Kolpak DA-98 manual Basic operations, Formatting a tape, Aborting the format process

6 – Basic operations

This section explains some of the basic operations using the DA-98. Section 8, “Advanced opera- tions” describes more advanced operations.

Most operations on a DA-98 are similar to those on a traditional analog multitrack recorder, but we suggest that you read this section and the next to learn about the features of the DA-98.

6.1 Formatting a tape

Before you use a tape in the DA-98, you must first format it. This marks internal synchronization pat- terns for the servo to follow on subsequent passes through the tape as well as the subcode data (ABS). No audio data is normally recorded during a formatting operation (but see below).

While formatting is proceeding, you cannot per- form any other transport operation except stop- ping the tape.

You cannot change the sampling rate while for- matting is in progress.

1)Switch on the DA-98 and load a tape into the tape loading slot [3]. As the tape is loaded and

threaded, the tape counters will show

.

For details of tapes that you can use in the DA-98, see 1.5, “Recommended tapes”.

Section 6 – Basic operations

a feature designed to stop you formatting a tape accidentally.

NOTE

If you do press the FORMAT/Fs switch twice so that the indicator lights steadily and you then change your mind about formatting the tape, you can use the CLEAR key [11] to cancel the operation.

4)Now use the FORMAT/Fs switch to select the sampling frequency (either 44.1kHz or 48kHz).

The sampling frequency that you select depends on the eventual use for the recording. For audio work, selecting 44.1kHz will allow you to produce CD master tapes with no frequency conversion.

NOTE

If a digital signal is received at the DIGITAL I/O jack

[45]as selected and shown by the DIGITAL IN switch and indicator [15], the DA-98’s recording and playback sampling frequency is automatically determined by the sampling frequency of the input signal and you cannot change it.

5)To start formatting the tape, hold down the RECORD key [36] and press the PLAY key [35].

NOTE

The tape counter may show a negative ABS time for a short while at the start of the formatting process. While it is displaying a negative value, no audio recording can take place.

2)Press REW [32] to take the tape to the beginning. When the beginning of the tape is reached, the tape counter will show (“beginning of tape”).

3)Press the FORMAT/Fs switch [6]. The FORMAT indicator will start blinking. Press the FORMAT/ Fs switch again within 5 seconds. The FORMAT indicator will then light steadily.

If you do not press the FORMAT/Fs switch twice within 5 seconds, the indicator will go out. This is

6)The tape will format to the end, and then

rewind automatically, stopping at the

position.

You are now able to use the tape for recording.

It is possible to format tapes on a number of DTRS units simultaneously. For details, see 9.4.1, “Synchronized formatting”.

6.1.1 Aborting the format process

To abort the process before formatting actually takes place (i.e. you have pressed the FORMAT/Fs switch twice in error), press the CLEAR key [11]. The FORMAT indicator will go out.

As explained earlier, the only transport operation you can perform once formatting has started is to stop the tape.

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