Tascam DA-40 1 - Introduction to the DA-40

TASCAM DA-40

1 - Introduction to the DA-40

The DA-40 Digital Audio Tape (DAT) deck is

referred to throughout this manual as “the tape

deck”.

Please make a note of the different sections of this

manual to assist you in locating the function you

need. The index should also be of use in helping you

to ﬁnd the correct section of the manual.

1.1 Features

The tape deck provides the following features:

• Superior quality digital-to-analog and analog-to-

digital conversion for maximum sonic ﬁdelity

• Extended long-play option, allowing twice the

standard recording time.

• AES/EBU and SPDIF digital audio input and out-

put formats for full ﬂexibility

• Balanced (+4 dBu) and unbalanced (-10 dBV) ana-

log inputs and outputs

• Comprehensive display options, showing elapsed

time, time remaining on the tape, etc.

• Character entry and editing, allowing tape and pro-

gram titles to be displayed as the tape is played

• Optional wired remote control unit (RC-D45) for

control of all major functions

• Shuttle facilities, allowing precise positioning of

the tape using audio cues

• Location to frame accuracy to location memories

• Comprehensive menu options, allowing many

everyday function settings to be set up and

memorized

1.2 Unpacking and inspection

When you ﬁrst receive the tape deck, be careful not

to damage it while unpacking it. Save the carton and

packing materials in case it must be transported later.

In addition to the tape deck itself, the carton should

contain a rack mount screw kit .

If any items are missing or appear to have been dam-

aged in transit, contact your TASCAM dealer at

once.

1.3 Installation of the tape deck

The tape deck may be installed in most studio-type

environments, but to maintain optimum performance

and to maximize the life of the tape deck, the envi-

ronment should meet the following speciﬁcations:

• the ambient temperature should be between 5˚ C

and 35˚ C (41˚ F to 95˚ F)

• the relative humidity should be between 30% and

60% (non-condensing)

• the tape deck should not be located near any strong

magnetic ﬁelds (TV sets or monitors, speakers,

etc.)

The tape deck may be mounted in a standard 19 inch

EIA rack using the supplied rack mounting screws.

Make sure that the rack is strong enough to take the

weight of the tape deck (over 8 kg— 17 lbs.).

WARNING

If the tape deck is mounted in a mobile instal-

lation, and it is moved from a cold location to

a warm one, leave the tape deck turned on

with no tape inserted to allow the internal

temperature to stabilize before the tape deck

is used again (about one or two hours). This

will prevent any possible damage to the

heads, and other parts of the internal mecha-

nism.

1.4 About DAT cassettes

If you have not used a DAT recorder before, here are

a few items of information about DAT cassettes and

their use with the tape deck which you may ﬁnd

useful:

The cassette shell of a DAT cassette is designed to

prevent the tape from being touched by hand. Never

try to open the tape protection lid and touch the tape.

Fingerprints on the tape may cause wear and damage

to the tape deck heads.

DAT cassettes can only be loaded and unloaded when

the tape deck is switched on. Do not leave cassettes

in the deck when the deck is switched off.