Taperssection.com

Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: Gutbucket on June 05, 2015, 09:53:16 AM

Title: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on June 05, 2015, 09:53:16 AM
TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track (mk1, original 'silver handles' 680)-

part 1: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=131128.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=131128.0)
part 2: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=137231.360 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=137231.360)
part 3: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=141730.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=141730.0)
part 4: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=147677.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=147677.0)
part 5: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=157462.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=157462.0)
part 6: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=164963.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=164963.0)

Tascam DR-680 MKii ('red handles' version)-
part1: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=171565.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=171565.0)
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on June 05, 2015, 09:56:28 AM
Figure it best to keep the mk1 and mkii threads separate.  Carry on mk1 users..

I'm diggin' the lastest firmware for the mk1.  Thanks for continuing to support the mk1 Tascam.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: chinariderstl on August 28, 2015, 02:57:10 PM
In. :)

Out of curiosity, has anyone used the 'cascade' feature to gang two units together?
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on August 28, 2015, 03:00:15 PM
In. :)

Out of curiosity, has anyone used the 'cascade' feature to gang two units together?

Yes, with my 680 and 680MKII. Works extremely well, except for the fact that there's an offset between the two (that varies each time you record) that needs to be adjusted for in post. But the control works perfectly and they stay in perfect sync.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on August 28, 2015, 05:45:21 PM
In. :)

Out of curiosity, has anyone used the 'cascade' feature to gang two units together?

Yes, with my 680 and 680MKII. Works extremely well, except for the fact that there's an offset between the two (that varies each time you record) that needs to be adjusted for in post. But the control works perfectly and they stay in perfect sync.

Good to hear this is confirmed.

You might try turning off the pre-record buffer on both machines to see if the time offset then at least remains constant, and perhaps reduced, if not eliminated.   Doing so helps with R44 cascading.   Of course you loose the advantage of a few seconds of prerecord.   Worth a try I think. 
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on August 28, 2015, 05:48:41 PM
Good to hear this is confirmed.

You might try turning off the pre-record buffer on both machines to see if the time offset then at least remains constant, and perhaps reduced, if not eliminated.   Doing so helps with R44 cascading.   Of course you loose the advantage of a few seconds of prerecord.   Worth a try I think.

Hmm. Where is that setting?
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: chinariderstl on August 28, 2015, 06:03:59 PM
How do people record to the analog 1/4" TRS inputs 5&6?  Assuming I have two pair of mics using analog inputs 1&2 and 3&4, how would I record another pair to the analog TRS inputs 5&6?

If I put a MixPre in front of the DR-680 (to provide P48 phantom power to a pair of mics), could I simply run XLR out from the MixPre to TRS in on the DR-680 using a cable like the one below?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/928711-REG/canare_catmxf006bl_starquad_xlrf_trsm_cable_blue.html
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on August 28, 2015, 06:05:27 PM
How do people record to the analog 1/4" TRS inputs 5&6?  Assuming I have two pair of mics using analog inputs 1&2 and 3&4, how would I record another pair to the analog TRS inputs 5&6?

If I put a MixPre in front of the DR-680 (to provide P48 phantom power to a pair of mics), could I simply run XLR out from the MixPre to TRS in on the DR-680 using a cable like the one below?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/928711-REG/canare_catmxf006bl_starquad_xlrf_trsm_cable_blue.html

You just plug in and record.

You can do that, but you can also use P48 from the 680.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: chinariderstl on August 28, 2015, 06:12:24 PM
How do people record to the analog 1/4" TRS inputs 5&6?  Assuming I have two pair of mics using analog inputs 1&2 and 3&4, how would I record another pair to the analog TRS inputs 5&6?

If I put a MixPre in front of the DR-680 (to provide P48 phantom power to a pair of mics), could I simply run XLR out from the MixPre to TRS in on the DR-680 using a cable like the one below?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/928711-REG/canare_catmxf006bl_starquad_xlrf_trsm_cable_blue.html

You just plug in and record.

You can do that, but you can also use P48 from the 680.

So I could use a set of those cables to provide P48 to a pair of mics?  (Sorry if this seems obvious.)

Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on August 28, 2015, 06:18:14 PM
So I could use a set of those cables to provide P48 to a pair of mics?  (Sorry if this seems obvious.)

Yes.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: chinariderstl on August 28, 2015, 06:18:52 PM
So I could use a set of those cables to provide P48 to a pair of mics?  (Sorry if this seems obvious.)

Yes.

Sweet, thanks!! :)
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: obaaron on August 28, 2015, 09:13:24 PM
1/4" TRS cables will pass the 48v phantom. i have a set of 15' xlr > 1/4" trs just for those inputs
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: chinariderstl on August 29, 2015, 12:48:39 PM
Killer, thanks!
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on August 31, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Good to hear this is confirmed.

You might try turning off the pre-record buffer on both machines to see if the time offset then at least remains constant, and perhaps reduced, if not eliminated.   Doing so helps with R44 cascading.   Of course you loose the advantage of a few seconds of prerecord.   Worth a try I think.

Hmm. Where is that setting?

Function screen (brief press of HOME/FUNC button)
 
PRE.REC = OFF
probably should turn auto record (A.REC) off too, though doubtful anyone here is using that.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on September 01, 2015, 12:09:25 AM
Function screen (brief press of HOME/FUNC button)
 
PRE.REC = OFF
probably should turn auto record (A.REC) off too, though doubtful anyone here is using that.

Already off on both machines. So I guess that's not the issue.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 01, 2015, 12:58:37 AM
MK I
IN
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: JimmieC on September 16, 2015, 10:37:42 AM
Every time (not to often) I record an audience and sbd matrix there is a latency between the audience and sbd sources.  Should there not be a delay setting for each channel?  Am I missing a setting or something on the 680 mki? 
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on September 16, 2015, 10:52:33 AM
Every time (not to often) I record an audience and sbd matrix there is a latency between the audience and sbd sources.  Should there not be a delay setting for each channel?  Am I missing a setting or something on the 680 mki?

There's no setting to adjust delay.

What do you mean, latency? Just the fact that the audience mics are farther back from the stage?
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on September 16, 2015, 11:22:33 AM
Yes. Takes longer for the sound to travel through the air to the AUD mics than the electrical signal through the wires from the on-stage mics.

There is no delay available to compensate for that built into the DR-680 mrkI or mrkII.  Wish there was though. The three features lacking on the 680 are, in my opinion: independent polarity-inversion, EQ, and delay controls for each channel. 
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on September 16, 2015, 11:30:01 AM
I'm on vacation and using the most recent firmware feature to rebuild multichannel takes of files transferred back to the machine intended for multichannel playback. 

No problem renaming and transferring 4 channel recordings made with a DR2d to the 680 and rebuilding the takes.  The files play as simultaneous multichannel recordings instead of sequential individual files.

However there are a couple quirks:
1) No ability to set, erase or use markers 
2) Time display works, but no 'progress bar' indication of current playtback location within the file.
3) Scrub wheel does not work for moving within the file.  Held FFW/RWD buttons work to move within the file, but it takes a while to move through a two hour file set to find something near the end that way.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: JimmieC on September 16, 2015, 11:37:41 AM
Yeah, Gutbucket explained it better for me.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 25, 2015, 03:56:05 PM
I'm sure it's been covered here before but I am stuck on an older slow computer.... I apologize in advance for being lazy:

Can some one tell me what the 12 v DC in power tip is for this deck?  I believe it is a "C" tip would that be 5.5 mm x 2.5 mm? or larger, smaller?

Can someone direct me to a link of where I can purchase a right angle soldier-able power tip?

I need to make a couple of cables for batteries and want to ensure a sun positive fit for the power cable. I had some issues with the cable and tip that came supplied with my Naztech batteries.

Thanks
--Ian
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: drewloo on September 25, 2015, 04:04:46 PM
5.5 x 2.1
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: johnmuge on September 26, 2015, 11:32:25 AM
Per Ted's great list, the correct tip is " M "
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: chinariderstl on October 02, 2015, 06:11:56 PM
Question for the board: I supply 12V power to the DR-680 using a Naztech PB15000.  According to the DR-680 owner's manual, "If power is available from both batteries and the AC adaptor, the power is supplied by the AC adaptor."  If I stock the unit with 8 AA batteries and also use the Naztech to provide 12V power, and the Naztech runs out of power, will the internal AA's automatically kick in and power the unit?  Or do I need to change a value/flip a switch to force the unit to use the internal AA batteries?

Though I don't foresee an issue with the Naztech, I am a little concerned about its battery life.  I will be running two sets of condensers and providing 48V Phantom power to each (and recording at 24/96) for the upcoming Dead & Co. show in St. Louis.  The last thing I want is to run out of juice mid-show.

Any input and guidance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Chris.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on October 02, 2015, 06:18:41 PM
It automatically switches to the AA's when the external power is cut.

At least as long as everything is working normally.  I just found a few days ago that mine does not recognize the AA's, and only operates on external power.  Haven't looked very far into the issue yet though.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: chinariderstl on October 02, 2015, 06:27:40 PM
Gotchya, thanks man!

Good luck with the unit. :)
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: greenmtnsrider on November 14, 2015, 01:48:32 PM
Has anyone encountered any problems running a 680 at 9v? have run both my 680 and fp24 off the same battery at 12v with no problems, but I picked up a digital pre (UA-5) that utilizes 9v power. My battery can do 9v as well, so I'm intrigued.... Thanks in advance everyone!
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: danny3 on November 14, 2015, 02:58:22 PM
Has anyone encountered any problems running a 680 at 9v? have run both my 680 and fp24 off the same battery at 12v with no problems, but I picked up a digital pre (UA-5) that utilizes 9v power. My battery can do 9v as well, so I'm intrigued.... Thanks in advance everyone!

many users report no issues running the 680 on 9v; I have done so myself.  but remember that the ua5 runs off reverse polarity when configuring your cables...
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: achalsey on November 20, 2015, 05:45:44 PM
When running a stepped gain pre do people leave the 680 levels at 0, or does anyone here suggest doing minor  adjustments to even the levels in the 680?
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: jbell on November 20, 2015, 06:31:05 PM
New pre?

When running a stepped gain pre do people leave the 680 levels at 0, or does anyone here suggest doing minor  adjustments to even the levels in the 680?
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on November 20, 2015, 06:48:27 PM
Adjust trim on input levels however necessary individually, then link the two channels so that any further gain tweak adjustment is made to both channels (or however many are ganged together, up to all six) seamlessly and in synchrony.  You'd probably want to make gross gain adjustments on the preamp, but this channel gaining feature is a somewhat unique and very useful faction of the 680.

Has anyone encountered any problems running a 680 at 9v? have run both my 680 and fp24 off the same battery at 12v with no problems, but I picked up a digital pre (UA-5) that utilizes 9v power. My battery can do 9v as well, so I'm intrigued.... Thanks in advance everyone!

many users report no issues running the 680 on 9v; I have done so myself.  but remember that the ua5 runs off reverse polarity when configuring your cables...

I run mine on now classic (nearly antique?) 9VDC LI-ion "DVD batteries".  Conveniently, the 680MK is compatible with the same external power plug used to charge the DVD batteries. 

Note that he 680MK2 does NOT use the same power plug size, it uses one slightly smaller (why, why , why?).
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: hi and lo on November 20, 2015, 07:09:44 PM
Because it was no longer the cheapest part available?
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: greenmtnsrider on November 20, 2015, 09:35:39 PM
Thanks for the input on 9v power. I have a cable on the way and I'm hoping to run it Sunday night for a solo acoustic gig. I have to think the battery drain will be somewhat less with 9v and UA-5 vs the 12v and fp24 I ran last month which only used about 12% of my 23000mah battery for a 3 hour show.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: chinariderstl on January 23, 2016, 09:20:44 PM
Hi, I have a question about the stereo digital input on the DR-680.  This will be my first foray into strictly digital recording, so please pardon my ignorance.

My HD cable receiver has a digital SPDIF out jack.  I was going to attempt to capture digital audio via this output.  The DR-680, however, only has a digital coaxial cable input.  I have an Edirol UA-5 that has digital SPDIF in and coaxial digital out.  I am pretty sure I can run SPDIF out into the UA-5, then, run coax out into the DR-680?  Any idea if this will work?

I just ordered an SPDIF cable and a digital coaxial cable from Amazon and am gonna give it a shot.  Any input in the interim is welcomed.

Many thanks, Chris.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: obaaron on January 23, 2016, 09:46:55 PM
all you should need is the coax cable....the ua5 had coax in and out as well as optical in/out. Does the cable box have a coax or optical output on the back?  I run ua5 > coax >680 all the time.

edit: read above post again...Im guessing by SPDIF you mean an optical output on the cable box...if thats the case the above will definetly work with that configuration
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: chinariderstl on January 23, 2016, 11:50:17 PM
Hey, Aaron, you're right.  I just double checked and the HD receiver has a digital coax out.  So I'll just try to run from that directly into the DR-680.

I'll let you know how it works out.

Thanks, Chris.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: admkrk on February 03, 2016, 12:09:31 AM
Question on using ribbon mics with this unit. Will the high gain be sufficient, or I need to use something like this: http://tritonaudio.com/index.php?Itemid=33 (http://tritonaudio.com/index.php?Itemid=33)
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: rocksuitcase on February 03, 2016, 08:10:41 AM
Bump to join. Just bought one of these last month from Ted. Only used it once live, a few shows coming up.
Question about using it to take down Analog sources: I have had a devil of a time figuring out how to NOT record to channels 3/4 5/6, but did finally got it last night; however, I'm not sure I remember what I did!  :o
I am going Analog RCA out -> 1/4 inch adapters to channel 1/2.

I do have the pdf manual, however, it isn't obvious where to find this info. It does come down to deselecting the channels while in pause/record.
I'll add more to this post later, but if anyone has an step by step to do this I'd appreciate it.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on February 03, 2016, 08:21:51 AM
Question on using ribbon mics with this unit. Will the high gain be sufficient, or I need to use something like this: http://tritonaudio.com/index.php?Itemid=33 (http://tritonaudio.com/index.php?Itemid=33)

I can't speak to ribbon mics specifically, but I've recorded unamplified sources using dynamic mics without issue using the high gain setting. I wouldn't expect any issues with ribbon mics.

Bump to join. Just bought one of these last month from Ted. Only used it once live, a few shows coming up.
Question about using it to take down Analog sources: I have had a devil of a time figuring out how to NOT record to channels 3/4 5/6, but did finally got it last night; however, I'm not sure I remember what I did!  :o
I am going Analog RCA out -> 1/4 inch adapters to channel 1/2.

I do have the pdf manual, however, it isn't obvious where to find this info. It does come down to deselecting the channels while in pause/record.
I'll add more to this post later, but if anyone has an step by step to do this I'd appreciate it.

Put it in pause/record and select/deselect the channels you want to record using the channel buttons on the front of the unit. The display will have a dot for each channel that's recording.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: rocksuitcase on February 03, 2016, 08:31:25 AM
^^^^ Thanks lukpac- I *think* that is what I did! Question: is there a way to save a "pre set" like with a Marantz PMD 661?
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on February 03, 2016, 08:32:55 AM
^^^^ Thanks lukpac- I *think* that is what I did! Question: is there a way to save a "pre set" like with a Marantz PMD 661?

I'm not familiar with the Marantz, so I'm not sure what you're asking. But the same channels stay armed through power cycles. So if you're mainly going to be recording to just 1 & 2, once you set that, it will stay that way.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: rocksuitcase on February 03, 2016, 08:45:14 AM
^^^^^^^^
I just noticed that when i powered it back on this morning. THANKS  8)
reading about this thing on gearlsutz; it has way more capacity to do things than I'll ever use!
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: danny3 on February 03, 2016, 09:20:19 AM
Alternately, the way to arm tracks is to go to the REC menu, scroll down to TRACK: and select the tracks you wish to arm using the channel buttons on the front of the unit (they will be highlighted in black when armed.)
The method that lukpac mentions works only (fortunately) while in pause - which reminds me of a hazard that has given me 'pause' before - I have inadvertently un-armed tracks by mistake this way without realizing I hit a button.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on February 03, 2016, 10:19:59 AM
As danny3 notes, if you pre-select channels using the REC menu, those channels will be automatically armed immediately each time upon entering rec/pause. That helps keep things manageable with mutichannel setups because you can make sure everything is set properly beforehand, and only have to turn the recorder on and start recording when under pressure, without having to do much switching.

And as lucpac notes, you can always change the selection of which are armed or not using the buttons beneath each channel meter on the display while in rec/pause, without having to navigate the menus.

Both selection methods work in combination with each other.  The menu method is the preset a default way.  The channel buttons are the set which are armed immediately before recording way.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: rocksuitcase on February 03, 2016, 01:00:30 PM
Thanks to both danny3 and Gutbucket. One more if you can bear it:  I found if all the channels are on S you can't hear anything out of the headphones. I grok that, you can't SOLO all channels at once. he question is: is there any practicality to using the Solo buttons for basic live 2 or 4 channel recording- and 2] Does the lock/mix button on the front affect channel selection? 

thanks guys    8)
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on February 03, 2016, 01:18:27 PM
I almost never use the solo buttons.  But then I very rarely monitor while recording.  However I do a lot of playback from the machine and in that case when I want to hear a particular channel (or group of them) in isolation I just adjust the monitor level controls so only the output from that channel (or group) is active, sometimes quickly ganging channels to turn down their levels as a group.  I do that partly because I frequently want to monitor two channels in stereo isolated from the others.  The solo button monos the selected channel to both the left and right outputs, so its not as useful to me.

Keep in mind a few things about monitoring, either live or on playback-
Monitor level adjustment is separate from and comes after record trim level (a rec trim level change affects monitor level, but not vice-a-versa)
Monitor levels have three points of adjustment- channel level, the stereo bus level, and the headphone amp level (effective in that order).  If the stereo bus is turned down you won't hear anything, even if the individual channel level and headphone amp are cranked.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: admkrk on February 03, 2016, 07:35:23 PM
Thanks, that is pretty much what I was thinking. I am just wanting to try out a Blumlein setup with a set of MXL R144s and the Fetheads cost more than the mics, making it a deal breaker.

Question on using ribbon mics with this unit. Will the high gain be sufficient, or I need to use something like this: http://tritonaudio.com/index.php?Itemid=33 (http://tritonaudio.com/index.php?Itemid=33)

I can't speak to ribbon mics specifically, but I've recorded unamplified sources using dynamic mics without issue using the high gain setting. I wouldn't expect any issues with ribbon mics.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on February 03, 2016, 10:52:35 PM
I original ran into problems with noise with SM57s and SM58s when I had gain set to low, but with it set to high they work well. Again, not ribbons, but definitely lower output than condensers.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: danny3 on April 23, 2016, 10:23:00 AM
Posting here seeking any advice you all might give.

I’m a bit dumb at times; I have experienced issues running line-in on my past four weekends out, but other than testing and confirming that the cables used were ok, I neglected doing a fuller diagnostic until today.
It seems that channels 3, 4, & 5 are not getting a signal when running line-in, although they function properly when using mic-in. I have a second unit which tests out fine using the same chain.
Channels 3 & 4 (on the deck in question) will receive a line signal if I set the channels to mic-in (phantom off); I can get channel 5 to show a signal if I set the mic input on high, and crank the gain, so apparently it has an additional issue.
I wasn’t clever enough at the time of panic during set-up to try switching to mic in. I can only assume the issues are internal to the deck.

I’m thinking I need to send it out for repair, but just in case there is something I may be missing or could try, I thought I’d ask here. It’s not too urgent as I have another unit in fine shape (both are mk1.)
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: dallman on April 25, 2016, 11:22:48 AM
Posting here seeking any advice you all might give.

I’m a bit dumb at times; I have experienced issues running line-in on my past four weekends out, but other than testing and confirming that the cables used were ok, I neglected doing a fuller diagnostic until today.
It seems that channels 3, 4, & 5 are not getting a signal when running line-in, although they function properly when using mic-in. I have a second unit which tests out fine using the same chain.
Channels 3 & 4 (on the deck in question) will receive a line signal if I set the channels to mic-in (phantom off); I can get channel 5 to show a signal if I set the mic input on high, and crank the gain, so apparently it has an additional issue.
I wasn’t clever enough at the time of panic during set-up to try switching to mic in. I can only assume the issues are internal to the deck.

I’m thinking I need to send it out for repair, but just in case there is something I may be missing or could try, I thought I’d ask here. It’s not too urgent as I have another unit in fine shape (both are mk1.)
It would be easier to speculate if you mentioned what was going into each channel. Mics? Pre's? Can you be specific about all the inputs and settings? Thanks!
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: danny3 on April 26, 2016, 07:42:56 AM
"It would be easier to speculate if you mentioned what was going into each channel. Mics? Pre's? Can you be specific about all the inputs and settings? Thanks!"

Thank you for your interest.
My basic m.o. is 2 aud mics, 2 stage mics, all with phantom power, mic-in, low, channels 1-4. And soundboard line-in channels 5&6.
I had issues with my board feeds for the past several shows, but as I said above, only thought to check the cables at home.

Here's the details from my last outing:

Channels 1-6 six were armed. I had stage mics going into 1&2; mic-in, low gain, phantom on.
At the last show I had my audience mics (ca14 > ca9200 > 1/8” x dual xlr) going line-in to channels 3&4, set to line in on top of the deck.
I had a stereo soundboard feed (dual rca x xlr adapters) line-in channels 5&6. I was only showing a signal on channel 6, (since it was a mono board feed, I was able to come away with a satisfactory recording when I mixed this with my stage mics – mic-in channels 1&2.

I recreated the entire chain on a second 680 at home and everything was fine; I feel I have narrowed the issue down to the original deck.
To be specific to what I did at home: I tested mic-in on both units with condensor mics on all six channels; no issues. The above results as far as line-in were from inputing music (DR-2d line out > 1/8" x xlr > 680).
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: LIVEMUSIC752 on August 03, 2016, 04:31:41 AM
i am a newbie and got a DR-680 2 weeks ago and can't understand how to record with coaxial digital.
got DIN lock then nothing seemed to show up.
what i am doing wrong. how to do you record with DIN.
thanks in advance
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on August 03, 2016, 08:09:27 AM
i am a newbie and got a DR-680 2 weeks ago and can't understand how to record with coaxial digital.
got DIN lock then nothing seemed to show up.
what i am doing wrong. how to do you record with DIN.
thanks in advance

Assuming you want to record to the stereo track, ST REC must be set to DIN instead of MIX. You also have to make sure the stereo track is armed.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: asobriquet on January 04, 2018, 02:51:27 AM
So, I’m recording some jam sessions with a cascaded pair of DR680’s. In pursuit of yet more channels, I’m wondering if two slave units could successfully be connected to the master unit via a split coaxial signal? I’ve seen such splitters for sale and they are fairly inexpensive, unlike purchasing a third DR680 that may or may not even be connectable in this way.
Anyone have experience with cascading 3 units?
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on January 04, 2018, 10:44:47 AM
I've not done that, but I don't see any reason why it shouldn't work.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: asobriquet on January 04, 2018, 12:08:58 PM
Thanks. That’s what I think, too. I might just buy the splitter and test that it successfully passes signal through both sides and then work on getting a bargain DR680.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: lukpac on January 04, 2018, 04:39:11 PM
I've never thought about doing that, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Chaining 3 machines in a row should also work, you just won't get automatic control on the 3rd machine. Not really a huge deal IMO, as if you want precisely aligned tracks you have to do that in post anyway.
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: asobriquet on January 05, 2018, 03:21:37 PM
That's a good point, Lukpac.  I can always just chain them and align in post. So long as I run the same SD cards and have them on identical recording settings it should be close enough.

Thanks
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: Gutbucket on January 05, 2018, 04:11:35 PM
Sequentially chained (master>slave>3rd-machine), both machines following the master deck should lock to the same clock signal.  As lukpac mentions, that arrangement will only pass transport control signals to the the second deck and not the last one in the chain.  Meaning you'll need to press record / stop on both the master machine and the last deck.  Afterwards you should only need to time-align the start point of the resulting files from all three recorders (file-start-sync).  Expect a larger start-time differential between the last deck the other two in doing that, but as long as the three machines remain linked via SPDIF during recording ([DIN LOCK] with neither of the slave decks showing a [DIN UNLOCK] message), you shouldn't need to worry about having to stretch or shrink the duration of any of the files over the entire length of the recording to match their run-time-sync. 
Title: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #7 (mk1 'silver handles' version)
Post by: asobriquet on January 05, 2018, 04:39:34 PM
Thank you, Gutbucket.  That makes it even clearer for me.