Howto UseThisManual
The 644 Midistudio is different in major ways from
previous Portastudios. The basic structure of the mixer,
the features of the tape transport, the MIDI implemen -
tation, and the electronic switching are all new. To get
the most out of your 644, spend some time now to
READ THE MANUAL! You'll be glad you did. Even if
you're experienced , you'll discover some tricks you
haven't tried before .
This manual is divided into sections.
INTRODUCTION: Everyone , from expert to novice,
should read this part.
STANDARD OPERATION : This covers the "how
to " procedures of basic multitrack recording with the
644. It advances to instruct ions about using effects,
bouncing tracks , and punch ing in.
MIDI OPER ATIONS: After you've worked with
and are comfortable with the mixer and the recorder
sections , read this if you want "how to" procedures of
MIDI synchroni zation . Non-MIDI users don't need this
part.
FEATURES AND CONTROLS: Everyone shou ld
use this "what is it?" dictionary that defines every
control and indicator on the 644 in detail.
You'll get the best results by having your system set up
so you can experiment with it as you read. Don't make
the mistake of booking a cruc ial recording session before
you've had free time to really get to know your 644.
Dual used as MONITOR
Main Channels
(1-8) =
8 mies to
multitracks
L([Q•;I
~
Dual Channnels
(9-16) =
HEADPHONES
4 tape returns
4 line inputs
-----------0
Dual usedat MIXDOW N
Main Channels
(1-8) =
4 tape returns
4 line inputs
2-Track Recorder
Multl-timbral
Sound Modulo
Dual used as STEREO EFFECT SEND
Main Channels t-- ------ To GROUP OUT
(1-8) Aux,-... Gated
Reverb
Dual L STEREO
Channels i------ - 1 Digital
(9-16) R Reverb
-4-
Introduction
The 644 Midistudio ® is a 4-channel multitrack cassette
recorder, a 16 input mixing system with electronic
routing control, and a MlDI Tape Synchronizer com-
bined into a single workstaion . It's the first Portastudio®
expressly designed to meet the challenge of the MIDI
revolution . Its mixing section is designed in a new
way to accommodate the greater number of line inputs
in a typical MIDI studio, up to 16 at once plus 4 effect
returns. Each main channel can access up to 4 effects
busses, so you can use a variety of different effects
(reverbs, delays, choruses etc.) on different inputs. MIDI
Tape synchronization with Song Position Pointer (same
as that used by the TASCAM MTS-30) is built in, so that
the capabi lities of MIDI sequencing can be blended with
the advantages of multitrack recording.
To make the 644 Midistudio easy to use, TASCAM
designed an all-electronic switching system that auto -
mates all mixer routing into one central display panel.
You can change the settings of the whole mixer by
pressing just two buttons . This makes each stage of
mult itrack recording more automatic, so you can con -
centrate on the creative work instead of getting bogged
down in the technical details of moving from tracking
and overdubbing to the final mix. Unlike many of the
units an electronic musician has to face today that use
menus and complicated messages, the Midistudio shows
what it's doing with an easy-to-read, black on white LCD
screen.
In addition, the Midistudio can be synchronized to other
multitracks (like the TASCAM MSR-16 or 238) or to a
video tape recorder using the TASCAM MIDiiZER.
For those who are already familiar with previous Porta-
studio operation, there are two innov ations in particular
that make the Midistudio different from other units :
Dual Section
Just above the main fader and pan is the DUAL section,
with its own LEVEL' and PAN controls. The DUAL is
called that because ff Wa's dual functions. The first
function is as an in:line stereo monitor mixer, which
allows you to get a 'mix of tape tnicks ' (and live MIDI-
controlled instrum ents) so you can play along with
previous tra cks while overdubbing . withou t interfering
with the levels being sent10 the recorde r.
At mixdo-.yn time , the dual section converts to its
second function: as 8 additional inputs to the main
mixer, each with independent pan, level, and effect
sends. This LINK feature makes the Midistudio into a
16x2 console, while maintaining a compact size.
Alternatively, the DUAL can be used as a 'stereo effects
send, which in addition to the 2 Oedfcat,ed AUX sends
adds up to 4 possible sends from each of the 8 main
input channel s.
To summariz e, the DUAL section is an independent 8x2
"mixer within the mixer", with its own input selection,
master volume control, and output jacks that can also be
linked to the main mixer outputs without repatching.
