Akai RE32 User manual

MULTITRACK REMOTE CONTROLLER
re32
Operator’s Manual
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
000420-3 Printed in Japan

Page i
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.
Theexclamationpointwithinanequilateraltriangleisintentedtoalerttheuser
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instruc-
tions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
THE SYMBOLS ARE RULED BY UL STANDARDS (U.S.A.)
5B-En
WARNING!!
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
1-En
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.
CAUTION
RISKOFELECTRIC SHOCK
DONOTOPEN
Important Notice
The material in this document is copyright to AKAI professional M.I. Corp., and may not be
quoted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the company.
LIMITED SOFTWARE WARRANTY POLICY
All the software provided with, or purchased especially for, AKAI professional products has
been tested for functionality. AKAI professional M.I. Corp. will make its best efforts to correct
reported software defects for future releases subject to technical practicabilities.
AKAI professional M.I. Corp. makes no warranty or representation either expressed or
implied with respect to the system's performance or fitness for a particular purpose.
In no event will AKAI professional M.I. Corp. be liable for direct or indirect damages arising
from any defect in the software or its documentation. Further, AKAI professional M.I. Corp.
will not accept any liability for any programs, sounds, audio recording or sequences stored in
or used with AKAI professional products, including the cost of recovery of such data.
The warranties, remedies and disclaimers above are exclusive and take precedence over all
others, oral or written, express or implied, to the extent permitted by law in the geographical
area of the product's use. No employee of AKAI professional M.I. Corp., agent, distributor or
employee of an agent or distributor is authorised to offer any variation from this policy.
Rev. 3 4/20/2000

Page ii
WARNING
WARNING
The RE32 is designed to be used in a standard household environment.
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure that your
RE32 meets the power requirements in your area. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician or
AKAI professional dealer.
120VAC @ 60Hz for USA and Canada
220-230/240VAC @ 50Hz for Europe
240VAC @ 50Hz for Australia
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE RE32
•Never touch the AC plug with wet hands.
•Always disconnect the RE32 from the power supply by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
•Allow only an AKAI professional dealer or qualified professional engineer to repair or reas-
semble the RE32. Apart from voiding the warranty, unauthorized engineers might touch live
internal parts and receive a serious electric shock.
•Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the RE32.
•Use only a household AC power supply. Never use a DC power supply.
•If water or any other liquid is spilled into or onto the RE32, disconnect the power, and call your
dealer.
•Make sure that the unit is well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight.
•To avoid damage to internal circuitry, as well as the external finish, keep the RE32 away from
sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.).
•Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the RE32. They may damage the surface, and may
ignite.
•Do not use denaturated alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the RE32. They will
damage the finish.
•Modification of this equipment is dangerous, and can result in the functions of the RE32 being
impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way.
•In order to assure optimum performance of your RE32, select the setup location carefully, and
make sure the equipment is used properly.Avoid setting up the RE32 in the following locations:
1. In a humid or dusty environment
2. In a room with poor ventilation
3. On a surface which 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

Page iii
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 theAC mains plug fitted to the lead supplied with this equipment is not suitable for
your type ofAC outlet sockets, it should be changed to anAC mains lead, complete
with moulded plug, to the appropriate type. If this is not possible, the plug should be
cut off and a correct one fitted to suit theAC outlet. This should be fused at 5Amps.
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
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond
with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, please proceed as
follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN and YELLOW must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter E or with the safety earth symbol or
coloured GREEN or coloured GREEN and YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is
marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is
marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
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

Page iv
FCC WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. 21B-En
CHANGESORMODIFICATIONSNOT EXPRESSLY APPROVEDBYTHEMANUFACTURERFOR
COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT. 32-En
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Depart-
ment of Communications. 27-En
AVIS POUR LES ACHETEURS CANADIENS DU RE32
Leprésent appareil numérique n’émentpas des bruits radioélectriquesdépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la Class B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada 27-F
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The AKAI RE32 is a computer-based device, and as such contains and uses software in ROMs.
This software, and all related documentation, including this Owner’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, resell for profit or create derivative works based on the software and its related
documentation or any part there of without prior written consent fromAKAI professional M.I. Corp.,
Yokohama, Japan.
VENTILATION
Donotprevent theunit'sventilation,especially byplacingtheunit onthesoftcarpet, inanarrowspace,
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

Page v
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 purchaser 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 toAKAI professional instruments and their software,
when their installation is performed by an authorized AKAI professional Service Centre, and a properly
completed Warranty Registration has been returned to your AKAI professional dealer.
To obtain service under this warranty, the product must, on discovery of the defect, be properly packed and
shippedto the nearestAKAIprofessional Service Centre. 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 labour, either repair or replace the
defective part(s). Without a valid warranty, the entire cost of the repair (parts and labour) 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 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
the owner 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 the 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 Damage caused by abuse, accident or negligence. AKAI professional will not cover under warranty any
original 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 Damage caused by failure to maintain and operate 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This warranty becomes void if the product or its software is electronically modified,
altered or tampered with in any way.
AKAI professional shall not be liable for costs involved in packing or preparing the product for shipping, with
regard to time, labour or materials, shipping or freight costs, or time and expenses involved in transporting
the product to and from an AKAI professional Authorized Service Centre or Authorized Dealer.
AKAI professional will not cover under warranty an apparent malfunction that is determined to be user error,
or the owner’s inability to use the product.
THE DURATION OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER IMPLIED OR EXPRESS, INCLUDING BUT
NOT 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 lmplied Warranty of Merchantability, applicable
to this product

Page vi
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................... 1
FEATURES .................................................................................................................................. 1
ABOUT THIS MANUAL................................................................................................................ 2
TERMINOLOGY........................................................................................................................... 3
MULTI-MACHINESYSTEM .......................................................................................................... 5
REAR PANEL............................................................................................................................... 6
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS........................................................................................................... 7
SETTING MACHINE ID NUMBERS ............................................................................................ 8
SETTING MACHINE ID NUMBERS - DR16pro........................................................................... 8
SETTING MACHINE ID NUMBERS - DD8 .................................................................................. 8
POWERING UP THE RE32 SYSTEM ......................................................................................... 9
RE32 PANEL LAYOUT...............................................................................................................10
VGA DISPLAY ............................................................................................................................ 12
NAVIGATING THE RE32 ........................................................................................................... 15
CURSOR KEYS ......................................................................................................................... 15
GETTING AROUND A PROJECT .............................................................................................. 21
GETTING STARTED - BASIC CONCEPTS ............................................................................................... 24
CUE............................................................................................................................................ 24
EDIT REGION............................................................................................................................ 24
SELECT Q ................................................................................................................................. 24
BASIC SYSTEM SETTINGS...................................................................................................... 26
FORMATTING DISKS................................................................................................................28
VGA SETUP............................................................................................................................... 31
RECORDING .............................................................................................................................................. 35
BASIC RECORDING .................................................................................................................35
ADVANCED RECORDING ........................................................................................................ 37
RECORD DISKS........................................................................................................................ 40
RECORD TYPE ......................................................................................................................... 41
RECORD SETUP....................................................................................................................... 43
AUTO PUNCH-IN/OUT .............................................................................................................. 46
REHEARSE ............................................................................................................................... 46
INPUT ROUTING -ASSIGNING INPUTS TO TRACKS ............................................................ 47
INPUT ROUTING - DR16pro ..................................................................................................... 48
NPUT ROUTING - DD8 (or DD8plus) ........................................................................................ 49
INPUT ROUTING - DD1500 ...................................................................................................... 50
RECORDING DIGITALLY .......................................................................................................... 52
PLAYING BACK AUDIO MATERIAL ......................................................................................................... 54
GROUPING TRACKS ................................................................................................................ 57
AUTOLOCATOR......................................................................................................................................... 57
LOCATING TO THE START OR END OFAPROJECT............................................................. 57
LOCATING TO THE NEXT OR PREVIOUS CUES ................................................................... 57
LOCATING TO TIMECODE POSITIONS................................................................................... 57
LOCATING TO LOCATOR MEMORIES .................................................................................... 57
STORING LOCATE MEMORIES ............................................................................................... 57
CLEARING LOCATE MEMORIES ............................................................................................. 58
CLEARING SINGLE LOCATE MEMORIES ................................................................... 58
CLEARING ALL LOCATE MEMORIES........................................................................... 58
CYCLE ....................................................................................................................................... 59
PRE-ROLL ................................................................................................................................. 60
EDITING ................................................................................................................................................... 61
EDIT KEY................................................................................................................................... 61
EXIT KEY ................................................................................................................................... 61
UNDO KEY ................................................................................................................................ 61
REDO (SHIFT+UNDO) .............................................................................................................. 61
EXECUTE KEY .......................................................................................................................... 61
IN KEY ....................................................................................................................................... 61
SYNC KEY ................................................................................................................................. 61

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OUT KEY ................................................................................................................................... 61
TO SELECT A WHOLE TRACK ................................................................................................. 62
TO SELECTATRACK FROM THE IN POINT TO THE END .................................................... 62
TO SELECTATRACK FROM THE OUT POINT TO THE START ............................................ 63
TO SELECTATRACK FROM THE SYNC MARK TO THE START OR END............................ 63
SELECT Q KEY ......................................................................................................................... 63
MULTI- MACHINE EDIT ............................................................................................................................. 64
COPYING A REGION ................................................................................................................64
MULTITRACK PASTE ................................................................................................................66
MULTITRACK INSERT .............................................................................................................. 66
MULTITRACK OVERLAY........................................................................................................... 67
CUT............................................................................................................................................ 68
ERASE ....................................................................................................................................... 68
DISCARD ................................................................................................................................... 68
SPLIT EDIT ................................................................................................................................ 69
SINGLE MACHINE EDIT............................................................................................................................ 70
EDIT CLIPBOARD ..................................................................................................................... 70
COPY TO CLIPBOARD ............................................................................................................. 72
CUT TO CLIPBOARD ................................................................................................................74
CUT FORWARDS TO CLIPBOARD (SHIFT+CUT) ................................................................... 75
ERASE TO CLIPBOARD ........................................................................................................... 76
DISCARD ................................................................................................................................... 77
PASTE FROM CLIPBOARD ...................................................................................................... 78
PASTING TO OUT AND SYNC REFERENCES ........................................................................ 79
INSERT FROM CLIPBOARD..................................................................................................... 80
INSERTING TO OUTAND SYNC REFERENCES .................................................................... 81
OVERLAY FROM CLIPBOARD ................................................................................................. 82
OVERLAYING TO OUTAND SYNC REFERENCES................................................................. 82
MOVE REGION ......................................................................................................................... 83
NUDGING IN/SYNC/OUT TIMES .............................................................................................. 84
NUDGING AUDIO ...................................................................................................................... 84
UNDOING A NUDGE .................................................................................................................85
NUDGE SET (SHIFT+NUDGE) ................................................................................................. 85
SPLIT CUE................................................................................................................................. 86
IN->NOW (SHIFT+IN) ................................................................................................................ 87
EDIT PLAY KEYS ...................................................................................................................... 90
SELECT CUE/EDIT CUE........................................................................................................... 91
USING EDIT CUE TO AFFECT MULTIPLE CUES .................................................................... 94
CROSSFADE TOOLS................................................................................................................ 95
DISK MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................................ 98
SAVING PROJECTS.................................................................................................................. 98
SAVING A PROJECT WITH A DIFFERENT NAME ...................................................... 101
SAVING LOCATOR MEMORIES OR OTHER SETTINGS........................................... 101
LOAD ....................................................................................................................................... 102
CREATING A NEW PROJECT................................................................................................. 104
DISK UTILITIES ....................................................................................................................... 105
DISK INFO ............................................................................................................................... 105
DISK DIRECTORY................................................................................................................... 106
COPYING FILES/DISKS.......................................................................................................... 107
DELETE FILES .........................................................................................................................111
RENAMING FILES................................................................................................................... 112
BACKING UP YOUR WORK ................................................................................................... 113
BACKING UP TO SCSI TAPE DRIVES ........................................................................ 113
FORMATTING A TAPE FOR BACKUP ......................................................................... 114
BACKING UP SELECTED FILES................................................................................. 116
BACKING UPALL PROJECTS AND/OR LIBRARIES.................................................. 117
BACKING UPAN ENTIRE DISK .................................................................................. 117
PERFORMING THE BACKUP ..................................................................................... 118
VERIFYING A BACKUP................................................................................................ 120

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RESTORING ABACKUP.............................................................................................. 121
PERFORMING A RESTORE ........................................................................................ 122
RESTORING THE ENTIRE BACKUP .......................................................................... 125
NOTES ABOUT BACKUP/RESTORE .......................................................................... 126
SUGGESTIONS FOR BACKUP/RESTORE................................................................. 127
TAKING CARE OF YOUR TAPE DRIVE ...................................................................... 128
ARCHIVING DATA TO DAT .......................................................................................... 129
RESTORING FROM DAT ............................................................................................. 132
CLEANUP DISK ........................................................................................................... 133
MINIMISE DISK ............................................................................................................ 134
DISK COMPATIBILITY ............................................................................................................................. 136
MACINTOSH............................................................................................................................ 136
PROTOOLS IMPORT ................................................................................................... 137
CREATING PROTOOLS SESSIONS ........................................................................... 138
WAVEFRAME .......................................................................................................................... 139
FAIRLIGHT MFX3PLUS........................................................................................................... 140
MSDOS (FAT16) ...................................................................................................................... 140
SYSTEM SETUP ...................................................................................................................................... 141
SETUP - MULTI ....................................................................................................................... 142
DISPLAY ....................................................................................................................... 143
DISPLAY OFFSET........................................................................................................ 144
FOOTAGE DISPLAY .................................................................................................... 144
RECORD SETUP ......................................................................................................... 145
SPEED.......................................................................................................................... 148
TEMPO MAPS .............................................................................................................. 149
CREATING A MIDI TEMPO MAP ................................................................................. 150
DELETING TEMPO MAP STEPS ................................................................................ 151
LOCATING TO STEPS ................................................................................................. 151
MORE SETUP FUNCTIONS ................................................................................................... 152
SAVE SETTINGS ......................................................................................................... 152
LOAD SETTINGS ......................................................................................................... 152
INFO ............................................................................................................................. 153
SETUP - SINGLE MACHINE ................................................................................................... 154
DIGITAL SETTINGS ..................................................................................................... 154
DIGITAL OUTPUT FORMAT ........................................................................................ 157
OUTPUT DE-EMPHASIS ............................................................................................. 157
SYNC SETTINGS......................................................................................................... 158
RECORD SETUP..................................................................................................................... 162
OPERATING LEVELS.............................................................................................................. 162
REMOTE PAGES..................................................................................................................... 163
GPIO SETUP ........................................................................................................................... 164
USER KEYS............................................................................................................................. 168
RC15 CONNECTION............................................................................................................... 170
SYNCING TO EXTERNAL TIMECODE ................................................................................................... 171
SETTING TIMECODE OFFSETS ............................................................................................ 172
ADVANCED OFFSETS............................................................................................................ 173
RS422 MASTER CONTROL .................................................................................................................... 175
LAYBACK FUNCTION IN RS422 MASTER............................................................................. 176
USING THE LAYBACK FUNCTION......................................................................................... 177
RS422 MASTER CONTROL OF NON-LINEAR VIDEO RECORDERS .................................. 178
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 179
INDEX ................................................................................................................................................ 180-182

Page ix

Version 1.00 1
INTRODUCTION
The staff at AKAI professional would like to thank you for buying the RE32 Multi-track Remote
Controller. We are confident that the RE32 will be a sound investment, offering many years of
reliable service and will be a product you can rely on in your daily work.
The RE32 is designed to be used with Akai DD/DR-Series Hard Disk Recorders (such as the
DR16pro, DD8, DD8plus or DD1500) allowing control of up to 128 tracks of audio.
Dedicated track select keys, transport keys and autolocator functions give the RE32 the feel of a
conventional MTR whilst access to sophisticated editing functions are also provided allowing you
to edit audio quickly and precisely. The jog wheel allows you to ‘scrub’audio across all tracks just
like reel rocking ordinary tape.
The RE32 is connected to the machines via Ethernet and includes a built-in VGA display capable
of displaying metering and scrolling track information for all of the connected machines. A simple
but effective colour scheme eliminates eye strain even in prolonged sessions. You will no doubt be
pleased to know that the screen you see on the monitor is the only one you work in and there are
no multiple, stacked ‘windows’ to confuse you!
FEATURES
•Traditional recording and monitoring functions
• Dedicated track select keys for easy selection of play, mute, edit and record.
•Large dedicated MTR-style transport keys.
• The weighted jog wheel allows you to ‘scrub’ audio across all tracks for editing.
• MTR style autolocator with 100 locate memories and 100 ‘grab’ markers.
•Detailed track editing with waveform display.
•Powerful multi-track editing functions,
• LED timecode display
• 248x60 pixel LCD display for parameter settings and function selection.
• PS/2 keyboard input for easy naming of audio takes.
• Custom graphics LSI ensures fast screen re-drawing and updates on any size S-VGAmonitor.
• The AKAINET link from the RE32 to the connected machines allows true remote control with
virtually no limit on distance.
TRADEMARKS
Digidesign and Protools are registered tademarks of Digidesign and/orAvidTechnology, Inc.
Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. All other trademarks, product
and company names are the property of their respective owners.

2Version 1.00
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This owner’s manual has been written to provide you with the information to get the best from the
RE32. Although it hoped that the RE32 is easy enough to use without constant reference to this
manual, please take the time to read it in order to understand the system fully. The manual takes
you through the available functions 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 and tips
and application notes. However, because of the diversity of applications in which the RE32 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.
The availability of some functions on the RE32 may depend on the facilities provided by the
connected machines. For example, the DD8plus provides certain features not available on the
DR16pro. This manual will give an indication where certain functions may be unavailable. Please
refer to the manuals provided with each machine for further details.

Version 1.00 3
INTRODUCTION
As with any piece of new gear, there is always a bit of new jargon to get to grips with. The RE32 is
no exception! What follows, therefore, is a short list of some of the terms you will come across
during the course of this manual.
GRID This stands for GRaphic Interface Displayand refers to the track display onthe
external monitor.
PROJECT Thiscontains all your recordings, edited andpositionedas required and shown
on the GRID. Think of it as a reel of multi-track tape if you like and the GRID as
an animated track sheet.
A PROJECT also contains autolocator memories, MIDI tempo maps, etc., and
these are all saved with the project. The SYSTEM settings 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. For example, the tracks
selectedfor playback, editingand/orrecord, the samplerate,external timecode
selection, input routing, etc.. All these will be explained later.
Eachconnectedmachine actuallyhas itsown PROJECTcontainingaudio tracks
on that machine but the RE32 assembles this information for display on the
monitor as a single ‘multi-track’ PROJECT.
NOW TIME In the centre of the GRID are two vertical lines. The centre of these two lines is
known as the NOW TIME and the actual NOW time is shown in the display
above it (and on the LED timecode display).All work is done with referenced to
this NOW time. For example, to select a cue for editing, move it to the NOW
time and press SELECT Q. Marking IN times and OUT times and locate
memories is also done referenced to the NOW time.
CUE This refers to a piece of audio from its start to its end in the GRID. In this
manual, a cue may be referred to as “a stereo cue” - this is actually two mono
cues across two (normally adjacent) tracks that make up a ‘stereo’ cue.
EDIT REGION This refers to the area selected between the IN and the OUT points.Atrack (or
tracks) must be selected for editing and the edit region is highlighted green on
the external monitor.
IN TIME This usually refers to the start of an edit. However, the IN TIME is used to set
auto punch-in and cycle times as well. It is marked by pressing the IN key
located above the jog wheel.
OUT TIME This usually refers to the end of an edit although it is also used to set auto
punch-outand cycle times. Itis marked by pressing theOUT key located above
the jog wheel.
SYNC POINT This is a special marker you can place within an edit region or cue for sync
purposes.
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).

4Version 1.00
INTRODUCTION
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 the library function is not supported on the RE32, several disk
related functions can be used on disks containing library files made on another
system.
MULTI-MODE Most operations on the RE32 are designed to make the system feel like a
single multi-track tape machine even if the tracks are on two or more individual
machine. For example, in a system with two DR16pro machines, selecting
‘Track 17’on the RE32 will actually select Track 1 on the second machine. This
method of operation is referred to in this manual as MULTI-MODE.
SINGLE-MODE This refers to an alternate method of operation where each machine is used
individually. This may be necessary for configuring the system for more
complicated environments.

Version 1.00 5
INTRODUCTION
MULTI-MACHINE SYSTEM
The followingshows a typical multi-machine system
Audio is recorded through the inputs (analogue and/or digital) directly to project tracks on each
machine and displayed in the GRID as a multi-track project ready for editing etc.. For example,
you may record a long vocal onto track 1, edit out all the mistakes, coughs, breath noises and
other unwanted artefacts and simply save the project. You can also copy audio from one region of
the project to another region as required.
Audio can be recorded directly into the GRID at the timecode position you want it. That audio may
subsequently be edited, crossfaded, etc., as appropriate for the project.
Whenseveral machines are connected to theRE32to expand the total number oftracks available,
the system will behave as if there is a single ‘multi-track’ project encompassing all of these tracks.
However, in reality each connected machine maintains its own internal project containing data for
the tracks assigned to that machine. Usually, you do not need to worry about the fact that there
maybe several machines connected as theRE32will control them as a single‘multi-track’ system.
However, there may be times when you want to do something specifically on one machine and the
RE32 will allow you to do this as well if you wish as explained during the course of this manual.
Of course, your setup need not be as elaborate as the one shown above and an RE32 with just
one or two 16-track machines is a powerful combination.

6Version 1.00
INTRODUCTION
REAR PANEL
In this section, we take a look at the RE32’s rear panel connections.Actual operation of the RE32
will be discussed later.
DISPLAY
Thisconnects toany standard S-VGAmonitorsuch as youwould use withany PC.Youwill probably
havebought amonitor withthe systemassupplied byyour dealerbut, ifnot,any reputablecomputer
store will be able to sell you one. Any monitor should be able to be used but there are many
monitors of different quality available (usually reflected in the price!) and some may not give as
good results as others. For example, some may have a particular blue, red or green bias to them,
othersmaynot haveparticularlyclearcolourcontrast andmayappear ‘hazy’or nothavea particularly
sharp focus. Other monitors can be sometimes show a faint image of screen items twice resulting
in a ‘ghosty’ image that is difficult to read (especially text). If you are buying a monitor and have
anydoubts, please contact your dealerwho will no doubt beableto recommend a suitable monitor.
Any size monitor may be used and the graphics automatically resize accordingly. You may even
use very large RGB monitors but you will need a suitable S-VGAto RGB converter for this.Again,
please speak to your dealer for information on choosing and connecting a monitor.
KEYBOARD
This mini DIN socket will accept a PS/2 compatible PC keyboard and is provided to make the
naming of files easier.
EXPANSION CONNECTION
This connector is used to attach the optional RC15 User Assignable Remote Controller.
AKAINET
This takes a standard BNC Ethernet cable and is used to connect the RE32 to other machines in
the system. You may use the cable provided but, if longer lengths are required, any reputable
computer store should sell BNC Ethernet cables in a variety of lengths.
If you choose to use a cable other than the one provided, please make sure it is a high quality one.
If there are any problems with the cable or the BNC plugs, you will have communications problems
and erratic and unreliable performance.
TERM
This switches termination for the AKAINET connection on or off.
SIGNAL GND
This can be used to overcome ground loops in a complex system.
MAINS INPUT
Mains power is connected here.

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INTRODUCTION
The external monitor is a standard S-VGA colour monitor such as you would use with any PC
and any size may be used.
Of course, to this basic system, you may add analogue and/or digital inputs and outputs for use
with an external mixer.
If you plan to do a lot of naming of recordings and files, an external PC keyboard is
recommended.
All the machines in the system are connected together (and to the RE32) using standard
Ethernet BNC cables. These are chained between theAKNET BNC connectors on each
machine using BNC ‘T’ connectors to link each cable (in 16-bit DD8s, an Ethernet option board
must be installed).
It is essential that the TERMINATOR switch is switched to the ON position on the first and last
units in the chain. Failure to do so will prevent correct communications and the system will not
work.
NOTE: The AKNET interface used in the Akai DD/DR system is 10-Base-2 Ethernet. There
are certain rules that must be adhered to when setting up the system to ensure reliable
operation:
• All cables should be 50 ohm impedance.
• There should be a maximum of 185m of cable in the system between the first and last
nodes.
• There should be at least 0.5m of cable between each connection.
Terminator ON Terminator ON
Terminator ON
Terminator OFF
To S-VGA monitor
Terminator OFF
MULTITRACK REMOTE CONTROLLER
INPSTOLOC
REMOTE REMOTE

8Version 1.00
INTRODUCTION
SETTING MACHINE ID NUMBERS
When multiple machines are connected to the RE32, each must be assigned a unique MACHINE
NUMBER before the system is used for the first time. These must be assigned sequentially from 1
to the number of machines in the system and are used to allocate tracks to machines by the RE32.
Example 1: With two DR16pro machines:
Machine “1” = Tracks 1-16
Machine “2” = Tracks 17-32
Example 2: With three DD8 machines:
Machine “1” = Tracks 1-8
Machine “2” = Tracks 9-16
Machine “3” = Tracks 17-24
Please refer to the machine’s own operators manual for detailed information. The following is
intended to provide a brief description relevant to certain machines:
SETTING MACHINE ID NUMBERS - DR16pro
The DR16pro’s MACHINE NUMBER assignment may be set as follows:
1. Press the SUB-MENU key followed by the 3 (SETUP) key on the numeric keypad then
select AKAINET on the display by rotating the JOG/SHUTTLE control.
2. Press the STORE/ENT key. The message MACHINE 01 will appear in the display showing
the current Machine ID.
3. Use the JOG wheel to select the required Machine ID number and press the STORE/ENT
key to confirm the assignment and exit the menu.
SETTING MACHINE ID NUMBERS - DD8
The DD8’s MACHINE NUMBER assignment is set on the AKNET INFO page which is accessed
from REMOTE page in the SYSTEM menus. On the front panel of the DD8, press the SYSTEM
key, followed by the MORE (F6) key then the REMOTE key (F2). Finally, press the AKNET key
(F1) and you will see the following screen:
Note: DD8’s front panel LCD
TheNUMBERfield showsthe MACHINENUMBER currentlyassigned.Youmaychange thenumber
using the DATA +/- keys and then save the new setting to flash ROM.
NOTE: Please refer to the operators manual provided with each machine for more detailed
information about setting MACHINE NUMBERs.

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INTRODUCTION
POWERING UP THE RE32 SYSTEM
First, turn on any disk drives that may be connected to the system. Next, turn on the individual
machines (DR16pro, DD8plus etc.). The machines will ‘talk to’ their disk drives and you will see
some disk activity as they do this. When this has settled down, turn on the RE32. The external
monitor screen can be switched on at any time and will have no effect on the system.
When you power up the RE32, the RE32 will scan the ethernet bus for connected machines. You
will see this screen display momentarily:
A few seconds later, you will see this screen:
This indicates that the RE32 has successfully established communications with the connected
machines. A few seconds after the RE32 is booted, you will see this screen which indicates that
the system is ready for use:
Ifthere isa problem withtheAKAINETconnections, thesystem will displaythis screenpermanently:
This indicates that the RE32 has detected a fault and cannot communicate with the connected
machines.If thisoccurs, checktheAKAINETBNC cablesto makesure theyaresecurely connected.
If that seems o.k., check the AKAINET termination switches. As shown in the diagram in the
previous section, the TERMINATOR must be switched ON on the first and last devices in the chain
and switched OFF on all other devices.
If this doesn’t work, try powering everything down and trying again. If you still find that you cannot
boot up, please contact your dealer.
But take heart! This should not happen and if you do have problems, you will probably find it is
nothing more serious than a damagedAKAINET BNC cable or that theAKAINET termination has
been incorrectly set. If these are alright, however, but the problem persists, you should contact
your dealer.

10 Version 1.00
INTRODUCTION
PANEL LAYOUT
The RE32 is an MTR style remote controller with many commonly used functions available on
dedicated keys. If you break down the RE32’s panel into its various sections, it really is quite
straightforward to understand and use.
MULTITRACK REMOTE CONTROLLER
INPSTOLOC
Track Select Keys
Track Mode
Timecode Display
LCD Jog Wheel
Utilities
Data Entry
Transport Keys
Across the top of the panel are the track select keys. The top row of keys are used to turn tracks on
and off for playback. The second row of keys are used to either select tracks for recording or for
editing. When these keys are showing edit tracks, they are illuminated in green whilst record track
selections are shown illuminated in red.
The TRACK MODE keys are used to setup the function of the track select keys.
The TRACKS key is used to select which bank of
tracks are currently assigned to the 32 track keys.
The RE32 can control up to 128 tracks in 4 banks.
The currently selected bank is indicated by the
column of LEDs next to the TRACKS key.
The GROUP keys allow you to store and recall combinations of track settings.
The LCD displays information concerning the status of the system at any time as well as being
used to provide soft keys, the function of which changes according to the system’s status.
The TIMECODE DISPLAY shows the current now time.
The UTILITIES keys give you access to functions such as DISK, SETUP, EDIT, PREROLL etc..
The amber SHIFT key gives access to keys’ sub-functions and these are shown in amber text
beneath the keys.
The TRANSPORT keys provide the basic PLAY, STOP, REWIND, FAST FORWARD, etc.. They
also offer special ‘edit play’keys used when editing and these include PLAY TO, PLAY FROM etc..
TRACKS
65 -96
1-32
97-128
33 -64