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Section 1 – Introduction to the DA-98
06/97 – 1.00 – 1-1
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 DTRS
1
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
1
DTRS is a trademark of TEAC Corporation
• 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)