Topic: Re: TASCAM DR-680 portable 8-track #5

[tgakidis]

I run two with a V3 and a USBPre-2.  The Pre-2 will sync to the spdif from the other deck giving me a full 16 channels of clock synced recording.. If you don't use the pre-2 for sync and you don't have any preamp with digital output(AES/SPDIF) then you can get 12 channels of clock synced recording.  You will still need to align the start of the two different decks in your DAW but then they run perfect together

Can you expand on this explaining exactly the connections?  I have a V3 and Ua5 that i would like to use to link 2 DR-680's to achieve 16 different clock synced channels.

[hi and lo]

I run two with a V3 and a USBPre-2.  The Pre-2 will sync to the spdif from the other deck giving me a full 16 channels of clock synced recording.. If you don't use the pre-2 for sync and you don't have any preamp with digital output(AES/SPDIF) then you can get 12 channels of clock synced recording.  You will still need to align the start of the two different decks in your DAW but then they run perfect together

Can you expand on this explaining exactly the connections?  I have a V3 and Ua5 that i would like to use to link 2 DR-680's to achieve 16 different clock synced channels.

Sure thing, however I've never used a U-A5. Does it have an digital input like the AD2k+? To make a better example, let's assume you're either using:

Setup #1) 2x DR-680s + any outboard A/D - Will give you 14 unique tracks

OR

Setup #2) 2x DR-680s + AD2k + V3 - Will give you 16 unique tracks

Setup #1 is easy-as-pie. Just take the digital out from DR-680 #1 and route it to the digital in of DR-680 #2. This gives you 14 unique tracks (12 analog inputs aka channels 1-6 on both decks) + 2 digital input tracks on deck #1. Deck #2's digital input is recording the mix output of deck #1, which is where you 'lose' two tracks.

Setup #2 is also super easy, assuming your back can haul all this equipment to the show.  With this setup, the sync occurs by taking a spare digital output of the V3 and running it to the AD2k+'s digital in (sync in). Doing this clock syncs the AD2k+ to the V3 and subsequently both DR-680s become clock synced w/o losing any channels. You could also do this with a USBPre2 or any other outboard A/D that can accept a digital input to clock sync.

It's really a shame that the V3 can't sync to an external clock source; that's probably the one missing feature that keeps me from buying one.

[hi and lo]

I should add, for setup #1, the outboard A/D is completely optional. All you're doing is routing deck #1 to deck #2. We do this all the time w/ an R44 + D680; I lose two tracks on my 680 (and subsequently can't use an outboard A/D), but we end up with 10 tracks synced.

[tgakidis]

The ua5 has a spdif in and out so it should work with the V3.  I really want to avoid hauling the ad2k + sonsax + huge 12v ad2k battery  and just bring the ua5 & a DVD batt.

[kirk97132]

I am very close to grabbing a second 680.  Is it true that the cascade feature does not create a true time sync between the machines?

Without doing any rereading, I was under the impression it did sync the clocks, but did not provide an absolute perfect sync with start/stop.  Then there is the fact you must lose the SPDIF input one one deck for any type of signal(mic/line). It has to be used for the cascade function.  all this off the top of my head and could be wrong.  I have never used the cascade function but use a Sound Devices USBPre-2 in order to sync both decks without losing and inputs.   

[bdasilva]

Does anyone have a dead DR-680? I'm missing a button...

[dogmusic]

There's a used DR680 up for sale near me but the seller doesn't have the ac adapter.

Has anyone used another adapter besides the Tascam one supplied (PS-1225L)?

There are some on ebay that are aftermarket, but I've read in the forums that the DR680 is finicky about external power and I wouldn't want to fry it.

Any suggestions?

[tgakidis]

There's a used DR680 up for sale near me but the seller doesn't have the ac adapter.

Has anyone used another adapter besides the Tascam one supplied (PS-1225L)?

There are some on ebay that are aftermarket, but I've read in the forums that the DR680 is finicky about external power and I wouldn't want to fry it.

Any suggestions?

You'll will be fine with after market with the following specs:
12v 2.5a output, center pin positive, plug size 2.1mm x 5.5mm.

I have a local surplus electronic supply shop that has bins of used walwarts of all shapes and sizes for $5.  I could grab one for you and put on the right plug.  Pm me if you wanna go that route (heading to bed now, good night)

[dogmusic]

There's a used DR680 up for sale near me but the seller doesn't have the ac adapter.

Has anyone used another adapter besides the Tascam one supplied (PS-1225L)?

There are some on ebay that are aftermarket, but I've read in the forums that the DR680 is finicky about external power and I wouldn't want to fry it.

Any suggestions?

You'll will be fine with after market with the following specs:
12v 2.5a output, center pin positive, plug size 2.1mm x 5.5mm.

I have a local surplus electronic supply shop that has bins of used walwarts of all shapes and sizes for $5.  I could grab one for you and put on the right plug.  Pm me if you wanna go that route (heading to bed now, good night)

Many thanks for that info. Today I'll see if the seller will drop his price for lack of ac adapter.

I'll PM you if I decide to go that route.

[dogmusic]

With the profusion of DR-680's on ebay, it looks like this machine is now or is about to be discontinued. Anyone hear anything about a successor?

I'm not sure whether to get a used DR680 or wait for the next incarnation.

[bdasilva]

for 517$ on Ebay.... It's a  Great recorder... I may buy another. I was hoping for another firmware revision... maybe to allow the unit to be used as a preamp and mixer without recording all channels.

[dogmusic]

for 517$ on Ebay.... It's a  Great recorder... I may buy another. I was hoping for another firmware revision... maybe to allow the unit to be used as a preamp and mixer without recording all channels.

Yeah, $517 is real sweet. It's just not as much of a slam-dunk up here in Canuck-land, where you've got the lower dollar (Paypal really stretches the exchange rate...), the shipping costs (no free shipping outside the 48), the customs charge (just for looking at it -- there's actually no duty on digital recorders) and finally the wonderful 13% tax (so we can buy our politicians new office furniture and mittens).

The deals! So near and yet so far!

 

-------

NOTE: Sorry for the rant, but I'm doing my taxes and that always puts me in a terrific mood.

[jbell]

Anyone have a gear bag suggestion for the DR680??  The Portabrace AR DR680 is out of my price range.

[tgakidis]

Lowe pro nova bags

[jbell]

That's what I was thinking! 

Lowe pro nova bags