Front Panel - Tascam DA-38 Preliminary Information

DA-38
Front Panel-DA-38
mblingÓ them into one unified Òbest-ofÓ performance onto a fourth
track. With the DA-38, this capability is a reality. The Digital
Track Copy function can be used within a single unit or between
two units. Even more amazing is how easy you can do this with
the DA-38Õs simplified menu-driven interface.
Another innovative design feature is the DA-38Õs built-in
Electronic Patchbay. This intuitive function gives you the
freedom to easily route any input to any track Ñ right from the
front panel. No need to mess with patch cables or the rear panel!
Perhaps youÕve had your eye on a great sounding mic preamp
(such as TASCAMÕs MA-8!) to help you get the best sounding
vocal tracks possible. By using the DA-38Õs Electronic Patchbay,
you can permanently leave the mic pre amp connected, letÕs say,
to input #1 and still have the freedom to route that input signal to
any track you want!
Another musician oriented feature built into the DA-38 is Track
Advance and Delay. This lets you slide individual tracks in order
to obtain the right ÒfeelÓ for your music. Want the drums to lay
back a bit? Delay those tracks to your liking. Want the drums to
Òpush" the feel of the song? Go ahead and advance them.
Range for track advance/delay is -200 ~ 7200 samples.
YouÕll even find a handy test tone generator built into the
DA-38. With this feature, you can calibrate the meters of your
mixer to make certain that they align with those on the DA-38.
By taking advantage of this feature, you can ensure that your
signals levels are the same both at the board and the recorder.
Since the tone is referenced to A-440, you might even opt to use
it as a tuning reference! This is one more feature you wonÕt find
on any other MDM.
The MIDI MusicianÕs Digital Multitrack
MIDI provides a phenomenal level of control and flexibility for
todayÕs creative musician Ñ and the DA-38 is right at the cutting
edge of this technology. If you run a sizable MIDI system and
want to integrate your live or ÒvirtualÓ MIDI tracks into your pro-
duction environment, look no further! By adding the optional
MMC-38 MIDI Machine Control interface to the DA-38, you get
the best of both worlds Ñ digital recording for your vocals,
guitar, etc. and virtual MIDI tracks for keyboards, samplers and
percussion modules Ñ all fully synchronized. The MMC-38
takes the absolute time (ABS) from the DA-38 and outputs it at
the SMPTE frame rate of your choice Ñ either straight SMPTE
or MIDI Timecode (MTC). No matter what your MIDI inter-
face/patchbay needs to see, the MMC-38 covers all the bases.
Since the MMC-38 responds to incoming MMC control messag-
es, you can use your computer/sequencer to act as a Òcommand
centralÓ for a fully integrated tape/MIDI environment. For
example, ask your sequencer to locate to measure #76 and
begin playback and something amazing happens. YouÕll watch
the DA-38 advance or rewind as needed to the corresponding
ABS position and then automatically commence playback Ñ with
your MIDI system locked right on! Want to loop between meas-
ures 9 and 17? No problem. Your sequencer will tell the DA-38
what to do, and your entire system will function as one. You can
arm and disarm any track you wish, automate punch in/out, and
the recorder will automatically stop at the songÕs end. MIDI
integration has never been easier thanks to the DA-38 and the
MMC-38.
All Functions Easily Accessible From the

Front Panel

The DA-38Õs operating system is a breeze to navigate. With a
clearly defined combination of SHIFT and MENU functions,
youÕll have the recorder configured to your needs in moments.
Chances are you wonÕt need to break the crease on your
ownerÕs manual to get you going.
If youÕre using multiple DA-38s, the MACHINE ID number is
simply defined from the front panel. Similarly, you can capture,
trim and locate positions on tape with ease. Finding the test tone
oscillator or defining pre-roll are all right there under the MENU
key. To make things even easier, all SHIFT parameters are
coded in blue. The DA-38Õs intuitive design wonÕt slow you down.
ItÕs the perfect machine for musicians.
Multitrack DAT Recorder
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