Tascam M-300 Series Operation & Maintenance Manual

Contents

SYSTEMS INTRODUCTIONThis manual presumes nothing about yourpast experience with the multi-channel processexcept a willingness to learn. An expert in thefield might see the significance of a control orjack with just a simple statement of its location,but in this manual we will point out "theobvious".There are numerous basic signal input connectorson the M-308, M-312, and M-320 mixers, asshown on this chart:�TVCo M-308 M-312 M-320MIC{XLR) INPUT 8 12 20LINE {1/4") INPUT 8 12 20MULTI.PURPOSE TAPE 8 8 8RETURN INPUTSEFFECT RETURN INPUTS 2 2 2MULTI-PURPOSE 9 11 11B USS I NPUTS=------·-·-·--··Each specific feature and function is explainedin the FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS section.Whenever possible, an explanation of when aspecific control would be used will be given.Main Mix SystemThe MAIN MIX system is the most complexof the submix systems. It is capable of acceptinga number of different types of signals and processing them for a wide variety of applications.This is the primary mixing system. It is used tomix signal sources such as mics or tape playback,and route them to the PROGRAM (PGM)GROUPS and STEREO LEFT and RIGHTBUSSES. These busses can be used to providesignals to tape recorders, P.A. amplificationsystems, video recorder or any other soundsystem.The EQ UALIZER (E O) network resides in theinput channel section of the MAIN MIX systemand is selectable. Since other subsystems mayderive their input from the channel, either PRE(before) or POST (after) the EO section, it isimportant to understand the various inter·relationships of the multiple subsystems. Insome cases, the "where" or "how much" ofone subsystem may greatly affect the signalsent to another.1 1Each channel has either two or three inputsources from which it may receive its input.As we will see later, each source can be usedindependently of the others, allowing the 300Series to accept and mix multiple signals. Fornow, the input source (don't worry about whattype of signal it is or where it comes from)will proceed through the channel strip. Afterprocessing, the signal is assigned to a BUSS orBUSSES. These may be the PGM GROUPS(1-4) or the STEREO LEFT and RIGHT or acombination of both, depending on the application. Multiple signals from the channels can bemixed together either in the PGM GROUPSor in the STEREO MASTERS, resulting inthe finished mix.Auxiliary and Effects Submix SystemsOn the channel strips are three controls markedAUX 1, AUX 2 and EFF(ects). These representthree separate submix systems, all of which canperform various tasks. Think of these three subsystems as additional mixers; their respectivetitles are for identification purposes. These arehandy for performing mixing duties separatelyfrom the MAIN MIX, although, in some cases,they derive their input from the channel itself.The AUX 1 SUBMIX system derives its signalsfrom either the channel strip in which it residesor from the corresponding LINE INput connector. On the first eight inputs, if the LINEINput is not used, the corresponding TAPE INjack is automatically connected to the LINE INput circuit. The AUX 1 input source is determined by the LlNE switch located next tothe AU X 1 control. This determines whether theAUX 1 system input is taken from the LINE INput connector or from the channel. The AUXsystems are independent of the channel ormain mix system. Their input source choicesare the same, but their actual source selectionmay be different. If the channel signal is selected,the signal is taken post (after) the EO. If LINEis chosen, the Ll NE INput signal is sent to theAUX 1 control, bypassing the channel controls,even if the same signal is selected to the channel.Once sent to the AUX 1 BUSS, the signal iscombined with any other AUX 1 signals. Thiscomposite signal is then controlled by the AUX1 MASTER and sent to the AUX 1 OUTPUTs.