Tascam M-520 XLR outputs

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jimfreschi

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I recently acquired a Tascam M-520.
I want to mix down to a Ampex 2 track Reel to Reelwhich has XLR inputs.
The Tascam M-520 has an 8 XLR outputs.
I cannot get a good signal out of any of the XLR outputs.
Can anyone suggest a reason why?
I am getting a fine output signal from the RCA jack "program" outputs.
 
the XLR outs are the output side of the 8 channel independent BALANCE AMP section...maybe you already know that...so you have to patch any combo of 8 RCA outs ( for instance STEREO A, STEREO B, and AUX 1 ~ 4, or the 8 PGM outs...whatever) to the 8 RCA BALANCE AMP inputs...then the balance amp converts those 8 RCA inputs from -10dBv to +4dBu...so how/what do you have patched to the BALANCE AMP inputs?

BTW, welcome and congrats on acquiring an M-520. ;)
 
Sweetbeats, THANK YOU!

No, I did not know that the XLR outs are the output side of the BALANCE AMP section. I don't have the manual for this console so I'm just figuring it out as I go. I don't think I have anything patched to the BALANCE AMP inputs. Where are the balance amp inputs?

I'll go down and see if I can figure it out. And I'll try to find an on-line manual for the board so I can locate where these BALANCE AMP inputs are.

JF
 
Thank you SO MUCH!

I found the outputs! Yes, and I patched them and it worked beautifully! Thank you. I get it! Yes, I was able to do a great mix down from my Otari 4 track to my Ampex 2 track. Now, If I could just find a technitian in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/st. Paul) to clean up my Otari. It was sitting down in my friends basement for about a decade or two and there's some bad noise that come through which I'm sure is just some dirty or corroded connections or a bad cap or two.

Thanks again.. YOU SOLVED THe Mystery!
 
Quite welcome...yeah that BALANCE AMP component of the M-520 is rally cool as it gives you those 8 +4 dBu outputs which can be used to balance any of the -10dBv outputs on the board...you can patch channel direct outs to it, the aforementioned PGM outs...anything...any combo.

Good luck trying to find a manual download...Teac in California has them. It is worth it. Until you get ahold of a manual don't hesitate to post questions. I and a number of others here can definitely help.
 
I am pretty sure the XLR outs on the 520 are pin 3 hot rather than pin 2 hot. This may make a difference. (That is how I am interpreting the line drawing, Cory, please feel free to interject if you interpret differently.)
 
True differential

Blue Jinn said:
I am pretty sure the XLR outs on the 520 are pin 3 hot rather than pin 2 hot. This may make a difference. (That is how I am interpreting the line drawing, Cory, please feel free to interject if you interpret differently.)
Click to expand...

It is true that the M520 is pin3 hot - But It is a true differential output with both pin3 and pin2 driven. Both are hot with pin3 on the + phase and pin 2 on the - phase. Don't run it into anything that has either pin 3 or pin 2 grounded. If you need to do that use a line transformer ...

--Ethan
 
Thanks again

Sweetbeats, thanks again for solving my problem. Regarding the XLR outputs, I'm going into an AMPEX 2-track which has only XLR inputs and outputs (although there are 2 1/4 inch jacks which I'm not sure if they are inputs or outputs). In any case, I'm sure the XLR outputs of the Tascam M520 match the inputs of the AMPEX. However, I'm not sure whether to put the switch on the back of the AMPEX on hi or low.
 
jimfreschi said:
Sweetbeats, thanks again for solving my problem. Regarding the XLR outputs, I'm going into an AMPEX 2-track which has only XLR inputs and outputs (although there are 2 1/4 inch jacks which I'm not sure if they are inputs or outputs). In any case, I'm sure the XLR outputs of the Tascam M520 match the inputs of the AMPEX. However, I'm not sure whether to put the switch on the back of the AMPEX on hi or low.
Click to expand...

Which ampex are you using?

Regards, Ethan
 
Ethan, hope your still out there after all this time. I am using the Ampex ATR-700. Still need to know if I should switches corresponding to the XLR inputs on Hi or Low as I am coming from the M-520 XLR outs which, according to the post above is..+4dbu
 
Been busy with a new boat. I'll look for the other thread.

--Ethan
 
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