Tascam Introduction to the DA-45HR, Features, Unpacking and inspection, About DAT cassettes

1 - Introduction to the DA-45HR

The DA-45HR 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

•24-bit recording and playback for today’s digital audio world

•Flexible word clock options for integration into any digital audio system

•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 and a detachable 2 m (6 ft) power cord.

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.

6 TASCAM DA-45HR