Sony PCM-800 User manual

SONY.
DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDER
PCM-800
REMOTE CONTROL UNIT
RM-D800
INTERFACE BOARD
DABK-801
OPERATION MANUAL
1st Edition (Revised 1)
Serial No. 20001 and Higher (UC)
Serial No. 50001 and Higher (CE)
ienst Lange Berlin (Germany)

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open
the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
NOT OP!
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.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
For the customers in the USA
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the
limits
for
a
Class
A
digital
device,
pursuant
to
Part
15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the
equipment
is
operated
in
a
commercial
environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
The shielded interface cable recommended in this
manual
must
be
used
with
this
equipment
in
order
to
comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to
Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
VORSICHT
Um Feuergefahr und die Gefahr eines elektrischen
Schiages zu vermeiden, darf das Gerat weder Regen
noch Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt werden.
Um einen elektrischen Schlag zu vermeiden, darf das
Gehause nicht gedffnet werden. Uberlassen Sie
Wartungsarbeiten stets nur einem Fachmann.
For the customers in Europe
WARNING
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment,
this product may cause radio interference in which |
case the user may be required to take adequate
measures.
Pour les utilisateurs en Europe
AVERTISSEMENT
li s’agit d’un produit de Classe A. Dans un
environnement domestique, cet appareil peut
provoquer des interférences radio, dans ce cas
l'utilisateur peut 6tre amené a prendre des mesures
appropriées.
Fur Kunden in Europa
Warnung
Dies ist eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entst6rung
nach Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann im
Wohnbereich Funkstérungen verursachen; in diesem
Fall kann vom Betreiber verlangt werden,
angemessene MaBnahmen durchzufihren und dafir
aufzukommen.
Fur Kunden in Deutschland
Dieses Produkt kann im kommerziellen und in
begrenztem MaBe auch im industriellen Bereich
eingesetzt werden.

BEle)(-me) mOxe) alc=lalts
Chapter 1
Overview
Chapter 2
Location and Function
of Parts
Chapter 3
Preparations
Chapter 4
Menu Flowchart
_ (Using the RM-D800
.Remote Control Unit)
Chapter 5
Operation
(Continued)
3-2
4-1
4-2
4-4
4-5
4-6
5-1
5-2
5-7
5-8
5-9
Features .....csccsscsscccescccecssscsenscsssccsscrsccaccssssecseessossoncsenssvccsooses 1-2
Use of Capital Letters in This Manual................cccsssssesesees 1-4
Front Panel of the PCM-800 .............sccsosscsssssssscssscrenssncreesees 2-2
Rear Panel of the PCM-800 ...............sccssossesssscrssscsesssseoncenes 2-7
Front Panel of the RM-D800 ..................ccsscssssssscsesccenessenees 2-12
Rear Panel of the RM-D800 ...............ccsssssssssscssesseossecseosees 2-17
Precautions .........ccccsccccscccsccccesscscecscscsecsecsenscessncssessoscsensooccsoes 3-2
CONMOCTON aeap ssscesdecsssccas ccna tcorasezesaarateiccin ssa setepoes sesomoesaane 3-4
System Configuration ...........cceccsscescesececectseterseesceeeueesereeeaeses 3-4
When the DABK-801 Interface Board is Installed .................. 3-5
Overview of the Menu Flowchart ........sesrsssessssensessesssssecees 4-2
Menus for Setting the Items of GROUPs 1 and 2............... 4-4
4-2-1 GROUP 1 Ment .....::c.is0sechasacenciewasina 4-4
4-2-2. "GROUP 2 Men isiecietincasiecicietieh nie tercrtaeduinacs 4-5
Menus for Setting the Items of GROUPs 3 and 4............... 4-6
4-3-1 GROUP 3 Men ou... cece eeceeeceeseeeenereneesseeeseeneeees 4-7
4-3-2 GROUP 4 Menu ou... cee eeccesccescsceeseeesseesasceatecseeessenees 4-8
Instant Access to the Memnus..........s.scssccscsssessssscecesssescsssessonees 4-9
Menu for Resetting the Function .............s.ssssscsssssscecsssseess 4-10
Menu for Selecting the Machine................scossssssssssrssssessoes 4-11
4-6-1 Setting the RS-422 Control Mode .......... ee eeeeeeeeeeees 4-12
Formatting a Tape. .........cccccscsscsscesessescenes sadedscaeasscéeasssesesssesese 5-2
Audio Recording ..........secscssssescecccessssescccerssesssscrcessscssescecsees 5-4
Tpitial RECORDS 2uc5cssenteerscccrviveseisnesl cestoencrsnoernnatineuuse 5-4
Punch-in (Insert) Recording ..........cscsesecseseseeseeeceseeeneeeseeeeees 5-5
Copy Between Channels (Track Bouncing) .........ccccsseseeeee 5-10
Entering a Track Delay Time... cece cssssetseereeseesseseeecne 5-11
Variable Speed Playback. .............cscssssscossresseesseceseseonseese 5-12
Autolocation Controls ...............scccccssscsscsseseccesssscsscssesseessoese 5-13
Multiple-PCM-800 System (Without the DABK-801)...... 5-15
SyMchron Zations scctatescvedestralsraleaisateatagcueaiasewohadans 5-15
Striping Time Code (With the DABK-801) .........ssssssssesee 5-19
PECUNIARY ss 2c cadaid en con aevvcavadadsannteadenkatenraenstpubamibecsctalasenbscnteons 5-19
Recording Time Code on the PCM-800 00... cece ceeeeeeeeeee 5-20
Recording Time Code on Other Audio Tape Recorders ........ 5-25
Dubbing Audio and Time Code between PCM-800s
at: Orie Time 356. foc 2s seca cadhoseetédedats Siacvasdoesttiedssasacsccaesseness 5-27
Syncing with the PCM-800 as Slave
(with the DABK-801) ...........ccscsssssosrsscssevesverecceersecsseees 5-30
Procedure for Synchronization... seeeseesceeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeees 5-30
SYNC OfFSCt cos. cesh ss be ceeces ded desiveat-decesenc guise esses datvasstestoveate nes 5-32
Time Code Out Select ............scccssscsscsssscsccsescessscessesees aibesiacs 5-35
Bs SHG Select ccc iccctcosescceccstaabciacannisinsssicaiasstivasssechoneerpaceetses 5-37
Table of Contents
1
(ININIIH

IM
2
Table of Contents
Chapter 5
Operation
Chapter 6
Operation Using the
RM-D800 Remote
Control Unit
Appendixes
Table of Contents
5-10 Setting a Park Position ..............s.sccssssscesssccscsencesssccacseseeres 5-39
5-11 Setting for Video Editing ................cccsecsessscsssssssscsssssscseses 5-41
System Connection Using the BVE-9100/2000/910
Editing Control Unit 2.0.0.0... ccecceesccsceeeescesseestesaseeesesseees 5-41
Setting on the DABK-801 for Video Editing... eee 5-42
6-1 Formatting a Tape............cccsccsssscssssssssecsoecscsscsssssonsnesssssenssens 6-2
6-2 Audio Recording .............csssecsssesccsesssssscscsececcscccsecsscsesceonsores 6-4
6-3 Autolocation Controls............ccsccccsscsssrscrsescsscscccessssosessesseeses 6-6
6-4 Variable Speed Playback .................ssscscccecsescsscescesssnecenseces 6-10
6-5 Entering a Track Delay Time...............cccscssssesssccscconssessees 6-11
6-6 Relative Reference Time Indication ..............cccsssesssssessseses 6-12
6-7 Punch-in Recording ............ccsssssssssssosssossccnscnesccescosscsesseonees 6-13
6-8 Synchronizing Multiple PCM-8005 ............scsesssscssssssesseses 6-17
6-9 Menus Available When a PCM-800 (Machine 1-6)
Es Under Control ..........c.csccccrecesseeccenscecssnssoesesssenesoenseeses 6-23
Instant Access to the Menus You Need Most Frequently ...... 6-23
Function Reset Menu ............:ccesccssssscesseerseecseeeeeeessesenesenesseees 6-24
6-10 Menus Related to Event .............cscsscssscsssescssvssescessesscsessesees 6-25
Event Output Pacey ccs esiyrveastscmsis%acsinnetanscountaseenarereaieate 6-25
Menis for Settins: BVen tis ésscencsecsdevsstansccverdegioraenestoncive 6-25
Menu for Enabling the Event Settings ............essseeseeeeneees 6-26
6-11 Controlling VTRs from the RM-D800 ...............csssssesssseees 6-27
6-12 Remote Functions Operative/Not Operative .......... saoenacbess 6-33
DABK-801 Setting for MIDI Control.................cscecssssscrscsessveere A-2
MIDI Diagrams ...............cccsccscsesssescssecsncsssscsvsssccesscosssasoescesenenees A-5
Error Messages ..........secccscccsseesssescorssescssssnsscsesccsesascocsscsonsssescsasees A-8
Specifications ....ccccccocccccsssecscsossoorsesessocsneseseesccovecsesecsessnasscesossesevecees A-9

|
Features
of
the
DABK-801
¢
All
SMPTE/EBU
time
codes
supported
:
Drop
29.97
Hz,
Non
Drop
29.97
Hz,
30
Hz,
25
Hz
(EBU),
and
24
Hz
(Film).
* Offset sync with subframe accuracy
¢ Automatic offset entry on the fly
Features
of
the
RM-D&00
¢
99-point
autolocator
functions
*
Jog/shuttle
dial
locating
specific
points
on
audio
or
video
tapes
at
variable
speeds
¢
Keypad-entered
time
points
¢
A
variety
of
menu-selectable
options,
including
the
menus
of
synchronizer
(the
optional
DABK-801)
controls
Chapter 1 Overvier
1-3
enaprer TH

Chapter 1 |ll[lii
1-2 Use of Capital Letters in This Manual
1-4
In general, we use all upper case type to designate a particular switch
indicator, control or connector label, as follows:
Hold RECORD and press PLAY.
Chapter 1 Overview

Chapter 1 Overview
1-1
Features
........ssccsssscsscscsescssccscsscssossenecerserecsssnssnssenscneronsssoscvoss
1-2
1-2
Use
of
Capital
Letters
in
This
Manual............c.cccssscersssees
1-4

Chapter 1 |{{l[lll
1-2
1-1 Features
Features of the PCM-800
Chapter 1 Overview
The PCM-800 is Digital Audio Recorder designed for use in a variety
of professional applications. It records 8 channels of digital audio
data on a standard Hi8 video cassette tape, which is compact and easy
to handle.
When the optional DABK-801 Interface Board is installed in the
PCM-800, the PCM-800 can synchronize with a VTR, other digital
audio machines and analog audio machines, based on SMPTE/EBU
time code.
The optional RM-D800 Remote Control Unit functions as the heart of
a production system of digital/analog and audio/video tapes. It allows
you to control up to six PCM-800s: The RM-D800 also supports RS-
422 interface.
* Newly developed high performance/ high wear resistive rotary 4-
head mechanism
¢ Synchronization of up to 16 PCM-800s for a setup of 128 tracks
simply by connecting them in series, without any synchronizer-
controller
Synchronization with video or other audio recorders (analog or
digital) under SMPTE/EBU time code control when the optional
DABK-801 Interface Board is installed
Sound equivalent to CD sound ensured by 16-bit linear quantization
and 48 kHz/44.1 kHz sampling frequency
Auto punch-in/out with rehearsal capability
2-point autolocator
Variable speed playback (up to 6.0% in 0.1 % steps)
Backup memory
The following are retained in a backup memory each time the power
is turned off (battery life is about 50,000 hours) :
- MEMO 1 and 2 points
- Pitch change
- Offset time
- Track delay time
- Crossfade time
- Punch-in and out points
- Preroll time
- DIGITAL IN on/off
- Monitor selection (ALL INPUT, AUTO INPUT and INSERT)
- CHASE on/off
- CLOCK selection
- DISPLAY mode

chapter. lll
Front panel of the PCM-800
2-2
e009 MEMO 2 FI
Chapter 2 Location and Function of Parts
WAR BNC

2-1 Front Panel of the PCM-800
@ POWER switch
Controls the power to the PCM-800.
See also page 1-2, “Backup memory.”
© Tape loading section
Tape loading window
CASSETTE IN indicator
Lights when a cassette is inside the loading
window.
EJECT key
When pressed, the cassette is ejected.
EJECT can operate during stop only.
© Tape locate and specific transport section
AUTO PLAY key
Activates playback at the end of each autolocation
function.
MEMO 1 and MEMO 2 keys
Pressing MEMO | stores the current tape location
into that register, to which the tape will be
autolocated when pressing LOC 1. MEMO 2 is
similar to MEMO 1, and is used to capture any
point to which you can return by pressing LOC 2.
Note
* These keys are disabled during ABS time mode.
¢ The current MEMO 1 and MEMO 2 registers can
be verified by pressing DISPLAY key © (see
page 2-4 “Display Section”). However, when the
RHSL indicator is lit solid, “MEMO 1” displays
the punch-in point, and "MEMO 2” shows the
punch-out point (set during rehearsal setting
mode). Note that these are display
characteristics only, the actual MEMO 1/2
memory registers remain unchanged.
RHSL (rehearsal) key
Puts the unit into rehearsal mode which allows you
to check the auto punch in and out points for
accuracy.
AUTO IN/OUT key
Automates the punch-in sequence (preroll, punch
in, punch out, and postroll) as you have set during
rehearsal.
CLEAR key
Defeats the RHSL and AUTO IN/OUT functions.
REPEAT key
Repeats play between two MEMO points.
LOC 1 and LOC 2 keys
Pressing LOC 1 locates the tape to the MEMO 1
point, and LOC 2 to the MEMO 2 point.
© Fs (sampling frequency) keys
Toggles two sampling frequencies (or rates) for
your choice. When formatting a tape you have to
select 48 kHz or 44.1 kHz depending on the
applications. During play the recorder will
automatically switch to the frequency at which the
recording was made, and either of the two
indicators will light accordingly.
If you attempt to record additional material to
augment the original one, and the incoming
sampling frequency is not the same as that is
previously recorded on the tape, one of the Fs
indicators will flash, warning you that recording
cannot correctly be done.
© FORMAT key
When you format a tape the unit records it with
subcode data, such as ABS (absolute) time. This
ABS data is the elapsed time from the beginning of
the tape, not from any
optionally selectable intermediate point: hence the
name “absolute.”
Formatting a tape erases whatever is previously
recorded on it. To prevent formatting from starting
accidentally, the FORMAT key is not actually
activated unless you press it twice.

Chapter 2 Location and
Function of Parts _
Read this section of the manual to get an overview of the PCM-800
and RM-D800, that way you wiil be able to locate information
whenever you need. It is not necessary to memorize all what is here
nor to try to build up details into a systematic whole to get started.
Functions available only when the optional DABK-801 Interface
Board is installed are also explained here.
2-1 Front Panel of the PCM-800 ............cccccccccsssssssssssssessescencesees 2-2
2-2 Rear Panel of the POPM-8000 .......cccccsscoccsscvccecccccccrccvescesssessosees 2-7
2-3 Front Panel of the RM-D800 ...........cccscosssscccsssserooees dssvadeots 2-12
2-4 Rear Panel of the RM-D800 ..........scssossssssessres issossccssavesveccsee 28 LF

Audio can be recorded while formatting. But it is
advisable to format the tape from the beginning all
the way to the end before recording audio. This
insures against noise and discontinuity of absolute
time data. If you want to record audio data and
format a tape at one time, do not stop recording by
stopping the tape with STOP or PLAY. Press REC
FUNCTION instead, which allows the tape to be
continuously formatted up to the end.
© Peak level meters
Register the signal levels being fed to the outputs,
the levels coming either from the inputs or the
tape, as shown on page 2-5.
@ REC FUNCTION keys
Put the corresponding tracks into Record Ready
mode, or directly into Record if RECORD and
PLAY have previously been pressed.
The associated indicators flash to indicate Record
Ready, and light during Record.
© Vand A keys
Used to enter the following:
* Crossfade time (page 5-7);
* Offset time (pages 5-16 and 5-32);
¢ Track delay time (page 5-11);
¢ Pitch change (page 5-12);
* Preroll time (page 5-6).
The following can be trimmed or finely tuned with
the Wand A keys: .
* MEMO points (page 5-13) ;
* Punch-in and out points (page 5-5).
The keys are also used together with DISPLAY to
get access to:
¢ ABS time indication - if you hold DISPLAY
and press A.
* Track delay time setting mode - if you hold A
and press DISPLAY.
* Crossfade time setting mode - if you hold W
and press DISPLAY.
When the DABK-801 is installed
These keys have multiple uses.
(1) They are used to enter the following:
¢ Offset time (frame or subframe accuracy)
¢ Start time of the internal TC generator (frame
accuracy)
(2) The PCM-800 cannot normally store locate
points (using MEMO 1/2 keys) if no time code
has been recorded on the tape. In this case,
when the display shows ABS time, hold either
of the keys (W/A) and press the other. The
display then switches to allow autolocating
functions in ABS time mode. Pressing
- DISPLAY brings you back to ABS time
display mode.
See page 5-14 for details.
(3) When the display is in TC mode, each time you
press either key (W/A) while holding the other,
the following time code options will switch in
sequence: :
See page 5-19 for details.
30, 29.97 Non-drop, 29.97 Drop, 25, and 24
frame formats.
Pressing DISPLAY brings you back to the
normal TC display mode.
(4) The keys are also used to let the display show
the type of time code being read off a tape
inserted to the PCM-800. To do so:
1 Hold DISPLAY and press W. Time code
numbers will increment in the display as the
tape plays.
2 Hold either W or A and press the other. The
display will switch to show the currently
selected code format.
3 Press DISPLAY again.
* To switch the display back to its TC mode,
press DISPLAY twice more.
Chapter 2 Location and Function of Parts | 2-3
enaprer? HI

chaptr® lll
2-1 Front Panel of the PCM-800
(5) If the display shows a frame-accurate
difference between the master and slave time
code numbers © and you press either key (W/
A) while holding the other, the difference time
at that moment is put into the offset memory
(“auto offset” entry).
(6) If you hold down A and press DISPLAY when
the display is in the TC mode, the display is
switched to show time code coming from the
external equipment (TC indicator flashes).
Pressing only DISPLAY again switches the
display back to the internal TC mode.
© Display section
‘WARNING
SP
ABS MEMO 1 MEMO 2 PITCH
i] a ts] a
TC OFFSET GEN DIFF
t a td a
DISPLAY key
Each time you press this key, the following will
appear in the digital display window in sequence,
as confirmed by the corresponding indicators being
lit next to the display:
(1) ABS (absolute) time (elapsed time from the
beginning of the tape up to the current
position)
(2) MEMO 1 point
(3) MEMO 2 point
(4) % of pitch change
Indications (5) to (10) are available only when the
PCM-800 is ID- numbered “0” and the DABK-801
is installed into that machine.
(5) Time code from the PCM-800 tape
(6) Frame-accurate offset
(7) Subframe-accurate offset
(8) Time code from the internal TC generator
Chapter 2 Location and Function of Parts
(9) Frame-accurate difference between the master
and slave time code numbers
(10)Subframe-accurate difference between the
master and slave time code numbers
Pressing only A in the “subframe-accurate”
DIFF mode brings you back to the “frame-
accurate” DIFF mode.
In TC mode (5) you can select the desired type
of time code.
The GEN mode (8) allows setting the
generator start time.
If the generator is generating time code and
this is feeding the TIME CODE OUT
connector, the time code numbers will
increment in the display, during which the
generator start time cannot be set.
The frame-accurate DIFF mode (9) shows
absolute difference between the master and
slave time code numbers. Once locked
together, the display shows relative difference
(= absolute difference - offset value).
To go back directly to the ABS time display
mode, hold DISPLAY and press the A key.
* To skip directly to the TC mode, hold
DISPLAY and press the W key.
Digital display window
Shows the ABS time, MEMO 1! point, MEMO 2
point, or amount of pitch change (or SMPTE time
code when the optional interface board is
installed), as selected by the DISPLAY key.
The display will also show error messages.
For details on them, see page A-8.
¢ The display can quickly be switched back to
show ABS time when you hold DISPLAY and
press A at any time.
WARNING indicator
Flashes to warn you that trouble occurred. Error
messages will then appear in the display too,
specifying what is wrong.
See also page A-8.

REC INHIBIT indicator
Lights when the tape in use is write-protected.
Check the write protect tab on the cassette.
ERROR indicator
Lights when errors occurred at so constraint a rate
in digital data, that they cannot be corrected.
This indicator also lights to indicate that dirt
accumulates on the heads or tape paths, or that the
tape is damaged. If another tape is loaded and the
indicator does not turn off, consult Sony or your
nearest Sony dealer.
@ VARI SPEED key
When pressed, “PITCH” will appear in the display
and you can use the W and A keys to change the
play (or the record) speed up to +/-6.0 % in 0.1 %
steps.
Note)
The pitch change affects the record speed too.
Check to see that the VARI SPEED indicator is
turned off unless you are using the function
intentionally.
@ DIGITAL IN key
Selects either the analog or the digital input signal.
Pressing this key to turn on its indicator activates
the DIGITAL Y/O port. Turning off the indicator
selects the analog inputs (LINE IN connectors) as
the source of the recorder.
@® REMOTE key
When this key is pressed, and the associated
indicator lights, the PCM-800 is submitted to the
optional RM-D800 remote control unit; and all
controls are disabled except DISPLAY ©, W and
A ©, and STOP @.
® Output signal setting section
ALL INPUT key
When pressed to turn on its indicator, all the
channels’ outputs are switched to carry signals
derived from the inputs, whatever the transport
mode (primarily for alignment).
AUTO INPUT key
When this key and INSERT are both previously
activated, the channel inputs selected by REC
FUNCTION are automatically switched to directly
feed the outputs whenever the unit is in rewind,
fast-forward, shuttle, or stop mode. This allows the
talent in studio to talk to the engineer in control
room without having to change any settings on the
mixer.
INSERT key
Lets you monitor tape during preroll and postroll
for punch-in recording. See table below.
Relationships between the output signals,
transport modes and key settings
All REC
INPUT sss INSERT . - PLAY |RECORD|SHUTTLE| STOP
ached
Bes
Por
@® Transport section
REW (rewind) key
Rewinds the tape at high speed.
Pressing REW during recording punches out and
the tape is rewound.
E.FWD (fast forward) key
Winds the tape at high speed in the forward
direction.
Pressing RK FWD during recording punches out and
the tape is wound.
When you press F. FWD or REW for the first tim:
after turning on or replacing the tape, this will run
at an intermediate speed for a few seconds before
starting running at the expected high speed. During
this interval the transport is detecting the tape
characteristics.
PLAY key
Enables play mode; or, punches out of record if
pressed during recording.
Chapter 2 Location and Function of Parts | 2-5
Chapter? HII]

crap ll
2-1 Front Panel of the PCM-800
RESELL
eE
STOP key
Disables the current transport mode and stops any
tape motion.
RECORD key
Pressing PLAY while holding RECORD initiates
record on any track whose REC FUNCTION
indicator is flashing to show Record Ready mode.
Pressing RECORD during play lets any “Ready”
track punch into record.
SHUTTLE key and the dial
Pressing the key to let its indicator turn on allows
you to use the dial to monitor the tape at variable
speeds in search of a specific point. Turning the
dial to the right of center rolls the tape in the
forward direction, and turning it to the left of
center provides reverse cueing. The further you
turn it in either way, the higher the tape speed will
be. The initial speed is 1/4 times normal play
speed, and if you turn the dial all the way to the
left or right, the tape will play at 8 times normal
play speed.
Pressing the SHUTTLE key during recording gets
you out of record, allowing you to begin to
“shuttle” the tape immediately.
Shuttle function will automatically be disabled if
you leave the dial at its center position for 10
seconds.
® CHASE key
Lets the slave PCM-800(s) chase and lock to the
same ABS time point as the master. Once locked
up, they will play, record, or fast-wind in sync in
response to the commands from the master.
The installation of the optional DABK-801
interface board allows the PCM-800 to run in sync
with VTRs or other ATRs (digital or analog) under
SMPTE/EBU-time code control .
Chapter 2 Location and Function of Parts
@® CLOCK key
For
the
PCM-800
to
function
and
achieve
different
tasks,
it
must
be
referenced
to
different
clocks.
The
CLOCK
key
offers
three
options:
INT: The PCM-800 is referenced to its internal
clock. Use this clock when making a copy from
analog tape recorders.
WORD: The PCM-800 is referenced to the clock
derived from its WORD IN, for syncing up to
other digital audio machines, or for making
digital copy from these onto the PCM-800.
The optional DABK-801 interface board is
required.
VIDEO: The PCM-800 is referenced to the clock
derived from its VIDEO IN, for slaving the
PCM-800 to your VTR or for making a copy of
time code from VTR down to the PCM-800.
The optional DABK-801 interface board is
required.
_ @ TC GENERATE key
Lets the DABK-801’s internal time code generator
start generating time code.
® TC REC key
Puts the time code track (subcode area) on the
PCM-800 into Record Ready mode. The associated
indicator flashes to show Record Ready, and lights
as recording starts.

2-2 Rear Panel of the PCM-800
@® METER UNIT connector (D-sub 15-pin)
Carries the output of eight channels and the power
for driving eight of the twenty-four meters.
@ REMOTE IN/SYNC IN and SYNC OUT
connectors (D-sub 15-pin)
When two or more PCM-800s are hooked up, a
sync signal and commands from the master’s
SYNC OUT connector are fed into the first slave’s
SYNC IN connector; and its SYNC OUT
connector feeds the second slave’s SYNC IN
connector, and so on.
The optional RM-D800 remote control unit may
alternatively be connected to the SYNC IN
connector. The RM-D800 can control a maximum
of 6 PCM-800s, separately.
* Use only the optional RCC-S1 sync cable for
establishing the sync in and out connection.
¢ Use only Sony cables, as there are very specific
cable requirements, these cables are specially
configured for connection to REMOTE IN/
SYNC IN, SYNC OUT, METER UNIT,
DIGITAL IN and DIGITAL OUT.
(Do not use standard computer cables.)
@ WORD SYNC OUT connector (BNC type)
This connector outputs a WORD clock signal
synchronized with one of the AES/EBU digital
audio signals connected to DIGITAL IN connector
@. The DI audio signal to which WORD OUT @
is synchronized to, is determined by internal DIP
switches on the DIO board according to the
following table.
[No.8 [Channel]
[ON _|__ Channels Sand 4
FF
Channels 7 and 8
1) Settings at factory.
| No.4 |
[on
[on
Therefore, if it is desired to use one of the AES/
EBU digital audio signals as the clock reference,
set the internal DIP switches as shown above,
connect a BNC cable from WORD OUT @) to
WORD IN @ and select WORD clock reference
on the PCM-800 front panel CLOCK key ®.
@ WORD SYNC IN and OUT connectors
(BNC type)
The PCM-800 can be based on to the reference
signal derived from the WORD SYNC IN for it to
be slaved to other digital tape machines. Inversely,
it allows other digital tape machines to be slaved
by letting them be based on the reference signal the
PCM-800 transmits from its WORD SYNC OUT.
(For the PCM-800 and other digital machines to be
synchronized, the optional DABK-801 interface
board is required.)
The word sync signal the WORD SYNC
connectors carries may also be used when making
a digital copy between the PCM-800 and other
digital machines.
@ REMOTE CONTROL connector
(DIN 8-pin)
For connection to the optional RM-D800 Remote
Control Unit.
@ REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT connector
( Phone Jack )
For connection to footswitch.
@ MACHINE ID rotary switch
For two or more PCM-800s to be synchronized,
they have to be given their own ID (identification)
numbers. Assign “0” to the master, “1” to the first
slave whose SYNC IN is directly fed with the
master’s SYNC OUT; and, in a similar way, assign
“2” and upper numbers to the remaining slaves in
sequence, in their order of SYNC IN/OUT
connections. “11” and higher numbers are
represented by letters; “11” by “A,” “12,” by “B,”
and so on.
¢ Do not assign the same ID number to two or
more machines. This may cause incorrect
functions.
¢ When operating the MACHINE ID switch, make
sure that the unit is turned off.
Chapter 2 Location and Function of Parts | 2-7
Chapter 2 A

chat lll
2-2 Rear Panel of the PCM-800
|S
er
Perm
AT
@ DIGITAL IN/DIGITAL OUT (AES/EBU)
connectors (D-sub 25-pin) and ERROR
indicator
Inputs and outputs the AES/EBU format digital
audio signals. For the XLR conversion cable
connecting to other equipment, see the figure
below.
DIGITAL IN
Channels
G®@ GOOG @G
(1-2CH) (3-4CH) (5-6CH) (7-8CH)
~2 ®
XLR-3-11C G= @
SIGNAL = ®
SIGNAL = ©
DIGITAL OUT
. Channels
G@ GOOG @Ga
(7-8CH) (5-6CH) (3-4CH) (1-2CH)
XLR-3-12C
G=@
SIGNAL =
oo” SIGNAL = @
Emphasis on the PCM-800 is based on the signals
input to the DIGITAL IN connector. To select the
input channel which will determine the emphasis
setting on the PCM-800, set the internal DIP
switches as follows:
Chapter 2 Location and Function of Parts
1) Settings at factory.
ERROR indicators
5-6 3-4
O0O00
Turns off when the signals are input to the
DIGITAL IN connector correctly.
Turns on when the sampling frequency and the
emphasis setting of the input signals do not match
the setting on the PCM-800 or when no signal is
input to the DIGITAL IN connector.
7-8 1-2 (channels)
@ LINE IN connectors (XLR 3-pin)
CH1 to CH8 receive balanced analog sources.
@ LINE OUT connectors (XLR 3-pin)
CH1 to CH8 for connection to the balanced analog
inputs of external equipment.
@® AC power input connector
Connect to an AC power source.
@ Interface board (DABK-801, optional)
MODE DIP switches
They are all factory-preset to their Down pysitions.
Bit 1. Video 75-ohm switch
1: Leave the switch at this position if 1othing
is input into the VIDEO THRU comector.
0: Set to this position when the VIDEO
THRU connector is connected.

Bit 2. Serial in switch: Submits the PCM-800 to
control signal from its RS-422 connector or
MIDI IN connector.
1: Selects the RS-422 connector.
0: Selects the MIDI IN connector.
The RS-422 connector can be activated only
when the PCM-800 is in its time code (as
distinct from ABS time) controlled mode
(page. 5-19).
Bit 3. Chase mode switch
1: “Rechase” mode: The DABK-801 reads
and compares the master and slave time
code numbers constantly to control the
slave machine with respect to the master.
0: “Free” mode: The slave machine (PCM-
800) is set free from the master once both
are locked together, and starts playing
independently of the master.
Bit 4. Rechase switch: Determines the threshold
of rechase function (effective only when
the Bit 3 chase mode switch is in its Down
position).
1: Each time the difference between the
master and slave time code numbers goes
beyond 1 second, the slave machine will be
got back into sync.
0: Selects a threshold of 2 seconds.
Bit 5. Time code out timing switch
1: Time code is sent out in time with respect
to the analog audio output.
0: Time code is sent out in time with respect
to the digital audio output.
This switch must be set in accordance with the
audio outputs you are actually using; e.g., if the
analog outputs are in use, you have to set the
switch to its Down position regardless of
whether the PCM-800 is in Analog Output
mode or in Digital Output (Digital Dubbing)
mode.
Bit 6.
Bit 7.
Bit 8.
MIDI time code source select switch
: MTC (MIDI Time code) translated from
SMPTE/EBU code read from the PCM-800
tape or generated from the DABK-801 is
sent out the MIDI OUT connector.
The MIDI OUT connector is fed with MTC
derived from the time code input. No
compensation is applied to the signal.
Video sync playback switch:
Determines, when the PCM-800 is slaved
to a VTR, whether synchronization is
achieved using time code or the PCM-800
locks to rising edges of the video frame
ignoring the actual time code numbers.
: For time code based chase and
synchronization.
The PCM-800 locks to rising edges of the
video frame.
Controller switch: Depending on the type
of controller or editor connected to the
ACCESSORY RS-422 connector, set this
switch as follows:
: Leave the switch at this position if your
controller is capable of transmitting a chase
command.
Set the switch to this position if your
controller does not transmit any chase
commands.
If switch Bit 7 is at Down position, switch Bit
8 has no effect whether this is set to Up or
Down position.
Chapter 2 Location and Function of Parts 29
Chapter 2 III

crap lll
2-10
2-2 Rear Panel of the PCM-800
Si
Ua
SN
Sue
cane
as
Rule
Bi
SUR Gee
nearest
alte
eeeette
ae
RS-422 connector (D-sub 9-pin)
This connects to controllers or editors supporting
the Sony 9-pin serial protocol (RS-422). If you are
in doubt about the compatibility of a controller,
consult Sony or the nearest Sony dealer.
This port cannot be used at the same time as the
MIDI connectors, and in ABS time (as distinct
from time code) controlled mode.
TIME CODE connectors (BNC type)
IN: Time code from external equipment other than
PCM-800 (audio or video) is connected here
for the PCM-800 to be slaved to them.
Similarly, when dubbing time code between
PCM-800s, time code from the master is
connected to the TIME CODE IN on the slave.
OUT: Carries time code coming from the tape
inserted to the PCM-800 or from the built-in
time code generator on the DABK-801.
The output level defaults to 2 Vp-p, and can be set
Chapter 2 Location and Function of Parts
for
0.6
Vp-p
by
removing
a
tiny
plug
inserted
into
Hi
at
Sony
9-pin
serial
on
the
SYNC
PCB
and
reinserting
it
into
Lo.
This
should
be
done
only
by
a
qualified
service
person.
VIDEO connectors (BNC type)
IN: Input composite video signals of your VTR.
THRU: Any signals input to the VIDEO IN
connector will be output from this connector.
MIDI connectors
See MIDI diagrams in Appendixes.

2-3 Front Panel of the RM-D800
If you use the RM-D800 to control Sony analog
machines or a VTR, see also “6-11 Controlling
VTRs from the RM-D800”. Some controls on the
remote control unit provide different functions and
some others cannot operate depending on the
machine connected.
@ REC FUNCTION keys
For selecting tracks to be recorded.
If you connect multiple PCM-800s to the RM-
D800 in series, REC FUNCTION 1 to 8 will
control tracks 1 to 8 of machine 1, REC
FUNCTION 9 to 16 will control tracks 1 to 8 of
machine 2, and so on.
The associated indicators flash to indicate Record
Ready, and turn on solid during Record. To punch
the desired track into record, press the
corresponding key while its indicator is flashing.
You cannot operate any REC FUNCTION key if
ALL SAFE @ is activated.
© ALL SAFE/REC STDBY (stand-by) key
Pressing this key toggles the ALL SAFE indicator
and REC READY indicator, putting all tracks of
the PCM-800 currently under remote control into
Safe mode or into Record Ready mode.
© Output signal setting section
ALL INPUT key
When activated, all outputs of the PCM-800
currently under remote control are switched to
carry signals directly derived from the inputs
(primarily for alignment).
Pressing the key again disables the function.
Pressing the local ALL INPUT on any PCM-800
under remote control has also the same effect.
AUTO INPUT key
If this key and INSERT are previously activated,
inputs to the channels corresponding to the tracks
selected by REC FUNCTION are directly sent to
the outputs whenever the PCM-800 currently under
remote control goes into rewind, fast-forward or
stop mode. This allows the talent in studio to talk
to the engineer in control room without having to
change any setting of the mixer.
AUTO INPUT is disabled when you press the key
again. Pressing the counterpart on the PCM-800
currently under remote control has also the same
effect.
INSERT key
When this key is previously pressed, the monitor
will switch to input source signals at punch-in
point, and will switch back to playback signals of
tape at punch-out point.
INSERT is disabled when you press the key again.
Pressing the counterpart on the PCM-800 currently
under remote control has also the same effect.
Relationships between the output signals,
transport modes and switch settings
na oo
PLAY |RECORD|SHUTTLE] STOP
INPUT
INPUT
INPUT
© CLOCK key
Selects the clock to which machine 1 (i.e. the “0”
ID-numbered PCM-800) will be referenced.
INT: Select this position when you use machine 1
as a stand-alone recorder, so it is referenced to
its internal clock.
WORD: Machine } is referenced to the clock
derived from its WORD SYNC IN connector.
This must be selected when machine 1 is
slaved to other digital machines than PCM-800
(the optional DABK-801 Interface Board is
required) or when making dubbing from them
to the PCM-800.
VIDEO: Select this for machine 1 to be slaved to a
VTR by referencing to the clock derived from a
composite video signal coming into the VIDEO
IN connector on the optional DABK-801
Interface Board.
All other PCM-800s connected to machine 1 in
series are referenced to the same clock as machine
1. The local CLOCK key on them cannot then
operate.