Content area
Full Text
Retrieving the gauntlet thrown down by Yamaha's 0-series consoles, the TM-D8000 is an important development. Zenon Schoepe assesses the state of the affordable digital desk debacle
AT THE TIME of its preview at the LA AES in 1996, Tascam's TM-D8000 was seen as a predictable response to Yamaha's 02R and then its 03D successes. In fact, Tascam appears to be the only player inclined to trade blows with Yamaha in the affordable digital desk game, regularly demonstrating the wherewithal to create and take on new product sectors. Besides, its long and respected, although recently largely quiet, activity in console manufacture is overdue for a boost.
Thus the TM-D8000, as it was eventually called, was wheeled out with a decidedly individual approach to the task. We were told it sported new generation technology that has emerged in the DA-38 and DA-98 MDMs and that it would partner these multitracks intimately.
It's now shipping and this review will be split into two parts, in the first instance, to examine the out-of-the-box capabilities of the stand-alone console and follow this up next month with the external computer hosted automation package that expands the power of the system. This is because the desk arrived before the automation did.
Of all the comments that greeted the appearance of the prototype TM-D8000, the lack of moving faders was the most commonly observed. Yet despite this, the desk has arrived, and the only way to get the faders to move remains to push them. Tascam has flown in the face of popular opinion and gone for the old inanimate VCA-style approach. This is not necessarily a disadvantage, but it would be safe to say that the precise nature of the external automation package could make or break this desk because it is that important.
However, opinion has been united in deeming the desk brilliant in appearance and inherently right in feel and presentation. This is still the case as the clarity and simplicity of the top panel belies the power beneath it and Tascam has come up with an ergonomic feast of console.
It's big enough to look substantial, something the 02R can't always claim, and there is a lot of relief and contouring in the surface as it rakes up...