Tascam MMP-16 Owner’s Manual • Appendix E • Glossary
Abbreviations
and Terms Definitions
TC Generator Time Code Generator. A device to create the 80 bit time code signal for
recording onto a video or audio tape. The MMP-16 contains a built-in generator
which is always sending out TC when the MMP-16 is playing.
TC Reader Time Code Reader. The circuit in the MMP-16 that reads incoming time code
from the VITC or time code inputs. Typically used to slave the MMP-16 to
another time code generator’s output.
Tail The end of the track’s audio.
Track Can refer to one of the audio channels in the MMP-16, but typically it refers to
the edited audio for one track of audio on the reel.
Track Select The process of selecting which tracks an action affects through using the SEL
key for that track.
Transport A generic reference to any audio, video, or film device that mechanically
“moves tape” or electronically plays audio or video.
Trim The process of adjusting the time code using the Wheel.
Unmount The process of releasing the removable hard drive from the MMP-16 so that it
can be removed.
User Settings When any MMP-16 Setup parameters have been changed, the new settings can
be saved in a User Settings File (menu 900). Ten User Settings are available.
Video Sync Also known as house sync, it is generated by an extremely stable video source
and consists of black burst, sync bars, or composite video. It’s used as a timing
reference to synchronize video devices throughout a video facility.
Virtual Tracks Audio tracks that are “stacked” on top of one another so that alternate takes can
be kept at hand. Only the track on top will actually play back.
VITC Vertical Interval Time Code. SMPTE/EBU time code that is recorded within
the video signal on a VTR. It has an advantage over LTC in that it can be read
during fast searches and even when the video machine is paused since the
rotating VTR heads are always reading the video portion of the tape.
VSO Variable Speed Oscillator. Indicates that the audio is not being played back at a
“standard” playback speed, but is rather playing back at an off-speed for an
effect or to compensate for incorrect timing between devices.
Word Clock The digital audio clocking signal (44.1 or 48 kHz most commonly used) used to
synchronize audio devices.
Wheel The rotary encoder on the MMP-16 front panel that can be used to trim, jog,
and shuttle audio, in addition to being used to scroll through the Setup Menus
and menu choices.
