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

							2 – Parts of the DS-M7.1
  TASCAM DS-M7.1 11
Rear panel
See the section on Connections for details of how to 
make connections to and from the DS-M7.1.
1Expansion slots The DS-M7.1 is fitted 
with three expansion slots, which can take different 
types of I/O card. Consult your TASCAM dealer for 
details concerning the availability and the fitting of 
these cards. When a card is fitted, it can be used as an 
alternative to one of the three connectors immedi-
ately to the right of the slots, as described below.
NOTE
Although an analog IF-AN/DM card may be fitted in any 
slot, only one such card may be fitted at a time.
2SLOT 1/CONSOLE I/O (TDIF)  This 25-
pin D-sub connector sends and receives up to eight 
channels of digital audio in TDIF format to and from 
a suitably-equipped digital mixing console such as 
the TASCAM DM-24. If a card is fitted in slot 1, it 
may be used as an alternative to this connector.
3SLOT 2/TRK RECORDER I/O (TDIF) 
This 25-pin D-sub connector sends and receives up to 
eight channels of digital audio in TDIF format to and 
from a suitably-equipped multitrack recorder, such as 
the TASCAM DTRS series, or MX-2424 recorders. 
If a card is fitted in slot 2, it may be used as an alter-
native to this connector.
4SLOT 3/INSERT I/O (AES/EBU) This 
25-pin D-sub connector sends and receives eight 
channels of digital audio in AES/EBU format. It can 
be used for inserting a surround encoder/decoder in 
the monitoring path. If a card is fitted in slot 3, it may 
be used as an alternative to this connector.
NOTE
When making connections to the DS-M7.1 using the 
AES/EBU connectors, note that channels 1 and 2 must 
always contain some signal. If there is no signal in these 
two channels, no other AES/EBU channels can be 
received. Also note that if the preamble is not correctly 
received on a pair of AES/EBU input channels, those 
channels will be muted.
5MONITOR OUTPUTS There are two sets of 
monitor outputs, which work in parallel, providing 
up to eight channels of surround monitor outputs 
apiece. Both are output from 25-pin D-sub connec-
tors and require appropriate “breakout” cables (con-
sult your dealer for details). The 
ANALOG 
connectors work as balanced +4dBu outputs, while 
the 
AES/EBU connector provides digital audio in 
AES/EBU format.
6STEREO CR INPUT These balanced 
+4 dBu inputs allow the stereo CR outputs from a 
mixing console to be fed into the DS-M7.1, allowing 
the same amplifier/speaker monitoring system to be 
used for surround and stereo monitoring, without 
repatching.
NOTE
Note the relationship between analog and digital signal 
levels on the DS-M7.1. The maximum analog level is 
+24 dBu, equivalent to 0 dBFS digital. The nominal level 
is +4 dBU, corresponding to a digital level of –20 dBFS.
7WORD IN Use this BNC connector to receive 
an external word clock signal. The 75Ω switch 
allows termination to be set 
ON or OFF (usually ON).
12
6
534 7 8 9 ABC 
						

							2 – Parts of the DS-M7.1
12 TASCAM DS-M7.1
8MASTER RECORDER I/O There are 
three sets of connectors for connecting the master 
recorder: 
TDIF-1 (combined input and output), ADAT 
(separate input and output “lightpipe” connectors) 
and 
AES/EBU (combined input and output). 
9REMOTE IN 1 Use this as an alternative to 
the front panel 
REMOTE IN 2 connector when using 
the front panel as a remote control. See “Making up a 
remote control cable” on page 38 for details.
ARS-232C Reserved for future software 
upgrades.
BMUTE/DIMMER This 3.5 mm stereo mini 
jack socket is used to connect switches which can be 
used for remote MUTE ALL/DIM operation. Con-nect tip to sleeve for the mute control, and ring to 
sleeve for the dimmer. Switches used in this way are 
active when closed, and should be non-latching. See 
“Dimmer and mute control connections” on page 18.
C~ IN (power input) Use the supplied power 
cord to connect the DS-M7.1 to the power supply. 
Ensure that the power supply is the correct voltage 
(as marked on the rear panel of the unit). If you are in 
any doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
NOTE
Always connect and disconnect the power with the 
power switch on the front panel of the DS-M7.1 turned 
OFF. If the power cord is connected or disconnected 
with this switch on, there is a risk of damage to the 
unit. 
						

							  TASCAM DS-M7.1 13
3 – Connections
This section describes not only the connections you 
make between other equipment and the DS-M7.1, but 
also the software steps necessary to make that other 
equipment recognizable by and usable with the unit.
Read this section carefully, especially the section on 
word clock, as it is essential to the proper operation 
of your system, and may even result in damage to 
your equipment if the appropriate steps are not car-
ried out.
NOTE
When making connections between the DS-M7.1 and 
other equipment, whether audio or control, both the 
DS-M7.1 and the other equipment must be turned off, 
otherwise damage may be caused to the DS-M7.1 and/
or the other equipment.
Only use TASCAM-supplied and TASCAM-approved 
cables when making TDIF connections to the DS-M7.1. 
Though the cables and connectors may resemble com-
puter cables, they serve different purposes, and meet a 
different set of specifications. The use of cables other 
than TASCAM cables will at best cause the equipment 
to work erratically, and at worst cause damage to the 
equipment.Also note that while the TDIF and AES/EBU connectors 
on this unit are physically identical, the wiring and sig-
nals passed through them are very different. Take care 
to connect only TDIF equipment to TDIF connectors, and 
AES/EBU equipment to AES/EBU connectors, otherwise 
damage may occur to your equipment.
If the use of cables other than TASCAM cables causes or 
results in damage, the warranty is voided.
It is assumed that all necessary optional cards have 
been fitted to the DS-M7.1.
See the diagram on page 5 as well as the block dia-
gram (“Block diagram” on page 39) if you are unsure 
of signal flow within the DS-M7.1.
Consult your TASCAM dealer for details of suitable 
approved cables that may be used when using your 
DS-M7.1 with other equipment.
If you need an extension to the front panel cable to 
allow the front panel to be used as a remote control 
unit, see “Making up a remote control cable” on 
page 38.
Connecting the console
The console can be connected to the built-in 
CONSOLE I/O connector, or to an optional card fit-
ted in slot 1.
Inputs from the console Typically, the con-
sole’s busses are connected to the DS-M7.1 inputs. 
They are sent simultaneously to the tracking and 
mastering recorders, and may be monitored from the 
DS-M7.1 as the 
BUS signals. Since these are used for 
both tracking and mastering, obviously, the console 
signal paths must be repatched when the mode is 
changed. No reconnections need to be made on the 
DS-M7.1.
Outputs to the console The returns from the 
DS-M7.1 to the console are driven (as a “thru” 
assignment) by the tracking recorder (track returns) 
and should be assigned appropriately on the console, 
following normal working practice. They may not be 
monitored directly from the DS-M7.1.When this connection, together with all other con-
nections, have been made, you should set up the DS-
M7.1 to recognize the appropriate the console source 
(TDIF or slot), as described here.
1Press the 
SYSTEM key and press the cursor 
keys until the cursor highlights the 
ConsSel parameter:
2Use the 
VA L U E control to select between 
TDIF and SLOT1.
When this is done, the inputs and outputs must be 
routed appropriately, as described later.
Connecting the tracking recorder
The tracking (multitrack) recorder can be connected 
to the built-in 
TRK RECORDER I/O TDIF connector, 
or to an optional card fitted in slot 2. 
Inputs from the tracking recorder These 
connect to the recorder outputs. They are routed to 
[SYSTEM] >
MasterSel TDIF
ConsSel TDIF
TrkRecSel TDIF 
						

							3 – Connections
14 TASCAM DS-M7.1
the console outputs, and may not be monitored 
directly from the DS-M7.1.
Outputs to the tracking recorder These 
connect to the recorder inputs. These may be moni-
tored as 
BUS signals from the DS-M7.1.
When this connection, together with all other con-
nections, have been made, you should set up the DS-
M7.1 to recognize the appropriate tracking recorder 
source (TDIF or slot), as described here.1Press the 
SYSTEM key and press the cursor 
keys until the cursor highlights the 
TrkRecSel parameter:
2Use the 
VA L U E control to select between 
TDIF and SLOT2.
When this is done, the inputs and outputs must be 
routed appropriately, as described later.
Connecting the mastering (stem) recorder
The mastering recorder can be connected to any of 
the following: the built-in 
TDIF, ADAT “lightpipe” or 
AES/EBU connector.
Inputs from the mastering recorder These 
are the outputs from the master recorder. They can be 
passed through the insert device (described below) if 
desired, and then monitored from the DS-M7.1 as the 
RTN signals.
Outputs to the mastering recorder These 
are the signals output from the console. They can be 
passed through the insert device (described below) if 
desired, and then monitored from the DS-M7.1 as the 
BUS signals. 
When this connection, together with all other con-
nections, have been made, you should set up the DS-M7.1 to recognize the appropriate the tracking 
recorder source (TDIF, AES/EBU or ADAT optical), 
as described here.
1Press the 
SYSTEM key and press the cursor 
keys until the cursor highlights the 
MasterSel parameter:
2Use the 
VA L U E control to select between 
TDIF, AES/EBU and ADAT.
When this is done, the inputs and outputs must be 
routed appropriately, as described later.
A note on the word clock
Note that the DS-M7.1 cannot act as the word clock 
master in a digital system. It must therefore receive 
its word clock from a master clock elsewhere in the 
system, and this must be the only clock in the system.
Use of more than one master clock in the system can 
lead to serious sound degradation, and possible dam-
age to speakers and equipment. 
The word clock can be taken from either the dedi-
cated 
WORD IN BNC connector, the console input 
(or the equivalent slot) or the master recorder (any of 
the three possible inputs).
If the dedicated 
WORD IN connector is used, be sure 
to set the termination switch as determined by the 
needs of the rest of your system.Since the word clock is important to correct opera-
tion, not only of the DS-M7.1, but of the whole audio 
system, an explanation of how to set up the word 
clock is given here.
1If the word clock setting in memory does not 
correspond to the actual word clock connec-
tion physically present, the display will flash.
2Press the 
SYSTEM key and press the cursor 
keys until the screen shows something like:
3With the cursor at the top field, use the 
VA L U E control to select between Word IN, 
[SYSTEM] >
MasterSel TDIF
ConsSel TDIF
TrkRecSel TDIF
[SYSTEM] >
MasterSel TDIF
ConsSel TDIF
TrkRecSel TDIF
[SYSTEM] 
ClockSel Console
TDIF
48kHz 
						

							3 – Connections
  TASCAM DS-M7.1 15
Console and MasterRec (mastering 
recorder).
The second and third lines of the screen will 
be automatically filled in depending on both 
the source and the settings made elsewhere in 
the system as described in “Routing and 
patching” on page 19. Possible values are:NOTE
High-speed connections cannot be made using the TAS-
CAM DM-24 digital mixing console. They may not be 
supported by other equipment, and you should check 
carefully in the documentation of all the components of 
your system to ensure that this is a valid option.
Only the analog and AES/EBU connections and option 
cards support 96k operation on the DS-M7.1.
Inverting the word clock
In some cases, the polarity of the word clock received 
at the 
WORD IN connector may be inverted relative 
to what the DS-M7.1 expects (since no industry stan-
dard has been universally adopted). In this case, you 
may need to invert the polarity of the clock so that it 
syncs accurately with the other devices in the setup.1Press the 
SYSTEM key, and use the cursor 
keys until a screen similar to the following 
appears:
2Switch the 
WordIN parameter between 
Normal and Reverse.
Word clock errors
In the event of a word clock error, the display back-
light flashes, the output is muted, and the screen shows [SYSTEM] *n where n is a number rep-
resenting the error, as explained below:
Source Possible sourcesPossible sampling 
frequencies (kHz)
Word In Word In only 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96
Console TDIF (internal) 44.1, 48
EX TDIF (slot) 44.1, 48
EX AES/EBU (slot) 44.1, 48 (normal), 
88.2, 96 (high)
EX ADAT (slot) 44.1, 48
Master Rec TDIF (internal) 44.1, 48
AES/EBU (internal) 44.1, 48 (normal), 
88.2, 96 (high)
ADAT (internal) 44.1, 48
[SYSTEM] 
LFEGain +10dB
Solo Exlusive
WordIN Normal
Error 
numberMeaning Appropriate action to take
0No master clock.  Check the connections between the DS-M7.1 and the clock master, and check the set-
tings on the clock master to ensure that it is actually outputting a word sync signal.
1Master clock out of range (44.1 kHz) Check the settings of the clock master, and make sure that it is within ±6% of the 
stated nominal frequency
2Master clock out of range (48 kHz)
3Master clock out of range (88.2 kHz)
4Master clock out of range (96 kHz) 
						

							3 – Connections
16 TASCAM DS-M7.1
Inserts
Either analog or digital insert units can be connected 
to operate after the 
BUS/RTN switch. These are 
selectable pre- or post- the Input Summing Router.
These inserts can be pre- or post- the input summing 
router (placed between the inputs and the RTN/BUS 
selector switch) and always pre- the RTN/BUS 
switch. See the block diagram at the end of this man-
ual for details.
Either AES/EBU digital devices, or analog (standard 
+4 dBu balanced) may be used here. Note that when 
making connections to an analog insert unit, because 
of the nature of the connectors used, two connections 
need to be made, one for input and one for output.
After the connection has been made, you should set 
up the insert as follows:1Press the 
INSERT key so that the screen 
shows something like:
2There are three parameters. Use the cursor 
keys to select them. First, select whether the 
insert loop is enabled (
ENABLED) or dis-
abled (
DISABLED).
3Next, select the position of the insert loop, as 
described above: either 
PRE SUM or 
POST SUM (i.e. before or after the input 
summing router).
4Finally, set the 
Return type: ANALOG 
(analog) or 
DIGITAL (digital).
Monitor connections
There are two sets of monitor connections, analog 
and digital.
The analog connections are standard balanced 
+4 dBu connections, and the digital outputs are in 
AES/EBU format.
NOTE
The sampling frequency output from the digital moni-
tor outputs is the input frequency. If you are mixing a 
high sampling frequency project, you must therefore 
make sure that your digital monitoring setup can han-
dle these frequencies, or use the DS-M7.1’s analog mon-
itoring ports.
The analog and digital signals are output in parallel, 
and there is no switching between them.
TIP
The AES/EBU monitoring signals can be used in parallel 
with the analog monitoring signals to drive a suitably-
equipped meter bridge.
However, there is one setting that can be made for the 
AES/EBU digital ports; the “pick-off” point for the 
monitoring.
This can be set so that all the downmix, bass manage-
ment and delay settings, together with all muting and 
soloing and level settings described in “Other moni-
toring settings” on page 17, are ignored, or so that 
these settings take effect through the digital port. 
This affects the digital outputs only—the analog out-
puts will always reflect these settings.
7Frequency error The master clock is not a recognized frequency (e.g. 32 kHz). Check the master set-
tings and correct, if necessary.
8AES/EBU preamble error (normal) At normal sampling frequencies, the preamble of the AES/EBU signal acting as the 
clock source cannot be read by the DS-M7.1. Check and correct settings on the clock 
master.
9AES/EBU preamble error (high-speed) At high sampling frequencies (88.2 kHz and 96 kHz), the preamble of the AES/EBU 
signal acting as the clock source cannot be read by the DS-M7.1. Check and correct 
settings on the clock master.
Error 
numberMeaning Appropriate action to take
[INSERT]
State DISABLED
Mode POST SUM
Return ANALOG 
						

							3 – Connections
  TASCAM DS-M7.1 17
1Press the SYSTEM key, and use the cursor 
keys until a screen similar to the following 
appears:2Use the VA L U E control to select between 
POST (the digital signals mirror the analog 
signals) and 
PRE (the parameters described 
above are ignored).
Other monitoring settings
There are other system settings related to the monitor 
system, which affect the analog outputs and the digi-
tal outputs in “post” mode.
These are the SPL Reference Level, the Dimmer 
level, the Surround level and the LFE Gain.
SPL Reference Level sets the reference value of 
the SPL which will be used in the monitoring envi-
ronment. See the Setup Guide for details of how this 
works.
It is accessed and set in the screen described here, 
however.
Dimmer level This sets the amount by which the 
monitor signal is dimmed (or attenuated) when the 
DIM key is active.
1Press the 
SYSTEM key, and use the cursor 
keys until a screen similar to the following 
appears:
2Use the 
VA L U E control to set the Dimmer 
parameter value between –60 dB and –10 dB 
in 5 dB steps.
Surround level This sets the amount by which 
the surround (rear speaker) level is attenuated.
1Press the 
SYSTEM key, and use the cursor 
keys until a screen similar to the following 
appears:
2Use the 
VA L U E control to set the 
SurroundLvl parameter value to 
between 0 dB and –10 dB in 1 dB steps.
LFE gain This refers to the amount of relative gain 
added to the LFE channel.
1Press the 
SYSTEM key, and use the cursor 
keys until a screen similar to the following 
appears:
2Use the 
VA L U E control to set the LFEGain 
parameter value to any of the following val-
ues: 0, +6, +7, +8, +9 or +10 (dB).
Control room stereo inputs
These balanced +4 dB inputs are used for a direct 
feed of the master CR analog outputs (your console 
may give these a different name, but they are the ste-
reo outputs used for monitoring in the control room) 
to the DS-M7.1.These outputs can be monitored directly from the 
DS-M7.1 using the 
SRND/ST key.
Note that the stereo inputs are subject to the same 
downmix, delay, processing etc. as the surround 
inputs. See the block diagram for details.
[SYSTEM] <
MonOut POST
[SYSTEM] 
Dimmer -60dB
SPLRefLevel 82dB
SurroundLvl -10dB
[SYSTEM] 
Dimmer -60dB
SPLRefLevel 82dB
SurroundLvl -10dB
[SYSTEM] 
LFEGain +10dB
Solo Exclusive
WordIN Normal 
						

							3 – Connections
18 TASCAM DS-M7.1
Dimmer and mute control connections
A remote box for mute (MUTE ALL) and dimmer 
control may be made up and used so that the control 
of these functions can be carried out from a location 
in the listening environment other than the main mix-
ing location.
Use non-latching push-to-make switches wired to a 
common sleeve ground with the dimmer wired to 
ring, and the mute to the tip of a standard 3.5 mm ste-
reo plug. The detection of the change in level, rather than the open/closed status of the switch triggers the 
change in the unit’s status.
A remote box fitted with these switches can operated 
alongside the appropriate front panel switches (it 
does not replace them).
See “Dimmer level” on page 17, “Dimming the out-
put” on page 21 and “Muting all the channels” on 
page 21.
3.5 mm jackTIP
RING
SLEEVEMUTE KEY
DIMMER KEY External non-latching
switches
MUTE ALL
key
push push
Push action only
is detectedrelease
release
OFF OFF ON MUTE ALL
status 
						

							  TASCAM DS-M7.1 19
4 – Routing and patching
When the physical external connections have been 
made, it is time to set up the internal connections 
within the DS-M7.1 as described here.Since project needs and applications vary, the DS-
M7.1 provides flexibility in the way in which incom-
ing signals are received and monitored.
Choosing the surround format
First, you must decide in what format the incoming 
signals are to be processed. The available options are: 
7.1, 6.1, 5.1, LCRS (LS, RS), LCRS (CS) and LR.These may be graphically represented in the follow-
ing way (LR (stereo) is not shown, as it is assumed 
the reader is familiar with this format!):
Consult one of the standard reference works on the 
subject if you are unsure under which circumstances 
each format is used (a note on the two LCRS formats 
is given below).
Note how the placement of the speakers relative to 
the listener is mirrored by that of the 
MUTE CONTROL
 keys of the DS-M7.1 (except in the 7.1 
mode).
To set the surround format and the routing of the 
inputs through the input summing router (you may 
want to consult the block diagram at this stage):
LCRLC
LFE
RC
RSLS
7.1 format
LCR
LFE
RSLS
6.1 format
CS
LCR
LFE
RSLS
5.1 format
LCR
LCRS (LS,RS) format
RSLSCS
LCR
CS
LCRS (CS) format 
						

							4 – Routing and patching
20 TASCAM DS-M7.1
1With the SHIFT indicator lit, press the 
STATUS/INPUT key so that the screen dis-
plays the following:2Use the cursor keys to navigate to the Input parameter, and set the value 
(
VA L U E control) to one of those listed above.
As you select the surround pattern, note how the 
green indicators under each 
MUTE CONTROL key 
light and go out, reflecting the surround pattern you 
have selected.
A note on LCRS
The DS-M7.1 supports two variants of the LCRS for-
mat to support a control room set up for 5.1 or 6.1 
operation without the need to repatch the speakers.
LCRS (LS, RS) In the first of these format, a “phan-
tom” speaker is created by attenuating the LS(S) sig-nal by 3 dB and then assigning it to the LS and RS 
speakers.
LCRS (CS) This format assigns the LS(S) signal to 
the LC(CS) speaker. 
You should choose the appropriate LCRS format 
depending on your control room setup.
Configuring the Input Summing Router
You should now configure the Input Summing 
Router. This does not affect the physical output 
assignments made by the Output Router but will 
affect what goes to the insert in post mode. 
Since you may have more channels in the surround 
format you are mixing to than you do offboard insert 
equipment, you may need to combine more than one 
input with the Input Summing Router before sending 
the signals to an inserted device.
The DS-M7.1 allows you to do this, in the following 
way.
1On the bottom line of the screen above, move 
the cursor to the 
Output field, and use the 
Value control to pick the desired Input 
Summing Router output.
2Move the cursor to the bottom right of the 
screen, representing the eight inputs of the 
Input Summing Router, and use the cursor 
and 
VA L U E control to assign (*) or release 
(
-) an input to and from an output. When 
this is done, repeat the first step for the next 
Input Summing Router output.
Note that this way of working allows an input 
channel to be assigned to more than one 
monitor output, and a monitor output to be 
fed by more than one input. 
Matching output channels to surround channels
The next stage is to match the numbered output of 
the Input Summing Router (as routed and summed 
earlier) to the named surround output channels of the 
surround pattern you have set up earlier. You may not 
need to do this if your setup matches standard set-
tings.
1With the 
SHIFT indicator lit, press the 
SYSTEM/OUTPUT key so that the screen dis-
plays something like the following:The screen above shows a 7.1 surround pat-
tern. If you have picked another pattern, you 
will see only those channels which are rele-
vant to your pattern.
2Use the cursor keys and 
VA L U E control to 
navigate to the surround channels and assign 
the outputs to them.
NOTE
The output router is always active. It cannot be 
bypassed.
[INPUT SUM ROUTER]
Format LCRS(LS,RS)
Input 12345678
Output 1 *-------
[OUTPUT]
L1 C 3R2
LC 7 LFE 4 RC 8
LS 5 RS 6