1 – Introduction to the DA-98
The TASCAM DA-98 is a digital audio multitrack recorder designed for use in a variety of applica- tions, including video post-production and audio multitrack work.
It records 8 tracks of full-quality digital audio on standard Hi8 video cassettes using a specially- designed transport and head mechanism. Using this medium, up to 108 minutes of continuous recording is possible on a single NTSC “120” tape.
Recording is carried out at a full 16 bits of resolu- tion, and digital data may be input at 16, 20 or 24 bits of resolution. Analog signals are converted to digital data using 64 times oversampling delta- sigma techniques.
The DA-98 builds on the foundations laid by the TASCAM DA-88 and DA-38 digital multitrack recorders, and retains compatibility with them. Tapes recorded on one of the DA series can be replayed and overdubbed on any other machine in the series, or any DTRS1 machine.
1.1 Unpacking
The box contains the following.
•DA-98 Digital Multitrack Recorder (x 1)
•Accessories:
–Rackmount screw kit (x 1)
–AC power cord, 2 m (6 ft) long (x 1)
–This manual (x 1)
•Warranty card (x 1)
1.2 Features
Other key features of the DA-98 include:
•TASCAM-exclusive high-performance/high wear resistive rotary 4-head mechanism with TASCAM original track layout (DTRS stan- dard)
•Use of standard, low-cost media with long recording and playback times
1DTRS is a trademark of TEAC Corporation
Section 1 – Introduction to the DA-98
•16-bit linear quantization at either 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz provides CD-quality sound or better
•Fast, frame-accurate tape location and position- ing; end-to-end winding for a “120” tape is around 80 seconds
•Direct digital synchronization of up to 16 DTRS recorders (128 tracks) without the use of any external synchronizer or controller
•Direct digital dubbing between DTRS units
•Track Copy function acts as an internal digital patchbay, allowing input-to-track assignment without the use of external equipment
•Balanced +4dBu analog inputs and outputs car- ried on a convenient compact D-sub connector
•Selectable nominal analog I/O levels to con- form to SMPTE, EBU, etc. standards
•15-segment peak meters with user-selectable fall ballistics and variable hold time (including continuous peak hold)
•Integral digital sine oscillator, providing signals at 440Hz for tuning and 1kHz for lineup pur- poses
•Digital input and output on a single convenient compact D-sub connector (TDIF-1 format)
•Settings carried out through a menu hierarchy using a 20-character x 4-line LCD display with cursor keys and an ENTER/ESCAPE system
•The 10 most commonly-used functions can be assigned to “soft keys” for easy recall
•Full SMPTE/EBU timecode synchronization , including on-board timecode generator
•MIDI Time Code and MIDI Machine Control
•Confidence replay mode, allowing off-tape monitoring while recording is in progress
•Input monitor mode allows channel-by-channel source monitoring, regardless of tape transport status
•Three user setup memory banks for storing setup profiles
•Simplified source/tape monitoring functions with automatic switching
•Auto punch-in and punch-out with rehearsal mode
•2-point full function autolocator with A–B repeat function , and 10 “soft key” location memories
•Variable speed recording and playback (up to 6.0% in 0.1% steps)
