Tascam HS-4000 User manual

D01134001D
OWNER'S MANUAL
HS-4000
4 Channel Audio Recorder

2 TASCAM HS-4000
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.
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 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.
In North America use only on 120V supply.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CE Marking Information
a) Applicable electromagnetic environment: E4
b) Peak inrush current: 14 A
ªFor European Customers
Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment
(a) All electrical and electronic equipment should be disposed
of separately from the municipal waste stream via collection
facilities designated by the government or local authorities.
(b) By disposing of electrical and electronic equipment
correctly, you will help save valuable resources and prevent
any potential negative effects on human health and the
environment.
(c) Improper disposal of waste electrical and electronic
equipment can have serious effects on the environment
and human health because of the presence of hazardous
substances in the equipment.
(d) The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
symbol, which shows a wheeled bin that has been crossed
out, indicates that electrical and electronic equipment must
be collected and disposed of separately from household
waste.
(e) Return and collection systems are available to end users.
For more detailed information about the disposal of old
electrical and electronic equipment, please contact your
city office, waste disposal service or the shop where you
purchased the equipment.
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

TASCAM HS-4000 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• 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.
• Products with Class I construction are equipped with a
power supply cord that has a grounding plug. The cord
of such a product must be plugged into an AC outlet
that has a protective grounding connection.
• 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 headphones can
cause hearing loss.
ªRACK-MOUNTING THE UNIT
Use the supplied rack-mounting kit to mount the unit in a
standard 19-inch rack, as shown below.
Remove the feet of the unit before mounting.
CAUTION
• Leave 1U of space above the unit for ventilation.
• Allow at least 10 cm (4 in) at the rear of the unit for
ventilation.
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 near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
ampliers) 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 specied 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.

4 TASCAM HS-4000
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
By changing the positions where the rack mount ears are
attached to the unit, it is possible to install the unit into a rack so
that its front panel is about 4 cm inside the front of the rack.
Remove the three screws that attach the rack mount ears from
each side and then use the screws to reattach the ears as shown
in the illustration below.
ªFor China

TASCAM HS-4000 5
Contents
1 − Introduction..............................................9
Features..................................................................................9
Included items .....................................................................9
Conventions used in this manual..................................9
Intellectual property rights............................................. 9
Precautions for placement and use............................10
Beware of condensation.................................................10
Cleaning the unit...............................................................10
Cleaning the display..................................................10
About CF cards...................................................................10
Precautions for use....................................................10
Media that has been confirmed for use
with this unit................................................................10
2 − Names and functions of parts................11
Front panel.......................................................................... 11
Rear panel............................................................................13
PARALLEL connector.................................................14
RS-232C connector ....................................................15
RS-422 connector.......................................................15
Home Screen ......................................................................16
In timeline mode........................................................16
In take mode or single playlist mode..................20
Dual playlist mode.....................................................22
A/B MIXED playlist mode .......................................23
On-air mode.................................................................24
3 − Preparation .............................................25
Inserting and removing CF cards................................25
Inserting CF cards.......................................................25
Removing CF cards....................................................25
Security screws ...........................................................26
About the display..............................................................26
Adjusting the display angle....................................26
Adjusting display and indicator brightness......26
Cautions related to display use.............................26
Turning the power ON and OFF...................................27
Setting the time of the built-in clock.........................27
Lock function......................................................................28
Recording times ................................................................29
4 – Basic operation .......................................30
CF card preparation .........................................................30
CF card selection........................................................30
Formatting a CF card ................................................30
Creating a new project.............................................32
Setting the master clock.................................................33
Setting inputs and outputs...........................................33
Setting the inputs ......................................................33
Setting reference levels ...........................................34
Connecting headphones ........................................34
Online function..................................................................35
Recording operation limitations .................................35
5 – Projects ....................................................36
Project organization ........................................................36
File formats..........................................................................36
Monophonic and polyphonic modes.................36
Folders where files are saved in mono mode..36
PROJECT screen .................................................................37
Project selection screen...........................................37
Session selection screen..........................................37
AES31 file selection screen .....................................38
Take selection screen................................................38
Playlist selection screen...........................................39
Project operations ............................................................39
Creating new projects..............................................39
Editing the project name ........................................40
Changing a project name later .............................41
Editing the name of the first session...................41
Loading projects ........................................................41
Rebuilding projects...................................................42
Erasing a project.........................................................42
Session operations ...........................................................43
Creating new sessions..............................................43
Loading sessions ........................................................43
Rebuilding sessions...................................................44
Copying sessions........................................................44
Erasing sessions ..........................................................45
Switching project screens..............................................46
6 – Overview of operation modes ...............47
Timeline mode functions...............................................47
Take mode functions .......................................................47
Playlist mode functions ..................................................48
Single mode.................................................................48
Dual mode....................................................................48
A/B MIXED mode .......................................................48
On-air mode functions....................................................49
Selecting the operation mode.....................................49
7 – Timeline mode ........................................50
Preparing to record ..........................................................50
Basic preparations......................................................50
Creating a new project.............................................50
Creating new sessions..............................................50
Arming tracks for recording...................................51
Recording mode settings........................................51
Setting the file format..............................................52
Other recording settings.........................................52

6 TASCAM HS-4000
Contents
Making a recording ..........................................................52
Locate to the recording start position................52
Recording......................................................................52
Stopping recording ...................................................52
Retaking a recording.................................................52
Playback................................................................................53
Project/session selection.........................................53
Setting input monitoring ........................................53
Setting the online function ....................................53
Locating to playback starting points..................53
Playback.........................................................................53
Call function.................................................................53
BWF-J cue points (timeline mode) .......................54
Importing and exporting AES31 editing
information .........................................................................54
Importing AES31 editing information ................54
Exporting AES31 editing information.................55
Saving timelines .........................................................56
Importing all takes.....................................................56
Changing the timeline starting timecode ...............57
Editing timelines ...............................................................57
Selecting a region to copy, cut or delete...........58
Setting editing start points ....................................58
Setting editing end points......................................58
Clearing editing start and end points.................58
Selecting tracks for editing ....................................59
Copying the data of a selected region (Copy).59
Cutting the data of a selected region (Cut) ......60
Erasing the data of a selected region (Erase)...60
Dividing data at a selected point (Divide).........61
Inserting data from the copy buffer (Insert).....61
Pasting the copy buffer data at a set point
(Paste).............................................................................62
Inserting/pasting data from a select file
at a set point (Ins/Paste File)...................................62
Inserting silence in a set region (Insert Mute)..64
Setting fade ins and outs for designated
regions
(Fade IN/FadeOut)......................................................64
Removing fade ins and outs
(Remove Fade IN/Remove Fade Out)..................65
Setting the playback level of a designated
region (Level)...............................................................65
Undoing the previous edit (UNDO).....................66
Redoing an edit (REDO) ...........................................66
Bouncing..............................................................................67
8 – Take mode ...............................................68
Preparing to record ..........................................................68
Basic preparations......................................................68
Creating a new project.............................................68
Creating new sessions..............................................68
Arming tracks for recording...................................69
Recording mode settings........................................69
Setting the file format..............................................69
Other recording settings.........................................70
Making a recording ..........................................................70
Recording......................................................................70
Stopping recording ...................................................70
Retaking a recording.................................................70
Playback................................................................................70
Project/session/take selection ..............................70
Setting input monitoring ........................................71
Setting the online function ....................................71
Playback.........................................................................71
Call function.................................................................71
BWF-J cue points (take mode) ...............................72
Using the flash start function
in playlist mode ..........................................................72
Take operations .................................................................72
Changing the start time of a take.........................72
Using @ with take names ........................................73
Copying takes..............................................................74
Deleting takes .............................................................74
Sorting takes................................................................75
Moving takes ...............................................................75
Editing take names....................................................76
9 – Playlist mode...........................................77
Playlist operations ............................................................77
Loading project/sessions ........................................77
Creating a new playlist.............................................77
Importing JPPA PPL files..........................................78
Changing a playlist name later..............................79
Loading playlists.........................................................80
Deleting a playlist ......................................................81
Editing a playlist (adding, clearing and editing
entries) ..................................................................................81
Entry list screen...........................................................81
Assign File screen.......................................................83
Assigning a take to an entry...................................85
Entry number page allocation...............................87
Clearing entry assignments....................................88
Editing entry titles......................................................88
Editing the playback start
and stop positions .....................................................89
Quickly switching to the region between
BC$STANDBY and BC$END marks........................89
Using the numeric entry screen to edit the
playback beginning and ending positions.......90

TASCAM HS-4000 7
Contents
Editing entry starting timecodes..........................91
Editing fade in/out lengths and levels................92
Using rehearsal playback functions ....................92
Saving a playlist ..........................................................93
Naming a playlist and saving it.............................93
Creating a JPPA PPL file from the loaded
playlist ............................................................................94
Playing back playlists.......................................................95
Project/session/playlist selection.........................95
Selecting the current player...................................96
Setting the online function ....................................96
Playlist playback .........................................................97
Using the call function .............................................97
BWF-J cue points (playlist mode) .........................97
Using the flash start function ...............................97
Flash start key display colors on the TASCAM
RC-HS32PD remote control in A/B MIXED
mode .............................................................................97
10 – On-air mode ..........................................98
Selecting files for on-air playback...............................98
Playback areas in on-air mode ....................................98
Using the ON AIR button to switch between
rehearsal/confirmation playback and actual
playback modes ................................................................99
On-air playback..................................................................99
Conducting credits playback........................................99
Using the call function....................................................99
BWF-J cue point (on-air mode).................................. 100
Changing the sampling frequency.......................... 100
Precautions when using on-air mode .................... 100
11 – Internal settings ..................................101
Menu screen .....................................................................101
Recording settings (REC SETUP) ................................101
REC MODE page .......................................................101
FILE FORMAT page...................................................101
OPTIONS page...........................................................102
Playback settings (PLAY SETUP)................................ 103
GENERAL page (PLAY SETUP screen) ............... 103
CONTROL page ........................................................ 103
Sync and timecode settings (SYNC T/C)................. 104
CLOCK page .............................................................. 104
SYNC page ................................................................. 104
T/C page...................................................................... 105
SETUP page (SYNC T/C screen)........................... 106
I/O page...................................................................... 106
Remote settings (REMOTE SETUP)........................... 106
GENERAL page (REMOTE SETUP screen) ........ 106
PARALLEL page .........................................................107
RS–232C page........................................................... 108
RS–422 page ............................................................. 108
ETHERNET page ...................................................... 108
Mixer settings (MIXER SETUP).................................... 109
INPUT page................................................................ 109
MONITOR MIXER page............................................110
SETUP page (MIXER SETUP screen)....................110
Output signal block diagrams ............................. 111
Level meters settings (METER SETUP) .....................112
System settings (SYSTEM SETUP)..............................112
PREFERENCES page .................................................112
REFERENCE LEVEL page ........................................113
ANA Ref LVL ADJ page ...........................................113
Backup/Startup page .............................................113
CLOCK ADJUST page...............................................114
Version display and optional functions
(VERSION/OPTION).........................................................115
VERSION INFO page ...............................................115
WAV LOCK page .......................................................115
Managing CF cards (CF MANAGE).............................116
Operation mode selection (OPERATION MODE) ..116
Folder structure...............................................................117
File names...................................................................117
12 – Mark and locate functions.................. 118
Mark functions.................................................................118
Adding marks ............................................................118
Using keys to locate to marks..............................118
MARK LIST screen ....................................................119
Locating to marks ....................................................119
Viewing mark list information.............................119
Erasing marks ............................................................120
Editing mark positions ...........................................120
Editing mark names.................................................121
Manual locate function.................................................121
13 – Other functions ...................................122
Confidence monitoring ................................................122
Confidence monitoring operation
conditions...................................................................122
Online functions..............................................................122
Enabling the online function...............................122
Switching the online playback mode ...............123
Outputs during online playback.........................123
Flash start function.........................................................123
Setting the flash key function .............................123
Selecting the flash start page..............................124
Flash start playback.................................................124
Standby playback (only with RC-HS32PD
connected) .................................................................124

8 TASCAM HS-4000
Contents
Operation using a computer keyboard ..................124
Setting the keyboard type....................................124
Using the keyboard to input names..................124
List of keyboard operations..................................125
Network functions (FTP/Telnet/VNC)......................125
FTP (file transfer protocol) ....................................125
Remote control by Telnet......................................127
VNC (virtual network computing)......................127
WAV LOCK function (paid option)......................128
14 – Timecode synchronization.................131
Playback synchronized with timecode ...................131
Timeline mode..........................................................131
Take mode ..................................................................131
Playlist mode .............................................................131
On-air mode ..............................................................131
Recording synchronized with timecode ................131
Timeline mode..........................................................131
Take mode ..................................................................131
Playlist mode .............................................................131
On-air mode ..............................................................131
Basic operation ................................................................132
Timecode offset ..............................................................132
Rechase...............................................................................132
15 – Importing files recorded by other
devices.........................................................133
Preparation before importing....................................133
Using imported files on this unit...............................133
16 – Troubleshooting .................................134
17 – Messages .............................................135
18 – Specifications ......................................146
General .............................................................................. 146
Inputs and outputs........................................................ 146
Analog audio inputs and outputs..................... 146
Digital audio inputs and outputs ...................... 146
Control inputs and outputs..................................147
Audio performance........................................................147
Other specifications.......................................................147
Dimensional drawings ................................................. 148
Block diagram...................................................................149

TASCAM HS-4000 9
1 − Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing a TASCAM HS-4000 4
Channel Audio 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://tascam.com/)
Features
• CompactFlash cards are used as recording media (Ultra
DMA compatible)
• Two CompactFlash card slots allows two cards to be loaded
and recorded to simultaneously using dual player mode
(planned for a future firmware version upgrade)
• 4-track simultaneous recording is possible at up to 96 kHz,
24-bit sample rates
• Confidence monitoring allows simultaneous playback
of the signal as it is being recorded (when recording two
tracks at up to 44.1/48 kHz,)
• Simultaneous playback of four tracks, including two stereo
pairs (dual playlist mode)
• Three operation modes: timeline, take and playlist
• In timeline mode, linear recording and playback like a tape
recorder are possible
• In take mode, playback and flash start of takes are possible
• In playlist mode, takes can be added to a list and played
back in list order or activated using flash start
• In single playlist mode, playback of up to 4 tracks is possible
• In dual playlist mode, 2 stereo tracks can be independently
played back and controlled
• Using the ONLINE key, online playback and monitoring
playback are possible
• Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) file recording
• Flash start is possible using a TASCAM RC-HS32PD, RC–SS20
(both sold separately)
• In addition to using the remote controllers that are sold
separately, flash start is also possible using PARALLEL
control or a keyboard
• Auto cue, auto ready and incremental play functions
• Importing and exporting AES31 editing information in
timeline mode are possible
• Playlist mode (compatible with JPPA flash start playlist file
loading)
• JOG/SHUTTLE function
• Intuitive operation is possible using graphical interface on
TFT color touchscreen
• 4 channels of XLR analog balanced inputs and outputs
• 2 stereo pairs of XLR AES/EBU digital inputs and outputs
• 2 channels of XLR analog monitoring outputs
• Headphone output
• XLR time code input and output
• BNC media reference (NTSC/PAL black burst signals, and
HDTV Tri-level signals) and word clock input and output/
thru
• Compatible with 48 kHz pull-up/pull-down operation
• Copying files to connected USB memory is possible
(planned for a future firmware version upgrade)
• LAN (Gigabit Ethernet) functions allow file transmission,
remote control and observation over a network (planned
for a future firmware version upgrade)
• Parallel remote control is possible
• RS-232C serial remote control is possible (planned for a
future firmware version upgrade)
• RS-422 (9-pin serial protocol) serial remote control is
possible
• Rack mounting (2U) is possible
Included items
This product includes 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 transpor-
tation.
• Main unit (HS-4000)................................................................................ 1
• Power cord set.......................................................................................... 1
• Rack-mounting screw kit...................................................................... 1
• Security screws......................................................................................... 3
• Warranty card ........................................................................................... 1
• Owner's manual (this manual)............................................................ 1
Conventions used in this manual
In this manual, we use the following conventions:
• Keys, jacks and other parts on the main unit and external
devices are indicated like this: MENU
• “CompactFlash card”is abbreviated as“CF card.”
• Additional information is provided as necessary as tips,
notes and cautions.
TIP
These are tips about how to use the unit.
NOTE
These provide additional explanations and describe special
cases.
CAUTION
Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury, damage
to equipment or lost recording data, for example.
Intellectual property rights
• TASCAM is a trademark of TEAC Corporation, registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
• CompactFlash is a US registered trademark of SanDisk
Corporation.
• Other company names, product names and logos in this
document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.

10 TASCAM HS-4000
1 − Introduction
Any data, including, but not limited to information, described
herein are intended only as illustrations of such data and/or
information and not as the specifications 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 intellectual 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 consequences of any
illegal copying performed using the recorder.
Precautions for placement and use
• The guaranteed operating temperature range of this
product is 5º - 35º C (41º- 95º 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
• Make sure that the unit is mounted in a level position for
correct operation.
• In order to promote the emission of heat, do not place
anything on top of this product.
• Do not place this product on top of a powered amplifier or
other equipment that emits heat.
Beware of condensation
If the unit is moved from a cold to a warm place, or used
immediately after a cold room has been heated or otherwise
exposed to a sudden temperature change, condensation could
occur. Should this happen, leave the unit for one or two hours
before turning the unit on.
Cleaning the unit
Wipe the unit with a soft dry cloth to clean it. Do not use any
benzine, paint thinner, alcohol or other chemical agents. Doing
so could damage the surface of the unit or cause fading.
Cleaning the display
Slightly wipe the display with a soft dry cloth that does not shed
dust (e.g. a cleaning cloth). Avoid wiping with a stiff cloth or
rubbing with force. Doing so could damage the surface of the
LCD. Do not use benzene, thinner, manicure remover, alcohol or
similar substances.
About CF cards
Precautions for use
CompactFlash cards are precision devices. To prevent damage to
the card or the slot, please observe the following cautions.
• Do not leave a CF card in an extremely hot or cold location.
• Do not leave a CF card in an extremely damp location.
• Do not allow a CF card to become wet.
• Do not place any object on top of a CF card, or twist or
bend it.
• Do not subject a CF card to strong impact.
• Do not insert or remove a CF card during recording,
playback, data transfer or other operations that access a
card.
Media that has been confirmed for use with
this unit
This unit uses CF cards for recording and playback.
We recommend using genuine TASCAM CF cards, but use of
other CF cards that are available commercially is possible.
Microdrives cannot be used with this unit.
The capacities and performance of your HS-4000 will vary based
on the speed and abilities of the Compact Flash (CF) media used.
Older and some cheaper Compact Flash (CF) cards use slower
memory components and little internal buffering which results
in poor recording performance. Newer CF cards, particularly
those made for high-precision DSLR cameras, not only perform
reading and writing faster, but also come in larger storage size.
A list of CF cards that we have confirmed to work with this unit is
provided on our website (http://tascam.com/).
If a CF card is used that has not been confirmed, this unit might
not operate correctly.