Akai MT8 User manual

AJiAl
cnoiTAL.
MIX TAB 950510 Printed in J
Operator's Manual
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

Contents
Introduction m*m»m
Protecting Yourself arid the MT8 ........
General Notes on Handling the MT8.*..;..*...u....i.......
Copyright Notice ....i;....;,. ..„....;.i;.;.j......^...i,;...„.....
Warranty,
1. Panel Descriptions
Operation Panel
RearPaml
2. Connection.
3. Operation «.ii^i.M"^..4"«..«.ww..i:.
Powering Up ;:..;*;.:.;;..;..;..:.;.;.;..;;;;„;
4. SpecifIcatioriis
;
Mr8VeMbnl.O 5/95

Introduction
Thank you for buying an AKAI MT8 Mix Tab. Connected with the DR8 Hard Disk Recorder, the
MT8allows remotecontrol of the DR8 internal mixer (TRACKMIX, THRUMIX) with functions like
fading, panning, sending, or EQ processing (if the DR8 incorporates an optional EQ board). It will
be very usehil for you to take snapshots (scene settings) for automated mixing.
Before using the MTB, take time to read this manualthorQughly, Also remember to keep the manual
in aconvenient location for future reference.
Nate: To properly operate the MT8, the DR8software version Uor later is retfuired. Ifyour DR8
uses aprevious version, software update is necessary. Citiiiiult yotir "AKAI professional"
dealerfor detailed information^
Pfotecting Yourself and the MT8
•Allow only an "AKAI professional" dealer or qualified professional engineer to repair or
reassemble the MT8. Apart from voiding the warranty, unauthorized engineers might touch
live internal parts and receive aserious electrical shock.
•Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the MT8.
•Ifwateroranyotherliquid is spilled into oronto the MT8,disconnect the power,andcall yourdealer.
•Make sure that the unit is well ventilated, and away from the direct surUight.
•To avoid damage to internal circuitry, as well as the external finish, keep the MT8 away from
sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.).
•Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc., near the MIS. They maydamage the surface, and may igrute.
•Do not use denatured alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the MT8. They will damage
the finish.
•Modification of this equipment is dangerotis, and can result in the functions of the MT8 being
impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way.
•In order to assure optimum performance of your MT8, select the setup location carefully, and
make sure the equipment is used properly. Avoid setting the MT8 in the following locations:
1. In ahumid or dusty environment
2. In aroom with poor ventilation
3. On asurface that is not horizontal
4. Inside avehicle such as acar, where it will be subject to vibration
5v In an extremely hot or cold envirorunent
General Notes on Handling the MT8
Cleaning the chassis or panels
Use adry soft cloth to clean the device. To remove heavy stains, use acloth slightly damped with
aweak solution of dish washing detergent and water. Do not use other chemicals such as paint
thiimer, benzine, etc.
Aerosol spray insecticides
Do not spray insecticides directly onto the device. The spray may damage the finish of the device.
Relocation
Before you move the MT8, first turn off the DR8, then remove the remote cable connected from the
DR8 to the MT8. Carefully handle the MT8 as it is aprecision device.
Malfunctioning and servicing
If the device is malfunctioning or you suspect the device is damaged and needs to be repaired or
serviced, contact the dealer fromwhomyou purchased the device. If you are traveling, contact the
nearest "AKAI professional" dealer.
Copyright Notice
The AKAI MT8 is acomputer-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 that is protected by copyright laws. All ri^ts are reserved. No part of the software or its
documeruahon may be copied, transferred or modified. You may not modify, adapt, translate, lease,
distribute,resell forprofitorcreatederivativeworksbasedonthesoftwareandite related documentation
or any part thereof without prior vmtten consent from AKAI Electric Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
2MT8 Version 1.0 5/95

Warranty
AKAIEiectricCoXtd. warrantsitsproducts, whenpurdhasedfromana^
dealer, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for aperitkl of 12 (twelve) months from
the date of purchase. Warranty service is effective arul available to the original purchase only, and orrly
on completion and return of the AICAI Warranty R%istration Card within 14 days of purchase.
Warranty coverage is valid for factory-authorized updates to AKAI instruments and their software.
When their irtstailation is performed by an authorized AKAI Service Center, and aproperly
completed 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
piji€ke<i and sltipiped tb tfie nearest AKAI Service C&mr. The party requesting warranty service
must provide proof of original ownership and date of purchase of ttie product.
If tlw warranty is valid, AKAI will, without charge for parfe 6r labor, either repair or replace the
defective part(s). Without avalid warranty, the entire cost of the repair (parts and labor) is the
Teaportsibilitytif the product's 0wner;
AKAI warrants that it will make all necessary adjustments, repairs and replacements at no cost to
the original owner within 12 (twelye) 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 perfprm its speafve^ functions due to defects in workmanship.
3) The product has been maintained and operated by the owner in strict accordance with the
written instructions for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
Before purchase and use. owners should determine the suitability of the product for their intended use,
and ovmer assumes ail risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. AICAI shall not be liable
forany injury, loss or damage, direct orconsequential, arising but ofuse, or inability to use the product.
The warranty provides only those benefits specified, and does not cover defects or repairs needed
as aresult of acts beyond the control of AKAI, including but not limited to:
1) Damage caused by abuse, accident, negligence. AKAI will Rot cover under warranty any
original factory disk damaged of |estroye^ as aTesult ofl!he awmr's mishandling.
2) Damage caused by any tampering, alteration or mbyiificaLtibh of the product: Operating software,
mechanical or electronic components.
3) Damage caused by failure to maintain aitd bpiSiate the product in strict accordance with the
written instructions 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.
IMPORTMJTNOtjB: This warranty heeomei void ifthe produiitprits softvoare 'is> electronically
modified, altered or tampered xmih manyway.{
AJKAI i?hall notbe liable for cbsts involved in packing or preparing the product for shipping, with
rejgard to time, laboir, oj:, materials, shipping or freight costs, or time or expense involved in
transporting the product tb and from AKAI Authorized SeH^ceCehtet oir AuthoiizSxi Dealer.
AKAI will not cover under warranty an apparent malfunction that is detennined to be user error,
or owner's inability to use the product. ., .>i-:.. M.r;,.: v-,^v
THE DURATION OF ANY OTHER WARRAimES, \^mE^ EXPRESS,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED CONDITION OFMERCHANTABILITY, IS
LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN.
AKAI hereby excludes incidental or consequential damages, iyicluding but not liinited to:
1) Loss of time.
2) Inconvenience ''. V. /. '. v
3) Delay mperformance of the Warrarity. rv;
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.
Mt8 Version 1.0 5/95 3

1.Panel Descriptions
Operation Panel
00
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OChannel keys 1-8
These keys select their corresponding TRACK
MIX channels of the DR8. When the THRU MIX
9-16 key is tamed on, the channel teys select
their correspondmg THRU MP^ channels- The
channel keys are ateo msed as the numeric 1-rS
^yfotioxpMm'^^^selection.
eSOLO/9 key
This toggle key turns onor off soloing the channels
currently selected. The SOLO/9 key is also used
as the numeric 9key.
0MACHINeo key
Press this key to select the DR8 machine ID. When
the MT8 is turned on, the green LEDs of
MACHINE/O and channel 1keys will light for a
few seconds to indicate that the current machine
ID is "0"; Channel numbers 1-8 respectively
correspond to machine IDs 0-7. The MACHINE/
Qkey is also used as the numeric 0key.
OtHRU MIX 9-1 6key
Press this key to control the DR8 THRU MIX. (Its
red LED vyill light.) y
0EQ key
With an optional EQ bbsird attached to the DR8,
press this keyfor EQsetting mode. (I ts green LED
'will light.) :\::.-.^^:'-y..-.^...^'
©BUS key
Press this keyto show the "bus-assigned"channels
lit in green. At this point, pressing the channel
keys (1-8) will redo channel-to-bus assignment.
4MT8 Version 1.0 5/95

ODISPLAY key
If this key is pressed, its green LED will light up
and the DR8 display turns into the MT8 graphic
display (initially fader level display). Thiis,ifyou
turn aPAN control on the MT8, the DR8 shows a
panning display, or it shows asend level display
when you turn the SEND 1control, etc. If you
simultaneously control, for insatance, afader and
pan, the DR8 always shows adisplay for the "last
edited" controller at that point. If the DISPLAY
key is pressed asecond time, its greenLEDwill go
but, the DR8 will show the previous dfeplay.
©STORE key
Use this key to memorize amixer setting as a
snapshot with atwo digit number. Pressing the
STORE key will flash its red LED and ones of the
numeric keys (1-8, SOLO/9, MACHINE/0);
Specifying atwo digit number (ex. 0, 3) using the
numeric keys will immediately store tirie current
jxiixersettingasacu^shot "03" andall flashing LEDs
will go out.
©RECALL key
Use this key to recall astored snapshot. Pressing the
RECALLkeywiUflash its greenLEDandones ofthe
numeric keys (1-8, SOLO/9, MACHINE/0);
Specifying atwo digit number (ex. 0, 3) using the
numeric keys will recall the snapshot mixer setting
inurtediatdy and ^flashing LEDs will go out.
#SNAPSHOT key
Press this key to activate auto-mix playback
feature. (Its green LED will light.)
0fader mode (Channel fader/Master fader)
When one of the following fader mode keys is
pressed (with its LED lit), the MT8 will enter
Fader mode and directly control the DR8 internal
level settings.
ABSOLUTE key:
An MT8 fader position and its corresponding
DR8 level are always matched. ^
RELATIVE key:
As an MT8 fader is moved, the correspondiiig
DR8 level will change (increase/decrease) with
the same amotmt.
UPDATE key:
When an MT8 fader is moved over/under the
corresponding DR8 current level, that DR8 level
will change.
Note: When the currentfader modekey is pressed a
second time (Its LED goes out), the MT8
does not send anyfader or pot control value
to the DR8. This is useful when you change
fadermode (RELATIVE toABSOLUTE, etc.)
without drastic level change caused by the
first operation after changingfadermode. (It
depends on previous pannel settings.) Tftus,
you can reset panel settings while "muting"
faders orpotcontrolsuntiltumingtiiedesintd
fader mode key on.
®Channel faders
Use these to change their respective DR8 channel
-levels within arange of 0-127.
®MASTER fader
Use this to change the DR8 MASTER OUT stereo
level within arange of 0^127.
0Fader position LED
These LED indicates that the current fader level
(position) is under/over its corresponding DR8
./level.
•With the left "V "LED lit, the current fader
level is over the DR8 level
•With the right LED lit, the current fader
level is under the DR8 level.
Note: The fader position LED mil go out when
the current fader level matches its
,torreipdttdin^ DR8 level.
®PAN contrtl
This adjusts its corresponding DR8 channel
panning within arange of L63-MID-R63.
Note: Because of f^solution limitation of the
volume control, specific PANvalues will be
rounded to leftmost orrightmostsettings as:
•L62, L60, L58r L56 L63
•R62, R60, R5S, R56 -> R63
If you need aprecise setting for value
:setting, manually adjust it on the DR8.
©FADE control
This adjusts the fade time between snapshots
with OFF (turned to the leftmost), fade time, or
ALL (turned to the rightmost) setting.
Note: Fordetailed information on how to use the
FADE control, see the DR8 Version 1.3
addendum manual.
®SEND 1control
This adjusts the SEND 1/SENDS level of its
corresponding DR8 channel within arange of
;0-127.
<D SEND 2control
This adjusts the SEND 2/SDPAN level of its
corresponding DR8 charmel within arange of
0~127/L63-MID-R63.
©EQ controls
These are usable with an optional EQ board
installed to the DR8. To make EQ settings, press
the EQ key to enter EQ setting mode; Adjust EQs
(Hi, Mid, Low) for channel(s) of current selection
using LEVEL and FREQ controls.
Note: For detailed information on how to use the
EQ controls, see the optional EQ board
manual and DR8 Version 1.5 addendum
manual.
MT8 Version 1.0 5/95 5

Rear Panel
OREMOTE/THRU terminals
The REMOTE terminal is connected with the DR8 REMOTE terminal using the remote cable
included in the MT8 package. The THRU terminal is used to com MT8
REMOTE tenjwsa/ to ge^rateiy contrdTTtACKkbc and THRUMlX^rom tivci of MTSs.
@DIP switches I
Thesg defirie MT8 ID num^ber. DR8 pr EXPANSION mode^ etc..
Note: When two units of MTSs are used, set the
one's ID number to"V', the other to "0".
This will make that MT8for THRU MIX
control. With other ID settings, the MT8
uHll makefor TRACK MIX control
10 settings
lb number DIP switch setting
:1
0OFF OFF OFF
1OFF OFF ON
OFF ON OFF
3OFF ON ON
4ON OFF OFF
5ON OFF :;:pN,,
6ON ON OFF
7ON ON ON
&EXPANSION terminal
This is for future use. fhe MT8 software version 1.0 does not support the function.
EXPANSION
DR8
11-
ID
421
1QBB 0/OFF
1/ON
MT8 Version 1.0 5/95

2. Connection
The following illustration shows two units of MT8s separately control the DR8 TRACK MIX and
THRU MIX. ''^^
IS
wm^mmm «•« ^
PR8 JRemote cable (7 m, included in the MT8 pacicage)
AL-XSO reirtiote cable (50 cm, optional)
MTe#1(for TRACKMIX)
•DIP switch «1 *OFF (ID a0)
•DRB^IEXPANSION DIP aWitbh
:
0R$
MT8 #2 (for THRU MIX)
•DIP fwitch #1 =ON (ID s1)
•ORS/EXPANSION DIP switch .0R8
Holes on connections
1) When connecting the remote cable, always turn the DR8 off. Connect using the remote cable
included in the MTSpackage or pptionftlAli-X^O remote cable, jffthe remote cable is connected
vMletiieURS is turned on, ihdi^Scannot b^^
2) If the remote cable happens to be disconnected during operation, first turn the DR8 off, then
reconnect the cable, and reboot the DR8.
3. Operation
Powering Up
1) Turn the DR8 on.
•Ih^ I^spf the chanpel key "1" and MACHINE/0 key will light for afew seconds and go
out. This indicates that the cuririht inachine ID is "0"; Cfiaiftftfel rtuthbers 1-8 respectively
correspond to machine IDs 0-7.
•The LED of the ABSOLUTE key will light up.
•Whenusing two units of MT8s, one (ID=0) will make for TRACKMIX control and the other
(ID*1) for THRU MIX control.
2) Use the MT8 panel faders and controls to remote control DR8 TRACK MIX. THRU MIX is also
accessible with the THRU MIX 9-16 key pressed.
3) You may store mixing conditions as up to 99 snapshots.
Note: If you arrange those snapshots using the MAPfeature on the DR8, you have afiilly
automated mix playback.
4) To execute auto-mix playback, press the SNAPSHOT key on the MT8, then press the PLAY key
on the DR8.
KITS VefSicrii 1.0 5/95 7

4. Specifications
Operational temperature
Operational humidity
Dimensions
Weight
\DC Stifjplied from the©R8 R©»10TE terminal
:5~40*C (41-104'F)
:30r80% (no condensation)
:320 X82 X243;5 (W XHXD, unit: mm)
:2.1 kg (4.6 lb.)
320
REMOTE/raRU terminal :DIN 8P
EXPANSION terminal :9-pin D-suB (male)
l^^tches :ID selectioii PWEXPANSIdH^ selection
Accessories :Remote cable (7m x1), Operator's Manual
Above specifications are subject to change without prior itotice.
8MT8 Version 1.0 5/95