TASCAM CD-6010

Product overview

The TASCAM CD-6010 is a 2U rack-mountable CD player built for the demands of broadcasting, combining a highly durable TASCAM drive, broadcast-grade sound quality and the playback functions professional operation needs.

At its heart is the TASCAM CD-5010B tray-loading drive, tuned for fast tray action and disc loading, with a force eject hole for emergencies. Every part was chosen after listening tests at TASCAM's acoustic evaluation facilities, including a premium 32-bit stereo D/A converter, broadcast-grade operational amplifiers and a stable power supply. The CD-6010 plays audio CDs and CD-R discs, plus MP3 and WAV files on data CDs, and offers flash start from the front-panel number keys, cue-point flash start, a built-in monitor speaker and wide external control over RS-232C, parallel and remote connections.

Key features

• Durable TASCAM CD-5010B drive with fast open/close and a force eject hole
• Plays audio CDs, CD-R discs, MP3 and WAV files (data CDs in ISO 9660 Level 1/2 or Joliet)
• Flash start with no lag from up to 20 tracks, program steps or cue points
• 20 cue points per disc; program and cue point memory for up to 100 discs
• Auto cue, auto ready, incremental play, call and skip back for on-air operation
• Pitch control ±16% with key-original (KEY ORIG) playback
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs
• AES/EBU or S/PDIF digital outputs on XLR and coaxial RCA
• Built-in monitor speaker with on/off switch, plus a headphone output with level control
• RS-232C serial and D-sub 25-pin parallel control, fader start, event start and relay playback
• TASCAM RC-500 wireless remote control included; REMOTE jack for a TASCAM RC-3F footswitch or RC-20 direct play remote
• Anti-shock memory, panel lock and tray lock

Built for broadcasting

The CD-6010 brings the durability and sound quality required on air into a 2U rack unit. The tray-loading drive is tuned for rapid response, a premium 32-bit stereo D/A converter delivers wide dynamic range and low distortion, and gold-plated XLR connectors resist oxidation in long-term use. The power supply uses capacitors made to withstand constant use.

Instant starts and precise cueing

Flash start plays from internal memory with no lag, from the first 20 tracks, the first 20 program steps or 20 cue points, using the number buttons on the front panel or the remote. Auto cue waits at the first sound of a track, with a selectable detection level, and auto ready pauses at the start of the next track when one ends. Frame-accurate search, index and directory search, call, skip back and intro check make finding the right moment quick.

Playback modes and functions

Choose ordinary, single, program (up to 100 tracks) or random playback, with repeat and A-B repeat. Fade in and fade out can be set from 0 to 10 seconds, an interval of up to 5 minutes can be placed between tracks, and track and disc EOM warnings show the end approaching. Resume, power-on play with an external timer and mono output complete the set.

Monitoring and control

A built-in monitor speaker, a first for TASCAM, lets operators check and search discs on the unit itself even when the mixer is muted, alongside a headphone output. The included RC-500 wireless remote, a REMOTE jack for a TASCAM RC-3F footswitch or RC-20 direct play remote, a D-sub 9-pin RS-232C port and a D-sub 25-pin parallel port for fader start, event start, flash start and relay playback cover every kind of external control.

In the box

• TASCAM CD-6010 CD player
• Power cord
• Wireless remote control (TASCAM RC-500)
• AAA batteries for the remote control (x 2)
• Rack-mounting screw kit
• Warranty card
• Owner's Manual

Audio cables are not included.

TASCAM CD-6010: frequently asked questions

Which discs and files can the CD-6010 play?

It plays audio CDs and CD-R discs in audio CD format, and data CDs (ISO 9660 Level 1/2 or Joliet) with MP3 files (32 to 320 kbps or VBR) and 16-bit WAV files at 32, 44.1 or 48 kHz.

What is flash start?

Flash start loads up to 20 start points into memory (tracks, program steps or cue points), so playback begins with no delay when you press a number button.

Which outputs does it have?

Balanced XLR analogue outputs (+4 dBu, up to +24 dBu), unbalanced RCA outputs (-10 dBV), XLR and coaxial digital outputs switchable between AES/EBU and S/PDIF, and a front headphone jack.

Can it be controlled by an automation system?

Yes. It has a D-sub 9-pin RS-232C serial port and a D-sub 25-pin parallel port for transport, fader start, event start, flash start and relay playback.

Where can I buy the TASCAM CD-6010 in India?

The TASCAM CD-6010 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: On-air radio playout

Play music, jingles and beds on air with instant, reliable starts.

Connections

Setup

1. Rack-mount the CD-6010 and connect the balanced XLR outputs to a console channel.
2. Wire the console fader switch to the parallel connector for fader start and stop.
3. Turn on auto cue so each track waits at its first sound, and auto ready to pause at the next track.
4. Open the fader to start playback; watch the track EOM warning as the end approaches.

Tip: Use the built-in speaker to check the next disc while the console channel is muted.

Workflow 2: Jingles and effects with flash start

Fire up to 20 short items instantly from the number keys.

Connections

Setup

1. Program the items, or set cue points, for the elements you need.
2. Press FLASH and wait while the start points load into memory.
3. Press a number button to start an item at once; use +10 for items 11-20.
4. Press FLASH again to leave flash start mode.

Tip: Cue points are kept with the power off, for up to 100 discs.

Workflow 3: Theatre sound-effect cues

Run a show's music and effects cue by cue.

Connections

Setup

1. Set cue points at each effect, or program the tracks in show order.
2. Turn on incremental play so STOP pauses at the beginning of the next track.
3. Select footswitch mode 4 (pause, play, stop) with menu 18 REMOT.
4. Trigger each cue from the footswitch and use fades for smooth endings.

Tip: Panel lock prevents accidental button presses; the footswitch still works.

Workflow 4: Digital feed to a broadcast mixer

Send CD audio digitally to a console or recorder.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the XLR or coaxial digital output to the digital input.
2. Set menu 22 D-OUT to AES or SPD to match the input.
3. Play a disc and check the level on the receiving device.
4. Use mono output (menu 08) if a single-channel feed is needed.

Tip: Digital output runs at 44.1 kHz for every disc type.

Workflow 5: Automated playback with a control system

Control the player from a computer or installation controller.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the controller to the RS-232C port.
2. Set the baud rate with menu 13 232C (9600, 19200 or 38400 bps).
3. Send transport commands using TASCAM's RS-232C protocol document.
4. Use event start (a pulse on pin 2 PLAY) for simple contact closures.

Tip: Power-on play starts a loaded disc when an external timer switches the power on.

Workflow 6: Continuous relay playback

Play several discs back to back for background music or long programmes.

Connections

Setup

1. Link the parallel connectors as shown in the Owner's Manual, with pin 1 GND common.
2. Set DISC EOM to 0 on both units.
3. Load discs in each player and start the first one.
4. When one disc ends, the next unit starts automatically; add more units in sequence.