Tascam FW-1884 User manual

Professional Control Surface / FireWire Audio-MIDI Interface
OWNER’S MANUAL
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the pres-
ence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, 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 appliance has a serial number
located on the rear panel. Please record
the model number and serial number
and retain them for your records.
Model number
Serial number
Ü
ÿ
Ÿ
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
D00731500A
The following marking is located on the bottom of the unit:

2TASCAM FW-1884 Owner’s Manual
TO THE USER
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 residental area
is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipment not
expressly approved by TEAC CORPORATION
for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.
For the consumers 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
Il 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 être amené à prendre
des mesures appropriées.
Für Kunden in Europa
Warnung
Dies ist eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstörung nach
Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann im Wohnbereich
Funkstörungen versursachen; in diesem Fall kann vom
Betrieber verlang werden, angemessene Maßnahmen
durchzuführen und dafür aufzukommen.
For U.S.A
Important Safety Precautions
IMPORTANT (for U.K. Customers)
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment.
If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home
or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an
appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer.
If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove the fuse and
dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid a possible shock hazard
by inadvertent connection to the mains supply.
If this product is not provided with a mains plug, or one has to be
fitted, then follow the instructions given below:
IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are coloured in
accordance with the following code:
GREEN-AND-YELLOW : EARTH
BLUE : NEUTRAL
BROWN : LIVE
WARNING: This apparatus must be earthed.
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 proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN-and-YELLOW must be
connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the letter
E or by the safety earth symbol ç or coloured GREEN or
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.
When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type
should be used and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover.
IF IN DOUBT — CONSULT A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN.
For CANADA
This class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la class A est conforme à la
norme NMB-003 du Canada
CE Marketing Information
a) Applicable Electromagnetic Environment: E4
b) Peak inrush current: 7A

TASCAM FW-1884 Owner’s Manual 3
Important Safety Instructions
1Read these instructions.
2Keep these instructions.
3Head all warnings.
4Follow all instructions.
5Do not use this apparatus near water.
6Clean only with dry cloth.
7Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8Do not install near any heat sources such as radia-
tors, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. Grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are pro-
vided for your safety. If the provided plug does not
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience recep-
tacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14 Refer all serving to qualified service personnel. Ser-
vicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such
as vases, on the apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space
such as a book case or similar unit.
• The apparatus draws nominal non-operating
power from the AC outlet with its POWER switch
in the off position.

Table of Contents
4 TASCAM FW-1884 Owner’s Manual
1 – Introduction
1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4 In The Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.5 Nomenclature Used In The Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.6 Software application notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.7 Special notes for touch-faders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.8 Copyright, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 – Controls And Indicators
2.1 Front Panel Illustration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Rear Panel Illustration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.3 Front Panel Control Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.4 Rear Panel Control Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3 – Functional Overview
3.1 Control Surface Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.2 Global Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.3 Dedicated Computer Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.4 Dedicated Modifier Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.5 MIDI Routing Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.6 Clock System Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.7 Monitoring and Metering Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4 – Control Surface Modes and Operation
4.1 Computer Control Mode – (General Notes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.1.1 Native Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
4.1.2 Mackie Emulation Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.1.3 HUI Emulation Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
4.2 MIDI Control Mode – (General Notes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.2.1 Customizing MIDI Control Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
4.2.2 Programming Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
4.2.3 Programming Encoders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
4.2.4 Programming Faders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.2.5 Banking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.2.5 “Hidden” functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
4.3 Monitor Mix Mode – (General Notes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.3.1 Audio I/O and the Monitor Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
4.3.2 Monitoring Setups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.3.3 Setting Input Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.3.4 SOLO modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.3.4 “Hidden” functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
5 – Host Computer Interfacing
5.1 Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
5.1.1 SETTINGS TAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
5.1.2 ROUTING TAB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.1.3 MIDI PROGRAMMING TAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
6 – Troubleshooting and Support
6.1 Audio Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
6.2 Control surface issues
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
6.3 Contacting Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
7 – Appendices
7.1 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
7.2 Dimensional drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
7.3 FW-1884 “Hidden” Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

TASCAM FW-1884 Owner’s Manual 5
1 – Introduction
1.1 Overview
Thank you for choosing the TASCAM FW-1884. We
designed the FW-1884 to be an all-in-one solution for
your computer-based digital audio workstation system.
Its integrated design incorporates a high-resolution
professional multi-channel audio interface and inte-
grated zero-latency input monitor mixer, a fully inde-
pendent 4 x 4 MIDI interface and routing matrix, and
a highly programmable, ergonomically designed con-
trol surface for your audio software.
The FW-1884 was designed to be the nerve center of
your digital audio environment. Its versatile control
surface features nine touch-sensitive motorized faders,
transport and multi-function controls for direct, imme-
diate communication between your audio software and
you. Its full complement of analog mic and line inputs,
ADAT and S/PDIF inputs and outputs provides a high
resolution, 24 bit audio front end for input and output
of your digital audio workstation. With eight analog
and ten digital outputs it can accommodate various
surround modes, and its integrated free-standing mixer
provides the connectivity you need for your entire stu-
dio. Its fully configurable 4 x 4 MIDI routing matrix
requires no external software. And it connects to your
Windowsor MacOScomputer with a single
FireWireconnection.
Please take some time to look through this owners
manual and familiarize yourself with the FW-1884’s
features and operation. We suggest you pay particular
attention to the operational notes for your software
application(s) of choice. You may also want to refer to
your software’s documentation in many cases, for a
clear understanding of how certain features are inte-
grated. Your experience with the FW-1884 will be
greatly enhanced by a good working knowledge of your
audio software.
1.2 Features
The audio input section is fully 24-bit and can accom-
modate sample rates of up to 96 kHz. It is capable of
inputting up to 18 simultaneous channels of audio to
your computer. It features eight analog XLR inputs
with professional quality microphone preamps and
switchable phantom power, as well as eight line inputs
with channel inserts. Digital inputs are available in
ADAT lightpipe, TOSLinkand S/PDIF coaxial con-
figurations.
The output section offers eight balanced line level ana-
log outputs. Outputs 1 and 2 can be used alone to pro-
vide a two-channel mix output, or up to eight outputs
can be used independently to configure a multi-chan-
nel surround mix. ADAT lightpipe, TOSLink and S/
PDIF coaxial digital outputs are also featured.
The MIDI section features a fully independent 4 x 4
MIDI patchbay. Routing and configuration can be eas-
ily controlled via the FW-1884’s front panel. For syn-
chronization to external devices, word clock input and
output is offered on 75 Ωcoaxial BNC connectors.
The FW-1884’s control surface is intuitively designed
to integrate with all major digital audio workstation
software. Its nine touch-sensitive faders respond
instantly to your commands and update just as quickly.
Its transport controls, shuttle wheel and generous array
of application-dedicated switches puts deep control of
your audio software at your fingertips.
The FW-1884 is supported under Windows XP and
Windows 2000, as well as MacOS 9.2.2 or later, and
MacOS X.2.4 (Jaguar) or later. In addition, your com-
puter must be fitted with an IEEE-1394 (FireWire)
interface. (NOTE: Some manufacturers may use a dif-
ferent nomenclature to refer to their FireWirecon-
nections, such as Sony’s “iLink”, or simply “1394”.)
The FW-1884 comes with a high-quality six-pin to six-
pin interface cable. We strongly suggest you use this
cable, or one of equal quality, for optimum audio per-
formance. If your computer is fitted with a 4-pin inter-
face, you will need to obtain a 4-pin to 6-pin IEEE
1394 cable, available at most computer dealers.
The FW-1884 is supplied with a 2 m (6-foot) cable. If
you wish to use a longer cable, the length should not be
more than 4.5 m (15 feet) and the cable should be the
best possible quality available to avoid data loss, which
results in audio dropouts.