Digital Mixing Console

AUTOMATION GUIDE
 Contents

1 – Introduction ALL .......................................................................14

Using This Manual ...................................... 4 COPY ....................................................................14
PASTE ..................................................................14
Automated Controls ................................... 4
Undo/Redo .............................................................14
A Note on Touch-Sensitive Faders ........................ 5
Channel LED Indicators ........................................15
Setup ............................................................ 5
Timecode ................................................................. 5 4 – Operation
MTC ...................................................................... 5 Setting Up Your Mix .................................16
2 – Starting out with the timecode Action: .................................................................16
Result: ..................................................................16
Access the automation screens ............................. 6
Action: .................................................................16
Turn on the automation ........................................ 6
Result: ..................................................................16
Make the initial settings ........................................ 7
Store the current settings ...................................... 7 Writing Mix Moves ...................................16
Write some fader moves ....................................... 7 Action: .................................................................16
Write some mute moves ......................................... 7 Result: ..................................................................16
Write some Aux send moves .................................. 8 Revert Time ...........................................................16
Writing encoder or POD moves ............................ 8 Auto Revert Choices ..........................................16
Trimming existing mix moves ................................ 8 Disabling Auto Revert ........................................19
Finishing up ............................................................ 8 Write To End: ........................................................21
Writing Switch Events ..............................23
3 – Automation overview Action: .................................................................23
Modes .......................................................... 9 Result: ..................................................................23
Auto ...................................................................... 9 Revert Time ...........................................................23
Write ...................................................................... 9 CONTROL SENSE TIME OUT & Switch Events .....23
Trim .................................................................... 10 Auto Revert Choices: ............................................24
Static .................................................................... 10 Write To End: ........................................................26
Safe .................................................................... 10 Trimming Mix Moves ................................27
Off .................................................................... 10 Action: .................................................................27
Rehearse ............................................................... 11 Result: ..................................................................27
Displays ..................................................... 11 Trim all ....................................................................27
AUTO SETUP .......................................................... 11 Revert Time: ..........................................................27
AUTOMATION ENGINE ...................................... 11 Auto Revert Choices: ............................................28
AUTO STORE ....................................................... 11 Trim To End ...........................................................30
KEEP CONFIRMATION ........................................ 11 Initial Status ...............................................32
AUTOMATION MODE MULTI PASS ................... 11 Editing the Initial Status .......................................32
TRIM ALL ............................................................. 12 Automating Library Recall ........................34
AUTO REVERT ..................................................... 12 Writing Library Recall Events Over Existing Static
REVERT TIMES .................................................... 12 Control Positions ...............................................34
CONTROL SENSE TIME OUT ............................... 12 Combining Library Recall With Dynamic
AUTO FADE OUT TIME ....................................... 12 Mix Moves .........................................................34
TOUCH function ................................................. 13 Automating Groups ..................................35
AUTO FILES ................................................. 13 Grouping Non-Automated Controls ....................35
Top line ............................................................... 13 Grouping Automated Controls ............................35
AUTO CONFIG ........................................... 14 Hierarchical Groups ..............................................35
MODULE ............................................................. 14 Mix File Management ...............................35
ALL MODULE ...................................................... 14 The Mix Data .........................................................35
ALL CNTRLS ......................................................... 14

2 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 Table of Figures

1 – Introduction
Figure 1.1: Timecode source selection (showing USB MTC selected) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 – Starting out with the timecode
Figure 2.1: The automation FILES display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Figure 2.2: Automation SETUP screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Figure 2.3: Naming a mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3 – Automation overview
Figure 3.1: Illustration of trim mode behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 3.2: AUTO SETUP screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 3.3: AUTO FILES screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 3.4: AUTO CONFIG display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4 – Operation
Figure 4.1: Writing a fader move over a previous static fader position with Auto Revert enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Figure 4.2: Writing a POD (or encoder) move over a previous static position with Auto Revert enabled . . . . . . . . 17
Figure 4.3: Writing a new fader move over a previous Dynamic fader move with Auto Revert enabled . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 4.4: Writing a new POD (or encoder) move over a previous Dynamic move with
Auto Revert enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 4.5: Writing a new fader move over a previous Static fader position with Auto Revert disabled . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 4.6: Writing a new POD or encoder move over a previous Static position with Auto Revert disabled . . . . 19
Figure 4.7: Writing a new fader move over previous Dynamic fader moves with Auto Revert disabled . . . . . . . . 20
Figure 4.8: Writing a new POD or encoder move over previous Dynamic moves with Auto Revert disabled . . . . . 20
Figure 4.9: Write to End over previous Static fader position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Figure 4.10: Write to End over previous Dynamic fader moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Figure 4.11: Write to End over previous Static POD or encoder position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Figure 4.12: Write to End over previous Dynamic POD or encoder moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Figure 4.13: Writing new switch events over previous switch events with Auto Revert enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 4.14: Writing new switch events over previous switch events with Auto Revert disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Figure 4.15: Writing a new switch event with Write to End enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Figure 4.16: Trimming fader moves with Auto Revert enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 4.17: Trimming POD and encoder moves with Auto Revert enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 4.18: Trimming fader moves with Auto Revert disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Figure 4.19: Trimming POD and encoder moves with Auto Revert disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Figure 4.20: Trimming fader moves with Trim to End enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Figure 4.21: Trimming POD and encoder moves with Trim to End enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Figure 4.22: Initial status and dynamic data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Figure 4.23: Initial Status editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 3

 1 – Introduction
The DM-3200 is capable of writing and reading mix moves as well as editing and refining mix moves during
replay, all synchronized to timecode. No external computer is necessary, as all control of the automation is
made from the DM-3200’s control surface.

Automated mixes are stored on the DM-3200’s CF mixing, instead of the mechanical aspect of press-
card as part of a project and can be off-loaded via the ing the mute keys at the right time, every time.
TASCAM Mixer Companion Software to a personal • Mix moves can be refined to your satisfaction then
computer, as well as being easily transported on the the automation system will read those moves back
card between facilities equipped with the DM-3200. every time in exactly the same way.
Here are a few reasons to use mixer automation: • A mix can be recalled at a later time for further
refinement.
• Tedious moves, (such as mutes), that occur at the
same place in the program each time can be written The DM-3200’s automation system was designed to
to the automation system for playback. This allows be intuitive, using the mixer’s familiar control sur-
you to focus on the creative aspect of listening and face and a minimum number of keystrokes, to stay
out of the way of the creative process of mixing.

Using This Manual

The following type conventions are used in this man- LIGHT CAPS or Light First Letter Caps for on-screen con-
ual: trols in the display .
BOLD CAPS for physical keys on the mixer’s control First Letter Caps for names of operational modes and
surface. functions.

Automated Controls
The following mixer controls of the DM-3200 can be • LCD navigation
automated: • Transport control
• Fader levels • Fader layer switching
• Mutes • Global mixer setup parameters
• Panning (including surround panning parameters, Moves for different mixer controls do not have to be
LFE level, etc.) automated in the same pass. Just as in multi-track
• EQ settings: Gain, Frequency, Q, EQ On/Off recording, it is possible to concentrate on one spe-
switching, individual EQ band switching and TYPE cific control at a time, building up the automated mix
switching between High/Low Pass Filter, Peaking over a number of passes.
& Shelving The DM-3200’s automation system allows this to
• Auxiliary send levels, Pre/Post switching and pan/ occur by intelligently switching automation modes
balance settings transparently on a per control basis.
• Auxiliary master send levels
This work done by the DM-3200 automation system
• COMPressor settings: threshold, ratio, attack, provides a high degree of flexibility while not requir-
release, etc. ing constant attention from you. Of course, the DM-
• GATE settings: threshold, range, hysteresis, attack, 3200’s automatic mode switching may be over-rid-
hold, decay, etc. den at any time for “power user” operation.
• Buss master levels The automation is synchronized to timecode. This
• Library recall (all libraries) could be external Linear Timecode (LTC or com-
The following mixer controls of the DM-3200 can- monly referred to as SMPTE/EBU) or MIDI Time-
not be automated: code (MTC) from either the MIDI IN port or through
• Digital trim the USB connection.
• Effect settings Alternatively, the DM-3200’s own internal timecode
• Buss assignments generator can be used to synchronize the automated
mix moves and slave the external recorder.
• Analog TRIM
• Control Room monitor switching The event resolution for mix moves on the DM-3200
is one event per quarter timecode frame. At a time-

4 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 1 – Introduction : Setup
code rate of 30 frames per second, non-drop, this
equates to about 8 milliseconds per event.

A Note on Touch-Sensitive Faders

When using the touch-sensitivity of the faders in even your fingernails to touch them, the fader will
automation, you should always use your fingers to not register as having been touched.
touch the faders. If you use a pencil or ruler, etc. or

Setup
There are two possible sources of timecode to which depend on what you have available in your situation.
the DM-3200’s automation can lock. Both are equal The choices are listed here:
in functionality and accuracy. Your choice will

Timecode
There is an RCA jack (TIMECODE IN) on the back of If you don’t see this screen, press the POD 1 switch
the DM-3200 which accepts SMPTE/EBU timecode. and use the POD 1 encoder and ENTER key to select
To use this timecode with the automation system, go SETUP from the popup menu.
to the AUTOMATION display, and then select TC IN as
shown below:

Figure 1.1: Timecode source selection (showing

USB MTC selected)

MTC
This refers to MIDI Timecode being received at the Use the AUTOMATION SETUP screen to select either MTC
DM-3200’s MIDI IN or through the USB port. The (USB) or MTC (MIDI IN), depending on the MIDI
source of MTC could be a Digital Audio Workstation timecode received.
(DAW) that does not support LTC, or any other
source of MTC.

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 5

 2 – Starting out with the timecode
While the DM-3200 automation system is extremely powerful, it is also very easy to use. This Quick Start cov-
ers much of what you need to know to run the system. The rest of the manual provides details on the concepts
of the system and how to use it to its fullest potential.

1 Connect a SMPTE/EBU or MTC (timecode) Choose the appropriate setting in the AUTO-
source to the TIMECODE IN or MIDI IN on the MATION display. Be sure your recorder is set
rear panel of the DM-3200 or make sure that to output the correct type of timecode.
your DAW is outputting MTC over the USB
connection.

Access the automation screens

2 Load an existing project, or create a new one, 4 Use the POD 1 encoder to select the FILES
as described in the Owner’s Manual (“About option and press the POD 1 switch or ENTER
projects and libraries” on page 26). key.
NOTE
Any automation data currently active that has not been
stored will be deleted.
3 Press the AUTOMATION key, and then the
POD1 switch to bring up the pull-up menu.

Figure 2.1: The automation FILES display

Move the cursor to the on-screen NEW button,

and press ENTER.
Press ENTER again to confirm that any exist-
ing automation data is to be discarded.

Turn on the automation

5 Press the POD 1 switch again. Use the POD 1 6 Move the cursor to the onscreen AUTOMATION
encoder to select SETUP and press the POD 1 ENGINE button at the top of the screen, and
switch or ENTER key: press the ENTER key to turn on automation.

Figure 2.2: Automation SETUP screen

6 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 2 – Starting out with the timecode : Setup
Make the initial settings
7 Operate your recorder and navigate and oper- The DM-3200’s automation system stores con-
ate the DM-3200 as you normally would dur- trol settings as you change them.
ing a mix. You are not writing mix moves yet!

Store the current settings

8 Store the current mix data using the AUTO Use the cursor keys, number keys, CLR key,
FILES display, and pressing the POD 2 switch and the data wheel and the ENTER key to
(STORE AS). name your mix.
See the Owner’s Manual section on libraries
for further details of naming and editing
library entries.
This automation data will be stored as part of
the current project (and will be time-stamped
for future reference).

Figure 2.3: Naming a mix

Write some fader moves

9 Once you have the mix basically set up, write • Rewind the recorder and play the section
some fader moves: again. The DM-3200 plays back the moves you
just wrote.
• With timecode running, press the WRITE key.
• You can press the WRITE key, and touch and
• Touch a fader with your finger and move it up
move the faders to write new mix moves at
or down.
will.
• Release the fader when your mix move is com-
plete. When you release the fader, it automati-
cally returns to its previous setting.

Write some mute moves

10 Now write some Mutes (also called Switch • Rewind the recorder and play the sections
Events): again. The DM-3200 plays back the Switch
Events you just wrote to the MUTE keys (in
• With timecode running, press the WRITE key.
other words, the MUTE indicators and status
• Press some MUTE keys to change the mute set- will change in sync with the incoming time-
tings on and off. code).

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 7

 2 – Starting out with the timecode : Setup
Write some Aux send moves
11 Write Auxiliary Send moves using the touch- • Touch a fader and move it up or down to write
sensitive faders: a mix move for Auxiliary Send 1 for that chan-
nel.
• To place the Auxiliary Sends 1 & 2 under
fader control, select the AUX 1-2 level encoder Release the fader when your mix move is com-
mode (SHIFT + top key) and then use the FLIP plete. When you release the fader, it automati-
key to assign the faders to Aux 1-2 level. cally returns to its previous setting.
• Press the WRITE key and start the timecode.

Writing encoder or POD moves

12 Write encoder moves (for example pan): • After the encoder movement has stopped for
one second, the control will automatically
• Turn on the Control Sense timeout (if it is not
return to its setting before being moved if the
already on—see “CONTROL SENSE TIME
control sense timeout parameter is set appro-
OUT & Switch Events ” on page 23)
priately (assuming the Control Sense Timeout
• Select the pan encoder mode. is turned on).
• With timecode running, press the WRITE key. NOTE
• Turn the encoders to write the mix moves. You may want to disable AUTO REVERT or adjust the
CONTROL SENSE TIME OUT using the AUTO SETUP screen,
when automating POD or encoder controls.

Trimming existing mix moves

13 This allows you to trim an existing mix move • At the desired time, touch the fader to be
(that is, to adjust the overall level of the move). trimmed with your finger and raise it. You will
For example, the move you wrote in step 6 hear the previous moves with the addition of
may be good but the move itself needs to be the amount of trim you’re adding.
louder. • Release the fader when you are finished trim-
• With timecode running, press the TRIM key. ming. The fader returns to reading previous,
untrimmed mix moves.

Finishing up
14 Remember to store your mix into your librar- Happy mixing!
ies (as described in “Store the current settings
” on page 7).

8 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 3 – Automation overview

Modes
Before going further, a brief description of automation modes and functions will be helpful. More detailed
explanations of how these modes operate, along with how automatic mode switching is carried out, will be
included in the Operations section of this manual (“Operation” on page 16).

Auto
This is the default mode for all controls when the ready (any control movement will update its Static
automation system is enabled. The intelligent mode data).
switching that occurs is done within Auto mode. It is possible for a single control, or group of con-
When a control is in Auto mode and timecode is trols, to drop into and out of writing or trimming in
received, the control enters write ready if the WRITE one pass. It is further possible to switch between
indicator is lit, or trim ready if the TRIM indicator is Write and Trim modes on the fly; even adjusting the
lit. The control reads previous data, if any, until Revert Time during a mix pass will be recognized by
moved, then enters the appropriate state (writing or the automation system. The only exception is Write
trimming). to End, which must be completed by stopping the
If neither of these two global indicators is lit, the sta- timecode.
tus of the control depends on whether any mix data NOTE
has been written to it. If mix data already exists, the Generally, a control that has dynamic mix moves written
control enters write rehearsal when timecode is is said to be in Dynamic mode. A control that has no
received (any movement of the control will be heard dynamic mix moves written is said to be in Static mode.
but not written). If no mix data exists, it enters static

Write
Think of this as “record-ready” on a multi-track As soon as you adjust a control, while Write mode is
recorder. When Write is enabled, all controls that are enabled, that control will begin writing new mix
in Auto mode will normally read existing mix moves. moves, overwriting any pre-existing data.

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 9

 3 – Automation overview : Modes
Trim
During a mix there may be sections where there are Trim mode is used to make such relative offsets to
good mix moves on a control but the overall level of existing mix moves for the duration of the Trim oper-
that control needs to be raised or lowered while pre- ation. The diagram below should help in the under-
serving the existing moves. standing of this concept.

Before Trim
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

After Trim
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Begin Trim End Trim

Figure 3.1: Illustration of trim mode behavior

In the example shown above, a fader is raised at the added to the existing data. When a Trim is per-
“Begin Trim” point and released at the “End Trim” formed, the audio passing through the control
point. The upward movement of the fader would be includes the Trim move in real time.

Static
During the course of an automated mix some con- NOTE
trols will require movement (Dynamic automation), The control’s movement will not be recorded as
and some controls will stay in one place with their dynamic automation as long as Write mode is not
settings stored in the mix file (Static automation). enabled.
Any control in Static mode will automatically update
its setting in the mix file whenever that control is
moved.

Safe
Any control in Safe mode will only read existing affect the audio passing through that control. It is
static or dynamic automation. Moving a control in possible to place all mixer controls in Safe mode by
Safe mode will not write any automation data nor holding the SHIFT key while pressing ALL SAFE.

Off
This mode removes a control from the automation control that is Off will affect the audio passing
system completely. A control that is Off cannot through that control.
record or playback mix moves. However, moving a

10 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 3 – Automation overview : Displays
Rehearse
Rehearse is a special status that works with Write, practice or experiment with mix moves without
Trim and Static modes. Rehearse allows you to recording them.

Displays
The automation display screens on the DM-3200 • Over-riding the automation system’s automatic
described below are used for the following purposes: mode switching
• Enabling/disabling the automation system • Copy/paste of configuration between channels
• Setting operational preferences • Mix file management
• Setting the master Auto Fade Out time In all automation displays, the cursor is moved by
• Displaying used/available memory using the cursor keys, located to the lower right of the
display.

AUTO SETUP

Figure 3.2: AUTO SETUP screen

Check boxes are enabled/disabled by moving the cur- AUTO STORE The AUTO STORE option enables or
sor to the check box and pressing the ENTER key. disables automatic storage of mix data.
Time values are entered by moving the cursor to the
When turned on, there are two sub-options: OVER-
desired box, changing the value with the wheel then
WRITE, which throws away the previous mix data, and
pressing the ENTER key. Time values flash until con-
KEEP, which keeps the previous mix data as a backup.
firmed with the ENTER key.
To access the automation displays, press the AUTO- KEEP CONFIRMATION When enabled, a pop-up
MATION key. Repeatedly pressing the AUTOMA- box will ask for confirmation before performing a
TION key (or using the POD 1 encoder and switch) Keep operation. A Keep operation saves a copy of the
toggles between the displays. current mix, pushing older mixes “down the stack”.
If all space for mixes is is taken, the Keep operation
AUTOMATION ENGINE This on-screen button will delete the oldest (unprotected) mix. All mixes
enables/disables the DM-3200’s automation system. saved using Keep are numerically sequenced with
When enabled, AUTO is displayed in the upper left of highest numbers being the latest mixes.
the display with the currently selected channel, in all The default value of this check box is on (keep con-
mixer displays. firmation is enabled).
No automation data will be recorded or played back AUTOMATION MODE MULTI PASS Nor-
when the automation system is disabled. mally, the mixer exits Global Write or Global Trim
mode when it is no longer receiving timecode.
When this check box is enabled, the mixer remains in
Global Write or Global Trim mode until the mode is
manually disabled. This allows you to perform mix

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 11

 3 – Automation overview : Displays
moves at will without having to manually enable Here are examples of instances where this would be
Global Write or Global Trim on every pass. useful:
TRIM ALL When enabled, a Trim operation will be • There may be existing mix moves all the way
applied to all mix moves such as faders (but not through a song which need to be louder from half-
switch moves) from the beginning of a mix to its end, way through the song until the song’s end. Using
regardless of the transport’s position within the pro- the ∞s setting in the Trim Revert Time field allows
gram. you to perform this operation without the need to
play the song all the way to the end in order to
When timecode is stopped, trimmed events are cre- record the new mix data.
ated by using the latest trim difference (delta). When
• There may be existing mix moves all the way
timecode is running, pre-existing moves are not mod-
through a song, however, during the mixing pro-
ified as automation data.
cess it is determined that a control should remain at
Note that if TRIM ALL is enabled, trimmed events one setting from a point within the song until the
are not recorded, and revert is not performed while song’s end. Using the ∞s setting in the Write Revert
timecode is running. Time field allows you to perform this operation
without the need to play the song all the way to the
AUTO REVERT When Auto Revert is enabled, a end in order to record the new mix data.
control smoothly matches back to its previous setting
when you release it. When Auto Revert is disabled, NOTE
you must manually punch out of automation record- AUTO REVERT WRITE (or TRIM) must be enabled for Write
ing by pressing the REVERT key, or by stopping the (or Trim) To End to work.
incoming timecode—the control will then smoothly A Write/Trim To End operation must be completed by
match back to its previous setting. stopping the timecode. Manually disabling Write or
Trim mode while timecode is running will not perform a
There are independent check boxes to enable Auto
Write To End operation.
Revert for Write and Trim modes.
If the REVERT TIME value is changed from the ∞s (infin-
NOTE ity) setting to a non-infinite value (that is, anything
It is possible to enable or disable Auto Revert during a else), and a Write (or Trim) To End operation is in
mix pass. The new setting is applied to mix moves only. progress, the controls start reverting immediately.
The following describes an example:
CONTROL SENSE TIME OUT The DM-3200’s
With the WRITE indicator lit, and AUTO REVERT – WRITE
faders are touch-sensitive, so the automation system
disabled, move the faders. Now enable AUTO REVERT –
knows when you have touched or released a fader,
WRITE, and move a different set of faders. These will
revert automatically, but the first set will continue to thus punching into or out of automation record.
write until you press REVERT. The POD controls, control surface keys and rotary
encoders are not touch-sensitive. These controls must
REVERT TIMES To the right of the Auto Revert detect movement in order to know when to stop
check boxes are fields to enter Revert Times. The
recording manual mix moves and start recording
Revert Time is the amount of time (in seconds) it
revert moves.
takes for a control to smoothly match back to its pre-
vious setting. There are fields to set an independent The Control Sense Time Out value allows these con-
Revert Time for Write and Trim modes from 0.5 sec- trols to punch out of automation record automatically
onds to 10 seconds in 0.5 second increments. after the specified amount of time has passed without
movement of the control. This field can be set from
The ∞s setting in the Revert Time fields enables
0.5 seconds to 10 seconds in 0.5 second increments.
Write/Trim To End mode, which applies a Write or
Event recording restarts if the control is moved again.
Trim operation from the point where automation
recording began, all the way to the end of the mix. TIP

In the case of Write mode, this overwrites any exist- A useful trick is to map the Auxiliary Sends to faders for
ing mix data from the point where automation touch-sensitive control, flipping encoders if necessary.
recording began, all the way to the end of the mix. AUTO FADE OUT TIME This field determines
In the case of Trim mode, this applies the Trim oper- the duration of a linear fade written to the Master
ation from the point automation recording began all Fader when the AUTO FADE key is pressed.
the way to the end of the mix. This field can be set from 0.5 seconds to 10 seconds
in 0.5 second increments.

12 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 3 – Automation overview : AUTO FILES
Since this fade is written directly using the Master • Continue to hold SHIFT and press AUTO FADE
Fader, it is not possible to change its time value after again to restart the Auto Fade Time from the
an Auto Fade has been performed. fader’s current position.
To write an Auto Fade: • This may be repeated as often as desired to
slow down the end of an Auto Fade to a mere
1 Press the WRITE key. crawl.
2 Hold SHIFT and press AUTO FADE at the point
where you want the fade to begin. TOUCH function The TOUCH key allows you to
simulate touch-sensitivity for the PODs , encoders or
To erase an Auto Fade it is necessary to overwrite the switch controls.
duration of the fade manually or by using the Write
To End function. 1 Enable the Global Write mode.
2 Press and hold the TOUCH key, and while
TIP
holding down this key, move the control to
A linear fade is often not musically desirable. Typically start a write from the control’s current value.
in these cases you will begin the fade at a faster rate
and end the fade at a slower rate. Use the Auto Fade 3 Make the mix moves (or end the write by
function to perform this: pressing the REVERT key).
• Press WRITE. Revert actions follow the settings made in the
• Hold SHIFT and press AUTO FADE at the point SETUP screen.
where you want the fade to begin.

AUTO FILES

Figure 3.3: AUTO FILES screen

Top line The word AUTO appears beside the The amount of bank memory used by the selected
selected channel in all mixer displays when the auto- mix is shown.
mation system is enabled. The word WRITE appears The POD 4 encoder and wheel are used to select a
here solid when the mixer is ready to record either stored mix and the on-screen CF BANK buttons are
Static or Dynamic mix data. The word WRITE used to select the different banks on the inserted CF
flashes when the automation system is actually writ- card.
ing mix data on the selected channel. This could be a
Write or Trim operation. The other on-screen buttons, etc. work in the same
way as for other libraries, allowing deletion, protec-
On the right the source of the timecode being used by tion, etc. of stored entries.
the mixer and the automation system is shown. TC
indicates Linear Timecode and MTC indicates MIDI DELETE permanently erases the contents of the high-
Timecode with INT referring to the internal timecode lighted mix file.
generator. CAUTION
Below this, on the left and right, the current automa- There is no undo for this operation.
tion file and the highlighted automation file respec-
tively are shown.

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 13

 3 – Automation overview : AUTO CONFIG
AUTO CONFIG

Figure 3.4: AUTO CONFIG display

The grid represented in the AUTO CONFIG display is ALL MODULE When selected, the changes in this
used for manual override of the automation’s mode display are applied to a single control across all chan-
switching. The selected channel is displayed in the nels. For example, with ALL MODULE selected,
upper left of the display. If the displayed channel is enabling SAFE in the FADER row places all mixer faders
part of a group, this is indicated in the upper right of into Safe mode.
the grid.
ALL CNTRLS When selected, the changes in this
The changes made in this grid are applied to channel display are applied to all controls on the selected
and controls selected by the APPLY TO buttons at the channel. This applies the changes to the libraries.
right of the display. Use the rightmost POD encoder
to make this selection. Note that it is not necessary to ALL When selected, the changes in this display are
press ENTER to confirm this setting. applied to all controls on all channels.
When a module or control is set to any mode except COPY This soft key copies the configuration of the
Auto using this display, that module or control currently-selected channel into a special clipboard
remains in that mode until it is reset back to Auto. where it can then be pasted to another channel. A
The settings made in this display are saved as part of popup message appears when this operation is car-
the mix data. ried out.

MODULE When selected, the changes in this dis- PASTE This soft key (only visible when a configura-
play will only be applied to the specified control on tion has been copied) pastes the configuration copied
the selected channel. using the COPY soft key to the currently-selected
channel. Note that there is no Undo for this opera-
tion.

Undo/Redo
The UNDO/REDO key provides one level of undo (or It is a global undo/redo, undoing or redoing all mix
if an action has been undone, one level of redo) for moves in a pass.
dynamic and static controls. Undo and redo is not possible if timecode has been
stopped and no events have been modified.

14 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 3 – Automation overview : AUTO CONFIG
Channel LED Indicators
Each channel has an OL/STATUS indicator immedi- When used as automation indicators, they flash when
ately above the fader. When automating a mix, these any control on a channel is writing or reverting. They
indicators can be used to show whether a channel is are lit steadily when all controls on a channel are
writing, reading or reverting. reading.
Use the OPTION display screen to set the function of The global Revert indicator above the REVERT key
these indicators. The default use is as overload indi- follows the behavior of the channel indicators when
cators, as explained in the Owner’s Manual. they are used for automation.

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 15

 4 – Operation
Operating the DM-3200’s automation system is designed to be intuitive and transparent to the mixing process,
while offering power and flexibility previously unavailable on a mixing console.

The steps below, combined with an understanding of the information on the previous pages, will have you
automating your mixes in no time.

Setting Up Your Mix

Action: Enable the automation system in the AUTO control is set. The automation system sees these con-
SETUP display by moving the cursor to the on-screen trols as being in Static mode.
AUTOMATION ENGINE button and pressing ENTER.
Action: Store the mix file in a card memory bank
Result: The settings of all mixer controls are stored (see “AUTO FILES” on page 14).
into the current mix memory. Changing any settings
will automatically update those settings in the current Result: Until a mix is stored in a memory bank, it
mix memory. This is just like mixing on an analog only exists in the current mix memory. The current
console except the system now knows where every mix memory is erased when the console is powered
off, so storing a mix in a memory bank is required for
later recall.

Writing Mix Moves

Action: Press the WRITE key before or after start- In the case of POD controls, writing will begin when
ing timecode so that its indicator lights. With time- the control is moved.
code running, perform the desired mix move. Once dynamic mix moves have been written to a
Result: With the console in Write mode, any move- control, the automation system automatically
ment of a control while timecode is running is writ- changes that control from Static mode to Dynamic
ten to that control by the automation system. mode, in order to read mix moves. Controls that have
not had mix moves written to them remain in Static
In the case of the touch-sensitive faders, writing mode, even if those controls are on the same channel
begins when a fader is touched. as a control that has had dynamic mix data written to
it.

Revert Time
When a control stops recording mix moves, it (faders) or when movement ended (POD controls and
“reverts” to the setting that existed before recording encoders).
the mix move. The previously existing setting could In the case of touch-sensitive faders, reverting begins
be a dynamic mix move or a static control position. when the fader is released.
The amount of time it takes to make a smooth match
from the end of the recorded mix move to the previ- In the case of POD controls and encoders, reverting
ously existing setting is called the Revert Time. begins when the CONTROL SENSE TIME OUT value has
expired without the control being moved. The CON-
A Revert Time is applied, even when the timecode is TROL SENSE TIME OUT value allows the POD controls
stopped, past the point where the timecode stopped, and encoders to respond as if they are touch-sensitive
to ensure a smooth transition between the new mix (even though they are not).
move and the control’s previous setting.
When a Revert occurs, the control smoothly matches
Auto Revert Choices With AUTO REVERT – WRITE back to its previous value, based on the set value of
enabled, the automation system stops writing mix the Revert Time. The previous control value could be
moves automatically on a per control basis without a control’s Static position or a control’s Dynamic mix
the need to end writing manually. moves.
In this case, controls stop writing mix moves at dif-
Revert does not apply to switch events, as these
ferent times, depending on when they were released
become readable following the Control Sense time-
out interval has elapsed.

16 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 4 – Operation : Writing Mix Moves
See the diagrams below to understand how this
works:

Existing Static Fader Position

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Fader Movement
Touch Fader Release Fader or Stop Timecode

Figure 4.1: Writing a fader move over a previous static fader position with Auto Revert enabled

Existing Static POD Position

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12 Control
Revert
Sense
Time
+6
Timeout
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

POD Movement
Move POD Release POD Timeout or Stop Timecode

Figure 4.2: Writing a POD (or encoder) move over a previous static position with Auto Revert enabled

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 17

4 – Operation : Writing Mix Moves

Existing Fader Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Fader Movement
Touch Fader Release Fader or Stop Timecode

Figure 4.3: Writing a new fader move over a previous Dynamic fader move with Auto Revert enabled

Existing POD Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12 Control
Revert
Sense
Time
+6
Timeout
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

POD Movement
Move POD Release POD Timeout or Stop Timecode

Figure 4.4: Writing a new POD (or encoder) move over a previous Dynamic move with
Auto Revert enabled

18 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 4 – Operation : Writing Mix Moves
Disabling Auto Revert allows you to manually When a Revert is triggered by stopping the time the
stop writing mix moves, either by stopping the time- Revert Time is still applied to the control code,
code, or by pressing the REVERT key. In this case, beyond where timecode was stopped, for a smooth
all controls that are writing mix moves will stop writ- match from the end of the new mix move to the con-
ing simultaneously when REVERT is pressed or trol’s previous setting.
timecode stops. See the diagrams below to see how this works:

Existing Static Fader Position

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Fader
Movement
Touch Fader Release Fader Press REVERT
or stop Time Code

Figure 4.5: Writing a new fader move over a previous Static fader position with Auto Revert disabled
e

Existing Static POD Position

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

POD
Movement
Move POD Release POD Press REVERT
or stop Time Code

Figure 4.6: Writing a new POD or encoder move over a previous Static position with Auto Revert disabled

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 19

 4 – Operation : Writing Mix Moves

Existing Fader Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Fader
Movement
Touch Fader Release Fader Press REVERT
or stop Time Code

Figure 4.7: Writing a new fader move over previous Dynamic fader moves with Auto Revert disabled

Existing POD Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

POD
Movement
Move POD Release POD Press REVERT
or stop Time Code

Figure 4.8: Writing a new POD or encoder move over previous Dynamic moves with Auto Revert disabled

20 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 4 – Operation : Writing Mix Moves
Write To End:
When the Write Revert Time is set to ∞s, you are NOTE
essentially telling the automation system to maintain A Write/Trim to End operation must be completed by
a control’s last setting from the point where the auto- stopping the timecode. Manually disabling Write or
mation recording ends, all the way to the end of the Trim mode while timecode is running will not perform a
program. This is called Write To End. In this case, Write To End operation.
any mix moves existing in the time between the end AUTO REVERT must be enabled to use Write To End.
of automation recording and the end of the program
will be erased. See the diagrams below to understand how this
works:

Existing Static Fader Position

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Fader
Movement
Touch Fader Release Fader Stop Time Code

Figure 4.9: Write to End over previous Static fader position

Existing Fader Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Fader
Movement
Touch Fader Release Fader Stop Time Code

Figure 4.10: Write to End over previous Dynamic fader moves

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 21

4 – Operation : Writing Mix Moves

Existing Static POD Position

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

POD
Movement
Move POD Release POD Stop Time Code

Figure 4.11: Write to End over previous Static POD or encoder position

Existing POD Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

POD
Movement
Move POD Release POD Stop Time Code

Figure 4.12: Write to End over previous Dynamic POD or encoder moves

22 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 4 – Operation : Writing Switch Events
Writing Switch Events
Switch Events are defined as the switching of any Once a switch event has been written to a control, the
“on/off” controls. Examples of such controls are automation system automatically changes that con-
MUTE keys and the EQ ON key. trol from Static mode to Dynamic mode, in order to
read mix moves.
Action: Press the WRITE key before or after start-
ing timecode and its indicator lights. With timecode Controls that have not had switch events written
running, press the desired key or keys to write the remain in Static mode, even if those controls are on
switch event at the desired timecode location. the same channel as a control that has had other mix
data written to it.
Result: This works for muting, EQ On/Off, EQ In write mode, existing events are not replayed, but in
band type switching, Auxiliary send Pre/Post switch-
trim mode, they are played back and merged.
ing and Library Recall.

Revert Time
Because switch events are not continuous data like fader moves, there is no need to make a smooth has
match to previous data. Changing the Revert Time no effect on writing switch events.

CONTROL SENSE TIME OUT & Switch Events

The DM-3200’s faders are touch sensitive, so the while Write or Trim mode is enabled. CONTROL SENSE
automation system knows when you have touched or TIME OUT allows these keys to punch out of automa-
released a fader, thus punching into or out of automa- tion writing automatically, after the specified amount
tion writing. of time has passed without being pressed. This field
The control surface keys are not touch sensitive. can be set from 0.5 seconds to 10 seconds in 0.5 sec-
These controls write a switch event when pressed, ond increments.

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 23

 4 – Operation : Writing Switch Events
Auto Revert Choices:
With AUTO REVERT — WRITE/TRIM enabled, the automa- control surface keys to respond as if they are touch-
tion system stops recording switch events automati- sensitive, even though they are not.
cally on a per control basis, without any need to end Writing switch events over a Static switch position
writing manually. In this case, keys stop recording simply adds the new switch events. When writing
switch events at different times, depending on when new switch events over previous ones, the DM-3200
they were last pressed and depending on the value set automation system provides you with a high degree
in CONTROL SENSE TIME OUT. of flexibility over when writing will end.
In the case of control surface keys, writing ends See the diagram below to understand this behavior:
when the CONTROL SENSE TIME OUT has expired with-
out a key press. CONTROL SENSE TIME OUT allows the

Existing Switch Events

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec

Switch ON Switch ON Switch ON

Switch OFF Switch OFF Switch OFF

New Switch Events

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec

Switch ON

Switch OFF
Control
Sense
Timeout

Resulting Switch Events

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec

Switch ON Switch ON

Switch OFF Switch OFF

Control
Sense
Timeout

Figure 4.13: Writing new switch events over previous switch events with Auto Revert enabled

24 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 4 – Operation : Writing Switch Events
Disabling Auto Revert allows you to stop writing neously when REVERT is pressed or when timecode
switch events manually, either by stopping the time- stops.
code or by pressing the REVERT key. In this case, all See the diagram below to understand this behavior:
controls that are writing will stop writing simulta-

Existing Switch Events

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec

Switch ON Switch ON Switch ON

Switch OFF Switch OFF

New Switch Events

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec

Switch OFF

Press REVERT

Resulting Switch Events

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec

Switch ON Switch ON

Switch OFF

Figure 4.14: Writing new switch events over previous switch events with Auto Revert disabled

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 25

 4 – Operation : Writing Switch Events
Write To End:
When the Write Revert Time is set to ∞s, you are AUTO REVERT must be enabled to use Write To End.
essentially telling the automation system to maintain This is called Write To End. In this case, any switch
that control’s last setting from the point when auto- events existing in the time between the end of auto-
mation recording ends, all the way to the end of the mation recording and the end of the program will be
program. erased.
NOTE See the diagram below to understand this Write to
A Write/Trim To End operation must be completed by End behavior:
stopping the timecode. Manually disabling Write or
Trim mode while timecode is running will not perform a
Write To End operation.

Existing Switch Events

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec

Switch ON Switch ON Switch ON

Switch OFF Switch OFF

New Switch Events

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec

Switch OFF

Resulting Switch Events

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec

Switch ON

Switch OFF

Stop Time Code

Figure 4.15: Writing a new switch event with Write to End enabled

26 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 4 – Operation : Trimming Mix Moves
Trimming Mix Moves
There may be times when a control has existing mix through the control reflects the previous mix moves,
moves that are good, but the overall level of those combined with the offset created by the Trim opera-
moves needs to be raised or lowered. In this case, tion.
Trim is used to offset existing moves. In the case of the touch-sensitive faders, trimming
Action: Press the TRIM key before or after starting begins when a fader is touched.
timecode and its indicator lights. With timecode run- In the case of POD controls, trimming begins when
ning, perform the desired Trim operation. the control is moved.
Result: With the console in Trim mode, any move- In write mode, existing events are not replayed, but in
ment of a control while timecode is running performs trim mode, they are played back and merged.
a Trim operation on that control. The audio passing

Trim all
If TRIM ALL is enabled in the AUTO SETUP screen, a con- Stop the timecode to complete the pass.
trol can be trimmed while timecode is running to See also the section in the overview ((page 3-
adjust the level of that control for the whole of the 12)“TRIM ALL”
automation.
NOTE
Note that if TRIM ALL is enabled while timecode is
running, no events will be recorded. This Trim All function cannot be combined with other
global automation modes in the same pass.

Revert Time:
When a control stops trimming mix moves it the end of the trimmed mix move to the previously
“reverts” to reading any mix data that existed before existing data is called the Revert Time.
trimming began. The previously existing data could A Revert Time is applied, even when the timecode is
be a dynamic mix move or a static control position. stopped, past the point when the timecode stops, to
The amount of time it takes to move smoothly from ensure a smooth transition between the trimmed mix
move and the control’s previous setting.

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 27

 4 – Operation : Trimming Mix Moves
Auto Revert Choices:
With AUTO REVERT — TRIM enabled, the automation SENSE TIME OUT has expired without movement of the
system stops trimming mix moves automatically per control. CONTROL SENSE TIME OUT allows the POD con-
control without the need to stop trimming manually. trols to respond as if they are touch-sensitive even
In this case, controls stop trimming mix moves at dif- though they are not.
ferent times, depending on when they were released When a Revert occurs, the control smoothly matches
(faders) or when movement ended (POD controls), or back to its previous data based on the amount of
when the timecode was stopped. Revert Time set. That previous data could be a con-
In the case of the touch-sensitive faders, the revert trol’s Static position or a control’s Dynamic mix
starts when the fader is released. In the case of POD moves. See the diagrams below to understand how
controls and encoders, revert starts when the CONTROL this works:

Existing Fader Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Hold Fader
Raise Fader Release Fader or Stop Timecode

Figure 4.16: Trimming fader moves with Auto Revert enabled

Existing POD Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6 Control
-9
Sense
-12
Timeout

POD Movement
Move POD Release POD Time out or Stop Timecode

Figure 4.17: Trimming POD and encoder moves with Auto Revert enabled
28 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide
 4 – Operation : Trimming Mix Moves
Disabling AUTO REVERT — TRIM allows you to case, all controls that are trimming mix moves will
manually stop trimming mix moves by stopping the stop trimming simultaneously when REVERT is
timecode or by pressing the REVERT key. In this pressed or timecode stops.

Existing Fader Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Fader
Movement
Touch Fader Release Fader Press REVERT

Figure 4.18: Trimming fader moves with Auto Revert disabled

Existing POD Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12
Revert
+6 Time
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Move & Release POD Press REVERT

Figure 4.19: Trimming POD and encoder moves with Auto Revert disabled

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 29

 4 – Operation : Trimming Mix Moves
Trim To End
When the Trim Revert Time is set to ∞s, you are NOTE
essentially telling the automation system to maintain A Write/Trim To End operation must be completed by
the offset created by the trim operation from the point stopping the timecode. Manually disabling Write or
where trimming ends, all the way to the end of the Trim mode while timecode is running will not perform a
program. Write To End operation.
See the diagrams below to understand how this
works:

Existing Fader Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Raise Fader & Release Stop Time Code

Figure 4.20: Trimming fader moves with Trim to End enabled

Existing POD Move

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Mix Move
1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Move POD & Release Stop Time Code

Figure 4.21: Trimming POD and encoder moves with Trim to End enabled

30 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 4 – Operation : Trimming Mix Moves
TIP Move a control to its desired position. You will hear the
audio follow the move.
Punch into a mix (This can be done with Trim or Write
mode). Press the WRITE or TRIM key to instantly punch that
control into automation Write at the new position.
Start the timecode.
The result will be the fastest possible move when read-
ing back the mix.

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 31

 4 – Operation : Initial Status
Initial Status
The Initial Status of a control is its value before the When dynamic mix moves are written to a control,
first dynamic mix move is present. Until dynamic that control is no longer in Static mode. It is in
mix moves are written to a control, there is no differ- Dynamic mode. Any change to the mix data on such
ence between the Initial Status of the control and its control takes into account both the Initial Status of
Static position. the control and any Dynamic data present.

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec

+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Dynamic Data
Initial Status

Figure 4.22: Initial status and dynamic data

Editing the Initial Status

Once a control is in Dynamic mode, any new mix 2 Adjust any control to change its Initial Status.
moves written to that control will be dynamic mix In the case of switches, pressing a switch while
moves. If it becomes necessary to alter a control’s in Initial Edit mode will change its Initial Sta-
starting point (Initial Status) before the first dynamic tus to reflect its new setting.
move written, Initial Edit is used.
Hold SHIFT and press INITIAL EDIT/ DISCARD
1 While holding SHIFT, press INITIAL EDIT/ EDIT to return all controls to their unedited Initial
to enter Initial Edit mode. The automation Status values while remaining in Initial Edit
system will stop reading dynamic data and all mode.
controls will snap to their Initial Status posi-
Hold SHIFT and press INITIAL EDIT/EDIT to
tions.
exit Initial Edit, saving changes.

32 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 4 – Operation : Initial Status
The diagram below illustrates the results of Initial
Status editing:

Before Initial Status Edit

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Dynamic Data
Initial Status

After Initial Status Edit (Decrease)

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12

Dynamic Data
Initial Status

After Initial Status Edit (Increase)

1 sec 2 sec 3 sec 4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 7 sec 8 sec
+12

+6
+3
0
-3
-6

-12

Dynamic Data
Initial Status

Figure 4.23: Initial Status editing

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 33

 4 – Operation : Automating Library Recall
Automating Library Recall
The DM-3200 automation system is capable of • Effects
including library recall events as part of an auto- Because there may be differences between control
mated mix. These are treated by the automation sys- settings recalled by a library and those being played
tem as Switch Events. back by the automation system, below are some
All DM-3200 libraries support automated recall: important things to keep in mind in order to avoid
unexpected behavior.
• Snapshot
• EQ The basic rule is that a mix event (library recall or
dynamic mix move) only has priority until another
• Compressor/expanders
mix event (library recall or dynamic mix move) is
• Gate played back.

Writing Library Recall Events Over Existing Static Control Positions

When a library recall event is written by the automa- library recall, the control will Revert to its Initial Sta-
tion system which affects controls in Static mode, the tus, not its position after the library recall.
library recall switch event becomes dynamic mix If a library is recalled which affects controls in Static
data. However, the controls themselves remain in mode without the library recall event being written,
Static mode with their Initial Status unaffected. In the controls will update their static positions as they
this case, if a dynamic mix move is written after a had been directly adjusted.

Combining Library Recall With Dynamic Mix Moves

Dynamic mix moves are treated in a way similar to will snap to the positions recalled by the library then
continuous data by the DM-3200 automation system. snap to reading previous dynamic mix moves as the
Library recall events are instantaneous snapshots. If a timecode position crosses the previous data. While
library recall occurs while the automation system is this can create some interesting effects when used
reading dynamic mix moves, the affected controls purposely, it could take you by surprise.

34 TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide

 4 – Operation : Automating Groups
Automating Groups
There are several considerations and possibilities • Creating a group containing controls that do not
when using the DM-3200 automation with grouped have existing dynamic automation.
controls: • Automating group slaves.
• Creating a group containing controls that have • Removing slaves from an automated group.
existing dynamic automation. • Automation of hierarchical groups.
• Automating the Group Master.

Grouping Non-Automated Controls

Create the group normally using the ST LINK/ group no longer follows any mix moves written by
GROUPING display. The group master or slaves the Group Master. However, it continues to read its
within the group may then be automated. own mix moves.
A Group Master may be automated just like any Any group slave may be individually automated just
other control. The group slaves follow the group like any other control. It reads its own moves, which
master. Automation data is only written by the Group would be offset by the moves of the Group Master.
Master. Any group slave that is removed from a

Grouping Automated Controls

It is possible to create a group containing controls Group Master. Essentially, this is using the move-
that have existing dynamic automation moves. In this ments of the group master to trim the moves of the
case, the mix moves of the group slaves are main- group slaves. It should be noted that this does not
tained while following the overall moves of the actually write Trim data to the group slaves.

Hierarchical Groups
Simply put, hierarchical groups are “groups of Groups which operate in the same way as Master and
Groups which operate the same way as Master and Slave controls in non-hierarchical groups.
groups” and can be very powerful mixing tools. Hier- Hierarchical groups are set up in the GROUPING
archical groups have Master Groups and Slave LAYER section of the ST LINK/GROUPING display.

Mix File Management

The DM-3200 automation system’s storage capacity The exact number of mixes depends on the type of
is determined by the size of the Compact Flash card. mix. Some control movements use up more events
than others. Pressing a MUTE key uses one event,
while a complex fader movement uses many.

The Mix Data

The mix data itself contains Initial Status and for automated recall. The mix data and library data
Dynamic data for all automated controls (“Auto- may then be archived via the USB and supplied TAS-
mated Controls” on page 4). In order to store the set- CAM Mixer Companion software to a personal com-
tings of non-automated controls such as the digital puter for archival.
trim values, those settings must be stored in a library

TASCAM DM-3200 Automation Guide 35

 DM-3200

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