Tascam Unveils Version 2.1 Software for MMR-8/MMP-16 Modular Multitracks

New Version Includes MMC, Akai playback, Varispeed, Serial Transport and Dailies Mode

September 26, 1998 -- TASCAM, the world's most recognized name in professional audio products, will unveil Version 2.1 for their MMR-8 and MMP-16 Modular Multitrack units at the 105th AES Convention, held from September 26 to 29 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Booth 1257. The new software update for TASCAM's digital audio dubber products, scheduled to ship this October, is provided free to all registered owners of these units and includes several important new features. Among these are MIDI Machine Control, support for Akai DD-8 files, Varispeed mode, Serial Transport mode, Dailies Mode, Project Rename, a new highly optimized SCSI driver and support for TASCAM's new MMU-16 meter bridge.

According to Gene Joly, TASCAM division manager, "The new version 2.1 software release for the MMR-8 and MMP-16 extends TASCAM's leadership in post production products for film and television. We are dedicated to listening closely to our customers and providing timely software updates to respond to their need for flexible and powerful tools. This new release reaffirms that commitment and ensures that TASCAM digital dubbers continue to be the technology leaders in this important market."

The new software provides support for playback and conversion of files created on the Akai DD-8 dubber, further extending the already impressive multi-format and multi-platform support already provided by TASCAM digital dubbers. This capability allows playback of 16- and 24-bit Akai DD-8 files and conversion of Akai files to WaveFrame, OMF and Pro Tools formats.

Two new control modes, Varispeed and Serial Transport, have also been added in this latest release. Varispeed is used to produce a specific, reproducible audio speed and pitch change, especially for music applications, and has a range of +/- 12 percent at 44.1 kHz and +4 percent to -12 percent at 48kHz. Serial Transport mode allows the MMR/MMP to output 9-pin Serial (P2) commands to control an external device, mirroring the transport control functions of the MMR or MMP unit to which the external device is attached. MIDI Machine Control has also been implemented in this new version to allow control of the MMR-8 and MMP-16 from MID sequencers, mixers and other devices which feature MMC control.

A fundamental change in this software revision is a new SCSI driver which provides increased efficiency and performance in playing and recording audio, especially for 24-bit files and media such as LIM/DOW optical drives. Other improvements include the ability to mount SCSI drives which were not present when the unit was booted, and improved speed in loading complex and heavily edited Pro Tools Session(R) files. A new MMR-8 "Dailies Mode" allows easy transfer of Daily reels from a NAGRA or other field recorder. Dailies Mode sets the MMR to a record ready state that causes it to go into record automatically whenever the unit locks to a valid incoming time code signal. After making a recording to an MMR using this mode, the audio recordings will appear at their appropriate time code locations on the timeline and can then be taken directly to a WaveFrame or Pro Tools system for editing.

For more information, visit their web site at www.tascam.com.