2 – Parts of the DS-M7.1
Front panel
The part of the front panel of the unit which houses 
the display and controls can be removed and con-
nected via an appropriate cable, up to 20 m (60 ft.) in 
length by turning the captive thumbscrews at the top 
of the panel counterclockwise. Note that the front panel is retained by the thumb-
screws, and when it is removed from or replaced on 
the main unit, care must be taken to match the retain-
ing hole on the front panel with the retaining lug on 
the main unit, as shown here:
When removed in this way, the front panel can be 
used as a remote control unit, with the main unit 
located in the machine room of the studio facility, 
together with the multitrack and mixdown recorders. 
See “Making up a remote control cable” on page 38 
regarding the production of a suitable cable.
1POWER switch and indicator Press to 
turn the power on and off.
NOTE
To avoid possible damage to the DS-M7.1 and to other 
units or your ears, always make sure that the volume of 
the amplifier connected to the DS-M7.1 which is driving 
the monitor speakers is turned down before turning the 
DS-M7.1 on or off.
2REMOTE IN 2 Connect the front panel 
(remote control) to this 9-pin D-sub connector using a suitable cable. An alternative connector is provided 
on the rear panel.
3DISPLAY This backlit 20x4 alphanumeric 
display shows the parameters and settings of the unit. 
NOTE
Note that the display also serves as a clock warning indi-
cator. If the selected word clock source is not available 
or is invalid, the display flashes and a message is dis-
played. See “Word clock errors” on page 15.
Retaining hole in 
removable front 
panelRetaining lug on main 
unit front panel
1 2 3 45678 9 A B C D E
F G HIJKLM 
						

							2 – Parts of the DS-M7.1
  TASCAM DS-M7.1 9
Function keys
These keys all have two functions: the unshifted 
function, as shown by the label above the keys, and 
the color-coded (to match the 
SHIFT key) shifted 
function, as shown by the lower label. The shifted 
function is enabled when the 
SHIFT indicator is lit.
4STATUS/INPUT The STATUS key brings up 
the Status screen, where the settings relating to the 
master status of the system can be viewed (but not 
changed).
As the 
INPUT key, it is used to route and assign the 
inputs.
5SYSTEM/OUTPUT As the SYSTEM key, 
system settings are made on the screen brought up by 
pressing this key.
As the 
OUTPUT key, it enables assignment of the 
monitor outputs to the channels of the selected sur-
round format.
6INSERT/DELAY The DS-M7.1 allows either 
an analog or digital insert loop in the monitoring 
path. Use the 
INSERT key to control this insert.
In shifted mode, the 
DELAY key is used to compen-
sate for speaker placement. See the Setup Guide for 
details.
7DOWNMIX/TRIM Downmixing refers to the 
practice of monitoring a surround mix “folded down” 
to a format with fewer channels, in order to check 
mix compatibility. The DS-M7.1 allows you, for 
example, to hear how a 5.1 mix will sound when 
played through a 2-speaker stereo system. Use this to 
set up the downmix parameters.
As the shifted 
TRIM key, this key is used to set up the 
relative levels of the surround channels. See the 
Setup Guide for details.
8BASS MGT/TEST Used to select the type of 
Bass Management used, and to set up the subwoofer 
crossover frequency, relative level, etc. for when bass 
management is enabled (see “Bass management” on 
page 21).
As the shifted 
TEST key, it is used to set up the pink 
noise parameters for level testing. See the Setup 
Guide for details.
9SHIFT key and indicator This latching 
shift key alters the behavior of the function keys 
listed above. It also is used with the 
DOWN MIX key 
for mono downmixing.
AVA L U E  Use this rotary encoder to set the val-
ues shown on the display.
BCURSOR keys Use these keys to navigate 
between the parameters shown on the display.
CMUTE CONTROL keys and 
indicators 
These correspond to the channels of the 
different surround formats supported by the DS-
M7.1. When a surround format is selected, the indi-
cators of those channels which are valid for the for-
mat are lit. For example, if 5.1 is selected, the L, C, 
R, LS, RS and LFE indicators are lit.
The keys act as monitor mute keys or solo keys 
(depending on the status of the 
SOLO/MUTE key, 
and are also used for selecting channels when setting 
up the relative levels of the channels (see the Setup 
Guide for details).
DALT SPK Pressing this key selects speakers 
connected to the LC and RC channels. When in sur-
round mode, pressing this key automatically per-
forms an LR downmix to the LC and RC channels.
ESPL REFERENCE indicator and 
LEVEL control 
Use these to set and view the SPL 
level output by the DS-M7.1 when it is properly cali-
brated. See the Setup Guide for full details of its 
operation and its relationship to the software SPL 
setting.
NOTE
If the output level is adjusted with this control so that it 
exceeds the level set in the LCD menu (see the Setup 
Guide), there is a risk of clipping and degradation of 
sound quality.
FSOLO/MUTE Switches the function of the 
MUTE CONTROL keys between muting and soloing 
(the type of solo mode, exclusive or mix, is user-
selectable).
GSRND/ST Switches easily between the 
selected surround format from the 
CONSOLE or 
MASTER I/O connectors and stereo (input from the 
dedicated CR stereo inputs on the rear panel).
HBUS/RTN Switches monitoring between the 
bus inputs (from the mixing console—the indicator is 
unlit) and the return inputs (from the mixdown 
recorder—the indicator is lit).
The default as shipped from the factory is bus (the 
indicator is unlit). 
						

							2 – Parts of the DS-M7.1
10 TASCAM DS-M7.1
ITEST Used in setup to turn the internal pink 
noise generator on and off. See the Setup Guide for 
details.
JDOWN MIX/MONO Switches between the 
selected surround format and the currently-selected 
downmix mode (the downmix mode is selected using 
the 
SYSTEM function key).
When pressed together with the 
SHIFT key, this key 
downmixes directly to mono from any surround for-
mat.
KBASS MGT Turns the bass management 
function on and off (settings are made with the 
BASS 
MGT
 function key)
LMUTE ALL Cuts all the monitor signals 
simultaneously.
MDIM Reduces the monitor output by a software-
selectable amount.
The default value, as shipped from the factory, is an 
attenuation of –20 dB.