AKAI DIGITAL DD8 Plus User manual

DIGITAL DUBBER
Operator’s Manual
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

Rev.3 2000/03/03
THE SYMBOLS ARE RULED BY UL STANDARDS (U.S.A.)
WARNING!!
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
1-En
5B-En
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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 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.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intendedtoalerttheusertothepresenceofuninsulated“dangerousvoltage”
within the product’s enclosure; that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
LITHIUM BATTERY
This product uses a lithium battery for memory back-up. The lithium battery should only be replaced
by qualified service personnel. Improper handling may cause risk of explosion. 24A-En

DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September, 1998 i
WARNING
WARNING: WHEN USING ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, BASIC PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ALWAYS
BE FOLLOWED, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
WARNING
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure that your
DD8 plus meets the power requirements in your area. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician
or AKAI professional dealer.
120 VAC @ 60 Hz for USA and Canada
220~240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Europe
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE DD8 plus
• Never touch the AC plug with wet hands.
• Always disconnect the DD8 plus from the power supply by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
• AllowonlyanAKAIprofessionaldealerorqualifiedprofessionalengineertorepairorreassemble
theDD8 plus . Apartfromvoidingthewarranty,unauthorizedengineersmighttouchliveinternal
parts and receive a serious electrical shock.
• Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the DD8 plus .
• Use only a household AC power supply. Never use a DC power supply.
• IfwateroranyotherliquidisspilledintoorontotheDD8 plus ,disconnectthepower,andcallyour
dealer.
• Make sure that the unit is well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight.
• Toavoiddamagetointernalcircuitry,aswellastheexternalfinish,keeptheDD8 plus awayfrom
sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.).
• Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the DD8 plus . They may damage the surface, and
may ignite.
• Do not use denaturated alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the DD8 plus . They will
damage the finish.
• Modificationofthisequipmentisdangerous,andcanresultinthefunctionsoftheDD8 plus being
impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way.
• Make sure that the DD8 plus is always well-supported when in use (in a specially-designed
equipment rack).
• When installing the DD8 plus in a 19" rack system, always allow 1U of ventilated free space
aboveitto allowforcooling. Make surethatthe backofthe rackisunobstructed toallowa clear
airflow.
• In order to assure optimum performance of your DD8 plus , select the setup location carefully,
and make sure the equipment is used properly. Avoid setting up the DD8 plus in the following
locations:
1. In a humid or dusty environment
2. In a room with poor ventilation
3. In any situation where the unit is not horizontal
4. Inside a vehicle such as a car, where it will be subject to vibration
5. In an extremely hot or cold environment

ii DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September, 1998
WARNING
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTANT
This equipment is fitted with an approved non-rewireable UK mains plug.
To change the fuse in this type of plug proceed as follows:
1) Remove the fuse cover and old fuse.
2) Fit a new fuse which should be a BS1362 5 Amp A.S.T.A or BSI approved type.
3) Refit the fuse cover.
If the AC mains plug fitted to the lead supplied with this equipment is not suitable for your type of AC outlet
sockets,itshould bechangedtoanACmainslead, completewithmouldedplug,totheappropriate type.Ifthis
is not possible, the plug should be cut off and a correct one fitted to suit the AC outlet. This should be fused
at 5 Amps.
If a plug without a fuse is used, the fuse at the distribution board should NOT BE GREATER than 5 Amp.
PLEASE NOTE: THE SEVERED PLUG MUST BE DESTROYED TO AVOID A POSSIBLE SHOCK
HAZARD SHOULD IT BE INSERTED INTO A 13 AMP SOCKET ELSEWHERE.
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
GREEN and YELLOW — EARTH
BLUE — NEUTRAL
BROWN — LIVE
Asthe colours of the wiresin the mains lead of thisapparatus may not correspond withthe coloured markings
identifying the terminals in your plug, please proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN and YELLOW must be connected to the terminal which is marked
withtheletterEorwiththesafetyearthsymbol orcolouredGREENorcolouredGREENandYELLOW.
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.
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
Ensure that all the terminals are securely tightened and no loose strands of wire exist.
Before replacing the plug cover, make certain the cord grip is clamped over the outer sheath of the lead and
not simply over the wires.
6D-En
WARNING

DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September, 1998 iii
FCC WARNING
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
energyand,ifnotinstalledandusedinaccordancewiththeinstructionmanual,maycauseharmfulinterference
toradiocommunications.Operationofthisequipmentinaresidentialareaislikelytocauseharmfulinterference
in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
21A-En
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set
out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
27-En
AVIS POUR LES ACHETEURS CANADIENS DU DD8 plus
Leprésentappareilnumériquen’émentpasde bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareilsnumériquesde laClassAprescritesdansleRèglementsurle brouillageradioélectriqueédictépar
le ministère des Communications du Canada.
WARNING
VENTILATION
Do not prevent the unit's ventilation, especially by placing the unit on the soft carpet, in a narrow space, or by
placing objects on the unit's chassis—top, side, or rear panels. Always keep the unit's chassis at least 10
centimeters from any other objects.
31C-En
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
32-En
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The AKAI DD8 plus is a computer-based device, and as such contains and uses software in
ROMs. This software, and all related documentation, including this Operator’s Manual, contain
proprietary information which is protected by copyright laws. All rights are reserved. No part of
the software or its documentation may be copied, transferred or modified. You may not modify,
adapt,translate,lease,distribute,resellforprofitorcreatederivativeworksbasedonthesoftware
and its related documentation or any part there of without prior written consent from AKAI
professional M.I. Corp., Yokohama, Japan.
27-F

iv DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September, 1998
WARRANTY
AKAI professional M.I. Corp. warrants its products, when purchased from an authorized “AKAI professional”
dealer, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 (twelve) months from the date of
purchase. Warranty service is effective and available to the original purchase only, and only on completion and
return of the AKAI professional Warranty Registration Card within 14 days of purchase.
Warranty coverage is valid for factory-authorized updates to AKAI professional instruments and their software,
whentheirinstallationisperformedbyanauthorizedAKAIprofessionalServiceCenter,andaproperlycompleted
Warranty Registration has been returned to your “AKAI professional” dealer.
To obtain service under this warranty, the product must, on discovery of the detect, be properly packed and
shipped to the nearest AKAI professional Service Center. The party requesting warranty service must provide
proof of original ownership and date of purchase of the product.
If the warranty is valid, AKAI professional will, without charge for parts or labor, either repair or replace the
defective part(s). Without a valid warranty, the entire cost of the repair (parts and labor) is the responsibility of
the product's owner.
AKAI professional warrants that it will make all necessary adjustments, repairs and replacements at no cost to
the original owner within 12 (twelve) months of the purchase date if:
1) The product fails to perform its specified functions due to failure of one or more of its components.
2) The product fails to perform its specified functions due to defects in workmanship.
3) Theproduct hasbeenmaintainedandoperatedbythe ownerin strictaccordancewiththewritteninstructions
for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
Beforepurchaseanduse,ownersshoulddeterminethesuitabilityoftheproductfortheirintendeduse,andowner
assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. AKAI professional shall not be liable for any
injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of use, or inability to use the product.
The warranty provides only those benefits specified, and does not cover defects or repairs needed as a result of
acts beyond the control of AKAI professional, including but not limited to:
1) Damagecausedbyabuse,accident,negligence. AKAIprofessionalwillnotcoverunderwarrantyanyoriginal
factory disk damaged or destroyed as a result of the owner's mishandling.
2) Damage caused by any tampering, alteration or modification of the product: operating software, mechanical
or electronic components.
3) Damagecausedbyfailuretomaintainandoperatetheproductinstrictaccordancewiththewritteninstructions
for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
4) Damage caused by repairs or attempted repairs by unauthorized persons.
5) Damage caused by fire, smoke, falling objects, water or other liquids, or natural events such as rain, floods,
earthquakes, lightning, tornadoes, storms, etc.
6) Damage caused by operation on improper voltages.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Thiswarranty becomes void if the product or its software is electroni-
cally modified, altered or tampered with in any way.
AKAIprofessionalshallnotbeliableforcostsinvolvedinpackingorpreparingtheproductforshipping,withregard
to time, labor, or materials, shipping or freight costs, or time or expense involved in transporting the product to
and from AKAI professional Authorized Service Center or Authorized Dealer.
AKAI professional will not cover under warranty an apparent malfunction that is determined to be user error, or
owner's inability to use the product.
THEDURATIONOFANY OTHER WARRANTIES,WHETHERIMPLIEDOR EXPRESS, INCLUDINGBUTNOT
LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, IS LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE
EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN.
AKAI professional hereby excludes incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to:
1) Loss of time.
2) Inconvenience
3) Delay in performance of the Warranty.
4) The loss of use of the product.
5) Commercial loss.
6) Breach of any express or implied warranty, including the Implied Warranty of Merchantability, applicable to
this product.
WARNING

vDD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 1
SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................... 1
ABOUT THIS MANUAL ............................................................................................... 5
TERMINOLOGY .......................................................................................................... 5
FRONT PANEL............................................................................................................ 6
PLAY KEY ...................................................................................................... 7
STOP KEY ..................................................................................................... 7
REVERSE PLAY ............................................................................................ 7
FAST FORWARD ........................................................................................... 7
REWIND......................................................................................................... 7
REC................................................................................................................ 7
IN>OUT .......................................................................................................... 7
TO .................................................................................................................. 7
FROM............................................................................................................. 8
FRONT PANEL - INSERTING AN MO DISK ............................................................... 9
DISK ACTIVITY LED ...................................................................................... 9
DISK EJECT BUTTON ................................................................................... 9
WRITE PROTECT SWITCH .......................................................................... 9
REAR PANEL ............................................................................................................ 10
OPTION SLOTS........................................................................................... 10
AKAINET CONNECTOR.............................................................................. 10
TERMINATOR SWITCHES .......................................................................... 10
SYNC CONNECTOR ................................................................................... 10
EXPANSION CONNECTOR ........................................................................ 10
SCSI-B ID SWITCHES................................................................................. 10
SCSI-A CONNECTOR ................................................................................. 10
GROUND TERMINAL .................................................................................. 10
MAINS INPUT .............................................................................................. 10
PRE-READ LEVEL....................................................................................... 10
PRE-READ CONNECTOR........................................................................... 11
POWERING UP THE DD8 ........................................................................................ 12
PLAY MODE ........................................................................................................................... 13
MACHINE SLIP ......................................................................................................... 13
SETTING TIMECODE OFFSETS ............................................................................. 15
RECORD MODE .................................................................................................................... 16
RECORD RUSHES ................................................................................................... 19
NUDGE ................................................................................................................................... 20
TRACK SLIP .......................................................................................................................... 21
LOCATOR .............................................................................................................................. 22
STORE ...................................................................................................................... 22
GOTO ........................................................................................................................ 22
LOCATING TO TIMECODE POSITIONS .................................................................. 23
LOCATING TO LOCATOR MEMORIES.................................................................... 23
LOCATING TO THE START OR END OFA PROJECT ............................................ 23
CONTENTS

vi DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
DISK PAGES .......................................................................................................................... 24
WRITE PROTECT PAGE .......................................................................................... 24
NEW PROJECT PAGE.............................................................................................. 24
LOAD PROJECT PAGE ............................................................................................ 25
DIRECTORY PAGE ................................................................................................... 27
UTILITIES PAGE ....................................................................................................... 27
DISK INFO................................................................................................................. 27
FORMATTING DISKS ............................................................................................... 28
NORMALAND EXTENDED FORMAT DISKS........................................................... 30
UPDATING EXTENDED FORMAT DISKS ................................................................ 30
CLEANUP DISK ........................................................................................................ 31
CLEANUP .................................................................................................... 31
MINIMISE ..................................................................................................... 32
BACKING UP TO SCSI TAPE DRIVES..................................................................... 34
FORMATTING A TAPE FOR BACKUP ........................................................ 34
BACKING UP SELECTED FILES ................................................................ 36
BACKING UPALL PROJECTS AND/OR LIBRARIES ................................. 37
BACKING UPAN ENTIRE DISK.................................................................. 37
PERFORMING THE BACKUP ..................................................................... 37
VERIFYING A BACKUP ............................................................................... 39
RESTORING ABACKUP ............................................................................. 40
PERFORMING A RESTORE........................................................................ 41
RESTORING THE ENTIRE BACKUP .......................................................... 45
NOTES ABOUT BACKUP/RESTORE.......................................................... 46
SUGGESTIONS FOR BACKUP/RESTORE ................................................ 47
TAKING CARE OF YOUR TAPE DRIVE...................................................... 48
COPYING DISKS ...................................................................................................... 49
MACINTOSH DISK COMPATIBILITY........................................................................ 51
PROTOOLS IMPORT................................................................................................ 52
OMF IMPORT............................................................................................................ 53
NOTES CONCERNING OMF IMPORT ....................................................... 53
AVID MEDIA-COMPOSER AND AUDIOVISION.......................................... 53
UTILITIES PAGE ....................................................................................................... 54
WAVEFRAME DISK COMPATIBILITY....................................................................... 55
FAIRLIGHT DISK COMPATIBILITY........................................................................... 56
EXPORT PROJECT PAGE ....................................................................................... 57
DD1000 DISK COMPATIBILITY ................................................................................ 58
LOADING DD1000 QLISTS ......................................................................... 58
SAVING PROJECTS TO DD1000 DISKS.................................................... 59
PLAYING DD1000 DISKS CREATED ON A DD8 ON A DD1000................. 59
MULTIPLE DISK DRIVE SYSTEMS ............................................................ 60
SYSTEM SETTINGS .............................................................................................................. 62
DIGITAL SETTINGS .................................................................................................. 62
88.2KHZ AND 96KHZ SAMPLE RATES ................................................................... 65
DIGITAL OUTPUT FORMAT ..................................................................................... 65
SYNC......................................................................................................................... 66
TIMECODE OFFSETS .............................................................................................. 69
BIPHASE GENERATOR............................................................................................ 70
ADVANCED TIMECODE OPTIONS.......................................................................... 71
CONTENTS

viiDD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
DISPLAY.................................................................................................................... 72
DISPLAY OFFSET..................................................................................................... 73
FOOTAGE DISPLAY ................................................................................................. 73
RECORD SETUP ...................................................................................................... 74
RECORD CROSSFADES ............................................................................ 74
RECORD MONITOR.................................................................................... 74
RECORD MODES........................................................................................ 75
PUNCH IN/OUT MODES ............................................................................. 78
ROUTING INPUTS.................................................................................................... 79
SPEED ..................................................................................................................... 79
SECOND SYSTEM SETTING PAGE ..................................................................................... 80
OPERATING LEVEL ................................................................................................. 80
PRE-READ ................................................................................................................ 80
TIMES........................................................................................................................ 81
JOG ........................................................................................................................... 81
REMOTE ................................................................................................................... 82
THIRD SYSTEM SETTING PAGE.......................................................................................... 85
TRACK MAPPING..................................................................................................... 85
SAVE SETTINGS ...................................................................................................... 85
LOAD SETTINGS...................................................................................................... 85
CLEAR SETTINGS.................................................................................................... 86
REAL-TIME CLOCK .................................................................................................. 86
MULTI-MACHINE OPERATION ............................................................................................. 87
DD8 AS AN RS422 MASTER .................................................................................... 88
RS422 SETUP PAGE ................................................................................................ 88
LAYBACK FUNCTION IN RS422 MASTER .............................................................. 89
USING THE LAYBACK FUNCTION............................................................. 90
RS422 MASTER CONTROL OF NON-LINEAR VIDEO RECORDERS ...... 90
RS422 SLAVE FUNCTIONS ..................................................................................... 91
RS422 SLAVE - EAVESDROPPING MODE ................................................ 91
RS422 SLAVE - FULL SLAVE MODE .......................................................... 92
GPI/O......................................................................................................................... 92
APPENDIX 1 .......................................................................................................................... 98
NOTES ON CHOOSING A DISK DRIVE ................................................................... 98
NOTES REGARDING SCSI ...................................................................................... 98
NOTES REGARDING THE USE OF MULTIPLE DISK DRIVES............................... 99
APPENDIX 2 ........................................................................................................................ 100
OPTION BOARD INSTALLATION ........................................................................... 100
INSTALLING IB-D8DA 8-CHANNELANALOG OUTPUT BOARD .......................... 101
INSTALLING IB-D8AD 8-CHANNELANALOG INPUT BOARD .............................. 101
INSTALLING DIGITAL INTERFACE BOARD .......................................................... 102
INSTALLING GENERAL PURPOSE INTERFACE BOARDS.................................. 102
INSTALLING BUFFER RAM EXPANSION.............................................................. 103
INSTALLING EQ8 EQUALISER BOARD ................................................................ 103
INSTALLING INTERNAL DISK DRIVE.................................................................... 103
CONTENTS

viii DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
APPENDIX 3.......................................................................................................................... 104
PIN WIRING - DD8 (and option boards).................................................................. 104
PRE-READ OUTPUT ................................................................................. 104
ANALOG INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTIONS ............................................. 104
AES/EBU INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTIONS............................................. 105
RS422 9-PIN CONNECTION ..................................................................... 106
BI-PHASE INPUT....................................................................................... 106
BI-PHASE OUTPUT................................................................................... 106
PARALLEL (GPIO) CONNECTIONS.......................................................... 107
PARALLEL (GPIO) INTERFACE ........................................................... 108
GPIO OPTION BOARD BLOCK DIAGRAM............................................... 109
INDEX ..................................................................................................................................110
CONTENTS

Page 1DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION - 1
INTRODUCTION
The DD8 plus is a magneto/optical-based, random-access digital film dubber designed to re-
place the current generation of magnetic film dubbers and multitrack tape machines used in
most film and video post production environments. It features virtually instant locating, conve-
nient removable media, flexible I/O and remote control options together with full data compatibil-
ity and seamless integration with the Akai DD1500 Recorder/Editor.
Being a dedicated system with no host computer required, its performance is optimised for ease
of use and speed of operation with no prior knowledge of computers and/or hard disk digital
recording required.
The DD8 plus is a logical developmement from the original DD8 with new additional features
including support for 20/24-bit audio recording at sample rates up to 96kHz.
SPECIFICATIONS
General
• Digital audio format: 16-bit, 20-bit and 24-bit linear PCM
• Simultaneous recording: 8 tracks max.
• Recording time: 225 track-minutes
(equivalent to 28 minutes/8 track with 2.6Gb MO disk)
• Sampling rate: 48k, 44.1k, 32kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz
(with +0.1% Pull-up and -0.1% Pull-down at all sample rates)
• Recording media: Optional 2.6Gb MO disk / Removable Hard Disk Unit
• Internal drive: 5.25-inch half-height drive bay x 1 mountable
• Display: 248 x 60 dot LCD x 1 - Time, Parameters
8-segment LED x 8 - Peak Level Meter, Track Active, Track
Slip
Warning LED x 3 - Disk Busy, T/C RCV, W/C RCV
• Memory : Flash ROM for OS and Settings
72-pin SIMM x 1 for buffer memory expansion (EDO SIMM,
any size from 2Mb to 32Mb)
• Expansion slot: General purpose slot x 4
Digital audio slot x 1 - TDIF, ADAT orAES/EBU
8-channel analog audio input slot x 1
8-channel analog audio output slot x 1
EQ8 slot (internal) x 1
• Dimensions: 482.6 (W) x 177 (179) (H) x 410 (441.2) (D)mm (max.), 4U
• Weight: 12.8 kg (no options)
• Power: 100-120 / 220-240 VAC, 50 / 60Hz, 90W

Page 2 DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION - 1
Connections
• Video Sync / Word Clock input: BNC x 1 with 75-ohms terminator switch
• AKAINET (Ethernet): BNC connector x 1 with 50-ohms terminator switch
• Pre-Read output: 9-pin D-sub x 1, 14.5Vrms (max.), 560Ω
• Expansion port: 9-pin D-sub x 1, for RC15
• SCSI-A: 50-pin Amphenol x 1 for disk expansion
• Phones: 1/4-inch stereo phone x 1, 15mW 32Ω
• DIP switch x 1 for SCSI-B ID selection
Options
• IB-D8AD - 8-channel analog input board
Balanced inputs, input imp. 104kΩ; Max. input level +24dBu
25-pin D-sub (TASCAM DA-88 pin assignment)
A/D converter 24-bit, 128-times oversampling
Operating level selectable by software [-12, -16, -18 or -20dBu]
• IB-D8DA - 8-channel analog output board
Balanced outputs, output imp. 94Ω; Max. output level +24dBu
25-pin D-sub (TASCAM DA-88 pin assignment)
D/A converter: 20-bit 8-times oversampling
Operating level selectable by software [-12, -16, -18 or -20dBu]
• IB-D8TIF - 8-channel TDIF digital input/output board
25-pin D-sub (TASCAM DA-88 pin assignment) with BNC connector
for Word Clock Out and 15-pin D-sub (TASCAM DA-88 pin assign-
ment) for TASCAM MU-8824 Meter Bridge connection
• IB-D8MA24 - 8-channel AES/EBU 24-bit digital input/output board
25-pin D-sub connector x 1
• IB-802T - LTC interface board
1/4” phone connector x 2
• IB-803M - MIDI interface board
5-pin DIN connector x 3
• IB-804A - 8-channel ADAT optical digital input/output board
Optical connector x 2
• IB-805R - RS422 interface board
9-pin D-sub connector x 1
• IB-806B - Biphase interface board
9-pin D-sub connector x 2
• IB-808G - GPIO parallel interface board
37-pin D-sub connector x 1
• EQ8 - 8-channel EQ board
For the interchangeability of DR8/DR16/DD1500 disks

Page 3DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION - 1
• DL1500 - Remote Controller
• RC15 - User Assignable Remote Controller
*Restriction of board installation: TDIF, ADAT or Multi-AES/EBU interface
Standard accessory
• Cable set for AD/DA boards and SCSI Drive connection: 1
• Power cable: 1
• Operator’s manual: 1
(0dBu = 0.775Vrms)
Trademarks:
Open Media Framework and OMF are trademarks ofAvid Technology, Inc. Macintosh is a registered
trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. All other product and company names are the property of their
respective owners.

Page 4 DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION - 1
FEATURES
• 8-track operation with immediate removability on Magneto Optical (MO) disk (no back-
up required) or removable hard disks. Record times for one side of a 2.6Gbyte MO disk
are 3 hours 40 minutes of mono 16-bit recording at 48kHz and 4 hours of mono 16-bit at
44.1kHz. Effective playback time can be extended using extra MO drives and up to
seven drives in total may be connected using SCSI.
• Plug-and-Play replacement for the Tascam DA-88
• Options include SMPTE/EBU IN and OUT (at all frame rates), Bi-phase IN and OUT, and
RS422 (Sony™ P2 9-pin protocol) .
• The DD8 will convert SMPTE/EBU to Bi-phase and vice versa.
• The DD8 can follow external timecode backwards and forwards, even at slow speeds.
• Wordclock and video sync inputs fitted as standard allowing synchronisation to house
sync, digital audio and PAL/SECAM and NTSC video sync sources.
• 20-bit digital to analogue converters (DACs) with 8 x oversampling and software adjust-
able operating level.
• 24-bit analogue to digital converters (ADCs) with 128 x oversampling and software ad-
justable operating level.
• Custom LSI dedicated for signal processing ensures fast and reliable operation.
• 32 channel ‘polyphony’ allows long crossfades or overlaps to be achieved within a single
track and across all 8 tracks simultaneously.
• Dedicated MTR-style transport keys for play, stop, rewind, fast forward and record.
• The JOG wheel allows you to ‘scrub’ audio across all 8-tracks for editing.
• AKAINET link (a subset of the Ethernet protocol) fitted as standard to allow true remote
control of multiple DD8s from a single DL1500 controller with virtually no limit on dis-
tance.
• 16, 20 and 24-bit audio recording capabilities
• Direct playback of files created on a variety of other manufacturers digital audio worksta-
tions.

Page 5DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION - 1
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This owner’s manual has been written to provide you with the information to get the best
from the DD8 plus . Although it hoped that the DD8 plus is easy enough to use without
constant reference to this manual, please take the time to read it in order to understand
the machine fully. The manual takes you through the machine from scratch, assuming
you have just installed it and you are using it for the first time.
This manual covers all basic functions and operation and, wherever possible, gives hints
andtips and application notes. However,becauseof the diversity of applicationsin which
the DD8 plus can be used, it is not always possible to cover every application specifically.
As such, most descriptions of functions are fairly general unless, however, a certain
function has a specific use in a particular application.
It is assumed that the DD8 plus is being used in audio to picture, the main application for
which it was designed, and it is assumed you have some experience of the techniques
involved in this field.
This operating manual was originally written for the DD8 but also includes details of
features specific to the DD8 plus. Where then name DD8 is used, this can be assumed to
refer to the DD8 plus as well.
As with any piece of new gear, there is always a bit of new jargon to get to grips with.
What follows, therefore, is a short list of some of the terms you will come across during
the course of this manual.
PROJECT This is where you do the bulk of your work on the DD8 and con-
tains all your recordings, positioned at the required times. Think of
it as a reel of multi-track tape if you like, although a project on the
DD8 is actually nothing more than a Qlist or EDL linking cues to
timecode.
The SYSTEM settings, locator memories etc. are also saved with
the project and when a project is subsequently loaded, the whole
system is restored to exactly the status the project was saved in.
NOW TIME The NOW TIME is the DD8’s current internal time position.All work
is done with referenced to this NOW time. The NOW time is dis-
played on many of the LCD pages.
CUE This refers to a piece of audio from its start to its end.
EDIT REGION Thisrefers to thearea selected betweentheIN and theOUT points.
IN TIME This usually refers to the start of an edit (e.g. NUDGE). However,
the IN TIME is also used to set cycle times.
OUT TIME This usually refers to the end of an edit (e.g. NUDGE) although it is
also used to set cycle times.
MARK POINT This is a special marker intended for Biphase synchronisation. It
can be set to define a sync point between audio and film (usually a
cross before the first frame).
LIBRARY A library is a file created for convenient storage of groups of cues
(referred to as ‘clips’). For example, a library may contain sound
effects, or music cues, etc..Although this is not available from the
front panel due to the restriced user interface, the DD8 plus in-
cludes full support for handling library files when a DL1500 remote
controller is attached.

Page 6 DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION - 1
FRONT PANEL
Next to the Power Switch, the 8 LED barmeter displays are used as peak level meters as well as
indicating the track’s status:
ACTIVE Audio data being played from disk.
TRK SLIP Audio track slipped in time from its original location.
The W/C RCV LED is used to indicate the status of the external word clock input. When external
sync is selected, this indicator will light steadily when the correct word clock signal is being
received. If there is a problem with the word clock signal, this LED will flash.
Similarly, the T/C RCV LED is used to indicate the status of the external timecode input. When
externaltimecode is being receivedsuccessfully, the DD8 willplay synchronised to thattimecode
and the T/C RCV LED will be steadily lit. If at any time, the T/C RCV LED flickers, this indicates
a problem with the external timecode such as dropout. The DD8 will ‘flywheel’for a short while in
the event of timecode dropout but, if the dropout is too long, the DD8 will stop playing.
Under the power switch, the PANEL ENABLE/DISABLED switch is used to lock the keys on the
front panel to prevent accidental operation.
The PLAY, RECORD, NUDGE and TRACK SLIP keys are used to select one of the DD8’s
‘PROJECT’ modes, and also determine the current function of the track select keys (1~8 and
ALL).
In the ‘PROJECT’ modes, the track select keys (1~8, ALL) are used for selecting tracks. They
can also be used in some of the setup pages as a numeric keypad. In this situation, theALL key
is used as ‘0’ and the SYNC key is used as ‘9’.
Under the LCD display are 6 soft keys (F1 ~ F6) used to select items on the LCD.
The type of action performed when one of the soft keys is pressed is indicated by the style of the
soft key display shown on the bottom line of the LCD:
• Accessing another page
• Executing a function
• Moving the cursor to the indicated field
PLAY RECORD NUDGE TRACK SLIP
PANEL
ENABLED
DISABLED
LEVEL
MIN MAX
PHONES DISK
DISK BUSY
SYSTEMSTOREGO TO ENTER ESCAPE UNDO
F 1 F 2 F 3
F 4
F 5 F 6
REC
START END
JOG / SPOOL
DATA
+
JOG / SPOOL
DATA
–
ON
OFF
POWER
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 / SYNCALL / 0
DIGITAL DUBBER
ACTIVE
TRK SLIP
CLIP
REF
CLIP
REF
W/C
RCV
T/C
RCV
12345678
CYCLE TO FROM
IN->
OUT

Page 7DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION - 1
Under the soft keys are the transport keys which are designed to emulate those on an MTR as
closely as possible. The keys are:
CYCLE When the CYCLE key is pressed, the DD8 will start playback from
the current time and then continue to repeat between the IN and
OUT times previously stored.
This is the PLAY key.
This is the STOP key and will stop playback, recording, rewind and
fast forward.
This is the REVERSE PLAY key. Pressing it will cause the DD8 to
play backwards. This is a technique used a lot in film applications
where mixing engineers actually mix down backwards in order to
savetime. However, pleasenotethat youcannot recordbackwards.
This is fast forward. Pressing it once gives x 10 play speed; press-
ing it again gives x 100 play speed.
When is pressed during play, the DD8 will fast forward with
‘tape chatter’ just like a standard MTR. In this case, only x 5 play
speed is possible.
This is rewind. Pressing it once gives x 10 play speed; pressing it
again gives x 100 play speed.
When is pressed during play, the DD8 will rewind with ‘tape
chatter’ just like a standard MTR. In this case, only x 5 play speed
is possible.
REC This key allows you to drop in and out of record just like a normal
MTR. Press plus REC together to drop in and press (or ) to
drop out of record.
IN > OUT This will play from the IN point to the OUT point. I.e.:
Because the DD8 automatically places the IN and OUT times at
the start and end of a new recording, you may use PLAY IN>OUT
to check it immediately after recording.
TO This will play up to the NOW time. I.e.:
PLAY TO NOW
This is useful for checking things prior to editing (i.e. to find a good
edit point) but may also be used for checking things on the NOW
time generally.
FROM This plays from the NOW time for a specified duration. I.e.:
PLAY FROM NOW

Page 8 DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION - 1
Next to the LCD is the JOG/SPOOL wheel. The function of this wheel is selected by the JOG/
SPOOL key. Pressing this once will select the JOG function and the LED will light steadily.
Pressing it again will select the SPOOL function and the LED will flash.
The DATA-/DATA+ keys are used to set or change parameter values.
Next to the disk drive bay is the DISK key. Pressing this enters the DISK mode where you can
select functions which are related to the disk drive(s) attached to the system.
The GOTO and STORE keys access the locator pages which allow you to quickly locate the
transport to the required position.
The ENTER key is used to confirm actions or to complete the entry of names, numbers or
timecode values. The ESCAPE key is used abort or cancel the process without committing it.
This is your ‘escape route’ should you be in a situation where you change your mind. The ES-
CAPE key can also be used to take you out of the current page and back to the main play/record
mode.
The UNDO key allows you to undo/redo the last thing you did. If you make a mistake and do
something you’re not happy with, press UNDO and the original data will be restored. If you then
find that you preferred the mistake, press UNDO again to restore the previous version.
NOTE 1: The UNDO function only refers to recording and editing. You cannot undo anything
else. For example, if you load a project and change your mind, you cannot undo that. If you
select some tracks for edit when you really meant to select them for record, you cannot undo
that.
NOTE 2: IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO USE UNDO IF YOU DELETE A FILE (I.E. A PROJECT)
BY MISTAKE. PLEASE TAKE CARE WHEN DELETING FILES.
The SYSTEM key is used to select pages where you can set many parameters to select the
current operational state of the DD8.
Finally, on the other side of disk drive bay, the PHONES connector outputs a mix of all tracks
selected for playback. The headphone level is adjusted by the LEVELcontrol above the connec-
tor.

Page 9DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION - 1
FRONT PANEL - INSERTING AN MO DISK
Assuming you have an MO drive installed, the disk is inserted thus:
WRITE PROTECT SWITCH
(This side) WRITE PROTECT SWITCH (Other side)
The side you wish to use is inserted face up. Power must be on for the disk to be accepted as the
load mechanism is motorised.
Disk Activity Led Eject switch
When the disk is in use (i.e. playing back, recording, saving, loading, etc.), the DISK ACTIVITY
LED will flash.
To eject the disk, press the DISK EJECT button. Power must be on for the disk to be ejected as
the mechanism is motorised.
NOTE: If there is some problem ejecting the disk and/or power is not applied to the drive, you
can eject the disk by inserting a small metal tool in the small hole alongside the disk eject
button. Something like a rolled out paper clip will do it but a special tool is recommended. This
tool may accompany the drive unit.
It is possible to write protect MO disks to prevent accidental erasure, editing, formatting, etc.. To
do this, slide the WRITE PROTECT switch to the PROTECT position. If you only intend to
playback from the disk, it is a wise precaution to write protect the disk to prevent accidental
damage to a project.

Page 10 DD8 plus Version 2.20 - September 1998
INTRODUCTION - 1
REAR PANEL
GND
TERM
ON OFF
TERM
EXPANSION
ON OFF
1-3, HIRANUMA 1-CHOME, NISHI-KU,
YOKOHAM A , JA PAN
MADE IN JAPAN
MODEL NUMBER DD8plus
AKAI NET.
SYNC
IN /OUT
PRE-READ
MIN MAX
LEVEL
ANALOG OUTPUT
ANALOG INPUT
ON
OFF
SLAVE
MASTER
SCSI-B ID
NC
T421
SCSI-A
BIPHASE
SYNC
AES/EBU
DIGITAL I/O
OUT
IN
OPTION SLOTS
There are six slots on the rear panel for installing option cards. The first four slots from the left hand
side are for general purpose interface cards such as the IB-805R (RS422 interface) or the IB-806B
(Biphase interface). The fifth slot is for a digital audio interface card such as the IB-D8TIF (TDIF
interface), IB-D8MA24 (AES/EBU interface) or IB-804A (ADAT interface). The final slot is for the
connector to the Tascam MU-8824 Meter Bridge (this is part of the IB-D8TIF option card).
Therearetwo moreslots availablefor installingtheanalog optioncards IB-D8AD(8-channel analog
input) and IB-D8DA (8-channel analog output).
AKAINET CONNECTOR
This connector is used to connect the DD8 to the DL1500 Remote Controller
TERMINATOR SWITCHES
These switch selects 75Ωtermination for the SYNC connector for use with video sync signals
and 50Ωtermination for the AKAINET connector.
SYNC CONNECTOR
This BNC can accept either TTL wordclock or video sync signals (such as ‘black and burst’
house sync signals) and is used to synchronise the DD8 to an external clock source.
EXPANSION CONNECTOR
This connector is used to attach the optional RC15 User Assignable Remote Controller.
SCSI-B ID SWITCHES
These DIP switches are not in use at the moment (Note that this switch has no effect on the
SCSI-A bus).
SCSI-A CONNECTOR
This 50-pin Amphenol connector is used to connect external SCSI drives to the DD8.
GROUND TERMINAL
This terminal is provided to allow you to earth the DD8 in the event of ground loops.
MAINS INPUT
Mains power is connected here.
PRE-READ LEVEL
This control is used to adjust the level of the oscillator signal that will be generated at the pre-
read output connector.