Tascam MMP 16 User Manual
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MMP-16  
Modular Multitrack Player  
OWNER’S MANUAL  
D00000000A  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
CONSIGNES DE SECURITE  
SICHERHEITSHINWEISE  
NORME DI SICUREZZA  
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD  
VEILIGHEIDSVOORSCHRIFTEN  
TEAC CORPORATION  
Important Safety Instructions  
CAUTION:  
"Note to CATV system installer:  
• Read all of these Instructions.  
• Save these Instructions for later use.  
• Follow all Warnings and Instructions marked on the audio  
equipment.  
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to  
Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper ground-  
ing and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to  
the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as  
practical.  
1) Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions  
should be read before the product is operated.  
2) Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should  
be retained for future reference.  
Example of Antenna Grounding as per  
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70  
3) Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating  
instructions should be adhered to.  
4) Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should be  
followed.  
ANTENNA  
LEAD IN  
WIRE  
GROUND  
CLAMP  
5) Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning.  
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for clean-  
ing.  
ANTENNA  
DISCHARGE UNIT  
(NEC SECTION 810-20)  
6) Attachments — Do not use attachments not recommended by the  
product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.  
7) Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water for  
ELECTRIC  
SERVICE  
EQUIPMENT  
_
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS  
(NEC SECTION 810-21)  
example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet  
basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.  
GROUND CLAMPS  
8) Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,  
tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a  
child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart,  
stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold  
with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufac-  
turer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by  
the manufacturer.  
9) A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick  
stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart  
combination to overturn.  
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING  
ELECTRODE SYSTEM  
(NEC ART 250. PART H)  
NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE  
15) Lightning — For added protection for this product during a lightning  
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time,  
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.  
This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line  
surges.  
16) Power Lines — An outside antenna system should not be located in  
the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power cir-  
cuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing  
an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from  
touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.  
17) Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or  
integral convenience receptacles as this can result in risk of fire or electric  
shock.  
18) Object and Liquid Entry — Never push objects of any kind into  
this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points  
or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill  
liquid of any kind on the product.  
19) Servicing — Do not attempt to service this product yourself as open-  
ing or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other haz-  
ards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.  
20) Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall  
outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the follow-  
ing conditions:  
10) Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for  
ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it  
from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The  
openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa,  
rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-  
in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is pro-  
vided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.  
11) Power Sources — This product should be operated only from the  
type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of  
the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or  
local power company. For products intended to operate from battery  
power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.  
12) Grounding or Polarization — This product may be equipped with  
a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider  
than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This  
is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet,  
try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your elec-  
trician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of  
the polarized plug.  
a) when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.  
b) if liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.  
c) if the product has been exposed to rain or water.  
d) if the product does not operate normally by following the operating  
instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating  
instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in  
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to  
restore the product to its normal operation.  
e) if the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.  
f ) when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance this indi-  
cates a need for service.  
21) Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be  
sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the  
manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part.  
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other haz-  
ards.  
_
13) Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should be routed  
so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon  
or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience  
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.  
14) Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside antenna or cable  
system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is  
grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and  
built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code,  
ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of  
the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an  
antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-  
discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for  
the grounding electrode.  
22) Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this  
product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine  
that the product is in proper operating condition.  
23) Wall or Ceiling Mounting — The product should be mounted to a  
wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.  
24) Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such  
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers)  
that produce heat.  
3
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual  
Chapter 1 General Information ...................................................................... 9  
MMP-16 Introduction .......................................................................................................................9  
Hardware Overview ........................................................................................................................ 10  
Functional Overview........................................................................................................................ 12  
System Specifications....................................................................................................................... 15  
Chapter 2 Installation.....................................................................................17  
MMP-16 Materials Kit Box............................................................................................................. 17  
General Guidelines .......................................................................................................................... 18  
Mounting Rack Ears .................................................................................................................................... 18  
Installing Multiple MMP Units..................................................................................................................... 19  
AC Mains and Grounding (Earthing) Considerations .................................................................................... 20  
Audio Cables.................................................................................................................................... 20  
MMP-16 Back Panel Connections................................................................................................... 21  
Audio Connections ...................................................................................................................................... 22  
Analog Output Connections ..................................................................................................................... 22  
Digital Output Connections...................................................................................................................... 22  
Monitoring Connections........................................................................................................................... 22  
Timecode and Video Reference Signals........................................................................................................ 23  
Video In/Out............................................................................................................................................ 23  
SMPTE/EBU Time Code In/Out.............................................................................................................. 23  
VITC In................................................................................................................................................... 23  
Biphase Connections................................................................................................................................ 24  
Digital Audio Sample Reference Connections .............................................................................................. 24  
Word Clock............................................................................................................................................. 24  
AES/EBU Sample Rate............................................................................................................................ 24  
MIDI Connections ....................................................................................................................................... 24  
External Controllers & Bus Connections ...................................................................................................... 25  
Lynx Bus / KCU Connection ................................................................................................................... 25  
MMR Sync Bus Connections ................................................................................................................... 25  
Serial Transport Connection..................................................................................................................... 26  
Serial Editor Connection.......................................................................................................................... 26  
Parallel Transport .................................................................................................................................... 26  
Parallel Tracks......................................................................................................................................... 26  
Keyboard Operation (with MM-RC option)................................................................................... 26  
Using the PC Keyboard............................................................................................................................ 27  
Connecting External SCSI Media ................................................................................................... 28  
Remote Controllers for the Tascam MMP-16................................................................................. 29  
Powering Up the System.................................................................................................................. 30  
Verifying MMP-16 Installation ....................................................................................................... 30  
Software Updates......................................................................................................................................... 31  
Factory Default Settings .................................................................................................................. 32  
Chapter 3 MMP-16 Operation.......................................................................33  
MMP-16 Keys & Definitions ........................................................................................................... 33  
MMP-16 Front Panel....................................................................................................................... 35  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Table of Contents  
5
Front Panel Indicators, Switches, and Displays.............................................................................. 37  
LED Indicators ............................................................................................................................................ 37  
Configuration Settings ............................................................................................................................. 37  
Active Mode/Key Indicators .................................................................................................................... 37  
Track Status and Metering ....................................................................................................................... 37  
Meter LEDs............................................................................................................................................. 38  
Machine Status LEDs .............................................................................................................................. 38  
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) ...................................................................................................................... 39  
Normal State Display............................................................................................................................... 39  
Setup State Display.................................................................................................................................. 40  
View Track State Display......................................................................................................................... 40  
Slip Track State Display........................................................................................................................... 41  
Load Track State Display......................................................................................................................... 41  
Backup State Display............................................................................................................................... 42  
Verify State Display................................................................................................................................. 43  
Error State Display................................................................................................................................... 43  
Front Panel Key Groups.................................................................................................................. 44  
Transport Group........................................................................................................................................... 44  
Setup and Wheel Group ............................................................................................................................... 45  
Wheel.......................................................................................................................................................... 46  
Track Group ................................................................................................................................................ 47  
Keypad Group ............................................................................................................................................. 55  
Basic Operation ............................................................................................................................... 61  
Loading and Mounting Drives...................................................................................................................... 61  
Loading a Project, Session, or Composition.................................................................................................. 62  
Loading Individual Tracks ........................................................................................................................... 62  
Viewing Tracks............................................................................................................................................ 63  
Unloading Tracks......................................................................................................................................... 63  
Deleting Tracks from the Disk...................................................................................................................... 63  
Backup ........................................................................................................................................................ 63  
OMF Export ............................................................................................................................................ 64  
Creating an OMF Export.............................................................................................................................. 64  
To Import the OMF Export File into Pro Tools............................................................................................. 64  
Crossfades in OMF ...................................................................................................................................... 65  
Using Registers ................................................................................................................................ 65  
Recalling Registers ...................................................................................................................................... 65  
Capturing the Current Time Code................................................................................................................. 65  
Trimming Time Code Values ....................................................................................................................... 66  
Using the Entry Register .............................................................................................................................. 66  
Local & Studio Monitoring ............................................................................................................. 67  
Headphone Volume (LEVEL)...................................................................................................................... 67  
Headphone Jack (PHONES)......................................................................................................................... 67  
Chapter 4 MMP-16 Setup Menus ..................................................................69  
The Setup State & the Setup Menus ............................................................................................... 69  
Setup Operation............................................................................................................................... 70  
Setup Menu Chart ........................................................................................................................... 71  
Setup Menu Details.......................................................................................................................... 75  
Control Mode............................................................................................................................................... 75  
Local/Bus ................................................................................................................................................ 75  
Time Code Chase..................................................................................................................................... 75  
Biphase Chase ......................................................................................................................................... 75  
Biphase Transport.................................................................................................................................... 75  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Table of Contents  
MMP-16  
6
Serial Transport....................................................................................................................................... 76  
Editor ...................................................................................................................................................... 76  
Varispeed ................................................................................................................................................ 76  
User Settings................................................................................................................................................ 76  
The Lynx Bus .............................................................................................................................................. 77  
Transport Control .................................................................................................................................... 77  
Track Record Arm/Select (MMR-8 Only) ................................................................................................ 77  
Head/Tail ................................................................................................................................................ 77  
Slip Track/Region.................................................................................................................................... 78  
Prev/Next ................................................................................................................................................ 78  
Undo/Redo .............................................................................................................................................. 78  
Clear/Paste .............................................................................................................................................. 78  
The MMR Bus............................................................................................................................................. 79  
Using the MMP Editor Port (Sony P-2 protocol)........................................................................................... 80  
Menu 400: Editor Device ......................................................................................................................... 80  
Chapter 5 MMP-16 System Applications ......................................................81  
Film Post Production....................................................................................................................... 81  
The MMP-16 As Master .............................................................................................................................. 82  
Biphase Setup Menus................................................................................................................................... 82  
MMP-16 Film Connections.......................................................................................................................... 84  
Video Post Production ..................................................................................................................... 84  
The Lynx Bus .............................................................................................................................................. 84  
Chapter 6 Maintenance & Service .................................................................85  
MMP Output Level Calibrations................................................................................................................... 85  
MOC Calibration Procedure......................................................................................................................... 85  
Adding External Drives to the System ............................................................................................ 86  
Formatting Disks ............................................................................................................................. 87  
Using Removable Media.................................................................................................................. 87  
Chapter 7 Technical Support .........................................................................89  
MMP-16 System Software............................................................................................................... 89  
Appendix A: Control Panel Command Summary.......................................................................... 91  
Transport Group ...................................................................................................................................... 91  
Setup and Wheel Group ........................................................................................................................... 91  
Keypad keys ............................................................................................................................................ 92  
Track Select Keys.................................................................................................................................... 94  
Appendix B:  
TASCAM MMP-16 Drive Compatibility Chart............................ 95  
Appendix C: WaveFrame Compatibility ........................................................................................ 97  
Appendix D: MMP-16 Cable Information...................................................................................... 99  
PARALLEL TRACKS and PARALLEL TRANSPORT Connector.............................................................. 99  
MIDI IN/THRU/OUT Connector pinout..................................................................................................... 100  
LYNX (Remote Controller) Connector pinout ............................................................................................ 100  
EDITOR Connector pinout......................................................................................................................... 100  
TRANSPORT (Sony 9-pin) Connector pinout ............................................................................................ 101  
ANALOG OUTPUT Connectors pinouts.................................................................................................... 102  
BIPH (Biphase) Connectors pinout............................................................................................................. 102  
DO (AES/EBU Digital Audio Out 1-8) Connector pinout ........................................................................... 103  
AO (AES/EBU Digital Audio Out 9-16) Connector pinout ......................................................................... 103  
SYNC (MMR-Bus) Connector pinout ........................................................................................................ 104  
TIMECODE IN Connector......................................................................................................................... 104  
TIMECODE OUT Connector..................................................................................................................... 104  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Table of Contents  
7
WORD CLOCK IN Connector................................................................................................................... 105  
WORD CLOCK OUT Connector............................................................................................................... 105  
VIDEO IN/OUT Connector........................................................................................................................ 105  
VITC IN Connector ................................................................................................................................... 105  
SERIAL CONNECTORS .......................................................................................................................... 105  
SCSI Connector......................................................................................................................................... 105  
PRX Connector.......................................................................................................................................... 105  
Keyboard Operation (with optional MM-RC) ............................................................................................. 106  
The MM-RC Keyboard Connector ............................................................................................................. 106  
Appendix E: MMP-16 Glossary .................................................................................................... 107  
Appendix F: Disk Time Chart....................................................................................................... 113  
Index .............................................................................................................................................. 115  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Table of Contents  
MMP-16  
8
Chapter 1 General Information  
This chapter presents the main features and capabilities of the MMP-16 hardware and a functional  
overview of its Panel/Display states. MMP-16 product specifications are also included.  
MMP-16 Introduction  
MMP-16  
TASCAM  
POWER  
REFERENCE  
CONTROL  
MODE  
SAMPLE  
RATE  
FRAME  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
INT  
VIDEO  
LOCAL/BUS  
CLIP  
MAX  
CLIP  
MAX  
CLIP  
MAX  
CLIP  
MAX  
+12  
CLIP  
MAX  
+12  
CLIP  
MAX  
+12  
CLIP  
MAX  
+12  
CLIP  
MAX  
+12  
AES  
WORD  
MMR  
TC  
TC CHASE  
TONE  
MIDI  
ERROR  
BIPH  
LYNX  
BIPH CHASE  
BIPH TRAN  
+12  
+12  
+12  
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
TIME CODE  
29.97  
EXT RSLV  
SER TRAN  
EDITOR  
VARI  
IDENT  
BUSY  
LOCK  
48.000  
44.100  
P. UP  
SYNC GRP  
-6  
-6  
-6  
-6  
-6  
-6  
-6  
-6  
NDF  
DF  
1
2
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
MMR  
LYNX  
OFFSET  
25  
24  
P. DOWN  
3
4
MAST  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
INTERLOCK  
NON STD.  
SLAVE  
CANCEL  
IN  
HEAD  
NEXT EDIT  
SHIFT  
YES  
+/-  
SUBF  
-
TC/FEET  
SETUP  
+
CLR  
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
7
8
9
CUT  
COPY  
CLEAR  
PASTE  
INSERT  
OPEN  
UNDO  
REDO  
TIME  
OUT  
TAIL  
PREV EDIT  
TRIM  
STO  
=
CAPT  
TRIM  
JOG  
SHTL  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
4
5
6
EVENT  
DELETE  
UNLOAD  
BACKUP  
LYNX SYNC  
OFST  
RDR  
FREE  
NO  
LOAD  
TRACK  
VIEW  
TRACK  
SLIP  
TRACK  
EDIT  
MON  
RCL  
0
1
2
3
LOOP  
LOC  
UNMOUNT  
PHONES  
ON  
LINE  
MOUNT  
Figure 1-1. MMP-16 Front View  
The MMP-16 is a non-linear digital replacement for the analog or digital tape machines found in  
recording studios and broadcast facilities, and for magnetic film dubbers found in film and video post-  
production facilities. The MMP-16 can play back sixteen tracks of material from one or more SCSI hard  
drives or other removable media. Each MMP-16 can play back from multiple SCSI disk drives of various  
types. Playback can be in exact or track-slipped synchronization to industry-standard film, video, and  
audio devices, whether mechanical tape-based or hard drive-based.  
Audio files played back on the MMP-16 may consist of selectable linear 16-bit or linear 24-bit words at  
sample rates of 48.0 kHz or 44.1 kHz, each modifiable to a pull-up or pull-down level, including  
conversion between PAL, film, and video, making fourteen total discrete sample playback rates. The  
analog output section uses balanced +4 dBu analog connections on a DB-25 connector that are pin-  
compatible with the Tascam DA-88 and may use the same cables. The two digital audio output cards are  
labeled DO-16 (output channels 1-8) and AO-16 (output channels 9-16) and allow direct connection of  
the MMP to standard AES/EBU digital audio connectors for direct digital playback. The digital output  
connectors can use a standard DA-88 cable (the analog cable – not TDIF) to provide four stereo AES  
outputs per connector. See the Pin out drawing given in Appendix D for detailed information. The unit  
can be synchronized to the digital sample clock reference coming in on digital input channels 7&8 of the  
AO-16 board (pin 7 is REF IN +, pin 20 is REF IN -, and pin 8 is REF IN GND).  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information  
MMP-16  
9
The MMP-16 will directly play back material created on Digidesign Pro Toolsä or WaveFrameä digital  
audio workstations, as well as OMF Compositions which reference Sound Designer II audio media files.  
The disk drive or drives containing edited Session, Project, or OMF files are simply “unplugged” from  
the workstation and then “hot-plugged” into the MMP-16, using the standard internal Kingston hard drive  
carrier, or otherwise connected to the MMP-16’s external SCSI port. Once the drive(s) are mounted by  
the MMP-16, tracks from one or more projects may be loaded as required for the mix session. Sound files  
of the same or different audio formats may thus be played back simultaneously from one or more drives.  
When the MMP-16 is turned on for the first time, the system default operating parameters are installed,  
and the machine is placed into the Normal state (see the Functional Overview below). Users can also save  
up to ten settings files that have MMP-16 parameters “customized” or set for a particular application.  
These settings files are stored on the internal hard drive so that they can be used to instantly reconfigure  
the MMP-16 between mix sessions. The MMP-16’s operating parameters can be manually changed  
before or even during a mix session, through menu selections. Optional password protection may be used  
to prevent some parameters from being changed inadvertently.  
Hardware Overview  
The MMP-16 comes standard with one removable Kingston drive carrier. The Kingston carrier can hold a  
standard SCSI drive for recording and playback of audio tracks. An internal IDE hard drive holds the  
operating system, the MMP-16 software, and the parameter settings files. Additional external SCSI drives  
can be connected and (after power-up) accessed by the MMP-16. This eliminates having to pre-combine  
tracks from multiple drives onto a single drive. A list of approved media drives is given in Appendix B.  
The MMP-16 is based on a standard Intel Pentium™ processor-based PC motherboard, with  
integral PCI and ISA bus slots running under an industry-standard operating system. The MMP-16  
DSP, synchronization, and audio interface boards plug directly into this PC motherboard. There is a  
Lithium battery # CR2032 for the CMOS circuit on the motherboard. Caution: Battery May Explode if  
Mistreated. Do Not Recharge, Disassemble, or Dispose of in Fire. The MOC (MMP-16 digital-to-  
analog Output Converter) boards are in their own shielded cage, connected to the AO-16 (Analog Output)  
card via ribbon cables. The PRX (DSP) card performs the audio processing for the MMP-16. A standard  
Symbios SCSI-2 controller card also plugs into the PCI bus. The Sync card, the UI/B (User  
Interface/Biphase) card, the AO-16 (Analog Output) card, and the DO-16 (AES/EBU Digital Output) card  
are all plugged into the ISA bus. The Biphase Operations Board (BOB) occupies a slot on the back panel  
to provide connections for the system’s four Biphase inputs and one Biphase output. It is attached to the  
UI/B card via a ribbon cable and is not plugged into a slot.  
Very high quality 20-bit converters on all analog outputs assure excellent audio fidelity. The MMP-16  
uses 24-bit internal digital resolution for all digital audio processing. The MMP-16 plays back audio  
stored in standard linear 16-bit or 24-bit sound files. The MMP-16 can read StudioFrame or WaveFrame  
sound files as well as Sound Designer II files, AIFC files, and .WAV files, in 16 or 24-bit resolution.  
The MMP-16 front panel contains 44 soft-touch keys with most of the common dubber and audio  
playback functions available through one or two keystrokes. There are also five large illuminated motion  
control buttons (Play, Stop, FF, Rew, Reverse Play) for track playback and “play head” locating, and an  
Online button for setting the MMP-16 offline (as a local machine) or online (as a synchronized slave or a  
master machine). When the MMP-16 is set as a slave, it can chase SMPTE time code (LTC), biphase  
(film tach), a TimeLine Lynx™ module, or another MMP-16 or MMR-8.  
10 MMP-16 Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information  
A 40-character (two line by 20-character) LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) serves as the MMP-16 status and  
control text window. The top line typically shows the machine status and current time code or feet/frames  
location, while the bottom line shows various time code registers (memory, slip. etc.) and accepts input  
from the front panel. The entire display may also alert the operator to any machine or user error  
conditions. It can be scrolled horizontally or vertically, using the Wheel or arrow keys, for entering  
Panel/Display state and setup information, or for finding and loading projects and tracks.  
There are dedicated front panel LED peak meters that always display monitor level information for the  
track outputs during playback. Each meter contains seven green, yellow and red LEDs plus a CLIP/Hold  
LED for easy at-a-glance level monitoring. An additional 70 status LEDs instantly identify current  
synchronization modes, bus control modes, sample and frame reference settings, and transport status.  
The MMP-16 rear panel contains all the audio and synchronization connections. To minimize connector  
footprint, female DB-25 connectors are used for the audio connections. The sixteen analog audio outputs  
are divided between two female DB-25 connectors, each providing eight channels of audio. Each analog  
connector mounts on a separate card within the chassis, and is labeled to show which channels (1-8 or 9-  
16) are present. The connectors are pin-compatible with the Tascam DA-88 analog audio connector.  
The digital output card allows direct digital audio transfers out of the MMP-16. Because it uses standard  
AES/EBU digital signal conventions, there are four stereo digital audio outputs with odd-even track pairs  
per connector. Tracks 1+2 are on the first AES/EBU connection, tracks 3+4 on the second AES/EBU  
connection, and so on. Note that these connectors carry AES/EBU digital signals using the standard DA-  
88 analog audio cable and are NOT pin-compatible with the Tascam DA-88 TDIF digital audio format  
connector cable.  
Built-in biphase control allows the MMP-16 to automatically lock to and chase biphase devices  
without having to use an external biphase to SMPTE/EBU adapter. Up to four biphase input  
signals can be simultaneously connected to the MMP-16. The active biphase input is determined in the  
Sync Group selection menu (menu 100). A biphase output allows the MMP-16 to directly control a single  
biphase bus. Software setup parameters allow various biphase device limitations to be imposed upon the  
MMP-16 (speed of fast forward and rewind, ramp up and stop speed, etc., accessed through the #300  
menu bank). Not intended for public telecommunication network connection.  
Video post-production work can be done with any industry-standard playback device. The MMP-16  
supports VITC, SMPTE/EBU LTC time code, Word Clock, house sync, MTC, and P2-bus (Sony 9-pin)  
protocols.  
The Tascam MM-RC is a dedicated remote control unit designed specially for use with the MMR-8  
recorder and the MMP-16 player. It connects directly to the UI/B board on the MMR/MMP back panel  
and allows control of any combination of up to 100 MMR-8 or MMP-16 units.  
The TimeLine Lynx Keyboard Control Unit (KCU) can function as a remote controller for up to six  
MMP-16s or other transports as the MMP-16 contains an integrated Lynx-2 synchronizer. The TimeLine  
Lynx KCU 900 software includes special support for some MMP editing and event-slip commands. Other  
remote controllers can also be used for controlling the transport and track arm functions of the MMP-16  
through the two Parallel Remote ports or the Serial Editor (Sony 9-pin) port.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information  
MMP-16  
11  
Functional Overview  
The MMP-16 operates in any of eight different Panel/Display states (simply referred to as “states” for  
convenience). These states are distinguished by the nature of the information displayed in the LCD  
window and by which keys are functionally available while in that state. These MMP-16 Panel/Display  
states are described here.  
Normal state is the default Panel/Display state on power-up. In this state, the LCD shows the current  
system play time in the top of the display, and shows the active register (last requested register or function  
time) in the bottom of the display. All keys are active while in this state, and will respond by performing  
an action, accessing a register, or changing to the state written on the key. Shifted key functions are also  
available by first pressing the SHIFT key, then pressing the key which corresponds to the desired shifted  
function. Once the SHIFT key is selected, pressing the appropriate key to activate the desired shifted  
function completes the SHIFT operation. The SHIFT state can be cancelled by pressing SHIFT again, or  
by pressing CLR, to return the system to normal key selection.  
Pressing the SETUP key activates the Setup state. This state gives access to the system setup menus,  
where most of the operating parameters of the MMP-16 can be altered. Some parameters are changeable  
only under certain operating conditions (while stopped, etc.), although all are viewable at any time in the  
Setup state. Once in the Setup state, you may return to the Normal state by pressing the SETUP key  
again, or by pressing CLR.  
There are three types of Panel/Display states that deal with MMP-16 track operations. These are Load  
Track, View Track, and Slip Track. Pressing the LOAD TRACK, TRACK, or SLIP keys puts the  
MMP-16 into one of these Track states. The SEL keys for each MMP track are used in conjunction with  
these keys to identify the specific track to be loaded, viewed, or slipped.  
There are also two keys to the left of the Track state keys labeled EDIT and MON. These keys do not  
change the state of the MMP display, but are used to determine what status is being indicated for each  
MMP track by the track selection LEDs when the SEL keys are pressed while in the Normal state of  
operation. One of these keys is always active as the current Track Mode. Since these keys function along  
with the Track state keys to identify the function being specified by the SEL keys, the entire group of five  
keys (EDIT, MON, LOAD TRACK, TRACK, and SLIP) are also referred to as the Track Mode keys.  
The Track states supersede the Normal state since they change the display and make certain keys  
unavailable until the Track state is exited or cleared. To exit a Track state and return the MMP-16 to the  
Normal state, it is necessary to either complete the selected track operation (by pressing STO to load a  
Project, for example), or press the selected Track state key again, or press the CLR key to cancel the  
operation. After exiting a Track state, the system will return to the Normal state and the last selected  
Track Mode (EDIT, MON).  
Pressing the LOAD TRACK key activates the Load Track state. This state allows for loading  
WaveFrame projects, OMF Compositions, or Pro Tools Session files from any mounted disk volume.  
This state also allows loading of individual tracks from a Project, Composition, or Session (hence the  
name of this key and state), and moving of tracks from one MMP channel to another. The shifted function  
of LOAD TRACK allows for deleting WaveFrame Projects or Tracks. The MMP-16 software does not  
currently allow OMF Compositions and Pro Tools Session Files to be deleted.  
12 MMP-16 Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information  
The MMP Backup state is accessed via the Load Track state by pressing SHIFT+SLIP after choosing  
(scrolling to) the desired Project while in the LOAD TRACK state. This state is similar to the Setup state  
in that it has menu choices which are accessed by using the Up/Down arrow keys or the Wheel. The key  
choices available in the Backup state are the same as those in the Setup state, hence it exists at the same  
level of the hierarchy of panel/display states as the Setup state.  
Pressing the TRACK key activates the View Track state. This state allows for viewing the names of  
loaded tracks, and unloading of tracks (the shifted function of the TRACK key) from the loaded track list.  
Pressing the SLIP key activates the Slip Track state. This state allows for slipping one or more of the  
already loaded tracks in time.  
Verify state supersedes the Normal and Track states. The two most common Verify state functions are  
confirmation (a Yes/No answer is required from the user) and password entry (a password must be  
entered to complete the action request). Both of these requests override most other actions or do not allow  
access to the Normal, Setup, or Track states until they are cleared or a valid response is entered. Verify  
state, when cleared, usually drops the MMP-16 back into the previously active state.  
Error state is the final level in the hierarchy of Panel/Display states. In this state, the ERROR status light  
flashes and the user is asked to clear a condition by pressing the CLR key, or if that is impossible (as in  
the case of a fatal error), to note the error information and possibly take some extraordinary action (such  
as re-starting the MMP-16). Until the Error state is cleared, or a valid response is entered, access to the  
Normal, Setup, or Track states is not allowed. The Error state, when cleared, may drop to another state, or  
to any appropriate condition—depending on the type and severity of the error.  
These states are hierarchical in the sense that some require a response or they require a state to be cleared  
before certain keys or other states can be accessed. The Normal state is at the base of the hierarchy  
because it is the default on startup and can always be accessed from any other state or by pressing the  
CLR key as many times as is necessary to clear any other state. The transport keys can be accessed  
directly from any state, so the MMP can always playback, regardless of what other functions or states are  
being accessed. The following diagram illustrates the hierarchical relationship between the various states,  
based on the number of choices available from each state.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information  
MMP-16  
13  
Error  
Verify  
Load, View, Slip Track  
Setup, Backup  
Normal  
Figure 1-3. MMP-16 Panel/Display State Hierarchy  
STATE  
LCD WINDOW DISPLAY  
COMMENT  
Shows current play head time on top and  
selected time register on bottom of display.  
Default at startup. Allows  
direct access to SETUP and  
TRACK states, all keys  
functional.  
NORMAL  
Shows setup menus and parameter choices  
for each menu item.  
Press SETUP to enter state,  
press TRIM to view  
SETUP  
parameters.  
Shows disk directory list of projects,  
compositions, sessions, and their tracks.  
Press LOAD TRACK once to  
see Project level, again to see  
LOAD TRACK  
Shows other levels for WaveFrame projects. successive levels (tracks).  
Backup state can be accessed only while  
viewing name of project while in this state.  
Press SHIFT+SLIP while in  
LOAD TRACK to enter  
Backup state.  
Shows the name of each loaded track. Use  
wheel, arrows, or press appropriate SEL key SHIFT+TRACK to unload  
to choose which track to view.  
Shows Current Play position on top, Slip  
register value for each track below, allows  
for slipping tracks in time. All SEL keys  
have a SLIP register, so numbers can be  
stored, recalled, or cleared directly.  
Asks for a response (usually requires  
pressing Yes or No) to clear state and return switching to other states until  
to previous state.  
Shows Error message, usually requires  
pressing CLR to clear and return to previous switching to other states until  
state. condition is cleared.  
Press TRACK to enter state,  
VIEW TRACK  
SLIP TRACK  
track.  
Press SLIP to enter state, use  
wheel or arrows to change  
value, or enter TC value on  
keypad & press STO then SEL  
to enter number directly.  
Disallows most key entry or  
VERIFY  
ERROR  
BACKUP  
response is made.  
Disallows most key entry or  
Menu with three choices: Begin Backup to: Accessed only via LOAD  
(device#), Tape Mode Convert to: (device#), TRACK state. Use Up/Down  
and OMF Export to: (device#). Only  
currently mounted devices will appear as  
choices.  
arrows or wheel to choose  
Backup style, press STO to  
begin backup process.  
Figure 1-4. MMP-16 Panel/Display State Chart  
14 MMP-16 Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information  
System Specifications  
Analog Output Level:+4 dBu balanced, +24 dBu clip, nominal levels trim pot adjustable  
Headroom:20 dB above nominal level  
Analog Output Impedance:10k, balanced / <75 ohms, balanced  
Output Adjustment Range:+10 dBu - +25 dBu, clipping / +18 dBu - +25 dBu, clipping  
THD+N:<.004 % @ 1 kHz, @ clip level -0.5 dB  
Dynamic range:>104 dB (10 Hz - 22 kHz, with A-weighted filter)  
S/N ratio:>108 dB (10 Hz - 22 kHz, with A-weighted filter)  
Crosstalk:<-85 dB (between any channels, 20 Hz - 20 kHz)  
Frequency Response:20 Hz - 20 kHz ±0.1 dB  
Digital Conversion / Quantization:20-bit DAC conversion  
Sample length, Playback:16-bit, linear or 24-bit, linear  
Sample Length, Internal: 24 bit  
Timing Reference sources:Internal, Internal Varispeed, Follow time code in, Follow biphase signal input  
(any one of four inputs), Video (either NTSC or PAL), AES/EBU digital clock input (optional), Word  
clock input, MMR bus, Lynx bus  
Internal Sample Rates in Hz: 42294 (44x23/25), 42336 (44x24/25), 44056 (44100-), 44100, 44144  
(44100+), 45938 (44x25/24), 45983 (44x25/23), 46034 (48x23/25), 46080 (48x24/25), 47952 (48000-),  
48000, 48048, (48000+),50000 (48x25/24)50050 (48x25/23)  
External Sample rates:32 kHz - 51 kHz (via external sync input)  
Time Code Type & Rate:30 Non drop frame (NDF) @ 30 frames per second  
30 Drop frame (DF) @ 30 frames per second  
PAL @ 25 frames per second (PAL default setting)  
Film @ 24 frames per second  
NTSC @ 29.97 frames per second NDF (NTSC default setting)  
29.97 Drop frame(DF) @ 29.97 frames per second  
Display Modes:SMPTE/EBU time code, with or without subframes  
Feet & Frames, with or without subframes  
Time Code Memories:ten (numbered 0 - 9)  
Time Code Registers:IN (punch in point)  
OUT (punch out point)  
HEAD (jump to beginning of project)  
TAIL (jump to end of project)  
NEXT EDIT (jump to next track edit)  
PREVIOUS EDIT (jump to last track edit)  
TIME (for establishing 0 film feet and frames referenced to time code)  
LYNX SYNC (Lynx bus offset time calculation)  
OFFSET (Offset time for Lynx bus and time code chase)  
READER (time code from LTC, VITC or Serial inputs)  
FREE (available record time on current disk)  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information  
MMP-16  
15  
Electrical Ratings:  
115 VAC @ 2A, 50-60Hz 230 W Max  
-OR-  
230 VAC @ 1A, 50-60Hz 230 W Max  
Nominal temperature should be 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 35 degrees Centigrade).  
Relative humidity should be 30 to 90% (non-condensing)  
Analog input/output is 12.28 VRMS Max  
Weight is approximately 37 Pounds ( 16.78 Kilograms) with a hard disk loaded.  
16 MMP-16 Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 1 • General Information  
Chapter 2 Installation  
This chapter covers the physical installation of the Tascam MMP-16 as either a stand-alone  
recording/playback system or as part of a larger, multiple unit digital dubber system. Descriptions are  
given of the various connectors on the MMP back panel. Both general installation procedures and specific  
application installations are covered.  
MMP-16 Materials Kit Box  
Before connecting the MMP-16 hardware to your audio system and to your video or film playback  
devices, verify that you have all the equipment required to complete the task. The following equipment is  
included in the MMP Materials Kit Box:  
Rack Ears Kit  
For rack mount installation, the two rack ears may be attached to the front sides of  
the MMP-16 chassis using the six 8-32 x 3/8” Phillips head screws included in the  
MMP-16 materials kit. The MMP-16 can be used without the rack ears for desktop  
applications.  
MMR Bus  
Sync Cable  
A three-foot sync cable for synchronizing the operation of multiple MMP-  
16’s together via the rear panel MMR bus connectors.  
RS422 Cable  
A 9-pin RS-422 (232) cable for attaching the COM port to a terminal for running  
field diagnostics. Also may be used for 9-pin serial connections.  
Kingston  
Removable  
SCSI Drive  
One Kingston removable drive carrier is included with the system. This  
carrier allows drives to be hot-swapped while the system is powered on. It  
is necessary to install a SCSI drive from the list of approved drives into the  
Carrier Instructions Kingston carrier before you can playback audio using the carrier with the MMP-16.  
The instruction manual for installing drives in the Kingston carrier is in the MMP-  
16 materials kit.  
AC Power Cord  
A six-foot (1.83 Meter) IEC AC Mains cordset is included with the MMR-8. The  
mains connector for 115 VAC systems is USA standard. A six-foot (1.83 Meter)  
AC Mains cordset for use in Europe, proper for the country of use will be supplied  
by your TASCAM dealer. Attach the AC connector in accordance with local  
requirements.  
Toolkit  
As a convenience, a small toolkit consisting of a “tweaker” and a small screwdriver  
is included in the zip-locked plastic bag in the materials kit. The “tweaker” may be  
used for making any necessary adjustments to the analog trim pots on the analog  
audio output board.  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation  
17  
General Guidelines  
Mounting Rack Ears  
The MMP-16 is a self-contained sixteen channel digital playback device designed to be mounted in a  
standard 19” (48.26 cm) IEC equipment rack in either the mix studio or a dedicated machine room in a  
professional audio recording facility. As such, each MMP-16 is housed in a steel chassis 19-inches (48.26  
cm) wide by 17 ¼ inches (43.81 cm) deep by 7-inches (17.78 cm) tall. Each MMR-8 requires 5U (7-  
inches or 17.78 cm) of rack space.  
Integral rack ears are provided with the chassis. If the unit is not rack-mounted, the rack ears do not need  
to be installed onto the MMP-16 chassis. For rack mounting, install one rack ear to the front of each side  
of the MMP-16 (three Phillips screws per side are supplied for fastening the rack ears to the chassis).  
Figure 2-1. Rack Ear Installation  
18  
Tascam MMP-16 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation  
MMP-16  
Installing Multiple MMP Units  
Multiple units can be mounted one on top of the other when forced air rack ventilation is provided. A one-  
inch clearance is required on both sides of the MMP-16. In facilities with raised computer room-style  
flooring, a ventilation opening in the floor is recommended. In no case should the internal rack  
temperature ever exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Centigrade) during normal operation (as  
measured at the rear of any of the MMP-16s in the system).  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation  
19  
AC Mains and Grounding (Earthing) Considerations  
Each MMP-16 requires one AC mains connection. A standard six-foot (1.83 Meter) power cordset is  
included with each MMP-16 wired for the USA standard. A six-foot (1.83 Meter) AC Mains cordset for  
use in Europe, proper for the country of use will be supplied by your TASCAM dealer. The AC mains  
outlet must be capable of delivering 230 watts (2 amps) for each MMP-16 in the system. The main power  
supply has a 115/230 VAC switch on the back of the unit. This switch should be set to match the facility  
power level.  
An unswitched female IEC convenience outlet is located on the rear panel of each MMP-16. In normal  
use there is no connection to this outlet, although other electronics equipment using IEC plugs, and  
drawing less than 120 watts total, can be connected to this outlet using the appropriate male-to-female  
IEC power cord (like those used with computer monitors).  
A facility-wide UPS system is recommended for protecting the MMP-16, and all your audio equipment,  
from power line spikes, surges, brownouts, and line failure. If a facility-wide UPS is not available, each  
MMP-16 should be connected to a home computer-type surge/spike protection system (of 250 watts  
minimum) which is then plugged into an isolated ground AC outlet.  
Caution: Grounding (Earthing)  
Do not defeat the AC cord U-ground as this will present a potentially dangerous operator  
hazard. Using an isolated ground outlet ensures the proper chassis grounding to the  
mains “power company” ground. Using only isolated ground outlets throughout a facility  
will prevent audio ground loops caused by AC outlets with different ground potentials. A  
Ground Stud is provided on the back panel for chassis grounding of the MMP-16.  
Audio Cables  
Analog Output  
All analog output on the MMP-16 is done through a pair of 25-pin  
D-sub connectors which are pin-compatible with the Tascam DA-88 connector.  
Tascam DA-88 DB-25 to XLR cables, with either male (output) or female (input)  
XLR connectors, are available from your authorized Tascam dealer.  
Digital Output  
DA-88 analog output cables should be used as digital out cables (NOT TDIF  
cables). This arrangement provides four stereo AES/EBU digital outputs on each  
DA-88 cable, for a total of 16 channels of digital audio output.  
20  
Tascam MMP-16 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation  
MMP-16  
PARALLEL TRACKS  
PARALLEL TRANSPORT  
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE  
FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND  
(2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT  
MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.  
MODEL NO.  
1.0 A,  
MMP-16  
R
MODULAR MULTITRACK PLAYER  
TEAC CORPORATION  
LISTED  
XXDK  
UL1950  
E1XXXX  
115  
/
230 ~,  
2.0  
/
50 - 60Hz  
MIDI  
SERIAL NO.  
MADE IN USA  
TIME CODE  
WORD CLOCK  
VIDEO  
VITC  
LYNX  
EDITOR  
TRANSPORT  
OUT  
OUT  
OUT  
THRU  
OUT  
IN  
IN  
IN  
IN  
IN  
DIGITAL  
OUT  
DIGITAL  
OUT  
CHANNEL  
16  
CHANNEL  
9
-
1
-
8
9
-
16  
1
-
8
BOB  
PRX  
SCSI  
SPARE  
AIO 16  
DIO 16  
UIB  
SYNC  
Figure 2-3. MMP-16 Back Panel  
MMP-16 Back Panel Connections  
The MMP-16 back panel has connectors for the system analog and digital audio output, as well as various  
types of synchronization and control signals. The following MMP back panel connections are described  
in this chapter, and the pin outs for many of these connectors are given in Appendix D: Cable  
Information.  
·
·
Analog audio out (x2)  
Digital audio I/O  
·
·
Biphase in (BOB)  
Biphase out (BOB)  
Not intended for public telecommunication network connection  
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Mono mix audio out (PRX)  
SCSI  
Remote control (UI/B)  
MMR bus (Sync)  
Word clock in  
Word clock out  
Video in  
Video out  
Midi in  
Midi out  
Midi thru  
VITC in  
Time code in  
Time code out  
Lynx (2 connections)  
Editor (Sony 9-pin)  
Transport (Sony 9-pin)  
Parallel Tracks  
Parallel Transport  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation  
21  
Audio Connections  
All audio outputs (both analog and digital) of the MMP-16 use DB-25 connectors. The pin configuration  
used on the DB-25 analog audio connectors is identical to that used for Tascam DTRS format digital tape  
machines such as the DA-88. Two female DB-25 connectors are used for the analog connections, one for  
channel 1-8 and the other for channels 9-16, as labeled on the MMP back panel. Each of the digital  
outputs uses a female DB-25 connector to carry eight channels of AES/EBU digital output signals (two  
sets of four stereo pairs). These are labeled as digital outputs 1-8 and 9-16.  
Analog Output Connections  
All analog outputs use balanced signals designed to mate with standard 600-ohm devices using +4 dBu  
levels. Analog audio processing is done on two separate 20-bit Digital to Analog converter cards mounted  
within the MMP-16. These converters are mounted in a special shielded cage within the MMP and are  
attached via ribbon cable to a card (labeled AO) plugged into one of the system ISA bus slots on the PC  
motherboard. These D/A boards have their own power supply separate from the main PC power supply.  
Max load is 12.28 VRMS.  
Digital Output Connections  
Two female DB-25 connectors are used to provide four stereo digital outputs each, for a total of sixteen  
channels of digital audio output. Two Tascam DA-88 analog I/O cables should be used as digital output  
cables. Even though the MMP-16 has no audio inputs, the digital input 1&2 pair on the first digital input  
cable is the default reference input for the AES/EBU clock reference. This can be changed to use digital  
input 3, 5, or 7 from one of the other three digital input pairs using Setup Menu 600 (Dig In Ref Track).  
NOTE: The digital clock signals coming from any external device connected to the AES/EBU inputs will  
force the MMP-16’s internal clock to try to lock to it when digital input is selected (Setup Menu 500).  
This can cause playback problems if the clock source is not accurate. If this occurs set that track to use the  
sample rate converter in Setup Menu 500 (Input Source).  
Monitoring Connections  
For monitoring at the MMP-16 there is a mono headphone jack on the front panel (compatible with stereo  
headphones of either low or high impedance). For studio Cue or remote monitoring there is a rear panel  
line level mono mini phone jack. It is an unbalanced output designed to be connected to external  
amplification.  
The front panel headphone monitor jack is controlled by the LEVEL control located next to the jack on  
the front panel. Press the MON key and select the desired tracks using the Track Select keys to choose  
which of the MMP-16 tracks will be summed to appear at the headphone jack output. The rear panel jack  
is a pre-LEVEL control, so it is a fixed line level output (-10 dBu), and it always presents a summed  
output of the audio channels selected using the MON function on the front panel.  
22  
Tascam MMP-16 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation  
MMP-16  
Timecode and Video Reference Signals  
To accurately synchronize the MMP-16 to film or video, or with other audio playback equipment, some  
method of providing a stable timing reference must be used. Because the MMP-16 is very flexible, there  
are numerous methods one could use to connect film and video equipment. The best method depends  
upon the chosen method of sync, the other equipment that is being controlled, and whether the MMP-16  
will be the master or a slave to the other equipment. This section covers the various reference signals  
available on the MMP-16 system and their applications.  
Video In/Out  
Most video post houses have a common house sync signal to lock all the audio and video equipment in  
the facility to a standard video reference signal. This insures that all devices receiving the house sync  
signal will lock together to the edge of the video frame. The house sync signal can be black burst,  
composite sync, or color bars in NTSC or PAL format. The house sync video reference signal should be  
connected to the VIDEO IN connector on the back of the MMP-16. To loop the connection through the  
MMP, connect the MMP VIDEO OUT to the next device that will use the house sync signal. If there is  
not a loop through connection then the VIDEO OUT may need to be terminated, depending upon the  
facility signal design. To set the MMP frame reference to use this video input, choose setup menu 001,  
Frame Reference, and set the value of this parameter to be Video Reference.  
SMPTE/EBU Time Code In/Out  
The MMP has two stereo phone jack connections using ¼” Tip/Ring/Sleeve connectors (with the tip  
being + and the ring being - on a balanced signal) for synchronizing the operation of the MMP to other  
devices using SMPTE/EBU Longitudinal Time Code (LTC). To synchronize the MMP to an external  
device which outputs SMPTE/EBU LTC, connect the time code audio output of the master device to the  
MMP TIME CODE IN jack. The MMP-16 can also generate a stable SMPTE/EBU time code output  
(equivalent to a time code track signal) that can be used to synchronize external equipment or to stripe  
time code onto tape. The TIME CODE OUT jack will always output SMPTE/EBU LTC when the MMP  
is playing.  
VITC In  
Many videotape formats can record time code within the vertical interval space between each frame of  
video. This type of time code recording is known as Vertical Interval Time Code, or VITC. The  
advantage of this method is that a valid time code signal can still be generated even when the tape is  
paused to show a single frame of picture, since the helical scan heads of the tape machine are continually  
scanning the picture (and thus the VITC signal). The MMP-16 has a 75-ohm connection, using a BNC  
connector to receive VITC. To use VITC time code with the MMP, connect the video machine’s VITC  
output to the VITC IN connector on the MMP-16.  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation  
23  
Biphase Connections  
Biphase is a control signal typically generated by a film projector and is traditionally used to interlock the  
operation of the film with sprocketed magnetic tape machines. The Biphase Operations Board (BOB) on  
the back panel of the MMP has four biphase input connections and one biphase output connection for  
synchronizing the operation of the MMP-16 to film transports. Use Setup Menu 100, Sync Group, to  
select which of the four Biphase inputs (Sync Groups) will control the system. The biphase connections  
use 6-pin modular RJ-12 connectors (like those used on commercial phone systems) and twisted multi-  
pair cabling (Category 5 Ethernet). Up to 100 feet of cable can be typically run from a biphase device to  
the MMP-16 or vice versa. The pinout diagram for these connectors is given in Appendix D: Cable  
Information.  
Unlike time code, Biphase gives only speed and direction and does not contain an absolute  
address. To set the MMP to lock to biphase, or to be a biphase master device, use Setup Menu  
000, Control Mode. The various biphase parameters such as frame rate, pulse rate, acceleration, etc. are  
set in the 300 series Setup Menus. Not intended for public telecommunications network connection.  
Digital Audio Sample Reference Connections  
In combination with a frame reference for video and film, there may also be a sample reference for the  
audio. The sample reference can be taken from the digital input 1&2 on the Digital output cable, the  
frame reference, the Word Clock input (if there is an active signal on that input), or the system’s internal  
clock source. These connections are described here in more detail.  
Word Clock  
Word Clock is a digital reference signal used by many digital editors and digital tape machines. This  
permits two digital audio devices to synchronize their sample clocks to facilitate digital audio transfers  
between machines, and to insure that they are running at precisely the same sample frequency. The signal  
is transmitted on an unbalanced coaxial cable that terminates into a BNC connector at the MMP-16 end.  
The MMP-16 has both a digital WORD CLOCK IN and a digital WORD CLOCK OUT connection using  
BNC connectors.  
When an external tape machine is to control the sample rate of the MMP-16, connect the Word Clock  
output from that machine to the WORD CLOCK IN on the MMP-16. When the MMP-16 is to control the  
sample rate of an external machine connect the WORD CLOCK OUT from the MMP-16 to the Word  
Clock In on the controlled machine. The maximum practical cable distance is up to 100 feet. Use setup  
menu 002 to select the sample reference for the MMP-16 system. Normally this is a 48 kHz TTL-  
compatible (5 volt) signal.  
AES/EBU Sample Rate  
To lock the digital sample clock to an AES digital audio source, the audio sample reference for the MMP-  
16 can be taken from the digital audio input 1&2 pair on the connector used for the AES digital output.  
Use setup menu 002 to select the sample reference for the MMP-16 system.  
MIDI Connections  
The MMP-16 has MIDI (Music Instrument Digital Interface) In, Out, and Thru connectors. These are  
used for sending out MIDI Time Code and for controlling the transport functions of the MMP via MIDI  
Machine Control.  
24  
Tascam MMP-16 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation  
MMP-16  
The MMP MIDI OUT connector carries a MTC signal generated by the MMP-16 whenever the unit is in  
Play. To slave MIDI devices that can follow MTC (MIDI Time Code) to the MMP-16, connect the MMP  
MIDI OUT connector to MIDI In port of the external device. The MIDI out signal (and the MIDI  
Through signal, if it is set as a second MIDI output) will contain any MMP-16 responses to the MMC  
input commands in addition to MTC generated by the MMP-16 from the time code reference source.  
The MIDI IN port on the MMP can receive MIDI Machine Control messages for operating the MMP’s  
basic transport control functions. The MIDI THRU jack on the MMP will pass through any MIDI signals  
appearing at the MMP MIDI IN port.  
External Controllers & Bus Connections  
In most installations the MMP-16 will be rack mounted in a machine room and thus will either be remote  
controlled through slaving to another time code-based machine (typically a VTR) or to a biphase machine  
(typically a film transport). Any controller that has a Lynx port can also directly control, or be controlled  
by, the MMP-16 (the TimeLine Lynx Keyboard Control Unit and the TimeLine Lynx-2 module are two  
examples). There is also a fully featured remote, the Tascam MM-RC, which is specifically designed to  
control multiple MMR and MMP units.  
Lynx Bus / KCU Connection  
The TimeLine Lynx Keyboard Control Unit (KCU) can be used with the MMP-16. Multiple units may be  
daisy-chained using either of the two LYNX connectors as input. The other LYNX connector could be  
tied to another MMP-16, or to a Lynx module for controlling other tape machine transports. The Lynx  
KCU can control a total of up to six machines.  
MMR Sync Bus Connections  
The real power of the MMR-8/MMP-16 system comes into play when multiple MMP-16s are tied  
together using the MMR Bus to create larger “virtual” audio playback machines. The MMR bus supports  
up to 100 MMP-16s, all tied together to create up to an 800-track playback system that could be  
controlled by a single MMP-16, MM-RC Remote, Lynx KCU, or other machine remote controller.  
The MMR Bus connects each MMP-16 using a 15-pin connector located on the SYNC card connector on  
the MMP back panel. Two DB-15 connectors are provided on the back of each MMP-16 so that multiple  
machines can be daisy-chained together. The system is auto terminating. To add MMP-16 units to the  
system, connect a cable from the last unit in the chain to the new unit.  
The MMP Bus is made active on each machine by choosing the MMP Master or Slave setting in Setup  
Menu 110, MMP Bus Request. All of the MMP-16s that are tied together can then be software divided  
(Setup Menu 100) into four Sync Groups, each featuring fully independent control within their group. All  
of the MMR/MMP machines that are connected, Online, and set to the same sync group can then be  
controlled together. The MMR Bus thus turns three MMP-16s into a single 48-track playback machine,  
six MMP-16s into a 96-track machine, and so on up to 100 MMP-16s functioning as a single 1600-track  
playback machine. Any MMP-16 tied onto the MMR bus can also be individually taken off-line and  
controlled locally at any time. MMR and MMP Units can be added or dropped from Sync Groups using  
the Online key on the front panel.  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation  
25  
Serial Transport Connection  
The TRANSPORT connection uses the industry-standard RS-422 Sony 9-pin P2 protocol (Ampex VPR-3  
is also supported) for controlling external serial transports such as audio or videotape machines. It is  
intended for transport control of a single external device. This port will send out the appropriate transport  
commands when the transport functions of the MMP are engaged through the front panel or via the MM-  
RC Remote controller. Use Setup Menu 000 (Control Mode) to set the MMP to control external devices  
via the Serial Transport connection. A video reference source is required for this type of operation.  
Serial Editor Connection  
The EDITOR connection uses the industry-standard RS-422 Sony 9-pin P2 protocol. The Editor  
connection allows for controlling the MMP-16’s transport functions from a standard Video editor  
controller or other external device. Use Setup Menu 000 (Control Mode) to set the MMP for control via  
the Editor connection. A video reference source is required for this type of operation.  
Parallel Transport  
The PARALLEL TRANSPORT connector allows use of remote control devices that operate by sending  
messages via parallel signals for the motion control keys. There are +12 volts available to drive switch  
lamps in conjunction with the tally outputs that are available for each key. The pinout diagram for the  
Parallel transport connector is given in Appendix D: Cable Information.  
Parallel Tracks  
Since there are no audio inputs on the MMP-16, the PARALLEL TRACKS connector has no function in  
the current software release. The Parallel tracks connector may be used in future releases of the MMP-16.  
Keyboard Operation (with MM-RC option)  
The optional MM-RC (Remote Control unit) has a keyboard connector located on the rear panel which  
accepts a standard PC-AT style keyboard. The purpose of the keyboard is to facilitate selecting menu  
items while in the Setup Mode and to make it easier to name Projects and Tracks. There is no way to  
connect a keyboard directly to the MMR or MMP – this must be done using the MM-RC.  
Note: The internal software of the MM-RC will be automatically updated when an MMR-8 or MMP-16 is  
booted with version 1.25 software while attached to the MM-RC. Be sure the power switch of the MM-RC  
is on while the MMR/MMP unit is started so the unit can sense the presence of the remote.  
26  
Tascam MMP-16 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation  
MMP-16  
Using the PC Keyboard  
Use the keyboard to perform the following data entry tasks on the MMR or MMP:  
·
·
·
·
·
Enter Project and Track names directly by using the standard alphanumeric keys.  
Enter Tape Mode Start time, Pre-Roll and Post-Roll directly using the number keys.  
Access Menu Banks directly by using the Number keys.  
Use the Up and Down arrow keys on the keyboard to scroll through the Setup Menus.  
Use the Up and Down arrow keys to scroll through menu parameters. Once the desired menu is  
reached, press F1 to toggle the Trim key function.  
·
Pressing Enter on the keyboard has the same effect as pressing STO on the MMR or MMP front panel  
and will store the parameter selection displayed in the LCD.  
Not all keys on the PC keyboard are active. Use the following keys:  
F1 – Press F1 to enter Setup. Once Setup Mode has been entered, F1 will toggle the TRIM key on the  
MMP front panel.  
Escape (Cancel) key – This key is equivalent to the Cancel (CLR) key on the MMP front panel. Press  
Esc to leave the Setup Mode and return to the Normal Display State.  
Arrow keys - These serve the same function as the Arrow keys on the MMP front panel.  
Enter key - Equivalent to STO on the MMP front panel. When a menu or parameter setting has been  
changed pressing Enter stores the new parameter.  
Shift key - Acts like a standard keyboard Shift key, but will only work in conjunction with Letter keys  
and the Minus key.  
Letter keys – May be used shifted or unshifted. Note that most punctuation keys are not supported.  
Minus key - Shifted for Underscore, or unshifted for Minus/Hyphen.  
Caps Lock - Works like a standard keyboard Caps Lock key.  
Num Lock - When Num Lock is active (Num Lock is lit on the keyboard) use of the numeric Keypad is  
enabled. The Number keys and the Enter key are active in this mode, and they function exactly like they  
do on the keyboard. When Num Lock is not active (the Num Lock light is not lit), the numeric keypad  
serves only as up (8), down (2), left (4), and right (6) arrows.  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation  
27  
Connecting External SCSI Media  
The MMP-16 SCSI interface card is pre-set to SCSI ID 7. The internal removable drive in the MMP-16 is  
set to SCSI ID 0. Each device added in the SCSI chain must have a unique SCSI ID number or else the  
MMP-16 will not boot properly.  
External SCSI connections should be made using the shortest possible length of double-shielded SCSI-2  
cables with 110 ohms impedance. Only the last drive in the chain is terminated. All other drives must  
have their terminating resistors removed or have termination jumpers set to off (including those drives  
placed in the MMP-16 internal drive slot). SCSI cables are readily available from most computer stores.  
For the most reliable operation, the total length of SCSI cabling must not exceed 15 to 20 feet.  
All drives must be pre-formatted using a single partition. Drives with capacities of up to 9 GB have been  
tested and found suitable for use with the MMP-16. The MMP-16 system plays all audio from separate  
uncompressed 16-bit or 24-bit linear files. Approximately 5 MB (Megabytes) of disk space is required for  
each minute of audio recorded per track. Thus a 4 GB drive can hold about 12 track hours of 16-bit audio,  
while a 2 GB drive will hold about 6 track hours.  
For backing up files, and for ease of moving smaller projects around, we recommend using a  
“LIM/DOW” (Light Intensity Modulation / Direct Over Write) type optical disk. The LIM/DOW  
technology achieves better performance than is available on older types of Magneto-Optical media, which  
must execute an erase pass before they can write new data to the disk. The Nikon Beluga AV MO  
(Magneto-Optical) disk drive has been tested and rated to perform well when used with the MMP-16. A  
chart of currently tested and certified disk drive media is given in Appendix B, MMR Approved Drives  
List. The results from performance tests of the NIKON Beluga AV MO drive with 1K per sector media  
are also given there. It is possible to use other removable media such as the IOMEGA Jaz drive and the  
SyQuest Syjet, but these do not provide the same level of performance for recording as a hard drive and  
they are more fragile than optical drive media is. DAT, Exabyte and other streaming tape device cannot  
currently be used with the MMP-16 system.  
28  
Tascam MMP-16 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation  
MMP-16  
Remote Controllers for the Tascam MMP-16  
Tascam MM-RC  
The TASCAM MM-RC is a dedicated remote control unit designed specially for  
use with the MMP-16 and the MMP-16 sixteen channel player unit. It connects to a  
special remote connector on the UI/B card on the back of the MMR and MMP  
units. This remote allows complete control of all attached functions of the MMR  
and MMP units, including all setup menus. It also allows for machine grouping as  
well as system wide control of all attached units. A total of up to 100 units (any  
combination of MMR and MMP) can be controlled from the MM-RC.  
Lynx KCU  
The TimeLine Lynx Keyboard Control Unit (KCU) is a tabletop controller which is  
typically used in conjunction with Lynx 2 synchronizer modules. It provides a time  
code display, motion control functions (including a jog/shuttle Wheel), track  
selections, and audio editing functions for most professional video and audio  
transports. The KCU can remotely control the operation of a total of up to six  
transports including MMP-16s. When used with the KCU 900 software, the Lynx  
KCU unit allows control of the following MMP-16/MMR-8 functions:  
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Transport Control  
Track Record Arm/Select (Record arm only for MMR-8)  
Slip Track/Region  
Undo/Redo  
Goto Prev/Next Edit  
Goto Head/Tail  
Clear/Paste  
The Lynx KCU may be directly connected to either of the two integrated Lynx  
ports on the MMP back panel. The second Lynx connector provides a loop thru  
connection to an external Lynx module for control of other devices from the KCU.  
The TimeLine Lynx KCU is available from:  
TimeLine Vista, Inc.  
1755 La Costa Meadows Drive, Suite B  
San Marcos, CA 92069  
Tel: (760) 761-4440 Fax: (760) 761-4449  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation  
29  
Powering Up the System  
The MMP-16 comes from the factory with the operating system and MMP-16 software pre-loaded onto  
the internal hard drive. At POWER ON, the front panel LCD should display the following message:  
Tascam MMP-16  
© TimeLine 1996 - 97  
If this message is not seen, the front panel is not operating correctly, and you should contact Tascam  
technical support for assistance. As the system software is loaded, the LCD will go blank, then after a few  
seconds will display the message “Mounting Volumes”. Any SCSI drive that will be used by the system  
must be attached to the SCSI bus and powered on at startup in order to be available for mounting. After  
all volumes have been mounted, the display will be initialized with a fill character (all character positions  
will be filled), and will pause as the power-up settings are restored. Various LEDs may turn on and off  
during this process. The entire sequence of events may take up to 30 seconds. When it is complete, the  
front panel display should show something like:  
01:00:00,00.00  
01:00:00,00.00  
This indicates the system is now ready to go to work. Any other indication is an error condition. Should  
an error occur, note the message, if any (if it is a long message, scroll using the left/right arrow keys), and  
contact Tascam technical support.  
Verifying MMP-16 Installation  
Once the MMP-16 is properly mounted in a rack or has been positioned on or in the studio furniture,  
follow these steps to complete, or to verify, the proper installation of your MMP-16 system:  
1.  
2.  
Connect the MMP-16’s 25-pin female D-sub analog output connector to the mixing console’s  
tape returns or to those line-level inputs normally used for tape playback. Refer to Appendix D:  
Cable Information for the connection pin outs for the analog output connectors.  
Install the removable drive into the front panel of the MMP-16 (if it is not already installed).  
Slide the drive into the front panel opening and press on the drive to fully seat it in the holder.  
Turn the key to lock the unit into place and to connect the drive power. The LED indicating the  
drive SCSI address will flash until the drive has finished spinning up and is ready for operation.  
3.  
If external SCSI hard drives will be incorporated into the system, connect a SCSI-2 cable from  
the MMP-16 rear panel SCSI-2 port to one of the SCSI ports on an external SCSI drive housing.  
SCSI NOTES: Each device connected to the SCSI bus must have a unique SCSI ID number.  
Configure the MMP-16’s removable hard drive (installed in the Kingston carrier) to use SCSI ID  
0. The internal SCSI interface board uses SCSI ID 7. Thus, no other drive in the system can use  
these SCSI ID numbers. Also, only the last drive in the SCSI chain can be terminated. All other  
drives must NOT be terminated. If two drives are set for the same SCSI ID number, or if any  
drive other than the last one in the chain is terminated, it will prevent the MMP-16 from properly  
functioning. See Connecting External SCSI Media (in this chapter) for additional information.  
Tascam MMP-16 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation  
MMP-16  
30  
4.  
Connect the MMP-16 to the applicable timing reference source and to the appropriate remote  
control interface  
a. To connect the MMP-16 to a film transport, connect the biphase sync output from the  
projector to one of the four biphase inputs. The four biphase inputs are numbered 1 - 4 from top  
to bottom. Any, or all, of the inputs can be connected. Use Setup Menu 100, Sync Group, to  
select which of the four Biphase inputs (Sync Groups) will control the system. If the MMP-16  
will function as the master for a biphase device, then the biphase output must be connected to  
the biphase device’s control input.  
b. To connect the MMP-16 as a slave to a video machine, first connect a source of Video Frame  
synchronization to the MMP-16’s VIDEO IN (either the Video Reference out from a video deck,  
or a Video black burst signal). This is normally a loop-through connection so the MMP-  
16’sVIDEO OUT jack should be terminated if it is not connected to another machine. Next  
connect the Time Code signal from the video to the MMP-16, using either the VITC IN  
connector, or the SMPTE/EBU TIME CODE IN (LTC) connector, whichever is appropriate.  
Use the RS422 Sony 9-Pin Editor port to control the MMP-16 via Sony protocol. To connect the  
MMP-16 as a master for a video deck, connect the TRANSPORT connector to the video deck’s  
Sony P2 protocol-compatible remote control connector.  
c. To connect the MMP-16 to other audio devices, connect the TIME CODE IN/OUT  
connectors. If the other devices do not read or transmit SMPTE/EBU time code, but they do read  
MTC (MIDI time code), then connect the MIDI IN/OUT/THRU as required.  
To connect multiple MMP-16 Players together, daisy chain them using the MMR Bus (the  
15-pin SYNC connectors). A 3-foot MMR bus cable is provided with each MMP-16 for this  
application. Since each connector parallels the other, connection order is not critical. The MMR  
Bus is self-terminating.  
e. If remote control capabilities are desired, then connect a Tascam MM-RC remote control unit  
to the 25 pin D-sub connector on the UI/B board on the back panel of the MMP-16. Some  
functions of the MMP-16 can also be controlled via the TimeLine Lynx Keyboard Control Unit  
(KCU) by connecting the KCU to either LYNX connection (they operate in parallel, so either  
one may be used) on the MMP-16 back panel. If necessary the other LYNX connection can be  
daisy-chained to other equipment (MMP-16, a Lynx-2 controller, etc.).  
Software Updates  
Software updates are available on the TASCAM Web site at http://www.tascam.com, and may be  
downloaded onto one or more floppy disks. To install the software update, insert the floppy disk (or Disk  
1, if multiple disks are received) into the front panel floppy drive while the unit is operating normally.  
Access Menu 995 (Load Software) and press STO. The system will ask “Are you sure?” Confirm the  
floppy is properly inserted and press STO again to confirm. If multiple disks are supplied, the operator  
will be prompted via the display to remove Disk 1 and place Disk 2 into the drive. After the software  
update is installed, the system will display a message that the update is complete, and will display a  
checksum number (written on the floppy update disk for reference) to verify that the installation has been  
successful. Remove the floppy disk and recycle the power to operate the unit with the new software  
installed. All system floppy disks should be kept in a secure location in case they may be needed in the  
future.  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 2 • Installation  
31  
Factory Default Settings  
The MMP-16 is shipped from the factory using a pre-defined set of operating parameters. The factory  
default settings can be changed in the field at any time through a system of Setup menus that control the  
MMP-16 operating parameters. The new value settings will be automatically saved and used at system  
start-up as the normal operating parameters of the MMP-16. The system can be reset to use the factory  
defaults at any time by accessing menu 901 (“Recall Settings”), and selecting the “Default” value. The  
system will then be returned to the factory default settings and is ready to use.  
Tascam MMP-16 User’s Guide • Chapter 2 • Installation  
MMP-16  
32  
Chapter 3 MMP-16 Operation  
MMP-16 Keys & Definitions  
Throughout this manual several abbreviations and written shortcuts are used to define user operations and  
machine functions. The following summarizes how these abbreviations and text shortcuts relate to the  
operational description:  
Keys  
Refers to the colored front panel keys on the MMP-16. The gray keys are used to  
enter time code numbers (on the numeric keys) and to perform various other  
common functions. The shift key is the only yellow key. Key use in the text is  
indicated through capitalizing the key legends (e.g., LOAD TRACK indicates the  
Load Track key is to be pressed).  
Shift Key  
This key, the only yellow key on the front panel, functions like the shift key on a  
computer keyboard. Located at the top-right corner of the numeric keypad area,  
shift works in combination with selected gray keys, enabling their shifted  
functions. The shifted function for each applicable gray key is written above the  
key on the front panel metal. Press and release the shift key before pressing any  
other key, to “latch” the shift key until the desired key is pressed. This will light the  
shift LED above the SHIFT key. Pressing another key while the shift LED is on  
will cause that key to execute its shifted function. Once the shifted function has  
been activated, the shift LED will go off and the system will return to the normal  
non-shifted state. If multiple shifted keystrokes are required, you may also press  
and hold SHIFT (the shift LED above the key will stay on) while pressing one or  
more gray keys in succession.  
In the text “SHIFT+X” indicates the Shift key is used in combination with one of  
the gray keys (X) that has a shifted function. Thus, SHIFT+TRIM means “press  
and release (or press and hold) the SHIFT key and then press the TRIM key.” In  
this case, the MMP-16 will enter Dynamic Trim mode since the shifted function for  
the TRIM key is “Dynamic Trim” (which is indicated above the key). To cancel  
shift, when the shift LED indicator is on, press SHIFT again, or press CLR.  
Text Above Keys  
Indicates the “shifted function” for that key. Pressing SHIFT+ key, as detailed  
above, accesses the shifted function.  
Reversed Text  
Above Keys  
Indicates the “alternate” function for the JOG and SHTL keys, and for the STO,  
RCL and CLR keys. The alternate functions are used in Setup, Track, Verify, and  
Error modes, and while trimming values. In Normal mode, the key functions are  
normal (i.e., pressing JOG turns the Wheel into a Jog Wheel). In Setup or Track  
modes, pressing JOG indicates a left-arrow function as a cursor or window  
movement tool.  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
33  
Mode  
This term is used to refer to the active Control mode selected by Setup menu 000  
and to refer to the Track Select Mode which governs the behavior of the SEL keys.  
It may also be used to refer to various operational modes such as Loop, Trim, or  
Shift which change the meaning of other keys or controls as long as the mode is  
active.  
LCD Text  
To indicate the front panel LCD text, curly brackets are used to enclose the text.  
(e.g., {X.  
01:00:00,00}) A mono-spaced Courier font duplicates the  
spacing and alphanumeric characters shown in the LCD. In the Normal state, the  
top line of the LCD typically shows the current “play head” time code, while the  
bottom line shows the entry (or other active) register time code. In Setup, Track,  
Verify, or Error states, the two LCD lines will change to show various text  
messages as indicated in the Functional Overview section of Chapter 2.  
34  
Tascam MMP-16 User’s Guide • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
MMP-16  
MMP-16 Front Panel  
Key Groups and Displays  
Assigned  
Machine  
Identification  
Configuration  
Status LEDs  
Track Status and  
Metering LEDs  
Liquid Crystal  
Display (LCD)  
MMP-16  
TASCAM  
POWER  
REFERENCE  
CONTROL  
MODE  
SAMPLE  
INT  
FRAME  
VIDEO  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
LOCAL/BUS  
CLIP  
MAX  
CLIP  
MAX  
CLIP  
MAX  
CLIP  
MAX  
CLIP  
MAX  
CLIP  
MAX  
CLIP  
MAX  
CLIP  
MAX  
AES  
TC  
TC CHASE  
BIPH CHASE  
BIPH TRAN  
SER TRAN  
EDITOR  
TONE  
MIDI  
ERROR  
WORD  
MMR  
BIPH  
+12  
+12  
+12  
+12  
+12  
+12  
+12  
+12  
LYNX  
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
+6  
0
TIME CODE  
RATE  
EXT RSLV  
IDENT  
BUSY  
LOCK  
29.97  
NDF  
DF  
48.000  
44.100  
P. UP  
SYNC GRP  
-6  
-6  
-6  
-6  
-6  
-6  
-6  
-6  
1
2
3
4
VARI  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
-12  
-25  
MMR  
LYNX  
OFFSET  
25  
P. DOWN  
MAST  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
SLIP  
INTERLOCK  
24  
NON STD.  
SLAVE  
CANCEL  
IN  
HEAD  
NEXT EDIT  
SHIFT  
+/-  
SUBF  
TC/FEET  
SETUP  
-
+
CLR  
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
7
8
9
CUT  
COPY  
CLEAR  
PASTE  
INSERT  
OPEN  
UNDO  
REDO  
TIME  
OUT  
TAIL  
PREV EDIT  
YES  
TRIM  
STO  
CAPT  
TRIM  
JOG  
SHTL  
1
6
7
8
4
5
6
Track Group  
=
E
DELETE  
UNLOAD  
BACKUP  
LYNX SYNC  
OFST  
RDR  
FREE  
NO  
LOAD  
VIEW  
TRACK  
SLIP  
TRACK  
EDIT  
MON  
RCL  
LOOP  
LOC  
TRACK  
0
1
2
3
UNMOUNT  
PHONES  
ON  
LINE  
MOUNT  
Floppy  
Drive  
Headphone  
Output & Gain  
Transport  
Group  
Keypad  
Group  
Wheel  
Removable  
Drive Bay  
Setup and  
Wheel Group  
36  
Front Panel Indicators, Switches, and Displays  
Collectively, all the front panel keys and the Wheel are called switches and the LEDs, six motion control  
lamps, and the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) are called indicators. The MMP-16 is manually controlled  
through front-panel switches, while system status is shown via the indicators. The front panel switches are  
divided into five groups: the track group, the keypad group, the setup & wheel group, the wheel itself, and  
the transport (or motion control) group. The functions for each switch in each group and how their  
selection affects the indicators are discussed in this section. The MM-RC remote control unit provides  
most of the same functions as the MMP front panel. Note that the CLR (clear or cancel) key will almost  
always terminate an operation, and is a good first key to try to cancel an operation.  
LED Indicators  
Most operating parameters and key functions are indicated through LEDs, as are the output signal levels.  
Configuration Settings  
To the right of the LCD are 34 LEDs used to indicate the Control mode, the frame and sample reference  
sources, the time code format, the sample rate being used, the active sync group, and the state of the  
MMP-16 buses (master or slave on the MMR or Lynx buses).  
Active Mode/Key Indicators  
Above most soft-touch keys there are LEDs to indicate the key status. In some cases they indicate that the  
shifted function is active. In other cases they indicate a key status. For example, the LOC (locate) key’s  
LED will be on while the MMP-16 is locating, turning off to indicate the transport has completed locating  
(the time code in the top and bottom lines of the display should then be equal).  
The LEDs above the SEL keys indicate which tracks are selected according to which track function key is  
also active. The track function key (EDIT, MON, LOAD TRACK, TRACK or SLIP) that is active will  
also have its LED turned on. For example, pressing MON will turn on the MON LED, as well as the SEL  
LEDs for all the tracks that are currently being monitored in the headphones. Pressing any SEL key will  
then toggle the track between monitor on (when the LED is lit) and monitor off (no SEL LED for that  
track). If another track mode key is pressed the SEL LEDs will now indicate that mode’s selected tracks.  
Track Status and Metering  
Immediately above the track select buttons associated with tracks 9-16 in the MMP-16 are 9 LEDs per  
track (for a total of 144 LEDs). These indicate audio signal levels (meter LEDs) & track slip status for  
each track.  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
37  
Meter LEDs  
Each track has its own column of signal level LEDs that read the MMP-16 analog output signal off disk.  
Each meter column contains eight LEDs. Functioning much like a tape machine’s peak meters, their  
meters have a fixed rise time of <30 ms and a default decay time of <0.5 seconds.  
The bottom level LED (-25) is a green presence indicator. Any time there is signal on the track there will  
be an indication. The next three LEDs indicate signal levels of -12, -6 and 0 VU. The next two LEDs are  
yellow and indicate +6 and +12 VU. The final two LEDs are red to indicate the audio peaks are at MAX  
(3 dB below clipping) and CLIP, which means the signal has most likely exceeded the input capability of  
the digital converter and may be distorted. The CLIP indicator acts as a peak-hold indicator during  
playback. It is only reset when the MMP-16 is stopped and put into PLAY again.  
A de-facto film/video industry standard for digital device monitoring is that 0 VU should be set to  
indicate a signal level of -20 dBFS (decibels below full scale, i.e. 20 dB below the digital clipping level).  
The MMP-16 default setup follows this recommendation with the MAX LED indicator set to turn on with  
a signal 17 dB above the nominal 0 VU indication (just before all bits would be set true in the ADC). The  
CLIP indication is typically adjusted for a 3 dB hotter signal (20 dB above 0 VU). These settings can be  
adjusted in 1dB increments using Setup mode menu 520 (Meter Reference Level) for any dB reference  
level from -15 dBFS to -24 dBFS.  
See the Chapter 6, System Maintenance for instructions on calibrating the outputs using the meters.  
Machine Status LEDs  
To the left of the LCD are 7 LEDs used to indicate the status of various MMP machine states (interlock,  
busy, lock, etc.). These are described here:  
·
The TONE LED is lit when menu 530 (Reference Tone) is set to On. Pressing play when this LED is  
lit will cause all channels to output a 1kHz reference tone at 0 VU.  
·
·
The MIDI LED is used to indicate a valid MIDI input signal (MMC) is being received.  
The ERROR LED indicates an error state has occurred and must be cleared before normal operation  
can resume.  
·
·
·
·
The BUSY LED indicates the system is occupied with a task, and the transport keys are not available  
until the system finishes the current task and the Busy LED goes out.  
The LOCK LED indicates the system is locked to the incoming machine synchronization source  
(usually time code, biphase, or the MMR Bus).  
The OFFSET LED indicates there is an offset (value other than 0) in the offset register (local MMP  
offset) or when there is an MMR bus offset and the unit is a slave on the MMR bus.  
The INTERLOCK LED lights when the system is in Biphase Chase Control Mode.  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
MMP-16  
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)  
The LCD or “display” consists of two lines of twenty characters that show various operator messages  
(time code, user prompts, error messages and information, track data, and setup menu information)  
depending upon the active panel/display state. Both lines of the LCD can also show various system  
messages according to the operating state. Typically the top line will indicate the current time code  
position in the Normal state, the Setup menu number and item in the Setup state, and the Track  
information or action instruction in the Track states. In the Verify or Error states, additional text may be  
displayed in the bottom line of the display, depending upon the message or error generated.  
In cases where the message exceeds the width of the LCD window, the left/right arrow keys can be used  
to horizontally scroll the message. The window follows the arrow key movement (right-arrow moves the  
window to the right and left-arrow moves the window to the left), thus scrolling the text across the LCD  
in the opposite direction. The appearance of the LCD in each of the MMP panel/display states is  
described in detail here.  
Normal State Display  
In the Normal state, the top line shows the current transport status and the current position of the “play  
head” in either SMPTE/EBU time code or in feet & frames. The bottom line of the display shows the time  
code entry register or most recently accessed time code register. The display format selected is kept as  
part of the user settings file. The following illustrates the Normal state display of just the top line for time  
code and for feet & frames:  
01234567890123456789  
the 20 LCD character positions  
(Top Line Display for time code)  
(Top Line Display for feet & frames)  
cd  
cd  
HH:MM:SS:FF.xx  
TTTTT FF.xx  
“cd” is a one or two character display code for the current state of the MMP-16 transport:  
o Indicates the transport is stopped  
> Indicates the system is in play mode but unlocked  
>L Indicates the system is locked and in play  
< Indicates the system is in reverse play  
>> Indicates the system is in fast forward  
<< Indicates the system is in rewind  
In Shuttle or Jog the display will show <<, <, > or >> according to the movement of the Wheel. The Time Code  
and Feet & Frames characters shown in the Normal state display are:  
HH- the hour display (01 - 23)  
MM- the minutes display (00 - 59)  
SS- the seconds display (00 - 59)  
FF-the frame number (00-29)  
xx- the subframe number (00 - 99)*  
TTTTTis the film footage count (00000 - 99999)  
* Subframes is an optional display characteristic.  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
39  
In the Normal state, the bottom line of the display shows time code (or feet & frames) that has been  
entered manually, captured, or recalled from one of the memory or special-purpose registers. There is a  
label in front of the time code (or feet & frames) to indicate what register is being displayed. The “Label”  
identifies the memory or register that is currently being displayed through these abbreviations: SYNC,  
OFST, RDR, TIME, FREE, HEAD, TAIL, IN, OUT, NEXT, PREV, and MEM n (where n = 0 - 9). If a  
time code is manually entered, or if CLR was pressed, there will be no listing in the “Label” area of the  
display, indicating the timecode Entry register is displayed.  
01234567890123456789  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
(Bottom Line Display for time code)  
(Bottom Line Display for feet & frames)  
Label HH:MM:SS:FF.xx  
Label  
TTTTT FF.xx  
Setup State Display  
In the Setup state, the display is used to show a list of menus for setting various system parameters.  
Pressing the SETUP key enters this state. The top line shows the 3-digit menu number and the name of  
the menu. The bottom line shows the list of parameters. To scroll through the list of menus, use the  
Up/Down arrow keys or the wheel. You may also jump directly to “banks” of menus by pressing any of  
the numeric keys on the keypad. To scroll through the list of parameters for a selected menu, press TRIM,  
then use the Up/Down arrow keys or the Wheel. Note that the currently selected parameter will always be  
preceded by a * character. Many parameters have system default values which can be accessed by  
pressing TRIM, followed by press SHIFT + CLR.  
01234567890123456789  
20 position LCD character positions  
Top: (NNN indicates the menu number, t indicates  
the menu name)  
NNN Tttttttttttttttt  
*Tttttttttttttttttttt  
Bottom: (* indicates the currently selected  
parameter, t indicates the parameter name)  
To exit the Setup state and return to the Normal state, press SETUP, or press CLR, or press the EDIT,  
MON, or INPUT Track Mode keys. To jump directly to one of the Track states from the Setup state, press  
VIEW TRACK, TRACK, or SLIP. Note that attempting to set the MMP to an invalid condition may  
result in an Error state, and that attempting to choose some menu parameters will put the system in the  
Verify state for confirmation of the choice before it is finalized.  
View Track State Display  
In the View Track state, the display is used to show the name of the selected track. To enter this state,  
press the TRACK key. Press the appropriate SEL key to display the desired track. The wheel and the  
Up/Down arrow keys can be used to move to the next or previous track selection.  
01234567890123456789  
Track Contents:  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
Top: (Operator message)  
T nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn  
Bottom: (T indicates the assigned track, nnn is the  
track name in the EDL) and will read *Blank* if  
the track isn’t assigned.  
To exit the View Track state and return to the Normal state, press TRACK, or press CLR.  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
MMP-16  
Slip Track State Display  
In the Slip Track state, the display will show the current time position in the top line of the display (the  
same as in the Normal state), while the bottom line of the display is used to show the contents of the slip  
register for the selected track. If more than one track is selected, all of their registers are active, but only  
the last selected track indexes slip register will be shown.  
01234567890123456789  
Label HH:MM:SS:FF.xx  
SlipX HH:MM:SS:FF.xx  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
Top: (Operator message) same as Normal state  
Bottom: (X is the number of the currently selected  
track index, Time code display is the slip register  
for the selected track index)  
To increment or decrement the slip register amount for the selected track index, use the Up/Down arrow  
keys or the Wheel. To clear a slip register, set the slip amount to zero (0), or hold the clear key while also  
pressing the appropriate track SEL key. To directly enter a slip time into a slip register, use the keypad  
while in the Normal state to enter the desired slip time amount, then press STO followed by pressing the  
appropriate track SEL key.  
Load Track State Display  
In the Load Track state, the display is used to show the directory of all Edit Decision Lists or EDLs  
(Projects, Sessions, and Compositions) on all mounted drives. Use the wheel or the Up/Down arrow keys  
to scroll through the list of projects. Press STO to automatically load the first sixteen tracks of the Project  
into the sixteen MMP track indexes.  
01234567890123456789  
Project:  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
Top: (Operator message)  
nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn  
Bottom: (nnn is the project name, use wheel or  
Up/Down arrows to scroll list)  
Pressing the Load Track key again shows the next level of the EDL hierarchy for the chosen project  
(usually the Track name) and allows for scrolling through the list of tracks in the Project, and loading any  
track into the selected track index.  
01234567890123456789  
Load into Track X:  
o nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
Top: (X is the currently SELected track index)  
Bottom (o indicates an unloaded track, and nnn is  
the track name in the EDL)  
If a track from the list of available tracks has already been loaded into an MMP track index, the display  
will ask if you wish to move that track into the currently selected Track index. If accepted, this action will  
remove the track from its previous Track index location, thus leaving it blank.  
01234567890123456789  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
Move Track X à Y  
Top: (X is the Track index into which the listed track is  
already loaded, Y is the currently SELected track index)  
X nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn  
Bottom: (X is the Track index into which the listed track  
already loaded, and nnn is the track name)  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
41  
To move a loaded track from its current Track index position into the selected Track index or to load a  
currently unloaded track into the selected Track index, scroll through the list of available tracks until the  
desired track is located. The display will indicate your choice of both the selected track to be moved or  
loaded, and the destination Track index. Press the STO key to complete the operation and load the track.  
Backup State Display  
The Backup state is accessed via the Load Track state by choosing (scrolling to) the desired Project and then  
pressing SHIFT + SLIP. There are three menu choices that can be displayed, corresponding to three styles of  
Backup. Use the Up/Down arrow keys or the Wheel to toggle between the three Backup options. The first Backup  
option is a simple Project backup:  
01234567890123456789  
Begin Backup to:  
*Disk X  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
Top: (Operator message)  
Bottom: (X is the number of the currently selected  
Disk volume, press Trim and use the Up/Down  
Arrow keys or Wheel to choose other disks)  
This option will write out all media files and the EDL to any volume formatted as a WaveFrame disk.  
The second Backup option is Tape Mode Convert:  
01234567890123456789  
TapeMode Convert to:  
*Disk X  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
Top: (Operator message)  
Bottom: (X is the number of the currently selected  
Disk volume, press Trim and use the Up/Down  
Arrow keys or Wheel to choose other disks)  
This option will copy the audio media files as a single continuous audio file per track and will put the EDL (now  
containing one media file per track with no other edit information) on the target WaveFrame volume.  
The third Backup option is OMF Export:  
01234567890123456789  
OMF Export to:  
*Disk X  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
Top: (Operator message)  
Bottom: (X is the number of the currently selected  
Disk volume, press Trim and use the Up/Down  
Arrow keys or Wheel to choose other disks)  
This option will write out all media files and the EDL to any Macintosh formatted disk. The audio files will be  
converted to Sound Designer II format, and the EDL will be written as an OMF composition referencing the Sound  
Designer II media.  
Only currently mounted disk volumes will be shown as choices for the target of the backup operation. Press CLR to  
cancel the Backup state and return to the Normal state.  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
MMP-16  
Verify State Display  
In the Verify state, the display is used for operator interface messages which usually request a Yes/No answer or  
require a number to be entered (such as a password) before normal operation can be resumed.  
01234567890123456789  
Function Message  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
Top: (Operator message)  
Are you sure (Y/N)?  
Bottom: Verification request – press STO for Yes,  
press RCL for No, use keypad to enter number, or  
press CLR to Cancel and return to previous state  
Error State Display  
The Error state will cause the ERROR LED to flash red and show a message in the display indicating an action can  
not be implemented or gives some other instruction. This state may also present various information messages  
indicating system status, disk mount status, an event has timed out, or that some type of operation (such as disk  
formatting) is requiring the system to wait until the operation is finished.  
01234567890123456789  
Error: nnnn  
20 position LCD character positions  
Top: (nnnn indicates the error message number)  
Bottom: (t indicates a possible text message)  
Tttttttttttttttttttt  
It is necessary to clear the Error state to return the front panel keys to normal operation. Most error  
messages can be cleared from the display by pressing the CLR key.  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
43  
Front Panel Key Groups  
The MMP-16 front panel keys and controls are divided into five functional groups, the Transport Group,  
the Setup & Wheel Group, the Wheel itself, the Track Group, and the Keypad Group.  
Transport Group  
These keys consist of the On Line, Rewind (<<), Reverse Play (<), Stop (o), Play (>), and Fast Forward  
(>>), keys. These transport functions are analogous to those found on tape dubbers. The keys are located  
on the bottom central portion of the front panel, and are larger and backlit to be seen clearly at a distance.  
ONLINE  
This key selects whether the MMP-16 is connected to an outside sync source and  
can be controlled by an external device (the key is lit), or isolated and working as a  
stand-alone device (the key is unlit). When pressed in combination with the Stop  
key (ONLINE+STOP), all currently mounted disk volumes are unmounted in  
preparation for removal from the MMP-16. There is no shifted function for this  
key. When chasing Biphase the Online key operates in Interlock mode where  
placing the MMP-16 online establishes the sync relationship (offset) between the  
MMP-16 and the master Biphase signal.  
<< (REWIND)  
The Rewind key causes the current time code position to roll in reverse at  
approximately 18 times play speed. Rewind cancels any loop operation. There is no  
shifted function for this key.  
< (REVERSE  
PLAY)  
The Reverse Play key causes the MMP-16 to play audio backwards at play speed.  
Except for the direction, other operating parameters such as speed and output level  
will follow those of Play. If there is a loop function pending, Reverse Play enters  
Loop play operation and causes the MMP to perform an alternating forward-  
backward loop. There is no shifted function for this key.  
o (STOP)  
(MOUNT)  
The Stop key halts the operation of the transport under all conditions and removes  
any loop pending mode. It is usually lit in the stopped condition, and not lit under  
other conditions (with the exception of Jog and Shuttle modes). Used in  
combination with the On Line key, the Stop key causes all currently mounted disk  
volumes to be unmounted. There is no shifted function for this key. The alternate  
function of the Stop key is to MOUNT all available disk drive(s) after a dismount  
operation has been performed.  
> (PLAY)  
The Play key causes the MMP-16 to play audio in the forward direction at play  
speed, advancing the time code counter. If there is a loop pending, Play enters the  
playback loop operation and will play the loop according to the parameter settings  
in menu 210 (Loop Mode). There is no shifted function for this key.  
>> (FAST  
FORWARD)  
The Fast Forward key causes the current time code position to roll forward at  
approximately 18 times play speed. Fast Forward cancels any loop pending  
operation. There is no shifted function for this key.  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
MMP-16  
Setup and Wheel Group  
This group of keys contains the SETUP and arrow keys, and the TRIM, JOG, and SHTL (shuttle) keys.  
These keys are located on the right section of the front panel, directly over the wheel and below the right  
end of the LED display panel. The Setup and Wheel Group keys are used to navigate through the various  
choices in the Setup menus and to control the operation of the Wheel. These keys also have shifted  
functions indicated in the text above the keys. To access, first press the SHIFT key, then the key itself.  
SETUP  
This key places the MMP-16 into the Setup state, where MMP operating  
parameters can be changed as required using the Setup menus. To exit Setup mode,  
press SETUP again or press CLR.  
SHIFT+SETUP  
(+/-)  
The shifted function of the SETUP key is the +/- (plus/minus) key. This is used  
during time code entry to change the sign (+/-) of the time code value being  
entered. Most often used to enter a negative offset amount.  
DOWN ARROW  
This key performs whatever the mode requires, and often duplicates the function of  
the Wheel in scrolling “downward” through track or menu options, or  
decrementing numeric values.  
SHIFT+DOWN  
ARROW  
Toggles the display of subframes in the LCD for both time code and feet and  
frames. Also controls whether subframes may be entered or trimmed using the  
Up/Down arrow keys or Wheel..  
(SUBF)  
UP ARROW  
This key often duplicates the function of the Wheel in scrolling “upward” through  
track or menu options, or incrementing numeric values.  
SHIFT+UP  
ARROW  
Toggles the LCD transport position and register display between time code or  
35mm film feet/frames format.  
(TC/FEET)  
TRIM  
Activates a mode in which Wheel rotation and Up/Down arrow keys change the  
time code value in the currently active register. This allows fine control over  
incremental and decremental changes in a particular time code value. When TRIM  
is pressed, the MMP-16 goes into a Trim mode, indicated by the lit LED over the  
Trim key. At this point, the active register is being “trimmed”, with the left/right  
arrow keys (JOG/SHTL) selecting the digit, and the Wheel or Up/Down arrow  
keys incrementing or decrementing that digit. If no register is recalled beforehand,  
the trim operation is performed only on the entry register’s time code. When trim  
mode is exited by pressing the TRIM key, the trimmed value is then kept in the  
register, and the value for that register is sent to the transport.  
SHIFT+TRIM  
The shifted version of this key performs what is called a “dynamic” trim, indicated  
by use of the Delta (D) character for the shifted key designation. The only  
difference between this and the normal trim is that dynamic trim sends the trimmed  
value continuously to the transport whenever the value changes.  
(D TRIM)  
At any time during either type of trim operation, CLR may be pressed to cancel the  
trim operation, returning the value of the register being trimmed to its previous  
value. Pressing TRIM during the trim operation completes the trimming and  
automatically stores the trimmed value in the appropriate memory or register.  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
45  
JOG  
Pressing JOG stops the transport and allows the Wheel to “scrub” over the current  
location at a speed relative to the motion of the wheel. The minimum Jog speed is  
Play/8 (3 octaves down), and maximum is 1.5 times nominal speed. Jog is typically  
used to play audio at slow speed to locate to a particular spot in pre-recorded  
material in order to identify an edit or punch point. Sound is produced in the Jog  
mode only as long as the wheel moves.  
Pressing the JOG key again or pressing the STOP key halts the Jog action and takes  
the system out of the Jog mode. Although Jog has no shifted function, the alternate  
function of this key is the left-arrow, which is active in several different modes,  
and which typically scrolls the window to view parts of the display that may extend  
beyond the window. This key also moves the cursor left for selection of a digit  
within a time code that may need trimming, or for selecting a character value to  
alter in a Setup menu.  
SHTL (SHUTTLE) Pressing the Shuttle key stops the transport and allows the Wheel to initiate  
sustained audio playback from the current location at continuously variable speeds.  
Shuttle is typically used to assist in locating a particular spot in pre-recorded  
material, and is useful for “fast-forwarding” through material while listening. The  
minimum Shuttle speed is a very slow crawl (Play/1000) and maximum is 1.5  
times nominal speed. The Shuttle speed is governed by the distance traveled by the  
Wheel, with ½ turn equal to half speed, a full turn for nominal speed, and 1 ½ turns  
for 1.5 times nominal speed. Pressing the Shuttle key again or pressing the Stop  
key halts the Shuttle action.  
Although there is no shifted function of the Shuttle key, the alternate function of  
this key is the right-arrow, which is active in several different modes, and which  
typically scrolls the window to view parts of the display that may extend beyond  
the window. This key also moves the cursor to the right for selection of a digit  
within a time code that may need trimming, or for selecting a character value to  
alter in a Setup menu. The lit transport lamps indicate the current relative speed  
range for Jog and Shuttle according to the following conventions:  
o Indicates the transport is stopped  
o + > Indicates the transport is playing forward slower than nominal speed  
> Indicates the transport is playing forward at nominal speed  
> + >> Indicates the transport is playing forward faster than nominal speed  
o + < Indicates the system is in reverse play at slower than nominal speed  
< Indicates the system is in reverse play at nominal speed  
o + << Indicates the system is in reverse play at faster than nominal speed  
Wheel  
The wheel is its own group, and has several different functions during MMP-16 operation. In the Normal  
state, it controls jog and shuttle of the system transport in conjunction with the JOG and SHTL keys. In  
conjunction with the TRIM key it can be used to manually trim time code registers. In the Setup state, the  
Wheel normally scrolls through the menu items, but when TRIM is active, it scrolls through the parameter  
values. In the Track states, it scrolls through the Project or track names for loading and viewing. There is  
no shifted function for the Wheel.  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
MMP-16  
Track Group  
These keys are located at the left central portion of the front panel under the track meters. Although the  
SEL keys are active all the time, they affect tracks according to which Track Select Mode (EDIT, MON,  
LOAD TRACK, TRACK, SLIP) is active. The active mode is indicated by the amber LED above the  
keys, while the active track(s) for that mode are indicated by the amber LEDs above the SEL keys.  
SEL  
(TRACK  
SELECT)  
The sixteen gray SEL keys are located just below their associated meter display  
LEDs. These keys are normally used to select and deselect their associated tracks,  
although they do have track independent shifted functions as well (as indicated by  
the labels above each SEL key: Cut, Copy, Clear, etc.).  
When EDIT or MON is active (as one will always be while in the Normal state),  
the SEL keys choose which tracks are edited (when EDIT is active), or monitored  
at the headphone jack (when MON is active). The chosen tracks for each function  
are indicated through the amber LEDs above each SEL key. The chosen tracks are  
“remembered” by the MMP-16. Thus as EDIT or MON is pressed, the amber SEL  
indicators change to reflect the selected tracks for each function.  
When loading individual tracks in the Load Track state (after pressing LOAD  
TRACK twice), the Track Select keys allow the selection of the “target” track—the  
MMP track index to which a stored track file will be loaded or moved. Only one  
track at a time may be selected in this mode. When viewing tracks in the Track  
state (TRACK key is active), only one track can be viewed at a time as indicated  
by the amber LED above the SEL key (the Wheel and arrow keys are active in this  
mode, scrolling and selecting one track at a time).  
When slipping tracks in the Track Slip state (SLIP is active), multiple tracks may  
be selected as “targets” for a slip operation. However, only the last selected track is  
displayed on the bottom line of the LCD. A slip value may be entered manually  
into the entry register, or recalled from one of the memories or registers. It is then  
stored into the selected track by pressing STO followed by the appropriate SEL  
key. Slipped tracks (NOT tracks selected for slipping) are identified by an LED on  
the bottom row of the meter panel, regardless of the operating mode of the MMP-  
16. Press CLR+SEL to clear the slip register for any track and return it to an un-  
slipped status.  
SHIFT+SEL  
(various EDIT  
commands)  
When shifted (SHIFT+SEL), the Track Select keys perform various edit operations  
on those tracks previously selected while the EDIT key was active. Editing is  
controlled by the In point and Out point times from the In and Out registers. Note  
that the In and Out registers can be automatically set to the start and end times of  
any event by placing the play head within the event and pressing SHIFT+EDIT.  
The Edit commands activated by the shifted SEL keys perform the indicated  
edit operation only on those tracks selected while the EDIT key is active. The  
shifted functions for the SEL keys are cut (SHIFT+SEL 1), copy (SHIFT+SEL 2),  
clear (SHIFT+SEL 3), paste (SHIFT+SEL 4), insert (SHIFT+SEL 5), open  
(SHIFT+SEL 6), undo (SHIFT+SEL 7) and redo (SHIFT+SEL 8). Following are  
illustrated summaries of these edit operations:  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
47  
Cut  
Cut removes the audio from the selected track(s) between the In point and the Out  
point and places it into the clipboard, while pulling up (slipping earlier in time) all  
subsequent events by an amount equal to the length of the cut track segment.  
In  
Out  
Before Cut  
After Cut  
Audio after Out is  
shifted earlier in time  
To Clipboard  
Copy  
Copy places a copy of the material that is between the In and Out points on the  
selected track(s) into the clipboard without altering the audio events on the track(s).  
Clear  
Clear removes the events on the selected track between the In and Out points,  
replacing the audio with silence. It does not affect the position of any other audio  
material on the track.  
In  
Out  
Before Clear  
After Clear  
To Clipboard  
Paste  
Paste places the contents of the clipboard into the selected track(s) at the position  
of the In register and overwrites any existing material on the selected track(s)  
starting at the In point time and extending for the duration of the clipboard  
contents. It does not alter the placement of any other material on the track(s).  
Clipboard contents  
In  
Before Paste  
Out  
After Paste  
Overwrites existing material on track  
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MMP-16  
Insert  
Insert places the contents of the clipboard into the selected track(s) at the In point  
time, while moving all subsequent events “down stream” (later in time) by the  
length of the inserted event(s).  
Clipboard contents  
In  
Before Insert  
After Insert  
Out  
Audio after Insert is  
shifted later in time  
Open  
Open places a segment of silence into the selected track(s) equal to the time  
between the In point register and the Out point register. It functions like an Insert,  
slipping all subsequent material on the selected tracks downstream in time. Another  
way to say it is that all material on the selected tracks from the In point onward is  
moved (or rippled) so that it now begins at the time code location in the Out  
register. If the In point is within an audio segment on the track, the segment is split  
at the In point, with material before the In point remaining in place and material  
after the In point shifted to the position defined in the Out register.  
In  
Out  
Register  
Register  
Before Open  
After Open  
Undo  
Redo  
Undo un-does the last edit operation. There are ten levels of undo available,  
accessed by selecting SHIFT and then pressing SEL7 one or more times (while the  
SHIFT key is active).  
Redo re-does the last undo edit operation. There are ten levels of redo possible,  
accessed by selecting SHIFT and then pressing SEL 8 one or more times while the  
SHIFT key is active.  
Undo and Redo put the time code registers and Selected tracks to the state they  
were in before the edit (undo) or after the edit (Redo).  
MMP-16  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 3 • MMP-16 Operation  
49  
EDIT  
Pressing this key (while in the Normal state) allows the SEL keys to select which  
track(s) will be later edited (using the SHIFT+SEL edit functions described above).  
The suggested sequence of keystrokes to follow for editing is:  
Press the EDIT key to enter the Edit Track Mode, then the SEL key for the track(s)  
to be edited.  
Set the In and Out points to define the range of material to be affected on the  
selected track(s).  
Press SHIFT + SEL for the desired edit function (Cut, Clear, Copy).  
Set the In point to the time code location where the material on the clipboard is to  
be placed.  
While the EDIT key is still enabled (amber LED is on), press the SEL key for the  
track(s) where the material on the clipboard is to be placed.  
Press SHIFT + SEL for the desired edit function (Paste, Insert)  
This completes the Edit operation. Note that Open operates differently in that it  
does not place material from the Clipboard into a track, but instead references the  
length of time between the In and Out registers and moves the downstream  
material by that amount.  
If material from a single track is placed on the clipboard, but multiple destination  
tracks are selected, only the first selected track (counting upwards from 1 to 8) will  
be used as the target for the Paste or Insert.  
If multiple tracks are placed on the clipboard, then multiple destination tracks can  
be selected. Selecting the same number of target tracks as used for the clipboard  
operation insures the material will be placed on only those tracks. If a different  
number of target tracks are selected, the Paste or Insert will place the clipboard  
material consecutively on the selected tracks, starting with the first selected track,  
up to the limit of the number of tracks selected. For example:  
If material is Copied from Track 1, then tracks 3, 4, 6, and 8 are Selected for the  
target, the Paste operation will only put material on track 3.  
If material is Copied from tracks 2, 4, and 6, then tracks 1 through 8 are all  
selected, the Paste operation will place material on tracks 1, 2, and 3. If only three  
tracks are selected for the Paste (for example, tracks 3, 5, and 7) then the material  
will go on those tracks in order.  
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MMP-16  
Edit Sync Mode  
The setting chosen in Setup Menu 221 - Edit Sync Mode – determines which point  
in the audio material to be pasted or inserted from the clipboard will be used as the  
sync reference point for the edit. This is a very important consideration, since the  
end result of the edit operation may be very different depending on the current  
setting of this menu parameter when the edit is performed.  
The two parameters for this menu are Sync at In Point and Sync at Playhead.  
When Sync at In Point is chosen as the Edit Sync Mode, the beginning of the  
region placed in the clipboard (by executing a Copy, Clear, or Cut operation) will  
be placed at the current In register time code setting when a Paste or Insert  
operation is performed. This is the mode illustrated in the graphic representations  
of the Edit functions shown on the previous pages of this manual.  
When Sync at Playhead is chosen as the Edit Sync Mode, the location of the  
playhead relative to the In register is remembered as an offset when the material is  
placed on the clipboard (by executing a Copy, Clear, or Cut operation). That offset  
point (rather than the beginning of the region defined in the clipboard) will be  
placed at the current In register time code when a Paste or Insert operation is  
performed. The region defined in the clipboard will be placed at the appropriate  
location relative to the offset amount defined when the Cut, Copy, or Clear  
operation was performed. The Playhead offset can be before or after the In point of  
the material placed on the Clipboard. Here are two examples:  
To Clipboard w/offset  
Playhead  
In  
Clear w/Playhead Before In  
Paste with Sync at Playhead  
offset  
In  
offset  
Playhead  
To Clipboard w/offset  
In  
Ou
Clear w/Playhead After In  
offset  
In  
Paste with Sync at Playhead  
offset  
This function is most often used to synchronize a point within an audio segment  
(for example the point of the Doppler shift in a car drive by) to a specific time  
code point (the place where the car appears closest in the shot).  
MMP-16  
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51  
SHIFT+EDIT  
(EVENT)  
Loads the start and end of the event currently under the play head on the selected  
track(s) into the In point and Out point registers (also called “event capture”).  
MON  
Pressing this key while in the Normal state allows the SEL keys to select which  
track(s) will be monitored through the front panel headphone monitor output. This  
does not affect the rear panel Studio Monitor jack, which always presents a mono  
mix of all tracks.  
SHIFT+MON  
(Slip In/Out)  
Pressing SHIFT + MON puts the MMP into a Slip In/Out mode that allows for  
slipping (or nudging) all material between the In and Out register locations on  
selected tracks. When Slip In/Out is active, none of the status LEDs for the Track  
Mode Select keys is lit on the MMP front panel. This is to distinguish this mode  
from all other Track Select Modes, wherein at least one Track Select Mode status  
LED is always lit. Upon pressing SHIFT + MON, the bottom line of the display  
will show Slip and a time code entry field. Use the Wheel or the Up/Down arrow  
keys to enter the amount by which the defined region (between In and Out) on the  
selected tracks is to be slipped. This operation does not affect sync on material  
which is not located between the In and Out register locations. Slip In/Out will  
overwrite any existing material on the selected tracks that is at the new destination  
location to which the material has been moved.  
To complete the Slip In/Out operation, press SHIFT +MON again. The bottom line  
of the display will show Slip In/Out to indicate that the slip operation has been  
performed. To exit the Slip In/Out operation without executing the slip, press CLR.  
LOAD TRACK  
Pressing this key puts the MMP-16 into the Load Track state, and is the first step to  
loading pre-recorded material for playback or for deleting recorded material.  
Information on the pre-recorded material available on the drive is presented in  
hierarchical levels on the LCD display, according to the EDL format of the  
material itself.  
For WaveFrameä or StudioFrameä volumes, this means the material will be listed  
in a Project / Episode / Reel / Dub / Track hierarchy, with Episode being an  
optional element. For Pro Toolsä volumes, the material will be listed in Session /  
Track hierarchy, and for OMFä volumes, the material will be presented in a  
Composition / Track hierarchy.  
As with the Setup menu system, the Wheel and arrow keys are used to navigate  
through the available selections at a given level. Unlike the Setup menu system,  
however, descending through the hierarchy of track information is accomplished  
by repeatedly pressing LOAD TRACK. Pressing LOAD TRACK while at the  
bottom or “track” level exits the Load Track state and returns the MMP-16 to the  
Normal state.  
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MMP-16  
When LOAD TRACK is first pressed, the LCD will show a list of all WaveFrame  
Projects, Pro Tools Sessions, or OMF Compositions on all mounted volumes. The  
wheel or arrow keys are used to scroll through the various choices (if multiple  
choices are available) and to display the name of each of the available files. To  
view the next lower level of the EDL hierarchy (Episode, Reel, Act, Dub or Track),  
for the currently displayed Project, Session, or Composition, press LOAD TRACK  
again. Repeat this procedure to reach the lowest level available for the particular  
EDL file type. Pro Tools Session files and OMF Compositions will exhibit only  
two levels – the main EDL (Session or Composition) and Track.  
Once the desired Project or track is located and displayed, press the Store (STO)  
key to load the Project (up to sixteen tracks) or individual track into the MMP  
Track index locations. The target Track index is designated by activating the SEL  
key associated with the Track index (the LED above the SEL will be lit when the  
Track index is chosen as a target). If a track listed in the display has already been  
loaded into a track index, the display message will read “Move” rather than  
“Load”. This allows you to move an already loaded track into a different track  
index. Which operation is performed depends upon whether the source track file is  
already loaded; if it is, then a track move is performed. If the source track file is not  
already loaded, a track load is performed and the track file is loaded or “stored”  
into the target track. If track information is stored into a track location that is  
already occupied by a previously loaded track, the previously loaded track is  
automatically “unloaded.” In Load Track mode, the bottom line of the LCD shows  
the names of “unloaded” tracks preceded by a small box (the STOP character) in  
the first character of the display. Loaded tracks are preceded by their track number  
(indicating the track into which the sound file has been loaded).  
The last target track (which defaults to Track 1 at the start of a session) is  
remembered for the duration of the session. A store operation (either load or move)  
automatically advances the target track by one, circularly advancing back to track  
one after track sixteen. The target track may be selected manually by pressing the  
appropriate SEL key before STO is pressed. The Load Track key is also used to  
identify Projects or Tracks for Backup. Choose (scroll to) the name of the desired  
Project or Track, then press SHIFT + SLIP to enter the Backup state.  
SHIFT + LOAD  
TRACK  
Pressing SHIFT + LOAD TRACK deletes the currently displayed project or track  
file. The deletion simply removes the EDL information, not the associated sound  
file(s), so little disk drive space is reclaimed by this operation. However, sound  
files not associated with the EDL (track) information are made available for  
deletion by the Disk Cleanup operation accessed via Setup menu 720. This is the  
typical method by which space on a given drive volume is reclaimed (the other  
method is by using Destructive Record on a TASCAM MMR-8 Recorder to record  
over existing material).  
(DELETE)  
TRACK  
Pressing this key places the MMP into the View Track state to allow inspection of  
the currently loaded tracks. The Wheel, the Select keys, or the Up/Down arrow  
keys may be used to select and view a track index. If nothing is loaded in a  
selected Track index, the word “*Blank*” is displayed for that track. Pressing this  
key again while viewing tracks or pressing the CLR key exits the View Track state  
and returns the MMP-16 to the Normal state.  
MMP-16  
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53  
SHIFT+TRACK  
(UNLOAD)  
The shifted function of the TRACK key allows “unloading” of a loaded track, and  
will return the track to the “blank” state, as well as returning the loaded track back  
to the pool of unloaded tracks, which can then be viewed using LOAD TRACK.  
Note that tracks may be loaded or unloaded even while the MMP is playing. This is  
a very convenient feature of the MMP and allows for auditioning alternate tracks  
during playback or loading tracks from different projects.  
SLIP  
Pressing this key allows the re-positioning of selected tracks relative to the timeline  
and other tracks. The LCD will show the number of the last selected track,  
although all selected tracks (as indicated by the LEDs above the SEL keys) will be  
“slipped” as a group. Once the tracks to be slipped have been selected, the wheel or  
arrow keys are used to trim the slip value. The slip register for each track will be  
adjusted by the relative amount entered during the slip operation. In other words, if  
a track is already slipped by 10 frames and it is then made part of a group of tracks  
which are slipped by two more frames, that track’s slip register will then show a  
value of 12 frames. The MMP-16 will “remember” the slipped tracks (as indicated  
by the SLIP LEDs below the meters) and the slip value for a given session, so any  
slip value must be explicitly removed in order to clear the slip register for that  
track. To clear the Slip register, either use the Wheel or Up/Down arrow keys to set  
the Slip value to 0, or press CLR + SEL for the desired track. Note that the value in  
the slip register is volatile, and will not be retained when the track index is  
unloaded or replaced by a different track. To slip a track permanently within the  
EDL, perform an Edit operation (Clear and Paste the contents of the entire track),  
or use the Slip In/Out function described under SHIFT + MON.  
SHIFT + SLIP  
(BACKUP)  
Pressing SHIFT+SLIP places the MMP into the Backup state so that a backup copy  
of the currently displayed project or track can be made to any mounted drive  
volume. The Backup state presents three menu items that allow for choosing either  
normal, Tape Mode, or OMF Export style backup. Use the Wheel or Up/Down  
arrow keys to switch between these three menus after entering the Backup state.  
Normal backup will copy the project or track file including all edit information and  
associated audio clips to the target drive. The Tape Mode backup will rewrite  
(copy) the project or track files as continuous media files with no audio edits, and  
all fades fully rendered. Tape Mode backup will copy only media actually used in  
the project or track, and provides a way to consolidate the data and “flatten” the file  
for more efficient playback and disk usage. The word _TAPE will be appended to  
the end of the file name of the newly created tape mode backup file so that it can be  
distinguished from the original file name. This is especially important if the backup  
is made to the same disk as the original file. The OMF Export option will write out  
all media files and the EDL to any Macintosh formatted disk. The audio files will  
be converted to Sound Designer II format, and the EDL will be written as an OMF  
composition referencing the Sound Designer II media. When not in the Load Track  
state, pressing SHIFT + SLIP will display the current status (progress) of the  
Backup function.  
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MMP-16  
Keypad Group  
These keys are located in the central portion of the front panel, directly under the LCD. In addition to the  
numeric keys 0-9 (which are mainly used to enter and otherwise manipulate time code), keys performing  
various other operations are also located here:  
· (CLR) the clear time code key  
· (CAPT) time code capture key  
· SHIFT key  
· (STO) store key  
· (RCL) recall key  
· (LOOP) looping key  
· (LOC) locate transport key  
NUMERIC KEYS  
(0-9)  
In the Normal state, these keys are used to enter a time code value into the hold  
register (the bottom line of the LCD). The numeric keys are also used to access ten  
time code memory registers and in combination with the SHIFT, RCL, STO,  
LOOP and LOC keys to store or recall time code to and from the various special  
time code registers. In the Setup state, these keys directly select menu banks, and  
are used to enter passwords, date, time, and other numeric entry. The Error and  
Track states may also use these keys to enter a password or other numeric value.  
Time code values are entered into the entry register, beginning with the right-hand  
digit which moves left as additional digits are entered. Use CLR to reset the entry  
register to zero {00:00:00,00}. As an example of the entry register’s use; to  
enter a time code of 00:34:00,15(thirty-four minutes and 15 frames); press  
CLR one or two times (to set the entry register to zero), then the 3 (three) key,  
4 (four) key, 0 (zero) key, 0 (zero) key, 1 (one) key, and 5 (five) key. The time  
code is displayed as the numbers are keyed into the hold register.  
To store the entry register time code into one of the ten memory registers, press  
STO followed by one of the numeric keys. This stores the entry register time code  
into the selected memory register (0 - 9). The stored time code can later be recalled  
by pressing RCL then the appropriate numeric key. The entry register time can also  
be stored to the special-purpose registers that are not display-only (Lynx Sync,  
Offset, Time, Out, In), replacing the previous register contents. In this case the shift  
key is added to the store command key sequence (STO then SHIFT+ the  
appropriate numeric key).  
SHIFT+  
NUMERIC KEY  
The shifted function for each numeric key recalls the special-purpose register  
contents listed above each numeric key, and for certain registers (the registers  
associated with keys 0, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9) performs an immediate transport locate to  
the register time code value. If STO is pressed before SHIFT+ one of the numeric  
keys is pressed, then the active register contents (bottom line of the display) are  
stored in the target register location (providing, of course, that the target register is  
a writeable and not a read-only register).  
LYNX SYNC  
(SHIFT+0)  
This register holds the MMP-16 sync point time which is used in conjunction  
with the master sync point on the Lynx bus to calculate the MMP-16 offset.  
Storing a value to this register automatically calculates this offset.  
MMP-16  
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OFFSET  
(SHIFT+1)  
This display-only register represents the time difference between the MMP-16’s  
time code and the time code being chased. When locked to the Lynx bus, this  
equals the time difference between the MMP-16’s time code and the Lynx master  
time code. In either case, the offset is equal to the MMP-16 time minus the time  
code being chased.  
READER  
(SHIFT+2)  
This display-only register shows the current time code being chased by the MMP-  
16. If time code chase mode is active, whatever time code is being read is  
displayed here. If the MMP-16 is a slave on the Lynx bus, it holds the current time  
coming from the Lynx bus master machine.  
FREE (SHIFT+3)  
This display-only register shows the amount of recording time available on the  
system default disk volume (the volume or drive available for recording). Note that  
this value is always displayed in “time code” format, even if the display format  
currently is feet/frames, because it is essentially an elapsed time value, not a time  
code. This display will show the time in “Track minutes” for a single track. Note:  
If more than 24 hours of single track recording is available, the display will show  
only the time over 24 hours. This is not a software bug, but is a result of the fact  
that free time is expressed in terms of time code values and there are only 24  
hours possible for a time code style display. This happens most often with 9  
gigabyte drives where the disk capacity at 16 bit 44.1kHz is more than 28 hours.  
OUT POINT  
(SHIFT+4)  
This register holds the “Out Point” time. It is used as the end point of a play loop  
and as the end time for a track marked for editing.  
TAIL (SHIFT+5)  
This read-only register shows the end time of the last edit on the currently loaded  
tracks. Tracks selected while in the EDIT track select mode govern the operation of  
this function. If no tracks are selected in the EDIT track select mode, the MMP will  
scan across all loaded tracks to find the last edit location. To select a single track or  
a group of tracks for location of the last edit point location, press only the desired  
track SEL keys while in the EDIT track select mode, then select SHIFT + 5. The  
location of the last edit point on the selected tracks will be shown.  
PREVIOUS  
EDIT (SHIFT+6)  
This register represents the location of the first splice point (or start of the sound  
event) located just previous to the current location. Each time PREV EDIT is  
selected the register value moves “back” one event in time in the edit list, showing  
the start point of the earlier of event.  
Pressing SHIFT+PREV EDIT not only finds and displays this point, but also  
performs an automatic locate function, moving the transport to that point. This is in  
contrast to RCL+SHIFT+PREV EDIT, which will simply find and display the  
appropriate time point in the entry register without performing a locate function  
(also see the Recall key).  
IN POINT  
(SHIFT+7)  
This register holds the In Point time code. It is used as the start point of a play loop  
as well as the beginning time for edit operations on any track selected for editing in  
the Edit track select mode.  
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MMP-16  
HEAD  
(SHIFT+8)  
This read-only register shows the start time of the first edit on the currently loaded  
tracks. Tracks selected while in the EDIT track select mode govern the operation of  
this function. If no tracks are selected in the EDIT track select mode, the MMP will  
scan across all loaded tracks to find the first edit location. To select a single track  
or a group of tracks for location of the first edit point location, press only the  
desired track SEL keys while in the EDIT track select mode, then select SHIFT +  
8. The location of the first edit point on the selected tracks will be shown.  
NEXT EDIT  
(SHIFT+9)  
This register shows the location of the first splice point (or start of sound event)  
located just after the current location. Each time NEXT EDIT is selected the  
register value moves “forward” one event in the edit list, always coming to rest at  
the next splice point or start of event. Pressing SHIFT+NEXT EDIT not only finds  
and displays this point, but also performs an automatic locate function, moving the  
transport to that point. RCL+SHIFT+NEXT EDIT simply finds and displays the  
next edit time code in the hold register (also see the Recall key).  
CLR  
This key performs both a clear and a cancel function, operating in almost all modes  
and situations. CLR has no shifted function.  
In the Setup and Verify states, the CLR key takes on its alternate function,  
“cancel.” In Setup, pressing CLR generally returns a changed value back to the  
previously stored value, or exits altogether. It is also used to re-enter a password, to  
cancel a password entry, and as an alternative method of providing a “no” response  
to an operator query. In the Error state, pressing CLR will clear the error message  
and return the MMP-16 to the previous operating state. During track slip or register  
trim, pressing the key returns the registers to their previous values (before the slip  
or trim operation changed them). During time code entry in the Normal state, CLR  
returns the entry register time code to a zero value. For most other operations, CLR  
will return the MMP-16 to the Normal state.  
CAPT  
The capture key places the time code value from the top line of the display into the  
entry register in the bottom line of the display. After capturing the time code value  
the CAPT LED will flash until a target register key is pressed to place the captured  
time code value into that register. Note that pressing CAPT automatically readies  
the system to store the value into the target register, as if the STO key had already  
been pressed. This action can be done at any time during normal operation of the  
MMP-16 (including playback). To complete the capture operation, either press a  
target register key or press CLR to cancel.  
SHIFT + CAPT  
(TIME)  
This register holds the Time code location that is set to be equal to 0 feet and  
frames. This is used in film post production work to set a “local 0” for interlocking  
film to a time code source. To set the offset between the time code display and the  
feet and frames display, use the keypad to enter the time code that will be  
equivalent to 0 feet and frames into the entry register. Next, press LOC to locate  
the MMP transport to that time and press CLR to clear the entry register. Finally,  
press STO + SHIFT + CAPT to enter the number listed in the top of the display  
into the TIME register. There will now be an offset between the time code display  
and the feet and frames display when toggling between these two display styles. To  
clear the time register, locate to 00:00:00:00 and store that to the Time register.  
MMP-16  
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SHIFT  
The yellow SHIFT key functions like a locking keyboard shift key. When active, it  
modifies those keys that have a shift function assigned to them (identified by the  
function name written above the gray keys). Pressing and releasing the yellow Shift  
key causes the shift LED to turn on, indicating SHIFT is active. Pressing a gray  
key with a shift function will then perform the shifted function and turn off the  
yellow Shift LED. To cancel Shift without pressing a function key, press SHIFT  
again or press CLR (the shift LED will then turn off).  
If multiple shifted keys are to be entered in a sequence, press and hold SHIFT (the  
shift LED will light) while pressing the various gray keys in sequence. When you  
lift your finger off SHIFT, the Shift function will be canceled (and the shift LED  
will turn off).  
Use of the shift key is indicated in the text by SHIFT+X, where X indicates one of  
the gray keys. For example, pressing SHIFT+EDIT captures the in and out points  
of the current edit event, while pressing SHIFT+LOOP only cancels Shift (since  
LOOP has no shift function). All the various shifted functions are described in the  
appropriate key definitions. They are also listed in the Key Command Summary in  
Appendix A.  
STO (STORE)  
The Store key is an important key, performing the functions of an enter or  
confirmation key for various operations, as well as being a selection key for an  
actual store operation. Pressing STO + SEL will enter the current hold register time  
code as a Slip amount for the selected track. In the Setup and Track states, its  
alternate function is to answer “yes” to a Verify or Error state operator query.  
In the Normal state, the store key is used to save the hold register value into another  
register. To store a time code value into a register, press the STO key followed by a  
numeric key (to save the value to a memory register) or by the shift key and a  
numeric key (to save the value to a special-purpose register). In the Setup state,  
pressing STO selects the parameter value displayed in the LCD or undertakes an  
action, according to the type of menu displayed. In the Verify state, the Store key  
serves both to complete a password entry and to confirm a potentially destructive  
action. When loading projects or tracks (in the Load Track state), the Store key  
initiates the action of loading tracks into the MMP Track index locations. The LED  
above the Store key will flash when the key is pressed to begin a store operation,  
and will flash more quickly when pressing this key is a possible YES response to a  
verify request or menu parameter selection. There is no shifted function for this key.  
RCL (RECALL)  
This key is used to recall one of the time code registers, and to make it the “active”  
register. Pressing RCL+ a numeric key recalls one of the 10 system memory  
registers. Special-purpose register contents may also be accessed in this way through  
using RCL+SHIFT+ a numeric key. After a recall operation, the recalled value is  
displayed in the bottom line of the LCD. It is preceded with a four-character  
mnemonic indicating the register that was recalled. The Recall key is also used to  
provide a NO or negative response to a query when confirmation of a potentially  
destructive action is required. The LED above the Recall key will flash when the key  
is pressed to begin a recall operation, and will flash more quickly when pressing this  
key is a possible NO response to a verify request or menu parameter selection. There  
is no shifted function for this key.  
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MMP-16  
LOOP  
Pressing the Loop key prepares the MMP transport for performance of one of  
several possible types of loop sequences relative to the In and Out time code  
registers. To start looping after LOOP is pressed and the In and Out times are set,  
press the appropriate transport key (<, >). To cancel Loop mode press LOOP again  
before pressing a transport key.  
The start point of the loop is always the In register (minus any pre-roll time set)  
and the end point is the Out register (plus any post-roll time set). If the value of the  
Out register is less than (i.e., before) the value of the In point register, then the loop  
will not play and an error message “Loop points inverted” will be displayed, since  
the In point value must always be considered the “start” point. The loop cannot  
play across the “midnight crossing” at the 24 hour mark. This includes pre-roll or  
post-roll amounts. There must be at least one frame between the 00:00:00:00 time  
code location and the In minus pre-roll or Out plus post-roll times. There is no  
shifted function for this key.  
There are three selectable Loop Play modes (Setup menu 210): Play Once and  
Stop, Play Once and Cue, and Play Repeatedly. For Play Once and Stop, when play  
(>) is pressed after LOOP, the MMP-16 will loop from the In register time (minus  
any pre-roll amount) to the Out register time (plus any post-roll amount), and then  
stop. For Play Once and Cue, when play (>) is pressed after LOOP, the MMP-16  
will loop from the In register time (minus any pre-roll amount) to the Out register  
time (plus any post-roll amount), then cue to the In point minus pre-roll time. If  
Play Repeatedly is selected, the MMP-16 will play from the In time (minus any  
pre-roll amount) to the Out time (plus any post-roll amount), and repeat this same  
play sequence until STOP or LOOP is pressed again. The MMP does not execute a  
seamless repeat, so there will be a small gap in time between the end of the loop  
and beginning of the next iteration of the loop.  
There are three selectable Loop Record modes (Setup menu 211): Record Once  
Only, Repeat Record, and Repeat w/Unload. Record Once Only will record only on  
the first pass of the loop, and then switch to playback only for subsequent loops.  
Repeat Record will initiate a recording between the In and Out points for every  
loop. Repeat w/Unload will make a recording on each pass and then unload the  
track just created by the record pass before the next loop begins. This allows for  
rapidly making many recordings in succession and keeping them all as separate  
sequentially numbered track files in the project.  
Note: This menu and Menus 202: Record Key and Menu 203: Rehearse Key  
exist in the MMP-16 to provide these settings for any MM-RC which may be  
attached to the MMP-16 as part of a larger system containing an MMR-8. The  
MM-RC derives its settings for the Record, Rehearse, and Loop Record functions  
from the unit to which it is attached (via the UI/B board), thus these menus are  
necessary even though they do not have a function on the MMP-16 itself.  
To perform a forward-backward loop, press Loop and then Reverse Play (<). The  
MMP-16 will play forward from the start time (minus any pre-roll amount) to the  
end time (plus any post-roll amount) and then play in the reverse direction from the  
end time (plus any post-roll amount) to the start time (minus any pre-roll amount).  
The MMP will then continually repeat the process (according to the Loop Play  
menu setting). Press STOP or LOOP to cancel Looping.  
MMP-16  
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59  
LOC (LOCATE)  
This key causes the transport to locate to the active register (bottom line of the  
display) time code. The time code may be from a recalled register, a captured value  
or a value entered through the numeric keypad. An implicit (or automatic) locate to  
certain registers is done when a SHIFT+ numeric key is pressed. A locate operation  
always stops the transport if it is not stopped. There is no shifted function for this  
key.  
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MMP-16  
Basic Operation  
Loading and Mounting Drives  
The MMP-16 will scan the SCSI bus when the system is powered up and will mount all available drives.  
The MMP is unable to access any drive address that was not present at power-up. Be sure that all drive  
bays holding removable drives contain fully-seated and engaged SCSI disk drives throughout the power-  
up and initialization process. Removable storage devices (such as the Nikon Belugaä AV LIMDOW  
optical drive) must be attached to the system SCSI bus and powered on when the system powers up.  
Removable storage devices do not require that removable media disks be present at power up, as long as  
the device itself is present and turned on. Once the initialization process is complete, drives in the  
removable Kingston carriers may be “spun down” and removed from the MMP-16 following the unmount  
procedure, and later re-inserted and re-mounted using the mount procedure.  
After this point, it is not necessary to turn off power to the MMP-16 if the internal removable hard drive  
needs to be changed. “Hot swapping” is possible because the Kingston Drive Carrier features an integral  
lock/unlock key which removes power from the drive when in the unlock position. Before removing the  
internal drive, always unmount the drives first (press STOP+ONLINE), before turning the drive key to  
remove power. DATA MAY BE LOST IF DRIVES ARE NOT UNMOUNTED BEFORE REMOVING.  
HARD DRIVE NOTE:  
To prevent drive damage when moving hard drives, always allow plenty of time for the  
drive heads to lock, and for the drive to spin down and stop, before removing the drive.  
Once a new drive has been installed (simply press it into place, it only goes into the slot in one direction),  
move the key from the unlock position to the lock position. The drive will automatically spin up to speed.  
After allowing a few seconds for the drive to reach locked speed and release the heads, press the STOP  
key. The MMP-16 will attempt to mount the drive. The “Mounting Volumes” message will be displayed  
on the LCD as the mount attempt begins. The MMP-16 will try for up to 30 seconds to find the first drive  
to mount. This is to allow time for the disk drive to spin up completely. After a successful re-mount (i.e.,  
not a power-up mount), the LCD will display the message “n Volumes Mounted”, where n is the number  
of volumes mounted. If you receive the message “No Volumes Mounted”, press the STOP key again. If  
the “No Volumes Mounted” message persists, re-seat, format, or replace the drive(s) as necessary until  
the mount succeeds.  
If an unformatted drive is installed, or if the drive is not compatible with the system (i.e., is unreadable by  
the MMP-16), then the MMP-16 will not be able to mount the volume. To initialize a volume, access  
menu item 710 (Disk Initialize), and press the STO (store) key. The LCD will display the message  
{Initialize Disk? }. If it’s a new hard drive, or you wish to fully erase and re-initialize a used drive,  
press STO (store) to continue. The message {Are you sure (y/n)?} then appears. If you wish to continue,  
press the STO (store) key again. If the drive is known to have information on it, and you wish to keep the  
information, answer no by pressing the RCL (Recall) key.  
Once the drive has been initialized, it can be used on the MMP-16 or on a WaveFrame/StudioFrame  
system for recording and playback. A low-level format may be accomplished in a similar fashion, using  
menu item 711 (Disk Low Format). Note that it will take quite some time to low-level format a disk, with  
the amount of time dependent upon the size of the hard drive (e.g., for a 2 GB drive figure at least 30  
minutes). A low-level format is rarely needed, and should have been done by the drive manufacturer.  
MMP-16  
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Loading a Project, Session, or Composition  
Press LOAD TRACK to show list of Projects, Sessions, or Compositions from all mounted drives. The  
list is shown in alphanumeric order.  
Project  
Example: To load 2B Project  
From Disk:  
2B Project  
A Project  
Dialogue Export 1.omf  
Mix Stems 1  
Pro Tools Session RWF  
Pro Tools Session SW  
WaveFrame MAT  
1 (MMP/WaveFrame)  
1 (MMP/WaveFrame)  
2 (Macintosh)  
1 (MMP/WaveFrame)  
2 (Macintosh)  
Use Arrows or Wheel to Scroll  
Project list in LCD display  
2 (Macintosh)  
1 (MMP/WaveFrame)  
Press STO [YES] to load the first sixteen tracks from the desired Project into MMP Track Index 1 – 16  
Loading Individual Tracks  
After pressing LOAD TRACK (as above), choose (scroll to) the Project, Session, or Composition  
containing the tracks you wish to load. Press LOAD TRACK again to show the list of tracks in the  
Project, Session, or Composition (if Project is WaveFrame, it may also show Episode, Act, Reel, or Dub).  
Example: Track list for project: 2B Project  
Load into Track 7:  
Loads into any  
Selected Track Index  
MMP Trk1 00250  
MMP Trk2 00251  
MMP Trk3 00252  
MMP Trk4 00253  
MMP Trk5 00254  
MMP Trk6 00255  
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  
Use Arrows or Wheel to Scroll  
Track list in LCD display  
MMP Trk16 00257  
TRK 1  
SEL  
TRK 2  
SEL  
TRK 3  
SEL  
TRK 4  
SEL  
TRK 5  
SEL  
TRK 6  
SEL  
TRK 7  
SEL  
TRK 8 ~  
~ 16 SEL  
·
·
·
·
Press the appropriate SEL key to choose the desired Track index into which the track will be loaded.  
Press STO [YES] to load the displayed track from the list into the currently selected Track index.  
Use the arrows or wheel to scroll to a different track from the list of available tracks in the project.  
To facilitate loading tracks in succession, the MMP will automatically increment the selected Track  
index and advance the display to the next track in the list of available tracks after a track is loaded.  
After pressing the LOAD TRACK key twice, the first Track name will be displayed in the bottom line of  
the LCD preceded by a small box (the STOP character) in the first character of the display to indicate the  
track has not been loaded yet (it is “unloaded”). To load tracks individually in succession starting with  
Track 1, first press the Track 1 SEL key. The LED on Track 1 will be lit to indicate that when STO is  
pressed the displayed track will load onto track 1. After track 1 is loaded, the next track name in the list  
will automatically display, and the LED on track 2 will turn on to indicate pressing STO will store that  
track onto track 2. Any target track may be selected manually by pressing the appropriate SEL key before  
STO is pressed. Typically, a hard drive will contain sixteen or more tracks for one project, and thus tracks  
can be loaded in rapid sequence by simply pressing STO sixteen times in a row. After a track is loaded,  
the track index number into which the sound file has been loaded will precede the track name.  
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Once a track is loaded into a track index, it is removed from the “pool” of tracks available for direct  
loading, but it may be moved from its current track index position to another track index position. If a  
track from the project is already loaded into a track index, then choosing (scrolling to) that track name in  
the list of tracks will cause the MMP to ask if you want to Move that track to the currently selected Track  
index. If a track is moved from its current track index position to a new track index by this method, the  
previous Track index will then be empty and will show *Blank* when viewed using the TRACK key  
(View Track state). If you do not wish to move a currently loaded track into an empty Track Index, use  
the arrows or Wheel to scroll through the list of available tracks to find currently unloaded tracks which  
may then be loaded into the empty track index. If track information is stored into a track location that is  
already occupied by a previously loaded track, the previously loaded track is automatically “unloaded.”  
Press TRACK again (or press CLR) to exit the Track state and return the MMP-16 to the Normal state.  
Viewing Tracks  
To view which tracks are currently loaded, press TRACK, which puts the MMP-16 into the View Tracks  
state. Use the Wheel, the arrow keys, or the Select keys to select which track index to view. If nothing is  
loaded for a given track, the word “*Blank*” is displayed for that track in the LCD.  
Unloading Tracks  
To “unload” a loaded track and return the track to the “blank” state, while returning the loaded track back  
to the pool of unloaded tracks, put the MMP-16 into “view tracks” mode by pressing the TRACK key.  
Select the track you wish to unload, and press SHIFT+TRACK. The displayed track will be “unloaded”,  
and the word “*Blank*” will appear in the display.  
Deleting Tracks from the Disk  
To delete a displayed track, enter the Load Tracks state by pressing the LOAD TRACK key, and  
descending through the project/file hierarchy as detailed above. Select the track you wish to delete, and  
press SHIFT+LOAD TRACK. Deletion simply removes the track edit information (the “EDL”), not the  
associated sound files, so very little disk drive space is reclaimed by this operation. However, sound files  
not associated with any track edit information may be deleted from the disk by using the Disk Cleanup  
function (found in Setup Menu 720). This is the typical method by which space on a given disk drive  
volume is reclaimed. The other method is by using Tape Mode or Auto Cleanup Record mode on an  
MMR-8 recorder to record over existing material.  
Backup  
Pressing SHIFT+SLIP places the MMP into the Backup state so that a backup copy of the currently  
displayed project or track can be made to any mounted drive volume. The Backup state may only be  
accessed via the Load Track state by choosing (scrolling to) the desired Project and then pressing SHIFT  
+ SLIP to enter the Backup state. The three Backup options will be displayed in the LCD menu,  
corresponding to three styles of Backup. Use the Up/Down arrow keys or the Wheel to toggle between the  
three Backup options. The three Backup menu items allow for choosing either normal, Tape Mode, or  
OMF Export style backup. Use the Wheel or Up/Down arrow keys to switch between these three menus  
after entering the Backup state.  
Normal backup will copy the project or track file including all edit information and associated audio  
clips to the target drive.  
MMP-16  
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Tape Mode backup will rewrite (copy) the project or track files as continuous media files with no audio  
edits, and all fades fully rendered. Tape Mode backup will copy only media actually used in the project or  
track, and provides a way to consolidate the data and “flatten” the file for more efficient playback and  
disk usage. The word _TAPE will be appended to the end of the file name of the newly created tape mode  
backup file so that it can be distinguished from the original file name. This is especially important if the  
backup is made to the same disk as the original file.  
OMF Export will write out all media files and the EDL to any Macintosh formatted disk. The audio files  
will be converted to Sound Designer II format, and the EDL will be written as an OMF composition  
referencing the Sound Designer II media.  
When not in the Load Track state, pressing SHIFT + SLIP will display the current status (progress) of the  
Backup function.  
OMF Export  
WaveFrame projects may be converted to OMF projects by using a feature called OMF Export. This  
function is currently restricted to creating an OMF export from WaveFrame to Macintosh (Sound  
Designer II). This is done as a part of the system’s Backup function by writing the WaveFrame audio  
media as Sound Designer II files, and the WaveFrame EDL as an OMF Composition referencing those  
files onto a Macintosh formatted disk drive.  
Creating an OMF Export  
To perform the OMF export operation, first select the project that you wish to convert by pressing LOAD  
TRACK on the MMP front panel. Then use the Wheel to scroll through the names of available projects  
and select the desired project.  
To access OMF Export press SHIFT + SLIP (this accesses the BACKUP function) and use the Wheel to  
scroll through the Backup menus until “OMF Export to:” is displayed. Press TRIM and select the disk to  
which you would like to export (shown by SCSI ID number) and then press STO. You will be prompted  
by the message “Are you sure (y/n)?” to confirm that you wish to perform an OMF export. Press YES to  
execute the export or press NO to cancel the export. The target disk must be Macintosh-formatted in  
order to perform the OMF export function. If it is not, the message “Vol does not support format” will be  
displayed. The newly created OMF project will have the same name as the project from which it  
originated, but it will be identifiable by the extension “.omf” which is automatically added to the file  
name of the exported file. The WaveFrame project, from which the OMF project was created, will remain  
unaffected.  
To Import the OMF Export File into Pro Tools  
The OMF export files created by the MMP can be imported into the Pro Tools Session format by using  
the Digidesign OMF Tool software to convert the OMF Composition (EDL file) into the Pro Tools  
Session EDL format. Sound file data is not re-written for this import step. To get the Digidesign OMF  
Tool, contact your authorized Digidesign representative, or go to the following FTP site to download the  
Digidesign OMF Tool:  
ftp://ftp.digidesign.com/pub/support/digi/mac/PTs/  
Once at this site, download the file OMFTool203.sea.hqx onto a Macintosh computer and un-stuff the  
file. Once you have completed installation of the software, use it to translate the OMF Composition files  
generated by the MMP into Pro Tools Session files. Then open the Session files directly in Pro Tools.  
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Crossfades in OMF  
Occasionally a WaveFrame project will have an asymmetrical crossfade that must be adjusted in order to  
perform an OMF Export, since asymmetrical crossfades in OMF files are not supported. This is very rare,  
but when this situation does arise the message “OK to conform xfades?” will be displayed. Answering  
YES will conform the crossfades (make them symmetrical) and the OMF export will be performed. If NO  
is selected the message “EDL not exportable, try TapeMode convert first” will be displayed. Once the  
project is converted to TapeMode it is possible to perform an OMF Export without conforming the  
crossfades. This is because all crossfades are rendered into a single media file per track after using the  
Tape Mode Convert backup function.  
Using Registers  
There are 21 time code registers (10 memory registers and 11 special-purpose registers) that hold time  
code values for immediate or future use. Some of the special-purpose registers are automatically filled  
when tracks are loaded (e.g., HEAD, TAIL), others are updated according to the current play or stop time  
code reading (e.g., PREV, NEXT), while others (notably memory registers 0 - 9) are entered either  
manually or through using CAPT, STO, or RCL functions. The register currently displayed on the lower  
line of the LCD is called the active register. By default, the active register is the entry register, which is  
the register used to capture manual time code input from the keypad.  
Accessing registers is done using a two-keystroke command sequence which consists of the function  
(store, recall, capture) and the numeric or shifted numeric key associated with the desired register (i.e., 0 -  
9). Before pressing the second key, operations can be canceled by pressing the same function key again or  
by pressing CLR, but are typically ended by completing the full key sequence.  
Recalling Registers  
To recall the time code previously stored into a memory register, press RCL (the RCL LED will flash  
indicating one of the numeric keys should be pressed) and then press the desired key (0 - 9). The RCL  
LED will turn off and the time code from that register will be displayed in the bottom line of the display,  
with a prefixed heading indicating which register is the currently displayed (active) register. All special-  
purpose registers may be recalled similarly, first by pressing RCL, then SHIFT+the desired numeric key.  
Special-purpose registers have their names written on the front panel directly above the numeric key with  
which they are associated. Note that if RCL is not pressed first, then pressing SHIFT+ one of these  
special-purpose register keys — LYNX SYNC, IN, OUT, HEAD, TAIL, NEXT EDIT, or PREV EDIT  
— will cause the transport to automatically locate to the register contents. This is a short cut for RCL +  
SHIFT+ register key + LOC.  
Capturing the Current Time Code  
During any transport state (stop, play), the current time code shown on the top line of the LCD display  
can be captured into the entry register by pressing the CAPT key. The captured time code can be stored to  
one of the ten memory registers for later recall, or to one of the five “writeable” special-purpose registers  
(IN, OUT, OFST, LYNX SYNC, TIME). The capture key places the time code value from the top line of  
the display into the active time code register in the bottom line of the display. After capturing the time  
code value the CAPT LED will flash until a target register key is pressed to place the captured time code  
value into that register. Note that pressing CAPT automatically readies the system to store the value into  
the target register, as if the STO key had already been pressed. To complete the capture operation, either  
press a target register key or press CLR to cancel.  
MMP-16  
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Trimming Time Code Values  
Any time a writeable register is shown in the bottom line of the display (usually by being recalled), it can  
be trimmed as required. There are two types of trimming: static and dynamic. Dynamic trim is desirable  
only in certain special situations, and differs from static trim in that the register values are sent to the  
transport immediately as they are changed. In static trim, register values are sent to the transport at the  
point where trim mode is exited. Note that Trim mode cancels Jog or Shuttle modes, if active, since Trim,  
Jog, and Shuttle are mutually exclusive.  
To trim the time code in the active register, press TRIM (for static trim) or SHIFT+TRIM (for dynamic  
trim). The TRIM LED will flash slowly (static trim) or flash quickly (dynamic trim) to indicate trim mode  
is active. Rotate the Wheel clockwise or press the up-arrow key to increment the time code numbers, or  
rotate the wheel counterclockwise or press the down-arrow key to decrement the time code numbers.  
When the desired value is reached, press TRIM again to exit trim mode. This saves the value as trimmed,  
while continuing to display the register last trimmed. If you don’t want to save the trimmed value, exit  
trim mode by pressing CLR. This cancels Trim mode and restores the register to its pre-trimmed value.  
Using the Entry Register  
In the Normal state, the bottom line of the LCD typically displays the entry register. This register is used  
for manual time code entry from the keypad. It can be used to update memory registers and the writeable  
special-purpose registers. Once time code is displayed in the entry register, the MMP-16 can be  
immediately located to that time by pressing the LOC key. The following methods may be used to enter  
time code into the entry register while in the Normal state):  
Direct time code  
entry  
Use the numeric keys to type in the time code. The keyed time code will replace  
any existing time code in the display. Use this method if the time code position is  
known. Pressing CLR will reset any existing time code in the register to zero,  
making it easier to enter new time code numbers.  
Capture the  
time code  
Press CAPT during play or while stopped. This copies the “play head”  
time code shown in the top line, at the moment the CAPT key is pressed, to the  
entry register on the bottom line.  
Recall, Trim,  
and Store  
Recall and trim one of the ten memory registers (using RCL+0 - 9), or one of the  
special-purpose registers (using RCL+SHIFT+0 - 9), and press the STO key. The  
register time code value is then copied to the entry register.  
a Register  
The time code value in the entry register can be trimmed, as required, by using the Wheel or Up/Down  
arrow keys to increment or decrement the time code before any other action is taken on the time code.  
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Local & Studio Monitoring  
A front panel headphone jack allows the MMP-16 operator to locally monitor one or more tracks, right at  
the front panel, without affecting the output signals. The rear panel mini-jack output on the PRX card is  
designed for studio monitoring using a customer-supplied studio monitor amplifier and speaker. The  
mini-jack level is not controlled by the front panel volume control, and the audio output of the mini-jack  
always presents a mono sum mix of all tracks according to the track monitor selection chosen on the front  
panel. Headphone and studio monitoring both follow the Input Monitor selection, so if a track is being  
monitored and it is switched to Input Monitor, the audio change will be heard in the headphones and  
studio.  
Headphone Volume (LEVEL)  
The headphone monitoring volume is set by the LEVEL control next to the headphone jack.  
Headphone Jack (PHONES)  
Even though the Headphone jack is a standard pro-size stereo headphone jack (phone-type), all track  
monitoring is done in mono. Either low (8 ohms) or high impedance (600 ohms) headphones can be used.  
HEADPHONE NOTE:  
To prevent hearing damage, always turn the Headphone Level full off before putting on  
the headphones and leave the Level at a low volume until at least one track has been  
selected for monitoring.  
MMP-16  
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Chapter 4 MMP-16 Setup Menus  
The Setup State & the Setup Menus  
Setup menus allows individual MMP-16 parameters to be changed, and if desired, saved to one of the ten  
User settings files. Parameters can also be changed within the current session without saving them to a  
specific User settings file. Changes made in this way are automatically stored in a system init file and will  
still be remembered even if the MMP-16 is powered down and restarted.  
To enter the Setup state, press SETUP. To exit the Setup state and return to the Normal state, press the  
SETUP key again, or press CLR. While in the Setup state, a display of various Setup menus and their  
parameters takes the place of the time code display shown in the LCD in the Normal state.  
When the Setup state is activated for the first time after power-up, Setup menu 000 (the Control Mode  
selection menu) is displayed in the LCD. The Setup menus are divided into ten banks, grouped according  
to their common functions (see Table 4-1). Scroll through the various Setup menus by rotating the Wheel  
or using the Up/Down arrow keys. Clockwise (CW) rotation or up-arrow incrementally scrolls upward  
through the menus, while counterclockwise (CCW) rotation or down-arrow scrolls downward through the  
menus. The scrolling wraps around at the end of the list (thus menu 990, the highest menu in the 900  
bank, is displayed when the wheel is rotated CCW from menu 000, and vice versa). Jump directly to any  
menu bank by pressing a numeric key while in Setup. For example, pressing 3 will jump the display to  
menu 300 (Biphase Frame Rate), which is the first menu in the 300 bank.  
BANK # BANK DESCRIPTION  
000  
100  
200  
300  
400  
500  
600  
700  
800  
900  
Basic Setup (Control Mode, frame/sample reference, etc.)  
Bus Control (sync group, MMR/Lynx bus, interlock)  
Transport Control (Record modes, Loop modes, pre/post roll, etc.)  
Biphase (pulse rate, motion limits, start/end limits, acceleration)  
Remote Control (parallel remote)  
Audio parameters (input source, calibration, reference level & tone)  
Digital I/O (format, delays, sample rate conversion & reference tracks)  
Disk (formatting, cleanup, archive)  
Tracks & Projects (project name, track prefix)  
System (store/recall settings, date & time, LED brightness, serial #)  
Table 4-1: The Ten Setup Menu Banks  
The JOG and SHTL (Shuttle) keys above the Wheel take on their alternate reversed text-labeled functions  
(left and right arrows) when pressed during Setup. Note that these are not shifted functions, but alternate  
functions that occur in the Setup or Track states. These keys typically affect window scrolling, but in  
some cases move a cursor to different points in displayed information.  
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69  
When trimming is active (press TRIM), rotating the Wheel or pressing the Up/Down arrow keys scrolls  
through the available selections for the current menu. These selections also usually “wrap around.” If the  
menu requires a single numeric value, the wheel or arrow keys will increment or decrement the numeric  
value, but it will not “wrap around” once the top or bottom of the range is reached. For character and time  
code items, the left/right arrow keys usually control the position of the cursor (and therefore which  
character or digit is changed), rather than horizontally scrolling the window.  
Setup Operation  
There are various types of Setup menu items, each with its own particular behavior. Many scroll through  
a set of multiple-choice selections; others simply display information that cannot be altered, such as a  
version or serial number. The top line of the LCD in Setup lists the menu number and name, while the  
bottom line shows the current menu item value. Here’s a typical example:  
01234567890123456789  
000 Control Mode  
*Biphase Chase  
LCD character positions (left to right)  
(Setup Menu Item number and name)  
(The current parameter choice)  
The asterisk (*) directly before the item value indicates that the displayed value is the currently selected  
value.  
To scroll through the parameters in a menu of this type, press the TRIM key (the LED above TRIM will  
turn on) and then rotate the Wheel or press the up/down arrow keys. Each choice will be sequentially  
displayed. Once the desired parameter is shown in the display, press STO (the Store key). This activates  
that choice, placing an asterisk in the display, and exiting trim mode. At this point, rotating the Wheel or  
pressing the arrow keys will again scroll through the menus. To stop scrolling through the parameter list  
without saving any changes, press TRIM again. To exit Setup and return to the Normal state, press  
SETUP or CLR. Exiting Setup does not save a value, but exits without changing the current menu item’s  
value. Exceptions to this are the few menu items that update dynamically as they are changed, such as  
LED brightness (menu 920).  
The next pages provide a chart of all of the MMP-16 menus and the parameter choices for each menu  
item. Following the chart, some of the menus and the parameter choices they present are discussed in  
more detail.  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System ApplicationsMMP-16  
Setup Menu Chart  
This chart lists all of the Setup Menus and their parameters. Note that * indicates the default selection.  
MENU # MENU NAME  
PARAMETERS  
000  
Control Mode  
Local/MMR*  
Time Code Chase  
Biphase Chase  
Biphase Transport  
Serial Transport  
Editor  
Varispeed  
001  
002  
Frame Reference  
Sample Reference  
Automatic*  
Video  
Automatic*  
AES/EBU Input  
Ext Wordclock  
003  
Time Code Type  
24/24  
25/25  
29.97/DF  
29.97/NDF  
30/DF  
30/NDF*  
004  
Sample Rate  
42294 (44x23/25)  
42336 (44x24/25)  
44056 (44100-)  
44100  
44144 (44100+)  
45938 (44x25/24)  
45983 (44x25/23)  
46034 (48x23/25)  
46080 (48x24/25)  
47952 (48000-)  
48000*  
48048 (48000+)  
50000 (48x25/24)  
50050 (48x25/23)  
100  
110  
Sync Group  
1*  
2
3
4
MMR Bus Request  
Master  
Off*  
Slave  
MMP-16Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System Applications  
71  
MENU # MENU NAME  
PARAMETERS  
111  
Ident Request  
Auto Assign*  
01  
(Range 01-100)  
112  
120  
Ident Assigned  
Lynx Bus  
01*  
(Range 01–100 read-only display)  
Off*  
Slave/KCU  
Master  
121  
122  
Lynx Address  
1*  
Range: 0 through 127  
Lynx V500 Mode  
Off*  
On  
201  
202  
203  
210  
All Safe  
Off*  
On  
Record Key  
Rehearse key  
Loop Mode  
Record+Play*  
Record  
Used for MM-RC Remote Only  
Used for MM-RC Remote Only  
Rehearse+Play*  
Rehearse  
Play Repeatedly*  
Play once and Cue  
Play once and Stop  
211  
Loop Record  
Repeat Record*  
Record Once Only  
Repeat w/Unload Used for MM-RC Remote Only  
212  
213  
220  
Pre-Roll  
00:00:05:00*  
00:00:02:00*  
Post-roll  
Next/Prev Mode  
Event*  
Cue  
221  
300  
Edit Sync Mode  
Biph Frame Rate  
Sync at In Point*  
Sync at Playhead  
24 fps*  
25 fps  
30 fps  
301  
Biph Pulse Rate  
2 ppf  
4 ppf  
10 ppf*  
20 ppf  
25 ppf  
50 ppf  
100 ppf  
302  
Biphase I/O  
Biphase*  
Tach + Dir  
Tach + Inverse Dir  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System ApplicationsMMP-16  
MENU # MENU NAME  
PARAMETERS  
320  
Biphase Accel  
8*  
Range: 4 through 32  
321  
Biphase Max Wind  
5*  
Range: 1 through 20 times play speed  
400  
Editor Device  
Tascam MMP-16*  
Sony PCM-7030  
Sony BVU-950  
510  
520  
530  
Crossfade  
10 ms*  
Range: 0 through 100  
Meter Ref Level  
Reference Tone  
-20 dBFS*  
Range: -15 through -24 dBFS  
Off*  
1kHz  
610  
Digital Out Delay  
Internal*  
OR  
Range: 1 through 255 samples  
710  
711  
720  
Disk Inititalize  
Disk Low Format  
Disk Cleanup  
Press STO  
Press STO  
Press STO  
800  
810  
Project Name  
Track Prefix  
MMR Project*  
MMR Trk*  
MMP-16Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System Applications  
73  
MENU # MENU NAME  
900 Store Settings  
PARAMETERS  
User 1  
User 2  
User 3  
User 4  
User 5  
User 6  
User 7  
User 8  
User 9  
User 10  
901  
Recall Settings  
Default  
User 1  
User 2  
User 3  
User 4  
User 5  
User 6  
User 7  
User 8  
User 9  
User 10  
Previous  
910  
911  
912  
920  
Set MM:DD:YY  
Set HH:MM:SS  
Change Password  
LED Brightness  
Date: __:__:__  
Time: __:__:__  
Press STO  
8*  
Range: 0 through 15  
980  
990  
995  
Serial Number  
Software Version  
Load Software  
Read – only display  
Read – only display  
Press STO key  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System ApplicationsMMP-16  
Setup Menu Details  
This section contains detailed notes on the operation of some important Setup menu parameters.  
Control Mode  
The MMP-16 will always operate in one of seven Control modes. The default Control mode, which is  
how the MMP-16 starts up when the unit is first installed, is called the Local/Bus Control Mode.  
To change the Control mode, select Setup menu 000 (press SETUP to display the Setup menus).  
Whenever the MMP-16 is powered up, the first menu displayed will always be menu 000 (“Control  
Mode”). Afterwards, the menu displayed when entering Setup mode is the last menu displayed. Once  
Setup menu 000 (“Control Mode”) is displayed, press TRIM to change the Wheel and the Up/Down  
arrow keys to scroll through the seven menu choices under Setup menu 000. Once the desired operating  
mode is displayed, press STO (the Store key) to select that choice. This immediately switches the various  
parameters to the new control mode, typically causing several LEDs to change status according to the  
new parameters. To exit Setup mode, press SETUP or the CLR (Clear) key.  
Following is a more detailed description of the seven control modes that are supported by the MMP-16:  
Local/Bus  
In local mode (offline) the MMP-16 functions like other stand-alone digital playback devices. No external  
sync signals are required. The front panel transport keys offer direct control over system audio playback.  
When placed into bus (online) mode, the MMP-16 can function as either a master or a slave to other  
MMR bus or Lynx bus devices, as set through Setup menu 110 (MMR Bus) and menu 120 (LYNX bus).  
Time Code Chase  
In Time Code Chase, the MMP-16 will slave to the time code coming from one of the time code inputs on  
the rear panel (VITC In or Time Code In) when it is placed Online. In this mode the time code input must  
have valid time code in order for the MMP-16 to chase, lock, and synchronize itself to the incoming time  
code. Pressing any of the transport keys will take the MMP-16 off-line and allow local control at any  
time. Placing the MMP-16 back online will cause it to lock to and chase the selected time code once  
again.  
Biphase Chase  
In Biphase Chase, the MMP-16 chases, interlocks, and synchronizes to a biphase or tach/dir. signal on  
one of the four Biphase Inputs (the active input is determined by the Sync Group number set in menu  
100). The system locks and plays audio at speeds from 0 to 1.5 times play speed in both forward and  
reverse directions. The MMP-16 can then serve as a master for other devices on the MMR or Lynx buses.  
Biphase Transport  
The MMP-16 functions as the master for a film projector connected to the Biphase Output. The front  
panel transport keys will control both the MMP-16 and the film projector (and any other devices slaved to  
the MMP-16 Biphase output). The MMP-16 internally chases the biphase signal so the audio functions  
match those of Biphase Chase mode.  
MMP-16Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System Applications  
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Serial Transport  
Similar to Biphase Transport, this mode allows the MMP-16 to control an external audio or video  
transport connected to the 9-pin serial Transport connector. Video and audio decks using the P2 protocol  
can be controlled (including models from Accom, Alesis, Ampex, Fostex, JVC, Otari, Panasonic, Sony,  
and Tascam).  
Editor  
Using the Editor connector (and Sony P2 protocol) a video editor or other non-Lynx synchronizer can  
control the MMP-16 transport functions when the MMP-16 Control Mode is set to Editor.  
Varispeed  
Varispeed mode functions in the same way as the Local/Bus mode, with the addition of varispeed  
operation by manual adjustment of the internal sample rate. Again, the MMP-16 can be the master  
machine on the MMR or Lynx buses.  
In most applications, setting the desired Control mode is sufficient to begin using the MMP-16, since the  
other relevant Setup parameters are adequate for each mode. But, for those that need to, any of the seven  
Control modes can be further customized by changing the relevant Setup parameters. This customized  
setting can then be used for that session or it can be saved to the internal hard disk, in one of ten User  
settings files, for future recall.  
User Settings  
To save a customized setting, select Setup Menu 900 (press SETUP, then the 9 key). Press the TRIM key,  
and rotate the Wheel or use the arrow keys to select the User settings file number (1 - 10) desired. Press  
STO. This saves all of the current Setup parameters to disk in the target User settings file. These settings  
are retained by the MMP-16, independently of even the usual automatic-save, automatic-restore sequence,  
and may be recalled when desired.  
To recall a previously stored User setting, select Setup Menu 901 (press SETUP, the 9 key, and rotate the  
Wheel CW or use the arrow keys to locate menu 901, “Recall Settings”). Select the desired User settings  
file from the list (press TRIM to change the Wheel and arrow key function to scroll through the Menu  
selections). It is not possible in software version 1.2 to name the User settings files, nor is it possible to  
back them up to floppy disk or to restore them to hard disk. It is planned to add this capability in a future  
software version so that User settings can be transferred to other MMP-16s using a floppy disk. Note that  
Setup Menu 901 also allows the operator to select the last User setting that was used (“Previous” option)  
as well as reset the MMP-16 to the factory defaults (“Default” option).  
Most Control modes require that certain synchronization signals appear on one or more MMP-16 sync  
inputs. If these signals are not present, the MMP-16 will fail to respond correctly. The following typical  
configuration information is divided into the three main application areas of the MMP-16 (video, film,  
and audio-only). Typical signal connections and Setup Menu selections are covered.  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System ApplicationsMMP-16  
The Lynx Bus  
The Lynx bus allows control of the MMP via a TimeLine Lynx Keyboard Control Unit (KCU). Connect  
the KCU to one of the Lynx bus connectors on the back of the MMP. It is not necessary to have a Lynx 2  
module as part of the system, since the MMP behaves as a Lynx synchronizer itself when connected to a  
KCU. Other Lynx modules may then be connected through the other Lynx bus connector and the entire  
system (up to a limit of six devices) controlled from the KCU.  
To setup the MMP to be controlled from a Lynx KCU, set menu 120 (Lynx Bus) to Slave/KCU and use  
menu 121 (Lynx Address) to set a valid Lynx address (one not used by any other Lynx device controlled  
form the KCU). Although normal transport and track arm functions may be controlled from a standard  
KCU, there is a special version of the Lynx KCU software (version 900) which provides increased  
support for special MMP functions.  
The KCU 900 software provides the following features for controlling the MMP-16 and MMR-8:  
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Transport Control  
Track Record Arm/Select (MMR-8 only)  
Slip Track/Region  
Undo/Redo  
Goto Prev/Next Edit  
Goto Head/Tail  
Clear/Paste  
Note that No support is provided by the KCU 900 software for the Lynx System Supervisor Unit (SSU)  
Transport Control  
The Lynx KCU will recognize the MMP-16 unit and will control all of the normal transport functions of  
the unit. Note that the KCU does not support reverse play of multiple MMP units. When using the Roll  
Back key for reverse play, it is first necessary to solo a machine.  
Track Record Arm/Select (MMR-8 Only)  
To arm a track for record or to select a track for an edit or goto operation, press the Track key on the KCU  
and then press the appropriate number key on the calculator keypad to select or arm the desired track. The  
Slip operation, as well as goto Prev/Next edit, goto Head/Tail, and Clear/Paste will operate only on tracks  
that have been selected in this manner. If one of these operations is attempted, but a track is not selected,  
the KCU display will prompt you to select a track first.  
Head/Tail  
Hold CLR while pressing the Head or Tail key to set the current time to the beginning or end of the  
material on the selected track(s). You may then play from that point, or store the value in the desired  
timecode register (press STO then the appropriate key on the Calculator).  
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77  
Slip Track/Region  
The K900 KCU software has a Slip key in the place of the key previously labeled END PT in the Special  
Functions section of the KCU. Pressing this key puts the KCU in a “Trim” mode to allow slipping the  
selected material forward or backward in time. The selection is defined as all material located between the  
In and Out timecode registers on tracks that have been armed/selected as described above (see Track  
Record Arm/Select). Upon pressing Slip, the – and + keys will highlight and the Wheel will be in Trim  
mode. Use the Wheel or keys to enter a trim value to indicate how far the selected region will be slipped.  
To end the operation and complete the Slip, press either the Trim key or the Slip key. Note that slipping  
material within a track will automatically overwrite any previous material on the selected track(s) at the  
new location.  
To slip an entire track, use the goto Head/Tail commands (Hold CLR while pressing the Head or Tail  
key) to set the current time and then store the value in the appropriate register (press STO then the In or  
Out key on the Calculator) before executing the Slip command. To slip a single edit in an EDL, use the  
PREV and NEXT keys in a similar fashion to locate the beginning and end of the Edit on the desired track  
and store the time value for the beginning and end of the edit region in the In and Out registers before  
executing the Slip command.  
Prev/Next  
Hold CLR while pressing the PREV and NEXT keys to set the current time to the beginning or end of an  
edited region on the desired track. You may then play from that point, or store the value in the desired  
timecode register (press STO then the appropriate key on the Calculator).  
Undo/Redo  
Hold CLR while pressing the Undo or Redo key to undo or redo the previous edit operation. The MMP-  
16 supports ten levels of Undo and Redo. The MMP display will indicate which level of Undo or Redo is  
affected by the operation, up to the maximum or ten.  
Clear/Paste  
Hold CLR while pressing the Clear or Paste keys to perform these edit operations on the selected  
material. Clear will remove audio from the selected tracks between the In and Out times, replacing it with  
silence and will place the material into the MMP clipboard memory. Paste will place the material from the  
Clipboard memory at the time set in the In timecode register on the selected track.  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System ApplicationsMMP-16  
The MMR Bus  
The operation of multiple MMP-16s may be synchronized by using the supplied 15-pin sync cable to  
connect the MMP units together via the MMR bus sync connection (the two 15-pin connectors on the  
SYNC card). Since this bus is self-terminating, simply daisy chain all the MMP-16s together in any order.  
The MMR bus supports four independent Sync Groups, so any machine on the MMR bus can be assigned  
to any of the four groups at any time without changing the physical connections. Also, since the MMR  
bus carries system-wide frame and sample references, no other connections are required between the  
various MMP-16s to provide sample accurate synchronization lock between them.  
Each MMR/MMP Sync Group on the MMR bus must have a Master MMR or MMP unit, with the rest of  
the units in the Sync Group acting as Slaves to the Master unit. It is only necessary for the Master unit to  
receive incoming synchronization signals from external sources (digital clock, video sync, SMPTE/EBU,  
biphase, etc.) since the remaining units on the associated MMR bus Sync Group will slave only to the  
Master unit. This allows up 100 units to work synchronously and sample accurately together as one large  
machine without having to feed duplicate sync reference signals independently to each unit.  
Once the units to be linked using the MMR bus have been physically connected via the MMR bus  
connection, their transports can be operated together as one large system. There are several Setup menus  
which are used to govern how each unit behaves within the system. These are described here.  
Menu 110 (MMR Bus Request) allows each MMR/MMP to request to be Master, Slave, or off the MMR  
bus altogether. Only one MMR/MMP per sync group can act as master. If multiple units are set to request  
master status through this menu, the MMR Bus system will automatically choose the unit with the lowest  
serial number among those making the request to be set as the master for the sync group. The appropriate  
MAST or SLAVE LED will light on the front panel to show the unit’s status on the MMR bus.  
Menu 111 (Ident Request) allows each unit to request an individual identity on the MMR bus. If no other  
unit is requesting the same ID, the system will set the unit ID to the requested number and that number  
will be displayed in the Ident window on the front panel of the MMP. If another unit has requested the  
same ID, the system will resolve the conflict and automatically assign each unit a unique ID on the bus. If  
an ID other than that requested is assigned due to a conflict, this field will not change, and the machine  
will continue to request this ID whenever it is powered up or added to an MMR bus chain.  
Menu 112 (Ident Assigned) is an information display only (data cannot be entered) that shows the  
currently assigned identity for this unit on the MMR bus. This number may be different than the ID  
requested if there is a conflict on the MMR bus and the system has assigned the unit a different ID.  
To synchronize a slave unit to the master unit on the bus once the above settings are confirmed, place the  
slave unit online (press the ONLINE key on the transport).  
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79  
Using the MMP Editor Port (Sony P-2 protocol)  
The MMP-16 may be controlled from a video editor or other serial controller that is capable of controlling  
machines using Sony P-2 protocol. This is done by connecting the edit controller to the 9-pin Editor port  
on the rear panel of the MMP-16.  
To use the 9-pin Editor port, set menu 000 (Control Mode) to Editor. Once these steps have been  
completed, place the MMP online (press the ONLINE button on the front panel transport section). Basic  
transport control of the MMP is now possible.  
Note: To insure proper operation in the Editor mode, a video black burst reference signal must be  
present at the VIDEO IN connector on the back of the MMP, regardless of the menu setting for system  
reference.  
Menu 400: Editor Device  
The 400 menu (Editor Device) is used to configure the MMP for control by external devices and allows a  
choice of three different “personalities” for the MMP to emulate in its remote 9-pin serial operation. To  
set Menu 400 (Editor Device) to the desired machine, go to menu 400 and press the TRIM key. The LCD  
will display the following message:  
01234567890123456789 20 position LCD character positi  
400 Editor Device  
Top: (menu name)  
* Sony BVU-950 Bottom: (List of decks)  
There are three possible settings for configuring the MMP serial operation:  
TASCAM MMP-16  
This is the default setting.  
Sony PCM-7030  
Emulates operation of this two-channel Sony DAT machine.  
Sony BVU-950  
Emulates operation of this ¾” Sony video deck.  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System ApplicationsMMP-16  
Chapter 5 MMP-16 System Applications  
This chapter offers more detailed information for using the MMP-16 with film and video applications.  
Setup Menu parameter selections, technical background information, and block diagram connections are  
also covered.  
Film Post Production  
A standard method of synchronizing a film transport with external audio devices (like the MMP-16) is to  
use the pulse-interlock signal, or as it is more commonly known today--the biphase control signal, as a  
method of generating time code from the film’s movement to drive the various audio devices.  
The biphase control signal consists of two 5 volt or 12-volt pulses (called phase A and phase B) that are  
generated from the sprocket drive motor on the film transport. The phase relationship between the two  
pulses indicates the transport direction (when phase A leads phase B by 90° the film is moving forward),  
while the pulse frequency indicates the relative film speed (the nominal pulse rate indicates play speed,  
with higher rates indicating wind speed and slower rates indicating crawl speed).  
It is only through knowing exactly how many pulses are generated per frame, and then keeping track of  
the total number of pulses that have been received (while subtracting pulses for when the film is moving  
in reverse), that the MMP-16 can constantly translate the biphase signal into the correct feet & frames or  
SMPTE/EBU time code numbers for the film frames. Since there are several “standard” biphase pulse  
rates used by the various film transport manufacturers, there is no one nominal frequency of the biphase  
signal for normal film play speed (pulse frequencies of 48 Hz up to 2400 Hz are used per frame). For the  
MMP-16 to interpret and lock onto a biphase signal, and to generate the correct time code numbers, it  
must be given the correct Setup parameters for the type of transport that it is following (Setup Menu 301).  
Table 5.1 lists the biphase pulse rates the MMP-16 can lock to and some examples of the equipment for  
each rate.  
Biphase  
Pulse Rate Frequency  
Biphase Play Transport  
Type  
Acceleration /  
fast wind speed  
Notes  
2 ppf  
48 Hz  
DIN standard 32 / 15x  
Also used by Westrex  
Alternate DIN standard  
4 ppf  
96 Hz  
Westrex  
MTE  
RCA  
8 / 5x  
8 / 5x  
8 / 5x  
8 / 5x  
8 / 5x  
8 / 5x  
10 ppf  
20 ppf  
25 ppf  
50 ppf  
100 ppf  
240 Hz  
480 Hz  
600 Hz  
1200 Hz  
2400 Hz  
RCA  
RCA  
Biphase only  
Biphase only  
MTM  
ppf = pulse per frame  
Table 5.1 Biphase Pulse Rate Settings  
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81  
On older film transports that use a tach and a direction signal, the phase A connection comes from the  
direction signal and the phase B connection comes from the tachometer output. Setup Menu 302 allows  
the default setting (which is biphase) to be changed to tach+direction. If the transport controls seem to be  
“backwards” (i.e. Play runs the film in reverse), select the tach+inverse direction choice from Setup Menu  
302.  
Both menus 301 and 302 are used to set the MMP-16 as a slave to the biphase device (where the MMP-16  
will be generating time code or feet & frame numbers off the biphase signal from the film transport).  
Using the MMP-16 in this way requires that the Biphase Chase operating mode be selected and that the  
MMP-16 be placed online (the online button is lit up).  
The MMP-16 As Master  
In many applications it’s desirable to have the MMP-16 function as the master in order to allow remote  
control of the film transport (either from the MMP-16’s front panel motion controls or from a Lynx  
controller or a KCU). Built into the MMP-16 are biphase and tach+direction signal generators that can  
supply the correct motion control signals for most biphase devices allowing controlled film acceleration  
and fast wind speeds (which are adjustable parameters set through the 300 bank Setup Menus).  
When the MMP-16 will be the master, and the film transport will be the slave, the Biphase Transport  
operating mode is used. In this mode the biphase signal from the MMP-16 is used to generate control  
signals for the film transport as well as create the time code for running the MMP-16 and other audio  
devices. Once this operating mode is selected the various 300 bank Setup Menu parameters for the film  
transport should be checked to ensure they are set for the model of film transport used in the system.  
These settings can then be saved to a User Settings file for re-use in a future session.  
Biphase Setup Menus  
Once the biphase operating mode is selected, the 300 bank Setup Menus (Table 5.2) can be used to verify  
and set the parameters for the specific film transport being used with the MMP-16. For most applications,  
the acceleration (Menu 320) and fast wind speed (Menu 321) defaults can be used since they correspond  
to the pulse rate selection (Menu 301). Thus, if they must be changed, they must be changed after the  
pulse rate has been set, otherwise they will be changed back to the default setting for the new pulse rate.  
300 Menu Item  
Selection  
Choices  
300 Biphase Frame Rate film frame rate  
24, 25, 30 fps  
301 Biphase Pulse Rate  
302 Biphase I/O  
pulses per frame  
2, 4, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100 ppf  
biphase or tach+direction  
Biphase, Tach+Direction,  
Tach+Inverse Direction  
320 Biphase  
Acceleration  
film acceleration (ramp up  
4 up to 32 times (follows pulse  
time from stop to fast wind) rate choice)  
fast wind speed setting 1x play up to 20x play speed  
(follows the pulse rate choice)  
321 Biphase Maximum  
Wind Speed  
Table 5.2 Biphase Setup Menus  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System ApplicationsMMP-16  
Menu 300 is used to set the Biphase Frame Rate. In most applications in the USA the film frame rate will  
be set to 24 fps (the default setting). For some European applications this may need to be set for 25 fps,  
and for specialized film for video applications there is also the 30 fps rate available.  
Menu 301is used to set the Biphase Pulse Rate. The number of pulses per frame is determined by the model  
of film transport or dubber that is being used with the MMP-16. See Table 5.1 for a list of transport types  
and the pulses per frame they use. If the model that will be connected to the MMP-16 is not listed consult  
the film transport manual for the specification. It is normally listed under the specifications as the ppf for  
nominal play speed. If this setting is incorrect then all time code and feet & frame calculations made by the  
MMP-16 will be off since they are derived from the pulse rate.  
Menu 302 is used to choose the Biphase I/O setting. In the majority of applications biphase control will  
be used so Menu 302 is normally left at the default setting of biphase.  
Menu 320is used to set the Biphase acceleration. Normally this setting does not need to be changed since  
it will be set automatically according to the pulse rate setting in Menu 301. If it does need to be changed  
do so only after Menu 301 is set.  
Menu 321is used to set the maximum Biphase wind speed. This setting is also automatically changed  
according to the pulse rate setting in Menu 301. In most cases this will only need to be changed if you are  
dealing with fragile film stock or if it is desired to slow wind the film when changing reels.  
MMP-16Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System Applications  
83  
MMP-16 Film Connections  
Although the MMP-16 can only be controlled by one film transport bus at a time, there are four film  
transport connections (biphase input) on the UI/B card on the rear panel. These connections allow a single  
MMP-16 to be switched between up to four projection/mix down rooms when it is placed into a main  
machine room. The biphase input that the MMP-16 follows is set using the Sync Group menu 100. The  
four inputs are grouped together in the lower part of the UI/B card and are numbered 1 - 4 (top to bottom)  
to match Sync Groups 1 - 4 (selected through menu 100).  
The MMP-16 can only control one film transport bus, which is connected to the biphase output connector  
at the top of BIPH card on the MMP-16 rear panel.  
All biphase connectors use standard 6-pin modular telephone plugs (RJ12, the same type used on  
3-line telephone systems) so that up to 1,000 feet of standard 6-wire phone wiring can be run to  
the various film transports. A terminal strip (or a 6-wire surface mount jack) can be used to adapt the film  
transport connector wiring to the MMP-16 wiring. These connections are normally done for post  
production final mixing sessions. Not intended for public telecommunications network connection.  
As in all uses of the MMP-16, the Lynx and/or MMR buses can be used by the MMP-16 to control any  
number of additional audio and video equipment even though that MMP-16 is being controlled by the  
film transport.  
Video Post Production  
In video post production the MMP-16 is typically slaved to a video tape recorder. In this use the VTR’s  
time code output is the time code reference for the MMP-16. If the VTR is connected to a house sync  
signal, then the MMP-16 should also be connected to house sync (through the Video In connector) and  
should use that signal as the frame reference. In lieu of house sync, the VTR’s video output would  
connect to the MMP-16’s Video In for the frame reference source. The MMP-16, although time code  
slaved to the VTR, typically also functions as a master for any other audio devices on the Lynx and/or  
MMR buses.  
The Lynx Bus  
The Lynx Bus is an asynchronous communications bus that transmits a frame clock as well as time code  
and motion commands between the MMP-16 and other devices using an RS-422 serial communications  
bus operating at 38.4 KBaud. Up to 1,000 feet of cabling can be used in the bus system with each device  
connecting via 9-pin D-sub connectors. All that is required to build-up a Lynx bus is to daisy-chain each  
Lynx bus device to the next one in line along with a separate house sync connection. Each Lynx-2 box  
has two Lynx bus loop-through connections just like each MMP-16. A Lynx-2 interface is necessary to  
connect each remote controllable audio or video device to the Lynx bus. A Lynx Keyboard Control Unit  
KCU can also be connected directly to the Lynx bus to allow independent and grouped remote control of  
up to six Lynx bus connected machines. This is described in more detail in Chapter 4 MMP-16 Setup  
Menus.  
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Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 5 • MMP-16 System ApplicationsMMP-16  
Chapter 6 Maintenance & Service  
The MMP-16 requires little maintenance other than ensuring adequate airflow through the interior of the  
unit. Do not use alcohol or other common studio chemical cleaners on the front panel keys.  
The rear panel maintenance is to vacuum and/or brush off the fan opening area of the power supply if a  
build-up of dust occurs.  
MMP Output Level Calibrations  
Use the following procedure to calibrate the MMP-16 Output Converter board (MOC). It is assumed that  
an electronics technician who has experience operating audio measurement equipment is performing the  
calibration.  
The following equipment is required to perform calibration adjustments:  
1. A Low distortion, accurate balanced input/output audio analyzer/generator (Audio Precision System  
2 or equivalent). A digital multi-meter with AC rms volts measurement capability, in conjunction  
with a function generator with a sine wave output as a signal source may also be used. However, the  
AP equipment will provide more accurate measurements, and the settings/displays will be in the  
proper units  
2. Plastic Potentiometer Adjustment screwdriver/tweaker.  
3. Output cables compatible with the MMP-16 analog Audio Out connectors (equivalent to Tascam  
DA-88 analog audio cables).  
The MMP-16 has a built-in 1 kHz oscillator to check that the output levels are calibrated. To check the  
output levels, select Setup Menu 530 and select the 1 kHz setting. Press STO to turn on the internal  
oscillator and then press the Play key on the front panel. Measure the output levels and verify that they  
match the calibration settings (+4 dBu nominal=1.228Vrms, measured at XLR pin 2(+) and 3(-) pins). If  
calibration is required continue to the MOC Calibration Procedure.  
MOC Calibration Procedure  
Follow this step-by-step procedure to calibrate the MMP-16 Output Converters (MOC).  
1. Turn off power and remove the top cover of the MMP.  
2. Connect the audio analyzer input to the Output connector at the rear of the MMP.  
3. Turn on the MMP. Wait for the software to load.  
4. Generate the MOC calibration tone, a 1 kHz, -20 dBFS (of the digital bus) sine wave. To do this,  
Press SETUP, and go to menu 530 by turning the Wheel. Press TRIM then turn the Wheel to select  
the 1 kHz tone. Press STO to enable generation of the tone. Press the PLAY (>) switch to start tone  
generation.  
5. Set up the audio analyzer input to measure the output level on Output channel 1. Standard Calibration  
level is digital full scale = +24 dBu. Pot adjustment range is digital full scale = +17 dBu to +25  
dBu.(If there are special level requirements, those levels must be substituted for the levels in the  
following steps.)  
MMP-16 Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 6 • Maintenance and Service  
85  
6. Locate the MOC card cage. Note on its cover that the Output board is identified, as well the pot  
associated with each channel.  
7. Using a plastic tweaker (supplied with the MMP-16), adjust the Output Ch1 pot to +4 dBu, +/-0.025  
dB (=-20 dBFS.)  
8. Move the audio analyzer input to the next MMP output channel. Repeat step 7. Continue until all 16  
channels are calibrated.  
End of the analog output level calibration procedure.  
Output Converter Board 1 (1-8)  
Output Converter Board 2 (9-16)  
Figure 6-1: Analog Converter cards location within the MMP-16 chassis (top view).  
Adding External Drives to the System  
Up to five additional SCSI drives can be added to each MMP-16. The drives must be assigned unique  
SCSI ID numbers. Two SCSI ID numbers (7 and 0) are already taken by the MMP-16 SCSI controller  
card and the removable drive in the internal Kingston carrier of the MMP-16. The external drives should  
be added to the system while the MMP-16 is powered down (off).  
86  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 6 • Maintenance and Service MMP-16  
Formatting Disks  
The MMP-16 uses the WaveFrame disk format for recording, so disks from that system are compatible  
with the MMP-16, and disks can be formatted on the MMP-16 for use with the WaveFrame. There are  
two formatting options: Disk Initialize (menu 710), which is the typical formatting option; and Disk Low  
Format (menu 711), which would be used on a brand new (unformatted at the factory) disk, a (software)  
damaged disk, or a disk that has been formatted for use on a non-Intel based system using an  
incompatible formatter.  
When a new disk is added to the system, and you wish to initialize it, place the disk into the default  
system disk location. Go to Setup menu 710, and press STO to select Disk Format. A warning message  
will show in the display, asking if you wish to format the disk. Press STO to answer yes (or RCL to  
answer no, returning you to Setup Menu 710). A further message will appear, asking if you are sure.  
Again, use STO for yes, RCL for no. If a password has been set, then the Enter Password: message will  
be displayed and you will have to enter the password to continue with the format.  
On disks that have been (software) damaged, or incompatibly formatted, repeat the above operation using  
menu 711 instead. Keep in mind that a low-level format can take from 20 minutes to an hour, during  
which time the MMP-16 cannot be used for normal operation.  
Using Removable Media  
The MMP-16 currently supports two types of removable media: SCSI hard drives, and SCSI MOs  
(Magneto Optical) drives. The only type of SCSI hard drives that should be used are those specifically  
recommended by Tascam, or drives and media that have been specified for use with high-demand  
applications such as audio/video systems. These disks typically have faster access times (12 ms or faster  
average seek time is required), larger storage capacities (2.4 GB or larger), and thermal compensation that  
is only active when the drive is not being accessed. A list of approved removable media drives is given in  
Appendix B of this manual. Contact Tascam for the most current list of recommended SCSI hard drives  
for the MMP-16. This list is also available on the Tascam Web site at www.Tascam.com.  
For archiving and for transferring 4-track reels between the WaveFrame editor and the MMP-16, the  
Tahiti 3 or similar optical drive may be used. The MMP-16 can format, backup to, or play back up to four  
tracks off of 620 MB, 1.3 GB, or 2.6 GB MO media. The latest generation of LIM/DOW optical drives  
(such as the Nikon Beluga A/V drive) offer the best removable optical disk performance.  
MMP-16 Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Chapter 6 • Maintenance and Service  
87  
88  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix A • Control Panel Summary  
Chapter 7 Technical Support  
For technical support on the MMP-16 product line contact:  
TASCAM  
7733 Telegraph Road  
Montebello, CA 90640  
Tel (213) 726-0303 Ext 617  
Fax (213) 727-7632  
E-mail: [email protected]  
Technical assistance is only available to registered owners of MMP-16 products. Be sure to write down  
your serial number before installation for future reference, as you will need it, along with the software  
version you are currently running, when contacting technical support. You can write your serial number  
here:  
MMP-16 serial #: ____________________________  
Information on software updates, technical support, and Tascam products is also available via the Tascam  
World Wide Web site at:  
http://www.tascam.com  
MMP-16 System Software  
The MMP-16 operates using an industry-standard operating system and program files that run on a  
Pentium microprocessor chip. The system software comes pre-installed onto the internal hard drive in the  
MMP-16. When the MMP-16 is turned on, all necessary software is loaded automatically. The version of  
software that is currently running can be displayed using Setup menu 990, which displays the current  
revision level of the software.  
Software updates are supplied on one or more floppy disks. To install the software update, insert the  
floppy disk (or Disk 1, if multiple disks are received) into the front panel floppy drive while the unit is  
operating normally. Access Menu 995 (Load Software) and press STO. The system will ask “Are you  
sure?” Confirm the floppy is properly inserted and press STO again to confirm. If multiple disks are  
supplied, the operator will be prompted via the display to remove Disk 1 and place Disk 2 into the drive.  
After the software update is installed, the system will display a message that the update is complete, and  
will display a checksum number (written on the floppy update disk for reference) to verify that the  
installation has been successful. Remove the floppy disk and recycle the power to operate the unit with  
the new software installed. All system floppy disks should be kept in a secure location in case they may  
be needed in the future.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix A • Control Panel Summary  
89  
90  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix A • Control Panel Summary  
Appendix A: Control Panel Command Summary  
Transport Group  
ONLINE  
ONLINE+o (Stop)  
<< (Rewind)  
Toggles between offline and online. When lit, indicates unit is online.  
Unmounts all drives so they can be removed from the MMP-16.  
Moves all tracks in reverse at a high rate of speed with no audio playback.  
Plays audio backwards at the normal play speed.  
< (Play Backwards)  
o (Stop)  
Stops audio playback; re-mounts drives after an unmount operation.  
Plays the audio at the normal play speed.  
> (Play)  
>> (Fast Forward)  
Moves all tracks forward at a high rate of speed with no audio playback.  
Setup and Wheel Group  
SETUP  
SHIFT+SETUP  
DOWN ARROW  
Enters Setup Mode.  
Changes the algebraic sense of time code entry (+/-).  
Performs decrement action, according to mode.  
Displays/hides subframes  
SHIFT+DOWN  
ARROW  
UP ARROW  
Performs the increment action, according to mode.  
SHIFT+UP  
ARROW  
Switches display of time code position between time code and feet/frames format  
TRIM  
SHIFT+TRIM  
JOG  
Trims the time code value in the display’s bottom line.  
Dynamically trims the time code value in the display’s bottom line.  
Wheel rotation plays the audio either forwards (CW) or backwards (CCW) up to  
play speed.  
SHTL  
Wheel rotation shuttles the audio from stop to play forwards (CW) or stop to  
play reverse (CCW).  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix A • Control Panel Summary  
91  
Keypad keys  
CLR  
7
Clears the time code in the bottom line of the display; cancels most operations  
Enter digit, or selects 700 menus (in Setup)  
SHIFT+7  
STO+7  
RCL+7  
8
Locate to “In point”  
Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 7.  
Recalls the time code in Memory register 7.  
Enter digit, or selects 800 menus (in Setup)  
SHIFT+8  
STO+8  
RCL+8  
9
Locate to “Head of tape” – follows SEL key selection in EDIT mode  
Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 8.  
Recalls the time code in Memory register 8.  
Enter digit, or selects 900 menus (in Setup)  
SHIFT+9  
STO+9  
RCL+9  
SHIFT  
CAPT  
Locate to “Next Edit” point  
Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 9.  
Recalls the time code in Memory register 9.  
Modifies function of most keys  
Captures the current time code and places it in the bottom line (active register).  
Time (Feet & Frames local zero) register  
SHIFT+  
CAPT  
4
SHIFT+4  
STO+4  
RCL+4  
5
Enter digit, or selects 400 menus (in Setup)  
Locate to “Out point”  
Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 4.  
Recalls the time code in Memory register 4.  
Enter digit, or selects 500 menus (in Setup)  
SHIFT+5  
STO+5  
RCL+5  
Locate to “Tail of tape” - follows SEL key selection in EDIT mode  
Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 5.  
Recalls the time code in Memory register 5.  
92  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix A • Control Panel Summary  
6
SHIFT+6  
STO+6  
RCL+6  
STO  
Enter digit, or selects 600 menus (in Setup)  
Locate to Previous Edit point  
Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 6.  
Recall Previous Edit time into the bottom line of display.  
Used with the number keys to store the bottom line time code into another  
register; loads tracks in Track mode, selects in Setup mode, affirmative response  
in other modes  
0
SHIFT+0  
STO+0  
RCL+0  
1
Enter digit, or selects 000 menus (in Setup)  
Lynx sync register  
Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 0.  
Recalls the time code in Memory register 0.  
Enter digit, or selects 100 menus (in Setup)  
Offset register (shows machine MMR Bus offset when slave on MMR bus)  
Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 1.  
Recalls the time code in Memory register 1.  
Enter digit, or selects 200 menus (in Setup)  
Time Code Reader register  
SHIFT+1  
STO+1  
RCL+1  
2
SHIFT+2  
STO+2  
RCL+2  
3
Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 2.  
Recalls the time code in Memory register 2.  
Enter digit, or selects 300 menus (in Setup).  
Free time register  
SHIFT+3  
STO+3  
RCL+3  
RCL  
Stores time code in bottom line of display into Memory register 3.  
Recalls the time code in Memory register 3.  
Used to recall a memory register (used with number keys); provide negative  
response to query  
LOOP  
When active, loops the transport from the In time to the Out time until Stop is  
pressed.  
LOC  
Locates the transport to the time code location in the active register.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix A • Control Panel Summary  
93  
Track Select Keys  
EDIT+SEL  
(1 – 16)  
Select Edit Mode for Tracks 1 - 16  
MON+SEL  
(1 - 16)  
Select Headphone Monitor, Tracks 1 - 16  
LOAD TRACK  
TRACK  
Enter Load Track mode  
Enter View Track mode  
SLIP  
Enter Slip Tracks mode  
SHIFT+SEL (1)  
SHIFT+SEL (2)  
SHIFT+SEL (3)  
SHIFT+SEL (4)  
SHIFT+SEL (5)  
SHIFT+SEL (6)  
SHIFT+SEL (7)  
SHIFT+SEL (8)  
SHIFT+EDIT  
Cut  
Copy  
Clear  
Paste  
Insert  
Open  
Undo  
Redo  
Sets in and Out times to beginning and end of event under play head on track  
currently selected for editing  
SHIFT+MON  
Enters Slip In/Out mode  
Delete  
SHIFT+LOAD  
TRACK  
SHIFT+TRACK  
SHIFT+SLIP  
Unload  
Backup  
94  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix A • Control Panel Summary  
Appendix B:  
TASCAM MMP-16 Drive Compatibility Chart  
MANUFACTURER MODEL  
MODEL  
NO.  
FIRMWARE DATE COMMENTS  
NIKON MO DRIVE BELUGA  
(A/V)  
DD53-S1P  
UNKNOWN. 7/2/97  
MFG 1/97  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL MMP-16 SERIAL Nos.  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL S/W VERSIONS 1.04 & 1.10  
The results from a canned test of the NIKON Beluga LIM-DOW (Light  
Intensity Modulation / Direct Over Write) MO drive with 1K per sector media  
are as follows:  
SONY MO DRIVE  
SMO-F544  
UNKNOWN. 10/1/97  
16-bit (heavier edits) Record 6 tracks, playback 8 tracks  
24-bit (light edits) Record 5 tracks, playback 8 tracks  
24-bit (heavier edits) Record 4 tracks, playback 8 tracks  
SUMMARY  
With the Nikon Beluga using 1K per sector media , the MMP-16 is a 6-track 16-  
bit recorder, or a 4-track 24-bit recorder with 8-track playback under most  
typical conditions. Note: our tests were reliable only with a high-quality SCSI  
cable.  
BARRACUDA  
SEAGATE  
2G HDD  
STN 32272N 0686  
8/7/97  
8/7/97  
8/7/97  
8/7/97  
8/7/97  
8/7/97  
9/1/97  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL MMP-16 SERIAL Nos.  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL S/W VERSIONS  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL MMP-16 SERIAL Nos.  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL S/W VERSIONS  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL MMP-16 SERIAL Nos.  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL S/W VERSIONS  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL MMP-16 SERIAL Nos.  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL S/W VERSIONS  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL MMP-16 SERIAL Nos.  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL S/W VERSIONS  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL MMP-16 SERIAL Nos.  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL S/W VERSIONS  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL MMP-16 SERIAL Nos.  
QUALIFIED FOR USE ON ALL S/W VERSIONS  
BARRACUDA  
SEAGATE  
2G HDD  
ST 32171N  
ST32550N  
ST34371N  
ST34572N*  
ST19171N  
DCRS09Z  
0280  
--  
SEAGATE  
2G HDD  
SEAGATE  
4G HDD  
--  
SEAGATE  
4GB HDD  
--  
SEAGATE  
9 GB HDD  
--  
IBM  
9GB HDD  
--  
Note: The Iomega Jaz drive and SyQuest SyJet drive have received preliminary testing and will play 8 channels, but record performance has not  
yet been fully tested. It is suggested not to attempt recording 8 channels with punch in/out to the Jaz or SyJet, since performance degrades as the  
disk fills up and may fall below acceptable limits for 8 channels.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix B • Drive Compatibility Chart  
95  
Tascam MMP-16 Approved Drives  
The Tascam Web site at http://www.tascam.com has the latest information on approved drives for use with the MMP-16.  
Use this page of the Owner’s Manual to note new drives that have been added to the approved drives list.  
MANUFACTURER MODEL  
MODEL NO. FIRMWARE DATE COMMENTS  
96  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix B • Approved Drives  
Appendix C: WaveFrame Compatibility  
This section contains information on using the MMP-16 in the film post production environment that  
heretofore has relied on a WaveFrame/StudioFrame system for playback on the mix stage.  
There are a number of considerations necessary to ensure compatibility between the MMP-16 and  
existing WaveFrame/StudioFrame projects. WaveFrame/StudioFrame systems require at least one fixed  
drive on the ‘A’ SCSI bus. On many StudioFrame systems, all drives are configured as “fixed” (i.e., non-  
removable). However, fixed drives in the StudioFrame system do not hold edit information, only the track  
audio. To store the edit information with the audio on the same drive requires that the drive be set up as a  
“removable” drive. The MMP-16, therefore, will work only with drives that have been configured by the  
workstation as “removable”, since it relies on edit information being present on those drives. In addition,  
WaveFrame/StudioFrame systems place a maximum of four playable tracks of audio (per  
project/reel/dub) on each disk volume.  
The optimal configuration for a WaveFrame/StudioFrame system that is intended for use with the MMP-  
16 is as follows: The workstation would have the one required fixed drive on the ‘A’ SCSI bus, with  
enough additional drives for holding all tracks. The additional drives would all be configured as  
“removable” drives. Tracks 1-4 would be recorded onto drive 1A (the first removable drive), tracks 5-8  
would be recorded onto drive 1B (the second removable drive), and so on for any further groups of four.  
Although this is the best MMR/MMP-compatible configuration, earlier projects may have been created  
under other StudioFrame configurations using fixed drives. In these cases, a conversion procedure is  
necessary in order to use the MMP-16 with the pre-recorded disk volumes. The following outline  
describes the procedure for turning “fixed” StudioFrame drives into removable drives that can then be  
moved to the MMP-16, with both track edits and audio information intact.  
As an example, suppose we wished to make two drives “removable” that were attached as fixed drives to  
the ‘A’ SCSI bus on the workstation. To make the fixed drives removable, you must first edit your  
Autoexec.bat file to include this line somewhere in the file (for example, as the last line):  
SET NFREMOVEID=4  
(To edit your Autoexec.bat file select File, Run and type SYSEDIT in the dialog box. Click on the  
Autoexec.bat window and type in the new command (SET NFREMOVEID=4) on a new line. Select File,  
Quit. Select Save to save the changes you made to the Autoexec.bat file.) Changing the Autoexec.bat file  
requires rebooting for the change to take effect. You could also exit Windows, type the ‘set’ command  
above on the command line, and re-start Windows, if you do not wish to reboot. You would, however,  
have to do this every time the system was restarted.  
To the WaveFrame/StudioFrame, this will signal that all SCSI drive addresses equal to or higher than four  
(4) are to be considered “removable” drives (lower numbers than 4 may be used, but be careful not to  
over-step any other lower addresses in use on the bus). Before re-starting your system, you must  
physically change the SCSI addresses of the two drives to SCSI id’s 4 and 5, or 5 and 6. The SCSI id’s  
must not be duplicated by any other drive on the SCSI bus.  
StudioFrame Configuration Example A: 8-8-8 (8 track layout, tracks are in stereo pairs, on two fixed  
drives). Sound was recorded to the F1 drive group.  
Edit your Autoexec.bat file and (perhaps) change the SCSI address of your drives as described above.  
Restart the system, launch StudioFrame, and mount the now-removable drives. Disregard the “missing  
edits” message at startup (fixed disks do not have the edits stored on them, whereas removable drives do).  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix C • WaveFrame Compatibility  
97  
Go into the Track Rack. Move all left channel tracks to the ‘1B’ drive and move all right channel tracks to  
the ‘1A’ drive. Rebuild the database on both drives.  
StudioFrame Configuration Example B: 8-8-8 (8 track layout, tracks are in stereo pairs, two fixed drives).  
Sound was recorded as Tracks 1-4 to FA, Tracks 5-8 to FB.  
Edit your Autoexec.bat file and change the SCSI address of your drives as described above. Launch  
StudioFrame and mount the now-removable drives. Disregard the “missing edits” message at start up  
(fixed disks do not have the edits stored on them, whereas removable drives do).  
Go into the Track Rack. Move tracks 1-4 to the ‘1A’ drive and move tracks 5-8 to the ‘1B’ drive. Rebuild  
the database on both drives.  
In each of the above examples, you will now have two removable drives with four tracks of audio (along  
with their edits) on each drive. If you have an external drive housing to hold a second drive, the two  
drives, with four tracks each, can be used on a single MMP-16. If not, the MMP-16 can handle playing all  
eight tracks from one drive. To do this on the WaveFrame/StudioFrame, you must copy the tracks from  
either drive to the other drive using the Track Rack. This procedure will, as you know, require some time  
to copy all the actual sound files.  
If you moved all eight tracks to one drive and then need to bring the tracks back into StudioFrame from  
the MMP-16, you must mount the drives, go into the Track Rack, and swap the tracks onto the editor,  
making sure that you assign only four tracks per drive. Note: these swapped tracks will now be mono, and  
will need to have their pans re-set (if they contained that information). If the audio was recorded in mono  
and had a pan value set, the pan value will be lost as well.  
Note: For more detailed information on using the MMP-16 with the WaveFrame  
system, contact WaveFrame Company support in the United States at:  
Advanced Systems Group (Oakland, CA)  
(510) 654-8300  
Digital Difference (Burbank, CA)  
(818) 846-0589  
98  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix C • WaveFrame Compatibility  
Appendix D: MMP-16 Cable Information  
PARALLEL TRACKS and PARALLEL TRANSPORT Connector  
37-pin D Male  
TYPICAL INPUT  
(+5V)  
VCC  
10K  
1
2
INPUT PIN  
10K  
74HC14  
TYPICAL OUTPUT  
OUTPUT PIN  
2.7K  
7.2K  
3K  
DARLINGTON OUTPUT STAGE OF ULN2803A  
MAX RATINGS: 50V @ 500MA  
Note: I/O shares same logical ground  
Tracks  
Tracks  
Transport  
Switch  
Tally  
Switch  
9. Trk 1 Rec  
Tally  
29.  
30.  
31.  
32.  
33.  
34.  
35.  
36.  
Switch  
9. Online  
10. Rewind  
11. Rev Play  
12. Stop  
13. Play  
14. FFwd  
15. Record  
16. Preview *  
Tally  
29.  
30.  
31.  
32.  
33.  
34.  
35.  
36.  
1. Trk 1 Input 21.  
2. Trk 2 Input 22.  
3. Trk 3 Input 23.  
4. Trk 4 Input 24.  
5. Trk 5 Input 25.  
6. Trk 6 Input 26.  
7. Trk 7 Input 27.  
8. Trk 8 Input 28.  
10. Trk 2 Rec  
11. Trk 3 Rec  
12. Trk 4 Rec  
13. Trk 5 Rec  
14. Trk 6 Rec  
15. Trk 7 Rec  
16. Trk 8 Rec  
Pins Common to Both Connectors  
19. +5VDC 20. GRD  
37. GRD  
*When preview is grounded, all record functions will invoke rehearse.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix D • Cable Information  
99  
MIDI IN/THRU/OUT Connector pinout  
PIN # Signal Description (IN, OUT, & THRU)  
n/c  
n/c  
1
2
3
4
5
n/c  
Signal +  
Signal -  
NOTES:  
1.  
2.  
DIN-5 connector - shield tied to case.  
Signals are MIDI specification compliant.  
LYNX (Remote Controller) Connector pinout  
PIN #  
MSTR Signal SLAVE Signal  
Frame ground Frame ground  
Pin #  
MSTR Signal  
Frame ground  
Receive +  
SLAVE Signal  
Frame ground  
Transmit +  
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
Receive -  
Transmit -  
Receive +  
Transmit +  
Transmit -  
Receive -  
Frame ground Frame ground  
Frame clock Frame clock  
Frame ground  
Frame ground  
5
NOTES:  
1. 9-pin D-subminiature female connector (DB-9).  
2. Signals are RS422 Compatible Frame clock is open collector driver.  
3. The two connectors allow parallel connection of the Lynx Bus. Each pin is  
paralleled internally between the two connectors. The signal description  
indicates master / slave signals.  
EDITOR Connector pinout  
PIN #  
MSTR Signal SLAVE Signal  
Frame ground Frame ground  
Pin #  
MSTR Signal  
Frame ground  
Receive +  
SLAVE Signal  
Frame ground  
Transmit +  
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
Receive -  
Transmit -  
Receive +  
Transmit +  
Transmit -  
Receive -  
Frame ground Frame ground  
Spare Fr Ck Spare Fr Ck  
Frame ground  
Frame ground  
5
NOTES:  
1. 9-pin D-subminiature female connector (DB-9).  
2. Signals are RS422 Compatible. Frame Clock spare should not be used.  
3. The two connectors allow parallel connection of the Lynx Bus. Each pin is  
paralleled internally between the two connectors. The signal description  
indicates master / slave signals.  
100  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix D • Cable Information  
TRANSPORT (Sony 9-pin) Connector pinout  
PIN #  
MSTR Signal SLAVE Signal  
Frame ground Frame ground  
Pin #  
MSTR Signal  
Frame ground  
Receive +  
SLAVE Signal  
Frame ground  
Transmit +  
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
Receive -  
Transmit -  
Receive +  
Transmit +  
Transmit -  
Receive -  
Frame ground Frame ground  
Spare Fr Ck Spare Fr Ck  
Frame ground  
Frame ground  
5
NOTES:  
1. 9-pin D-subminiature female connector (DB-9).  
2. Signals are RS422 Compatible Frame Clock spare should not be used.  
3. The two connectors allow parallel connection of the Lynx Bus. Each pin is  
paralleled internally between the two connectors. The signal description  
indicates master / slave signals.  
4. Signal Descriptions are MMR Output / Transport (Input). Signals are of  
Protocol-2 (P-2) standard, which is also known as Sony 9-pin  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix D • Cable Information  
101  
ANALOG OUTPUT Connectors pinouts  
There are two DB-25 style analog output connectors, one for tracks 1-8, the other for tracks 9-16 as  
labelled on the back of the MMP-16 unit. They each follow the pattern indicated here:  
PIN # Signal Description  
PIN # Signal Description  
1
Channel 8 + signal  
Channel 8 ground  
Channel 7 - signal  
Channel 6 + signal  
Channel 6 ground  
Channel 5 - signal  
Channel 4 + signal  
Channel 4 ground  
Channel 3 - signal  
Channel 2 + signal  
Channel 2 ground  
Channel 1 - signal  
No connection  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
Channel 8 - signal  
Channel 7 + signal  
Channel 7 ground  
Channel 6 - signal  
Channel 5 + signal  
Channel 5 ground  
Channel 4 - signal  
Channel 3 + signal  
Channel 3 ground  
Channel 2 -signal  
Channel 1 + signal  
Channel 1 ground  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
NOTES:  
1. 25-pin D-subminiature female connector (DB-25). The pinouts follow the  
Tascam DA-88 configuration. Each input is differential with the (+) inputs  
being the non-inverting input and the (-) being the inverting input.  
2. Input impedance is 10k ohm.  
3. Output impedance is 75 ohm.  
4. Max load 12.28 VRMS  
BIPH (Biphase) Connectors pinout  
PIN # Signal Description  
1
2
3
4
5
6
Ground  
Phase-A  
Phase-B  
Phase-B  
Phase-A  
Ground  
NOTES:  
1. RJ12 compatible Modular Plug, 6 Position, 6 Conductor.: Flat Wire - Stranded.  
Round Wire - Stranded. DataComm Warehouse (http://kerry.warehouse.com/)  
can supply these parts, however, many other sources available.  
2. The four Biphase Inputs are selected one-at-a-time by the Sync Group setting.  
3. Not intended for public telecommunication network.  
102  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix D • Cable Information  
DO (AES/EBU Digital Audio Out 1-8) Connector pinout  
PIN # Signal Description  
PIN # Signal Description  
1
Digital Output 4 (ch 7&8) + signal 14  
Digital Output 4 (ch 7&8) - signal  
Digital Output 3 (ch 5&6) + signal  
Digital Output 3 (ch 5&6) ground  
Digital Output 2 (ch 3&4) - signal  
Digital Output 1 (ch 1&2) + signal  
Digital Output 1 (ch 1&2) ground  
Digital Input 4 (ch 7&8) - signal  
Digital Input 3 (ch 5&6) + signal  
Digital Input 3 (ch 5&6) ground  
Digital Input 2 (ch 3&4) - signal  
Digital Input 1 (ch 1&2) + signal  
Digital Input 1 (ch 1&2) ground  
2
Digital Output 4 (ch 7&8) ground 15  
Digital Output 3 (ch 5&6) - signal 16  
Digital Output 2 (ch 3&4) + signal 17  
Digital Output 2 (ch 3&4) ground 18  
Digital Output 1 (ch 1&2) - signal 19  
Digital Input 4 (ch 7&8) + signal 20  
3
4
5
6
7
8
Digital Input 4 (ch 7&8) ground  
Digital Input 3 (ch 5&6) - signal  
21  
22  
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
Digital Input 2 (ch 3&4) + signal 23  
Digital Input 2 (ch 3&4) ground  
Digital Input 1 (ch 1&2) - signal  
No connection  
24  
25  
NOTES: 25-pin D-subminiature female connector (DB-25).  
AO (AES/EBU Digital Audio Out 9-16) Connector pinout  
PIN Signal Description  
#
PIN Signal Description  
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Digital Output 8 (ch 15&16) + signal 14 Digital Output 8 (ch 15&16) - signal  
Digital Output 8 (ch 15&16) ground 15 Digital Output 7 (ch 13&14) + signal  
Digital Output 7 (ch 13&14) - signal 16 Digital Output 7 (ch 13&14) ground  
Digital Output 6 (ch 11&12) + signal 17 Digital Output 6 (ch 11&12) - signal  
Digital Output 6 (ch 11&12) ground 18 Digital Output 5 (ch 9&10) + signal  
Digital Output 5 (ch 9&10) - signal 19 Digital Output 5 (ch 9&10) ground  
Digital Input 8 (ch 15&16) + signal 20 Digital Input 8 (ch 15&16) - signal  
Digital Input 8 (ch 15&16) ground  
Digital Input 7 (ch 13&14) - signal  
21 Digital Input 7 (ch 13&14) + signal  
22 Digital Input 7 (ch 13&14) ground  
10 Digital Input 6 (ch 11&12) + signal 23 Digital Input 6 (ch 11&12) - signal  
11 Digital Input 6 (ch 11&12) ground  
12 Digital Input 5 (ch 9&10) - signal  
13 No connection  
24 Digital Input 5 (ch 9&10) + signal  
25 Digital Input 5 (ch 9&10) ground  
NOTES: 25-pin D-subminiature female connector (DB-25).  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix D • Cable Information  
103  
SYNC (MMR-Bus) Connector pinout  
PIN # Signal Description  
PIN # Signal Description  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CAN_BUS+  
9
CAN_BUS-  
CCLK_BUS0+  
CCLK_BUS1+  
CCLK_BUS2+  
CCLK_BUS3+  
+12 TERM PWR  
CAN LEFT TERM  
N/C  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
CCLK_BUS0-  
CCLK_BUS1-  
CCLK_BUS2-  
CCLK_BUS3-  
Frame ground  
CAN RIGHT TERM  
NOTES:  
1. 15-pin D-subminiature female connector (DB-15). The two connectors are  
paralleled in the MMP-16 and either can be used as an input or output.  
2. Tascam supplies a 3 foot interface cable, 70447. The differential signals should  
be routed on twisted pairs of wires.  
TIMECODE IN Connector  
PIN # Signal Description  
TIP Time Code Reader +  
Ring Time Code Reader -  
Sleeve Ground  
NOTES:  
1. 1/4” TRS Phonejack  
2. 10K Ohm input impedance. Differential input.  
TIMECODE OUT Connector  
PIN # Signal Description  
TIP Time Code Reader +  
Ring Time Code Reader -  
Sleeve Ground  
NOTES:  
1. 1/4” TRS Phonejack  
2. Differential op-amp output circuit.  
104  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix D • Cable Information  
WORD CLOCK IN Connector  
NOTES:  
1. BNC, 75 Ohm Terminated. TTL logic levels.  
WORD CLOCK OUT Connector  
NOTES:  
1. BNC, 75 Ohm Drive Capability. TTL logic levels.  
VIDEO IN/OUT Connector  
NOTES:  
1. BNC, Video is connected in parallel between connectors.  
2. 1K Ohm input impedance. Supports Composite, Color Bars, Black Burst.  
Should be 75 ohm terminated if at end of cable.  
VITC IN Connector  
NOTES:  
1. BNC, 75 Ohm Terminated.  
SERIAL CONNECTORS  
NOTES:  
1. These connectors are for factory diagnostics only.  
2. 9-pin D-subminiature female connector (DB-9), connected to COM1 on the  
motherboard.  
3. 25-pin D-subminiature female Connector (DB-25), connected to COM2 on the  
motherboard.  
SCSI Connector  
NOTES:  
1. SCSI-2 Compliant.  
PRX Connector  
NOTES:  
1. 3.5 mm Stereo Phonejack.  
2. Same audio signal as on Headphone Monitor, but audio on tip  
(left channel) only.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix D • Cable Information  
105  
Keyboard Operation (with optional MM-RC)  
The optional MM-RC (Remote Control unit) has a keyboard connector located on the rear panel which  
accepts a standard PC-AT style keyboard. The purpose of the keyboard is to facilitate selecting menu  
items while in the Setup Mode and to make it easier to name Projects and Tracks. There is no way to  
connect a keyboard directly to the MMR or MMP – this must be done using the MM-RC.  
Note: The internal software of the MM-RC will be automatically updated as necessary when an MMR-8  
or MMP-16 is booted while attached to the MM-RC. Be sure the power switch of the MM-RC is on while  
the MMR/MMP unit is started so the unit can sense the presence of the remote.  
The MM-RC Keyboard Connector  
The MM-RC keyboard connector provides a means to attach a standard PC-AT style keyboard. Here are  
the pin out signals for this connector as seen facing the back of the MM-RC:  
Pin 3: X  
Pin 1: PC KBD CLK  
Pin 4: PC KBD GND  
Pin 5: PC KBD 5V  
Pin 2: PC KBD DATA  
You may attach the PC Keyboard to the MM-RC before or after switching on the MM-RC power.  
106  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix E • Glossary  
Appendix E: MMP-16 Glossary  
Abbreviations  
and Terms  
Definitions  
24 frames  
The standard film frame rate per second.  
25 frames  
The standard PAL and SECAM video frame rate per second.  
The standard NTSC video frame rate for color broadcasting per second.  
The standard audio-only and black and white video frame rate per second.  
29.97 frames  
30 frames  
AES/EBU  
Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union. The two main  
organizations that set the standards for audio production. Digital audio  
connections are often referred to as AES/EBU since these organizations  
standardized the digital audio interconnection methods.  
Autolocator  
Biphase  
An analog tape function to position the transport to previously marked  
locations that is emulated in the MMP-16 using the LOC key and a register or  
memory location to instantly locate the “play head.”  
The two-pulse sync signal generated by a film transport that the MMP-16 uses  
to generate time code or feet & frames timing. The MMP-16 can also generate  
biphase signals to control a film transport.  
Bus  
Any signal that is daisy chained between multiple devices. In the case of the  
MMP-16, there are two main buses: the MMR bus and the Lynx Bus.  
Calibrate  
Adjusting a signal to match a reference or standard. The MMP-16’s inputs can  
be calibrated so that a +4 dBu signal will correctly drive the MMP-16, and the  
outputs can be calibrated for a +4 dBu output from the MMP-16. In these cases  
the calibration references are the level meters.  
Capture  
Chase  
During play or stop saves the current time code into the bottom line of the LCD  
display for subsequent saving to a memory or position register.  
The process whereby one device controls another device to synchronize their  
playback. Chase implies there is both a synchronization signal as well as a  
device control signal.  
Clear  
Clip  
A function to remove audio between the In and Out times on one or more  
tracks of audio.  
Indicates the maximum signal level has been exceeded going into the analog-  
digital converter. Typically this will cause severe distortion (popping, snapping,  
crackling sounds) in the output signal.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix E • Glossary  
107  
Abbreviations  
and Terms  
Definitions  
Control Mode  
Control Track  
The mode (menu 000) which sets how the MMP-16 is being controlled.  
The VTR speed control signal recorded onto the tape. It typically also has time  
code recorded in it.  
DF  
Drop Frame. A type of time code that compensates for color video tape (which  
runs at 29.97 frames per second) having 108 less frames per hour than black  
and white video (which uses 30 frames per second). Since most video  
productions are in color, 108 frames must be “dropped” each hour from the  
audio in order to keep audio and video in sync. 29.97 DF is the normal time  
code used in the majority of video applications.  
Dubber  
Edit  
An audio transport that uses film sprockets as its timing device.  
The process of modifying the tracks in a project using the EDIT key and one of  
the edit functions (cut, copy, paste, clear, insert, open).  
Error  
An LCD display that indicates a problem with the MMP-16 or with the last  
operator key entry.  
Frame  
Each image on a film strip is a frame. In video, a frame consists of two  
interlaced fields. In film there are 24 frames per second (fps). In video there are  
25 fps in the PAL and SECAM systems (European broadcasting) and 29.97 fps  
in the NTSC system (USA and Japan). Older black and white video and audio-  
only applications use 30 fps.  
Frame Reference  
Groups  
The timing signal for each frame of video.  
There are four Sync Groups in the MMP-16. This allows multiple MMP-16s to  
be shared between up to four film transports or video systems.  
HH:MM:SS:FF  
Head  
SMPTE/EBU time code stated as Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames.  
The start of a project.  
Input Monitor  
Applies the MMP-16 track Input to the Output in lieu of the audio from the  
hard drive. Typically used to check Input levels before recording.  
Interlock  
Refers to synchronizing film transports, audio dubbers and audio transports via  
the biphase bus.  
Jam Sync  
When discontinuous time code is found on a tape, jam sync will ignore the gaps  
to create continuous time code on another tape.  
Jog  
Also called scrub, this function uses the Wheel to manually control the speed of  
forward and reverse play.  
KCU  
Keyboard Control Unit. TimeLine’s external machine controller. Provides  
remote control for up to six machines (MMP-16s or tape machines).  
108  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix E • Glossary  
Abbreviations  
and Terms  
Definitions  
LCD  
Liquid Crystal Display. The twenty character by two line display used on the  
MMP-16 to display time code, Setup Menus, or machine status.  
LED  
Local  
Light Emitting Diode. Front panel indicators used to identify machine or key status.  
When the MMP-16 is Off-line it is said to be in local mode.  
Locate  
Jumps the MMP-16 (and any controlled machines) to a new time code location  
using the LOC key and one of the registers or memories.  
Loop  
LTC  
Plays the project between the In and Out time code points according to the  
Loop Mode setting selected in Setup Menu 110.  
Longitudinal Time Code. Time code that is recorded on audio tape or using one  
of the audio tracks or the control track on videotape.  
Lynx  
TimeLine’s machine controller interface bus that is compatible with the MMP-  
16, Lynx-2 Interface, the KCU, and Micro Lynx controllers.  
Lynx Master  
The Lynx device that is the master for the Lynx bus. If one or more MMP-16s  
are tied to the Lynx bus only one can be the master on the Lynx bus.  
Lynx Sync  
Machine  
The Lynx bus frame clock.  
Any audio, video or film playback device.  
Machine  
Control  
Remote control commands for positional control and operational control of a  
device. In the case of the MMP-16, machine control commands can come from  
the MIDI input, the Lynx or MMR buses, the Editor input or the parallel remote  
input.  
Master  
MIDI  
The device that is in positional control of one or more slave devices.  
Musical Instrument Digital Interface. A serial data connection originally used  
to communicate key and voice parameters between music synthesizers. The  
MMP-16 will respond to MMC (MIDI Machine Commands) but will ignore  
any other signals transmitted on the MIDI bus.  
MMR Bus  
An asynchronous bus that ties multiple MMP-16s together to relay motion  
control commands and timing references from the master machine to the slave  
machines. The MMR bus supports up to four Sync Groups with their own  
timing references and motion control commands.  
MMR Master  
Mixdown  
The MMP-16 that is in control of a particular Sync Group on the MMR bus.  
The process of bringing together the multiple tracks of dialogue, FX, Foley,  
and music to create a finished soundtrack for a film or video production.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix E • Glossary  
109  
Abbreviations  
and Terms  
Definitions  
Monitor  
The process of selecting one or more tracks to listen to in the headphones or  
rear panel studio monitor output.  
Motion Controls  
MTC  
The “transport” keys on the MMP-16.  
MIDI Time Code. Time code that is transmitted as part of a MIDI signal.  
Because there is not enough room for the complete time code to be sent at once,  
MTC counts in two frame increments.  
Multitrack  
NDF  
A tape or solid state device that can record and/or playback more than one track  
of audio at a time.  
Non-Drop Frame. A type of time code that uses full frames for timing. It is  
used in audio-only applications and with black and white video.  
NTSC  
National TV Standards Committee. The television and video format used in the  
USA and Japan. The basic frame rate is 30 fps for monochrome and 29.97 fps  
for color transmissions and recording.  
Offset  
The amount of difference between the program time code and an event. Tracks  
and entire machines can be offset. Offsets are sometimes added to correct for  
incorrect time code numbers on a tape or to compensate for timing delays  
between machines.  
Operating State  
There are eight operating states of the MMP-16, Normal, Setup, Load Track,  
View Track, Slip Track, Backup,Verify, and Error. These are distinguished by  
the nature of the information displayed in the LCD window and by the keys  
that are available while in each state.  
PAL  
Phase Alternating Line. The main European broadcasting standard that uses a  
25 fps rate.  
Phase Lock  
The process where a machine is locked to reference signal (or to another  
machine’s reference signal) so that its reference signal can be matched in phase  
by controlling the speed of the machine compared to the other machine or to a  
speed reference signal.  
RAM  
Random Access Memory. To convert audio from analog into digital, or vice  
versa, a RAM buffer is required to allow the continuous analog audio to be  
converted into “chunks” of digital data and the chunks of data from the hard  
drive to be converted back into continuous analog audio.  
Rate  
How many ticks per second of some clock or other counter. There are various  
rates used in the MMP-16 include fps (frames per second), ppf (pulse per  
frame, biphase), word clock (samples per second)  
Reference  
The master clock. The MMP-16 uses two reference signals: a sample reference  
110  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix E • Glossary  
Abbreviations  
and Terms  
Definitions  
for the audio and a frame reference to keep the audio timed correctly to the  
video or film frame.  
Register  
A memory that holds a time code position or other number. There are 11  
dedicated registers (to hold such numbers as the Head, Tail, In and Out points,  
etc.) plus 10 memory registers (0 -9) in the MMP-16.  
Reshape  
Resolving  
Safe  
The process of regenerating incoming time code so that the time code output is  
clean and free of noise or other signal distortions.  
The process of regulating the playback speed of a machine through phase  
locking a recorded signal on the tape to a fixed reference signal.  
No recording can take place since all record enables are locked out.  
Sample  
Reference  
The reference for the digital audio sample clock in the MMP-16. It can come  
from a digital input, from the word clock input, or from the frame reference.  
SCSI  
Small Computer System Interface. The bus that connects external removable  
drives to the MMP-16.  
Setup Menus  
The method through which operating parameters are changed and set in the  
MMP-16. To bring up the Setup Menus on the LCD display press the Setup  
key.  
Shuttle  
Manual control over the machine transport from stop to play to fast forward  
and from stop to reverse play to rewind through using the Wheel.  
Slip  
The process of adding slight timing offsets to individual tracks.  
SMPTE  
Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers. The organization that  
developed and approved the video time code that is often referred to as SMPTE  
or SMPTE/EBU code.  
Sync Group  
Sync Word  
TC  
Each MMP-16 can be placed into one of four Sync Groups, or groups of  
machines that can be controlled together. The Sync Group also selects the  
biphase input that is being used.  
Part of the SMPTE/EBU time code, the sync word indicates the end of the time  
code word. It can also be used to determine the direction the transport is  
moving as well as for phase locking.  
Time Code. The 80 bit biphase-encoded code (90 bit code is used in VITC  
code) that marks the time on a video or audio tape in  
hours:minutes:seconds:frames:subframes. It also identifies the type of code  
being used (DF or NDF). It can be recorded longitudinally along the edge of a  
tape or recorded within the vertical interval on a video tape. Time code can also  
be encoded onto film, although in most applications the time code will be  
generated from the film transport biphase signal.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix E • Glossary  
111  
Abbreviations  
and Terms  
Definitions  
TC Generator  
TC Reader  
Time Code Generator. A device to create the 80 bit time code signal for  
recording onto a video or audio tape. The MMP-16 contains a built-in generator  
which is always sending out TC when the MMP-16 is playing.  
Time Code Reader. The circuit in the MMP-16 that reads incoming time code  
from the VITC or time code inputs. Typically used to slave the MMP-16 to  
another time code generator’s output.  
Tail  
The end of the track’s audio.  
Track  
Can refer to one of the audio channels in the MMP-16, but typically it refers to  
the edited audio for one track of audio on the reel.  
Track Select  
Transport  
The process of selecting which tracks an action affects through using the SEL  
key for that track.  
A generic reference to any audio, video, or film device that mechanically  
“moves tape” or electronically plays audio or video.  
Trim  
The process of adjusting the time code using the Wheel.  
Unmount  
The process of releasing the removable hard drive from the MMP-16 so that it  
can be removed.  
User Settings  
Video Sync  
When any MMP-16 Setup parameters have been changed, the new settings can  
be saved in a User Settings File (menu 900). Ten User Settings are available.  
Also known as house sync, it is generated by an extremely stable video source  
and consists of black burst, sync bars, or composite video. It’s used as a timing  
reference to synchronize video devices throughout a video facility.  
Virtual Tracks  
VITC  
Audio tracks that are “stacked” on top of one another so that alternate takes can  
be kept at hand. Only the track on top will actually play back.  
Vertical Interval Time Code. SMPTE/EBU time code that is recorded within  
the video signal on a VTR. It has an advantage over LTC in that it can be read  
during fast searches and even when the video machine is paused since the  
rotating VTR heads are always reading the video portion of the tape.  
VSO  
Variable Speed Oscillator. Indicates that the audio is not being played back at a  
“standard” playback speed, but is rather playing back at an off-speed for an  
effect or to compensate for incorrect timing between devices.  
Word Clock  
Wheel  
The digital audio clocking signal (44.1 or 48 kHz most commonly used) used to  
synchronize audio devices.  
The rotary encoder on the MMP-16 front panel that can be used to trim, jog,  
and shuttle audio, in addition to being used to scroll through the Setup Menus  
and menu choices.  
112  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix E • Glossary  
Appendix F: Disk Time Chart  
TASCAM MMR-8 and MMP-16 System  
Disk Time Chart  
MMR-8 Available Rec. Time  
48 kHz - 8 Channels  
48 kHz - 1 Channel  
Sampling Rate (kHz)  
Word Length (bits)  
Hard Drive Capacity (GB)  
Number of Channels  
Record Time (mins.)  
Record Time (hours:mins)  
48 48  
16 16  
48 48 48 48 48  
16 24 24 24 16  
48  
16  
4
48 48 48  
16 24 24  
48  
24  
9
2
8
4
8
9
8
2
8
4
8
9
8
2
1
9
1
2
1
4
1
1
1
43 87 195 29 58 130 347 694 1562 231 462 1041  
:43 1:27 3:15 :29 :58 2:10 5:47 11:34 26:02 3:51 7:42 17:21  
MMR-8 Available Rec. Time  
44.1 kHz - 8 Channels  
44.1 kHz -1 Channel  
Sampling Rate (kHz)  
Word Length (bits)  
Hard Drive Capacity (GB)  
Number of Channels  
Record Time (mins.)  
Record Time (hours:mins)  
44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1  
16 16  
16 24 24 24 16  
16  
4
1
16 24 24  
24  
9
1
2
8
4
8
9
8
2
8
4
8
9
8
2
1
9
1
2
1
4
1
47 94 213 31 63 142 377 755 1700 251 503 1133  
:47 1:34 3:33 :31 1:03 2:22 6:17 12:35 28:20 4:11 8:23 18:53  
MMR-8 Available Rec. Time  
48 kHz - 2 Channels  
48 kHz – 4 Channel  
Sampling Rate (kHz)  
Word Length (bits)  
Hard Drive Capacity (GB)  
Number of Channels  
Record Time (mins.)  
Record Time (hours:mins)  
48 48  
16 16  
48 48 48 48 48  
16 24 24 24 16  
48  
16  
4
48 48 48  
16 24 24  
48  
24  
9
2
2
4
2
9
2
2
2
4
2
9
2
2
4
9
4
2
4
4
4
4
4
174 347 781 116 231 521 87 174 391 58 116 260  
2:54 5:47 13:01 1:56 3:51 8:41 1:27 2:54 6:31 :58 1:56 4:20  
MMR-8 Available Rec. Time  
44.1 kHz - 2 Channels  
44.1 kHz -4 Channel  
Sampling Rate (kHz)  
Word Length (bits)  
Hard Drive Capacity (GB)  
Number of Channels  
Record Time (mins.)  
Record Time (hours:mins)  
44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1  
16 16  
16 24 24 24 16  
16  
4
16 24 24  
24  
9
2
4
9
2
4
9
2
9
2
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
4
4
4
4
4
4
189 378 850 126 252 567 94 189 425 63 126 283  
3:09 6:18 14:10 2:06 4:12 9:27 1:34 3:09 7:05 1:03 2:06 4:43  
MMR-8 Available Rec. Time  
44.1 kHz - 16 Channels  
48 kHz -16 Channel  
Sampling Rate (kHz)  
Word Length (bits)  
Hard Drive Capacity (GB)  
Number of Channels  
Record Time (mins.)  
Record Time (hours:mins)  
44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1 48  
48  
16  
4
16  
43  
48 48 48  
16 24 24  
48  
24  
9
16  
65  
16 16  
16 24 24 24 16  
2
4
9
2
4
9
2
9
2
4
16 16  
16 16 16 16 16  
16 16 16  
98 14 29  
24 47 106 16 31 71 22  
:24 :47 1:46 :16 :31 1:11 :22 :43 1:38 :14 :29 1:05  
Note: There is a single file limit of one Gigabyte (about 3 tracks hours) for WaveFrame files  
This means no individual contiguous sound file can be longer. This restriction applies only to  
WaveFrame files. The MMR Reserves 10% of total formatted disk space as a reserve - up to a  
maximum of 250 MB. This reserve disk space is not figured into the above calculations - actual  
record time may vary slightly.  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix F • Disk Time  
113  
114  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Index  
Index  
9
9-pin serial operation ..............................................................................................................................................................80  
A
AC Mains and Grounding .......................................................................................................................................................20  
AC Power Cord ......................................................................................................................................................................17  
Active Mode/Key Indicators....................................................................................................................................................37  
AES/EBU connection..............................................................................................................................................................11  
AES/EBU Digital Audio Connector.......................................................................................................................................103  
AES/EBU Sample Rate...........................................................................................................................................................24  
AIO........................................................................................................................................................................................10  
Analog I/O Cables................................................................................................................................................................20  
Analog Input & Output Connectors .......................................................................................................................................102  
Analog Out Connections .........................................................................................................................................................22  
Audio Connections .................................................................................................................................................................22  
audio outputs ..........................................................................................................................................................................11  
B
Back Panel Connections..........................................................................................................................................................21  
Backup.............................................................................................................................................................................54, 63  
Backup state ...........................................................................................................................................................................13  
Backup State Display ..............................................................................................................................................................42  
Basic Operation ......................................................................................................................................................................61  
Biphase Chase ........................................................................................................................................................................75  
Biphase Connections...............................................................................................................................................................24  
Biphase Connectors ..............................................................................................................................................................102  
Biphase Operations Board.......................................................................................................................................................10  
biphase pulse rates chart..........................................................................................................................................................81  
Biphase Setup Menus..............................................................................................................................................................82  
Biphase Transport.............................................................................................................................................................75, 82  
BUSY LED ............................................................................................................................................................................38  
C
Cable Information...................................................................................................................................................................99  
Capt .......................................................................................................................................................................................57  
Capturing the Current Time Code............................................................................................................................................65  
Clear ......................................................................................................................................................................................48  
CLR .......................................................................................................................................................................................57  
Configuration Settings ............................................................................................................................................................37  
Control Mode .........................................................................................................................................................................74  
Control Panel Command Summary..........................................................................................................................................91  
Copy.......................................................................................................................................................................................48  
Crossfades in OMF.................................................................................................................................................................65  
Cut.........................................................................................................................................................................................48  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Index  
115  
D
Delete.....................................................................................................................................................................................53  
Deleting Tracks ......................................................................................................................................................................63  
Delta (D) Trim ........................................................................................................................................................................45  
Digidesign Pro Toolsä ...........................................................................................................................................................10  
Digital I/O Cables .................................................................................................................................................................20  
Digital Out Connections..........................................................................................................................................................22  
DIO........................................................................................................................................................................................10  
Disk Initialize .........................................................................................................................................................................61  
Disk Low Format....................................................................................................................................................................61  
Disk Time Chart ...................................................................................................................................................................113  
Down Arrow...........................................................................................................................................................................45  
Downloading Software Updates ..............................................................................................................................................31  
Drive Compatibility Chart.......................................................................................................................................................95  
E
Edit ........................................................................................................................................................................................50  
Edit commands.......................................................................................................................................................................47  
Edit Sync Mode ......................................................................................................................................................................51  
Editor .....................................................................................................................................................................................75  
Editor Connector...................................................................................................................................................................100  
Editor Device..........................................................................................................................................................................80  
Editor Port..............................................................................................................................................................................80  
Entry Register.........................................................................................................................................................................66  
ERROR LED..........................................................................................................................................................................38  
Error state...............................................................................................................................................................................13  
Error State Display..................................................................................................................................................................43  
Event......................................................................................................................................................................................52  
External Controllers & Bus Connections..................................................................................................................................25  
External Drives.......................................................................................................................................................................86  
External SCSI Media ..............................................................................................................................................................28  
F
Factory Default Settings..........................................................................................................................................................32  
Fast Forward Key....................................................................................................................................................................44  
Film Post Production...............................................................................................................................................................81  
Formatting Disks ....................................................................................................................................................................87  
Free........................................................................................................................................................................................56  
Front Panel Controls ...............................................................................................................................................................44  
Front Panel Controls and Indicators.........................................................................................................................................37  
G
Glossary ...............................................................................................................................................................................107  
H
Hardware Overview................................................................................................................................................................10  
Head.......................................................................................................................................................................................57  
Headphone Jack......................................................................................................................................................................67  
Headphone Volume ................................................................................................................................................................67  
116  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Index  
I
Ident Assigned........................................................................................................................................................................79  
Ident Request..........................................................................................................................................................................79  
In Point...................................................................................................................................................................................56  
Insert......................................................................................................................................................................................49  
Installation..............................................................................................................................................................................17  
Installing Multiple MMR Units ...............................................................................................................................................19  
Intel Pentium™ ......................................................................................................................................................................10  
INTERLOCK LED .................................................................................................................................................................38  
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................. 9  
J
Jaz drive.................................................................................................................................................................................28  
Jog .........................................................................................................................................................................................46  
K
Keyboard Operation................................................................................................................................................................26  
Keyboard Operation with MM-RC ........................................................................................................................................106  
Keypad Group ........................................................................................................................................................................55  
Keys.......................................................................................................................................................................................33  
Keys & Definitions.................................................................................................................................................................33  
Kingston Carrier .....................................................................................................................................................................10  
Kingston removable drive carrier.............................................................................................................................................17  
L
LCD .......................................................................................................................................................................................11  
LED Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................................37  
LED peak meters ....................................................................................................................................................................11  
LIM/DOW..............................................................................................................................................................................28  
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) .................................................................................................................................................39  
Load Track .............................................................................................................................................................................52  
Load Track state .....................................................................................................................................................................12  
Load Track State Display ........................................................................................................................................................41  
Loading a Project, Session, or Composition .............................................................................................................................62  
Loading and Mounting Drives.................................................................................................................................................61  
Loading Individual Tracks ......................................................................................................................................................62  
LOC (Locate) .........................................................................................................................................................................60  
Local/Bus...............................................................................................................................................................................74  
LOCK LED ............................................................................................................................................................................38  
Loop.......................................................................................................................................................................................59  
Lynx Bus..........................................................................................................................................................................77, 84  
Lynx Bus / KCU Connection...................................................................................................................................................25  
Lynx Connector ....................................................................................................................................................................100  
Lynx KCU..............................................................................................................................................................................29  
LYNX KCU 900 software.......................................................................................................................................................77  
Lynx Sync ..............................................................................................................................................................................55  
M
Machine Status LEDs..............................................................................................................................................................38  
Magneto-Optical.....................................................................................................................................................................28  
Maintenance & Service...........................................................................................................................................................85  
Materials Kit Box ...................................................................................................................................................................17  
Meter LEDs............................................................................................................................................................................38  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Index  
117  
MIDI Connections ..................................................................................................................................................................24  
MIDI In/Thru/Out Connector ................................................................................................................................................100  
MIDI LED..............................................................................................................................................................................38  
MMP-16 Front Panel ..............................................................................................................................................................35  
MMR Bus...............................................................................................................................................................................79  
MMR Bus Request .................................................................................................................................................................79  
MMR Bus Sync Cable ............................................................................................................................................................17  
MMR Sync Bus Connections ..................................................................................................................................................25  
MMR-Bus Connector............................................................................................................................................................104  
MM-RC Keyboard Connector ...............................................................................................................................................106  
MM-RC Remote Control.........................................................................................................................................................26  
MOC......................................................................................................................................................................................10  
MOC Calibration Procedure....................................................................................................................................................85  
Mon .......................................................................................................................................................................................52  
Monitoring .............................................................................................................................................................................67  
Monitoring Connections..........................................................................................................................................................22  
Mount ....................................................................................................................................................................................44  
N
Next Edit................................................................................................................................................................................57  
Nikon Beluga AV ...................................................................................................................................................................28  
Normal backup .......................................................................................................................................................................63  
Normal state ...........................................................................................................................................................................12  
Normal State Display ..............................................................................................................................................................39  
Numeric Keys.........................................................................................................................................................................55  
O
Offset .....................................................................................................................................................................................56  
OFFSET LED.........................................................................................................................................................................38  
OMF ......................................................................................................................................................................................10  
OMF Export ............................................................................................................................................................... 42, 54, 64  
OMF import to Pro Tools........................................................................................................................................................64  
Online Key .............................................................................................................................................................................44  
Open ......................................................................................................................................................................................49  
Out Point................................................................................................................................................................................56  
Output Level Calibration.........................................................................................................................................................85  
P
Panel/Display State Chart........................................................................................................................................................14  
Panel/Display states ................................................................................................................................................................12  
Parallel Tracks........................................................................................................................................................................26  
Parallel Tracks Connector .......................................................................................................................................................99  
Parallel Transport ...................................................................................................................................................................26  
Parallel Transport Connector...................................................................................................................................................99  
Paste.......................................................................................................................................................................................48  
PC Keyboard ..........................................................................................................................................................................27  
PC-AT style keyboard..................................................................................................................................................... 26, 106  
Play Key.................................................................................................................................................................................44  
Powering Up...........................................................................................................................................................................30  
Previous Edit ..........................................................................................................................................................................56  
Pro Tools................................................................................................................................................................................64  
PRX (DSP) card .....................................................................................................................................................................10  
PRX Connector.....................................................................................................................................................................105  
118  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Index  
R
Rack Ears ...............................................................................................................................................................................18  
Rack Ears Kit .........................................................................................................................................................................17  
RCL (Recall) ..........................................................................................................................................................................58  
Reader....................................................................................................................................................................................56  
Recalling Registers .................................................................................................................................................................65  
Redo.......................................................................................................................................................................................49  
Registers ................................................................................................................................................................................65  
Removable Media...................................................................................................................................................................87  
Reverse Play Key....................................................................................................................................................................44  
Reversed Text.........................................................................................................................................................................33  
Rewind Key............................................................................................................................................................................44  
S
Sample Reference Connections ...............................................................................................................................................24  
SCSI.......................................................................................................................................................................................10  
SCSI Connector ....................................................................................................................................................................105  
SEL (Track Select)..................................................................................................................................................................47  
Serial Connectors..................................................................................................................................................................105  
Serial Editor Connection .........................................................................................................................................................26  
Serial Transport ......................................................................................................................................................................75  
Serial Transport Connection....................................................................................................................................................26  
Service ...................................................................................................................................................................................85  
Setup......................................................................................................................................................................................45  
Setup and Wheel Group ..........................................................................................................................................................45  
Setup Menu Chart...................................................................................................................................................................71  
Setup Menus...........................................................................................................................................................................69  
Setup Operation......................................................................................................................................................................70  
Setup state ..............................................................................................................................................................................12  
Setup State .............................................................................................................................................................................69  
Setup State Display.................................................................................................................................................................40  
Shift .......................................................................................................................................................................................58  
Shift Key ................................................................................................................................................................................33  
SHTL (Shuttle).......................................................................................................................................................................46  
Slip ........................................................................................................................................................................................54  
Slip Track state.................................................................................................................................................................12, 13  
Slip Track State Display..........................................................................................................................................................41  
SMPTE/EBU Time Code In/Out .............................................................................................................................................23  
Software updates...............................................................................................................................................................31, 89  
Sony BVU-950 .......................................................................................................................................................................80  
Sony P-2 protocol ...................................................................................................................................................................80  
Sony PCM-7030 .....................................................................................................................................................................80  
Sound Designer II format...................................................................................................................................................... See  
STO (Store)............................................................................................................................................................................58  
Stop Key.................................................................................................................................................................................44  
Sync card................................................................................................................................................................................10  
SyQuest..................................................................................................................................................................................28  
System Software.....................................................................................................................................................................89  
System Specifications .............................................................................................................................................................15  
T
Tail ........................................................................................................................................................................................56  
Tape Mode backup............................................................................................................................................................54, 64  
Tascam DA-88........................................................................................................................................................................11  
Tascam MM-RC...............................................................................................................................................................11, 29  
Technical Support...................................................................................................................................................................89  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Index  
119  
Text Above Keys ....................................................................................................................................................................33  
Time Code Chase....................................................................................................................................................................74  
Time Register .........................................................................................................................................................................57  
Timecode................................................................................................................................................................................23  
Timecode In Connector.........................................................................................................................................................104  
Timecode Out Connector ......................................................................................................................................................104  
TimeLine Lynx Keyboard Control Unit...................................................................................................................................11  
TONE LED ............................................................................................................................................................................38  
Toolkit ...................................................................................................................................................................................17  
Track......................................................................................................................................................................................53  
Track Group ...........................................................................................................................................................................47  
Track Mode keys ....................................................................................................................................................................12  
Track Status Indicators............................................................................................................................................................37  
Transport (Sony 9-pin) Connector .........................................................................................................................................101  
Transport Group .....................................................................................................................................................................44  
Trim.......................................................................................................................................................................................45  
Trimming Time Code Values ..................................................................................................................................................66  
U
UI/B.......................................................................................................................................................................................10  
Undo ......................................................................................................................................................................................49  
Unload ...................................................................................................................................................................................54  
Unloading Tracks ...................................................................................................................................................................63  
Unmount ................................................................................................................................................................................44  
Up Arrow ...............................................................................................................................................................................45  
User Settings ..........................................................................................................................................................................75  
V
Varispeed ...............................................................................................................................................................................75  
Verify state.............................................................................................................................................................................13  
Verify State Display................................................................................................................................................................43  
Verifying MMR-8 Installation.................................................................................................................................................30  
Video In/Out...........................................................................................................................................................................23  
Video In/Out Connector........................................................................................................................................................105  
Video Post Production.............................................................................................................................................................84  
Video Reference Signals .........................................................................................................................................................23  
View Track state.....................................................................................................................................................................13  
View Track State Display........................................................................................................................................................40  
Viewing Tracks ......................................................................................................................................................................63  
VITC In..................................................................................................................................................................................23  
VITC In Connector ...............................................................................................................................................................105  
W
WaveFrame Compatibility.......................................................................................................................................................97  
WaveFrameä .........................................................................................................................................................................10  
Wheel.....................................................................................................................................................................................46  
Word Clock ............................................................................................................................................................................24  
Word Clock In Connector......................................................................................................................................................105  
Word Clock Out Connector...................................................................................................................................................105  
World Wide Web....................................................................................................................................................................89  
120  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Index  
Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Index  
121  
»
MMP-16  
TEAC CORPORATION  
3-7-3, Nakacho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180, Japan Phone: (0422) 52-5082  
TEAC AMERICA, INC.  
TEAC CANADA LTD.  
7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 Phone: (213) 726-0303  
5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada Phone: 905-890-8008 Facsimile: 905-890-9888  
Privada De Corina, No.18, Colonia Del Carmen Coyoacon, Mexico DF 04100 Phone: 5-658-1943  
5 Marlin House, Marlins Meadow, The Croxley Centre, Watford, Herts. WD1 8YA, U.K. Phone: 01923-819699  
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany Phone: 0611-71580  
TEAC MEXICO, S.A. De C.V  
TEAC UK LIMITED  
TEAC DEUTSCHLAND GmbH  
TEAC FRANCE S. A.  
17 Rue Alexis-de-Tocqueville, CE 005 92182 Antony Cedex, France Phone: 01.42.37.01.02  
P.A. TEAC Nederland BV, Perkinsbaan 11a, 3439 ND Nieuwegein, Netherlands Phone: 0031-30-6048115  
Perkinsbaan 11a, 3439 ND Nieuwegein, Netherlands Phone: 030-6030229  
TEAC BELGIUM NV/SA  
TEAC NEDERLAND BV  
TEAC AUSTRALIA PTY., LTD.  
A.C.N. 005 408 462  
106 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia Phone: (03) 9644-2442  
Via C. Cantù 11, 20092 Cinisello Balsamo, Milano, Italy Phone: 02-66010500  
TEAC ITALIANA S.p.A.  

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