TASCAM FW-1804
5
Introduction
Overview
Thank you for choosing the TASCAM FW-1804. We have
designed the FW-1804 to be an ideal audio/MIDI interface
for your computer-based digital audio workstation system.
Its integrated design incorporates a high-resolution profes-
sional multi-channel audio interface and integrated zero-
latency input monitor mixer and a 2 x 4 MIDI interface.
Please take some time to look through this owner's manual
and familiarize yourself with the FW-1804's features and
operation. We suggest you pay particular attention to the
operational notes for your software application(s) of choice.
You may also want to refer to your software's documenta-
tion in many cases, for a clear understanding of how to con-
figure device drivers. Your experience with the FW-1804
will be greatly enhanced by a good working knowledge of
your audio software.
Features
The audio input section is fully 24-bit and can accommo-
date sample rates of up to 96 kHz. It is capable of inputting
up to eighteen simultaneous channels of audio (eight ana-
log, eight ADAT digital and two S/PDIF digital) to your
computer. It features eight analog inputs, four with profes-
sional quality microphone preamps and switchable phantom
power, as well as eight line inputs and four analog channel
inserts. Digital inputs are available in an S/PDIF coaxial
configuration and an ADAT optical configuration.
The output section offers two balanced line level analog
outputs. A stereo S/PDIF coaxial digital output and eight
channel ADAT optical output are also featured.
The FW-1804 is supported under Windows XP and
Windows 2000, Mac OS X 10.2.8 (Jaguar) or later and Mac
OS 9.2.2 or later. In addition, your computer must be fitted
with a 6-pin IEEE 1394 (FireWireTM) interface.
NOTE
Some manufacturers may use a different nomenclature to
refer to their FireWireTM connections, such as Sony's
"i.LINK", or simply "1394".
The FW-1804 comes with a high-quality 6-pin to 6-pin
interface cable. We strongly suggest you use this cable, or
one of equal quality, for optimum audio performance. We
always recommend the use of a 6-pin IEEE 1394 connector
(not the 4-pin type) on your computer.
The FW-1804 is supplied with a 2 m (6-foot) cable. If you
wish to use a longer cable, the length should not be more
than 4 m (13 feet) and the cable should be the best possible
quality available to avoid data loss, which results in audio
dropouts.
CAUTION
· We strongly suggest that although a "daisy-chain" con-
nection is provided, that the FW-1804 is the only unit
connected to the FireWire port.
· Always perform all FireWire connections and disconnec-
tions with the power to both the FW-1804 and the com-
puter turned off. If connections are made or broken with
power to the FW-1804 or computer turned on, this may
result in your computer crashing, or "freezing" and pos-
sible loss of data.
· When turning the power of the FW-1804 on and off
when it is connected to the computer, turn on the power
before launching the DAW software, and quit the soft-
ware before turning off the FW-1804.
System Requirements
The FW-1804 is supported under Windows XP and
Windows 2000. The FW-1804 is not supported under
Windows 98 or Windows ME.
In the case of Windows 2000, you must be running SP3 or
SP4 and then use the supplied installer which includes the
Hotfix. Windows 2000 SP5 includes the Hotfix, so the FW-
1804 driver installer only may be used. For Windows XP,
you must be running SP1 and then use the supplied installer
which includes the Hotfix. Windows XP SP2 includes the
Hotfix, so the FW-1804 driver installer only may be used.
On the Mac, the FW-1804 is supported under Mac OS X
version 10.2.8 or later and Mac OS 9.2.2. Earlier versions
of Macintosh operating systems are not supported.
