360 Systems TCR4 User manual

TCR™Series
User's Manual
Professional Production Recorders

TCR™Series User's Manual
The information contained in this User’s Manual is subject to change without notice or obligation, and is
furnished for informational use only.
User’s Manual Edition 1.3, October 28, 1999.
Software version 1.0xx
© 1999, 360 Systems. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of 360
Systems. Reproduction or reverse engineering of copyrighted software is prohibited. Software contained
in this product is copyrighted by 360 Systems. Designs incorporated in this product are the subject of
current or pending USA and foreign patents.
Company Address
Please use the following addresses for shipping and correspondence. At the Corporate Office in
California, the switchboard is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Corporate Office and Customer Services
5321 Sterling Center Drive
Westlake Village, CA 91361-4613 USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
European Office
H. Meijerstraat 13
1444HA Purmerend, Netherlands
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail [email protected] Website www.360systems.com
Warning Symbols
The following warning symbols are used on the product in this manual:
English ATTENTION: Refer to Owner’s Manual for important information
Français ATTENTION: Veuillez vous référer au Mode d’Emploi pour une information
importante.
Italiano ATTENZIONE: Fate riferimento al manuale per informazioni importanti.
Español ATENTCION: Favor de referir al manual de operacion por informacion
importante.
English WARNING: Electrical shock hazard.
Français AVERTISSEMENT: Danger de choc électrique.
Italiano AVVERTIMENTO: Pericolo di shock elettrico.
Español ADVERTENSIA: Peligro de choque electrico.
Cautions
Please heed the following important cautions regarding the TCR4 and TCR8:
•Do not remove the cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
•The TCR4 and TCR8 recorders contain a hard disk drive. While today’s hard disks are very reliable,
they may be vulnerable to shock. Please handle with care, and exercise caution not to drop or bump
the TCR recorder — damage to the internal hard disk may result. Ensure that power is off before
moving the unit.
•To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

TCR Series User's Manual Contents i
Contents
Introduction 1-1
A Word of Thanks........................................................................1-1
In This Manual..............................................................................1-1
Introducing the TCR Production Recorders................................1-2
Choice of TCR Models ......................................... 1-2
Product Highlights........................................................................1-3
TCR Options....................................................... 1-4
Overview 2-1
Control Panel Description............................................................2-2
Monitoring Section............................................... 2-3
Time Code Display............................................... 2-3
Main Display ...................................................... 2-4
Contrast Adjustment............................................. 2-4
Keypad Section ................................................... 2-4
Headphone Jack................................................... 2-7
ZIPDrive........................................................ 2-8
Function Key Section............................................ 2-8
Transport Control Section..........................................................2-10
Drive Bay..........................................................2-11
Jog Section........................................................2-11
Power Switch.....................................................2-13
Rear Panel Description..............................................................2-14
Cooling Fan.......................................................2-15
AC Power..........................................................2-15
Ground Post.......................................................2-15
Sync and Time Code Section.................................2-15
Control Section...................................................2-16
Digital Audio Outputs..........................................2-17
Digital Audio Inputs............................................2-17
Analog Audio Outputs .........................................2-17
Analog Audio Inputs............................................2-17
TCR Menu System.....................................................................2-18
Menu Navigation........................................................................2-19
Introduction to the Drive List......................................................2-20
About the Drive Menu .........................................2-20
Introduction to the Directory List................................................2-21
About the Directory Menu....................................2-21

ii Contents TCR Series User's Manual
Introduction to the File List.........................................................2-22
Auditioning a File...............................................2-23
About the File Menu............................................2-23
Introduction to the Transport Screen.........................................2-24
Opening a File....................................................2-24
The Transport Menu............................................2-26
Locate Value Prompt...........................................2-27
Adjusting Values ................................................2-27
Installation 3-1
Unpacking and Inspection ...........................................................3-2
Preparing Your Site......................................................................3-2
Installing Hardware......................................................................3-3
Safety Cautions ................................................... 3-3
Connecting Signals......................................................................3-4
Audio I/O Connection........................................... 3-4
Digital I/O Connection.............................. 3-4
Analog I/O Connection.............................. 3-4
Sync and Reference Connections............................. 3-4
VITC Connection..................................... 3-5
Video Connection..................................... 3-5
LTC Connection....................................... 3-5
Word Clock Connection ............................ 3-5
Control Connection .............................................. 3-6
P2 Connection......................................... 3-6
SCSI Connection...................................... 3-6
GPI/O Connection.................................... 3-6
Control In Connection .............................. 3-6
Control Out Connection............................ 3-6
Operations 4-1
24 Hour Time Line Concept.........................................................4-2
Machine Setup for Play and Record............................................4-2
Sync Reference................................................. 4-2
Frame and Sample Rates................................... 4-3
External Sync Validity Indicators......................... 4-3
Setting Up to Record....................................................................4-3
Audio Input Selection......................................... 4-3
Sample Rate Conversions.................................. 4-4
Track Arming..................................................... 4-4
Track Monitoring, Metering and Muting................ 4-5
Monitoring and Muting Rules.................. 4-5
Monitoring and Metering Rules............... 4-6
Headroom Selection .......................................... 4-6
Crossfade Time................................................. 4-6
Process Delays.................................................. 4-6
RMW Selection.................................................. 4-7
Basic Recording...........................................................................4-8
Full Record........................................................ 4-8
Punch-In Record................................................ 4-8
Punch-In Recording using the Arm Buttons ......... 4-8
Automatic Edit Point Updates............................. 4-8

TCR Series User's Manual Contents iii
Automatic Recording....................................................................4-8
Setting Edit Points ............................................. 4-8
Selecting Pre-roll and Post-roll Duration.............. 4-9
Auto Record...................................................... 4-9
Recording from the File List.........................................................4-9
Playback.......................................................................................4-9
Locating Audio in the File................................... 4-9
Jog Mode.............................................. 4-9
Shuttle Mode........................................4-10
Fast Forward and Rewind......................4-10
Changing the Rewind Speed.................4-10
Using the Locate Register.................................4-11
Entering Locate Values Directly.............4-11
Adjusting Locate Values Using the Knob4-11
Capturing Locate Values.......................4-11
Storing and Recalling Locate Values......4-11
Locating...............................................4-12
Naming Locates....................................4-12
Review Playback..............................................4-12
Edit Points............................................4-12
Pre-roll and post-roll duration.................4-13
Performing the Review..........................4-13
Variable-Speed Playback..................................4-13
Initiating Off-Speed Playback.................4-13
Adjusting the Playback Speed ...............4-13
Digital Output Dithering.....................................4-13
Chasing External Time Code.....................................................4-14
Time Code Input Selection ................................4-14
Time Code and Sync Reference Relationships...4-14
Internal Time Code Generator ...........................4-15
Chase Modes...................................................4-15
Chase What.........................................4-15
Chase When ........................................4-15
Chase Until ..........................................4-15
Time Code Output ............................................4-16
Output Options.....................................4-16
Level Adjustment..................................4-16
Time Code Offsets............................................4-16
Entering an Offset.................................4-16
Capturing an Offset...............................4-16
Enabling the Offset...............................4-16
Storing and Recalling Offsets ................4-17
Naming Offsets.....................................4-17
Track Slip.........................................................4-17
Time Code Display Options...............................4-18
Starting a Chase Operation...............................4-18
Punching In and Out During Chase....................4-18
Auto-Recording During Chase...........................4-18
Reviewing During Chase...................................4-18
Synchronizing Multiple TCRs.............................4-19
Off-line Editing Operations.........................................................4-20
Erase Edit-In through Edit-Out...........................4-20
Copy Edit-In through Edit-Out............................4-22
Cut Edit-In through Edit-Out...............................4-25
Paste at Edit-In.................................................4-28
Insert in Front of Edit-In.....................................4-30

iv Contents TCR Series User's Manual
Saving Your Work......................................................................4-34
Changing the Removable Drive.........................4-34
Changing a Zip Disk..........................................4-34
Machine Setup 5-1
Setup Menu Functions.................................................................5-2
Preferences..................................................................................5-3
Crossfade ........................................................... 5-4
Pre-Roll ............................................................. 5-5
Post-Roll............................................................ 5-5
Sort Files By....................................................... 5-5
File Info to Show................................................. 5-6
Directory Info to Show.......................................... 5-6
Drive Info to Show............................................... 5-7
Default Time....................................................... 5-7
Default Tracks..................................................... 5-8
Default Title........................................................ 5-8
Typed Time Values.............................................. 5-9
Rewind/FF Speed................................................5-10
Prompt on Exit ...................................................5-10
Screen Saver Off.................................................5-10
Audio I/O....................................................................................5-12
Track Input........................................................5-13
Sample Rate Converter Input.................................5-13
Monitor Armed Tracks.........................................5-14
Output Word Size ...............................................5-14
Headroom..........................................................5-14
Calibrate Outputs................................................5-15
Calibrate Inputs ..................................................5-15
Set Process Delays ..............................................5-15
Sync and Time Code.................................................................5-16
Sync Ref ...........................................................5-17
Rate/Format.......................................................5-18
TC Input............................................................5-18
LTC Level.........................................................5-19
Output LTC .......................................................5-19
Chase What .......................................................5-19
Chase When.......................................................5-20
Chase Until........................................................5-20
Generator ..........................................................5-20
Set Generator.....................................................5-21
External Control.........................................................................5-22
Control-In Port...................................................5-22
RS-422 Emulation...............................................5-23
RS-422 Ballistics................................................5-23
RS-422 Track Arming..........................................5-23
General Purpose I/O............................................5-25

TCR Series User's Manual Contents v
Drives.........................................................................................5-27
Recall Machine Setup................................................................5-28
Store Machine Setup.................................................................5-29
Use Factory Defaults.................................................................5-30
System Management 6-1
Using the Keypad for Renaming..................................................6-2
Drive Menu Functions..................................................................6-3
Machine Setup .................................................. 6-3
Rename Drive................................................... 6-3
Erase Drive....................................................... 6-4
Copy Drive........................................................ 6-5
Spin Up Drive.................................................... 6-6
Spin Down Drive................................................ 6-6
Install File System.............................................. 6-7
Check Disk........................................................ 6-8
Format Drive ..................................................... 6-8
Directory Menu Functions..........................................................6-10
Machine Setup .................................................6-10
Rename Directory.............................................6-10
Erase Directory.................................................6-11
Copy Directory..................................................6-11
File Menu Functions...................................................................6-13
Machine Setup .................................................6-13
Rename File.....................................................6-14
Erase Files.......................................................6-14
Copy Files........................................................6-15
Change File Index.............................................6-16
Create New File................................................6-17
Lock Files.........................................................6-18
Mark Files........................................................6-18
Installing TCR Program Updates...............................................6-19
Appendix A. VTR Emulation and Remote Control 7-1
Machine I.D. Number...................................................................7-2
Emulating VTRs...........................................................................7-2
Serial Control Protocol.................................................................7-2
Appendix B. Maintenance 8-1
Calibration Procedure..................................................................8-2
Output Calibration................................................ 8-2
Input Calibration.................................................. 8-4
Calibration Accuracy....................................................................8-5
Input Gain Accuracy............................................. 8-5
Output Gain Accuracy .......................................... 8-5

vi Contents TCR Series User's Manual
Cleaning.......................................................................................8-6
Appendix C. Specifications 9-1
General Specifications.................................................................9-2
Audio Specifications.....................................................................9-3
Mechanical Specifications ...........................................................9-4
Audio I/O Connector Pinouts.......................................................9-4
Control Input and Output Connector Pinouts..............................9-5
P2 Connector Pinouts..................................................................9-5
GPI/O Connector Pinouts............................................................9-6
AC Power Connector Pinouts......................................................9-6
Appendix D. Mechanical Drawings 10-1
Index 11-1

TCR Series User's Manual Contents vii

viii Compliance TCR Series User's Manual
Safety Compliance
TCR is currently being investigated for compliance with the following safety standards:
•UL 1950, Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment, Including Electrical
Business Equipment.
•EN 60950, Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment, Including Electrical
Business Equipment.
EU Declaration of Conformity
Type of Equipment: Professional Use Audio Equipment.
Conforms to the Following Standards:
•EN55022 (1995) with amendments 1 and 2
(Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of information
technology equipment)
•EN50082-1 (1997) (Generic immunity standard, Part 1: Residential, commercial and light
industry).
•IEC950 2nd Edition, Amendment 1 (1992), Amendment 2 (1993) and Amendment 3 (1995);
Safety of Information Technology and Business Equipment.
FCC Compliance
This equipment complies with 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 owners manual, may cause interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This device will accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation. The user is cautioned that changes made to the equipment without the approval of the
manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. It is suggested that only
shielded and grounded cables be used to ensure compliance with FCC Rules.
Notice
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirement of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Français: Cet appariel numérique de la classe A respecte toute les exigences du Reglement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.

TCR Series User's Manual Notices ix
Warranty and Repair Policy
TCR4 and TCR8 are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year
from date of original purchase. This warranty includes parts and labor. This warranty excludes units
that have been modified, repaired by unauthorized personnel, or damaged by rough handling, abuse,
improper operation, dirt, or static electricity.
360 Systems assumes no liability whatsoever for real or consequential damages, loss of profits,
inconvenience or any other losses due to non-operation of the TCR4 and TCR8 recorders. 360
Systems’ sole liability under this limited warranty shall be the repair or replacement of defective
product or components. Products being returned under warranty shall be sent to 360 Systems or one
of its foreign service centers, freight prepaid, in the original or equivalent packaging. Please call 360
Systems for a return authorization number before returning any merchandise for any reason.
Product Improvements and Upgrades
360 Systems reserves the right to make changes and/or improvements to its products, without
incurring any obligation to incorporate such changes or improvements in units previously sold or
shipped.
Trademarks
The following trademarks may appear in this manual:
•is a registered trademark of 360 Systems.
•TCR, TCR4 and TCR8 are trademarks of 360 Systems.
•Zip® is a registered trademark of Iomega Corp.
•Flex® is a registered trademark of Altera Corp.
•All other product and brand names and any registered and unregistered trademarks mentioned
in this manual are used for identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of
their respective owners.

TCR Series User's Manual

TCR Series User's Manual `Introduction 1-1
`Introduction
A Word of Thanks
Thank you and congratulations on choosing 360 Systems’ TCR™Series synchronous digital multi-
track production recorder. You have purchased the power, versatility and creativity of the industry’s
leading digital multi-track audio recorder — a system ready to take on all creative challenges in
today’s competitive production environments.
You’ll be pleased at how easily the TCR integrates into your overall working environment — and the
marked increase in the quality and quantity of your production.
Product Registration
Important — Please take a moment now to fill out your Warranty Card and either mail it, or fax it to
360 Systems Offices in the USA. By completing your Warranty Card, you will be able to receive
new software upgrades and periodic Technical Support Bulletins about product enhancements and
upgrades. Your warranty registration is the only way we know that you own a TCR.
In This Manual
This manual provides installation, setup and operating instructions for 360 Systems’ TCR Series of
digital audio production recorders. Instructions are provided for both the TCR4 and the TCR8.
TCR recorders perform the complex tasks of synchronous audio production and editing — using a
well designed, simple-to-use set of menus and buttons. This manual is organized to provide the user
with a quick understanding of how to use the TCR to accomplish those production and editing tasks.
If you are already familiar with synchronous audio production, you should find TCR to be nearly
intuitive. As such, an extensive index is provided at the end of this manual to assist you in locating
information quickly.
However, we recommend that you read the entire manual so that you will become familiar with all of
the features and helpful tools built into the TCR — each of which is designed to make your use of the
TCR more productive and enjoyable.

1-2 ‘Introduction TCR Series User's Manual
Introducing the TCR Production Recorders
In the realm of audio recording, 360 Systems’ family of synchronous audio recorders represents a
“next generation” technical development. Moving beyond “tapeless,” the TCR series couples an
entirely new machine architecture with the feature set most requested by industry professionals.
The TCR4 and TCR8 are production recorders, designed specifically for television broadcast, video
production and professional audio recording. As professional grade machines, they deliver premium
quality audio and precise time code synchronization in a robust, carefully engineered package.
•Speed and Versatility
The TCR’s design introduces speed and versatility to a variety of audio tasks. TCR recorders
are not just “playout” machines for dubbing — they include many production features such as
auto-locate, seamless punch-in, read-modify-write (RMW), looping, editing and offsets —
features that make the TCR a first choice as the primary studio recorder.
•24-bit Performance
To deliver the 24-bit performance expected of a new generation product, 360 Systems has
designed entirely new “ultra-low jitter” clock generation circuits. In addition to professional
analog and digital input circuitry, XLR connectors are provided as standard.
•A Versatile Platform
With the industry in transition in regard to file formats and media, the TCR is built to accept
many kinds of media and play many types of files. Using TCR, files will be able to be
directly transferred to and from leading workstations, on media of the user’s choice.
Choice of TCR Models
360 Systems offers two TCR models, each designed for different audio production requirements.
•Model TCR8 Eight Track Recorder
The TCR8 is designed for synchronous recording and playback in video, television
production, cinema sound and broadcast applications. The TCR8 is also the ideal choice for
surround-sound production, handling six channels (5.1) plus Lt-Rt. As a fast non-linear
recorder, TCR8 is a natural upgrade from tape, and provides easy file interchange with
popular workstations.
As your primary studio and mastering machine, TCR8 functions in standalone mode or, in the
future, it can be combined with up to seven other recorders for transparent 64-track operation
using the TCR’s multi-machine sync bus. Time code gives the TCR8 unprecedented editing
power, including automated punch-in punch-out capability with variable length crossfade and
Undo. Best of all, and unlike any other system, the TCR8 can record an entire working day of
24-bit audio — without reloading media.
•Model TCR4 Four Track Recorder
The TCR4 precisely answers the need for a machine to replace time code DAT and “audio-
only” VTRs. It includes the third and fourth tracks so often needed in video production, and
provides greatly improved audio quality, cost-effective removable media and the instant
response of a hard-disk recorder. Most important, TCR4 delivers a degree of reliability
unattainable with tape-based systems.
Note that recorded files and sync connections are compatible between the TCR4 and TCR8.

TCR Series User's Manual `Introduction 1-3
Product Highlights
This section outlines many of the superb features designed into the TCR series of digital multi-track
recorders. All of these features apply to both the TCR4 and TCR8.
•Unlimited Storage
Today’s projects result in very large audio files, particularly when they are multi-track, 24-
bit, or recorded at high sample rates. With the advent of affordable very high capacity drives,
the file size limitation has been removed. TCR can accept an internal hard disk of unlimited
size, with individual file size extending to the 24-hour limit of SMPTE/EBU time code.
•High Density Removable Media
TCR recorders include a 250 MB Zip® drive as standard equipment. Each 250 MB Zip®
cartridge provides a half-hour of low-cost file storage. Additionally, a 5_" drive bay accepts
many user-selected drives, including removable hard disks, magneto-optical disks, and the
emerging ultra-high density cartridges. A rear-panel SCSI port connects as many as five
additional drives to the TCR system.
•Programmable Hardware
360 Systems brings an entirely new design concept to the TCR platform — Programmable
Hardware. To allow the system to be reconfigured as needs arise, much of TCR’s internal
architecture is built with programmable Flex® logic, which can be reconfigured under
software control. Using the built-in Zip drive, new hardware and software tools can be
loaded. Overall, this superb capability means that TCR can be upgraded, modified and
reconfigured with minimal disruption to your schedule.
•Word Size Flexibility
As top quality audio becomes an increasing priority in the entertainment industry, 360
Systems selected 24-bits as the standard word size for all TCR recordings. However, optional
16 and 20-bit digital outputs can be generated for compatibility with older equipment.
•Control Panel Clarity
The TCR’s control panel is designed for ease-of-use, with features specifically tailored for
audio and video professionals. The large illuminated LCD screen provides clear and concise
data for each system mode, including file names, machine status, edit operations, task
prompts and operator “alerts.” A separate large LED readout is provided for clarity in reading
time code position. For metering, a precise 14-segment LED meter array shows each
channel’s level. For further operator comfort, intuitive VTR-like controls including the
familiar Jog/Shuttle Wheel are provided.
•Time Code Synchronization
TCR recorders include a complete set of SMPTE-EBU time code capabilities. They can lock
to all common NTSC and PAL sync formats, including VITC, LTC, word clock, AES/EBU,
internal crystals, or the multi-machine bus. Sample and playback rates can incorporate a
±0.1% pull-up or pull-down to accommodate any format conversion.

1-4 ‘Introduction TCR Series User's Manual
•Standard Editing Functions
The TCR series includes a standard array of editing functions, including Cut, Copy, Insert,
Paste, Erase and time offsets for individual tracks and for the entire machine. The convenient
Jog Wheel, interactive LCD screen and track markers all combine to make editing easy. In
addition, there’s an UNDO button for quickly correcting mistakes.
•Remote Control Capability
All TCR recorders include a 9-pin serial port for seamless interfacing with edit controllers —
just like a VTR. Using standard RS-422 VTR control protocol, the TCR provides the instant
response of a non-linear recorder when used in a multi-machine editing configuration. TCR
can emulate several common types of VTR and Time Code DAT transports.
TCR Options
TCR recorders may be configured with a choice of high-capacity drives for both the internal drive
and the optional drive in the Drive Bay.
The following table lists recording times for each size drive including the standard 250 MB Zip
drive, in various multi-track recording modes. The recording times listed are approximate, and are
based on continuous recording of all tracks simultaneously. Use of fewer tracks, or intermittent audio,
will yield an increase in the available storage time.
Calculated TCR4 and TCR8 Recording Times at 48kHz Sample Rate
Track Count 250 MB
Zip Disk 9 GB Hard Disk 18 GB Hard Disk 36 GB Hard Disk 50 GB Hard Disk
Eight Track Recording 3 min. 20 sec 2 hr 10 min. 4 hr 20 min. 8 hr 40 min. 12 hr 3 min.
Four Track Recording 6 min. 52 sec 4 hr 20 min. 8 hr 40 min. 17 hr 21 min. 24 hr 6 min.
Two Track Recording 14 min. 10 sec 8 hr 40 min. 17 hr 21 min. 34 hr 43 min. 48 hr 13 min.
Single Track (mono) 28 min. 20 sec 17 hr 20 min. 34 hr 42 min. 69 hr 26 min. 96 hr 26 min.
Important The Drive Bay assembly, including the drawer, drive and associated
connectors, is an optional item that should be pre-configured at 360
Systems’ factory. If you wish to upgrade your system to include an
optional drive for the Drive Bay, please contact 360 Systems Customer
Support at the location listed in the front of this manual. Only qualified
service personnel should perform the upgrade procedure.

TCR Series User's Manual Overview 2-1
Overview
In This Chapter
The operating philosophy of the TCR™recorder is presented here, with an eye to giving the reader a
view of what can be accomplished without going into fine detail about its how each task is performed.
It is our intention to convey the “design idea” for the machine, so the user can work on the same level
as TCR’s design group.
Important This chapter should be reviewed before proceeding to the Operations
chapter.
•The buttons, displays, and disk drives on the front panel will
be presented, and their functions will be defined.
•Rear panel components such as connectors and switches are
described as they relate to the TCR’s capabilities.
•This chapter presents an introduction to the TCR’s menu
system, and explains how the control panel is used for
navigation.

2-2 Overview TCR Series User's Manual
Control Panel Description
The TCR4 and TCR8 control panels are divided into sections intended to logically group related
controls together. Except for the Monitoring Section, the panel sections are identical between
models.
VARI
R-M-W
OPT
MUTE
SLIP
LOOP
DISP
REMOTE OFFSET
CHASE
ALT
ADJUST
PLAY STOP REC AUTO REVIEW SHTL
EDIT IN EDITOUT
MON MON MON MON MON MON MON MON ALL
INPUT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ARM
ALL
CLIP
+18
+15
+12
+9
+6
+3
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-70
SLIP
CAPTURE
MARK
LOCATE
FIND
STORE
PG UP
RECALL
PG DN
7
ABC
4
JKL
1
STU
+/-
*0
SYM
2
VWX
5
MNO
8
DEF 9 GHI
6
PQR
3
YZ/
CLEAR
SPACE
MENU
EXIT
ENTER
DIR
DRIVES
FILES
VERS
SAVE
LOCK
UNDO
REDO
TCLOCK EXTSYNC
ADJ - ADJ +
1
8 9 10 12
23 54
76 11
TCR8 Control Panel Sections
VARI
R-M-W
OPT
MUTE
SLIP
LOOP
DISP
REMOTE OFFSET
CHASE
ALT
ADJUST
PLAY STOP REC AUTO REVIEW SHTL
EDIT IN EDITOUT
MON MON MON
2 3 4
CLIP
+18
+15
+12
+9
+6
+3
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-70
SLIP
CAPTURE
MARK
LOCATE
FIND
STORE
PG UP
RECALL
PG DN
7
ABC
4
JKL
1
STU
+/-
*0
SYM
2
VWX
5
MNO
8
DEF 9 GHI
6
PQR
3
YZ/
CLEAR
SPACE
MENU
EXIT
ENTER
DIR
DRIVES
FILES
VERS
SAVE
LOCK
UNDO
REDO
TCLOCK EXTSYNC
ADJ - ADJ +
INPUT
ARM
1
MON
1
6
23 4 5
7 8 9 10 11 12
TCR4 Control Panel Sections
1) Monitoring Section 5) Keypad Section 9) Transport Control Section
2) Time code Display 6) Headphone Jack 10) Drive Bay
3) Main Display 7) ZIP Drive 11) Jog Section
4) Contrast Adjustment 8) Function Section 12) Power Switch

TCR Series User's Manual Overview 2-3
Monitoring Section
The Monitoring Section, as shown below for the TCR8, includes eight peak-responding audio level
meters, plus buttons for arming tracks and monitoring their status.
MON MON MON MON MON MON MON MON ALL
INPUT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ARM
ALL
CLIP
+18
+15
+12
+9
+6
+3
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-70
SLIP
LED VU Meters
Fourteen LEDs display the recording level, covering a range from +20 dB to –70 dB. The
headroom displayed between the “zero” reference and “clip” level can be programmed to
conform to the common standards of 16 dB and 20 dB.
The CLIP LED lights when the input level for the associated track has peaked. It remains on
until STOP, PLAY, ARM or MON is pressed.
The SLIP LED below the level display lights when that track has been offset in time with
respect to others.
Track Arm Buttons
Eight numbered track ARM buttons are provided on the TCR8 — four on the TCR4. When
lit RED, the selected tracks are armed for recording.
Monitor Buttons
Eight MON (monitor) buttons are provided on the TCR8 — four on the TCR4.
When MON is toggled on (RED) that channel’s input will be passed through to the output.
When MON is toggled off, that channel’s output will be from disk.
Time Code Display
The Time Code Display provides several kinds of information, depending on the operating mode of
the recorder. The display can present external time code, time code with offset, or the output of the
internal time code generator.
TCLOCK EXTSYNC
Two status LEDs are also provided in this section:
•TC Lock — the TC LOCK LED lights whenever the TCR is locked to incoming time code,
either LTC or VITC.
•External Sync — the EXT SYNC LED lights whenever the TCR is referenced to an external
sample rate. When this LED is off, the TCR is running on its internal sample rate reference.

2-4 Overview TCR Series User's Manual
Main Display
The TCR’s LCD Main Display provides information about the machine’s current mode of operation.
FILE
LOC 01:00:01:21 .00
POSN
FILE: ROUTE 66
EDIT IN : 01:00:01:21
EDIT OUT : 01:02:56:05
OFFSET : 00:00:00:00
FRAME RATE : 30 NON-DROP
SAMPLE RATE : 48000
SYNC INPUT : INTERNAL
TC SOURCE : VITC IF NO LTC
TIME LEFT: 02:07:34 (8) SPEED: 0.000X
Transport Screen
Four basic displays are provided, each with associated sub-menus: the Drive List, Directory List,
File List and Transport Screen. Each of these will be introduced in detail later in this chapter.
Contrast Adjustment
Immediately below the RECALL button, a Contrast Adjustment is provided to adjust the LCD
viewing angle for optimum legibility.
STORE
PG UP
RECALL
PG DN
1
STU
+/1
*
Contrast
Adjustment
A small flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool is needed for adjustment; one is shipped with each
TCR.
Keypad Section
The Keypad Section provides buttons for entering numbers, as in time-code values. It can also enter
alphabetic characters, so that files may be given “real” names. Other buttons give fast access to
Drives, Directories, Files and Menus.
CAPTURE
MARK
LOCATE
FIND
STORE
PG UP
RECALL
PG DN
7
ABC
4
JKL
1
STU
+/-
*0
SYM
2
VWX
5
MNO
8
DEF 9 GHI
6
PQR
3
YZ/
CLEAR
SPACE
MENU
EXIT
ENTER
DIR
DRIVES
FILES
VERS
SAVE
LOCK
UNDO
REDO