DA-20mkII, Product Overview | Tascam DA-20MKII instruction

DA-20mkII

Technical Documentation

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The DA-20mkII is an affordable DAT recorder bringing the best of the DAT format to the home studio, project studio or budget minded professional. Digital I/O is provided on coaxial SPDIF connectors, with the ability to override SCMS code. Analog I/O is provided on RCA connectors. The machine can record and play back 44.1kHz and 48kHz tapes, as well as the long play 32kHz/12 bit format. Professional features like a margin counter and headphone output with level control are available on the front panel. The RC-D20 wireless remote is included.

• 3-U Rack Mount Design	• Provides 32kHz, 44.1kHz and 48kHz recording
• Analog Unbalanced RCA I/O	• Selectable SCMS Status
• SPDIF (Coaxial) Digital I/O	• Supports Track Names in DAT Subcode
• Headphone Output w/ Level Control	• Timer Record/Repeat Play Functions
• Margin Counter Display Mode	• Wireless Remote Included (RC-D20)

APPLICATIONS

DAT tapes have been a standard transfer medium in the professional audio industry since the introduction of the format. DAT is the only true non-compressed digital audio format that was intended to be a target writing media from day one. The simple flexibility and worry-free operation of DAT recorders contributed to the initial rise of the format, and continues to support it in all levels of recording.

The DAT format also supports deeper levels of recording flexibility. Multiple sample rates can be used, ranging from the long play 32kHz, to the CD standard 44.1kHz, to 48kHz for higher quality. Plus, the DAT tapes are reasonably inexpensive and offer up to 2 hours (4 hours in LP mode) of uninterrupted audio.

TASCAM is the leading manufacturer in professional DAT recorders. The DA-20mkII continues the proud tradition of excellence in studio and production DAT recorders, offering a solid DAT recorder at an affordable price point.

Studios (Any Level)

The DA-20mkII's affordable price point brings the DAT format to new markets and applications. The DA-20mkII's SCMS free operation makes it an excellent 2nd DAT for in-studio duplication. Also, with it's affordable price point, many personal studios are using the DA-20mkII to assemble CD tracks on the DAT, then transfer directly across to a CD-Recorder like the CD-RW2000.

Live Recordings - One Man Show

Many musicians are looking for easier methods for live recordings. The DAT format often presents significant advantages over its CD recording brethren. A 2 hour recording or playback capacity offers extended hands-free operation, allowing an entire set to be put on one uninterrupted DAT tape.

Also, the ability to record on the tape at any position means changing one song in the line-up is as simple as recording over the previous track. Essentially, the DAT format combines the simplicity of a cassette with the advanced sound quality of the CD. This makes for one less thing to worry about at show time.

SPECIFICATIONS

Performance Specifications:
Tape Speed:	SP - 8.15mm/s; LP - 4.075mm/s
Recording Time (120 DAT): SP - 120 minutes;		LP - 240 minutes
Recording Resolution:	SP - 16 bit linear;	LP - 12 bit non-linear
Recording Sample Rate:	SP - 44.1kHz, 48kHz; LP - 32kHz
Frequency Response:	20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB, SP; 20Hz-14.5kHz LP
Signal to Noise Ratio:	>91dB
Total Harmonic Distortion:	<0.0045%
Wow and Flutter:	Unmeasurable (<0.001%)
Analog In:	Unbalanced RCA, Nominal -6dBV (500mV)
	27kOhm
Analog Out:	Unbalanced RCA, Nominal -6dBV (500mV),
	1kOhm
Digital Coaxial I/O (x2):	RCA pin, IEC60958 Type I or Type II
	75 Ohm, 0.5Vp-p
Remote Control:	IR Port, front mounted
General Specifications:
Power Requirements:	120V AC, 60Hz (USA/Canada Model)
	230V AC, 50Hz (UK/Europe Model)
Power Consumption:	21W
Dimensions:	482 x 133 x 379 mm
	19" x 5.2" x 14.9"
Weight:	7.8Kg, 17.2 lbs.
Standard Accessories:	Wireless Remote (RC-D20)

The DA-20mkII is available at:

	7733 Telegraph Road • Montebello, CA 90640 • (323) 726-0303 • http://www.tascam.com	Page 1 of 2
	All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact your local TASCAM representative for the latest information.	DA-20mkII_TECHDOC.pdf
		091100
		091100

DA-20MKII specifications

The Tascam DA-20MKII is a professional-grade digital audio tape recorder that has become a staple in studios, live sound environments, and broadcasting applications since its introduction. Renowned for its reliability and high-quality audio performance, the DA-20MKII employs advanced digital audio technology to cater to the needs of audio engineers and musicians alike.

One of the standout features of the DA-20MKII is its ability to record and play back in various digital formats, including PCM and DAT at sample rates up to 48 kHz and 20-bit resolution. This versatility allows users to achieve high fidelity audio that preserves the nuances of the original sound source. The DA-20MKII also supports both analog and digital inputs and outputs, accommodating a wide range of audio equipment.

The DA-20MKII utilizes advanced error correction technology, ensuring minimal dropouts and preserving audio integrity during recording and playback. This is particularly important in professional settings where audio quality is paramount. Additionally, it features a time code synchronization function, which is essential for aligning recordings with other studio equipment or multimedia projects.

Equipped with a comprehensive user interface, the DA-20MKII includes a large backlit LCD display that provides clear visibility of tape status, audio levels, and navigational menus. The unit is also designed with an intuitive control layout, featuring dedicated buttons for frequently used functions such as play, pause, stop, record, and locate, allowing users to operate the machine efficiently, even in high-pressure situations.

In terms of connectivity, the Tascam DA-20MKII offers a robust array of I/O options, including AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital outputs, along with balanced XLR connectors for analog inputs and outputs. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio interfaces and mixing consoles.

Moreover, the DA-20MKII includes features like auto locate points, variations in playback speed for pitch shifting, and an onboard editing function that vastly enhances its utility for audio professionals. The build quality of the unit is also noteworthy; it is designed for durability, making it a reliable choice for regular use in demanding environments.

In summary, the Tascam DA-20MKII is a versatile, reliable, and high-performance digital audio tape recorder that integrates advanced technologies and features, making it an essential tool for audio recording and production tasks, ensuring that users achieve optimal sound quality every time.