Zoom Thunderbolt TAC-2R User manual

© 2014 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.
Operation Manual

2
Introduction
Introduction ……………………………… 2
Usage and Safety Precautions ……… 3
Part Names ……………………………… 4
Installing the Driver …………………… 6
Connecting with a Computer ………… 7
Recording ………………………………… 8
Playback ……………………………… 11
Connecting MIDI Devices …………… 13
Restoring Factory Default Settings 13
Troubleshooting ……………………… 14
Specifications ………………………… 15
Contents
Introduction
2-in/2-out Thunderbolt™ audio converter
The audio converter uses Thunderbolt™, the latest generation of high-speed interface
technology. With this, we have realized a system with low latency that was not possible using USB 2.0.
Since it also supports recording and playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz, it can also be used for the playback
of high-resolution sound sources delivered with superior audio quality over the Internet.
Attention to audio performance
The entire system reproduces the original audio faithfully. An asynchronous transfer system
that is not impacted by computer jitter is used along with the latest AD/DA converter, which
supports 192kHz.
Built-in high-performance mic preamps
The high-performance mic preamps are based on those developed for our H Series. Each
input also supports Hi-Z connections. The gain can be raised by up to 60 dB, and +48V
phantom power can be supplied.
dedicated mixer application
Use this application to make internal mixer and monitoring effect settings. For details about
, see the ZOOM website (http://www.zoom.co.jp/downloads/).

3
Usage and Safety Precautions
Usage and Safety Precautions
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
In this operation manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings
and cautions that you must read to pre vent accidents. The
meanings of these symbols are as follows.
Warning
Something that could cause serious injury or death
Caution
Something that could cause injury or damage to the
equipment
Other symbols used
An action that is mandatory
An action that is prohibited
Caution
Warnings
Alterations
Do not open the case or modify the product.
Caution
Precautions
Product handling
Do not drop, bump or apply excessive force to the unit.
Be careful not to allow foreign objects or liquids enter the unit.
Operating environment
Do not use in extremely high or low temperatures.
Do not use near heaters, stoves and other heat sources.
Do not use in very high humidity or where it could be splashed by water.
Do not use in places with frequent vibrations.
Do not use in places with much dust or sand.
Connection cables and input/output jacks
Always turn the power OFF for all equipment before connecting any
cables.
Always disconnect all connection cables and the AC adapter before
moving the unit.
Volume
Do not use at a loud volume for a long time.
Usage Precautions
Interference with other electrical equipment
In consideration of safety, the has been designed to minimize its
emission of electromagnetic waves and to suppress interference from external
electromagnetic waves. However, equipment that is very susceptible to interference
or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves could result in interference if placed
nearby. If this occurs, place the and the other device farther apart. With
any type of electronic device that uses digital control, including the ,
electromagnetic interference could cause malfunction, corrupt or destroy data and
result in other unexpected trouble. Always use caution.
Cleaning
Use a soft cloth to clean the exterior of the unit if it becomes dirty. If necessary, use
a damp cloth that has been wrung out well. Never use abrasive cleansers, wax or
solvents such as alcohol, benzene or paint thinner.
Temperature considerations
Continuous use of this interface for long periods of time, for example, might cause it
to become warm. This is normal as long as it does not become too hot to touch.
Breakdown and malfunction
If the should malfunction or operate abnormally, disconnect it
immediately. Then, contact the retailer where you purchased it or Zoom support and
provide the following information: product model, serial number and details of the
symptoms of malfunction or abnormal operation, as well as your name, address and
telephone number.
Copyrights
• Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
• Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S.
and/or other countries.
• MIDI is a registered trademark of Association of Musical Electronics Industry (AMEI).
• All other product names, trademarks and company names in this document are
the property of their respective owners.
Note: All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for
identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of
their respective owners.
Recording for any purpose other than personal use from copyrighted sources,
including CDs, records, tapes, live performances, video works and broadcasts,
without permission of the copyright holder is prohibited by law.
Zoom Corporation will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of
copyrights.

4
Part Names
Part Names
INPUT 1 jack
INPUT 2 jack
Level indicators GAIN knobs PHONES knob
Power indicator
PHONES jackPHANTOM switch
OUTPUT knobHi-Z switches
Top Panel
XLR TRS
1 : GND
2 : HOT
3 : COLD
TIP : HOT
RING : COLD
SLEEVE : GND
12
3

5
Part Names
Thunderbolt port DIRECT MONITOR switch
MIDI OUT jack
MIDI IN jack
OUTPUT jacks
Rear Panel

6
Installing the Driver
Installing the Driver
Do not connect the until installation completes.
1. Download the ZOOMTAC-2 Driver from http://www.zoom.co.jp/
downloads/ to your computer.
NOTE
• You can download the latest ZOOM TAC-2 Driver from the above website.
• The supported operating systems are as follows.
Mac OS X 10.8.5 (or later)
2. Click the ZOOM TAC-2 Driver.pkg icon to launch the installer.
Follow the instructions that appear on screen to install the ZOOMTAC-2 Driver.
3. Connect the and the computer using aThunderbolt cable.
4. Open the Sound pane of the System Preferences and set
both the Input and Output to
ZOOMTAC-2R.

7
1. Minimize both volume controls on the .
2. Connect the and the computer using a Thunderbolt
cable.
The power indicator will light when connected correctly.
NOTE
• The unit will not turn on if the driver is not installed.
Follow the instruction on page 6 to install the ZOOM TAC-2 Driver.
Connecting with a Computer
Connecting with a Computer
<Rear>

8
Recording Connecting Instruments
Connecting Instruments
Bass guitar
(TRS cables)
(mono phone cable)
Keyboard
Guitar
Connect instruments to INPUTS 1/2 usingTRS/mono phone cables.
<Front>
Using the Hi-Z Function
• When connecting a passive guitar or bass guitar to
an INPUT, press its so that it lights.
• When connecting a keyboard or other instrument to
an INPUT, press its so that it becomes unlit.

9
Recording
Connecting Mics
Connecting Mics
Dynamic mic
Condenser mic (XLR cable)
(XLR cable)
Using XLR cables, connect mics to INPUTS 1/2.
<Front>
Using Phantom Power
• When connecting a condenser mic, press so that
it lights. Phantom power is supplied when this switch
is lit.
• When on, phantom power is supplied to both
INPUTS 1/2.

10
1. Check the status of the input
signal.
Lit green: Input signal present.
Lit red: Input signal is clipping.
2. Adjust the input gain.
Turn the .
HINT
• Set it so that the level indicator does not light red.
Recording Adjusting Input Gain
You can adjust the gain of each INPUT.
Adjusting Input Gain

11
Playback Connecting Headphones and Speakers
Connecting Headphones and Speakers
Connect headphones to the PHONES jack and speakers to the OUTPUT
jacks.Then, adjust the volume.
1. Connect headphones or speakers.
2. Adjust the headphones/speakers volume.
Headphones volume: Turn .
Speakers volume: Turn .
Speakers
Headphones
<Front> <Rear>

12
Playback Using Direct Monitoring
Using Direct Monitoring
Sound inputs into the can be directly output without passing
through the computer. This enables monitoring without latency.
1. Set the .
Direct monitoring setting INPUT 1 jack INPUT 2 jack
MONO Output from the PHONES jack and both L/R OUTPUT jacks.
STEREO Output from the PHONES
jack and the L OUTPUT jack.
Output from the PHONES
jack and the R OUTPUT jack.
OFF This disables direct monitoring.
<Rear>

13
Connecting MIDI Devices / Restoring Factory Default Settings
Connecting MIDI Devices
Restoring Factory Default Settings
Sound module
MIDI OUT jack MIDI OUT jackMIDI IN jack MIDI IN jack
MIDI keyboard,
MIDI controller
Use MIDI cables to connect MIDI devices to the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT jacks.
Follow these instructions to initialize settings, restoring them to their factory defaults.
1. Connect the to a computer while pressing . (→P.7)
2. Initialize the settings.
Execute: Press .
Cancel: Press .
<Rear>
NOTE
• When making settings in a DAW or other software, select "ZOOM TAC-2R MIDI I/O Port". Do
not use "ZOOM TAC-2R Reserved Port".Doing so could cause the or
to stop functioning properly.
Cancel
Execute

14
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Cannot select or use the device
Confirm that the•is connected to the
computer correctly.
Quit all the software that is using the•,
and disconnect and reconnect the Thunderbolt
cable connected to the .
Reinstall the driver.•
Playback sound cannot be heard or is quiet
Check the speaker connections and volume •
settings on the speakers.
Ad j ust th e OU TP UT a n d PH ON E S volu m e •
controls.
Confirm that the Output of the Sound pane of the•
System Preferences is set to ZOOM TAC-2R.
Recorded audio is too loud, too quiet or silent
Adjust the input gain of the•.
When using a condenser mic, turn phantom•
power on.
Confirm that the Input of the Sound pane of the•
System Preferences is set to ZOOM TAC-2R.
The sound of the device connected to the
input jack is distorted
Confirm that the level indicators are not lighting•
red. If they are lighting, lower the input levels.
Sound skips during playback or recording
If you can adjust the audio buffer size of the•
software that you are using, increase the buffer
size.
Cannot play or record
Confirm that ZOOM TAC-2R is selected in the •
Sound pane of the System Preferences.
Confirm that•is set for input and output
in the software that you are using.
Confirm that•is conn e cted to the
computer correctly.
Quit all the software that is using the•,
and disconnect and reconnect the Thunderbolt
cable connected to the .

15
Specifications
Specifications
Inputs INPUT 1/2 Connector XLR/TRS combo jacks (XLR: 2 hot, TRS: TIP hot)
Input gain 0–60 dB (in 1dB steps)
Input impedance 5 kΩ
1 MΩ (when Hi-Z ON)
Maximum input level +12 dBu (at 0 dBFS)
Phantom power +48V
Outputs OUTPUT
L/R
Connector TRS jack (balanced)
Maximum output level +14 dBu (at 0 dBFS)
Output impedance 100 Ω
PHONES Connector Standard stereo phone jack
20 mW × 2 (into 32Ω load)
Maximum output level +8 dBu (at 0 dBFS)
Output impedance 33 Ω
Frequency characteristics At 44.1 kHz −1.0 dB: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
At 96 kHz −1.0 dB: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
At 192 kHz −1.0 dB: 20 Hz – 60 kHz
Input conversion noise
Measured EIN: −125 dBu (IHF-A) (with 60dB, 150Ω input)
Dynamic range AD: 118 dB typical (IHF-A)
DA: 120 dB typical (IHF-A)
Number of audio recording and
playback channels
Recording: 2 channels
Playback: 2 channels
Sampling frequencies 192 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz
Bit depth 24-bit
Interface Thunderbolt™
MIDI IN/OUT 5 pin DIN jack
Power Source Thunderbolt™
Power consumption 10 W maximum
Dimensions 113.9 mm (D) × 176.0 mm (W) × 46.2 mm (H)
Weight (main unit only) 714 g
• 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

Z2I-2193-02
ZOOM CORPORATION
4-4-3 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
http://www.zoom.co.jp
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC regulation warning (for U.S.A.)
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 instructions, 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:
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household
waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and
electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential
negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by
inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural
resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local city
office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
Declaration of Conformity:
This product complies with the requirements of EMC Directive 2004/108/
EC and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
For EU Countries