Tascam CD-RW900 User manual

CD-RW900
CD Rewritable Recorder
D00892620A
»
OWNER'S MANUAL
Professional

1-Introduction
2 TASCAM CD-RW900
Important Safety Precautions
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within 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.
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.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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
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
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-Entstö
rung 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.
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 residential 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 U.S.A.
CE Marking Information
a) Applicable electromagnetic environment: E4
b) Peak inrush current: 5.9 A

1-Introduction
TASCAM CD-RW900 3
Important Safety Instructions
1Read these instructions.
2Keep these instructions.
3Heed 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
radiators, 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. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided 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
receptacles, 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 servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing 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.
•The apparatus should be located close enough to the
AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord
plug at any time.
•An apparatus with Class I construction shall be
connected to an AC outlet with a protective grounding
connection.

1-Introduction
4 TASCAM CD-RW900
Safety Information
This product has been designed and manufactured
according to FDA regulations "title 21, CFR, chapter
1, subchapter J, based on the Radiation Control for
Health and Safety Act of 1968", and is classified
as a class 1 laser product. There is no hazardous
invisible laser radiation during operation because
invisible laser radiation emitted inside of this product
is completely confined in the protective housings.
The label required in this regulation is shown 1.
CAUTION
• DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING
USING A SCREWDRIVER.
• USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR
PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN
THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN
HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
• IF THIS PRODUCT DEVELOPS TROUBLE,
CONTACT YOUR NEAREST QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL, AND DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT
IN ITS DAMAGED STATE.
Optical pickup:
Type: SF-W37SFT
Manufacturer: Sanyo Electric Co,Ltd.
Laser output: Less than 0.7 mW on the objective
lens (record)
Wavelength: 760 to 800 nm
�1For USA

1-Introduction
TASCAM CD-RW900 5
Contents
1 − Introduction ..................................... 6
About this manual........................................... 6
Supplied accessories ..................................... 6
Rack-mounting the unit.................................. 6
About CD-R and CD-RW discs ...................... 7
Finalizing ...............................................................7
“Recordable” discs ........................................ 7
Environmental considerations ....................... 8
Handling of compact discs ............................ 8
Never use a stabilizer or printable discs ......... 9
Beware of condensation ................................ 9
Use of the remote control unit ....................... 9
Batteries ..............................................................9
Inserting batteries .......................................... 9
Connections........................................................9
2 − Features of the CD-RW900........... 10
Front panel.................................................... 10
Rear panel..................................................... 11
Display .......................................................... 12
RC-RW900 Remote control unit................... 13
3 − Menu operation ............................. 14
Menu configuration ...................................... 14
Operation basics .......................................... 15
4 − Playback operations ..................... 16
Discs for playback........................................ 16
Simple playback operations......................... 16
Track selection.............................................. 16
Using the skip function................................. 16
Selecting by track number ........................... 17
Track search.................................................. 17
Normal search ............................................. 17
Direct search................................................ 17
Operation variations ..................................... 17
Playback modes ........................................... 18
Continuous playback ................................... 18
Single-track playback................................... 18
Program playback........................................ 18
Random playback........................................ 19
Time display switching................................. 19
Timer playback ............................................. 19
Repeat playback........................................... 19
A to B repeat playback................................. 20
Pitch control function ................................... 20
Key control function ..................................... 20
Playingback MP3 files .................................. 21
About MP3 track data.................................. 21
Directory playback setting............................ 21
5 − Recording....................................... 22
Input selection .............................................. 22
Input monitoring........................................... 22
Frequency conversion.................................. 22
Basic recording............................................. 23
Time display while recording ........................ 23
Full disc ....................................................... 23
Advanced recording ..................................... 24
Fade-in and fade-out recording.................... 24
Synchronized recording ............................... 24
Sync recording............................................. 24
Automatic track division............................... 25
Manually divide track.................................... 26
Rec mute function ........................................ 26
6 − After recording............................... 28
Finalizing .............................................................28
Unfinalizing CD-RW discs ............................ 28
Erasing ................................................................29
Erasing tracks .............................................. 29
Erasing a whole disc .................................... 29
Refreshing a disc.......................................... 29
7 − Titling.............................................. 30
Title input operation ..................................... 30
Disc title input .............................................. 30
Track title input............................................. 30
Using a Keyboard with the CD-RW900 ....... 31
Keyboard type setting.................................. 31
Title input by keyboard................................. 31
Other keyboard operations .......................... 31
8 − Reference and specifications ...... 32
Error messages............................................. 32
Messages during operations ....................... 32
Troubleshooting..................................................33
Specifications.....................................................34
Dimensional drawing .................................... 35

6 TASCAM CD-RW900
Rack-mounting the unit
If you are mounting the unit in a rack, leave 1U of
space above it and 4 inch (10cm) or more of space at
the rear.
Use the rack-mounting kit to mount the unit in a
standard 19-inch equipment rack, as shown in this
section. Remove the feet of the unit before mounting.
Thank you for your purchase of the TASCAM CD-
RW900 CD rewritable recorder.
Before connecting and using the unit, please take
time to read this manual thoroughly to ensure you
understand how to properly set up and connect the
CD-RW900, as well as the operation of its many use-
ful and convenient functions. After you have nished
reading this manual, please keep it in a safe place for
future reference.
NOTE
This product is designed to help you record and
reproduce sound works to which you own the copy-
right, or where you have obtained permission from
the copyright holder or the rightful licensor. Unless
you own the copyright, or have obtained the ap-
propriate permission from the copyright holder or
the rightful licensor, your unauthorized recording,
reproduction or distribution thereof may result in
severe criminal penalties under copyright laws and
international copyright treaties. If you are uncertain
about your rights, contact your legal advisor. Under
no circumstances will TEAC Corporation be respon-
sible for the consequences of any illegal copying
performed using the CD-RW900.
1 − Introduction
Supplied accessories
In addition to this manual, the CD-RW900 has been
packed with the following:
≠RC-RW900 remote control unit .............................1
≠AC power cable......................................................1
≠AAA batteries for the remote control unit .............2
≠A rack-mounting screw kit (screws and washers) ...1
Contact your TASCAM supplier if any of these items
are missing.
About this manual
In this manual, we use the following conventions:
≠The names of keys and controls are given in the
following typeface: ERASE.
≠When the alphanumeric portion of the display
shows a message, this is shown in the following
typeface: Welcome.
≠If a preset indicator in the display (i.e. one which
cannot change, but is either on or off) is shown,
this is shown as follows: RANDOM.
≠Selectable value (i.e. values of dB) or ON and
OFF selection (i.e. SRC>XXX) is shown in the
following typface: XXX.

TASCAM CD-RW900 7
1 − Introduction
In this maanual, we use the term “recordable” disc to
describe a CD-R or CD-RW disc that has not been
nalized, i.e. further recording is possible on the disc.
“Recordable” discs
Although audio data may be written on a CD-R or
CD-RW disc, a standard CD player will not be able
to read the data (i.e. play back the audio) until a nal
*TOC has been written at the start of the disc.
*TOC=Table of contents:
information of recorded data, which contains titles, starting
and ending addresses, and etc..
The process of writing this table of contents is known
as “nalizing”. Once this has been done, no further
data can be written to the disc. See “Finalizing” on
Finalizing
page 28 for details.In the case of a CD-RW disc
which has been nalized, the whole of the disc may
be erased, or the disc may be “refreshed”, and the
disc re-used.
In addition, a CD-RW disc that has been finalized
may be “unnalized”, i.e. only the TOC is removed.
This allows further tracks to be recorded to the disc,
provided that there is space on the disc.
About CD-R and CD-RW discs
CD-R discs can be recorded once only. Once they
have been used for recording, they cannot be erased
or re-recorded. However, if space is available on
the disc, additional material can be recorded. The
pack-aging of CD-R discs will include one of the
following logos:
By contrast, a CD-RW disc can be used in much the
same way as a CD-R disc, but the last track or tracks
recorded can be erased before the disc has been
“nalized”, and the space on the disc can be re- used
for other recordings. The packaging of CD-RW discs
will include the logo one of the following logos:
However, you should note that an audio CD
created using a CD-RW900 disc may not play back
satisfactorily on every audio CD player. It will,
naturally, be playable on the CD-RW900. This is in
no way a limitation of the CD-RW900 itself, but of
the difference between the different types of media
and the methods used to read them.
There are precautions that you should take when
handling CD-R and CD-RW discs.
≠Avoid touching the recording (non-label) side of
a disc on which you will be recording. Recording
on a disc requires a cleaner surface than playing
back, and ngerprints, grease, etc. can cause errors
in the recording process.
High Speed
≠CD-R and CD-RW discs are sensitive to the
effects of heat and ultraviolet rays. It is important
that they are not stored in a location where direct
sunlight will fall on them, and which is away
from sources of heat such as radiators or heat-
generating electrical devices.
≠Always store CD-R and CD-RW discs in their
cases to avoid dirt and dust accumulating on their
surfaces.
≠When labeling CD-R and CD-RW discs, always
use a soft oil-based felt-tipped pen to write the
information. Never use a ball-point or hard-tipped
pen, as this may cause damage to the recorded
side.
≠Always keep the recording sides of the discs
away from grime and dust to avoid a reduction in
sound quality. To clean a disc, wipe gently with a
soft dry cloth from the center towards the outside
edge. Do not use thinner, gasoline, benzene or LP
cleaning uid, as these will damage the disc and
cause the disc unplayable.
≠Do not put labels or protective sheets on the discs
and do not use any protective coating spray.
≠If you are in any doubt as to the care and handling
of a CD-R disc, read the precautions supplied with
the disc, or contact the disc manufacturer directly.

1-Introduction
8 TASCAM CD-RW900
The CD-RW900 has been designed for the playback
of CD-DA format discs and MP3 files recorded in
ISO9660 format: In addition to ordinary 5-inch and
3-inch CDs, it can also play properly recorded CD-R
and CD-RW discs.
≠Always place the compact discs in the trays with
their label facing upward.
≠To remove a disc from its case, press down on the
center of the disc holder, then lift the disc out,
holding it carefully by the edges.
≠Avoid getting fingerprints on the signal side
(opposite the label side). Grime and dust may
cause skipping, so keep discs clean and store
them in their cases when not being played. To
clean the signal side of a disc, wipe gently with a
soft dry cloth from the center towards the outside
edge.
≠Do not use any record spray, anti-static solutions,
benzene, paint thinner or other chemical agents
to clean CDs as they could damage the delicate
playing surface. It may cause CDs to become
unplayable.
≠Discs should be returned to their cases after use to
avoid serious scratches that could cause the laser
pickup to “skip”.
≠Keep discs away from direct sunlight, and places
of high heat and humidity. If left in such places,
warping could result.
≠Do not affix any labels or stickers to the label
side of the disc. Do not write on the disc with a
ballpoint pen.
≠Do not insert discs that have adhesive remaining
from tape or stickers that have been removed. If
they are inserted into the player, they could stick
to the internal mechanism, requiring removal by a
technician.
≠Do not use cracked discs.
≠Only use circular compact discs. Avoid using non-
circular promotional, etc. discs.
≠ The CD-RW900 cannot play unfinalized CD-R/
RW discs.
≠Music discs with copy control, a compact disc
copy-protection system, have been released
form several record companies aiming to protect
the copyright. Since some of these discs do not
comply with the CD specifications, they may not
be playable on the CD-RW900.
Handling of compact discs
1 − Introduction
Environmental considerations
The CD-RW900 may be used in most areas, but to
maintain top performance, and prolong operating
life, observe the following environmental conditions:
≠The nominal temperature should be between 5°C
and 35°C (41°F and 95°F).
≠ Relative humidity should be 30 to 90 degrees non-
condensing.
≠As the unit may become hot during operation,
always leave sufficient space above the unit for
ventilation. Do not install this unit in a confined
space such as a book case or similar product, and
do not put any material goods on the unit.
≠Avoid installing this apparatus on top of any heat-
generating electrical device such as a power
amplifier.
≠Make sure that the unit is mounted in a level
position for correct operation.
NOTE
The voltage supplied to the unit should match the
voltage as printed on the rear panel. If you are in any
doubt regarding this matter, consult an electrician.

1-Introduction
TASCAM CD-RW900 9
1 − Introduction
Never use a stabilizer or printable discs
Using commercially available CD stabilizers or
printable recordable discs with this player will dam-
age the mechanism and cause it to malfunction.
NOTE
Never use a disc that has had a stabilizer mounted
to it. The residual adhesive may cause the disc to
stick to the turntable of the CD-RW900. If it sticks to
the turntable, you will need a technician to get it out.
≠Do not expose the infra-red receiver (light
receptive area on the front panel) to direct
sunlight or intense light for extended periods of
time. Long exposure to this light may result in
failure of the remote control sensor.
≠When the remote control will not be used over
one month, please remove the batteries to
prevent the possibility of battery acid leakage
which could damage the unit. Should leakage
occur, remove and discard the batteries, and
wipe the battery case thoroughly with a cloth.
Avoid getting the battery liquid on the skin. After
cleaning, replace with new batteries.
≠The remote control functions by using an infrared
light signal. When using the unit to control the
CD-RW900, other devices that are turned on
could be operated by its signal.
≠If the range of remote operation becomes smaller,
or commands do not always function properly,
the batteries have become weak and should be
replaced. Always replace both batteries with new
batteries of the same type.
≠ Point the remote control to the remote sensor on
the main unit. Do not obstruct the path between
the remote control and the remote sensor.
Use of the remote control unit
Connections
The following should be noted when you connect the
unit to other equipment.
It is possible to connect the unit’s
DIGITAL CO -
AXIAL IN, DIGITAL OPTICAL IN
and
ANALOG
UNBALANCED INs (L, R)
to other equipment at the
same time. However, the unit can receive signals
from only one digital input at a time.
Currently selected input jack is shown on the display.
Audio signals output from the unit are output from
the analog
ANALOG OUT
jacks, as well as from the
DIGITAL COAXIAL OUT
jack and
DIGITAL OPTI -
CAL OUT connector simultaneously (but not from the
digital outputs in stop mode).
If batteries are used improperly, or if leakage or
breakage occurs, the unit will not function.
Please observe the cautions indicated on the batteries
and their packaging to ensure proper usage.
≠ Confirm + and − polarity and follow the
indications when inserting new batteries into the
remote control.
≠Do not use old and new batteries together.
≠ Even if the battery is the same size, the voltage
may differ. Do not use batteries of different
specifications together.
≠Do not attempt to recharge batteries that are non-re-
chargeable.
Batteries
Inserting batteries
1. Open the lid.
2. Confirm +/- polarity, and insert two AAA batteries.
3. Close the lid.
≠Do not open or disassemble batteries, throw them
into a fire or put them in water.
Beware of condensation
If the unit (or a compact disc) is moved from a cold
to a warm place, or used after a sudden temperature
change, there is a danger of condensation; vapor in
the air could condense on the internal mechanism,
making correct operation impossible. To prevent
this, or if this occurs, leave the player for one or two
hours with the power turned on, then turn the power
off and on again.

10 TASCAM CD-RW900
Front panel
2 43 5 78 0 q w6 91
e r t y u i o p a s d f g
1POWER switch The power switch is used to
switch the unit on and off.
2Disc tray Discs should be placed label side
upwards in the disc tray. When a disc is loaded
into the unit, the display shows TOC Reading for
a short period while the unit determines the con-
tents of the disc.
3MENU key Use this key to call up the menu op-
tions (see “Operation basics” on page 15).
4OPEN/CLOSE key Use this key to open and
close the disc tray. The display shows Open when
the tray is opening and Close when the tray is
closing.
5REPEAT key Use this key to set the repeat play-
back mode on and off.
6ESCAPE key When in a menu mode, this key
cancels the menu item selected.
7DISPLAY key Use this key to see the current disc
title when the disc is stopped. When the disc is
playing or in ready mode, press this key to see the
current track title.
8REMOTE SENSOR This is not a control, but the
sensor for the remote control unit. When using
the remote control unit, make sure that there is a
clear path from the remote control unit to the sen-
sor.
9TIME key Use this key to cycle through the time
modes shown on the display (see “Time display
switching” on page 19).
0Display The display is used to show the current
status of the unit, as well as the current menu set-
tings.
qTIMER switch (PLAY, OFF) Using this key
switches Timer play on and off. See “Timer play-
back” on page 19 for details.
wINPUT (L,R) controls Use these concentric con-
trols to adjust the level of the analog audio signals
received at the ANALOG IN jacks.
ePHONES jack and the level control Use a stan-
dard pair of stereo headphones, equipped with a
1/4-inch plug, with this jack.
Adjust the volume from the jack with the level
control (turn clockwise for higher volume).
rMULTI JOG dial Use this dial to select tracks for
playback, to set parameter values.
In addition, pushing the dial acts like an ENTER
key, i.e. the currently-displayed value or setting is
conrmed.
tFINALIZE/INS key Use this key to finalize re-
cordable discs. (see “Finalizing” on page 28 for
details).
It also acts like a space key when entering TEXT
data (see “Title input operation” on page 30).
yERASE/DEL key Use this key (with CD-RW
discs only) to erase tracks, or a whole disc, or to
refresh a “bad” disc, or to unfinalize a finalized
disc. See “Erasing” on page 29 for details.
It also acts like a delete key when entering TEXT
data (see “Title input operation” on page 30).
u
∆/˙key Use this key to operate review play-
back (search) while in playback or ready modes.
When Directory search is on, and when stopped,
using this key selects the directory.
It also moves the cursor in the left direction when
entering TEXT data.
2 − Features of the CD-RW900