TASCAM SS-R250N

The SS-R250N is a networkable solid-state recorder/player with a variety of remote control options for professional applications like in broadcast studios or fixed installations. It records in WAV and MP3 format to SD/SDHC/SDXC and USB flash memory. Since the recorder is able to connect to an FTP server via a network, it can upload recordings automatically after a recording has been finished or download files for playback. Time synchronisation via SNTP is also possible.

With its dual SD card slots, the SS-R250N offers more security to your valuable files compared to conventional recorders. During recording, backups can be created on the second memory card, or the recorder switches to the second card as soon as the first card runs out of memory. The unit also closes files automatically in case there is a sudden power outage during recording to avoid loss of the entire recording session.

The SS-R250N can be controlled in a variety of ways: The RC-SS150 remote control offers a convenient interface with a colour LC display and 12 keys for flash playback. There is also a dedicated app available for iOS and Android devices that can control transport operations and various settings. Or you can integrate the recorder into existing environments using serial or parallel control.

For audio connections, the SS-R250N is equipped with balanced and unbalanced analogue inputs and outputs as well as SPDIF coaxial and AES/EBU digital I/O with sample rate converter. An optional Dante interface card offers two-channel input/output for Dante audio networks.

Key features

General features

• Records to and plays from USB flash memory (up to 64 GB), SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (up to 128 GB)
• Supports recording and playback of high-resolution files up to 96 kHz / 24 bit

Network/control capabilities

• FTP client function enables automatic uploading of recorded files or downloading audio files from the server
• With event lists for recording, playback, download and other functions, the unit can be operated automatically based on the time set
• Time synchronisation via SNTP client enables event management with high accuracy
• iOS/Android control app allows transport operations and remote control of various settings
• Optional IF-DA2 interface card supports Dante two-channel input and output
• Serial and parallel ports
• RC-SS150 flash start controller with a colour LCD screen available as an option
• Tascam RC-3F footswitch or RC-20 remote control can be connected

Recording capabilities

• Dual SD memory card slot permits mirror and relay recording
• Marks can be set automatically when an error occurs or the input overloads
• The pre-recording function prevents any missing part at the beginning of your recordings
• Auto track function automatically trims audio material to tracks
• Compressor and limiter can help to improve the recording quality
• Auto level control available to automatically adjust the input level for recording
• Recording can be started as soon as the unit is turned on (Power-on recording function)
• Direct recording enables a recording to start without switching to record ready first
• XLR input connectors for microphones with phantom power supply (can also be used with line sources)
• RCA input connectors for consumer-level sources
• AES/EBU digital input (XLR)
• SPDIF coaxial input (RCA)

Playback functions

• Call function that saves the position where your last playback starts
• Ducking function automatically reduces the playback level while the input level rises and vice versa
• Incremental play (skip to each next track by pressing the PLAY button)
• Auto Cue locates the first sound in a track when in playback standby
• Auto Ready allows playback standby before the next track begins
• Pitch control and key control function for speed and key adjustments
• Playback modes such as Program, Random, and Single
• Repeat function (all tracks, A–B section)
• Monaural mix playback function
• Marks can be set at any position
• EOM (End of message) can notify the user before the track ends

Other features

• Sampling rate converter for inputs and outputs
• Link playback function allows two units to be operated in parallel
• Automatic file closing to avoid data loss if there is a sudden power loss during recording
• User presets: Up to three sets of settings can be stored to quickly switch input and output, sampling rate and other functions
• 1U rack-mount size

New features with firmware v1.30

• RS-232C and Telnet commands can now also be used powered on and off the main unit and change setting of the TIME SKIP feature (see RS-232C/Telnet protocol specifications v1.11 for details)
• SS250 Control (v2.0.0) is required for this firmware

New feature with firmware v1.20

• Files and folders can be renamed and edited using RS-232C and Telnet

New features with firmware v1.10

• Automatic track division is now possible in time increments (1–10 min, 15/30 minutes, 1 hour, 2/6/8/12/24 hours)
• SS250 Control (v1.1.0) is required for this firmware

New features with firmware v1.01

• SS250 Control (remote control app) is now supported
• RC-900 remote control is now supported

Specifications

General
Recording media		SD cards (512 MB – 2 GB) SDHC cards (4–32 GB) SDXC cards (64–128 GB) USB flash drives (512 MB – 64 GB)
Recording and playback file formats		MP3: 44.1/48 kHz, 64/128/192/256/320 Kbit/s WAV: 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24 bits
Number of channels		2 channels (stereo) 1 channel (mono)

Analogue audio inputs and outputs
Analogue input (unbalanced)		RCA pin jacks
Rated input level		–10 dBV (0.316 Vrms)
Maximum input level		+6 dBV (2.0 Vrms)
Input impedance		10 kΩ or higher
Analogue input (balanced)		XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
When used as line input
Nominal input level		+4 dBu (1.23 Vrms, when Ref.Level set to other than −9 dBFS) +6 dBu (1.55 Vrms, when Ref. Level set to −9 dBFS)
Maximum input level (switchable)		+15 dBu (4.36 Vrms, Ref. Level: −9 dBFS) +18 dBu (6.16 Vrms, Ref. Level: −14 dBFS) +20 dBu (7.75 Vrms, Ref. Level: −16 dBFS) +22 dBu (9.76 Vrms, Ref. Level: −18 dBFS) +24 dBu (12.28 Vrms, Ref. Level: −20 dBFS)
Input impedance		10 kΩ or higher
When used as mic input (phantom power supported)
Maximum input level		+4 dBu (1.23 Vrms)
Minimum input level		–70 dBu (245 μVrms) or higher
Input impedance		2.2 kΩ or higher
Analogue output (unbalanced)		RCA pin jacks
Rated output level		–10 dBV (0.316 Vrms)
Maximum output level		+6 dBV (2.0 Vrms)
Output impedance		200 Ω
Analogue output (balanced)		XLR-3-32 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Nominal output level		+4 dBu (1.23 Vrms, when Ref.Level set to other than −9 dBFS) +6 dBu (1.55 Vrms, when Ref. Level set to −9 dBFS)
Maximum output level (switchable)		+15 dBu (4.36 Vrms, Ref.Level: −9 dBFS) +18 dBu (6.16 Vrms, Ref.Level: −14 dBFS) +20 dBu (7.75 Vrms, Ref.Level: −16 dBFS) +22 dBu (9.76 Vrms, Ref. Level: −18 dBFS) +24 dBu (12.28 Vrms, Ref.Level: −20 dBFS)
Output impedance		200 Ω
Phones output		6.3-mm standard stereo jack
Maximum output power		45 mW + 45 mW or higher (THD+N 0.1% or less, into 32 Ω load)

Digital audio inputs and outputs
Digital input (AES/EBU)		XLR-3-31
Input impedance		110 Ω
Format		AES3-2003 / IEC60958-4 (AES/EBU)
Supported sampling frequencies		44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz When SRC ON, 32–192 kHz can be received
Digital input (SPDIF)		RCA pin jack
Format		IEC60958-3
Supported sampling frequencies		44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz When SRC ON, 32–192 kHz can be received
Digital output (AES/EBU)		XLR-3-32
Output impedance		110 Ω
Format		AES3-2003 / IEC60958-4 (AES/EBU)
Supported sampling frequencies		44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz
Digital output (SPDIF)		RCA pin jack
Format		IEC60958-3 (SPDIF)

Other inputs and outputs
Remote jack		2.5-mm TRS jack (for Tascam RC-3F or RC-20, sold separately)
USB port		4-pin USB, A-type
Protocol		USB 2.0 High Speed (480 Mbit/s)
Serial port (RS-232C)		D-sub 9-pin
Parallel port		D-sub 25-pin
Maximum input voltage		+5.5 V
High-level minimum input voltage		+2.31 V
Low-level maximum input voltage		+0.99 V
Output format		Open collector (10 Ω output impedance, 20 V withstand voltage, 35 mA maximum)
Low-level maximum output voltage		0.5 V
5 V power supply maximum supplied current		100 mA
Network connector (Ethernet)		RJ45
Compatible standard		100BASE-TX

Audio performance
Frequency response (LINE IN or MIC IN to LINE OUT)		20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB (Fs = 44.1/48 kHz, JEITA) 20 Hz – 40 kHz, +0.5/-3 dB (Fs = 96 kHz, JEITA)
Distortion		0.002 % or less (LINE IN to LINE OUT, Ref. Level: −16 dBFS, Fs = 44.1/48/96 kHz, JEITA)
S/N ratio		106 dB or more (LINE IN to LINE OUT, Fs = 44.1/48/96 kHz, JEITA)
Dynamic range		106 dB or more (LINE IN to LINE OUT, Fs = 44.1/48/96 kHz, JEITA)
Crosstalk		100 dB or more (LINE IN to LINE OUT, Fs = 44.1/48/96 kHz, JEITA)
Equivalent input noise (EIN)		−125 dBu or less (150 Ω, 20 kHz LPF, A-weighted)

Power supply and other specifications
Mains power		AC 100–240 V, 50-60 Hz
Power consumption		20 W
Dimensions (W × H × D)		483 mm × 45 mm × 301 mm
Weight		2.9 kg
Permissible operating temperature range		5–35 °C