Tascam DR-680 User manual

D01098520B
DR-680
Portable Multitrack Recorder
OWNER'S MANUAL

2TASCAM DR-680
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
TO THE USER
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
reasonable 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 instruction
manual, 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.
a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
b) Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
c) Connect the equipment into an outlet on
a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
d) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/
TV technician for help.
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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

TASCAM DR-680 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8 Do not install ne ar any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
9 Do 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 or STANDBY/
ON switch not in the ON 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.
The mains plug is used as the disconnect device,
•
the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
If the product uses batteries (including a battery
•
pack or installed batteries), they should not be
exposed to sunshine, fire or excessive heat.
CAUTION for products that use replaceable lithium
•
batteries: there is danger of explosion if a battery is
replaced with an incorrect type of battery. Replace
only with the same or equivalent type.
Caution should be taken when using earphones or
•
headphones with the product because excessive
sound pressure (volume) from earphones or head-
phones can cause hearing loss.

4TASCAM DR-680
CAUTIONS ABOUT BATTERIES
This product uses batteries. Misuse of batteries could
cause a leak, rupture or other trouble. Always abide
by the following precautions when using batteries.
Never recharge non-rechargeable batteries. The
•
batteries could rupture or leak, causing fire or injury.
When installing batteries, pay attention to the polar-
•
ity indications (plus/minus (+/–) orientation), and
install them correctly in the battery compartment
as indicated. Putting them in backward could make
the batteries rupture or leak, causing fire, injury or
stains around them.
When you store or dispose of batteries, isolate their
•
terminals with insulating tape or similar to prevent them
from contacting other batteries or metallic objects.
When throwing used batteries away, follow the
•
disposal instructions indicated on the batteries and
the local disposal laws.
Do not use batteries other than those specified.
•
Do not mix and use new and old batteries or differ-
ent types of batteries together. The batteries could
rupture or leak, causing fire, injury or stains around
them.
Do not carry or store batteries together with small
•
metal objects. The batteries could short, causing
leak, rupture or other trouble.
Do not heat or disassemble batteries. Do not put
•
them in fire or water. Batteries could rupture or leak,
causing fire, injury or stains around them.
If the battery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on
•
the battery case before inserting new batteries. If
the battery fluid gets in an eye, it could cause loss
of eyesight. If fluid does enter an eye, wash it out
thoroughly with clean water without rubbing the eye
and then consult a doctor immediately. If the fluid
gets on a person’s body or clothing, it could cause
skin injuries or burns. If this should happen, wash
it off with clean water and then consult a doctor
immediately.
Remove the batteries if you do not plan to use
•
the unit for a long time. Batteries could rupture or
leak, causing fire, injury or stains around them. If
the battery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on the
battery compartment before inserting new batteries.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

TASCAM DR-680 5
Contents
1 – Introduction.........................................................7
Features.............................................................................7
Items included with the product....................................7
Conventions used in this manual...................................7
Intellectual property rights.............................................8
About SD cards.................................................................9
Precautions for use ............................................................9
Precautions for placement and use...............................9
Beware of condensation .................................................9
Cleaning the unit..............................................................9
2 – Names and Functions of Parts...........10
Top panel.........................................................................10
Front panel .....................................................................11
Left side panel ...............................................................13
Right side panel .............................................................14
Bottom panel .................................................................15
Home Screen ..................................................................16
Menu structure...............................................................17
Using menus ...................................................................18
Operation basics.............................................................18
Functions Screen ............................................................18
Repeat activation.............................................................19
Pre-record activation .......................................................19
Auto-record activation.....................................................19
DIN/MIX monitor settings................................................19
Limiter activation.............................................................19
Low-cut filter activation...................................................19
3 – Preparations.......................................................20
Powering the unit...........................................................20
About the power supply...................................................20
Using AA batteries ..........................................................20
Using the AC adaptor ......................................................20
Turning the power on and putting the unit into
standby .........................................................................21
Turning the power on ......................................................21
Putting the unit into standby ...........................................21
Inserting and removing SD cards.................................21
Inserting an SD card .......................................................21
Ejecting an SD card..........................................................21
Preparing an SD card for use........................................22
Card write-protection ......................................................22
Setting the date and time.............................................22
Monitoring playback with the built-in speaker .........22
Connecting monitoring equipment .............................23
Adjusting the display contrast ...................................23
4 – Recording..............................................................24
Files and takes................................................................24
Recording settings .........................................................24
Setting the recording file format ......................................24
Setting the sampling frequency .......................................25
Setting the file recording mode........................................25
Stereo track recording settings.........................................25
Arming and disarming tracks for recording.......................25
Creation of new takes when restarting recording .............26
Setting the name given to recording takes .......................26
Editing the user take names.............................................26
Available recording time display.......................................27
Set the folder for saving takes .....................................27
Connecting other equipment .......................................27
Input settings..................................................................27
Setting the input sources .................................................28
Phantom power ...............................................................28
Selecting the inputs for recording to tracks 5 and 6 .........28
Adjusting the input levels .............................................29
Recording a take ............................................................30
Recording a stereo mix..................................................30
Using the solo function .................................................31
Automatically starting and pausing recording
(auto-record function) ................................................31
Using the auto-record function ........................................31
Auto-record settings........................................................31
Automatically cutting unnecessary silences when
recording (silent cut function) ..........................................31
Automatically adding marks at the position where
recording restarts ............................................................32
Starting a new take and continuing to record...........32
Manually starting a new take during recording ................32
Automatically starting a new take during recording .........33
Using the limiter.............................................................33
Using the low-cut filter .................................................33
Turning the low-cut filter on and off ................................33
Setting the cut-off frequency of the low-cut filter.............33
Using marks ....................................................................34
Manually adding marks when recording and during
playback .........................................................................34
Moving to a mark ...........................................................34
Erasing marks ..................................................................34
Pre-recording..................................................................35
Recording times..............................................................36
5 – Take and folder operations
(BROWSE screen)...........................................37
Navigating the BROWSE screen...................................37
Icons on the BROWSE screen .......................................37
Take operations ..............................................................37
Folder operations ...........................................................38
6 – Playback.................................................................39
Playback ..........................................................................39
Starting playback.............................................................39
Stopping playback ...........................................................39
Pausing playback.............................................................39
Searching forward and backward.....................................39
Selecting a take for playback ...........................................39
Changing the playback position (scrubbing).....................39
Mixing and outputting a multitrack recording..........40
Using the internal mixer...................................................40
Using the solo function....................................................40
Playing a stereo track....................................................40
Setting the playback area.............................................41
Selecting a folder for the playback area on the
BROWSE screen ...........................................................41
Setting the search speed...............................................41

6TASCAM DR-680
Contents
Repeat playback.............................................................42
7 – Connection with a computer .............43
Copying files to a computer .........................................43
Copying files from a computer.....................................43
Ending the connection with a computer ................... 44
8 – Cascade connections..................................45
Preparing to use the cascade function .......................45
Cascade recording .........................................................45
Cascade playback...........................................................45
Disabling cascade operation ........................................45
Precautions for use of the cascade function............. 46
9 – Other Settings and Information
Display ....................................................................47
Output settings ..............................................................47
Analog output settings ....................................................47
Digital output settings .....................................................47
System settings ..............................................................47
Power AUTO OFF settings............................................... 48
Turning the backlight off automatically ........................... 48
Cascade settings ............................................................ 48
Setting the extent of the panel operation lock function... 48
Setting the battery type.................................................. 48
Initializing the unit...........................................................49
Viewing system information.............................................49
Reformatting SD cards ..................................................49
Viewing card information .............................................50
10 – Messages ...........................................................51
11 – Troubleshooting ..........................................53
12 – Specifications.................................................54
Recording media and formats......................................54
Input and output............................................................54
Analog audio input and output .......................................54
Digital audio input and output.........................................54
Control input and output .................................................54
Audio performance........................................................55
Requirements for connected computers.....................55
Other specifications.......................................................55
Dimensions......................................................................56
Block diagrams...............................................................57

TASCAM DR-680 7
Thank you very much for purchasing a TASCAM
DR-680 Portable Multitrack Recorder. Please read this
manual thoroughly before using the unit so that you
understand correct operating procedures and can use its
functions fully. We hope that you enjoy using this unit
for many years.
Please keep this manual so that you can read it at
any time. A digital copy of this manual can also be
downloaded from our website (http://www.tascam.
com/)
Features
8-track recording with a resolution of up to 24-bit,•
96 kHz (6 analog inputs with stereo mix, or 6
analog inputs with digital stereo input)
2-track recording resolution of up to 24-bit, 192•
kHz
Recording/playback media: SD/SDHC cards (Class•
4 or faster)
Recording/playback formats: BWF, WAV, MP3•
Recording up to 4 tracks in MP3 format simultane-•
ously possible
Sampling frequencies: 44.1, 48, 96 and 192 kHz•
Quantization rates: 16-bit, 24-bit•
MP3 files can be recorded at resolutions of•
96/128/192/320 kbps
6 balanced mic/line inputs (1–4 are XLR/TRS•
combo jacks and 5–6 are TRS jacks)
Mic inputs can provide +48V phantom power•
Limiters on each input can automatically adjust•
their levels appropriately if input levels are too high
Low-cut filters on each input are useful for reducing•
low-frequency noise
6 unbalanced line outputs (RCA pin jacks)•
S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital input and output•
(coaxial)
Cascade function allows the transport of multiple•
DR-680 units to be controlled by a single master
unit
Pre-record function allows up to 2 seconds of input•
before the start of recording to be captured
Auto-record function allows the unit to start•
recording automatically when it detects a set sound
input level
Mark function allows movement to specific•
playback positions
Key lock function can be used to prevent misop-•
eration
Repeat playback function•
Mixer for monitoring with level and pan controls•
User can start a new take at any time without inter-•
rupting recording
Take names can be based on a word set by the user•
or the date
500-mW monaural output speaker built-in•
50-mW + 50-mW headphones output•
Operates on power from 8 AA batteries or an AC•
adaptor (PS-1225L)
LCD with 128 x 64 pixel resolution and a backlight•
USB2.0 port•
USB cable included•
Items included with the product
The DR-680 package contains the following items.
Take care when opening the package not to damage the
items. Keep the package materials for transportation in
the future.
Please contact the store where you purchased this
unit if any of these items are missing or have been
damaged during transportation.
Main unit• .................................................................1
AC adaptor (TASCAM PS-1225L)• .........................1
Power cord set for AC adaptor• ................................1
USB cable• ...............................................................1
Shoulder strap• ..........................................................1
Warranty card• ..........................................................1
Owner’s manual (this document)• ............................1
Conventions used in this manual
The following conventions are used in this manual.
“SD memory card” is sometimes abbreviated as•
“SD card.”
When we refer to a key or connector or control on•
the DR-680, the typeface looks like this: MENU.
When we show messages, for example, that appear•
on the screen, the typeface looks like this: BROWSE .
1 – Introduction

8TASCAM DR-680
Additional information is introduced in the styles•
below when needed:
TIP
We give hints and tips on using the DR-680 when you
see this icon.
NOTE
A note provides additional explanations for special
situations.
CAUTION
A caution shows that you may lose data (recordings) if
you do not follow the instructions.
Intellectual property rights
TASCAM is a trademark of TEAC Corporation,•
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
SDHC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.•
Microsoft, Windows, Windows XP, Windows Vista,•
and Windows 7 are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
Apple, Macintosh, iMac, Mac OS and Mac OS X•
are trademarks of Apple Inc.
MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology licensed•
from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.
Supply of this product does not convey a license
nor imply any right to distribute MPEG Layer-3
compliant content created with this product in
revenue-generating broadcast systems (terrestrial,
satellite, cable and/or other distribution channels),
streaming applications (via Internet, intranets and/or
other networks), other content distribution systems
(pay-audio or audio-on-demand applications and the
like) or on physical media (compact discs, digital
versatile discs, semiconductor chips, hard drives,
memory cards and the like). An independent license
for such use is required. For details, please visit
http://mp3licensing.com.
Other company names, product names and logos•
in this document are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Any data, including, but not limited to infor-
mation, described herein are intended only as illus-
trations of such data and/or information and not as
thespecicationsforsuchdataand/orinformation.
TEAC Corporation disclaims any warranty that
any use of such data and/or information shall be
free from infringement of any third party’s intel-
lectual property rights or other proprietary rights,
and further, assumes no liability of whatsoever
nature in the event of any such infringement, or
arising from or connected with or related to the use
of such data and/or information.
This product is designed to help you record and
reproduce sound works to which you own the
copyright, or where you have obtained permission
from the copyright holder or the rightful licensor.
Unless you own the copyright, or have obtained
the appropriate 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 responsible for the conse-
quences of any illegal copying performed using
the recorder.
1 – Introduction

TASCAM DR-680 9
About SD cards
This unit uses SD cards for recording and playback.
A list of SD cards that have been tested with this unit
can be found on the TASCAM web site (www.tascam.
com).
Useofcardsthathavenotbeenveriedforusewith
this unit could result in the unit not functioning
properly.
Precautions for use
SD cards are delicate media. In order to avoid
damaging a card or the card slot, please take the
following precautions when handling them.
Do not leave in extremely hot or cold places.•
Do not leave them in extremely humid places.•
Do not let them get wet.•
Do not put things on top of them or twist them.•
Do not hit them.•
Precautions for placement and use
The operating temperature should be between 0°C•
and 40°C (32°F and 104°F).
Do not install in the following types of places.•
Doing so could degrade the sound quality and/or
cause malfunctions.
Places with significant vibrations or that are•
otherwise unstable
Near windows or other places exposed to direct•
sunlight
Near heaters or other extremely hot places•
Extremely cold places•
Places with bad ventilation or high humidity•
Very dusty locations•
Avoid installing this unit on top of any heat-gener-•
ating electrical device such as a power amplifier.
Hum might occur if a powered amplifier or other•
device with a large transformer is used near this
unit. If this should happen, try increasing the
distance between this unit and that device and
changing their orientations.
Uneven colors might appear on televisions and•
noise might be heard from radios that are used near
this unit. If this should happen, use the unit further
from the affected device.
Noise might be heard from this unit if a mobile•
telephone or other wireless device is used nearby
during calls and when data is transmitted and
received. If this should happen, use that device
farther from the unit or turn its power off.
Beware of condensation
If the unit 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,
let the unit sit for one or two hours at the new room
temperature before using.
Cleaning the unit
Use a dry soft cloth to wipe the unit clean. Do not
clean the unit with a chemically treated cloth or
substances such as benzene, thinner and alcohol
because they might cause damage to the surface of the
unit.
1 – Introduction

10 TASCAM DR-680
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
Top panel
1Built-in monaural speaker
Use this built-in speaker for monitoring. Use
the PHONES knob to adjust the volume. When
headphones are connected, no sound is output from
this speaker.
2INPUT switches
Use these to set the inputs to LINE or MIC.
3HOLD switch
Slide this in the direction of the arrow to disable
the STANDBY/ON button to prevent the power
from accidentally being cut.
4MIC GAIN switches
Use these to adjust the gain of the mic inputs.
5STANDBY/ON button
Press this to switch the unit power between ON and
STANDBY.
6PHANTOM switches
Use these to turn phantom power ON or OFF for
input pairs 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6.
7MULTI/STEREO
Press to select whether the stereo track or the multi-
track (6-track) is played back.
8MENU key
Press this key when the Home Screen is open to
open the MENU screen.
Press this key when the MENU screen is open to
return to the previous menu level.
9DATA wheel
Use this to select items and change values on
various settings screens.
When the Home Screen is open, use the DATA
wheel to move the playback position in the take.
0ENTER key
Use this to confirm selections, advance to the next
level in a menu and respond “YES” to confirmation
pop-up messages on various settings screens.

TASCAM DR-680 11
q/ (cursor) keys
Use these on various settings screens to move the
cursor left and right.
On the BROWSE screen, use these to move up and
down levels.
Use key to respond “NO” to confirmation
pop-up messages on various settings screens or to
cancel the current operation.
wÂ/Ôkey
Press this key during playback or when stopped in
the middle of a take to return to the beginning of
the current take.
Press when stopped at the beginning of the take to
skip to the beginning of the previous take.
Press and hold to search backwards.
Press this key while pressing the MARK key on the
front panel to move to the previous mark.
e/¯key
Press this key during playback or when stopped to
skip to the beginning of the next take.
Press and hold to search forward.
Press this key while pressing the MARK key on the
front panel to move to the next mark.
rSTOP (CLEAR) key
Press to stop recording and playback and locate the
transport to the beginning of the current take.
Press to end recording standby.
Press this key while pressing the MARK key on the
front panel to erase the current mark.
tPLAY/PAUSE key
Press when stopped or paused to start playback.
Press during playback to pause at that position.
Front panel
yPHONES jack and knob
Use this standard stereo phone jack to connect
headphones. Use the PHONES knob to adjust the
headphones and speaker output level.
uDisplay
This shows a variety of information related to the
operation of the unit.
iHOME/FUNC key
Press when any screen other than the Home Screen
is open to return to the Home Screen.
Press when the Home Screen is open to open the
Functions Screen.
When the Home Screen is open, press and hold this
button to open the MENU screen.
oDISPLAY key
Press to switch the counter display mode.
Turn the VALUE knob on the front panel while
pressing this key to adjust the display contrast.
pMARK key
Press during playback or recording to add a mark
at that time.
Press the Â/Ôkey on the top panel while
pressing this key to move to the previous mark.
Press the ¯/key on the top panel while
pressing this key to move to the next mark.
Press the STOP key on the top panel while pressing
this key to erase the current mark.
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

12 TASCAM DR-680
aMIX PAN key
Press to open the PAN settings screen. Press when
the PAN settings screen is open to close it and
return to the Home Screen.
sVALUE knob
Use this to change the value of the selected item on
the TRIM , LEVEL and PAN settings screens.
On the Functions Screen, use this to select function
items, and press the knob to turn each function
item ON or OFF.
Turn this knob while pressing the DISPL AY key on
the front panel to adjust the display contrast.
When the MENU screen is open, this dial can be
used for the same functions as the DATA wheel
and pressing this dial has the same function as the
ENTER key.
dPAUSE key and indicator
Press when stopped or recording to start recording
standby. The indicator lights when in recording
standby.
Press when in recording standby to stop recording
standby.
NOTE
The PAUSE key on the front panel functions only when
recording. Use the PLAY/PAUSE key on the top of the
unit to pause playback.
fREC key and indicator
Press when stopped or in recording standby to start
recording. The indicator lights when recording or
in recording standby.
Press this key when recording to end the current
take and continue recording a new take without
pause.
gREC TRIM key
Press to open the input TRIM settings screen.
When the input TRIM settings screen is open, press
to close it and open the Home Screen.
hMIX LEVEL key
Press to open the LEVEL settings screen.
Press when the LEVEL settings screen is open to
close it and return to the Home Screen.
j1–6 keys
Use these to select tracks on the TRIM , LEVEL and
PAN settings screens.
Press when in recording standby to arm/disarm that
track for recording.
On the Functions Screen, press to turn the selected
function ON or OFF for that track.
Press and hold to enable/disable solo monitoring of
that track.
kMIX (LOCK) key
When the LEVEL screen is open, this selects the
stereo track as the track to be controlled. Press
and hold this key to engage or disengage the lock
function, which disables the use of other keys.
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

TASCAM DR-680 13
Left side panel
lMIC/LINE INPUTS (XLR/TRS) jacks
These are balanced analog XLR/TRS combo jacks
for microphone and line level inputs (1: GND 2:
HOT 3: COLD, Tip: HOT Ring: COLD Sleeve:
GND).
;MIC/LINE INPUTS (TRS) jacks
These are balanced analog TRS jacks for micro-
phone and line level inputs (Tip: HOT Ring:
COLD Sleeve: GND).
CAUTION
Confirm that phantom power is OFF before connecting
•
a line level device to a MIC/LINE INPUTS jack. If you
connect a line level device while phantom power is
being supplied, that device and this unit could be
damaged.
When using a condenser microphone, before
•
connecting to and disconnecting from a MIC/LINE
INPUTS jack, confirm that the phantom power for that
jack is OFF. If you connect or disconnect a mic while
phantom power is being supplied, that mic and this
unit could be damaged.
Do not connect an unbalanced dynamic mic to an XLR
•
connector when phantom power is being supplied.
Doing so could damage that mic and this unit.
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

14 TASCAM DR-680
Right side panel
zLINE OUTPUTS jacks
These RCA pin jacks are unbalanced analog output
jacks. During the playback of multitrack files, the
sound previously recorded on each track is output
from these jacks.
During recording, the sound recorded to each track
is output from these jacks.
During the playback of the multi-track, according
to the unit setting, the stereo signal mixed by the
internal mixer can be output from output jacks 1/2,
3/4 or 5/6.
During the playback of a stereo track, the sound
of the stereo track is output through output jacks 1
and 2.
xDIGITAL/SYNC IN jack
This is a digital input jack. The signal input
through this jack can be recorded to tracks 5
and 6 or the stereo track. The unit automatically
determines whether the input signal is S/PDIF
(IEC60958-3) or AES3-2003/IEC60958-4 (AES/
EBU), which are both supported.
Transmission occurs at double speed when the
sampling frequency is 96 kHz and at quad speed
when 192 kHz.
When linking two of these units using the cascade
function, connect the DIGITAL/SYNC OUT jack of
the other DR-680 to this jack.
cDIGITAL/SYNC OUT jack
The stereo signal mixed by the internal mixer is
output from this jack.
According to the unit setting, the signal is output in
S/PDIF (IEC60958-3) or AES3-2003/IEC60958-4
(AES/EBU) format.
Transmission occurs at double speed when the
sampling frequency is 96 kHz and at quad speed
when 192 kHz.
When linking two of these units using the cascade
function, connect the DIGITAL/SYNC IN jack of the
other DR-680 to this jack.
vDC IN 12V jack
Connect the included AC adaptor (PS-1225L),
which matches the power specifications of this
unit.
bSD card slot/USB port cover
nCord holder
Secure the cord of the included AC adaptor
(PS-1225L) with this holder to prevent the plug
from being disconnected accidentally.
mKensington security slot
,SD card slot
Insert SD cards here.
.USB port
Connect this unit with a computer using a USB2.0
cable. The computer will recognize this unit as
a mass storage device. No driver software is
necessary.
Audio files can be transferred between an SD card
in this unit and a computer by the USB connection.
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

TASCAM DR-680 15
Bottom panel
/Hook for the shoulder strap
Attach the included shoulder strap here.
!Stand
Use this stand to raise the front of the unit when
operating it on a flat surface.
@Battery compartment cover
#Battery compartment
Install batteries (8 AA) for powering the unit in this
compartment. (See “Using AA batteries” on page
20.)
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

16 TASCAM DR-680
Home Screen
1Take name
When stopped or during playback, the name of the
currently loaded take is shown.
When recording or in recording standby, the name
of the take being recorded is shown.
Up to 11 characters are shown. Longer names are
scrolled.
2Recorder operation status
The operation status of the recorder is shown with
one of the following icons.
: Stopped
: Playing back
: Paused
: Searching forward
: Searching backwards
: Recording
: Recording standby
: Skip forward
: Skip backward
3Repeat icon
When the repeat function is ON, the repeat icon
appears.
4Power supply status
When operating on battery power, a battery icon
appears.
Depending on the amount of remaining battery
power, a number of bars appear ( , or ).
When the battery charge is very low, the last bar
disappears, the icon blinks, and the unit’s
power will soon change to standby.
When using the included AC adaptor (PS-1225L),
the icon appears.
NOTE
Even before the batteries lose their charge, a “Battery
Low” warning pop-up message might appear if you try
to start recording or conduct another operation that
requires considerable power.
5Level meters
These show the levels of tracks 1–6 and the stereo
track.
When recording, if stereo track recording is ON
and the stereo track recording source is set to
DIGITAL IN, the stereo track meters become the
DIGITAL IN input level meters.
During playback of a multitrack file, the playback
levels of each track are shown.
When recording, the recording levels of each track
are shown.
When recording, if a signal is distorted at the input
stage, the area beneath its meter is highlighted.
If a recording level exceeds 2.0 dB below the
maximum level, a mark appears at the top of its
meter, indicating an overload.
Ch2: Signal is distorted at the input stage
Ch4: Recording level exceeds 2.0dB less than the
maximum level.
During stereo track playback, the meters for tracks
1 and 2 function as the L and R meters.
When a track is armed for recording, “º” appears
beneath its meter.
When a track is soloed, “ ” appears beneath its
meter.
NOTE
If a track is both armed for recording and soloed, only
“ ” appears beneath its meter.
6Time (hours: minutes: seconds)
During playback, the elapsed playback time of the
take is shown.
Press the DISPL AY key on the front panel to
show the remaining time of the take as a negative
number.
When recording, the elapsed recording time of the
take is shown.
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

TASCAM DR-680 17
Press the DISPL AY key on the front panel to show
the remaining available recording time for the take.
7Playback position
This bar shows the current playback position
during playback or the amount of remaining
time available for recording during recording. As
recording or playback progresses, the bar darkens
from the left.
8Mark information
The mark number and the total number of marks in
the current take are shown.
During playback, the number of the mark that is
before and closest to the current position is shown.
When recording, the last added mark number is
shown.
9File type indicator
When stopped or during playback, the file type of
the currently loaded take is shown.
When recording or in recording standby, the file
type of the take being recorded is shown.
: BWF
: WAV
: MP3
0Sampling frequency indicator
When stopped or during playback, the sampling
frequency of the currently loaded take is shown.
When recording or in recording standby, the
sampling frequency of the take being recorded is
shown.
: 44.1 kHz
: 48 kHz
: 96 kHz
: 192 kHz
qLOCK indicator
When the lock function for the front panel and/
or top panel keys is ON, the indicator
appears.
wSTEREO indicator
When a stereo track is being played, the
indicator appears. During stereo track playback, the
meters for tracks 1 and 2 function as the L and R
meters.
eSOLO indicator
When a track has been soloed, the indicator
appears. An icon appears beneath the meter of
the currently soloed track.
rQuantization/bit-rate indicator
When stopped or during playback, the quanti-
zation/bit-rate of the currently loaded take is
shown.
When recording or in recording standby, the
quantization/bit-rate of the take being recorded is
shown.
When the take being recorded or played is an MP3,
its bit rate is shown.
BWF/WAV
: 16-bit
: 24-bit
MP3
: 96 kbps (48 kbps)
: 128 kbps (64 kbps)
: 192 kbps (96 kbps)
: 320 kbps (160 kbps)
NOTE
The bit rate in parentheses is for when recording a
monaural take.
Menu structure
Press the MENU key on the top panel to open the MENU
screen. The menu items are as follows.
NOTE
This screen cannot be accessed during recording or when
in recording standby.
Menu item Contents Pages
BROWSE
Work with takes and folders 37
REC
Make recording settings 24
AUTO REC
Make auto-recording
settings
31
LOW CUT
Make low cut filter settings 33
I /O
Make input and output
settings
27, 47
PLAY
Make playback settings 41
CARD
Manage the SD card 49
SYSTEM
Make system settings 47
DATE/TIME
Set the date and time 22
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

18 TASCAM DR-680
Using menus
In this example, we show how to change the sampling
frequency.
1 Press the MENU key on the top panel or press
and hold the HOME/FUNC key on the front panel
to open the MENU screen.
2 Use the DATA wheel to select the desired menu
item, and press the ENTER key to open the menu
item screen.
3 Use the DATA wheel to select the desired item.
4 Press the key or ENTER key to move the
cursor to the setting value.
5 Use the DATA wheel to change the setting.
6 If you want to set another item within the same
menu, press the key to return to the selection
of setting items, and use the DATA wheel to select
the next item that you want to set.
7 Repeat steps 4–6 as necessary to set other items.
8 Press the MENU key to go back one level in the
menu.
Press the HOME/FUNC key to return to the Home
Screen.
Operation basics
Use the following controls to operate the various
settings screens.
MENU key
Press to open the MENU screen when it is not already
open.
When the MENU screen is open, press the MENU key to
go back one level in the menu.
You can also press and hold the HOME/FUNC key to
open the MENU screen.
DATA wheel
Use to select items and to change values.
You can also use the VALUE dial instead for the same
functions.
ENTER key
Presstoconrmtheselectionofasettingitem,andto
select“YES”onaconrmationpop-upmessage.
You can also press the VALUE dial instead for the same
function.
key
Press to move the cursor right in a settings screen and
to open a folder on the BROWSE screen.
key
Press to move the cursor left in a settings screen and to
close a folder on the BROWSE screen.
Presstoselect“NO”onaconrmationpop-up
message.
HOME/FUNC key
When a settings screen is open, press the HOME/
FUNC key to return to the Home Screen.
Functions Screen
When the Home Screen is open, press the HOME/
FUNC key to open the Functions Screen.
On the Functions Screen, you can view and activate
the following items.
Repeat
Pre-record
Auto-record
DIN/MIX monitor
Limiter
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

TASCAM DR-680 19
Low-cut filter
1 When the Home Screen is open, press the HOME/
FUNC key to open the Functions Screen.
2 Use the VALUE knob to move the cursor to select
the item to set.
3 Press the VALUE knob.
When selecting LIMITER or LOW CUT , press the
VALUE knob or 1-6keys.
4 When you have finished making the settings,
press the HOME/FUNC key to return to the Home
Screen.
Repeat activation
Use the REPEAT item to turn loop playback ON or
OFF. The default value is OFF.
: Repeat playback ON
: Repeat playback OFF
Pre-record activation
Use the PRE.REC item to turn the pre-record function
ON or OFF. The default value is OFF.
: Pre-record ON
: Pre-record OFF
Auto-record activation
Use the A.R E C item to turn the auto-record function
ON or OFF. The default value is OFF.
: Auto-record function ON
: Auto-record function OFF
DIN/MIX monitor settings
When the ST REC item on the REC screen is set to DIN ,
the signal to be monitored can be selected. Press the
VALUE dial to select DIN MON or MIX MON .
The default value is MIX MON .
: Set to monitor the stereo mix
: Set to monitor the digital input
NOTE
When the ST REC item on the REC screen is set to
MIX, this setting is fixed to MIX MON, and it cannot be
changed to DIN MON.
Limiter activation
Use the LIMITER item to turn the limiter function ON
or OFF for each input independently.
The limiter for an input is ON when its number
appears light on a dark background. The default value
is OFF for all inputs.
Press the VALUE knob to turn the limiter ON or OFF
for all inputs at the same time.
Press the 1–6keys to turn the limiter ON or OFF for
each input independently.
If the limiter has been turned ON for one or more
inputs, the LIMITER indicator appears with a dark
background.
: Limiter ON for all inputs
: Limiter ON for input 1
: Limiter OFF for all inputs
Low-cut filter activation
Use the LOW CUT itemtoturnthelow-cutlterfunction
ON or OFF for each input independently.
Thelow-cutlterforaninputisONwhenitsnumber
appears light on a dark background. The default value
is OFF for all inputs.
Press the VALUEknobtoturnthelow-cutlterONor
OFF for all inputs at the same time.
Press the 1–6keystoturnthelow-cutlterONorOFF
for each input independently.
Ifthelow-cutlterhasbeenturnedONforoneor
more inputs, the LOW CUT indicator appears with a dark
background.
: Low-cutlterONforallinputs
: Low-cutlterfunctionONfor
input 1
: Low-cutlterOFFforall
inputs
NOTE
You can set the cut-off frequency with the FREQUENCY
item of the the LOW CUT menu. (See “Using the low-cut
filter” on page 33.)
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

20 TASCAM DR-680
3 – Preparations
Powering the unit
About the power supply
This unit can be powered by 8 AA batteries or the
included PS-1225L AC adaptor, which matches the
powerspecicationsofthisunit.
This unit can use alkaline or nickel-metal hydride AA
batteries.
Using AA batteries
Slide off the battery compartment cover on the bottom
panel of this unit, insert 8 AA batteries into the battery
compartment according to the +/– indications, and
close the compartment cover again.
When using AA batteries, set the battery type so
that the unit can accurately display the remaining
battery charge and determine the necessary minimum
remaining charge for operation. (See “Setting the
battery type” on page 48.)
CAUTION
Manganese AA batteries cannot be used.
•
This unit cannot recharge AA nickel-metal hydride
•
(NiMH) batteries. Use a commercially-available battery
recharger to recharge NiMH batteries.
NOTE
A great amount of power is required to provide
phantom power to a condenser microphone. If you use
a condenser microphone while running the unit on AA
batteries (NiMH rechargeable or alkaline), the operation
time will be greatly shortened. If you need to operate the
unit for a long time, use the AC adaptor.
Using the AC adaptor
Asshowninthegure,connecttheincludedPS-1225L
ACadaptor,whichconformstothespecicationsof
this unit, to the DC IN 12V jack.
AC outlet
DC plug
TASCAM
PS-1225L
Ahook(cordholder)toxthecordoftheACadaptor
is on the right side panel. Wrap the cord around the
hook when connecting it to prevent it from being
disconnected during use.
CAUTION
Use only the included PS-1225L AC adaptor, which
conforms to the specifications of this unit. Use of an
adaptor other than this model could cause malfunction,
fire or electric shock.
NOTE
If power is available from both batteries and the AC
adaptor, the power is supplied by the AC adaptor.