Tascam 788 Tutorial

Also see for PORTASTUDIO 788: Supplementary guide Addendum Owner's manual Brief guide

Tascam 788 Tutorial Manual pdf 25 page image

TASCAM 788 Operational Tutorial • 8/2000 Edition MIDI Functions25Section VIMIDI FunctionsIN THIS SECTION:MIDI Clock & Tempo MapsMTC (MIDI Time Code) Generate/Chase788 MetronomeMMC (MIDI Machine Control)MIDI Program Change CommandsRELATED TOPIC:Fader Matchingp 25p 26p 27p 27p 28See Mixer Functions, p 12...........................................................................TOPICSMIDI IN and OUT ports are provided on the 788 for avariety of control and synchronization functions.The MIDI OUT port can be used to transmit MIDI Clockor MIDI Time Code for synchronizing drum machines,sequencers, or MIDI workstations without using atrack or purchasing extra synchronization boxes. (Keepin mind that MIDI Time Code and MIDI Clock are notthe same thing; the differences are listed in the sectionsdealing with these time code standards.) While the 788has an internal metronome sound generator, it can alsobroadcast MIDI messages to trigger external soundmodules for click tracks.MIDI IN can be used to control the 788's transport withMIDI Machine Control, recall scenes, effect patches, orrouting set-ups with program change information, andeven automate the mixer section and effect processorswith MIDI controller messages. If you want to lock the788 to another 788, or other device, you can set the 788to follow MTC through the MIDI IN port, as well.MIDI FUNCTIONS OVERVIEWIntroduction to MIDI ClockMIDI Clock is a basic synchronization standard thatis commonly found on drum machines and basickeyboard workstations. It is also commonly supportedon most sequencing software.MIDI Clock keeps the individual MIDI devices lockedtogether in musical terminology, using a countingstructure that looks like this:BAR : BEAT : PPQThe terms bar (measure) and beat should be familiar,but PPQ is a new one for some. PPQ stands for Part PerQuarter; PPQ is the internal subdivision of the quarternote.As with any other synchronization chain, one deviceis deemed the master. The master broadcasts theMIDI Clock information, and the others will follow theMIDI Clock data.In choosing the master, the rule of thumb is to setwhichever device has to work the hardest as the timecode master. The 788 is processing a lot of data torecord and play back 8 tracks of 24 bit audio, so itwill be the master in your studio. The drum machinesand sequencers will follow the 788.MIDI CLOCKWhile simply broadcasting measures, bars and beatswill help keep the devices together, they typically requirea TEMPO MAP. The tempo map tells each device whatthe time signature and tempo of the song is. This helpseach device better anticipate the location of the barsand beats, and gives them the information on how tocount the beats. Each device in the MIDI Clock chainwill need their own copy of the tempo map.Setting the 788 to Generate MIDI ClockThe 788 needs to be set to generate MIDI Clock. Tomake that setting:1) Press MENU.2) Select with theJOG/DATA dial and pressENTER/YES.3) Select with theJOG/DATA dial and press ENTER/YES.4) Make sure is set to (internal clock),and is set to (MIDI Clock).Editing the Tempo MapThe tempo map in the 788 will list all the tempo andkey signature changes in the song. It is not necessaryto enter the time signature and tempo of everymeasure; only the changes need to be entered.To edit the tempo map:1) Press MENU.2) Select with theJOG/DATA dial and pressENTER/YES.3) Select with theJOG/DATA dial and press ENTER/YES.4) Press INSERT or DELETE to add or remove changesin the map. Navigate the list with the CURSOR keys,and change the settings with the JOG /DATA dial.