Tascam Cd Rewritable Recorder CD-RW900 Owners Manual

							CD-RW900
CD Rewritable Recorder
D00892620A
»
OWNER'S MANUAL
Professional 
						

							1-Introduction
2 TASCAM  CD-RW900
Important Safety Precautions
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE  COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK 
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
T h i s   a p p l i a n c e   h a s   a   s e r i a l   n u m b e r  located on the rear panel. Please record the model number and serial number and retain them for your records.Model number
Serial number
For the customers in Europe
WARNING
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, 
this product may cause radio interference in which 
c a s e   t h e   u s e r   m a y   b e   re q u i re d   t o   t a k e   a d e q u a t e  
measures.
Pour les utilisateurs en Europe
AVERTISSEMENT
I l   s ' a g i t   d ' u n   p r o d u i t   d e   C l a s s e   A .   D a n s   u n  
e n v i r o n n e m e n t   d o m e s t i q u e ,   c e t   a p p a r e i l   p e u t  
p ro v o q u e r   d e s   i n t e r f é re n c e s   r a d i o ,   d a n s   c e   c a s  
l'utilisateur peut être amené à prendre des mesures 
appropriées.
Für Kunden in Europa
Warnung
Dies ist eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstö
rung nach Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann 
i m   Wo h n b e re i c h   F u n k s t ö r u n g e n   v e r s u r s a c h e n ;   i n  
d i e s e m   F a l l   k a n n   v o m   B e t r i e b e r   v e r l a n g   w e rd e n ,  
angemessene Maßnahmen durchzuführen und dafür 
aufzukommen.
TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to comply 
with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to 
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed 
t o   p ro v i d e   re a s o n a b l e   p ro t e c t i o n   a g a i n s t   h a r m f u l  
interference when the equipment is operated in a 
commercial environment. This equipment generates, 
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, 
i f   n o t   i n s t a l l e d   a n d   u s e d   i n   a c c o rd a n c e   w i t h   t h e  
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to 
radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is 
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the 
user will be required to correct the interference at his 
own expense.
CAUTION
C h a n g e s   o r   m o d i f i c a t i o n s   t o   t h i s   e q u i p m e n t   n o t  
e x p re s s l y   a p p ro v e d   b y   T E A C   C O R P O R AT I O N   f o r  
compliance could void the user's authority to operate 
this equipment.
For U.S.A.
CE Marking Information
a) Applicable electromagnetic environment: E4
b)Peak inrush current: 12.5 A 
						

							1-Introduction
TASCAM  CD-RW900 3
Important Safety Instructions
  1 Read these instructions.
  2 Keep these instructions.
  3 Heed all warnings.
  4 Follow all instructions.
  5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
  6 Clean only with dry cloth.
  7 D o   n o t   b l o c k   a n y   v e n t i l a t i o n   o p e n i n g s .   I n s t a l l   i n  
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  8 D o   n o t   i n s t a l l   n e a r   a n y   h e a t   s o u r c e s   s u c h   a s  
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus 
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
  9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or 
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades 
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug 
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide 
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If 
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult 
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10 P r o t e c t   t h e   p o w e r   c o r d   f r o m   b e i n g   w a l k e d   o n  
o r   p i n c h e d   p a r t i c u l a r l y   a t   p l u g s ,   c o n v e n i e n c e  
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the 
apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the 
manufacturer.
12 U s e   o n l y   w i t h   t h e   c a r t ,   s t a n d ,   t r i p o d ,   b r a c k e t ,   o r  
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the 
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when 
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury 
from tip-over.
13 U n p l u g   t h i s   a p p a r a t u s   d u r i n g   l i g h t n i n g   s t o r m s   o r  
when unused for long periods of time.
14 R e f e r   a l l   s e r v i c i n g   t o   q u a l i f i e d   s e r v i c e   p e r s o n n e l .  
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been 
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or 
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects 
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has 
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate 
normally, or has been dropped.
• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as 
vases, on the apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such 
as a book case or similar unit.
• The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power 
from the AC outlet with its POWER switch in the off 
position.
• The apparatus should be located close enough to the 
AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord 
plug at any time.
• A n   a p p a r a t u s   w i t h   C l a s s   I   c o n s t r u c t i o n   s h a l l   b e  
connected to an AC outlet with a protective grounding 
connection. 
						

							1-Introduction
4 TASCAM  CD-RW900
Safety Information
This product has been designed and manufactured 
according to FDA regulations "title 21, CFR, chapter 
1, subchapter J, based on the Radiation Control for 
H e a l t h   a n d   S a f e t y   A c t   o f   1 9 6 8 " ,   a n d   i s   c l a s s i f i e d  
as a class 1 laser product. There is no hazardous 
invisible laser radiation during operation because 
invisible laser radiation emitted inside of this product 
is completely confined in the protective housings.
The label required in this regulation is shown 1.
CAUTION
• DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING 
USING A SCREWDRIVER.
• U S E   O F   C O N T R O L S   O R   A D J U S T M E N T S   O R  
PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN 
T H O S E   S P E C I F I E D   H E R E I N   M AY   R E S U LT   I N  
HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
• I F   T H I S   P R O D U C T   D E V E L O P S   T R O U B L E ,  
CONTACT YOUR NEAREST QUALIFIED SERVICE 
PERSONNEL, AND DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT 
IN ITS DAMAGED STATE.
Optical pickup:
Type: SF-W37SFT
Manufacturer: Sanyo Electric Co,Ltd.
Laser output: Less than 0.7 mW on the objective 
lens (record)
Wavelength: 760 to 800 nm
�1For USA 
						

							1-Introduction
TASCAM  CD-RW900 5
Contents
1 − Introduction
 About this manual..................................................6
 Supplied accessories.............................................6
 Rack-mounting the unit.........................................6
 About CD-R abd CD-RW discs..............................7
 Finalizing.................................................................7
 “Recordable” discs.................................................7
 Environmental considerations...............................8
 Handling of compact discs.....................................8
 Never use a stabilizer or printable discs..................9
 Beware of condensation.........................................9
 Use of the remote control unit...............................9
 Batteries.................................................................9
   Inserting batteries.................................................9
 Connections...........................................................9
2 − Features of the CD-RW900
 Front panel.............................................................10
 Rear panel..............................................................11
 RC-RW900 Remote control unit...........................12
3 − Menu operation
 Menu configuration...............................................13
 Operation basics...................................................13
4 − Playback operations
 Discs for playback.................................................15
 Simple playback operations.................................15
 Track selection......................................................15
 Using the skip function.........................................15
 Selecting by track number....................................16
 Track search..........................................................16
 Normal search......................................................16
 Direct search........................................................16
   Operation variations............................................16
 Playback modes...................................................17
 Continuous playback............................................17
 Single-track playback...........................................17
 Program playback................................................17
 Random playback................................................18
 Time display switching.........................................18
 Timer playback.....................................................18
 Repeat playback..................................................18
 A to B repeat playback.........................................19
 Pitch control function...........................................19
 Key control function.............................................19
 Playingback MP3 files..........................................20
   About MP3 track data........................................20
 Directory playback setting....................................20
5 − Recording
 Input selection......................................................21
 Input monitoring...................................................21
 Frequency conversion..........................................21
 Basic recording....................................................22
 Time display while recording.................................22
 Full disc................................................................22
 Advanced recording.............................................23
 Fade-in and fade-out recording............................23
 Synchronized recording........................................23
 Sync recording.....................................................23
 Automatic track division......................................24
 Manually divide track............................................25
 Rec mute function................................................25
6 − After recording
 Finalizing...............................................................26
 Unfinalizing CD-RW discs.....................................26
 Erasing..................................................................27
 Erasing tracks......................................................27
 Erasing a whole disc.............................................27
 Refreshing a disc..................................................27
7 − Titling
 Title input operation.............................................28
 Disc title input.......................................................28
 Track title input.....................................................28
 Keyboard type setting..........................................29
 Title input by keyboard.........................................29
 Other keyboard operations...................................29
8 − Reference and specifications
 Error messages....................................................30
 Messages during operations...............................30
 Troubleshooting....................................................30
 Specifications.......................................................31
 Dimensional drawing............................................31 
						

							6 TASCAM  CD-RW900
Rack-mounting the unit
If you are mounting the unit in a rack, leave 1U of space 
above it and 4 inch (10cm) or more of space at the rear.
Use the rack-mounting kit to mount the unit in a stan-
dard 19-inch equipment rack, as shown in this section. 
Remove the feet of the unit before mounting.
T h a n k   y o u   f o r   y o u r   p u rc h a s e   o f   t h e   TA S C A M   C D -
RW900 CD rewritable recorder.
Before connecting and using the unit, please take time 
to read this manual thoroughly to ensure you under-
s t a n d   h o w   t o   p ro p e r l y   s e t   u p   a n d   c o n n e c t   t h e   C D -
RW900, as well as the operation of its many useful and 
convenient functions. After you have finished reading 
this manual, please keep it in a safe place for future ref-
erence.
N O T E
This product is designed to help you record and repro-
duce sound works to which you own the copyright, or 
where you have obtained permission from the copyright 
holder or the rightful licensor. Unless you own the copy-
right, or have obtained the appropriate permission from 
the copyright holder or the rightful licensor, your unau-
thorized recording, reproduction or distribution thereof 
may result in severe criminal penalties under copyright 
laws and international copyright treaties. If you are un-
certain about your rights, contact your legal advisor. 
Under no circumstances will TEAC Corporation be re-
sponsible for the consequences of any illegal copying 
performed using the CD-RW900.
1 − Introduction
Supplied accessories
In addition to this manual, the CD-RW900 has been 
packed with the following:
≠ RC-RW900 remote control unit.................................1
≠ AC power cable........................................................1
≠ AAA batteries for the remote control unit...................2
≠ A rack-mounting screw kit (screws and washers)......1
Contact your TASCAM supplier if any of these items are 
missing.
About this manual
In this manual, we use the following conventions:
≠ The names of keys and controls are given in the 
following typeface: ERASE.
≠ When the alphanumeric portion of the display shows 
a message, this is shown in the following typeface: 
Welcome.
≠  I f   a   p re s e t   i n d i c a t o r   i n   t h e   d i s p l a y   ( i . e .   o n e   w h i c h  
cannot change, but is either on or off) is shown, this is 
shown as follows: RANDOM.
≠ Selectable value (i.e. values of dB) or ON and OFF 
s e l e c t i o n   ( i . e .   S R C > X X X )   i s   s h o w n   i n   t h e   f o l l o w i n g  
typface: XXX. 
						

							TASCAM  CD-RW900 7
1 − Introduction
In this maanual, we use the term “recordable” disc to 
describe a CD-R or CD-R W disc that has not been 
finalized, i.e. further recording is possible on the disc.
“Recordable” discs
Although audio data may be written on a CD-R or CD-
RW disc, a standard CD player will not be able to read 
the data (i.e. play back the audio) until a final *TOC has 
been written at the start of the disc.
 *TOC=Table of contents:information of recorded data, which contains titles, starting and ending addresses, and etc..
The process of writing this table of contents is known 
as “finalizing”. Once this has been done, no further data 
can be written to the disc. See “Finalizing” on page 25 
for details.
Finalizing
In the case of a CD-RW disc which has been finalized, 
the whole of the disc may be erased, or the disc may 
be “refreshed”, and the disc re-used.
I n   a d d i t i o n ,   a   C D - R W   d i s c   t h a t   h a s   b e e n   fi n a l i z e d  
may be “unfinalized”, i.e. only the TOC is removed. 
This allows further tracks to be recorded to the disc, 
provided that there is space on the disc.
About CD-R and CD-RW discs
CD-R discs can be recorded once only. Once they have 
been used for recording, they cannot be erased or re-
recorded. However, if space is available on the disc, 
additional material can be recorded. The pack-aging of 
CD-R discs will include one of the following logos:
By contrast, a CD-RW disc can be used in much the 
same way as a CD-R disc, but the last track or tracks 
re c o rd e d   c a n   b e   e r a s e d   b e f o re   t h e   d i s c   h a s   b e e n  
“finalized”, and the space on the disc can be re- used 
for other recordings. The packaging of CD-RW discs 
will include the logo one of the following logos:
H o w e v e r,   y o u   s h o u l d   n o t e   t h a t   a n   a u d i o   C D  
created using a CD-RW900 disc may not play back 
satisfactorily on every audio CD player. It will, naturally, 
b e   p l a y a b l e   o n   t h e   C D - R W 9 0 0 .   T h i s   i s   i n   n o   w a y   a  
limitation of the CD-RW900 itself, but of the difference 
between the different types of media and the methods 
used to read them.
T h e re   a re   p re c a u t i o n s   t h a t   y o u   s h o u l d   t a k e   w h e n  
handling CD-R and CD-RW discs.
≠ Avoid touching the recording (non-label) side of a 
disc on which you will be recording. Recording on 
a disc requires a cleaner surface than playing back, 
and fingerprints, grease, etc. can cause errors in the 
recording process.
High Speed
≠ CD-R and CD-RW discs are sensitive to the effects 
of heat and ultraviolet rays. It is important that they 
are not stored in a location where direct sunlight 
will fall on them, and which is away from sources of 
heat such as radiators or heat-generating electrical 
devices.
≠  Always store CD-R and CD-RW discs in their cases 
to avoid dirt and dust accumulating on their surfaces.
≠  When labeling CD-R and CD-RW discs, always use a 
soft oil-based felt-tipped pen to write the information. 
Never use a ball-point or hard-tipped pen, as this 
may cause damage to the recorded side.
≠  Always keep the recording sides of the discs away 
from grime and dust to avoid a reduction in sound 
quality. To clean a disc, wipe gently with a soft dry 
cloth from the center towards the outside edge. Do 
not use thinner, gasoline, benzene or LP cleaning 
fluid, as these will damage the disc and cause the 
disc unplayable.
≠  Do not put labels or protective sheets on the discs 
and do not use any protective coating spray.
≠  If you are in any doubt as to the care and handling of 
a CD-R disc, read the precautions supplied with the 
disc, or contact the disc manufacturer directly. 
						

							1-Introduction
8 TASCAM  CD-RW900
1 − Introduction
The CD-RW900 has been designed for the playback of 
CD-DA format discs and MP3 files recorded in ISO9660 
format: In addition to ordinary 5-inch and 3-inch CDs, 
it can also play properly recorded CD-R and CD-RW 
discs.
≠  Always place the compact discs in the trays with 
their label facing upward.
≠  To remove a disc from its case, press down on the 
center of the disc holder, then lift the disc out, hold-
ing it carefully by the edges.
≠  Avoid getting fingerprints on the signal side (opposite 
the label side). Grime and dust may cause skipping, 
so keep discs clean and store them in their cases 
when not being played. To clean the signal side of a 
disc, wipe gently with a soft dry cloth from the center 
towards the outside edge.
≠  Do not use any record spray, anti-static solutions, 
benzene, paint thinner or other chemical agents to 
clean CDs as they could damage the delicate playing 
surface. It may cause CDs unplayable.
≠  Discs should be returned to their cases after use to 
avoid serious scratches that could cause the laser 
pickup to “skip”.
≠  Keep discs away from direct sunlight, and places of 
high heat and humidity. If left in such places, warping 
could result.
≠ Do not affix any labels or stickers to the label side 
of the disc. Do not write on the disc with a ballpoint 
pen.
≠ Do not insert discs that have adhesive remaining 
from tape or stickers that have been removed. If they 
are inserted into the player, they could stick to the 
internal mechanism, requiring removal by a techni-
cian.
≠  Do not use cracked discs.
≠  Only use circular compact discs. Avoid using non-
circular promotional, etc. discs.
≠ The CD-RW900 cannot play unfinalized CD-R/RW 
discs. 
≠  Music discs with copy control, a compact disc copy-
protection system, have been released form several 
record companies aiming to protect the copyright. 
Since some of these discs do not comply with the 
CD specifications, they may not be playable on the 
CD-RW900. 
Handling of compact discs
Environmental considerations
The CD-R W900 may be used in most areas, but to 
maintain top performance, and prolong operating life, 
observe the following environmental conditions:
≠ The nominal temperature should be between 5°C 
and 35°C (41°F and 95°F).
≠ Relative humidity should be 30 to 90 degrees non-
condensing.
≠ As the unit may become hot during operation, always 
leave sufficient space above the unit for ventilation. 
Do not install this unit in a confined space such as 
a book case or similar product, and do not put any 
material goods on the unit.
≠ Avoid installing this apparatus on top of any heat-
generating electrical device such as a power ampli-
fier.
≠ Make sure that the unit is mounted in a level position 
for correct operation. 
N O T E
The voltage supplied to the unit should match the volt-
age as printed on the rear panel. If you are in any doubt 
regarding this matter, consult an electrician. 
						

							1-Introduction
TASCAM  CD-RW900 9
Inserting batteries
1.  Open the lid.
2.  Confirm +/- polarity, and insert two AAA batteries.
3.  Close the lid.
1 − Introduction
Never use a stabilizer or printable discs
Beware of condensation
If the unit (or a compact disc) is moved from a cold 
to a warm place, or used after a sudden temperature 
change, there is a danger of condensation; vapor in the 
air could condense on the internal mechanism, making 
correct operation impossible. To prevent this, or if this 
occurs, leave the player for one or two hours with the 
power turned on, then turn the power off and on again.
Using commercially available CD stabilizers or printable 
recordable discs with this player will damage the mech-
anism and cause it to malfunction. 
N O T E
Never use a disc that has had a stabilizer mounted to it. 
The residual adhesive may cause the disc to stick to the 
turntable of the CD-RW900. If it sticks to the turntable, 
you will need a technician to get it out. 
≠  Do not expose the light-receptive spot to the direct 
sunlight or intense lights of an illumination for extend-
ed periods. Long exposure to the lights may result a 
failure of the unit functions.
≠  When the remote control will not be used over one 
month, please remove the batteries to prevent the 
possibility of battery acid leakage which could dam-
a g e   t h e   u n i t .   S h o u l d   l e a k a g e   o c c u r,   re m o v e   a n d  
discard the batteries, and wipe the battery case thor-
oughly with a cloth. Avoid getting the battery liquid 
on the skin. After cleaning, replace with new batter-
ies.
≠  The remote control functions by using an infrared 
light signal. When using the unit to control the CD-
RW900, other devices that are turned on could be 
operated by its signal.
≠  If the range of remote operation becomes smaller, or 
commands do not always function properly, the bat-
teries have become weak and should be replaced. 
Always replace both batteries with new batteries of 
the same type.
≠  Point the remote control to the remote sensor on the 
main unit. Do not obstruct the path between the re-
mote control and the remote sensor.
Use of the remote control unit
If batteries are used improperly, or if leakage or break-
age occurs, the unit will not function. Please observe 
the cautions indicated on the batteries and their pack-
aging to ensure proper usage.
≠  Confirm + and − polarity and follow the indications 
when inserting new batteries into the remote control.
≠  Do not use old and new batteries together.
≠ Even if the battery is the same size, the voltage may 
differ. Do not use batteries of different specifications 
together.
≠  Do not attempt to recharge batteries that are non-
rechargeable.
≠  Do not open or disassemble batteries, throw them 
into a fire or put them in water. 
Batteries
Connections
The following should be noted when you connect the 
unit to other equipment.
It is possible to connect the unit’s DIGITAL COAXIAL 
I N,  D I G I TA L   O P T I C A L   I N  a n d  A N A L O G   U N B A L-
ANCED INs (L, R) to other equipment at the same 
time. However, the unit can receive signals from only 
one digital input at a time.
Currently selected input jack is shown on the display. 
Audio signals output from the unit are output from the 
analog ANALOG OUT jacks, as well as from the DIGI-
TAL COAXIAL OUT jack and DIGITAL OPTICAL OUT 
connector simultaneously (but not from the digital out-
puts in stop mode). 
						

							10 TASCAM  CD-RW900
Front panel
2435780qw691
e rt y u i o p a s df g
1 POWER switch  The power switch is used to switch 
the unit on and off.
2 Disc tray  Discs should be placed label side up-
wards in the disc tray. When a disc is loaded into 
the unit, the display period following the word TOC 
Reading as the unit determines the contents of the 
disc.
3 MENU key  Use this key to call up the menu options 
(see “Operation basics” on page 14).
4 OPEN/CLOSE key  Use this key to open and close 
the disc tray. The display shows Open when the tray 
is opening and Close when the tray is closing.
5 REPEAT key  Use this key to set the repeat play-
back mode on and off.
6 ESCAPE key  When in a menu mode, this key can-
cels the menu item selected.
7 DISPLAY key  Use this key to see the current disc 
tittle when a disc is stopping. To display the current 
track tittle, press this key while playback or ready 
mode.
8 REMOTE SENSOR  This is not a control, but the 
sensor for the remote control unit. When using the 
remote control unit, make sure that there is a clear 
path from the remote control unit to the sensor.
9 TIME key  Use this key to cycle through the time 
modes appear on the display (see “T ime display 
switching” on page 18).
0 Display  The display is used to show the current 
status of the unit, as well as the current menu set-
tings.
q TIMER switch (PLAY, OFF)  Using this key switches 
T i m e r   p l a y   o n   a n d   o ff .   S e e   “ T i m e r   p l a y b a c k ”   o n  
page 18 for details.
w INPUT (L,R) controls  Use these concentric con-
trols to adjust the level of the analog audio signals 
received at the ANALOG IN jacks.
e PHONES jack and the level control  Use a stan-
dard pair of stereo headphones, equipped with a 
1/4-inch plug, with this jack.
Adjust the volume from the jack with the level control 
(turn clockwise for higher volume).
r MULTI JOG dial  Use this dial to select tracks for 
playback, to set parameter values.
In addition, pushing the dial acts like an ENTER key, 
i.e. the currently-displayed value or setting is con-
firmed.
t FINALIZE/INS key  Use this key to finalize record-
able discs. (see “Finalizing” on page 25 for details).
It also acts like a space key when entering TEXT 
data (see “Title input operation” on page 28).
y ERASE/DEL key  Use this key (with CD-RW discs 
only) to erase tracks, or a whole disc, or to refresh 
a “bad” disc, or to unfinalize a finalized disc. See 
“Erasing” on page 26 for details.
It also acts like a delete key when entering TEXT 
data  (see “Title input operation” on page 28).
u∆/˙ key  Use this key to operate review playback 
(search) while playback or ready mode.
When Directory search is on, and when stop, using 
this key selects the directory.
It also moves the cursor in the left direction when 
entering TEXT data.
2 − Features of the CD-RW900