Mixing to DAT

[GBaker]

I have just borrowed a Sony portable DAT machine to mix down from my TASCAM 488MKII. Unfortunately the DAT machine does not have RCA inputs (as per the 488's Line out). The only inputs on the DAT are: Digital (which is no use) and two (L/R) Balanced three pin cannon Mic/Line inputs. My question is this: How can I mix down onto the DAT using the 488's existing sockets? I have the facilities to make cables up but would there be a problem with the signal from RCA to Cannon?

Thanks in advance,

Gareth.

 

[bvaleria]

You've got 2 problems...

...but solving the first will help the 2nd --

1 - The DAT with a balanced (Cannon/XLR) connector is likely expecting a signal at the +4 gain structure level, and your 488 probably puts out a -10 signal,
AND 2 - Converting an unbalanced RCA output to a balanced Cannon input.

The solution to #1 is something like an Ebtech Line-Level Shifter which converts between -10 and +4 signals (about $60US). This particular unit would take 1/4" balanced or unbalanced connections, so you can can easily get an RCA->1/4 adaptor (RadShack) and run the outputs of your 488 to this unit.

The solution to #2 is kinda simplified now, all you need is a couple of 1/4"TRS --> Cannon/XLR cables to run from the LLS unit to your DAT machine. (The LLS above takes care of converting unbalanced to balanced connections, so you don't have to worry about that!)

Welcome to the world of interfacing semi-pro to pro gear! Fun, eh??

Good luck,

Bruce Valeriani
Blue Bear Sound

 

[Prism]

Out of curiosity... what DO you connect to those digital inputs on the back of an ADAT deck? My Tascam 688 has some digital output stuff on the back, but I'm guessing it's for MIDI.. I wouldn't know. But I would like to get into ADAT some day when I have the money.

Isaiah