Tascam Digital Multitrack Recorder DA-98 Owners Manual

							»
DA-98
Digital Multitrack Recorder
OWNER’S MANUAL
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE  COVER (OR BACK).  NO  USER-SERVICEABLE  PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the pres-
ence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying  the  appliance. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons..
This appliance has a serial number
located on the rear panel. Please record
the model number and serial number
and retain them for your records.
Model number
Serial number
Ü
ÿ
Ÿ
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
D00337200A 
						

							2  TASCAM DA-98
Important Safety Precautions
IMPORTANT (for U.K. Customers)
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment.
If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or
the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an
appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer.
If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove the 
fuse and dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid 
a possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains
supply.
If this product is not provided with a mains plug, or one has to be
fitted, then follow the instructions given below:
IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are coloured in
accordance with the following code:
GREEN-AND-YELLOW :EARTH
BLUE :NEUTRAL
BROWN :LIVE
WARNING: This apparatus must be earthed.
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may
not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals
in your plug proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN-and-YELLOW must be
connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the letter
E or by the safety earth symbol ç or coloured GREEN or GREEN-
and-YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal
which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type should
be used and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover.
IF IN DOUBT — CONSULT A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN.
TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residental area
is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipment not
expressly approved by TEAC CORPORATION
for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.
For the consumers in Europe
WARNING
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this
product may cause radio interference in which case the user
may be required to take adequate measures.
Pour les utilisateurs en Europe
AVERTISSEMENT
Il s’agit d’un produit de Classe A. Dans un environnement
domestique, cet appareil peut provoquer des interférences
radio, dans ce cas l’utilisateur peut être amené à prendre
des mesures appropriées.
Für Kunden in Europa
Warnung
Dies is eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstörung nach
Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann im Wohnbereich
Funkstörungen versursachen ; in diesem Fall kann vom
Betrieber verlang werden, angemessene Maßnahmen
durchzuführen und dafür aufzukommen.
For U.S.A 
						

							  TASCAM DA-98 3
CAUTION:
…Read all of these Instructions.
…Save these Instructions for later use.
…Follow all Warnings and Instructions marked on the audio
equipment.
1) Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should
be read before the product is operated.
2) Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should
be retained for future reference.
3) Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.
4) Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should be
followed.
5) Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning.
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for clean-
ing.
6) Attachments — Do not use attachments not recommended by the
product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
7) Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water — for
example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet
basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.
8) Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a
child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold
with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by
the manufacturer.
9) A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart
combination to overturn.
10) Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ven-
tilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product  and to protect it
from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The
openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa,
rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided
or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.
11) Power Sources — This product should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of
the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local
power company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or
other sources, refer to the operating instructions.
12) Grounding or Polarization — This product may be equipped with
a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider
than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This
is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet,
try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electri-
cian to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.
13) Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should be routed so
that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
14) Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside antenna or cable
system is connected to the product, be  sure the antenna or cable system is
grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-
up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA
70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge
unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, con-
nection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding elec-
trode.Note to CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to
Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding
and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as
practical.
15) Lightning — For added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line
surges.
16) Power Lines — An outside antenna system should not be located in
the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits,
or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an
outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touch-
ing such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
17) Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or
integral convenience receptacles as this can result in risk of fire or electric
shock.
18) Object and Liquid Entry — Never push objects of any kind into
this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points
or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.
19) Servicing — Do not attempt to service this product yourself as open-
ing or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
20) Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall
outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following
conditions:
a)when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b)if liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
c)if the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d)if the product does not operate normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to its normal operation.
e)if the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
f )when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance – this
indicates a need for service.
21) Replacement Parts — When replacement  parts are required, be
sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. 
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.
22) Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this
product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine
that the product is in proper operating condition.
23) Wall or Ceiling Mounting — The product should be mounted to a
wall or ceiling only  as recommended by the manufacturer.
24) Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)
NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODEELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
Example of Antenna Grounding as per
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70
GROUND
CLAMP
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 
						

							Table of Contents
06/97 – 1.00 – TOC-1
1 –Introduction to the DA-98
1.1 Unpacking
..................................................1-1
1.2 Features
.....................................................1-1
1.3 Using this manual
.....................................1-2
1.4 Precautions and recommendations
........1-2
1.4.1 Clock source in a digital studio..................... 1-2
1.4.2 Confidence replay....................................... 1-2
1.4.3 Environmental conditions............................ 1-3
1.4.4 Installing the DA-98..................................... 1-3
1.4.5 Electrical considerations.............................. 1-3
1.4.6 Condensation............................................ 1-3
1.5 Recommended tapes
................................1-4
1.5.1 Tape brands............................................... 1-4
1.5.2 Available recording and playback time........... 1-5
2 –Front Panel controls
[1] Power switch.................................................2-1
[2] Tape counter and status indicators....................2-1
[3] Tape loading slot............................................2-1
[4] EJECT key.....................................................2-1
[5] Display screen...............................................2-1
[6] FORMAT/Fs indicators and switch.....................2-1
[7] REF LEVEL (reference level indicators)..............2-1
[8] Peak meters...................................................2-1
[9] RHSL (F 1) key and indicator............................2-2
[10] AUTO PUNCH (F 2) key and indicator...............2-2
[11] CLEAR (F 3) key............................................2-2
[12] AUTO PLAY (F 4) key and indicator..................2-2
[13] MEMO 1 (F 5)................................................2-2
[14] MEMO 2 (+/–)................................................2-2
[15] DIGITAL IN switch and indicator......................2-2
[16] CHASE switch and indicator...........................2-2
[17] CONFIDENCE MODE switch and indicator.........2-2
[18] ALL INPUT (F 6) key and indicator....................2-2
[19] AUTO MON (F 7) key and indicator...................2-2
[20] SHTL MON (F 8) key and indicator....................2-3
[21] REPEAT (F 9) key and indicator.......................2-3
[22] LOC 1 (F 10) key...........................................2-3
[23] LOC 2 (PRESET) key......................................2-3
[24] SHIFT key and indicator.................................2-3
[25] CURSOR keys..............................................2-3
[26] SHUTTLE switch, indicator and control.............2-3
[27] ENTER and ESCAPE keys..............................2-3
[28] REC FUNCTION switches and indicators...........2-3
[29] INPUT MONITOR switches and indicators.........2-3
[30] CLOCK switch and indicators.........................2-3
[31] TC REC switch and indicator...........................2-4
[32] REW key......................................................2-4
[33] F FWD key...................................................2-4
[34] STOP key....................................................2-4
[35] PLAY key.....................................................2-4
[36] RECORD key................................................2-4
3 –Rear Panel connectors
[37] TIME CODE (IN and OUT)................................3-1
[38] VIDEO (IN/THRU)...........................................3-1
[39] WORD SYNC (IN/OUT/THRU)...........................3-1
[40] RS-422........................................................3-1
[41] MIDI IN/OUT/THRU........................................3-1
[42] CONTROL I/O...............................................3-1
[43] REMOTE IN/SYNC IN.....................................3-1
[44] SYNC OUT...................................................3-1
[45] TDIF-1 (DIGITAL I/O)......................................3-1
[46] METER UNIT (MU-8824)................................. 3-1
[47] ANALOG INPUT........................................... 3-1
[48] ANALOG OUTPUT........................................ 3-1
[49] ~ IN............................................................ 3-1
4 –Connections
4.1 Audio connections
.................................... 4-1
4.1.1 Analog audio connections...........................  4-1
4.1.2 Digital audio connections............................  4-1
4.2 Synchronization connections
.................. 4-1
4.2.1 Analog timecode connections......................  4-1
4.2.2 Video connections......................................  4-2
4.2.3 Word clock connections..............................  4-2
4.3 Control connections
................................. 4-2
4.3.1 RS-422 connector.......................................  4-2
4.3.2 MIDI connectors (IN , OUT and THRU)............  4-2
4.3.3 Parallel control..........................................  4-3
4.4 Connection to other TASCAM units
........ 4-3
4.4.1 Multiple DTRS units....................................  4-3
4.4.2 “Indirect” word sync...................................  4-3
4.4.3 Meter unit (MU-8824)...................................  4-3
5 –Menu operations
5.1 The menus
................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Navigation around the menu system..............  5-1
5.1.2 Using the ENTER key..................................  5-1
5.1.3 The ESCAPE key........................................  5-1
5.1.4 Editing values............................................  5-1
5.1.5 Resetting a menu value...............................  5-2
5.1.6 Changing menu values fast..........................  5-2
5.1.7 Blanking the screen display.........................  5-2
5.2 Function key modes
................................. 5-2
5.2.1 The SHIFT key and function keys..................  5-3
5.2.2 Using the function keys as number keys........  5-3
5.3 Assigning menus to function keys
......... 5-4
5.3.1 To assign a menu screen to a key.................  5-4
5.3.2 Recalling an assigned menu function............  5-4
6 –Basic operations
6.1 Formatting a tape
...................................... 6-1
6.1.1 Aborting the format process........................  6-1
6.1.2 Recording while formatting..........................  6-2
6.2 Recording the first tracks
........................ 6-2
6.3 Preparing to record
................................... 6-2
6.3.1 Write-protecting cassettes...........................  6-2
6.3.2 Recording the basic tracks (i).......................  6-2
6.3.3 Recording the basic tracks (ii)......................  6-3
6.3.4 Replaying the first tracks.............................  6-3
6.4 Overdubbing
.............................................. 6-3
6.5 Track bouncing
......................................... 6-3
6.6 Punch-in and punch-out
........................... 6-3
6.6.1 Automatic punch point setting......................  6-4
6.6.2 Setting punch points “on the fly”..................  6-4
6.6.3 Setting punch points using the menus...........  6-5
6.6.4 Editing the pre-roll and post-roll times...........  6-5
6.6.5 Rehearsing the punch-in.............................  6-6
6.6.6 Interrupting a rehearsal or punch recording....  6-6
6.6.7 Recording the punch-in...............................  6-6
6.6.8 Replaying the punched material....................  6-7
6.6.9 Exiting punch-in mode................................  6-7 
						

							Table of Contents
TOC-2 – 1.00 – 06/97
7 –Monitoring modes
7.1 Monitoring controls
.................................. 7-1
7.1.1 ALL INPUT [18] and INPUT MONITOR [29]......  7-1
7.1.2 AUTO MON...............................................  7-1
7.1.3 Shuttle monitoring.....................................  7-2
7.2 Confidence mode
...................................... 7-2
7.2.1 Arming tracks in pairs.................................  7-3
7.2.2 Using confidence mode..............................  7-3
8 –Advanced operations
8.1 Autolocation
.............................................. 8-1
8.1.1 Setting MEMO 1 and MEMO 2 “on the fly”......  8-1
8.1.2 Checking, editing and manually entering MEMO 1 
and MEMO 2..................................................  8-1
8.1.3 Setting the location pre-roll time...................  8-1
8.1.4 Moving to MEMO 1 and MEMO 2...................  8-2
8.2 Function key location memories
............. 8-2
8.2.1 Storing a function key location memory.........  8-2
8.2.2 Editing function key memories.....................  8-2
8.2.3 Locating to a function key memory...............  8-3
8.2.4 Location and playback................................  8-3
8.2.5 Repeat function.........................................  8-3
8.2.6 To start repeat play....................................  8-3
8.3 Track delay
................................................ 8-4
8.3.1 To set the track delay:.................................  8-4
8.4 Crossfade times
........................................ 8-4
8.5 Vari speed (pitch control)
........................ 8-5
8.5.1 To set a non-standard speed........................  8-5
8.5.2 Resetting the speed to standard...................  8-5
8.6 Shuttle operations
.................................... 8-5
8.6.1 Shuttle monitoring.....................................  8-6
8.6.2 Shuttle muting...........................................  8-6
8.7 Reference levels
....................................... 8-6
8.8 Meter modes
.............................................. 8-7
8.8.1 Peak hold time...........................................  8-7
8.8.2 Meter ballistics..........................................  8-7
8.9 Sine oscillator
........................................... 8-7
8.9.1 Recording the oscillator..............................  8-7
8.10 Digital recording
..................................... 8-8
8.10.1 Changing between digital and analog inputs. 8-8
8.10.2 Selecting word length...............................  8-8
8.11 Routing digital inputs
............................. 8-8
8.11.1 Track Copy (channel-to-track routing)..........  8-9
8.12 REC MUTE (recording silence)
.............. 8-9
8.13 Dither
....................................................... 8-9
8.13.1 Selecting dither settings............................  8-10
8.14 Setting the power-on message
.............. 8-10
9 –Synchronization with other DTRS units
9.1 Synchronization connections
.................. 9-1
9.2 Machine ID and master/slave settings
.... 9-1
9.2.1 Differences between DTRS models...............  9-1
9.2.2 Setting machine ID.....................................  9-2
9.2.3 Master/slave settings (CHASE mode).............  9-2
9.3 Machine offset
........................................... 9-2
9.3.1 Setting machine offset................................  9-2
9.3.2 Cancelling machine offset...........................  9-3
9.3.3 Setting machine offset “on the fly”................  9-3
9.3.4 An example of setting offsets.......................  9-3
9.4 Digital dubbing
.......................................... 9-4
9.4.1 Synchronized formatting.............................  9-5
9.4.2 Recording while formatting..........................  9-5
9.5 Error messages
......................................... 9-5
10 –Operations related to timecode
10.1 ABS and SMPTE/EBU timecode
.......... 10-1
10.1.1 ABS time...............................................  10-1
10.1.2 Tape timecode.......................................  10-1
10.1.3 Selecting TC or ABS timing......................  10-1
10.1.4 Location point settings............................  10-2
10.2 Tape timecode mode
............................ 10-2
10.2.1 TcTrack setting......................................  10-2
10.2.2 ABS setting...........................................  10-2
10.2.3 ABS-Ofs setting.....................................  10-2
10.2.4 ABS-13 and ABS-23 settings....................  10-3
10.2.5 Checking tape TC...................................  10-3
10.3 Selecting the frame rate
....................... 10-4
10.3.1 Pull up and pull down (Fs shift).................  10-4
10.4 Timecode input and output
.................. 10-4
10.4.1 Timecode input......................................  10-4
10.4.2 Timecode output....................................  10-5
10.4.3 Timecode output format...........................  10-5
10.4.4 Timecode output timing...........................  10-5
10.4.5 Using MIDI Time Code (MTC)....................  10-6
10.5 Recording timecode
............................. 10-6
10.5.1 Selecting the timecode source..................  10-6
10.5.2 Recording timecode using the generator....  10-6
10.5.3 Synthesizing timecode from ABS timing.....  10-8
10.5.4 Assembling timecode..............................  10-8
10.5.5 External timecode sources.......................  10-8
10.5.6 Recording timecode from external sources.  10-9
10.5.7 Checking external timecode.....................  10-10
10.6 Video resolution
.................................... 10-10
10.7 Chasing to timecode
............................. 10-10
10.7.1 Machine ID and timecode.........................  10-10
10.7.2 Setting timecode offset............................  10-11
10.7.3 Setting timecode offset from the menu.......  10-11
10.7.4 Cancelling timecode offset.......................  10-11
10.7.5 Setting timecode offset on-the-fly..............  10-11
10.7.6 Park position.........................................  10-12
10.7.7 Automatic park position setting................  10-12
10.7.8 Absolute and relative difference................  10-12
10.7.9 Rechasing timecode................................  10-13
10.7.10 Bypassing timecode errors.....................  10-13
10.7.11 Individual recording while chasing 
timecode.....................................................  10-14
11 –External control
11.0.1 Selecting the control source (protocol).......  11-1
11.1 Use with 9-pin external control
............ 11-1
11.1.1 Video clocking.......................................  11-1
11.1.2 Emulation..............................................  11-1
11.1.3 Record delay.........................................  11-1
11.1.4 Cue-up tally...........................................  11-2
11.1.5 Fast wind speed.....................................  11-2
11.1.6 Track mapping.......................................  11-3
11.1.7 Timecode track mapping..........................  11-3
11.1.8 Remote track arming...............................  11-4
11.2 Bus protocol
.......................................... 11-4
11.2.1 Assigning a MIDI and Bus ID to the DA-98...  11-4
11.3 MIDI Machine Control
........................... 11-4
11.3.1 MMC commands and the DA-98................  11-4 
						

							Table of Contents
06/97 – 1.00 – TOC-3
12 –Menu and parameter reference
12.1 Menu groups
..........................................12-1
12.1.1 Menu group 0......................................... 12-1
12.1.2 Menu group 1......................................... 12-2
12.1.3 Menu group 2......................................... 12-2
12.1.4 Menu group 3......................................... 12-3
12.1.5 Menu group 4......................................... 12-3
12.1.6 Menu group 5......................................... 12-4
12.1.7 Menu group 6......................................... 12-5
12.1.8 Menu group 7......................................... 12-5
12.1.9 Menu group 8......................................... 12-6
12.1.10 Menu group 9........................................ 12-6
12.1.11 Menu group E....................................... 12-7
12.1.12 Menu group F....................................... 12-7
12.2 Menu item index
....................................12-8
13 –Example setups
13.1 An all-DA-98 setup
................................13-1
13.2 Post-production work.
..........................13-2
13.3 Project studio (‘B’ room)
......................13-4
14 –Maintenance and memory setups
14.1 Head and transport cleaning
................14-1
14.1.1 To clean the heads and transport............... 14-1
14.1.2 Checking error rates................................ 14-2
14.1.3 Checking head time................................. 14-2
14.1.4 Checking head search time....................... 14-2
14.2 Memory backup
.....................................14-3
14.3 User setups
............................................14-3
14.3.1 Saving user setups.................................. 14-3
14.3.2 Loading user setups................................ 14-3
14.3.3 Resetting the memory.............................. 14-4
14.4 Checking version numbers
..................14-4
14.4.1 Software upgrades.................................. 14-4
15 –Options, specifications and reference
15.1 Options for the DA-98
...........................15-1
15.1.1 RM-98 Rack Mount Adaptor...................... 15-1
15.1.2 Remote control (RC-848).......................... 15-1
15.1.3 Meter unit (MU-8824)................................ 15-1
15.1.4 Digital audio convertors........................... 15-2
15.1.5 Cables................................................... 15-2
15.1.6 CONTROL I/O connector pinout................. 15-2
15.2 Specifications
........................................15-3
15.2.1 Physical specifications............................ 15-3
15.2.2 Power specifications............................... 15-3
15.2.3 Digital recording characteristics................ 15-3
15.2.4 Tape recorder section.............................. 15-3
15.2.5 Tape transport........................................ 15-4
15.2.6 Inputs and outputs.................................. 15-4
15.2.7 Audio specifications................................ 15-4
15.2.8 9-pin (RS-422), MIDI, synchronizer 
specifications
............................................... 15-4
15.3 MMC Bit Map Array
...............................15-6
15.4 MIDI Implementation Chart
...................15-8 
						

							Table of Contents
TOC-4 – 1.00 – 06/97 
						

							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) 
						

							Section 1 – Introduction to the DA-98   
						

							Section 1 – Introduction to the DA-98
06/97 – 1.00 – 1-3
ing progresses. Since this monitoring is not syn-
chronized exactly with the source inputs, gapless 
punch-in and punch-out is not possible in confi-
dence mode. For full details of confidence moni-
toring, together with other monitoring modes 
available on the DA-98, see 7, “Monitoring 
modes”.
1.4.3 Environmental conditions
The DA-98 can be operated in most environments, 
but we suggest that you keep the environmental 
conditions within the following limits:
Ambient temperature between 5° and 35° C (41° 
and 95° F).
Relative humidity should be between 30% and 
80% non-condensing
There should be no strong magnetic fields (speak-
ers, etc.) near the DA-98.
Avoid spraying polish, insecticides, etc. near the 
DA-98.
Avoid subjecting the DA-98 to jolts, sudden 
shocks, etc. 
TASCAM does not accept responsibility for dam-
age resulting from neglect or accident.
1.4.4 Installing the DA-98
The DA-98 may be installed in a standard 19” 
rack, occupying 4U of space. Since the DA-98 is 
quite heavy (around 11kg – 24lb), your rack 
should be strong and stable to take the weight of 
the DA-98.Optional rack mount adaptor handles (RM-98) are 
available. For details, see 15.1.1, “RM-98 Rack 
Mount Adaptor”.
The DA-98 should be mounted with the front 
panel vertical.
1.4.5 Electrical considerations
Make sure that your local power supply matches 
the voltage requirements marked on the rear panel 
of the DA-98.
If you are in any doubt concerning the local power 
supply, consult an electrician.
Avoid extreme voltage fluctuations. If necessary, 
use an input voltage regulator to smooth the power 
supplied to the DA-98.
Do not open the unit to clean inside, or to perform 
any internal adjustments. You should not attempt 
any cleaning or other maintenance procedures 
which are not described in this manual.
You may need to clean the heads occasionally. 
The procedure for doing this, and for checking 
tape error rates, etc., is given in 14, “Maintenance 
and memory setups”.
1.4.6 Condensation
If you use the DA-98 in a warm place after mov-
ing it from a cold place (for instance, recording on 
location), or if there has been a sudden change in 
temperature, condensation may occur within the 
tape mechanism, with a risk of possible damage to 
the unit.
WARNING
If you need to clean the DA-98, use a soft cloth, moist-
ened if necessary with a little detergent and water. Do 
not use abrasive cleaners or solvents such as alcohol or 
thinner.
WARNING
If you have to return the unit for service or repair, use 
the original packing materials if possible. If the unit is to 
be transported to a recording location, etc., use a suit-
able transport case with sufficient shock protection.