DAT or ADAT?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 1manband
  • Start date Start date
1

1manband

New member
can someone explain the difference of DAT and ADAT or are they the same things? I have heard nothing but horror stories about DAT machines, and since i just bought a ADAT machine (ADAT XT), i hope i didnt just screw myself. by the way, anybody know about the ADAT XT and have an opinion on it?
 
They're similar in that both use rotary heads (like a VHS recorder) to record digital, dat is two track, adat is eight.
Treat is well, keep it clean, maybe learn about maintenance, they do quite well.
Wayne
 
Also, the ADAT is a multitrack recorder, a DAT isn't (ie, you can't record each track independently on the DAT)....
 
ADAT--diff-- DAT

Blackface adat's 16 bit machine, 48khz sampling rate (you have to slow the machine pitch down to -147 cents to attain CD sampling rate of 44.1 khz) / adat XT 20 and 24 bit machines, variable sampling rate's. CD's or DAT's are what most replication/duplication services require for making glass masters and manufacturing CD's. DAT tape's are compact, machines have digital,analog and optical in/outs, and mailing tapes are less costly than adats. XT's have more options and are probably better in the long run. I have 4 Blackface adats. Bought 1 new $2800,1 used $1250 in the early 90's and 2 recently off ebay, $250 & $175. 1 started eating tapes. Transport motor went bad. I keep 4 back ups on hand. I do not use anything but ADAT Tapes. There are no more new heads for replacement out there I know of. Its $125/ hr in Dallas where I take my machines for maintence (that of which I don't do) and the head removal and polishing takes 2 to 3 weeks because the adat heads have to be sent to Alesis for polishing and Alesis charges $350 for the polishing. Why take a chance?
The ADAT is a multitrack recorder, you can record 1 track at a time ,bounce 1 track to the other without a board, end up with 8 tracks of the same thing and EQ out each one a little differently through a mixing board with a good EQ for a more preceise sound in depth. The DAT is a 2 track / both recorded at the same time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top