Fostex PD204 manual

Owner ’ s Manual LOCA TION RECORDER Model PD204 LOCATE CIRCLE T AKE CUE OFF SLATE JAM MIC TONE PRE REC OFF ON symbol 0 9 WXYZ 8 TUV 7 PQRS GHI 4 JKL 5 MNO 6 space 1 ABC 2 DEF 3 CLEAR LIGHT EXIT FILE SEL TIME QUICK SET PHONES MONITOR MAX MIN R/S L/M MONO ST MS C1 C2 AUX ON OFF POWER DVD HDD ACCESS PD204 LOCA TION RECORDER FILE SHIFT CONTRAST MENU [...]

2 Location Recorder Model PD204 Safety Instructions/Table of contents 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. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN 12. Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that the[...]

3 Location Recorder Model PD204 Safety Instructions/Table of contents 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) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the [...]

4 Location Recorder Model PD204 Safety Instructions/Table of contents T able of contents Introduction of this manual ................................................................................................... .............1 1 Precautions ........................................................................................................[...]

5 Location Recorder Model PD204 Safety Instructions/Table of contents Chapter-3: Names and functions .......................................................................39 Left side panel (inputs/outputs) ........................................................................................................40 Right side panel (inputs/outputs) .[...]

6 Location Recorder Model PD204 Safety Instructions/Table of contents Connection examples .........................................................................................................................70 Connection example for recording (1) ........................................................................................70 Connecti[...]

7 Location Recorder Model PD204 Safety Instructions/Table of contents Cue point setting .................................................................................................................................93 Setting a cue point on the fly during audio recording ..............................................................93 Viewing the[...]

8 Location Recorder Model PD204 Safety Instructions/Table of contents How to unmount the PD204 from the PC ..................................................................................117 Example of copying data to a computer hard disk ..................................................................118 Example of exporting data to a computer[...]

9 Location Recorder Model PD204 Safety Instructions/Table of contents ANALOG OUT nominal level setting [Stereo out level] ...........................................................158 Monitor speaker mute setting [Speaker mute] .........................................................................159 Error tone output setting [Error tone] .....[...]

10 Location Recorder Model PD204 Safety Instructions/Table of contents Resume function On/Off setting [Resume] .........................................................................204 Partition protection On/Off setting [Part. protect] ............................................................205 HDD operating time display [HDD Ope. Time] ...[...]

11 Location Recorder Model PD204 Introduction Precautions • For supplying the power to the unit from an AC outlet, only use the Fostex authorized AC adaptor (optional). If you use any unauthorized AC adaptor, the unit may not work correctly and there is a serious risk of damage to the unit. • Make sure that the voltage of your AC power outlet m[...]

12 Location Recorder Model PD204 Introduction • Do not let water or other liquid, or metal objects such as pins, accidentally enter the inside of the unit (especially inside of the disk tray) because this may lead to electric shock or damage. Should water enter the inside of the unit, turn off the power, unplug the AC adaptor and remove batteries[...]

13 Location Recorder Model PD204 Introduction Cautions for use If you make recording or playback using a DVD-RAM disk, do not hang the unit using the shoulder belt, which may damage the DVD drive. Put the unit on a horizontal surface within the adjustable range of the height adjustment arm. * Y ou can put the unit vertically when you make recording[...]

14 Location Recorder Model PD204 Introduction[...]

15 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 1: Main features Chapter 1: Main features[...]

16 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 1: Main features Main features and functions HPF (Hz) 300 50 -12 -6 OFF (dB/oct) LOCATEABS 0 LOCATE REC END LOCK PANEL LOCK OFF REW F FWD PLAY STOP 200 130 INPUT SEL 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 DISC IN 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM MIC LINE MIC [...]

17 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 1: Main features • Equipped with the [USB PC] port for PC connection. You can directly connect to a PC, allowing to mount the internal hard disk and DVD drives to the PC. The unit also provides the [USB HOST] port for future expansion. In addition, the [USB KYBD] port is also provided for USB keyboard conn[...]

18 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 1: Main features • You can export a recorded audio file to the AVID system by creating the ALE file. • The Mark/Cue function allows to store markers (cue points) during recording. You can locate or skip to a cue point quickly. • The "False start" function allows to cancel recording easily. ?[...]

19 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 1: Main features What is in the box? PD204 options and related Fostex products The following PD204 options and related products are available. Ask your local Fostex dealer or sale office for details about them such as prices, specifications, etc. You can also get product information from our web site below. [...]

20 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 1: Main features[...]

21 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 This chapter explains what you should do before using the PD204 for the first time, including power connection, internal clock setting and preparation of the DVD-RAM disk. It also explains how to replace the internal hard dis[...]

22 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 <Note>: The IDX ENDURA battery, NP-1 type battery (including the holder and holder plate) and AC adaptor are not included with the unit. For the information about the AC adaptor, ask your dealer or the nearest FOSTEX service station. Preparation of power supply The[...]

23 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 The ENDURA battery is mounted to the bottom of the PD204. There are two mounts for mounting the batteries. If you use the non-PowerLink type batteries, you can mount one battery for each base. If you use the PowerLink type batteries, you can mount up to four batteries (t[...]

24 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 <Note>: When you use a battery with BMS (Battery Management System), you can check the battery information via the "BATT. status" item in the "BATTERY SETUP" menu of the MENU mode (see page 173 ). Low battery warning setting Whether you use a ba[...]

25 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 Power supply priority setting (essential when using both [DC IN] and a battery) When you use both a battery and the [DC IN] connector, you must set the power supply priority ("DC-IN" or "BATT"). For example, if you set it to "DC-IN", the bat[...]

26 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 LOCATE CIRCLE T AKE CUE OFF SLATE JAM MIC TONE PRE REC OFF ON symbol 0 9 WXYZ 8 TUV 7 PQRS GHI 4 JKL 5 MNO 6 space 1 ABC 2 DEF 3 CLEAR LIGHT EXIT FILE SEL TIME QUICK SET PHONES MONITOR MAX MIN R/S L/M MONO ST MS C1 C2 AUX ON OFF POWER DVD HDD ACCESS PD204 LOCA TION RECOR[...]

27 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 To dismount the battery, make sure that the power is off, and remove the battery while pressing the release button on the IDX ENDURA battery or press down the eject lever on the PD204. Dismounting the battery Release button <Note>: Dispose the used battery properly[...]

28 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 5 . 0 (A ) X A M V 4 2 - 2 1 N I - C D V 4 2 - 2 1 U O - C DT D B Y K T S O H C P B S U L IN OUT R ADJUST DIGITAL ANALOG OUT 1:GND 1:GND 2:NC 3:NC 4:12-24 V 1:GND 2:NC 3:NC 4:12-24 V 2:HOT 3:COLD XLR DC-IN DC-OUT You can connect the AC adaptor or another appropriate powe[...]

29 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 After mounting the battery or connecting the power source such as the AC adaptor to the [DC IN] connector, you can turn on the power by setting the [POWER] switch to "ON". The unit starts up and the screen similar to below appears (the screen example below show[...]

30 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 LOCATE PRE R E symbol 0 9 WXYZ 8 TUV 7 PQRS GHI 4 JKL 5 MNO 6 space 1 ABC 2 DEF 3 CLEAR LIGHT EXIT FILE SEL TIME QUICK SET MONITOR R/S L/M MONO ST MS C1 C2 AUX ON OFF POWER DVD HDD ACCESS PD204 LOCA TION RECORDER SHIFT CONTRAST MENU DR V, PAT TC SET PRE V ENTER YES BATT/[...]

31 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 The PD204 offers realtime clock. The realtime clock data is used for a default file name when creating a new audio file on a disk, the file creation date/time information, the time code start time when recording a time code by the internal time code generator, and so on [...]

32 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 3) Use the [MENU] dial to select "Adjust RTC" and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display now shows current internal clock time which runs in realtime. 4) Use the [MENU] dial to select "EDIT" and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The clock data at the momen[...]

33 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 The following procedure assumes that partition 1 (PT01) which has no recorded file is currently selected. Inserting a disk LOCK PANEL LOCK OFF REW F FWD DISC IN OPEN OPEN 1) Slide the [OPEN] lever to the right. The cover of the disk tray opens a little, so you can open t[...]

34 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 2) Use the [MENU] dial to select "DISK UTILITY" and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display shows the DISK UTILITY menu screen, on which you can select disk utility menu item. Initial format of a DVD-RAM disk 1) While the unit is stopped, press the [SHIFT] key [...]

35 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 6) Use the [MENU] dial to highlight "[EXECUTE]" and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display shows the caution screen, where "Are you sure?" flashes. 7) While "Are you sure?" flashes, press the [ENTER/YES] key . The unit starts formatting. Th[...]

36 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 8) After formatting, press the [EXIT] key to exit the MENU mode. The display returns to the Home screen previously shown before entering the MENU mode. <Note>: In rare cases, the unit shows "Disk error!" and releases the disk lock after formatting is perf[...]

37 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 You can replace the internal hard disk drive with the optional Model EX-HD1 hard disk drive by following the procedure below. Replacing the internal hard disk drive 1) Loosen the four fixed screws around battery mount 1 and remove the panel. The internal hard disk drive [...]

38 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 2: Preparation before using the PD204 Fixed screw 1 Fixed screw 2 Connector After removing the hard disk drive, you can see the connector inside for connecting with the hard disk drive. 3) Insert the optional hard disk drive to the slot. Insert the drive into the slot until it is fully inserted to the connec[...]

39 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions Chapter 3: Names and Functions Chapter 3 - T able of contents Left side panel ............................................................................................................... ..............40 Right side panel ..............................................................[...]

40 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 1. [ANALOG OUT (L, R)] connectors (XLR-3-32 type/balanced) Outputs the stereo tracks L/R signals. It is used to connect to an external audio device. The reference level is set to +4dBu by default but you can change it to -10dBu or -60dBu using the "Stereo out level" menu item[...]

41 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 6. Internal monitor speaker Outputs audio signals of tracks L and R, error tones, etc. When a headphones plug is inserted to the [PHONES] jack, the monitor speaker is inactive. 4. Handle Used to fix the supplied shoulder belt. 5. Angle adjustment arm Used to adjust the angle of the uni[...]

42 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 3. [ADJUST] lever Used to adjust the protector on the right of the rear panel (see page 25). 1. [AUX IN (L, R)] connectors (XLR-3-31 type/balanced) These connectors receive analog audio signals from the external device. 1 2 3 GND HOT COLD Right side panel PE L L A R AL E T O M E R - P [...]

43 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 4. [TIME CODE OUT] connector (XLR-3-32 type/balanced) Outputs time code. 5. [TIME CODE IN] connector (XLR-3-31 type/balanced) Inputs external time code. 1 2 3 GND HOT COLD 1 2 3 GND HOT COLD 1 3 2 2 3 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (*) V BA TT (12V), Max 500mA. It is output regardless of power on/o[...]

44 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 1. [POWER] switch Turns on or off the main power of the PD204. To prevent pressing the switch by accident, it is located in the depressed area on the panel . 2. [SHIFT] key/indicator Pressing this key turns the shift mode on or off. When on, the indicator is lit and you can execute a S[...]

45 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 3. [QUICK SET] key Pressing this key enters the quick setup mode. In this mode, you can directly select the setting items shown in the status indication area on the Home screen (see page 74 for details). To cancel the quick setup mode, press the [EXIT] key. QUICK SET TIME TC SET FILE S[...]

46 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 9. [ACCESS] indicator (HDD, DVD) Each indicator Indicates the access condition of the internal hard disk drive or the DVD-RAM drive. Each indicator lights in green while the corresponding drive is not accessed, in orange while it is accessed for reading, and in red while it is accessed[...]

47 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 16. [CUE] key This key functions as follows depending on the recorder condition. • During recording: By pressing this key during recording, the current position data is stored as a cue point "on the fly". The data is entered into the next available cue point (see page 93). [...]

48 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 18. [CIRCLE T AKE / F ALSE ST ART ] key This key has primary (unSHIFTed) and secondary (SHIFTed) functions. • When unSHIFT ed: Adds "@" to the beginning of the name of the current audio file. If the name of the current audio file already has "@" at the beginning, [...]

49 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions <Note>: The time code recorded is conformed to the setting done by the quick setup mode or the "TC GEN" item in the "TC SETUP" menu of the MENU mode. See pages 76 and 177 for details about the "TC GEN" item. • When recording with the PRE REC mode s[...]

50 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions d. [PFL/SEL] key This key has primary (unSHIFTed) and secondary (SHIFTed) functions. • When unSHIFT ed: While pressing down the [PFL/SEL] key(s) for the desired channel(s), you can monitor the pre-fader signal(s) of the channel(s) (see page 83). Switches on/off of PFL (Pre Fader List[...]

51 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 24. LCD display Displays information for time, file, settings, etc. (see page 55). 25. [PHONES] jack Connects headphones. Inserting a plug automatically disables the internal monitor speaker. 26. [MONITOR] control Controls the monitor level of headphones (or the internal speaker). At t[...]

52 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions T op panel HPF (Hz) 300 50 -12 -6 OFF (dB/oct) LOCATE ABS 0 LOCATE REC END LOCK PANEL LOCK OFF REW F FWD PLAY STOP 200 130 INPUT SEL 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 DISC IN 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM MIC LINE MIC LINE MIC L[...]

53 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions 6. [HPF] frequency controls Each control adjusts the cutoff frequency of the high pass filter for the corresponding input (see page 79). The adjustable range is from 50 Hz to 300 Hz. 7. [HPF] switches Each switch selects the high pass filter response from the followings (see page 80). [...]

54 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions Rear panel 2 3 1 1 2. Battery mount 2 Mounts one or two IDX ENDURA batteries (see page 23 for details). In this manual, we sometimes describe this mount as "BATT2". 3. Battery mount 1 Mounts one or two IDX ENDURA batteries (see page 23 for details). In this manual, we sometim[...]

55 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions Home screen Each of the following screen examples is the screen which appears when an audio file recorded on a DVD-RAM disk or the internal hard disk is loaded. LCD display details Current drive/file number Time display This area shows the time value of the current file position in &qu[...]

56 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions Status information The status information area shows the current settings including the Fs/bit information of the playback file. Using the quick setup mode, you can make settings directly via the status information area. The FS/bit and the number of recorded tracks of the current playb[...]

57 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions Current drive/file number This area shows the current drive name and the audio file number. The following shows the examples when an audio file recorded on a DVD-RAM disk or hard disk partition is loaded. Protect icon When a hard disk partition is protected, " " is shown. You[...]

58 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions MENU list screen You can bring up the MENU list screen by pressing the [SHIFT] key followed by the [ENTER/YES] key. This screen is the first level screen of the MENU mode and you can select a desired menu from the menus for various settings or preferences of the PD204. See page 134 for[...]

59 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions EDIT EDL FILE menu screen You can bring up this menu screen by selecting "EDIT EDL FILE" from the MENU list screen and pressing the [ENTER/YES] key. From the EDIT EDL FILE menu, you can create or edit an EDL (Edit Decision List) file (ALE file) for exporting recorded audio fi[...]

60 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 3: Names and Functions[...]

61 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections Chapter 4: Basic connections Chapter 4 - T able of contents Input connection .........................................................................................................................62 Analog audio input connection .........................................................[...]

62 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections 5 . 0 (A ) X A M V 4 2 - 2 1 N I - C D V 4 2 - 2 1 U O - C DT D B Y K T S O H C P B S U L IN OUT R ADJUST DIGITAL ANALOG OUT 1:GND 1:GND 2:NC 3:NC 4:12-24 V 1:GND 2:NC 3:NC 4:12-24 V 2:HOT 3:COLD XLR DC-IN DC-OUT PE L L A R AL E T O M E R - P 9 U OT D R O W N I O E D I V / D R O W U AT E[...]

63 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections The [TIME CODE IN] connector (balanced, XLR-3-31) accepts SMPTE/EBU time code. To record external time code, set the TC generator mode to "Ext Run" (Ext). By default, the TC generator mode is set to "Rec Run", however, you can select the desired mode via the quick set[...]

64 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections Output connection Analog audio devices Digital audio devices External device Digital audio device PE L L A R AL E T O M E R - P 9 U OT D R O W N I O E D I V / D R O W U AT E S OL F F O N O E D O C E M I T N IT U O 1 2 3 4 R L N I G O L A N A T S U J D A AUX IN 5 . 0 (A ) X A M V 4 2 - 2 [...]

65 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections Digital audio output connection The digital audio signals can be output from the [DIGITAL OUT] connector (XLR-3- 32 type) in the IEC 60958 Part3 (AES/EBU) or IEC 60958 Part2 (S/P DIF) format. You can select the digital output signal format (AES/EBU or S/P DIF) using the "Digital out[...]

66 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections The PD204 provides the [USB (KYBD)] connector for connecting a USB keyboard. By connecting a USB keyboard to this connector, you can enter file and label names as well as carry out some of menu operations from the keyboard. USB keyboard connection <Notes> • To control the unit fr[...]

67 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections Other keys Left/Right/Up/ Down key These keys can be used to enter characters or move the cursor point when editing a name for a label or file name or in the MENU mode. Left/Right key Act as the [ ] and [ ] keys respectively . BS key Deletes the character to the left of the cursor point [...]

68 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections The PD204 provides the [USB (PC)] connector dedicated for PC connection. By connecting a personal computer to this connector, you can control the PD204 drive from the personal computer as well as transfer an audio file between the PD204 and personal computer (see page 116 for details). P[...]

69 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections The [DC IN] connector (XLR-4-32 type) on the left side panel is used for operating the unit on the optional AC adaptor or an external battery. The PD204 also pro- vides the [DC OUT] connector for supplying DC-12V to an external device. Power connection <Notes> • The [DC OUT] conn[...]

70 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections HPF (Hz) 300 50 -12 -6 OFF (dB/oct) LOCATEABS 0 LOCATE REC END LOCK PANEL LOCK OFF REW F FWD PLAY STOP 200 130 INPUT SEL 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 DISC IN 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM MIC LINE MIC LINE MIC LINE MIC LINE O[...]

71 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections HPF (Hz) 300 50 -12 -6 OFF (dB/oct) LOCATEABS 0 LOCATE REC END LOCK PANEL LOCK OFF REW F FWD PLAY STOP 200 130 INPUT SEL 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 DISC IN 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM MIC LINE MIC LINE MIC LINE MIC LINE O[...]

72 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 4: Basic connections[...]

73 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Chapter 5: Recording/Playback This chapter describes basic recording and playback of analog and digital audio signals, as well as cue point setting and skip/locate functions. Chapter 5 - T able of contents Preparation before recording ....................................................[...]

74 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Preparation before recording Before starting audio recording, make necessary settings in the quick setup mode (or the MENU mode), as well as mixer settings. Setup for recording in quick setup mode In the quick setup mode, you can make basic settings for recording via the Home screen, wh[...]

75 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback 2) Select the desired item you want to edit and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The current option of the selected item starts flashing and you can now select the desired option using the [MENU] dial. 3) Use the [MENU] dial to select the desired option and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The se[...]

76 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback You can select a sampling frequency and bit length combination. Sampling frequency and bit length selection [ ] <Note>: When the system clock is set to "DIGI" or "WORD", the FS of a file to be played back must match the FS setting of the unit. Otherwise, you ca[...]

77 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback You can select the prior power source when the unit can get power from both the battery and [DC-IN] connection. Power source priority selection [ ] <Note>: Only the available power source(s) can be selected. When only one power source is available, it is automatically selected. Av[...]

78 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback During recording, if the unit encounters the following problems, the error tone is output for warning. 1. A write error happens during recording. 2. The input amplifier is clipped during recording. 3. The battery voltage drops below the specified level. 4. The remaining volume of a disk[...]

79 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback According to the analog audio signal fed to the [ANALOG IN] connector, set the LINE-MIC switch to "LINE" or "MIC". When you select "MIC", set the phantom power switch to "48V", "DM" or "T12" appropriately according to the micro[...]

80 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback You can enable or disable the limiter function on each channel (1 through 4) by pressing the [SHIFT] key followed by the [PAN] key. On the other hand, you can enable or disable the limiter function on stereo bus by pressing the [SHIFT] key followed by the [LINK] key. When the limiter fu[...]

81 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback <About gain adjustment> The PD204 controls the gain by the advanced digital control volume with the latest technology, which offers the following advantages. (1) Improvement of audio quality by simplifying the analog circuit. (2) Controls the volume of an input signal and can be u[...]

82 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Using the [ST BUS SEND] control on each of channels 1 through 4, you can adjust the signal level sent to the stereo bus. Using the [MASTER (L, R)] control, you can adjust the stereo bus master level. Controlling signals sent to the stereo bus [ST BUS SEND] controls [MASTER] control [P A[...]

83 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback [MONITOR] control [PHONES] jack 7 PQRS GHI 4 space 1 LIGHT EXIT FILE SEL TIME QUICK SET PHONES MONITOR MAX MIN R/S L/M MONO ST MS C1 C2 AUX ON OFF POWER DVD HDD ACCESS PD204 LOCA TION RECORDER SHIFT CONTRAST MENU D RV, PAT TC SET ENTER YES BA TT Monitor select dial Monitoring recording [...]

84 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback 1) While stopped, press the [SHIFT] key to enter shift mode, followed by the [FILE SEL / DR V , P A T .] key . The display changes to show the screen for selecting a drive. On the screen, the current selection is initially highlighted. 2) Use the [MENU] dial to select the desired drive [...]

85 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Starting recording The following procedure assumes that all the necessary preparations for recording such as signal source connection, drive selection, level settings, etc. have been completed. 1) Slide the [REC] key . A "New File" is automatically created and recording starts[...]

86 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback By pressing the [CIRCLE TAKE / FALSE START] key while the unit is in shift mode, the popup message as below appears. If you cancel the last recording, press the [ENTER/YES] key. If you do not cancel the last recording, press the [EXIT] key. Canceling recording (False Start) By pressing [...]

87 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback <Notes> • When the [PRE REC] switch is set to "ON", the [ANALOG OUT] connectors output analog audio input signals with no delay, but output a delayed digital input signal. • If you switch the Fs setting to "ON", wait ten seconds to start recording. Otherwis[...]

88 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback If you set the "Tone rec mode" item in the "SYS SETUP" menu of the MENU mode appropri- ately, the slate tone is automatically recorded at the beginning of an audio file which is created when recording is made. You can select the slate tone type between continuous ton[...]

89 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Recording digital audio When recording digital audio, you do not need to make mixer settings described earlier. Instead, you have to make the following settings. Note that time code is recorded according to the time code generator mode setting (see the next page). Selecting the system c[...]

90 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Selecting the TC generate mode (TC recording mode) You can select the generate mode for time code recording from the following via the quick setup mode or the "Gen mode" item in the "TC SETUP" menu of the MENU mode (see pages 76 and 177 ). 24H RUN EXT RUN FREE RUN RE[...]

91 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Setting the time code output You can select the time code source ("Repro" or "Gen") fed from the [TIME CODE OUT] connector via the "Sel TC Out" item in the "TC SETUP" menu of the MENU mode (see page 183 ). Repro Gen Outputs time code recorded on a[...]

92 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Force jam to external time code The jam function of the PD204 internal generator allows to take over generating time code after the generator locks to the external time code timing. Using the jam function, the PD204 time code generator can run with extreme accuracy (its own crystal accu[...]

93 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Cue point setting The PD204 provides the following two ways of setting a cue point. (1) During audio recording, you can set a cue point “on-the-fly” at the desired point. (2) During playback or while stopped, you can set a cue point using the cue point list on the screen. Setting a [...]

94 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback • Editing cue point data To edit a cue point data, use the [MENU] dial to select “<Position>” while “Label” is flashing and press the [ENTER/YES] key. The subframe value of the current time data flashes, showing that you can now edit it. <Note>: Regardless of the c[...]

95 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback • Deleting a cue point To delete an unnecessary cue point, select “<Delete>” using the [MENU] dial and press the [ENTER/YES] key (“Sure?” flashes). Adding a new cue point to the cue point list While the CUE LIST screen is shown, you can add a new cue point to the list. S[...]

96 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Basic playback Normal audio playback The following procedure assumes that an audio file is recorded to a DVD-RAM disk or hard disk partition. 1) Press the [SHIFT] key followed by the [FILE SEL / DRV , P A T .] key to enter drive select mode. 2) Use the [MENU] dial to select the desired [...]

97 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback T ime code playback Recorded time code is played back together with audio and can be output from the [TIME CODE OUT] connector. To output recorded time code from the [TIME CODE OUT] connector, set the "Sel. TC Out" item in the "TC SETUP" menu of the MENU mode to &quo[...]

98 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Skip / locate functions The PD204 offers comprehensive skip/locate functions. Skipping by file When more than one audio file is created on the current DVD-RAM disk (or hard disk partition), you can quickly skip to the beginning (ABS 0) of a desired track. By pressing the [ ] or [ ] key [...]

99 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Locating to the previous locate point While the recorder is stopped, pressing the [LOCATE] key locates to the position where you located last time. LOCATE CIRCLE T AKE CUE OFF SLATE JAM MIC TONE PRE REC OFF ON symbol 0 9 WXYZ 8 TUV 7 PQRS GHI 4 JKL 5 MNO 6 space 1 ABC 2 DEF 3 CLEAR LIGH[...]

100 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Locating to the desired time You can locate the recorder to the desired position by specifying the time value. LOCATE CIRCLE T AKE CUE OFF SLATE JAM MIC TONE PRE REC OFF ON symbol 0 9 WXYZ 8 TUV 7 PQRS GHI 4 JKL 5 MNO 6 space 1 ABC 2 DEF 3 CLEAR LIGHT EXIT FILE SEL TIME QUICK SET PHONE[...]

101 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback Locating to the desired cue point You can locate the recorder quickly to a desired cue point by selecting the cue point from the cue list. 2) Use the [MENU] dial to select the desired cue point from the cue list, and press the [LOCA TE] key . The unit quickly locates to the selected cu[...]

102 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 5: Recording/Playback[...]

103 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations Chapter 6: Advanced operations Chapter 6 - T able of contents Auto copy function ............................................................................................................ .............................104 Selecting a partition ........................................[...]

104 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations When recording to an audio file on a partition of the PD204 hard disk drive, the auto copy function automatically copies the same audio file to a DVD-RAM disk. You can select the auto copy mode from the following two auto copy modes. Auto copy function Immediately mode Back ground mod[...]

105 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations 1) While the unit is stopped, press the [SHIFT] key to light [SHIFT] indicator , followed by the [ENTER/YES] key . The display now shows the MENU list screen. 2) While “SYS SETUP” is highlighted, press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display now shows the SYS SETUP menu screen. 3) Use t[...]

106 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations Making auto copy 1) Slide the [REC] key to start recording to the partition. When the auto copy mode is set to “IMME”, audio data is recorded to the partition, while it is copied to the PD204 DVD-RAM disk. 2) Press the [P AUSE] key to stop recording. If you choose the “BGRD” ([...]

107 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations The disk copy function fully copies all audio files recorded on a DVD-RAM disk (or hard disk partition) to another DVD-RAM disk (or hard disk partition). To execute the disk copy function, use the “Disk copy” menu item in the “DISK UTILITY” menu of the MENU mode. Disk copy fun[...]

108 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations Making disk copy The following procedure assumes that partition 1 (PT01) is selected as the current drive and you attempt to copy audio data recorded on the partition to the DVD-RAM disk. 1) While the unit is stopped, press the [SHIFT] key to light [SHIFT] indicator , followed by the [...]

109 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations 6) If you are sure, press the [ENTER/YES] key . The PD204 starts disk copy to the selected destination medium. During disk copy, the display shows estimated time and space remaining progress indication for disk copy. When disk copy completes, “Completed!” is shown on the display a[...]

110 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations The file copy function copies an audio file recorded on a DVD-RAM disk (or hard disk partition) to another DVD-RAM disk (or hard disk partition). To execute the file copy function, use the “File copy” menu item in the “DISK UTILITY” menu of the MENU mode. File copy function SH[...]

111 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations 4) While “DVD” is flashing, press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display now shows the screen for selecting the desired audio file from those recorded on the hard disk partition 1 (PT01). 3) Use the [MENU] dial to select “File copy” and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display now s[...]

112 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations 6) After making audio file selection, press the [ENTER/YES] key . The PD204 starts file copy to the destination medium (DVD-RAM disk or partition). During file copy, the display shows estimated time and space remaining progress indication for file copy. When file copy completes, “Co[...]

113 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations Formatting in the “DDR” mode To carry out dual drive recording, you have to format the current partition in the “DDR” mode for dual drive recording. The following procedure is assumed that the “PT02HD” hard disk partition is currently selected (see page 112 for details abo[...]

114 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations In this procedure example, we assume that we format partition 2 (PT02) which is the current drive in the "DDR" mode. If you want to format another partition, press the [ENTER/YES] key while "Drive: PT02HD" is highlighted and select the desired partition. In this pr[...]

115 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations Making dual drive recording The following procedure is assumed that the selected partition (PT02) is “DDR” formatted and a mirror disk is set to the DVD multi drive. 1) Slide the [REC] key to start recording to the partition. Dual drive recording starts. The PD204 also make record[...]

116 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations By connecting the PD204 to a personal computer via the [USB PC] connector, audio file data can be transferred. PD204 audio data can be copied to hard disk on the personal computer, or exported to an application software such as Digidesign Pro Tools. Data export to PC <Note>: Dep[...]

117 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations How to unmount the PD204 from the PC To disconnect the PD204 from the personal computer, unmount the PD204 drive(s) from the computer and remove the USB cable, then press the [EXIT] key to disconnect USB. The method of unmounting a device from a computer differs depending on the compu[...]

118 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations Example of copying data to a computer hard disk In the following procedure, we assume that the cable between the PD204 and the PC is connected and the “USB to PC” menu item in the “SYS SETUP” menu of the MENU mode is set to “CONNECT”. <Note>: While the "USB to P[...]

119 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations 7) Select a saving file and click on “Select” (indicated by an arrow 6). The computer starts saving the file to the selected file. 4 5 6 5 Convert-> Done Select bwff 5) Select and click on an audio file in the “bwff” directory on the disk (indicated by an arrow 4). The sele[...]

120 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 6: Advanced operations The saved file is added to the audio region list (indicated by an arrow 7). 7 8) After making “Spot” active, drag and drop the audio region list to the track area (indicated by an arrow 8). The “Spot Dialog” setting window appears. 9) Click on “UP” in the “Spot Dialog”[...]

121 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) This chapter describes details about how to create an ALE (Avid Log Exchange) file for exporting audio data of the PD204 to an AVID system, as well as how to edit an existing ALE file. Chapt[...]

122 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) On a DVD-RAM disk (or hard disk partition), the PD204 creates the "info" folder under the "bwff" folder. The "Info" folder stores ALE (Avid Log Exchange) files and various information files such as a diagnoses file. About a[...]

123 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) 3) While "<New file>" is highlighted, press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display now shows the screen for entering a name of a newly created ALE file. 4) Use the [MENU] dial (or the alphanumeric keys) to enter the desired name. In the scree[...]

124 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) 6) While "Video format" is highlighted, press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display changes to show the screen on which you can select the video format. The current option flashes (the default is "PAL"). 7) Use the [MENU] dial to select [...]

125 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) To create another new ALE file, select "<New file>" and follow the same procedure as above. If you want to exit the EDIT EDL FILE menu, press the [EXIT] key to dismiss the "Edit ALE" screen. In the following description, we con[...]

126 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) <Note>: We recommend setting an audio file you want to add to an ALE file later as "Circle Take". When the file is set as "Circle Take", "@" is added to the beginning of the file name so that you can distinguish the f[...]

127 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) You can view audio file entries in an ALE file, as well as add (or delete) an audio file entry to (or from) the ALE file. Viewing audio file entries 2) Using the [MENU] dial to select the “EDIT EDL FILE” menu and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The unit[...]

128 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) Adding an audio file entry to an existing ALE file 1) On the entry list screen shown in step 3 of "Viewing audio file entries" in the previous page, use the [MENU] dial to select "<New entry>" and press the [ENTER/YES] key . Th[...]

129 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) You can edit an existing ALE file. The editing functions include: • Editing an ALE file name and resave it. • Remaking an ALE file after its audio file entry is edited. • Deleting an unnecessary ALE file. Editing an ALE file name You can edit an e[...]

130 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) Remaking an ALE file If you edit the start time, end time, or the description information of an audio file which is listed in the ALE file, the ALE file must be remade. You can also remake the ALE file which contains only audio files whose "Circle [...]

131 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu) 6) After "Remake ALE" completes, press the [EXIT] key . The display shows the screen for updating the remade ALE file, on which "Are you sure?" flashes. 7) Press the [ENTER/YES] key . The remade ALE file is updated and the display re[...]

132 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 7: Creating and editing ALE files (EDIT EDL FILE menu)[...]

133 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu Chapter 8: MENU mode Chapter 8 - T able of contents About MENU mode ..................................................................................................................................................134 SYS SETUP menu ...............................................[...]

134 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu In the MENU mode, various essential setting and execution menu items are available. While the unit is stopped, you can enter the MENU mode by pressing the [SHIFT] key to enter shift mode followed by the [ENTER/YES] key. The display shows the MENU list screen as shown below. You c[...]

135 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu Menu name (in the displayed order) * SYS SETUP menu * TC SETUP menu * DISK UTILITY menu RS422 SETUP menu FILE SEL menu DRV/P A T SEL menu CUE LIST menu EDIT EDL FILE menu * LOAD SETUP menu Contents This menu includes menu items for setting preferences. 24 menu items are available[...]

136 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu In the SYS SETUP menu, the following menu items for settings regarding recording/playback are available. You can save setting data using the "SAVE SETUP" menu and recall the saved data whenever you want (see pages 207 and 208). Default file name Default T rkName Next ev[...]

137 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The "Set project name" menu item sets the project name recorded to an iXML file. Project name setting [Set project name] 4) Use the [MENU] dial or alphanumeric keys entering the desired project name, press the [ENTER/YES] key to confirm your setting. Use the [ ]/[ ] key[...]

138 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The "Default file name" menu item selects the default name format of an audio file which is created automatically when recording starts. You can give a file name of date information (according to the internal realtime clock), a scene name with a take number, or a reel n[...]

139 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu 7) Use the [MENU] dial or alphanumeric keys entering the desired scene name, press the [ENTER/YES] key to confirm your setting. Use the [ ]/[ ] keys to move the cursor position. By pressing the [CLEAR] key when the cursor is pointing any character of the name, you can clear the w[...]

140 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Default TrkName” menu item specifies the default track name for each track of a BWF file created when recording is made. The track name specified is automatically added to the track number whenever an audio file is created. The data is recorded to each file as the “fTR[...]

141 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Next event No” menu item sets the event number in the description information of an audio file. The event number is recorded to each file as “fEVENT” information in the BWF BEXT Chunk Description. The setting is stored in the System ROM of the unit. Next event number[...]

142 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Record FS&Bit” menu item sets the recording sampling frequency and bit length. You can also make the setting via the quick setup mode on the Home screen. The setting is stored to the Flash ROM of the unit. Y ou can select from among the following: 44/16, 48/16, 44/24[...]

143 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Pull up/down” menu item makes clock pull up/down when the unit is referenced to the internal clock. You can also make the setting via the quick setup mode on the Home screen. The setting is stored to the Flash ROM of the unit. Pull up/down setting [Pull up/down] 4) Use t[...]

144 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Digital out” menu item selects the format (AES/EBU or S/P DIF) of the digital signal which is output from the [DIGITAL OUT] connector. IEC 60958 Part3 (AES/EBU) format digital signal is output. AES/EBU S/P DIF IEC 60958 Part2 (S/P DIF) format digital signal is output. Di[...]

145 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Diagnoses” menu item selects whether or not creating a diagnoses file which logs errors during recording, etc. The setting is stored to the Flash ROM of the unit. Creates a diagnoses file which logs errors during recording, etc. On Off Does not create a diagnoses file. D[...]

146 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Peak hold” menu item sets the peak hold time of the peak level meters. * When “ ∞ ” is selected, you can clear the peak hold indication by pressing the [CLEAR] key . Peak hold time setting [Peak hold] Y ou can set the time between “0sec.” and “9sec.” in one[...]

147 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu • T one rec On/Off setting Use the [MENU] dial to select the “Tone rec” and press the [ENTER/YES] key. The current setting starts flashing. Use the [MENU] dial to select a desired option and press the [ENTER/YES] key to confirm your setting. • T one rec time setting Use t[...]

148 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu Use the [MENU] dial to select a desired option and press the [ENTER/YES] key to confirm your setting. • End pop tone setting Use the [MENU] dial to select the “End pop tone” and press the [ENTER/YES] key. The current setting starts flashing. The 1kHz pop tone is recorded at[...]

149 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Pause time” menu item sets the pause cancel time. After the pause cancel time has passed since the recorder entered the pause mode, the recorder automatically cancels the pause mode and stops. Pause cancel time setting [Pause time] Y ou can set the time between “0.1min[...]

150 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Keyboard Sel” menu item selects the type of a USB keyboard connected to the [USB (KYBD)] connector. The setting is stored to the Flash ROM of the unit. USB keyboard type setting [Keyboard Sel] A US keyboard can be connected. US JAP AN A Japanese keyboard can be connected[...]

151 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu <Note>: If you execute pre recording at 88.2k or 96k, the pre recording time auto- matically reduces to half the selected value. If you execute pre recording at 176.4k or 192k, the pre recording time automatically reduces to quarter the selected value. For example, if the p[...]

152 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Max file length” menu item sets the maximum recording volume of a file. This setting is important especially for exporting audio file data of the unit to your PC, because each PC has the limitation of the volume of a file to be imported. The setting is stored to the Flas[...]

153 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “Auto part. link” menu item allows you to enable or disable the auto partition link func- tion. By setting this item to "On" (while the default is "Off"), when there is no recording space left in the current partition during recording (after approximat[...]

154 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu <Note>: To make continuous recording, the next partition to the current partition must have enough recordable space. It is recommended that no recording has been made to the next partition before making continuous recording. The following shows how continuous recording is m[...]

155 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The “False start” menu item selects whether the canceled file is kept on or deleted from the disk (or partition) when you cancel recording using the False start function. False start mode setting [False start] 1) While the unit is stopped, press the [SHIFT] key to light the S[...]

156 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu Limiter parameter setting [Limiter parameter] • Grouping setting Use the [MENU] dial to select the “Grouping” and press the [ENTER/YES] key. The current setting starts flashing. Use the [MENU] dial to select a desired option and press the [ENTER/YES] key to confirm your set[...]

157 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu Use the [MENU] dial to select a desired option and press the [ENTER/YES] key to confirm your setting. • Ratio setting Use the [MENU] dial to select the “Ratio” and press the [ENTER/YES] key. The current setting starts flashing. Use the [MENU] dial to select a desired option[...]

158 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu The "Stereo out level" menu item selects the nominal output level of the [ANALOG OUT]. According to the device connected to the [ANALOG OUT] connector, select the level appropri- ately. ANALOG OUT nominal level setting [Stereo out level] 1) While the unit is stopped, pr[...]

159 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu Monitor speaker mute setting [Speaker mute] The “Speaker mute” menu item selects whether or not the internal monitor speaker is muted when the unit is not in playback mode. The setting of this item is stored to PD204 flash ROM. Y ou can select between “On” and “Off” ([...]

160 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu Use the [MENU] dial to select the desired option and press the [ENTER/YES] key to confirm your setting. If a write error occurs while you set "Write error" to "On", the warning tone is output by the pattern on the right. Y ou can select between “On” and ?[...]

161 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu • Input clip On/Off setting Use the [MENU] dial to select the “Input clip” and press the [ENTER/YES] key. The current setting starts flashing and you can now select the desired option. Use the [MENU] dial to select the desired option and press the [ENTER/YES] key to confirm[...]

162 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu • Disk warning time setting Use the [MENU] dial to select the “Disk warning” and press the [ENTER/YES] key. The current setting starts flashing and you can now select the desired option. Use the [MENU] dial to select the desired option and press the [ENTER/YES] key to confi[...]

163 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu Chain play mode setting [Chain play] 4) Use the [MENU] dial to select the desired option and press the [ENTER/YES] key to confirm your setting. The “Chain play” menu item selects how the recorder behaves after playback of an audio file finishes. By default, the recorder stops[...]

164 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SYS SETUP menu Selecting “Version” allows you to view the software ROM version number and creation/revision date. ROM version checking [V ersion] 3) Use the [MENU] dial to select the “V ersion” menu item and press the [ENTER/YES] key . You can check the software ROM version number and c[...]

165 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/BATTERY SETUP menu In the BATTERY SETUP menu, the following items for battery related settings and screens are available. BA TT . warning DC-IN warning Power priority Active battery BA TT . Remain BA TT . Status Menu item Setting/function Sets the threshold battery voltage for generating the wa[...]

166 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/BATTERY SETUP menu Using the "BATT. warning" item, you can set the threshold low battery voltage for generating the warning tone. When the battery voltage drops down to the threshold voltage for warning, you can hear the warning tone via headphones. To hear the warning tone, you must [...]

167 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/BATTERY SETUP menu Using the "DC-IN warning" item, you can set the threshold low battery voltage for generating the warning tone when an external battery is connected to the [DC-IN] connector. When the battery voltage drops down to the threshold voltage for warning, you can hear the w[...]

168 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/BATTERY SETUP menu Using the "Power priority" item, you can set the power supply priority when you use both a battery and the [DC IN] connector. For example, if you set the prior power supply to "DC-IN", the battery can be backup power and is used only when the "DC-IN&q[...]

169 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/BATTERY SETUP menu Using the "Active battery" item, you can select the prior battery (BATT1 or BATT2) when you set batteries to both the BATT1 and BATT2. See "Battery setting examples" on pages 170 and 171 for the examples of battery priority set- ting. The setting you make [...]

170 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/BATTERY SETUP menu <Battery setting examples> <Example 1>: The [DC-IN] power is normally used while a battery set to battery mount 1 is standby for backup. Power priority: DC-IN, Active battery: BA TT1 BA TT1 is on standby . DC-IN is active. DC-IN is disconnected. BA TT1 is active. [...]

171 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/BATTERY SETUP menu <Example 3>: Batteries are mounted on both battery mounts and can be used continuously . Power priority: BA TT . (If no power is supplied to "DC-IN", this item has no effect.) Active battery: BA TT1 (Y ou may select BA TT1 or BA TT2 whichever you like. Each ti[...]

172 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/BATTERY SETUP menu When you use a battery with BMS (Battery Management System), the "BATT. Remain" item shows the remaining time until the battery voltage reaches the threshold low voltage (set by the "BATT. warning" item) in one minute steps. You can also see the remaining [...]

173 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/BATTERY SETUP menu <Note>: When batteries are linked (using PowerLink batteries), the average value calculated by the batteries is shown. The "BATT. status" item displays the information of a battery with BMS (Battery Management System). Battery status [BA TT . status] 3) Use th[...]

174 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu In the TC SETUP menu, 13 menu items for settings regarding time code recording/play- back and synchronization to an external device are available. Sync clock Frame rate Gen mode Set Gen. TC Set Gen Ubit Sel. TC out Default L TC start Edit L TC start Rep TC Ubit Rep Pause TC Menu i[...]

175 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "Sync clock" menu item, you can select the system clock reference. If you connect the PD204 to an external digital or video machine which does not have sync clock output facility, use the PD204 internal clock as the system master clock. You can also set the sys[...]

176 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "Frame rate" menu item, you can select the time code frame rate for recording. You can also select the TC frame rate using the quick setup mode. 23.97 29.97 29.97DF 24 25 24FPS, Film 23.976FPS, Film -0.1% 29.97FPS, NTSC color with real time adjust 29.97FPS, NTS[...]

177 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "Gen mode" menu item, you can select the generator mode of the internal TC genera- tor. You can also select the generator mode using the quick setup mode. Rec Run 24H Run Ext Run Free Run When recording, the unit records the incoming external time code. If the [...]

178 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu <Note>: If no time code is fed to the unit in the "EXT RUN" mode, "<<No EXT TC!>>" is shown. Using the "Set Gen TC" menu item, you can check the time code value of the internal time code generator, as well as can edit the time code s[...]

179 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu If you want to start the next file from this time code value, simply press the [ENTER/YES] key. If you want to start the next file from a desired time code value, edit the time code value and press the [ENTER/YES] key. • Editing the time code value in Free run mode: When the &qu[...]

180 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu You can set the time code user bit and user bit mode of the time code which is output from the [TIME CODE OUT] connector when the "Sel TC Out" item is set to "Gen". User bit setting [Set Gen Ubit] • Jamming the time code value in Free run mode: If you press t[...]

181 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Editing the user bit By using the [MENU] dial to highlight “User: 00 00 00 00” and pressing the [ENTER/YES] key, the rightmost field of the current user bit (by default, “0”) starts flashing and you can now make editing. uuuuuuuu MMDDYY uu DDMMYY uu BG_76: MM (month)/BG_54[...]

182 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "JAM mode" menu item, you can select the jam mode for the generator "Free Run" mode (You can set which information is jammed). BOTH TC UBIT Only time code data is jammed. For userbit, the userbit data of the internal generator is used. Both time code [...]

183 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "Sel. TC Out" menu item, you can set the time code source (Repro or Gen) fed from the [TIME CODE OUT] connector. <Note>: Even if "Sel. TC Out" is set to "Gen", the generator time code is not output when the generator mode is set to the[...]

184 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "Default LTC start" menu item, you can set the desired default LTC start time value (the initial setting is "1h 00m 00s"). This value is used when the generator mode is set to "Ext Run" but no external time code is fed to the unit. 3) Press [...]

185 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "Edit LTC start" menu item, you can set the desired LTC start time of a playback audio file. The LTC start time is recorded to the currently load file. L TC start time editing [Edit L TC start] <Note>: The PD204 records only the start time of LTC, and the[...]

186 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "RepTC Ubit" menu item, you can select the desired userbit of time code which is output from the [TIME CODE OUT] connector while the “Sel TC Out” is set to "Repro". <Note>: Date information (year, month and day) shows the original date of an[...]

187 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "Rep pause TC" menu item, you can select whether time code is output from the [TIME CODE OUT] connector or not while the recorder is paused. When the "Sel TC Out" menu item is set to "Repro" and the unit is stopped (or paused), no time code [...]

188 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "Recin via ExtTC" item, you can select whether or not the unit automatically starts recording when it receives external time code. By setting this item to "On" (the default is "Off") and setting the "Gen mode" item in the "TC [...]

189 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/TC SETUP menu Using the "TC PWR Time" item, you can set the time until the TC generator turns off after turning off the main unit. It is set to five minutes by default, so after the PD204 is turned off, the internal TC generator continues working for five more minutes. Internal TC gen[...]

190 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu In the DISK UTILITY menu, 12 menu items for settings regarding recording media and recorded audio files are available. This section explains the following ten menu items in the table below. For the "File copy" and "Disk copy" menu items in the DISK UTILITY [...]

191 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu The "Edit file name" menu item edits a file name of the currently loaded audio file. 3) While “Edit file name” is highlighted, press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display now shows the "EDIT FILE NAME" screen. On this screen, you can edit the current file n[...]

192 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu Using the "File info." menu item, you can view audio file information, as well as edit the descrip- tor information and iXML information. You can check the following file information. 3) Use the [MENU] dial to select the "File Info." menu item and press the[...]

193 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu The table below shows the details of the descriptor information which Fostex registers by default, as shown on the screen example above. The information can be used for creating an AVID ALE file, as well as can be directly exported to the AVID system via USB (or via a disk). &[...]

194 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu 1) Use the [MENU] dial to select a desired descriptor information item and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The first character of the selected descriptor information item flashes and you can now edit the item. Editing descriptor information: 2) Use the [ ] / [ ] key to move the cu[...]

195 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu • Viewing iXML Chunk data information You can view and edit iXML Chunk data via the "iXML descriptor" item. 1) Select "iXML descriptor" and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display now shows the iXML descriptor information. 2) Rotate the [MENU] dial to scr[...]

196 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu The “Delete file” menu item deletes an unnecessary audio file. You can delete only the currently loaded audio file, therefore, you must load the desired audio file before deleting it. <Note>: A deleted file is not completely deleted from the disk. It still exists as [...]

197 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu Using the "Restore Del. file" menu item, you can restore a hidden file which is deleted by the "Delete file" menu. 3) Use the [MENU] dial to select the "Restore Del. file" menu item and press the [ENTER/YES] key . The display goes down to the &quo[...]

198 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu Using the "Format" menu item, you can reformat a DVD-RAM disk or a partition of the internal hard disk drive in the UDF format. For details about how to format an unformatted DVD-RAM disk, see "Initial format of a DVD- RAM disk" on page 34. On this screen, [...]

199 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu 4) Make settings of the items. • Drive selection: While "Drive" is highlighted on the "Format" screen, press the [ENTER/YES] key. The currently selected drive flashes and you can now select the desired option (“DVD- RAM” or “PT01HD” through “PT1[...]

200 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu • Physical format on/off setting When selecting "Format Mode" to "Normal" or “DDR”, you can select On or Off of the physical format. While "Physical Format" is highlighted, press the [ENTER/YES] key. The current setting (by default, "Of[...]

201 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu 5) While "[EXECUTE]" is highlighted, press the [ENTER/YES] key . The "CAUTION" message appears and "Are you sure?" flashes. To cancel formatting, press the [EXIT] key. 6) Press the [ENTER/YES] key . The unit starts formatting the disk. The display[...]

202 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu Using the "Reel No" menu item, you can edit the reel number of the currently selected disk (or partition). Note that the reel number set here is also reflected to the volume label. The following procedure assumes that a disk (or partition) you want to edit the reel n[...]

203 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu Using the "Rec protect" menu item, you can select "On" or "Off" of the protection (record inhibit) for the currently loaded audio file. The following procedure assumes that an audio file you want to make protection setting is loaded. <Note>:[...]

204 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu Using the "Resume" menu item, you can select "On" or "Off" of the resume function. By setting it to "On", the current audio file and its playback position is stored to the resume file when a DVD-RAM disk is ejected or a partition is chan[...]

205 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu Using the "Part. protect" menu item, you can select "On" or "Off" of the software protection (record inhibit) for the current partition. The following procedure assumes that a partition you want to make protection setting is se- lected as the curr[...]

206 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/DISK UTILITY menu Using the "HDD Ope. Time" item, you can view the operating time of the internal hard disk drive since it is formatted at the factory. HDD operating time display [HDD Ope. Time] <Note>: The internal hard disk drive as well as the optional hard disk drive (Model [...]

207 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/LOAD SETUP menu LOAD SETUP menu Using the “LOAD SETUP” menu item, you can load setup data from among user setup data (“Box No 0” through “Box No6”) and default setup data. A user setup data can be saved using the “SAVE SETUP” menu (described on next page). 2) Use the [MENU] dial[...]

208 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 8: MENU mode/SAVE SETUP menu SA VE SETUP menu Using the “SAVE SETUP” menu item, you can save the current data to user box. The saved data can be loaded using the “LOAD SETUP” menu at ant time. 1) While the unit is stopped, press the [SHIFT] key to light the [SHIFT] indicator , followed by the [ENTER[...]

209 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 9: Specifications Chapter 9: Specifications[...]

210 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 9: Specifications Inputs/outputs * 0dBu = 0.775V rms, 0dBV = 1V rms, Reference level: -20dBFS ANALOG INPUT (CH1 ~ 4) Connectors : XLR-3-31 type (balanced, pin 2: hot) LINE Input impedance : More than 10k Ω Input level : +4dBu ~ -32dBu Maximum input level : +24dBu MIC Input impedance : More than 2k Ω Inp[...]

211 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 9: Specifications Recording medium : DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW , CD-R/RW (DVD-R/RW , CD-R/RW can used for data backup only .) : 1.8-inch hard disk drive Sampling frequency/quantization : 44.1kHz/48kHz 16bit : 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz 24bit Recording track : 2 tracks R/P frequency response : 20Hz [...]

212 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 9: Specifications Physical dimensions HPF (Hz) 300 50 -12 -6 OFF (dB/oct) LOCATEABS 0 LOCATE REC END LOCK PANEL LOCK OFF REW F FWD PLA Y STOP 200 130 INPUT SEL 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 300 50 -12 -6 OFF 200 130 DISC IN 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM 48V T12 DM MIC LINE MIC LINE [...]

213 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 9: Specifications Block diagram CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 AUX L AUX R XLR IN BA BA ADC ADC BA BA BA BA ADC ADC AGC SLATE MIC MIC OFF TONE SLATE SLATE TONE INPUT SOURCE SEL OFF ON REV . INPUT SOURCE SEL OFF ON REV . INPUT SOURCE SEL OFF ON REV . INPUT SOURCE SEL OFF ON REV . PAN ST BUS SEND PAN ST BUS SEND PAN ST BUS [...]

214 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 9: Specifications Index A AC adaptor .........................................................22, 28 ALE file ....................................................................121 @ mark ...................................................................126 Auto copy ......................................[...]

215 Location Recorder Model PD204 Chapter 9: Specifications MENU mode .....................................................77, 133 Mirror disk ...............................................................1 13 Mixer .....................................................................78 Monitoring ..................................................[...]

Declaration of EC Directive This equipment is compatible with the EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) - Directive on approximation of member nation's ordinance concerning the electromagnetic compatibility and with the Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/ EC) - Directive on approximation of member nation's ordinance concerning electric equipment design[...]

FOR THE US CUST OMERS ONL Y FOSTEX AMERICA LIMITED W ARRANTY The following statement defines specific legal rights. You may also have additional rights de- pending on the state in which the Fostex product was purchased. W ARRANTY PROTECTION All Fostex parts are warranted for one (1) year from the date of original purchase, except for recording medi[...]

FOSTEX AMERICA LIMITED W ARRANTY To claim all warranty service, first access www.fostex.com to receive service authorization (RMA number). Then present the authorization together with the bill of sale, which shows the date of original purchase to Fostex America. This warranty is not transferable. SHIPPING If this product needs service, you must tak[...]

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FOSTEX CO. 3-2-35 Musashino, Akishima-shi, T okyo, Japan 196-0021 © PRINTED IN JAP AN DEC. 2007 8288 965 001 FX 465336[...]