adding dat machine to DAW

[jmxdrummer]

Im hoping to get some feedback. I currently recording using Sonar DAW. My audio interface is a delta 1010 rackmount, which the output of the delta goes into my analog mixer for monitoring. I am think of purchasing a DAT recorder to basically record my mixes (2track stereo), in order to get some tape saturation. then the output of the Dat go back to the DAW, where I will then apply eq, compression, and limiter to finalize the song (master it).

any suggestions.

thanks

[Farview]

DAT stands for Digital Audio Tape. You won't get any tape saturation from it. In fact, unless you buy a 24 bit DAT, you will be at 16 bit and the converters will really suck.

If you want tape saturation, you need an analog reel to reel deck.

[jmxdrummer]

Originally Posted by Farview

DAT stands for Digital Audio Tape. You won't get any tape saturation from it. In fact, unless you buy a 24 bit DAT, you will be at 16 bit and the converters will really suck.

If you want tape saturation, you need an analog reel to reel deck.

thanks for the info.

[Farview]

I have two DAT decks, I havent used either of them in 4 or 5 years. They aren't popular anymore, so if manufacturers are still making them, they sure aren't updating them. The converters were always really bad (by the standards of 10 years ago), and the tapes were finicky. Before everyone had computers, it was the only way.

[bigtoe]

while you will not get saturation my 3700 acts as a limiter if you hit it too hard...it doesn't distort...i guess you can really use that to good effect. i thought it sounded pretty natural.

as soon as i found out the 3700 does this 'in the red' - it broke.



have a good weekend.

Mike

edit - duhr.

[Bob Speer]

There is one DAT machine that will give you tape saturation similar to an analog deck. It's the Tascam DA-30 (no longer in production). While it is a 16 bit machine, it works great for adding slight saturation. It's the only DAT machine I know of that allows you to exceed digital zero without ugly digital distortion. BTW - digital zero on the DA 30 isn't really 0dBFS. I forget what 0dBFS really is on that machine (it's been too many years), but when high frequencies cause slight overs, it sounds sweet. This was an intended feature for that machine and was Tascams attempt to try and retain some analog character, and it works great. I use this machine in my mastering work from time to time with excellent results. If anyone has a Tascam DA 30, try it. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

The manufacturer of DAT heads (for all makes and models) no longer makes them. When the current stock of DAT machines is sold out, you won't be able to purchase them new anymore. Most manufacturers have repleacement heads for machines that need service. However, they claim the inventory will last only two to three years. After that, DAT will slowly die.

[Farview]

I have two DA-30's. I would do everything I could to not use the internal converters. I thought they were the grainiest POS on the planet. But YMMV. Maybe I could use this feature to sell mine for more than $50.

[SouthSIDE Glen]

I have a DA-30 that I don't think I've even turned on in about 5 years. There's just no point to it anymore in a world of memory sticks.

G.

[littledog]

I always assumed it was CD burners that made DAT recorders obsolete.

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Originally Posted by littledog

I always assumed it was CD burners that made DAT recorders obsolete.

Yep, sorry, I didn't mean to imply that memory sticks obsoleted DAT. I just meant that in this day and age, the idea of digital tape as a transfer medium is quaint at best.

In fact, it probably won't be too much longer before memory sticks semi-obsolete both CD burners and removable HDs.

G.

[Bob Speer]

Originally Posted by SouthSIDE Glen

In fact, it probably won't be too much longer before memory sticks semi-obsolete both CD burners and removable HDs.
G.

I wouldn't be surprised at all. I already receive about 30% of my mastering projects on jump drives or compact flash cards. The times are quickly changing. It's definitely an exciting time to be in this business!