TEAC DM-4800 DM-4800 & DM-3200 Automation Guide - Page 4

1 - Introduction The TASCAM DM-3200 and DM4800 (referred to in this manual as "TASCAM DM") are capable of writing and reading mix moves, as well as editing and refining mix moves during replay, all synchronized to timecode. No external computer is necessary, as all control of the automation is made from the TASCAM DM's control surface. Automated mixes are stored on the TASCAM DM's CF card as part of a project and can be off-loaded via the TASCAM Mixer Companion Software to a personal computer, as well as being easily transported on the card between facilities equipped with the TASCAM DM. Here are a few reasons to use mixer automation: • Tedious moves, (such as mutes), that occur at the same place in the program each time can be written to the automation system for playback. This allows you to focus on the creative aspect of listening and mixing, instead of the mechanical aspect of pressing the mute keys at the right time, every time. • Mix moves can be refined to your satisfaction then the automation system will read those moves back every time in exactly the same way. • A mix can be recalled at a later time for further refinement. The TASCAM DM's automation system has been designed to be intuitive, using the mixer's familiar control surface and a minimum number of keystrokes, to stay out of the way of the creative process of mixing. Using This Manual The following type conventions are used in this manual: BOLD CAPS for physical keys on the mixer's control surface. LIGHT CAPS or Light First Letter Caps for on-screen controls in the display . First Letter Caps for names of operational modes and functions. Automated Controls The following mixer controls of the TASCAM DM can be automated: • Fader levels • Mutes • Panning (including surround panning parameters, LFE level, etc.) • Image parameters for linked channels • Effect settings • EQ settings: Gain, Frequency, Q, EQ On/Off switching, individual EQ band switching and TYPE switching between High/Low Pass Filter, Peaking & Shelving • Auxiliary send levels, Pre/Post switching and pan/ balance settings • Auxiliary master send levels • COMPressor settings: threshold, ratio, attack, release, etc. • GATE settings: threshold, range, hysteresis, attack, hold, decay, etc. • Buss and stereo buss assignments, and Aux 1-2 assignments from busses (including stereo buss) • In surround mode, surround assignment and assignment to center and LFE channels. • Buss master levels • Library recall (all libraries) 4 TASCAM DM Automation Guide The following mixer controls of the TASCAM DM cannot be automated: • Digital trim (stored as part of the Initial Status, however) • Analog TRIM • Control Room monitor switching • LCD navigation • Transport controls • Fader layer switching • Global mixer setup parameters NOTE It is not possible to change the surround mode, group settings, channel link settings, buss pan following stereo pan setting, or pan switch settings while automation data is being replayed. Moves for different mixer controls do not have to be automated in the same pass. Just as in multi-track recording, it is possible to concentrate on one specific control at a time, building up the automated mix over a number of passes. The TASCAM DM's automation system allows this to occur by intelligently switching automation modes transparently on a per control basis. This work done by the TASCAM DM automation system provides a high degree of flexibility while not