Tascam RC 828 Manual

							 
Section 1 Ð Starting to use the RC-828 
0.98 Ð 1 
1 Ð Starting to use the RC-828 
The TASCAM RC-828 Remote Control Unit 
allows you to control up to 4 DTRS 
1
 
 recorders 
(any combination of DA-98, DA-38 or DA-98 
units) from one location. The functions which 
may be controlled are:
¥ Transport operations (including jog and 
shuttle)
¥ Track arming
¥ Auto punch operations
¥ Chasing control
¥ Location memories and auto-repeat between 
two points
This manual makes reference to the manuals of 
the following units: DA-88, DA-38, DA-98 and 
SY-88. Please consult these documents as neces-
sary when setting up and using the RC-828. 
1.1 Hooking up the RC-828 
The RC-828 and DTRS units form a Òdaisy-
chainÓ, with the RC-828 being at the head, and the 
ÒtailÓ unit being terminated with the terminator 
supplied with the RC-828. 
Use the suppled cable to connect the RC-828 to 
the   
REMOTE IN/SYNC IN  
 of the Þrst DTRS 
unit, and a PW-88S cable to connect the   
SYNC 
OUT  
 of the Þrst unit to the   
REMOTE IN/SYNC 
IN  
 of the next unit, and so on, until the terminator 
is connected to the   
SYNC OUT  
 of the last unit in 
the chain.The RC-828Õs   
REC FUNCTION  
 keys   
1  
 through   
8  
 now control the Þrst unit, Keys   
9  
 through   
16  
 
control the next unit in the chain, and so on 
(regardless of the actual Machine IDs of the 
units).
Tighten the screws holding the cable connector to 
the RC-828 and to the DTRS unit. This will pre-
vent accidental disconnection of the RC-828 in 
the middle of a session.
No power connection is needed for the RC-828. 
All power for LEDs, etc. is supplied by the Þrst 
DTRS unit.  
1.1.1 Machine IDs 
Set the machine IDs of the DTRS units so that the 
IDs run in a sequence from the unit at the ÒheadÓ 
of the chain, closest to the RC-828 (lowest possi-
ble ID) to the ÒtailÓ unit (highest ID). There 
should be no gaps in this sequence.
A DA-88 uses a rotary switch to set the ID and 
uses 0 as the lowest ID, and a DA-38 or DA-98 
uses software to make this setting, and uses 1 as 
the lowest ID. Refer to the unitsÕ manuals for full 
details of setting the ID. 
1  
 
DTRS is a trademark of TEAC Corporation 
NOTE 
When you connect a number of DTRS units which are of 
different types, including a DA-98, the DA-98 should be at 
the head of the chain immediately following the RC-828. 
Other units may then be connected in any order.
If the DTRS units are DA-88s and DA-38s only, they may 
be connected in any order. 
WARNING 
Turn off power to all units when making connections. If you 
do not do this, there is a possibility that the RC-828 will 
malfunction or even be damaged.
RC-828DA-38DA-98DA-88
OUT OUT OUTIN IN INTerminator
Cable supplied
with RC-828PW-88S PW-88S
 
WARNING 
Use only TASCAM cables to connect the RC-828 to the Þrst 
DTRS unit, and to connect the DTRS units to each other. If 
the use of cables other than TASCAM cables causes or 
results in damage to the units, the warranty is voided. 
NOTE 
At least one LED is always lit on the RC-828 when it is con-
nected and power is switched on to the DTRS units. If you 
do not see any lit LEDs on the RC-828, make sure the 
DTRS power is switched on, and check the cable connec-
tions to the RC-828. 
Unit
ID as shown
ÒRealÓ ID
How the ID is 
set (see the 
unitÕs manual 
for details)
Power on or off 
when ID is set
 
DA-98 1 1 Menu system (see 
9.2) 
ON 
DA-88 0 1 Rotary switch on 
rear panel (see p23Ð
24) 
OFF 
DA-38 1 1 Tape counter menu 
system (see 7-2) 
ON 
						

							 
Section 2 Ð Parts of the RC-828   
2 Ð 0.98 
1.1.2 Chase mode 
In an all-audio setup, the Þrst unit is unlikely to be 
chasing external sources. However, subsequent 
units in the chain should now chase this master, 
using the DTRS (ABS) sync method, when their   
CHASE  
 switches are pressed. 
However, in some audio setups or an audio-visual 
setup, it may be necessary to make the master 
DTRS unit slave to incoming timecode: 
In this case, you should take care to set the clock 
reference of the master DTRS unit appropriately. 
2 Ð Parts of the RC-828 
[1] REMOTE connector 
Connect one end of the supplied cable to this con-
nector, and the other end to the Þrst DTRS unit, as 
described in 1.1, ÒHooking up the RC-828Ó. Make 
sure the power to the DTRS unit is turned off 
when you make the connection. 
[2] REC FUNCTION keys and 
indicators 
The 32   
REC FUNCTION  
 keys allow you to arm 
the tracks of up to four DTRS units. Keys   
1Ð8  
 
control the tracks of the Þrst unit in the chain,  
9Ð
16  
those of the second, and so on. Pressing keys 
which correspond to a non-existent DTRS unit 
will have no effect.
Pressing the corresponding keys on the DTRS 
units has the same effect as pressing the keys on 
the RC-828 unit (i.e. if the track is not armed, it 
will now be armed, and  
vice versa  
).
The indicators ßash when a track is armed for 
recording, and light solidly when recording is 
being rehearsed or taking place. 
[3] CHASE keys and indicators 
These keys and indicators allow you to set and 
view the chase status of the DTRS units connected to the RC-828 in the same way as the   
CHASE  
 
keys and indicators on the units themselves.  
[4] ALL INPUT key and indicator 
This key performs the same function as the   
ALL 
INPUT  
 key on a DTRS unit, switching the moni-
toring of all tracks on all connected units to the 
input source. The indicator lights when this mode 
is active.
The   
INPUT MONITOR  
 keys on the DA-98 also 
affect the switching between source and tape. 
Using the RC-828   
REC FUNCTION  
 keys to 
change the status of any tracks while the   
ALL 
INPUT  
 function is on will lose the relationship 
between the   
REC FUNCTION  
 and   
INPUT 
MONITOR  
 status for individual tracks when   
ALL 
INPUT  
 is turned off again. Start recording or re-
set the   
REC FUNCTION  
 keys to restore this.
If you want to monitor using conÞdence mode on 
a DA-98 unit, make sure that the   
ALL INPUT  
 key 
is off and use the   
INPUT MONITOR  
 keys on the 
DA-98 to turn off input monitoring on all tracks. 
[5] AUTO MON key 
This key is equivalent to the   
AUTO MON  
 key on 
the DA-98 and performs the same function as this 
key on any connected DA-98 units. There is no 
key with the same name on the DA-38 or DA-88; 
pressing this key is the equivalent of pressing the   
INSERT  
 key on a connected DA-38, and pressing 
both the   
AUTO INPUT  
 and   
INSERT  
 keys on a 
DA-88. It is used in punch modes to switch auto-
matically between tape and source when punching 
in and out automatically. The indicator lights 
when this function is active.
Note that the status of the   
INPUT MONITOR  
 
keys on a DA-98 will be overridden by the   
AUTO 
MON  
 key. However, when   
AUTO MON  
 is turned 
off again, the original status of these keys will be 
restored. 
Using the RC-828   
REC FUNCTION  
 keys to 
change the status of DA-98 tracks while   
AUTO 
MON  
 is on will lose the relationship between the   
REC FUNCTION  
 and   
INPUT MONITOR  
 status 
for individual tracks when   
AUTO MON 
  
is turned 
off again. Start recording or re-set the   
REC 
FUNCTION  
 keys to restore this.
If you want to monitor using conÞdence mode on 
a DA-98 unit, make sure that the   
AUTO  
   
MON   
key  
NOTE 
When you set the machine IDs, you can set the ID of any 
machine Þrst, but we recommend doing this in a standard 
sequence, working from the head of the chain to the tail. 
Reference
DA-98DA-38DA-88SY-88 
9.2.3 7-3 p. 24 Ñ
 
Reference
DA-98DA-38DA-88SY-88 
10.7.1 Ñ Ñ 5-1
 
Reference
DA-98DA-38DA-88SY-88  
7.1.1 9.1 (1) p. 9 (18) Ñ 
						

							 
Section 2 Ð Parts of the RC-828 
0.98 Ð 3 
is off  and use the  
INPUT MONITOR 
 keys on 
the DA-98 to turn off input monitoring on all 
tracks. 
[6] JOG/SHTL MON key and indicator 
This key allows the selection of different monitor-
ing modes when shuttle mode is selected, either 
with the unitsÕ own  
SHUTTLE 
 controls, or from 
the  
JOG/SHUTTLE 
 key on the RC-828 [15]. 
This key and indicator duplicate the function of 
the  
SHTL MON 
 key and indicator of the DA-98, 
and provide these capabilities for the DA-38 and 
DA-98.
Use the ßowchart provided with this manual to 
check the shuttle monitoring status of DA-38 and 
DA-88 units in different modes (the provision of 
conÞdence mode on the DA-98 means that this 
model differs from the others), and you should 
also consult the manual of the DTRS unit for full 
details, if you are unclear about how shuttle moni-
toring works: 
[7] RHSL key 
This key duplicates the functions of the corre-
sponding key controlling rehearsal operations on 
the DTRS units. See the appropriate section of the 
DTRS manual if you are unsure of its operation. 
[8] AUTO PUNCH key 
This key duplicates the functions of the corre-
sponding key controlling auto punch operations 
on the DTRS units. See the appropriate section of 
the DTRS manual if you are unsure of its 
operation. 
[9] CLEAR key 
This key duplicates the functions of the corre-
sponding key clearing punch points on the DTRS 
units. See the appropriate section of the DTRS 
manual if you are unsure of its operation. 
[10] LOCATE POINTS 1Ð12 
These 12 location keys and indicators are used for 
the management of location memories. These 
memories are stored and used with reference to the DTRS unitÕs current time reference (ABS or 
timecode).
The indicator of a location memory containing a 
location point will be lit, and pressing the key 
(except in ÒcaptureÓ or erase mode, see [11] and 
[12]) will locate to the point stored in that mem-
ory. Pressing a key whose indicator is not lit will 
have no effect. The location point stored in the 
memory will be brießy shown on the tape counter 
of the DTRS units (for the DA-88 and DA-38Ðfor 
the DA-98 the location point will be shown brießy 
on the LCD display screen).
While location is taking place, the indicator will 
ßash, and the indicator will light steadily again 
when location is complete.
If the   
AUTO PLAY  
 indicator [13] is lit, the DTRS 
unit will start to play back when the location point 
is reached, otherwise the transport will stop at the 
location point. 
[11] CAPTURE key and indicator 
Press this key to enter ÒcaptureÓ mode. The green 
indicator will ßash. While in capture mode, press-
ing a   
LOCATE POINT  
 key [10] will store the 
current tape position to the location memory cor-
responding to the   
LOCATE POINT  
 key.
If the memory does not contain data (the indicator 
is not lit), the new position will be written to the 
memory and the indicator will light. If the mem-
ory already contains a location point (the indicator 
is lit), this will be overwritten with the new posi-
tion. Press the   
CAPTURE  
 key again to turn off 
the capture mode (the indicator will stop ßashing). 
[12] ERASE key 
To erase a location memory, press and hold down 
the   
ERASE  
 key. While holding it down, press the   
LOCATE POINT 
 key [10] of the memory you 
want to erase. The indicator of the  
LOCATE  
Reference
DA-98DA-38DA-88SY-88 
7.1.3 Ñ Ñ Ñ
 
Reference
DA-98DA-38DA-88SY-88 
6.6 4-3 p. 16 Ñ
 
NOTE 
These location memories are independent of the  
MEMO 1  
 
and  
2 
 location memories stored in the DTRS units. 
NOTE 
The location points are stored in memory, backed up by a 
battery whose life is a few years. When you turn on the 
DTRS unit connected to the RC-828 with location memo-
ries stored in it, the same location indicators will light as 
were lit at the time when you last turned off the DTRS unit. 
If they do not light, the battery needs replacing, and you 
should contact your TASCAM dealer regarding a replace-
ment battery. 
						

							 
Section 3 Ð Monitoring modes   
4 Ð 0.98 
POINT 
 key will go out. Pressing and holding the  
ERASE 
 key while pressing a  
LOCATE POINT 
 
key where no location point is stored (the indica-
tor is unlit) will have no effect.
To erase all location point memories, press and 
hold down the  
ERASE 
 key, and press the  
CAPTURE 
 key. 
[13] AUTO PLAY key and indicator 
Turn on Òauto playÓ mode by pressing this key 
(the indicator will light). The DTRS unit(s) con-
nected to the RC-828 will now start playing back 
when a location point accessed through the  
LOCATE POINT 
 keys [10] is reached. 
If Òauto modeÓ is off (the indicator is off), the 
DTRS units will stop when the location point is 
reached. 
[14] REPEAT key and indicator 
This key and indicator duplicate the functions of 
the corresponding keys on the DTRS units. The 
Þrst repeat point is stored in location memory 11, 
and the second repeat point in location memory 
12 (though memory 12 can be earlier than mem-
ory 11). These repeat points are independent of 
the repeat points stored in the DTRS units.
If these two points are less than Þve seconds apart, 
repeat play is not possible.
See the following sections of the manuals for 
operation of the repeat mode. 
[15] JOG dial/SHUTTLE wheel, key and 
indicator 
DTRS units are provided with a  
SHUTTLE 
 con-
trol, allowing variable speed cueing to emulate 
Òrock and rollÓ editing on open-reel machines.
The RC-828 allows this function to be carried out 
remotely, and also provides a jog dial, allowing 
precise cueing to frame accuracy.
The monitoring in these modes is determined by a 
combination of factors, including the  
JOG/SHTL 
MON 
 key [6]. See the ßowchart in this manual for 
further details.
An important point to note is that, while most of 
the RC-828 controls can be used alongside the 
corresponding controls on the DTRS units (i.e. 
they can, with a few exceptions, such as the  
AUTO MON 
 key [5], be regarded as the same 
control), this key and indicator behave differently.
¥ Pressing the  
JOG/SHUTTLE 
 key on the RC-
828, or the  
SHUTTLE 
 key on the Þrst DTRS 
unit will enable the control on that unit. The 
indicator will light steadily, and the light on the 
other unit will ßash.
¥ Pressing the shuttling key on a unit where the 
indicator is ßashing will enable the shuttling 
control on that unit and the indicator will light 
steadily. The steadily-lit indicator on the other 
unit will start to ßash, and the shuttling control 
will be disabled.
¥ Pressing the shuttling key on the unit where the 
indicator is steadily lit will turn off the indica-
tor on that unit, and the unit where the indicator 
is ßashing. The shuttling controls of both units 
will now be disabled. 
[16] Transport controls 
These transport controls duplicate the transport 
controls on the Þrst DTRS unit at the ÒheadÓ of 
the chain. Subsequent machines in the chain must 
be controlled by chasing the Þrst unit (see 1.1.2, 
ÒChase modeÓ).
However, if the Þrst unit is chasing to timecode, 
pressing the  
FF 
 and  
REW 
 keys of the RC-828 
will have no effect. The  
JOG/SHUTTLE 
 controls 
[15] are also disabled.
See the DTRS unitsÕ manuals for details of the 
transport keys: 
3 Ð Monitoring modes 
The supplied charts allow you to see what moni-
toring mode is in operation on a particular track or 
tracks, depending on the status of the DTRS units.
See the DTRS manuals for full details of monitor-
ing modes: 
Reference
DA-98DA-38DA-88SY-88 
8.2.5 5-5 p. 22 Ñ
 
Reference
DA-98DA-38DA-88SY-88 
2 [32]Ð[36] 2 [7]Ð[11] p.10 26 Ð 30 Ñ
 
Reference
DA-98DA-38DA-88SY-88 
7.1.2 9-1 (2) p. 10 (19, 20) Ñ 
						

							 
Specifications 
4 Ð SpeciÞcations 
Maximum number of DTRS units 
that may be controlled simulta-
neously4 
REC FUNCTION 
 controls for 
individual track arming32 tracks
Location memories 12 location memories 
(11 and 12 may be used 
as repeat points)
Shuttle speeds (forward and 
reverse)x 8, 4, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4 
normal speed 
a
 
a. 1x speed is only available in forward shuttle 
mode Power supply From master DTRS 
unit
Overall dimensions (w x d x h) 250 x 200 x 58 mm (9.8 
x 7.9 x 2.3 in.)
Weight 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) 
						

							 
Monitoring flowchart 
Monitoring ßowchart 
Note:  
¥ ÒYÓ = [on/yes]
¥ ÒNÓ = [off/no]
ALL INPUT ?
REC
FUNCTION ?
 STOP
FF, REW ?
JOG/
SHUTTLE ?
JOG/
SHUTTLE ? AUTO MON ?
SHTL MON ? SHTL MON ?PLAY ? AUTO MON ?
MUTE TAPE SOURCE What do I listen to ? 
						

							 
Monitoring tables 
Monitoring tables 
DA-88 and DA-38 
PLAY RECSTOP, FF. 
REWJOG/
SHUTTLE 
ALL INPUT 
 on
Source 
ALL INPUT 
 off 
AUTO MON 
 off 
REC FUNCTION 
 on 
REC FUNCTION 
 off Tape Tape Mute Tape 
AUTO MON 
 on 
REC FUNCTION 
 on Tape Source Source
See below 
REC FUNCTION 
 off Tape Tape Mute 
DA-88 and DA-38 shuttle modes (ALL INPUT off, AUTO MON on) 
JOG/SHUTTLE 
JOG/ SHTL MON 
 off Tape 
JOG/SHTL MON 
 on 
REC FUNCTION 
 on Source 
REC FUNCTION 
 off Mute 
DA-98 
PLAY RECSTOP, FF. 
REWJOG/
SHUTTLE 
ALL INPUT 
 onSource 
ALL INPUT 
 off 
AUTO MON 
 off 
REC FUNCTION 
 on Selectable 
a
 
a. ÒSelectableÓ means that conÞdence mode can be used hereSource Selectable Selectable 
b
 
b. When the shuttle mute function is active (see 8.6.2 in the DA-98 manual), output is muted in these modes 
REC FUNCTION 
 off Selectable 
b
 
AUTO MON 
 on 
REC FUNCTION 
 on Tape Source Source See below 
bc
 
c. When shuttle monitoring is turned off here, monitoring is off-tape, and when it is turned on, the input source is monitored 
REC FUNCTION 
 off Selectable 
b