The setup is the DA7 with a Tascam DA38 using the MIDI Machine Controller. The problem is that when playing back the automation the events occur a few seconds before they were recorded consistantly. Is there a setting I'm missing?

Does the DA7's timecode display match the absolute-time display on the DA3*? It should.

Make sure the "format select" (whatever it's called) on the MMC-38 matches the frame rate you select on the DA7. Typically, if you're only doing audio (no video), use 30FPS.

I'm positive that your MTC offset is different between machines.