Tascam M-300 Series Operation & Maintenance Manual

Contents

OPERATIONAL NOTES AND APPLICATIONSThis sEICtion of the manual is designed to assistyou in initially connecting and using your 300Series Mixer. We provide several examples toaid you, but these guidelines should not beconsidered as the "only" way to perfrom thetask at hand. As you learn the various sub·systems of the 300, you wi II discover alternativework methods which may suit your particularmixing situation more appropriately.BASIC SOUND REIN FORCEMENTThe 300 Series was designed specifically toaddress the needs of the audio professionalwhose demands may include live sound reinforce·ment as well as recording. Each model in theseries is capable of handling equal numbers ofM I C and L I N E level inputs, plus additionalsignals processed through the E F Fects, TAPER ETURNs and various buss SUB I Nputs.I n our first example, we show a simple yet verycommon mixing situation using four (4) micsand four (4) line level signals. As you can see byour system diagram, the 308 is being used tomix a live performance of a musical group consisting of an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar,a bass guitar and two different keyboard instru·ments: a stereo synthesizer and an electricpiano. Three of the performers have vocalmicrophones, with one of them performing mostof the lead vocals. Additionally, si nce the groupdoes not have a drummer, an electric rhythmunit is used. In our example, we show a modelM-308, but a M-312 or M-320 could also beused in a similar manner.Basic ConnectionsThe mics are connected to input channels 1 - 4while the line level signals are added throughchannels 5-8. The rhythm unit is connected tothe PGM 3 SUB I N jack, although on the largermodels of the 300 Series it could be mixedthrough another input channel . We will detailother ways of mixing additional signals severalplaces in this manual. Since the 300 Series isa four buss design, the signals can be sub-mixedor grouped prior to the stereo or mono mixingstage. This method of signal grouping allows theoperating engineer to concentrate on mixing asmall number of groups rather than all the inputchannels. This reduces the complexity of themix and chances of error. In our example, the31background vocal mics are grouped together inPGM 4; the keyboards are in PGM's 1 and 2;the bass is in PGM 3, su mmed together with theelectronic rhythm unit. The acoustic guitar andlead vocal mics are routed directly to the LEFTand R IGHT STEREO MASTERS. The finalstereo signal is mixed through the PGM groupmonitor sec1ions to the LEFT and R I G HTSTE REO MASTERS. This signal then feedsthe main power amplifier and house speakersystem.On-stage monitoring is controlled by the AUX 1sends which are in the "pre" position. Thisa llows the monitor signal to operate independently from the main or house signal. The stagemonitor amplification system is connected tothe AUX 1 output.Special audio effects devices such as reverb,echo, compression, etc., can be patched intothe signal path at four different points:1. through the individual channel I N SERTionjacks, for processin,g a single signal,2. through the PGM INSE RTion (1·41 jacks, forcontinuous processing of a selective mix orgroup of signals,3. through the E F F OUTPUT and TAPE I NRETU R N jacks, for top panel control of bothlevel and distribution over a selective, individuallyadjustable, group of signals, or,4. through the STE REO L & R or MONO IN·SERTion jacks, for continuous processing of thefinal mix of signals.Once the basic system configuration has beendetermined, it's time to physically wire thevarious components together - the house andmonitor speakers, amplifiers, microphones, etc.When installing this or any audio system, makesure the signal processing devices are turned offand all the level controls are turned down.Once a l l the connections are made and doublechecked, begin energizing the system by firstturning on the mixer, then any active effectsdevices, and finally, the power amps.Note: When shutting a sound system down,ALWAYS turn the power amps offF I RST. Wait at least for 30 seconds for