TASCAM CD-400U
Brian Long
Introduction
The TASCAM CD-400U is a professional 1U rackmount media player designed to consolidate multiple audio sources into a single component for commercial and installed sound systems. It provides playback from audio CDs, data CDs, SD/SDHC cards, USB flash drives, Bluetooth devices, FM radio, and an external analog source connected to the front-panel AUX input.
Beyond playback, the CD-400U can dub audio from CD or its tuner directly to SD or USB media as MP3 files. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA main outputs, dedicated RCA tuner outputs, headphone monitoring, RS-232C control, power-on play, incremental play, pitch control, panel lock, and an included wireless remote make it well suited to education, houses of worship, hospitality, retail, fitness facilities, entertainment venues, corporate AV, and other professional installations.
Product Gallery
Features, Specifications, and Manuals
Features
- Professional Multi-Source Media Player: Combines CD, SD, USB, Bluetooth, FM radio, and analog AUX playback in a compact professional rackmount component.
- 1U Rackmount Design: Standard 19-inch rackmount chassis conserves equipment-rack space while replacing several dedicated playback sources.
- Audio CD Playback: Plays standard CD-DA discs at 44.1kHz/16-bit stereo.
- CD-R and CD-RW Support: Compatible CD-R and CD-RW media can be used for audio and supported data-file playback.
- MP3 Data CD Playback: Plays MP3 files from compatible data CDs at 44.1 or 48kHz with bit rates from 32 to 320kbps, including VBR files.
- WMA Data CD Playback: Supports compatible WMA Version 9 files stored on data CDs.
- SD / SDHC Playback: Integrated front-panel card slot supports SD cards up to 2GB and SDHC cards up to 32GB.
- USB Flash Drive Playback: Front-panel USB connection supports compatible flash drives with capacities up to 64GB.
- WAV Playback from SD and USB: Supports 44.1/48kHz 16-bit LPCM WAV files from compatible SD and USB media.
- AAC Playback from SD and USB: Supports MPEG-4 AAC-LC audio streams at 44.1/48kHz and bit rates from 8 to 320kbps.
- MP3 and WMA Playback from SD and USB: Provides convenient playback of common compressed audio formats from solid-state media.
- Integrated Bluetooth Receiver: Stream audio wirelessly from compatible smartphones, tablets, computers, and other Bluetooth sources.
- Bluetooth 4.2: Built-in Bluetooth connectivity provides convenient wireless source integration.
- SBC, AAC, and aptX Codecs: Supports multiple Bluetooth audio codecs for broad device compatibility and high-quality wireless playback.
- A2DP and AVRCP Support: Provides Bluetooth stereo audio streaming and compatible remote playback-control functions.
- Built-In FM Tuner: Integrated FM receiver provides access to broadcast programming without requiring another rackmount source.
- Dedicated Tuner Output: Separate RCA tuner outputs allow the FM signal to be routed independently from the main program outputs.
- Front-Panel AUX Input: 3.5mm stereo analog input provides fast connection of portable players and other line-level sources.
- CD-to-SD/USB Dubbing: Audio from compatible CDs can be recorded directly to SD or USB media as MP3 files.
- Tuner-to-SD/USB Dubbing: FM broadcasts can also be recorded directly to compatible SD or USB media.
- Selectable MP3 Dubbing Rates: CD dubbing supports 96, 128, 192, or 320kbps MP3 recording; tuner dubbing supports 96, 128, or 192kbps.
- Balanced XLR Main Outputs: Professional +4dBu balanced connections integrate directly with mixers, DSP processors, amplifiers, and installed audio systems.
- Unbalanced RCA Main Outputs: -10dBV RCA outputs provide compatibility with a broad range of commercial and consumer-level equipment.
- Headphone Monitoring: Front-panel 1/4-inch stereo headphone output includes dedicated level adjustment for local monitoring.
- Continuous Playback: Plays program material sequentially for conventional background music and presentation applications.
- Single Playback: Stops after an individual track for operator-controlled playback applications.
- Random Playback: Randomizes track order when required.
- Repeat Playback: Supports All, Single, and A-B repeat functions.
- Incremental Play: Pressing PLAY during playback can advance directly to the beginning of the next track, useful for presentations and event playback.
- Resume Function: Playback can resume from the point where the unit was previously stopped.
- Folder Playback: Limit playback to a selected folder when using compatible SD or USB media.
- Direct Track Selection: Front-panel numeric buttons provide fast access to specific tracks.
- Pitch Control: Playback speed can be adjusted when applications require tempo or duration changes.
- Power-On Play: Automatically begins playback when AC power is applied, useful for timer-controlled and unattended installations.
- Anti-Shock Memory: Helps maintain uninterrupted CD playback when the player is exposed to vibration.
- Panel Lock: Controls can be locked to help prevent unauthorized or accidental operation.
- RS-232C Control: D-sub 9-pin serial connection allows integration with compatible professional AV automation and control systems.
- Optional Ethernet Control: The optional TASCAM IF-E100 Ethernet card adds supported network control capabilities.
- Included Wireless Remote: Supplied RC-CD400 remote provides convenient operation when the player is installed away from the operator.
- Universal AC Power: Internal 100–240V AC power supply supports professional installations in a wide range of locations.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Professional CD / SD / USB / Bluetooth / FM media player |
| Form Factor | 1U rackmount |
| Supported Optical Media | CD / CD-R / CD-RW |
| CD File System | ISO 9660 Level 1/2 / Joliet |
| SD Media | SD: 512MB–2GB |
| SDHC Media | SDHC: 4GB–32GB |
| USB Flash Media | 512MB–64GB |
| SD / USB File Systems | FAT16 / FAT32 |
| CD-DA Playback | 44.1kHz, 16-bit stereo |
| WAV Playback | 44.1 / 48kHz, 16-bit LPCM; SD/USB |
| MP3 Playback | 44.1 / 48kHz, 32–320kbps, VBR |
| AAC Playback | 44.1 / 48kHz, 8–320kbps, VBR, MPEG-4 AAC-LC; SD/USB |
| WMA Playback | 44.1 / 48kHz, 32–320kbps, VBR, WMA v9 Standard |
| Maximum File Size | 2GB |
| Maximum Files | 300 including folders |
| Maximum Files per Folder | 100 |
| Maximum Folders | 50 |
| Maximum Folder Depth | 16 levels |
| Playback Channels | Stereo / mono |
| Dubbing Format | MP3, 44.1kHz |
| CD Dubbing Bit Rates | 96 / 128 / 192 / 320kbps |
| Tuner Dubbing Bit Rates | 96 / 128 / 192kbps |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Bluetooth Output Class | Class 2 |
| Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP / AVRCP |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC / AAC / aptX |
| Bluetooth Content Protection | SCMS-T |
| FM Tuner Range | 87.5–108.0MHz |
| FM Antenna Connector | F-type |
| AUX Input | 3.5mm stereo mini jack |
| AUX Nominal Input Level | -20dBV |
| AUX Maximum Input Level | -4dBV |
| AUX Input Impedance | 10kΩ or greater |
| Balanced Main Outputs | 2 × XLR-3-32 |
| Balanced Nominal Output Level | +4dBu |
| Balanced Maximum Output Level | +20dBu |
| Balanced Output Impedance | 100Ω |
| Unbalanced Main Outputs | RCA stereo pair |
| Unbalanced Nominal Output Level | -10dBV |
| Unbalanced Maximum Output Level | +6dBV |
| Unbalanced Output Impedance | 200Ω |
| Dedicated Tuner Outputs | RCA stereo pair |
| Tuner Nominal Output Level | -10dBV |
| Tuner Maximum Output Level | +6dBV |
| Tuner Output Impedance | 200Ω |
| Headphone Output | 6.3mm (1/4-inch) stereo jack |
| Maximum Headphone Output | 20mW + 20mW or greater into 32Ω |
| RS-232C | D-sub 9-pin |
| Optional Network Interface | TASCAM IF-E100 Ethernet card |
| Playback Modes | Continuous / Single / Random |
| Repeat Modes | All / Single / A-B |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–20kHz, ±1dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.005% or less |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 95dB or greater |
| Dynamic Range | 90dB or greater |
| Channel Crosstalk | 90dB or greater |
| Power Requirements | AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 20W |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | Approx. 483 × 47 × 296mm (19.0 × 1.85 × 11.65 in) |
| Weight | Approx. 3.3kg (7.3 lb) |
| Operating Temperature | 5–35°C (41–95°F) |
| Included Remote | TASCAM RC-CD400 wireless remote control |
| Included Accessories | AC power cord, RC-CD400 remote, rackmount screw kit, FM antenna, documentation |
Manuals and Documents
- Owner’s Manual - Current TASCAM operating manual covering CD, SD, USB, Bluetooth and tuner playback, dubbing, playback functions, connections, settings, and technical specifications.
- Product Specification Sheet - Official TASCAM engineering specification sheet covering supported media and formats, analog I/O, Bluetooth, tuner, audio performance, power, dimensions, and weight.
- CAD Drawing (PDF) - Dimensioned drawing of outline.
- RS-232C / TELNET Protocol Specification - External-control protocol reference for integrating the CD-400U with compatible serial and network AV control systems.
- Tested Storage Media - Current TASCAM compatibility information for tested SD cards and USB flash drives.
- TASCAM CD-400U Product Page - Official U.S. manufacturer product information, downloads, firmware, documentation, and support resources.