How do I select a DAT machine ?

There are a number of considerations when purchasing your first DAT rig. Are you going to lots of shows, or do you just like listening to great live music? Do you need a reliable machine for your studio or Digital Audio Workstation ? Do you need to sample in the field or do location recording ? If you do many shows, and the notion of coming home from the show with the tape appeals to you, then a portable DAT is for you. If you know plenty of folks that tape shows, or don't mind cruising the net for trees to get real, feel good, live music, then a home or studio unit could be your choice. For those who need a unit for both field and studio or home use, a portable machine is a good choice. There are some sacrifices in terms of reliability when purchasing some portables due to their small size. There are a few portables that use full sized transports, like the Sony TCD-D10 PROMKII and the Tascam DAP-1. These are larger unit, but don't compromise on transport design, so they are well suited to both field and studio use. A portable machine can also be transported on a plane, used in a car, or easily taken to a friend's home or the office.

SONY DTC-ZE 700 This is the most affordable home unit. It has an optical digital input and output, and a coax digital input. If this is your only machine, then the digital interface is insignificant. However, if like many of our friends, you get DAT fever and want to start trading tapes, you will need a second machine. This machine also has SCMS circuitry which can prohibit digital transfers of previously encoded tapes. (See SCMS FAQ)

SONY PCM-R300 This is a professional version of the Sony DTC-EZ 700. It features the world renowned SBM recording function, which achieves 20 bit performance on a 16 bit system. This machine also offers Start ID, End ID and Skip ID control from the front panel. A setup menu for preference section-set ID6 (SCMS), level sync threshold, CD-Q decode and more makes this an easy to use and versatile piece of gear. Digital I/O can be handled by either coax or optical formats. An A/D as well as D/A monitoring modes make this unit a great choice for use with a Digital Audio Workstation. An error rate display mode lets you determine the condition of your tapes and machine at a glance.

TASCAM DA 20MKII This is a SCMS-free unit with a coax digital input and output. Analog I/O is handled by standard RCA connectors. The unit is supplied with a wireless remote control. It features auto ID selection level switching, an error rate display and self-diagnostic capability. Rack-mountable and offering a sampling monitor function, this piece is a good choice for use with Digital Audio Workstations.

TASCAM DA30MKII This unit is a professional unit without SCMS, a jog shuttle wheel for high-speed cueing, quick program entry and fast locating. The ID6 select feature allows the user to set the SCMS bit to whatever setting is needed. It has coax and AES/EBU digital ins and outs, as well as XLR and RCA analog inputs and outputs. A control I/O port is available for interfacing with other Tascam gear or using the optional IF-500, it can sync up to other studio gear. This machine is at home in a busy production facility as it is in the discerning consumers home system. I consider this unit to be a real workhorse, with proven reliability.

SONY PCM-R500 This professional unit is loaded with features very similar to the Tascam DA 30MKII. The R-500 has the added advantage of having the Sony SBM recording function for 20-bit A/D converter performance on a 16 bit machine, which makes it a good choice to convert old analog cassettes or reels to DAT. A high-reliability, 4 Direct Drive mechanism handles your tapes with great care, a favorite for unpacking or retensioning tapes. The handy Shuttle/Jog Dial ensures easy system operation, whether fast forward and rewind shuttle search or easy AMS/Program numbering. A Set-Up Menu allows for setting ID6 mode (SCMS), level sync threshold, date and more. Supplied with a 8 pin parallel and wireless remote controllers, as well as XLR inputs and outputs for analog connections. The digital interface features both AES/EBU and coax(RCA) inputs and outputs for compatibility with all your studio gear.

PANASONIC SV-3800. This machine is without a doubt the finest sounding stand-alone DAT machine I have heard. It has a 20-bit output converter and is loaded with features. A full featured front panel offers a handy shuttle wheel for searching and access to all setup menu functions for easy operation. This machine also includes the most comprehensive test mode available. An error rate counter and mechanism failure codes allow the user to determine the condition of tapes and machine functions with the greatest of ease. It has all three types of digital interfaces (optical, coax, and AES/EBU), making it compatible with all DAT machines for making digital clones. The 3800 features the industry standard professional balanced inputs and outputs for the analog interface. With over seven years of proven reliability, the Panasonic transport mechanism is a favorite workhorse design, offering the user many years of trouble free operation.

TASCAM DA-302 The worlds first dual well, high speed dubbing deck. There are independent transport controls for each deck, as well as a logically laid out front panel for fast, intuitive operation. An easy to read front panel display makes monitoring all functions a breeze. Multiple DA-302's can be controlled by using the optional WR-7000 syncro cable and the master DA-302. You can record on both decks at the same time, or use them as two separate machines. The DA-302 can also be configured to allow for relay operation. This enables you to record up to eight hours of uninterrupted stereo recording, using the 32KHz long play mode on a 120 minute tape. Multiple units can be connected for virtually limitless record time. Digital I/O is both XLR type AES/EBU and Coax S/PDIF. Analog I/O is unbalanced RCA type with an optional LA-D302 balancing kit available for adding XLR analog inputs and outputs. A headphone monitoring system allows the user to audition Deck 1, Deck 2 or a mix of both. The RC-D302 wired remote is supplied with the unit.

These are the basic full sized machine, there are more units available, that offer High-End performance for Studio or Audiophile use. They include the Sony PCM- R700, Panasonic SV3900 and SV4100 as well as the incredible Tascam DA60MKII.

If you plan on purchasing a portable unit to tape shows, you must decide if you want to purchase microphones, or simply patch into someone else's machine. It is usually easy to find some kind soul willing to let you patch into his mics. This is usually the case at shows with bands that allow taping. If you plan on "stealth" recording, there are other considerations. If you are planning on patching in to another machine, you will need the appropriate connecting cords. The most popular DAT recorders you will see in the field are the Sony consumer portables (TCD-D7, TCD-D8, TCD-D3, TCD-D100). These units use a 7-pin connector for the digital I/O. If you plan on purchasing one of these units, it requires a special connector. All the Sony portable consumer units have SCMS circuitry. This is not problematic when mastering or cloning your masters.

If your application for a portable machine is sampling or field recording of ambient sound, you will need a set of microphones or a stereo mic. Often an external microphone preamp/power supply will improve the quality of your recordings. You should plan on spending as much on your microphones as your recorder, if you need professional quality results. While there are several inexpensive microphones that offer remarkable price to performance ratios, studio quality microphones yield the best results.

SONY TCD-D10 PROMKII This is a top of the line field unit with a full sized studio grade transport mechanism. The transport design has been in service for over 8 years and is extremely reliable. It features a four motor direct drive tape handling system with advanced self-diagnostics for detection of a tape or tape handling problem, before damage is done. This unit also has separate A/D convertors for each channel for improved channel separation. The analog circuit board is completely isolated from the system control and digital processing boards for increased isolation from digital noise. For added protection against digital noise , the signal processing block is contained in a shielded case. The balanced XLR inputs can be used for a +4DBu line level source or direct connection to a pair of microphones. Analog outputs are unbalanced -10DBu RCA type. Digital I/O is handled by a multi-pin jack and comes with the AES/EBU I/O connector. Other supplied accessories include a case with shoulder strap, two NP-22H batteries, ACP- 88 AC adapter, BC-D10 charging adapter and the RMT-D10P remote controller.

TASCAM DAP-1 The premier choice for those users interested in a higher quality professional DAT recorder. Unlike many portables, this unit utilizes a full-sized studio transport mechanism for many years of reliable operation. It also has a built in high quality microphone preamplifier that delivers studio quality gain for your field recording applications. Phantom power is available for powering a pair of microphones that require external power, reducing the size and weight of this portable recording system. It also has balanced line inputs which make it a better choice for patching into a soundboard. It also has the unique ability to do a soundboard and microphone mix with out the need for an external mixing console. The built in error rate counter and self-diagnostic capabilities make this the portable of choice among many demanding professionals. The DAP-1 has RCA coax (S/PDIF) type digital I/O connectors and ignores SCMS. It can be powered by the internal battery pack , which runs the unit for up to two hours and recharges in an hour and a half.

SONY TCD-D8 A small unit which make it an ideal candidate for stealth use or field recording applications where small size and light weight are primary concerns. The D-8 supports 48KHz, 44.1KHz and 32KHz sampling rates. A built in 7 pin Sony digital interface offers various digital I/O options as well a remote control operation. Four AA batteries power the unit for up to four hours of record time.

SONY TCD-D100 Sony's smallest portable recorder with a larger head design for improved head life. This unit also features a more servicable transport design than the TCD-D8 .Supplied with earbud type of headphones a wired remote and rechargeable batteries, this complete DAT package will fit in your front pocket ! Offering the same features as the TCD-D8 in a palm sized package, this is the ultimate no-hassle, portable consumer DAT machine available.

SONY PCM-M1 A professional version of the TCD-D100, this unit ignores SCMS. The standard accessories supplied with the TCD-D100 are options with the PCM-M1. Otherwise the units are identical in every way except color. The TCD-D100 is silver, while the PCM-M1 is black.

If you want to purchase microphones for your DAT recorder, you will also need mic cables, a microphone stand, stand adapter, and cables. You may wish to consider an outboard microphone preamplifier/phantom power supply for the very best results.