Teac FW-1884 - Manual (Page 5)

TASCAM FW-1884 Owner’s Manual
5
1 – Introduction
1.1 Overview
Thank you for choosing the TASCAM FW-1884. We
designed the FW-1884 to be an all-in-one solution for
your computer-based digital audio workstation system.
Its integrated design incorporates a high-resolution
professional multi-channel audio interface and inte-
grated zero-latency input monitor mixer, a fully inde-
pendent 4 x 4 MIDI interface and routing matrix, and
a highly programmable, ergonomically designed con-
trol surface for your audio software.
The FW-1884 was designed to be the nerve center of
your digital audio environment. Its versatile control
surface features nine touch-sensitive motorized faders,
transport and multi-function controls for direct, imme-
diate communication between your audio software and
you. Its full complement of analog mic and line inputs,
ADAT and S/PDIF inputs and outputs provides a high
resolution, 24 bit audio front end for input and output
of your digital audio workstation. With eight analog
and ten digital outputs it can accommodate various
surround modes, and its integrated free-standing mixer
provides the connectivity you need for your entire stu-
dio. Its fully configurable 4 x 4 MIDI routing matrix
requires no external software. And it connects to your
Windows

or MacOS

computer with a single
FireWire

connection.
Please take some time to look through this owners
manual and familiarize yourself with the FW-1884’s
features and operation. We suggest you pay particular
attention to the operational notes for your software
application(s) of choice. You may also want to refer to
your software’s documentation in many cases, for a
clear understanding of how certain features are inte-
grated. Your experience with the FW-1884 will be
greatly enhanced by a good working knowledge of your
audio software.
1.2 Features
The audio input section is fully 24-bit and can accom-
modate sample rates of up to 96 kHz. It is capable of
inputting up to 18 simultaneous channels of audio to
your computer. It features eight analog XLR inputs
with professional quality microphone preamps and
switchable phantom power, as well as eight line inputs
with channel inserts. Digital inputs are available in
ADAT lightpipe, TOSLink

and S/PDIF coaxial con-
figurations.
The output section offers eight balanced line level ana-
log outputs. Outputs 1 and 2 can be used alone to pro-
vide a two-channel mix output, or up to eight outputs
can be used independently to configure a multi-chan-
nel surround mix. ADAT lightpipe, TOSLink and S/
PDIF coaxial digital outputs are also featured.
The MIDI section features a fully independent 4 x 4
MIDI patchbay. Routing and configuration can be eas-
ily controlled via the FW-1884’s front panel. For syn-
chronization to external devices, word clock input and
output is offered on 75
Ω
coaxial BNC connectors.
The FW-1884’s control surface is intuitively designed
to integrate with all major digital audio workstation
software. Its nine touch-sensitive faders respond
instantly to your commands and update just as quickly.
Its transport controls, shuttle wheel and generous array
of application-dedicated switches puts deep control of
your audio software at your fingertips.
The FW-1884 is supported under Windows XP and
Windows 2000, as well as MacOS 9.2.2 or later, and
MacOS X.2.4 (Jaguar) or later. In addition, your com-
puter must be fitted with an IEEE-1394 (FireWire

)
interface. (NOTE: Some manufacturers may use a dif-
ferent nomenclature to refer to their FireWire

con-
nections, such as Sony’s “iLink”, or simply “1394”.)
The FW-1884 comes with a high-quality six-pin to six-
pin interface cable. We strongly suggest you use this
cable, or one of equal quality, for optimum audio per-
formance. If your computer is fitted with a 4-pin inter-
face, you will need to obtain a 4-pin to 6-pin IEEE
1394 cable, available at most computer dealers.
The FW-1884 is supplied with a 2 m (6-foot) cable. If
you wish to use a longer cable, the length should not be
more than 4.5 m (15 feet) and the cable should be the
best possible quality available to avoid data loss, which
results in audio dropouts.