TASCAM MA-AD8 Set-up Guide
The "pro-hip" way to record from the mic preamp direct to tape.
This set-up is for direct recording. In this example, the signal from the mic preamp is converted to digital and sent directly to the DA-38 through the TDIF cable. The signal returns through the TDIF cable back to the MA-AD8 and continues on to the TM-D1000 for monitoring. This is our recommended set up for recording, as it allows for punch-ins easily. Connections: There are only two connections that need to be made: TDIF cable from the DIGITAL I/O 1 of the MA-AD8 to the TDIF I/O of the DA-38 (or DA-88, DA-98). TDIF cable from the DIGITAL I/O 2 of the MA-AD8 to the TDIF-1 A port of the TM-D1000. Setting the Digital Input on the DA-38: Just up and to the left of the transport controls on the DA-38, you will find a button labeled DIGITAL IN. Press that button to engage the digital inputs. An LED also labelled DIGITAL IN will illuminate indicating the digital input is selected. MA-AD8 Front Panel Settings: On the front panel of the MA-AD8, there are several switches which route signal and select the word clock master. Set the first switch down and the rest of them up. The CLOCK switch determines whether the word clock will come from a TDIF port or the BNC input. If you have selected a TDIF port as the master word clock source, the STATUS switch will determine which of the two TDIF ports is the master. The INPUT switches determine what is fed out DIGITAL I/O 1. If the switch is set up to mic, then the mic input will go into DIGITAL I/O 1. If the switch is down, then the signal from DIGITAL I/O 2 cascades into DIGITAL I/O 1. Each switch controls a stereo pair of channels. Setting the Word Clock Status on the TM-D1000: Press SHIFT and PARAM SEL simultaneously. If the top line of ? the display does not read Option, press ESCAPE until it does. Rotate the DATA ENTRY dial to SYSTEM, and press ENTER.
Option System System Master Clock Select
"DIGITAL IN" selection button and LED indicator
Hook-up and signal flow diagram.

TASCAM DA-38

TDIF I/O CLOCK STATUS
WORD D I/O 1 (TDIF-1) 1/2

3/4 MIC 5/6 7/8

TDIF DIGITAL I/O 1

TDIF-1

D I/O 2 (TDIF-1)

TASCAM M A-AD8

TDIF DIGITAL I/O 2 DATA ENTRY dial and ENTER key

TDIF 1-A

SHIFT and PARAM SEL buttons

TM-D1000

TASCAM
Side note for live recording: If you want to use the MA-AD8 and a DTRS machine without the mixer, the above set-up still applies. Simply disconnect the TMD1000 from DIGITAL I/O 2, and the MA-AD8 and DTRS machine will work great without the mixer. The front panel setting shown in the above diagram also remains the same. See the MA-AD8 manual for more information about the function of this unit.
Rotate the DATA ENTRY dial to Master Clock Select. Press ENTER. Rotate the DATA ENTRY dial to TDIF-1 A. Press ENTER.

Master Clock Select

TDIF-1 A?

MA-AD8

Digital Mic Amplier

D00444800A

OWNERS MANUAL
This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel. Please record the model number and serial number and retain them for your records. Model number Serial number
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Important Safety Precautions
IMPORTANT (for U.K. Customers)

TO THE USER

DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer. If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove the fuse and dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid a possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply. If this product is not provided with a mains plug, or one has to be fitted, then follow the instructions given below: IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code: GREEN-AND-YELLOW : EARTH BLUE : NEUTRAL BROWN : LIVE WARNING: This apparatus must be earthed. As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured GREEN-and-YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or GREEN-and-YELLOW. The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED. When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type should be used and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover. IF IN DOUBT ELECTRICIAN. CONSULT A COMPETENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residental area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. CAUTION Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by TEAC CORPORATION for compliance could void the users authority to operate this equipment.
For the consumers in Europe WARNING This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. Pour les utilisateurs en Europe AVERTISSEMENT Il sagit dun produit de Classe A. Dans un environnement domestique, cet appareil peut provoquer des interfrences radio, dans ce cas lutilisateur peut tre amen prendre des mesures appropries. Fr Kunden in Europa Warnung Dies is eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstrung nach Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann im Wohnbereich Funkstrungen versursachen ; in diesem Fall kann vom Betrieber verlang werden, angemessene Manahmen durchzufhren und dafr aufzukommen.

TASCAM MA-AD8

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: Read all of these Instructions. Save these Instructions for later use. Follow all Warnings and Instructions marked on the audio equipment. 1) Read Instructions All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. 2) Retain Instructions The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3) Heed Warnings All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4) Follow Instructions All operating and use instructions should be followed. 5) Cleaning Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 6) Attachments Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards. 7) Water and Moisture Do not use this product near water for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like. 8) Accessories Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturers instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer. 9) A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn. "Note to CATV system installer: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installers attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

Example of Antenna Grounding as per National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70
ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE GROUND CLAMP
ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT (NEC SECTION 810-20) ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS (NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM (NEC ART 250. PART H) NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
10) Ventilation Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturers instructions have been adhered to. 11) Power Sources This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions. 12) Grounding or Polarization This product may be equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug. 13) Power-Cord Protection Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product. 14) Outdoor Antenna Grounding If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and builtup static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.

15) Lightning For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges. 16) Power Lines An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal. 17) Overloading Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in risk of fire or electric shock. 18) Object and Liquid Entry Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product. 19) Servicing Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 20) Damage Requiring Service Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a) when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged. b) if liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product. c) if the product has been exposed to rain or water. d) if the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation. e) if the product has been dropped or damaged in any way. f ) when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance this indicates a need for service. 21) Replacement Parts When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards. 22) Safety Check Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition. 23) Wall or Ceiling Mounting The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer. 24) Heat The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

TASCAM MA-AD8 3

MA-AD8 Digital Mic Amplifier
The TASCAM MA-AD8 Digital Mic Amplier provides eight channels of analog-to-digital conversion at 20-bit resolution into TDIF-1 digital audio format, suitable for connection to a suitably-equipped digital mixing console or to a DTRS recorder, etc. The unit is housed in a convenient and compact 1U rack-mount format. Two TDIF-1 connectors are provided, allowing the simultaneous connection of a digital mixing console and digital recorder. Each connector carries eight channels of TDIF-1 format audio for input or output. The source of the output to one of the TDIF-1 connectors may be selected, in pairs of channels, as either the analog inputs or the other TDIF-1 connector. This allows a great deal of exibility in recording situations, without the need for digital patching. Together with the analog-to-digital convertors, the MA-AD8 also provides high-quality microphone ampliers for ultimate sonic quality when making digital recordings. Selectively switchable phantom power is available on the balanced microphone inputs, allowing a range of different microphones to be connected. A 22 dB PAD and a exible TRIM control on each channel allow these inputs to be used with line-level signal sources as well as with microphone-level sources. The word clock source for the MA-AD8 may be either of the two TDIF-1 connections, or an external independent word clock. Front panel switches and indicators provide instant control and status indication of the MA-AD8s operation at all times.

1.1 Front panel

1 POWER switch and indicator
Push the POWER switch once to turn on power, and again to turn it off. The POWER indicator lights when power is supplied to the MA-AD8.
WARNING There should never be more than one word clock signal in a digital audio system. If there are not, at worst, damage may occur to speakers, ampliers, etc. as a result of high-frequency noise generated by word clock incompatibilities.

2 LOCKED indicator

This indicator lights when a valid clock signal is received from the selected clock source (see CLOCK SWITCH 3). If no clock signal is received at the selected source, or if the clock signal is outside the limits of tolerance (44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, 6%) this indicator will not light, and the unit will not function.

4 STATUS switch

If the CLOCK switch 3 is set to TDIF-1, this switch is used to select which of the TDIF-1 connectors (DIGITAL I/O1 (FROM MIC INPUTS) q or DIGITAL I/O2 (AUX) w) will be used to provide the clock source. In addition to the clock source, the selected TDIF-1 connector provides the MA-AD8 with FS Code, emphasis, and other status information, whether or not the CLOCK switch is set to TDIF-1.

3 CLOCK switch

This switch allows the selection of the clock source that will be used to synchronize the digital audio output of the MA-AD8. The two settings are WORD (the WORD IN e connector will be used as the clock source) and TDIF-1 (either DIGITAL I/O1 (FROM MIC INPUTS) q or DIGITAL I/O2 (AUX) w will be used, depending on the setting of the STATUS switch 4).

5 INPUT switches

These four switches determine the source of the signal passed to the DIGITAL I/O1 (FROM MIC INPUTS) q. These switches work in pairs, 1/2, 3/4, etc.
When one of these switches is in the up position, the signals passed to the DIGITAL I/O1 connector for the corresponding channels will be the appropriate mic inputs (the XLR connectors on the rear panel). When one of these switches is in the down position, the signal passed to the DIGITAL I/O1 connector for the corresponding channels will be the two appropriate channels of the digital audio received at DIGITAL I/ O2 (AUX) w. This allows digital repatching of multitrack recorders to the mixer on overdubbing and mixdown etc. without the need to disconnect and re-connect cables.
the DIGITAL I/O2 connector, and cannot be rerouted.

6 OL indicators (18)

These indicators light when the signal fed to the A/D converter for the channel (post-pad and post TRIM) outputs a signal which is more than 3 dB, relative to the digital full-scale level.

7 TRIM controls (18)

The TRIM controls adjust the level of the signal before it is passed to the A/D converter. They work in a similar way to TRIM controls on a mixing console; turn clockwise to increase the gain, counter-clockwise to reduce it. The TRIM controls provide 42 dB of gain control.
NOTES When these switches are operated, an audible click may occur. To avoid damage to monitor speakers, etc., turn down the level of all monitoring equipment before operating these switches. The digital signals received at the DIGITAL I/O1 connector are always output to

8 PAD switches (18)

When engaged, these PAD switches provide 22 dB of attenuation to the corresponding channel. Use them in conjunction with the TRIM controls to input line-level sources through the MA-AD8.

1.2 Rear panel

9 MIC INPUTS (18)
These balanced XLR-type input connectors are wired:

3 GND Hot (+) Cold ()

To avoid damage to monitor speakers, etc., turn down the level of all monitoring equipment before operating these switches.
A PHANTOM (+48V) switches
These switches control the +48 V phantom power supply to the MIC INPUTs. Each switch controls the phantom power supplied to a group of four inputs1 through 4, and 5 through 8. They each have three positions, which allow the rst two inputs of the group (12 and 56) to be supplied with phantom power (phantom power to the other two inputs of the group will be turned off), to all inputs of the group, or off for all inputs in the group. Note that it is not possible to supply phantom power only to the second pair of inputs in a group.
WARNING Do not connect unbalanced signal sources (dynamic microphones, instruments, etc.) to a MIC INPUT connector with phantom power supplied to that connector. This will result in possible damage to the signal source, and to the MA-AD8.
MICROPHONE CABLES AND MICROPHONES CONNECTION: TO PREVENT HAZARD OR DAMAGE,
ENSURE THAT ONLY MICROPHONE CABLES AND MICROPHONES DESIGNED TO THE IEC 268-15A STANDARD ARE CONNECTED.
CONNEXIONS DES MICROPHONES ET DE LEURS CABLES: POUR EVITER TOUT ENDOMMAGEMENT, SASSURER DE BRANCHER UNIQUEMENT DES
MICROPHONES ET DES CABLES DE MICROPHONES CONUS SELON LA NORME IEC 268-15A.

TASCAM MA-AD8 5

B DIGITAL I/O1 (FROM MIC INPUTS)
This connector is typically used to connect a TDIF-1equipped mixing console. The digital audio signals received at this connector will always be passed through to the DIGITAL I/O2 (AUX) w connector. This cannot be changed. The digital audio signals output from this connector are selected from either the MA-AD8 A/D converters or from the signals received at the DIGITAL I/O2 (AUX) w connector, depending on the settings of the INPUT switches 5. nected here, the word clock chain is automatically terminated.
1.3 A practical example of using the MA-AD8
Since the MA-AD8 provides a good deal of exibility, it may be useful to review a typical situation in which it may be used.
1.3.1 Recording multitrack tracks
In a multitrack situation, the initial tracks may be laid down using the following setup:

DIGITAL I/O1

WARNING Note that you should always use genuine TASCAM cables, or cables which have been approved for use with TDIF-1 interfaces by TASCAM. Although these cables appear similar to certain types of computer cables and use similar connectors, the cables themselves are very different, and the different electrical characteristics of the cables can cause damage to the equipment connected with the wrong cables. If the use of cables other than TASCAM cables causes or results in damage, the warranty is voided.

MA-AD8

TM-D1000 Digital Mixer
DIGITAL I/O2 DA-38 DTRS recorder

C DIGITAL I/O2 (AUX)

This connector is typically used to connect a TDIF-1equipped multitrack recorder, such as a DTRS recorder. The digital audio signals output from this connector will always be the digital audio signals received from the DIGITAL I/O1 (FROM MIC INPUTS) q connector. This cannot be changed. The digital audio signals received at this connector may be used as sources for the DIGITAL I/O1 (FROM MIC INPUTS) q connector, depending on the setting of the INPUT switches 5.
In this example, all the INPUT switches 5 on the MA-AD8 are set to accept signals from the internal A/ D convertors (i.e. from the MIC sources). The signal then goes from the DIGITAL I/O1 port into the mixer , which can now use channels 9 through 16 as additional inputs from analog sources. The group busses are routed back through the TDIF-1 connector and are passed through the MA-AD8s DIGITAL I/O2 connector to the DTRS recorder. The word clock originates in the TM-D1000, and the CLOCK switch on the MA-AD8 is therefore set to TDIF-1, and the STATUS switch to D I/O1. This clock is passed through the TDIF-1 connection to the DTRS recorder.

1.3.2 Mixdown

When mixing down, the situation is simplied as shown below:.

D WORD IN

An external word clock may be connected to this BNC connector (75), and used as the word synchronization for the MA-AD8, selected with the CLOCK switch 3.
TM-D1000 DIGITAL I/O1 Digital Mixer DIGITAL I/O2 DA-38 DTRS recorder

EWORD THRU

This BNC connector echoes the clock signal received at the WORD IN e connector. If no device is conThe INPUT switches 5 of the MA-AD8 are set to the TDIF-1 setting and the tape tracks are replayed into
the DIGITAL I/O2 port. They are then passed straight through to the DIGITAL I/O2 port connected to the mixer. If necessary, other analog inputs (e.g. MIDI-sequenced instruments) may be played through channels 1 through 8 of the mixer simultaneously with the replayed digital tracks from the DTRS recorder. The advantage of using the MA-AD8 in this situation is that the digital audio cabling is permanentno disconnection and re-connection of cables needs to be done, and the MA-AD8s front panel switches provide convenient re-routing facilities.
Frequency response 20 Hz to 22 kHz +0.5/1.0 dB (Fs=48 kHz) <0.03% (TRIM at minumum, nominal level) TDIF-1 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 6% 20 bit D I/O1, D I/O2, external word clock Lights when valid clock source received at selected input (auto terminating) 482 x 48 x 210 (mm) 19 x 1.9 x 8.3 (in) 2.2 kg (5.5 lbs) 120 V (USA/Canada) 230 V (Europe) 240 V (Australia) 10W Rack mounting kit

T.H.D. (@ 1 kHz) Digital output format Sampling frequency A/D resolution Clock source LOCKED indicator

1.4 Specications

MIC INPUTs (18) Input impedance OL (overload) indicator 18 TRIM range PAD attenuation Input level (TRIM at max) Input level (TRIM at min) S/N ratio (IHF-A, 150 terminated) Crosstalk between adjacent channels XLR-type, balanced inputs 2.4 k Lights at 3 dB below digital full-scale level 42 dB 22 dB 56 dBu 14 dBu >86 dB (TRIM at maximum), >94 dB (TRIM at minimum) >80 dB @ 10 kHz
WORD CLOCK IN WORD CLOCK THRU Dimensions (w x h x d) Weight Power supply
Power consumption Supplied accessories
1.4.1 Dimensional drawing

TASCAM MA-AD8 7

1.4.2 Block diagram

TEAC CORPORATION

Phone: (0422) 52-5082 Phone: (213) 726-0303
3-7-3, Nakacho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8550, Japan 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada Privada De Corina, No.18, Colonia Del Carmen Coyoacon, Mexico DF Marlin House, Marlins Meadow, The Croxley Centre, Watford, Herts. WD1 8YA, U.K. Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany 17 Rue Alexis-de-Tocqueville, CE Antony Cedex, France P.A. TEAC Nederland BV, Perkinsbaan 11a, 3439 ND Nieuwegein, Netherlands Perkinsbaan 11a, 3439 ND Nieuwegein, Netherlands 106 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia Via C. Cant 11, 20092 Cinisello Balsamo, Milano, Italy
PRINTED IN JAPAN 1098U0.6 M-1427A
TEAC AMERICA, INC. TEAC CANADA LTD.
Phone: 905-890-8008 Facsimile: 905-890-9888

TEAC MEXICO, S.A. De C.V

Phone: 5-658-1943

TEAC UK LIMITED

Phone: 01923-819699

TEAC DEUTSCHLAND GmbH

Phone: 0611-71580

TEAC FRANCE S. A.

Phone: 01.42.37.01.02

TEAC BELGIUM NV/SA

Phone: 0031-30-6048115

TEAC NEDERLAND BV

Phone: 030-6030229
TEAC AUSTRALIA PTY.,LTD. A.C.N. 462

Phone: (03) 9644-2442

TEAC ITALIANA S.p.A.