can you sync tascam to computer

[diskobox]

can you sync tascam to computer

[jpmorris]

Originally Posted by diskobox

what do i need to sync the tascam tsr-8 to the computer so i can play digital along with analogue?
Thanks! Ian

There's two ways of doing it. Do you want the tape deck to be in control, or the computer? If the tape is in control, that's easiest.

For that, all you need is an SMPTE box of some kind, Cooper, Phil Rees, Tascam, whatever. You simply plug it into track 8, record a timecode track on track 8 for the approximate length of the song, and then, when you play back the tape, the timecode reader will convert track 8 into MIDI data to control the sequencer or whatever.

If you want to drive the TSR-8 from the computer, you'll need a Tascam sync unit with the ability to control the machine. This plugs into the Accessory 2 port via a 15-pin serial cable. The MMC100 can do this, although I haven't yet tried it, also the MTS1000 (I think that was the model). There are a few more as well, but only from Tascam I believe, unless someone else has reverse-engineered the communications protocol. Again, it connects to the computer, usually via MIDI.
The procedure is roughly the same as before, except you'll have to switch the machine into external sync mode (the middle light for the pitch control button). Again you'll have to have a timecode track recorded on track 8 (you can defeat the DBX on track 8 alone using the SYNC LOCK button).