Syncing Midi-Tape-Using The Tascam Mts-30; Troubleshooting - Tascam PORTASTUDIO 424 MKIII Owner's Manual

Syncing MIDI-Tape Using the TASCAM MTS-30
MIDI clocks are themselves a computer type digital language and
cannot be recorded on analog tape; it is necessary to convert them to
recordable FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) signals using an appropriate
converter, such as the MTS-30.
The MTS-30 is not a mere MIDI-FSK converter but translates MIDI
clocks into an FSK sync signal containing score "bar" information or
"Song Position Pointer", allowing the associated MIDI equipment to
stay in sync and follow the tape no matter where you move the tape
within a given song. The maximum stability or resolution of the
synchronization is ensured by a TASCAM-exclusive error correction
circuit in the MTS-30.
1. Connect the TAPE OUT of the MTS-30 to the SUB IN "R" of the
424 MKIII, and the TAPE OUT 4 of the 424 MKIII to the TAPE IN of
the MTS-30.
2. Set the TRK 4 RECORD FUNCTION switch to BUSS R.
3. Locate the DBX NR switch on the back panel and set it to the
SYNC position. This defeats the dbx encode/decode for track 4
only.
When recording FSK signal, adjust the MASTER fader of the 424
MKIII to get a reading on the track 4 meter of from -10 to 0 dB.
We suggest that you input the "virtual" tracks from the MIDI system to
STEREO INPUTS 7 and 8. Set the ASSIGN switch of these inputs to
MON while recording, and to L-R position on mixdown.

Troubleshooting

Problem
Playback sounds dull
Playback level is low
Transport keys not effective
No tape motion
No recording
Wrong tracks recorded
Incorrect playback pitch
Feedback occurs during ping-pong
recording
Problem
Old tracks are always recorded along
with new material.
Recording is noisy.
Incorrect tape sync.
37
Possible Cause
Dirty heads
Dirty heads
Power turned off, or tape not loaded
PAUSE pressed
RECORD FUNCTION set to SAFE,
cassette tab broken, or REHEARSAL
engaged
PAN improperly set
PITCH CONTROL set to a different
position than during recording
Level is too high or EQ HIGH is
excessively boosted
Solution
Use the TAPE CUE section instead of the
main mixer for monitoring previous tracks.
Make sure all mixer channel INPUT switches
are in the OFF position except ones you are
using. Also, increase the volume faders of
the instruments themselves — the 424 MKIII
channel and master faders should not have
to be "full up" at any time.
Try re-recording sync tones by adjusting
the MASTER fader between –10 to 0 dB on the
track 4 meter.
38